The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
rieviolet's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
From a narrative standpoint, I think that Saul's story was very well structured and paced; also, his voice and emotional landscape were explored and captured on the page very vividly and movingly.
The writing is quite understated and matter-of-fact, and while I didn't mind this pared-back style and still found it impactful, it might not click with you if you usually prefer something more flowery and elaborate.
As you progress with the narration, you understand more and more clearly the significant role that hockey plays in Saul's personal journey. Still, I'm not really a sports person and, in all honesty, the parts with more detailed descriptions were not the most interesting to get through.
This is a very heart-wrenching book and it does not shy away from depicting horrific child abuse and its lasting impact or the pervasive societal racism, but it never does so gratuitously.Â
Despite all, it still ends on a hopeful note, focusing on the possibility of recovery and the healing force of a supportive community.Â
Graphic: Alcoholism, Kidnapping, Colonisation, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Child abuse, Child death, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Bullying, Forced institutionalization, Hate crime, Death, Grief, Racial slurs, Suicide, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Terminal illness, Abandonment, Blood, Mental illness, and Torture
blotchedspots's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Rape, Child abuse, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Child death, Death, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Addiction, and Colonisation
cantfindmybookmark's review against another edition
- 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? No
4.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Pedophilia, Rape, Excrement, Sexual assault, Confinement, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Hate crime, Racism, Suicide attempt, Physical abuse, Suicide, Racial slurs, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Torture
Moderate: Abandonment
julienicole1106's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Excrement, Grief, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Alcoholism, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Cultural appropriation, Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
lynneliu's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Addiction, Child abuse, Death, Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Sexual violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Suicide, Violence, Murder, Pedophilia, Rape, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Abandonment, Confinement, Grief, Kidnapping, Suicidal thoughts, and Torture
Minor: Death of parent and Mental illness
belle2008's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Child abuse, Colonisation, Death of parent, Pedophilia, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Cultural appropriation, Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Abandonment, Violence, Addiction, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
jennifer8632d's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Racism, Racial slurs, Child abuse, Abandonment, Bullying, Pedophilia, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Suicide