Reviews

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

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conerosity's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

An exceptional and accessible look into the dehumanizing operations of the prison-industrial complex. Easy to read, but full of interpretive possibility; suitable for helping readers learn to read between the lines.

I do wish certain character explorations had been expanded on.

mvasso's review against another edition

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4.0

I was a bit disappointed with this one, but I think it's because my expectations were so high. Monster is one of those books I've been hearing about for a decade or so but just never got around to reading, and it's the first-ever Printz winner after all. I definitely provides a lot of food for thought--about the problems with our justice system, primarily--but it felt kind of flat. I didn't feel like I got to know the characters as much as I would have liked to, and the plot was also quite straightforward and one-dimensional. Still, I did enjoy the book overall, especially the unique format. It took me a while to get used to, but telling the story as a film script made the action come to life and feel more real.

cedarflem1394's review against another edition

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dark hopeful reflective

5.0

thebookkeepers's review against another edition

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emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This story follows the trial of a young black teen who is being tried for his alleged participation in a robbery that ended with someone dying. The story was nuanced and very emotionally gripping. The ending has my mind whirling and I’m eager to discuss this more in depth with friends that have or will read it.

Content Warnings