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readundancies's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
And the fact that it’s a YA contemporary read makes it rather impressive.
It’s queer cult tale with multiple timelines and some strong opinions on religion and as someone that grew up in a Catholic school board with decidedly differing opinions to what was taught - I wish I had access to this kind of read when I was younger.
Highly recommend but be prepared for a difficult experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the author and their experiences as noted in the Author’s Note.
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
wolfenoot's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Racism, Kidnapping, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Abortion
numberdance's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Religious bigotry
happily_undignified's review against another edition
4.0
⠀
Mark Oshiro, Into The Light⠀
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Into The Light by Mark Oshiro was a heavy book with a slightly supernatural twist that included difficult themes like religious cults, abuse of foster care children, homelessness, and conversion camps. ⠀
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Main character Manny is a jaded, queer, teen who is running from his past but also wants to confront it to try to save his sister from the evil people who have brainwashed her. The story follows his haphazard journey down the California coast as he comes to terms with his trauma and learns to trust the people who come alongside him to help. ⠀
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I enjoyed the first person narration and Manny's cynical yet hopeful personality. The religious trauma was hard to read through but I found it incredibly authentic. This is a remarkable story with an autobiographical feel and I loved the supernatural twist.
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
sglance9's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Racism, and Murder
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
literarycavy's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Racism, Religious bigotry, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Sexual assault
citrus_seasalt's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Religious bigotry, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Abortion
happilyhalliwell's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Abandonment
ladygetslit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story itself, about a kid who's struggling to trust again after all the abuse he went through, is incredible. I was fully bought in with Manny's fear and his determination to go back for his sister, Elena. The more he revealed about his past, the more heartbroken for him I felt. No one should feel unwanted, passed along from one placement to the next, but this is the reality for so many children in America. This book really sheds light on how broken our foster care and adoption system is, along with the disturbing truths about powerful religious organizations that do more harm than good.
My issue with this book, as other reviewers have stated, is the supernatural twist that comes at around 80% of the way in. I knew on some level that it was coming, but it just didn't sit well.
Graphic: Child abuse, Religious bigotry, and Abandonment
grimdark_dad's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Grief, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, and Abandonment