mom2ceos's review against another edition
3.0
My least favorite of hers, only because I didn't enjoy the ending.
abrauner23's review against another edition
5.0
"I had a hard time remembering that this book was set in New Orleans during the 1950s..." http://thereadinghideaway.blogspot.com/2016/01/book-review-out-of-easy.html
simpingshadowsinger's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I liked how the book had darker aspects, such as the underworld of New Orleans, but that it also had lighter parts, such as the guy she likes.
I do feel like parts of the plot weren't flushed out enough and it felt rushed at times. Sometimes the scenes also suddenly changed from scenery or there as a small time jump, but it happened all very abrupt and it didn't always flow nicely. The thing that bothered me the most however, was the ending. Something quite big happened, but there wasn't really a clear foreshadowing or a good reason to let this happen
However, I did really enjoy all the characters and the story intrigued me.
I do feel like parts of the plot weren't flushed out enough and it felt rushed at times. Sometimes the scenes also suddenly changed from scenery or there as a small time jump, but it happened all very abrupt and it didn't always flow nicely. The thing that bothered me the most however, was the ending. Something quite big happened, but there wasn't really a clear foreshadowing or a good reason to let this happen
However, I did really enjoy all the characters and the story intrigued me.
korisulewski's review against another edition
5.0
It's official -- I will love anything Ruta Sepetys writes. Taking in 1950s New Orleans, this one is a bit different than her other 2 books. I was a bit worried going in, but wow, did I enjoy it. It's such a unique story full of incredible characters where I really felt transported in time.
paperbackd's review against another edition
3.0
Gorgeously written and vividly brought to life, Ruta Sepetys' latest historical YA novel tells the story of Josie Moraine, the daughter of a prostitute in the French Quarter of New Orleans, who longs to escape the Big Easy and enrol at Smith, one of the most prestigious American colleges for girls in 1950.
Readers expecting a grand mystery/adventure with a clearly structured beginning, middle, and end will be disappointed; Sepetys focuses on her characters and expanding her world rather than weaving together a conventional storyline. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - her characters were fantastic creations - but it did make the bulk of the book drag slightly, and I felt that the ending fell flat after only a few chapters of build-up. Nevertheless, Sepetys' richly envisioned New Orleans and her ambitious main character made Out of the Easy worth the read. The class divisions, culture, and general atmosphere of New Orleans in the early 1950s were well-written and obviously painstakingly researched. Josie was a brilliantly cunning and starry-eyed narrator who worked tirelessly for her dreams, even when she looked sure to fail. I have to be blunt - the ending seemed like a cop-out to me; I was sure that Josie would have to pay a far higher price for her own mistakes and the ruthlessness of those around her. Still, Josie's journey was inspirational and I'm glad I read it. This was my first Ruta Sepetys novel, and I'm looking forward to reading more from her.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review cross-posted to Paperback'd.
Readers expecting a grand mystery/adventure with a clearly structured beginning, middle, and end will be disappointed; Sepetys focuses on her characters and expanding her world rather than weaving together a conventional storyline. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - her characters were fantastic creations - but it did make the bulk of the book drag slightly, and I felt that the ending fell flat after only a few chapters of build-up. Nevertheless, Sepetys' richly envisioned New Orleans and her ambitious main character made Out of the Easy worth the read. The class divisions, culture, and general atmosphere of New Orleans in the early 1950s were well-written and obviously painstakingly researched. Josie was a brilliantly cunning and starry-eyed narrator who worked tirelessly for her dreams, even when she looked sure to fail. I have to be blunt - the ending seemed like a cop-out to me; I was sure that Josie would have to pay a far higher price for her own mistakes and the ruthlessness of those around her. Still, Josie's journey was inspirational and I'm glad I read it. This was my first Ruta Sepetys novel, and I'm looking forward to reading more from her.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review cross-posted to Paperback'd.
baetoul's review against another edition
1.0
why did i think this was gonna be about a black girl?????? anyways, it's about a white girl and idc! not finishing it lol.
yearsandcontinents's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to this on a road trip to New Orleans. It was fantastic. So full of emotion. Loved Josie's voice. Salty peanuts! Yes ma'am. All the characters were so great. Especially Willie and Cokie. But really all of them. Man, the tears this one brought. Definitely recommend!
I love you the more in that I believe you had liked me for my own sake and for nothing else.
I love you the more in that I believe you had liked me for my own sake and for nothing else.
readerziyya's review against another edition
5.0
I barely moved on from Lina and now she gave me Josie (and Jesse!)
klza's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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? Yes
5.0