cami19's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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
2.5
internationalkris's review
4.0
This was a fascinating book set in a dystopian American where racial stigmas are all too present and accepted. Our unnamed narrator is willing to do everything within his power to earn the money for his biracial son Nigel to undergo demelanization therapy. Maurice Carlos Ruffin keeps his tone light and humorous as he trolls the depths of this very real and current issue.
vbenef's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
thissagreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Loved the concept, HATED the execution. It was a disjointed read with a main character I couldn’t stand. He never understood his issues and it was so frustrating! Especially when it was a slow read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality and Racism
Moderate: Death of parent and Violence
sierradescence's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
heydeij's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Beautifully written amidst so much wincing. A word on parenting.
grace_edwards's review against another edition
4.0
such an interesting read. dancing the line between satire and “oh sh*t this just got real,” you got a unique perspective on the effects of internalized racism. a book filled with “no way this would really happen” moments that swiftly remind you they do, in fact, happen every day.
embo970's review against another edition
2.0
I couldn't finish this book. I like the idea of it, but the writing just put me off. It would just jump around so much, people didn't make sense, and wasn't a great world build for a dystopian novel. Like a dream I guess, but it didn't work for me.