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megxo1323's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
dragoninwinterfell's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson was the perfect creepy read to end October with.
This novel intentionally hits the haunted house story beats with a family moving to a new town to live in the mysterious house that is the subject of local urban legends. I love how Jackson had her heroine Mari note this even as those typical conventions are turned on their head as the overall take away is that the true monster is systemic racism.
The strongest elements of this novel are the characters and complex relationships. Mari is an excellent protagonist to follow this horror mystery with. She is a teenager struggling with intense anxiety and drug addiction as well as the divorce of her parents and the blending of her family with a stepfather and sister. With all of that in play, it's actually realistic that she not come to the right conclusion with every clue and that those around her struggle to believe what she says. Even Mari, and therefore the reader, doubts what she's seeing and hearing as they could be impacted by her high anxiety and paranoia or her drug usage.
I particularly appreciated the way Jackson depicted Mari's anxiety since that's something I struggle with too. So, I could relate with many of her coping strategies and the feeling of being triggered. This heightened stakes of the story for me as the tension escalated.
I do think that Jackson pulled some punches. But I can more easily get past that when it comes to a young adult novel than I could with an adult novel. Otherwise, the story, characters, and dynamics were very realistic.
This novel intentionally hits the haunted house story beats with a family moving to a new town to live in the mysterious house that is the subject of local urban legends. I love how Jackson had her heroine Mari note this even as those typical conventions are turned on their head as the overall take away is that the true monster is systemic racism.
The strongest elements of this novel are the characters and complex relationships. Mari is an excellent protagonist to follow this horror mystery with. She is a teenager struggling with intense anxiety and drug addiction as well as the divorce of her parents and the blending of her family with a stepfather and sister. With all of that in play, it's actually realistic that she not come to the right conclusion with every clue and that those around her struggle to believe what she says. Even Mari, and therefore the reader, doubts what she's seeing and hearing as they could be impacted by her high anxiety and paranoia or her drug usage.
I particularly appreciated the way Jackson depicted Mari's anxiety since that's something I struggle with too. So, I could relate with many of her coping strategies and the feeling of being triggered. This heightened stakes of the story for me as the tension escalated.
I do think that Jackson pulled some punches. But I can more easily get past that when it comes to a young adult novel than I could with an adult novel. Otherwise, the story, characters, and dynamics were very realistic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
kit_kat006's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Oufff, I really really want to love this. It was underwhelming. Clearly, do not read this if you have anxiety related to bed bug. I had a lot of trouble getting into the story. Once a got into it, I just felt let down by the ending. What was this end?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Blood, Vomit, and Fire/Fire injury
keikoalisha's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a great haunted house story with a twist. As someone who suffers from anxiety myself, I thought the portrayal of anxious thoughts was 100% accurate. The vibes were totally creepy, but I personally wasn’t the biggest fan of Marigold overall as a character. Her personality didn’t vibe with me. Other than that, it's a solid book! Except the ending. It’s like there wasn’t one??????
civilgurl83's review against another edition
4.0
The first part of this book was a bit of a drag for me. I don't mind marijuana being in stories, however it was talked about constantly the first third of this book. About how much she wanted and needed it, felt a bit forced.
The second half of this book though was fantastic. It was high pace as you try to figure out what is going on in that house. 3.5 stars rounded to a 4.
The second half of this book though was fantastic. It was high pace as you try to figure out what is going on in that house. 3.5 stars rounded to a 4.
lilblairwitch's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to this on a mini road trip, and I really really enjoyed it! A haunted house story with several creepy parts, and the narrator did a great job! This was a good spooky season read/listen.
amanda_lee's review against another edition
3.0
I'm on the fence. I love how the author brings themes of gentrification and the criminalization of marijuana users. I wouldn't call it horror. It's chilling but there wasn't enough of the haunted house for me.
The pacing was really off. It was very slow then exciting and then abruptly ended. The ending was very disappointing.
The pacing was really off. It was very slow then exciting and then abruptly ended. The ending was very disappointing.
twitchywitchy314'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? It's complicated
4.5
bookswithbonnie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I need to know more!
cinna7's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0