Reviews

Audacity by Melanie Crowder

kiperoo's review against another edition

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5.0

This book absolutely consumed me. Gripping from its very first pages, the story of this oppressed girl comes to life in the beautiful images on the page. It's so easy to identify with Clara's plight and wish the best for her while knowing that the odds are against her in the early 20th century factories that threaten to break her. Far from being a downer, Clara's story is filled with hope and promise through lovely writing that highlights moments of beauty that give her strength. Historical verse at its best!

sarahrosecollins's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

thestateofash's review

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informative inspiring tense fast-paced

5.0

lieperjp's review against another edition

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4.0

Was a good read, and went by fast! I feel like the first half was much better--more poignant, poetic-- than the second. Cover mentioned Triangle Shirt Factory fire... And the fire is not mentioned in the book, though the factory is. However, the heroine is definitely strong and relatable, and rooted in the real life Clara Lemlich. Enjoyed the read!

dlberglund's review against another edition

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4.0

Well written fictionalized history, written in poetic verse, showing us the possible perspective of one of the original union organizers in 1900s NYC garment factories. An excellent and relatable introduction for someone who doesn't know the history, and a personal perspective for someone who does.

ironprincess's review against another edition

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4.0

3.75

nursenell's review against another edition

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4.0

I wasn’t sure I would enjoy a book written in verse but I did. I found the story itself very interesting and I enjoyed the change from a regular work of fiction.

ronniewest's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow. I did not want to read this when my daughter showed me it was written in free verse. I was worried it wouldn’t have enough substance and be too light and fluffy. I was so wrong. This story was written so beautifully and I fell in love with the format. I was only disappointed at the ending not giving me more.

lovegirl30's review against another edition

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5.0


”Have we not been told
all our lives
that a good girl
is obedient
biddable
meek?

I have never been
obedient
or
biddable
or
meek.”


Right now I am on a kick of reading books in verse. Audacity was by far one of my absolute favorites that I have read thus far. It was a riveting story of courage, persistence, and fighting for what matters. It was also about being selfless and thinking about others.

This is a book in verse that honestly was heartbreaking to read at times. It was extremely compelling to flip the page and find out what beautiful words were going to be told next. I was surprised that a story this powerful could be written in verse. I believe the verse gives this story which is quite depressing some lightness.

Due to the verse format this book is an extremely fast read but I decided to savor the story. Reading it in chunks and forming conclusions about it. I found that this is a story packed with emotion, feelings and extreme meaning. This is a story that will stick with me for some time.

This book enlightened me to a variety of things. It taught me about the horrific working conditions of immigrants at the beginning of the 19th century. It opened my eyes up to a world of such injustice and pain.

This book is based on the early life of feminist activist Clara Lemlich. My favorite character was Clara. She made me cry my eyes out. I have never cried through a book in verse but this one really got to me. I felt so sad for her through the story. I was frustrated by the ignorance and cruelty of people she faced. I was completely enraged at her father and brothers, that they excused their actions in the name of tradition and religion. The men in this story just were aggravating. I admired Clara's unbreakable will and strength. She was a truly incredible person. Also, she truly deserves to be remembered.

Overall, Melanie Crowder wrote an incredible story full of culture and history. It was a beautiful verse novel. The things written in these pages will stick with me for life. I found this novel to be an incredible source of inspiration.

allynat's review

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challenging hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

3.5