Scan barcode
alisarae's review against another edition
This book is sweet and short. The audio is even sweeter as it has full length recorded songs.
Blade is the son of a wild rockstar—family tensions are high when your dad seems to live to please paparazzi. Then Blade learns that he was adopted, and sets off to track down his birth mom in Ghana. A fresh perspective on life and family awaits him there.
Like I said, this book is short. So much more nuance could have been developed, but the author’s natural voice was great for this length. Meaning, he doesn’t have a lot of description and gets straight to the plot point of each scene.
Interesting that this book was published by Blink, a YA imprint of Zondervan. I guess I just wasn’t aware that there were such good fiction titles being published by Christian publishers. Call me biased, but this type of thing did not exist when I was younger. The only church link in this book is Blade’s ex gf’s dad is a pastor with strict morals about who his daughter is and is not allowed to see. So, interesting.
Blade is the son of a wild rockstar—family tensions are high when your dad seems to live to please paparazzi. Then Blade learns that he was adopted, and sets off to track down his birth mom in Ghana. A fresh perspective on life and family awaits him there.
Like I said, this book is short. So much more nuance could have been developed, but the author’s natural voice was great for this length. Meaning, he doesn’t have a lot of description and gets straight to the plot point of each scene.
Interesting that this book was published by Blink, a YA imprint of Zondervan. I guess I just wasn’t aware that there were such good fiction titles being published by Christian publishers. Call me biased, but this type of thing did not exist when I was younger. The only church link in this book is Blade’s ex gf’s dad is a pastor with strict morals about who his daughter is and is not allowed to see. So, interesting.
blowp0p's review against another edition
4.0
I'm feeling a lot of things because of this book. But it's a good book.
cadepratt9's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.25
mizzlroy's review against another edition
3.0
While I can appreciate the lyrical writing style, this simply wasn’t my jam. Well written, and I really enjoyed the songs (I listened to the audiobook). I just couldn’t handle how angsty the book was.
jongseobxenvy's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ihateprozac's review against another edition
5.0
If you read this book, pleeeeeease get the audiobook format! Not only does Kwame Alexander’s writing totally come to life in audio format, but the recording includes acoustic performances of the beautiful songs within.
I really loved Blade’s arc. I am always here for a toxic parent relationship in fiction and he has that in SPADES. Some of the people in Blade’s life don’t have his best interests at heart, and he’s forced to reevaluate what his friends and family mean to him while simultaneously re-examining his own identity. I really connected to Blade as a character.
Another element I enjoyed was the LA setting and the lavish but toxic Hollywood lifestyle. Blade has grown up in excess thanks to his rockstar father, but his father’s addiction and exploitation by the media cause so much pain for the people around him. Money truly can’t buy happiness and while it’s better to cry in a Maserati than a Camry, either way you’re still crying.
There’s also some great discussion here about Western “saviours” travelling to African nations and throwing their cash around to “save” people, without asking what the people in question actually want. And doing so for the glory and vanity rather than a genuine sense of altruism and philanthropy. LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK PLZ.
I really loved Blade’s arc. I am always here for a toxic parent relationship in fiction and he has that in SPADES. Some of the people in Blade’s life don’t have his best interests at heart, and he’s forced to reevaluate what his friends and family mean to him while simultaneously re-examining his own identity. I really connected to Blade as a character.
Another element I enjoyed was the LA setting and the lavish but toxic Hollywood lifestyle. Blade has grown up in excess thanks to his rockstar father, but his father’s addiction and exploitation by the media cause so much pain for the people around him. Money truly can’t buy happiness and while it’s better to cry in a Maserati than a Camry, either way you’re still crying.
There’s also some great discussion here about Western “saviours” travelling to African nations and throwing their cash around to “save” people, without asking what the people in question actually want. And doing so for the glory and vanity rather than a genuine sense of altruism and philanthropy. LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK PLZ.
allison_sirovy's review against another edition
5.0
Emotion, rock and roll, and questions . . . What's not to like?
melissafresch's review against another edition
5.0
Why did I wait so long to read this book??? This is another great one by Kwame Alexander that deals with friendship, love, heartache, and making it all right again! Your heart will break for Blade Morrison and what he goes through! And you’ll also love that moment when Blade finally makes it ‘home!’ Written in verse it is a quick read, but one that leaves your heart feeling good! Another great one @kwamealexander “When the heart gets lost, let the music find you!” ❤️🎶🎶🎶. Older elementary and middle school kids will love this one!