malloryfitz's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Alcoholism, Terminal illness, Sexual content, Police brutality, Drug use, Drug abuse, Death of parent, Cursing, Cancer, Infidelity, and Homophobia
Minor: Racism
plumpaperbacks's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’ve been in a reading slump the last few months, but I managed to read this in under three hours. The Revolution of Birdie Randolph is a phenomenal contemporary that brings so much to the table, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
I grew attached to the characters right away. Colbert did an excellent job fleshing out each one and the relationships between them. I was rooting for Dove from page one, and she and Booker were so cute, I almost couldn’t handle it. Also, I’d like to know how a girl can get an aunt like Carlene, because she’s awesome.
There’s a good amount of drama in this book, but there’s plenty of depth as well. Though I have no experience with and little knowledge of addiction, it was clear that Colbert handled it and the other tough topics she incorporated into the story with the respect they require.
On a sort of similar note, the writing felt natural. The whole book did, honestly; nothing felt forced. Additionally, this is another instance in which I applaud the author for writing truly accurate teens, something many attempt but not all succeed at.
I’d seen in a couple of reviews that the ending wasn’t picture perfect, but it was real and satisfying. I’ll agree with that wholeheartedly. While the hopeless romantic in me would’ve loved for some
things to be different, the rest of me is perfectly content with what we got. I finished the book with a smile on my face.
I can, without a doubt, call this one of my favorite YA contemporaries. I’m looking forward to reading more from Colbert, and I could definitely see her ending up on my favorite authors list if the rest of her novels are as wholly excellent as this one.
Representation
I grew attached to the characters right away. Colbert did an excellent job fleshing out each one and the relationships between them. I was rooting for Dove from page one, and she and Booker were so cute, I almost couldn’t handle it. Also, I’d like to know how a girl can get an aunt like Carlene, because she’s awesome.
There’s a good amount of drama in this book, but there’s plenty of depth as well. Though I have no experience with and little knowledge of addiction, it was clear that Colbert handled it and the other tough topics she incorporated into the story with the respect they require.
On a sort of similar note, the writing felt natural. The whole book did, honestly; nothing felt forced. Additionally, this is another instance in which I applaud the author for writing truly accurate teens, something many attempt but not all succeed at.
I’d seen in a couple of reviews that the ending wasn’t picture perfect, but it was real and satisfying. I’ll agree with that wholeheartedly. While the hopeless romantic in me would’ve loved for some
things to be different, the rest of me is perfectly content with what we got. I finished the book with a smile on my face.
I can, without a doubt, call this one of my favorite YA contemporaries. I’m looking forward to reading more from Colbert, and I could definitely see her ending up on my favorite authors list if the rest of her novels are as wholly excellent as this one.
Representation
- Black protagonist
- Black side characters and love interest
- Queer side characters (includes a lesbian, a gay guy, a bisexual woman, and an asexual guy)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Alcoholism
Moderate: Drug use, Drug abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity
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