hannchilada's review against another edition
5.0
Hey, friends, while we're all stuck in our basement avoiding COVID-19, why not read about a girl stuck in someone else's basement because of racial prejudice?
That joke isn't gonna age well, is it…
Actually, this book is really dynamic and fun. The plot, which might come across as serious and stagnant from the dust jacket, goes all over the place. In a good way. It's a mystery, period drama, romance, action book, and sports book (does horse racing count?) all in one.
The tone, luckily, is consistent, and I think that's what ties the whole book together. The story is told from Jo Kuan's voice, which is achingly, youthfully quixotic (proud that I snuck that in) while still feeling wry and observant. She's a vessel for social justice without becoming a caricature, which I think can be difficult balance to achieve. In sum, she's a likeable character with a lot of depth.
This book is five stars, no doubt about it. I'd love for my daughter to read this book. But, remember when I said it was youthful? Kind of true. It’s a concept that could really hit home, but I think both the tone and background characters leave it feeling like a fun and impactful vignette. Nathan is lovely, like really, but his primary personality trait is "Jo's dream beau". Old Gin and the Payne women also have strong nuances, but they're still underdeveloped as the book is so wholly centered on this teenage girl's own perspective. But…it's such a fun and well-developed perspective!
Downstairs Girl definitely belongs on every teenager's favorites shelf. (I mean, even the cover is outstanding). Put it on your to-read shelf as well…while you sit at home…quarantined. Yep, I guess I've committed to this joke. Just remember to crawl out of your basement eventually for some inspiration adventures, like Jo!
That joke isn't gonna age well, is it…
Actually, this book is really dynamic and fun. The plot, which might come across as serious and stagnant from the dust jacket, goes all over the place. In a good way. It's a mystery, period drama, romance, action book, and sports book (does horse racing count?) all in one.
The tone, luckily, is consistent, and I think that's what ties the whole book together. The story is told from Jo Kuan's voice, which is achingly, youthfully quixotic (proud that I snuck that in) while still feeling wry and observant. She's a vessel for social justice without becoming a caricature, which I think can be difficult balance to achieve. In sum, she's a likeable character with a lot of depth.
This book is five stars, no doubt about it. I'd love for my daughter to read this book. But, remember when I said it was youthful? Kind of true. It’s a concept that could really hit home, but I think both the tone and background characters leave it feeling like a fun and impactful vignette. Nathan is lovely, like really, but his primary personality trait is "Jo's dream beau". Old Gin and the Payne women also have strong nuances, but they're still underdeveloped as the book is so wholly centered on this teenage girl's own perspective. But…it's such a fun and well-developed perspective!
Downstairs Girl definitely belongs on every teenager's favorites shelf. (I mean, even the cover is outstanding). Put it on your to-read shelf as well…while you sit at home…quarantined. Yep, I guess I've committed to this joke. Just remember to crawl out of your basement eventually for some inspiration adventures, like Jo!
angelasunshine's review against another edition
4.0
I had no idea that Chinese workers were sent to the south! What an interesting book.
laurajnelson's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.5
morgs124's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
sarahjolioli's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
gabyelle97's review against another edition
4.0
I definitely enjoyed this book! It was fun, quirky and Jo is definitely a character I look to even though she is only 17. At her age she is written as someone well beyond her years, and that is something that Stacey Lee has done well. The historical part of this book is interesting. Set in a period where your race, colour and etiquette is something that sets everyone against one another. I love the need for everyone to be themselves and push themselves. The only issue I had with this book is the plot twists are VERY PREDICTABLE! I knew what was Going to happen and I don’t know if that is simply because I have read many books like this, or another reason altogether. Nonetheless it is a good, quick read that I enjoyed which is more important!
chandraleereads's review against another edition
5.0
If it weren’t for silly things like being scheduled to work, I never would have set this book down!!! I am such a sucker for fiction books that know how to cleverly and poignantly illustrate class and racial divides (in any time period). I need this book to be made into a movie ASAP, also you (yes you) should probably read it ASAP too!!
sadiegenene25's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Violence and Sexism
walkerct's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
3.5