scops_xyz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Islamophobia, Homophobia, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Child death and Child abuse
zzara's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book sucked my heart into it. It was written so beautifully that all the characters truly feel real in my head. I feel like Jamal is a friend I grew up with, and I want to give him a huge hug. Having finished the book I honestly feel a bit bereft that he isn't actually a person in my life. I usually find poetic prose slightly cringy but this was honestly perfect - it made me feel as though I was understanding everything through Jamal's mind, which made it even more engrossing. I don't think I would have enjoyed this book as much if I wasn't Australian, or if I hadn't spent time living in Sydney, but having that context and then such a deep insight into the protagonists' mind made this one an absolute winner for me.
Moderate: Drug use and Mental illness
Minor: Rape and Alcoholism
grets_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Biphobia, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Police brutality, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Incest and Mental illness
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