georgiamay1506's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
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
5.0
chrustyslice's review against another edition
DNF
Leaned on sensory details and “themes” a bit too much
Leaned on sensory details and “themes” a bit too much
maevedora's review against another edition
3.0
actual rating: 3.5 stars
I can see why this book is so loved, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’ve come to accept that I’m just not a fan of revenge stories and that’s kind of the entire plot of this book. I think the social commentary was very well done in places, but the redemption arc of the main characters seemed too rushed to be truly believable. The violence was almost too much for me (which is something I never thought I would say), so I recommend taking the content warnings into consideration before picking this one up. Overall, it was a pretty solid action packed story.
I can see why this book is so loved, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’ve come to accept that I’m just not a fan of revenge stories and that’s kind of the entire plot of this book. I think the social commentary was very well done in places, but the redemption arc of the main characters seemed too rushed to be truly believable. The violence was almost too much for me (which is something I never thought I would say), so I recommend taking the content warnings into consideration before picking this one up. Overall, it was a pretty solid action packed story.
gracexo7's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
seandunavant's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
ejackson91891's review against another edition
4.0
This book was action-packed and got the underlying message across perfectly.
kerasalwaysreading's review against another edition
5.0
This was brutal, in your face, fast paced and action packed. Ike and Buddy Lee have lost their sons and they refuse to let their deaths go unpunished. Their sons were married and neither father fully accepted their lifestyle. So in their tragic death, they have to grapple with how badly they treated them. But one thing is for sure. They will stop at absolutely nothing to avenge their boys.
This was so powerful on so many levels. It deals with that fierce love of a parent dealing with loss of a child. It deals with racism, classism, homophobia… S. A. Cosby is unapologetic in his his writing. He demonstrates the issues in this book with perfection in all of its imperfections. Ike and Buddy Lee aren’t good men. They treated their sons with hate and unacceptance. Any by the time they start to understand, it’s too late.
This was so extraordinary and one I will definitely read again.
This was so powerful on so many levels. It deals with that fierce love of a parent dealing with loss of a child. It deals with racism, classism, homophobia… S. A. Cosby is unapologetic in his his writing. He demonstrates the issues in this book with perfection in all of its imperfections. Ike and Buddy Lee aren’t good men. They treated their sons with hate and unacceptance. Any by the time they start to understand, it’s too late.
This was so extraordinary and one I will definitely read again.
amykathrynstark's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
thevicious1's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5