1sabellamaria's review
5.0
Absolutely adored this book! Definitely read this! Though I don't remember all the details, I remember how this book made me feel and inspired me. This book moved me in a way that caused me to start a book club at my former middle school. If you're looking for a quick and fun read, be sure to pick this up!
hope2026's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? It's complicated
4.75
blmonahan's review against another edition
5.0
I bought this book based solely on the title. I don’t know what I expected - I think I thought it was a book about banned books but not quite in this way.
Anyway, i thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it.
Anyway, i thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it.
melissapalmer404's review
4.0
At a private school, over 50 books are banned. Clara, a senior, begins the Unlib--checking out those banned books to fellow students from her locker. This is a good piece of YA realistic fiction. I enjoyed it.
belencita's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
paigedc's review against another edition
5.0
A book touting the virtues of banned books (excuse me, "prohibited media") and exploring the consequences that happen when you stand up to the opposition, challenge the status quo, and use literature as a lightning rod to effect change. This was a very good book.
Clara Evans attends a ritzy private school in Tennessee when, at the start of her senior year, the administration tries to surreptitiously pass a list of "prohibited media" without much fanfare. Clara's library supervisor and English teacher are up in arms, as is Clara, who leads a small book club that just featured one of the banned books. She makes it her personal mission, with the support of her best friend LiQui and some unlikely allies in the affluent crowd, to form an underground library and keep the books in the hands of students--to the great consternation of the principal and a judgy mom. Clara's efforts put a scholarship and even her enrollment status in jeopardy, yet she must decide if free speech is for the greater good, and if it's really free at all.
My favorite quote from the book-and one of the best I've heard in a while-says, "Was I privileged enough to be able to love books in which hurt flowed abundantly without feeling more hopelessness? Was it privilege, or did it change from person to person, or was it both?" What an interesting way to look at reading, through the lens of privilege. This book is for any reader, especially one who believes in the power of books and the necessity of books to be available to all.
Clara Evans attends a ritzy private school in Tennessee when, at the start of her senior year, the administration tries to surreptitiously pass a list of "prohibited media" without much fanfare. Clara's library supervisor and English teacher are up in arms, as is Clara, who leads a small book club that just featured one of the banned books. She makes it her personal mission, with the support of her best friend LiQui and some unlikely allies in the affluent crowd, to form an underground library and keep the books in the hands of students--to the great consternation of the principal and a judgy mom. Clara's efforts put a scholarship and even her enrollment status in jeopardy, yet she must decide if free speech is for the greater good, and if it's really free at all.
My favorite quote from the book-and one of the best I've heard in a while-says, "Was I privileged enough to be able to love books in which hurt flowed abundantly without feeling more hopelessness? Was it privilege, or did it change from person to person, or was it both?" What an interesting way to look at reading, through the lens of privilege. This book is for any reader, especially one who believes in the power of books and the necessity of books to be available to all.
jairehrn_'s review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? No
4.75
I started reading this book months ago, but I just decided to finish it now. This book was quite boring at the start. There was a lot of unnecessary scenes and some parts were repetitive.
From the start of the book, I have immediately clicked with Clara, and the connection grew larger as i dive further into the story. Things had become much more interesting along the middle part of the story. Clara is sometimes annoying, but i feel like her character is realistic, and i see myself in her.
I love the concept of this book. It made me realize how much I actually value books and the passion I have for reading.
Did this book put me into a reading slump? Yes. Did i stay up all night to finish this book? Yes, yes i did. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
- I found bravery here -
From the start of the book, I have immediately clicked with Clara, and the connection grew larger as i dive further into the story. Things had become much more interesting along the middle part of the story. Clara is sometimes annoying, but i feel like her character is realistic, and i see myself in her.
I love the concept of this book. It made me realize how much I actually value books and the passion I have for reading.
Did this book put me into a reading slump? Yes. Did i stay up all night to finish this book? Yes, yes i did. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
- I found bravery here -
antomeia's review
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
unlifeoftheparty's review
4.0
I love the overall message of this book...however, the countless repeating, and list style of much of this book are frustrating, especially when listening to the audiobook.
cecireda's review
3.0
The idea was good but it felt like it was trying to be deep while never actually getting there.
Also I hated Catcher in the Rye and everytime the character started talking about it I was like ‘yikes’
This book made me wonder what is the author’s real relationship with books because I don’t know, I just couldn’t see the love of books he wanted to pass in the story.
Also I hated Catcher in the Rye and everytime the character started talking about it I was like ‘yikes’
This book made me wonder what is the author’s real relationship with books because I don’t know, I just couldn’t see the love of books he wanted to pass in the story.