Reviews

I ragazzi della Blue Route by Una Mannion

rachel_patrick's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

fakebeatlesfan's review against another edition

emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A little less suspenseful than I had thought when I read the introduction, but this was a fantastic read. 

I appreciated the realistic thoughts and actions of the main character, Libby, who is 15 years old, and her navigation through grief, heartbreak and boys, along with the events that happen to her younger sister. 

Mannion does an excellent job of providing realistic, relatable narration, the storyline was great, and going through Libby's POV of several different aspects in relationships and trust even within her family was satisfying to hear. Nothing felt out of place, or "Mary-sue" so to speak. 

Only thing I wish the book covered a little more was how impactful her father's death to her and her family, along with the Bill character and how it dismantled her family structure. I felt like her dad's death was kind of skimmed over, it was mentioned a few times but I wish there was more substance to it.

Great read! I really loved reading this book and would recommend it to my friends!

raeisareader's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• 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? It's complicated

5.0

supercoops's review against another edition

5.0

Note to reader. This is not a thriller. The cover is misleading. Amazing coming of age story about a family living in the country outside of Philadelphia. Amazing writing style with fantastic nostalgia.

kstolecki's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

elisahjn's review against another edition

adventurous 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

4.0

hollsbooks's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

engene's review against another edition

5.0

loved it so much

sslovesbooks_1's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed this coming of age story which revolves around Libby and her family in the aftermath of one night when her mum leaves her younger sister at the side of the road and drives off. It was an atmospheric read, set on a mountain in Pennsylvania where Libby and her siblings are dealing with the death of their father. He is an ever present figure and his memory is held by his children with such love. Their mother lacks the ability to take responsibility for her children and they are left mainly in the care of the eldest daughter Marie. A lot of the book is about Libby’ relationships with her best friend Sage, Wilson – an mysterious figure who always appears and Mrs Boucher who she babysits for. As secrets are revealed and the the community comes together we see Libby make sense of the world she inhabits.

There were very touching parts of this book and the sense of nostalgia for a time and a place which was experiencing change was heart warming. I would recommend this book, enjoyable with a strong sense of time and place.

I gave this 4 stars. Thanks to the author, publisher and @ThePigeonholeHQ for the opportunity to read this.

jesseletford's review against another edition

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0