sammi1027's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it was just ok. Nothing amazing. I expected more drama. It wasn't a terrible book as I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Briar and Emira. But outside of that it was just eh.
ivy93's review against another edition
2.0
I have chewed over what I think of the book for an entire day now. I enjoyed the writing, it was breezy and created a nice setting. But I didn't like how the story was resolved and I picked this up with a lot of expectation hence the lower rating.
------------------------------
* Spoilers ahead *
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Two things that bothered me:
1. The last twist of Alix finding out the unopened letters. At that point, it doesnt even matter. It's a needless twist. I felt like it was put there to clearly establish that she was the one who was in the wrong. It was disappointing as a reader because up till that point, the book was building to shades of grey that both Kelley and Alix show with respect to racism.
2. Robbie and uniforms. I feel like the plot catalyst wasn't strong enough. While Robbie may have made a silly mistake as a teenager, so did Alix. The point of disproportionate consequences is directed at the system. But even the author chooses to villainize Alix here. Secondly, uniforms. I thought they were a plot device to show Kelley's convenient obfuscation of realities. But it was a true grievance felt by Emira as well?! And it wasn't hinted at at all previously.
------------------------------
* Spoilers ahead *
------------------------------
Two things that bothered me:
1. The last twist of Alix finding out the unopened letters. At that point, it doesnt even matter. It's a needless twist. I felt like it was put there to clearly establish that she was the one who was in the wrong. It was disappointing as a reader because up till that point, the book was building to shades of grey that both Kelley and Alix show with respect to racism.
2. Robbie and uniforms. I feel like the plot catalyst wasn't strong enough. While Robbie may have made a silly mistake as a teenager, so did Alix. The point of disproportionate consequences is directed at the system. But even the author chooses to villainize Alix here. Secondly, uniforms. I thought they were a plot device to show Kelley's convenient obfuscation of realities. But it was a true grievance felt by Emira as well?! And it wasn't hinted at at all previously.
traderjones_'s review against another edition
3.0
The three stars are exclusively for how interesting this books was. I found the characters to be one-dimensional hyper-exaggerations of stereotypes. The plotline was unbearably unrealistic.
kyrarm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.25
pointlessmoss's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The lesson I learned from this: white people need to stop meddling!! And they should also stop trying to outdo one another in an imaginary competition of "Who is the least racist" (unless it's for my personal amusement).
For real though, I LOVE the writing and the story and the characters. I feel like I was reading about real people, not made-up fictional characters. Emira has my heart. I enjoyed myself the whole time and I felt so satisfied with how everything came together. So glad I picked this book up :)
Part of me wants to recommend this to everyone I know, but the other part of me knows not everyone will get invested in a slice-of-life story with this type of writing. I also want to hear what other people took away from this book! I'm curious to see what other interpretations of the story might be, and what I may have missed!
For real though, I LOVE the writing and the story and the characters. I feel like I was reading about real people, not made-up fictional characters. Emira has my heart. I enjoyed myself the whole time and I felt so satisfied with how everything came together. So glad I picked this book up :)
Part of me wants to recommend this to everyone I know, but the other part of me knows not everyone will get invested in a slice-of-life story with this type of writing. I also want to hear what other people took away from this book! I'm curious to see what other interpretations of the story might be, and what I may have missed!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Cursing, and Racism
Moderate: Classism, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Misogyny, Animal death, Bullying, Police brutality, Fatphobia, and Stalking
booksnacks's review against another edition
3.0
This book had a lot to say, and the messages are important.
Racism can take many forms, even with ‘good’ intentions as seen within this story. I liked Emira and her struggles towards career and finding a passion felt real and embedded within her throughout.
However, the dialogue was really good at times and disjointed at others. Alix is also the worst person ever, I can’t say more on this without swearing or revealing but she is a deeply terrible person. Deeply.
Racism can take many forms, even with ‘good’ intentions as seen within this story. I liked Emira and her struggles towards career and finding a passion felt real and embedded within her throughout.
However, the dialogue was really good at times and disjointed at others. Alix is also the worst person ever, I can’t say more on this without swearing or revealing but she is a deeply terrible person. Deeply.
audreykerr's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
Thankfully I have today off work, and so I was able to justify my staying up too late reading last night. This was both an easy read and really gripping all the way through but the ending lacked something.
Thankfully I have today off work, and so I was able to justify my staying up too late reading last night. This was both an easy read and really gripping all the way through but the ending lacked something.
louiseimaquarium's review against another edition
4.0
left me feeling very confused and then very relieved
annaluka's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5