Reviews

Shooter by Caroline Pignat

hyaxinth's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The book plays on clichés ( the troubled jock, awkward nerd, overchieving Asian, weird and quirky geek). The plot was well executed, I feel the implied romance is forced. The characters should’ve been given more development and maybe a deeper exploration on their friendships before you put them in romantic relationships. Overall, it’s a fairly *meh* book. It’s like if A.I wrote a book about a school shooting if it only ever watched the news without the actual perspectives of someone who was in a school shooting. The book had great plot twists and there are a lot of multiple perspectives. 

rjdenney's review against another edition

4.0

4 STARS!!

This was such a fast paced read I got through it in two days and for me that's a win. This book also takes place in one single hour so that was interesting to read about. I don't think I've ever read anything like that before. I liked how all of the characters POVs were noticeable and diverse from each other because sometimes it's hard to tell whos talking in a lot of YA books that are told from various POVs. This is an intense and eye-opening read as well and has a thriller aspect to it that makes you not want to put the book down. So if you're looking for something heavy but thrilling, check out "Shooter".

- Richard

cmvilleneuve's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

TW: school shooting 

I’m not sure I would have picked this up on my own, but that’s part of what I love about book club picks. This story was heavy, emotional and was eye opening to various pressures high school seniors face. I binged this book, I needed to know what was going to happen next and really loved the redemption in this. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mass/school shootings

andreamariee4's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I’m having a hard time putting into words how surprised I am by how much this story hit me. I understand it’s all made up but the serious school shooting epidemic in the US just makes it more personal in a way. I have not been a high schooler in a long time but I felt sympathy for each character. I wanted to help them & see them succeed. Also the timer count down stressed me the F out near the end. Read this book. 

jessicawithabook's review against another edition

2.0

This was fine, but nothing exceptional. I’ve had this on my shelf for a while so maybe I would have liked it more if I read it when I was younger but the whole story felt flat to me. The characters were flat as well. I didn’t connect with them enough to really care how everything ended. 
It lacked character growth in my opinion and the two characters that get together at the end felt unnecessary and like it was simply because of trauma bonding. 
Also, check your triggers. Obviously, this centers around a school shooting!

kristinajreads's review against another edition

2.0

I honestly expected so much more. Yes, it was a more unique take on a school shorting book from the few that I have read, but it really was not my favorite. I couldn’t really connect or fall in love with any of the characters! A comparison to the breakfast club is a huge stretch, in my opinion. I liked the changing POV and the changing writing styles, but that was about it.

nancy163's review against another edition

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Blood, and Mass/school shootings

Moderate: Self harm and Grief

migimon2002's review against another edition

5.0

"We are all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all." (Andy, THE BREAKFAST CLUB). This is the quote at the front-end of this novel, a compelling story told through the alternating narratives of 5 teenagers. There were definite parallels to The Breakfast Club in Shooter, and some other 80's/geek-life references scattered throughout (which I found quirky and awesome)! I didn't want to put this book down, especially as aspects of the 'mystery' were revealed. I could kind of guess how certain aspects of the plot might unfold pretty early on. So, there was predictability, sure...but there was also heart! Highly recommend this one for high school age +.

semiramoses's review against another edition

3.0

RATE: 3.5/5

This book was an ok book. Nothing too special about this book. It was a quick read, and I managed to read this in 2 days. I enjoyed the ups and downs of this book. Some parts talk about some heavy topics. I disliked the lack of knowledge about autism, and the slur that is commonly used with neurodivergent people. Other than that it was good!

karah_hullander's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75