themartinmama's review against another edition
3.0
Such a hard story. It gave me a lot to think about for sure and how some people take so long to find where they belong in a world where folks don't always want them. I struggled so much with who was who though even though it's a short book and had to keep referring to character lists, maybe that was because I listened on audio though.
completingmytbr's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book. I like that it was written from the voices of the many people in the main storyline. I loved how the writing style changed so well between characters. I think this book took so much skill to make possible and it really delivered. The story felt relatable and grounded. I have never faced the difficulties of this story, but yet I still found myself feeling for the characters and relating to their internal struggles. The writing is transportive and amazing.
sandeestarlite's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book while I was reading it but upon reflection I'm not as enthralled. The story of Rachel adjusting to life in a new city with her grandmother was well told, but the story of Rachel's mother seeing herself at a dead end after chasing a man didn't ring true. Nala's past shows us a resilient woman who adapts to new situations. Her later actions don't reflect that.
appstate_tam's review against another edition
5.0
This book was excellent. I enjoyed how it switched narrators between Rachel, a bi-racial girl who ends up living with her grandmother after an "accident" and the other secondary characters. You kind of know what is going on while you're reading the story, but at the same time get taken in by how the story unfolds.
hannahmwhit's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
govmarley's review against another edition
3.0
This book was an expected surprise. I started reading it when I saw it on my Oyster app, knowing nothing about it. I'm glad I did.
Rachel. Poor Rachel. The sole survivor of an unspeakable tragedy, she grows up with her grandmother and aunt and tries to find her place in the world. I can't relate to the issues of race, class, and social justice, but I found it fascinating to see a different side to things. Rachel's voice was strong throughout the book. She doesn't fit in either the "black" world or the "white" world, and is caught somewhere in the middle of it all.
Part coming of age novel, part examination of race and class issues in America, and part mystery of what really happened on the roof that day, it's worth the read.
Rachel. Poor Rachel. The sole survivor of an unspeakable tragedy, she grows up with her grandmother and aunt and tries to find her place in the world. I can't relate to the issues of race, class, and social justice, but I found it fascinating to see a different side to things. Rachel's voice was strong throughout the book. She doesn't fit in either the "black" world or the "white" world, and is caught somewhere in the middle of it all.
Part coming of age novel, part examination of race and class issues in America, and part mystery of what really happened on the roof that day, it's worth the read.
lildebbie57's review against another edition
5.0
This is my favorite kind of book: Multiple perspectives, given at various points in time, converging to one amazing story. It was heartbreaking but really worth the read.
kjw2's review against another edition
4.0
Just finished this book. The story totally grabbed me! I loved each character....wished I could have taken a couple in as my own kids.
angelacher's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
jpmg2k's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0