boxofcats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Heartbreaking but beautifully written. The US prison system is very different to the UK but attitudes towards inmates can be similar, and this book felt very immersive. Would 100% recommend.
_p0ssum_'s review against another edition
fast-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
teryndemaree's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
page_twist's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0
crystal_reading's review against another edition
5.0
Review copy: Digital ARC via Edelweiss
This novel in verse is simply stunning. The poetry is powerful and the story itself is heartbreaking and is still hopeful. This book definitely points out some of the major issues with the criminal justice system. It also shows that the education system is also harmful to young people of color. As a teacher, that was a hard aspect to read about. Amal's teacher's and even his lawyer fail to see his humanity.
I will be recommending this book to many, many people because Amal is an artist and this book itself is a piece of art.
This novel in verse is simply stunning. The poetry is powerful and the story itself is heartbreaking and is still hopeful. This book definitely points out some of the major issues with the criminal justice system. It also shows that the education system is also harmful to young people of color. As a teacher, that was a hard aspect to read about. Amal's teacher's and even his lawyer fail to see his humanity.
I will be recommending this book to many, many people because Amal is an artist and this book itself is a piece of art.
madzie's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
upgirlcd's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is poetry and art.
This book is powerful.
This book speaks truth from a perspective most of us do not ever see.
As a Caucasian, Gen X woman, it is perspective for me to deeply wrap my head & heart around. My privilege.
I've been wrongly accused of shit like- sleeping with someone's man; passing a school bus.
Not even relatable to the color of my skin getting me incarcerated for assault.
The hip hop poetic writing makes this work even more powerful.
Read Punching the Air.
This book is powerful.
This book speaks truth from a perspective most of us do not ever see.
As a Caucasian, Gen X woman, it is perspective for me to deeply wrap my head & heart around. My privilege.
I've been wrongly accused of shit like- sleeping with someone's man; passing a school bus.
Not even relatable to the color of my skin getting me incarcerated for assault.
The hip hop poetic writing makes this work even more powerful.
Read Punching the Air.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Violence, Police brutality, and Confinement
joannaasantoss's review against another edition
5.0
This book was ultimately great, focused around Racism, self growth and wrongfully convicted was very much something to read. I’d say 5 ⭐️ but in actuality I feel it being more 4.5⭐️ just because some things were repetitive and A LOT of “conversations with god” overall it was a great informative book as a white person -