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stacynalley's review
5.0
This was a fantastic book. I got it free at the Westside Market in Cleveland while I was visiting Ohio for the 2024 solar eclipse. Sponsored by the local library system
I had never heard of this book. Why?! It is so fricking good. Great writing, craftily told story, and solid, relatable characters.
How infuriating our system was back in this time. Now I understand more of why these institutions were closed. Good riddance.
Please read the first review of this book as it is a great summary and I couldn't say anything better.
I had never heard of this book. Why?! It is so fricking good. Great writing, craftily told story, and solid, relatable characters.
How infuriating our system was back in this time. Now I understand more of why these institutions were closed. Good riddance.
Please read the first review of this book as it is a great summary and I couldn't say anything better.
changehrt's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
boooksforbreakfast's review
4.0
"The Degenerates" tells a powerful and painful story set in the 1920s, focusing on four girls confined to a school for the “feeble-minded.” This institution locked up disabled individuals and others who didn't fit society’s standards, such as queer people and young pregnant girls. Though the story feels dystopian, it is rooted in historical reality.
The narrative is presented from four distinct points of view, and for me, the perspective of Rose, a sweet yet fierce girl with Down Syndrome, stood out the most. Representation of Down Syndrome in Young Adult literature is rare, particularly from the viewpoint of someone with Down Syndrome. The author’s dedication to research is amazing, and the book’s diversity is great featuring LGBTQ+ characters, characters of color, and individuals with various disabilities.
The narrative is presented from four distinct points of view, and for me, the perspective of Rose, a sweet yet fierce girl with Down Syndrome, stood out the most. Representation of Down Syndrome in Young Adult literature is rare, particularly from the viewpoint of someone with Down Syndrome. The author’s dedication to research is amazing, and the book’s diversity is great featuring LGBTQ+ characters, characters of color, and individuals with various disabilities.
jacjac9000's review
3.0
This book was really hard for me to get into, but the historical context was very interesting!
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
This book shocked me. I had no idea things like this happened in the 1900s and I am in disbelief. The story of our characters was great with insight into these institutions and the horror of them as well.
This book shocked me. I had no idea things like this happened in the 1900s and I am in disbelief. The story of our characters was great with insight into these institutions and the horror of them as well.
victoriareadsss's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
saffyre's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
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