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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I definitely recommend the audiobook for this because it's read by the author and I always think poetry read by the author is the best way to consume it. This is a story about broken friendships and learning to stand up for yourself. The poetry is powerful and there are some gorgeous lines in this. However, at times the story jumps around a little too much. But overall, great for fans of Elizabeth Acevdeo for sure!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Drug abuse
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This was absolutely beautiful and moving poetry. The voice and style of writing was breathtaking and the audiobook was phenomenal--definitely recommend listening to it.
This is a story about a girl who lost her best friend and found herself--through boys, basketball, swimming, struggles, sisters, and finally self-acceptance. I absolutely loved this book, and am thrilled to read a book that focuses more on friendship than romantic relationships--all love is important!
This is a story about a girl who lost her best friend and found herself--through boys, basketball, swimming, struggles, sisters, and finally self-acceptance. I absolutely loved this book, and am thrilled to read a book that focuses more on friendship than romantic relationships--all love is important!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault
meganelise's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism and Sexual assault
destdest's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“I’m not weak … I’m just tired of swinging” (59).
I’ve gotten a soft spot for books in verse recently. Chlorine Sky is vulnerable. I think this is definitely relatable for a lot of teens. There’s no teaching moments or hold-your-hand passages. The obvious undercurrent of colorism and sexism doesn’t have to be explained, it’s just there. Mahogany has insecurities and her best friend no longer acts like one. Lay Li is what Mahogany visually wants to be and what she thinks boys her age/society will accept better. The narrative reads well, and it’s filled with AAVE done right.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism and Sexual assault
spinesinaline's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thanks to Penguin Canada for an e-ARC of this one! This is a beautiful book and I’m going to share others’ reviews of this one below to give a different perspective than mine. I think it has a lot of great messages but I came into this one expecting such a different story that it really affected my reading. This is about a friendship falling apart but whereas I was expecting a general falling out and being able to relate as someone who’s grown out of friendships over the years, this is instead about an incredibly toxic friendship where the MC’s “friend” spreads rumours, critiques her, and laughs when others insult her.
It’s a short read and fairly quick because it’s written in verse. And while it wasn’t the story of friendship I expected, I loved the ultimate message of empowerment and finding yourself, the unapologetic attitude of the MC in carving out space for herself to exist in — space that she has had to fight for as a Black person and a girl. That last poem really hit me and I’m excited to read more of this author’s writing.
It’s a short read and fairly quick because it’s written in verse. And while it wasn’t the story of friendship I expected, I loved the ultimate message of empowerment and finding yourself, the unapologetic attitude of the MC in carving out space for herself to exist in — space that she has had to fight for as a Black person and a girl. That last poem really hit me and I’m excited to read more of this author’s writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Drug abuse