desireeslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars. I am not particularly a fan of books in which the main character is set to die from the beginning and the entire plot is just a waiting game for an impending death. However, I have to say that there is something quite poignant and beautiful in the way which Jefferson's character developed, paralleled the development of Grant, and in which his journey impacted the community. Although I found the story-line a bit repetitive and at times frustratingly so, I think that this particular approach provided a unique perspective on the internalized and institutional racism of the South during Jim Crow Era.
annadamsgaard's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
4.75
bookreviewswithkb's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
who are we when everything around us is quiet, when we are at our most vulnerable, when our life is on the line? do we give up, run away, let our frustration control our action? or do we love harder, speak truthfully, and embrace the core of who we are?
A Lesson Before Dying drew me all the way in. it’s such a heavy read, examining the relationship between two men as one sits on death row awaiting his execution. it’s deep and dark and beautiful and raw and you should definitely read it
valeskaliest's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
3.0
I cannot express how entirely unfair this world appears after reading this significant piece of literature. I'm broken now
bookstore_girl05's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-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
3.25
avoelkel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
aublyn105's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars.
This novel was incredible, slightly slow at times for me, I don't know if that's because I read it for school or not. Gaines is an amazing writer and I want to read more of his work soon. Amazing ending, I loved the characters.
This novel was incredible, slightly slow at times for me, I don't know if that's because I read it for school or not. Gaines is an amazing writer and I want to read more of his work soon. Amazing ending, I loved the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Murder, Gun violence, Confinement, Racism, Racial slurs, Violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Mental illness, Torture, Alcohol, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content and Sexism
saphawk's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't very interested in reading this type of book, but my cousin said I should read and I'm glad she did. It's hard to describe how this book changed my perception but it did a little and any book that does that is worth the read.