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shellysbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
This is my first time reading a full length novel by Brandy Colbert and I am truly impressed with her writing. I have read short stories in anthologies by this author which I enjoyed but this book was next level. We are introduced to Dove aka Birdie who is struggling with being the perfect daughter but also wants to enjoy being a teen. While reading I would think back on my teenage days. How you want to please your parents and do as they say but you also want to do things your own way and make mistakes along the way. Throughout this story there are some twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting and it made my jaw drop. At the end of the day we all make mistakes and no one is perfect. This was a well written coming of age story about discovering yourself, carving your own path, redemption and forgiveness. I loved the diversity of the characters as well. I wish I had books like these when I was growing up. I will be making it my business to read Colbert’s backlog and see what I have been missing all these years!
I received a review copy from publisher via Vine.
I received a review copy from publisher via Vine.
luna_rondo's review against another edition
3.0
There were some good points in this book: I loved the diversity, the way that sex was talked about positively, and the issues that this book tackled. But Birdie's character just didn't click with me.
mandyist's review against another edition
5.0
Have you ever fallen in love with a book from the moment you saw its cover? I spotted Brandy Colbert's The Revolution of Birdie Randolph on my Goodreads timeline and I immediately knew I had to read it. Even better? The book promised to deal with issues such as addiction, incarceration and growing up black or gay in Chicago.
The Revolution of Birdie Randolph absolutely lives up to its promises and is my first easy five-star read in what feels like an age.
Sixteen-year-old Dove "Birdie" Randolph is serious about her future and ready to toe the line her parents have drawn for her. She's given up football to focus on her grades and she has also fallen in love with Booker. The only problem? Birdie's parents definitely won't like Booker or his brush with the law.
The quiet, respectable Randolph household is turned upside-down when Birdie's recovering-addict aunt Carlene comes to stay with them. As Carlene does all she can to make this time count, Birdie can't help but notice the tension increasing in the household. What secrets are the adults all keeping?
I love books that are effortlessly diverse and where characters just are, as opposing to being poster children for their labels. The Revolution of Birdie Randolph is one of those books. Birdie's sister Mimi is gay, rocking a series of fades and haircuts that had me wanting to chop my own hair off. Birdie's best friend Laz is also gay, as was his father, and is working through his own set of issues in coming out to his family.
The more I think about it, the more taken I am by this rich, vibrant story. There is so much that happens in this book, so many issues faced, yet rather than feeling too full like some books might, it rather feels like I've spent two weeks in an immersive film. It is indeed rare that characters pop off the page for me like this but I'm especially eager to read more of Brandy Colbert's work now.
There is a great reveal in the book and moments of heartache but on the whole, The Revolution of Birdie Randolph is an uplifting, thoroughly enjoyable novel that I'd love to see on screen one day.
I give The Revolution of Birdie Randolph a superb five out of five stars and recommend to lovers of diverse, superior YA fiction.
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The Revolution of Birdie Randolph absolutely lives up to its promises and is my first easy five-star read in what feels like an age.
Sixteen-year-old Dove "Birdie" Randolph is serious about her future and ready to toe the line her parents have drawn for her. She's given up football to focus on her grades and she has also fallen in love with Booker. The only problem? Birdie's parents definitely won't like Booker or his brush with the law.
The quiet, respectable Randolph household is turned upside-down when Birdie's recovering-addict aunt Carlene comes to stay with them. As Carlene does all she can to make this time count, Birdie can't help but notice the tension increasing in the household. What secrets are the adults all keeping?
I love books that are effortlessly diverse and where characters just are, as opposing to being poster children for their labels. The Revolution of Birdie Randolph is one of those books. Birdie's sister Mimi is gay, rocking a series of fades and haircuts that had me wanting to chop my own hair off. Birdie's best friend Laz is also gay, as was his father, and is working through his own set of issues in coming out to his family.
The more I think about it, the more taken I am by this rich, vibrant story. There is so much that happens in this book, so many issues faced, yet rather than feeling too full like some books might, it rather feels like I've spent two weeks in an immersive film. It is indeed rare that characters pop off the page for me like this but I'm especially eager to read more of Brandy Colbert's work now.
There is a great reveal in the book and moments of heartache but on the whole, The Revolution of Birdie Randolph is an uplifting, thoroughly enjoyable novel that I'd love to see on screen one day.
I give The Revolution of Birdie Randolph a superb five out of five stars and recommend to lovers of diverse, superior YA fiction.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
ashbats99's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-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
ladym23's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 I figured out the some of the books plot points but the way they were written was shocking, I enjoyed the story.
rosiethespy's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this. The writing was solid, and Birdie had a sweet engaging voice that I think teens will be able to relate to and connect with easily for a long time. I did feel sympathetic to the mom, which I appreciated. It was mostly interesting, relatable, serious without being hard, and young people looking or something with a little bit of depth will enjoy it.
biblioemily's review against another edition
4.0
Focuses on some really important themes: addiction, racial profiling, alcoholism, family pressures. I also really appreciated how the book shows Dove being careful about having sex, and being responsible about that.