caseythereader's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
- Every single story in this collection feels like it could be its own novel, and yet somehow I am not left wanting more from any of them - they are all perfectly self-contained.
- Some feel ripped from modern headlines (Boys Go to Jupiter) and some are steeped in family history (Alcatraz) but every one feels populated with real people and real history.
- And when everyone tells you the novella that closes this book is phenomenal, everyone is right - holy cats, wow!
- Some feel ripped from modern headlines (Boys Go to Jupiter) and some are steeped in family history (Alcatraz) but every one feels populated with real people and real history.
- And when everyone tells you the novella that closes this book is phenomenal, everyone is right - holy cats, wow!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Car accident, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Violence
thechiaraface's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This is a collection of short stories and one novella. These stories explore grief, loss, race, American History, and so much more. I think the flap copy explains the thread that ties this story collection together best "Evans considers how and why some people choose to confront history and others to outrun it".
This book is so INCREDIBLY timely and the title novella feels meant for this exact moment. This book is important and so amazingly written. Every story had such insightful nuggets, and the title novella was sheer perfection (if it was just that novella this would be a 5+++⭐ read). Every story was thought provoking, some resonated more than others, and some I found distinctly uncomfortable (and that was the point). My favorite story by far was the novella "The Office of Historical Corrections", but I appreciated all the stories. The writing was smart and sharp. I got way more than I expected out of this book. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book and in particular the title novella.
This book is so INCREDIBLY timely and the title novella feels meant for this exact moment. This book is important and so amazingly written. Every story had such insightful nuggets, and the title novella was sheer perfection (if it was just that novella this would be a 5+++⭐ read). Every story was thought provoking, some resonated more than others, and some I found distinctly uncomfortable (and that was the point). My favorite story by far was the novella "The Office of Historical Corrections", but I appreciated all the stories. The writing was smart and sharp. I got way more than I expected out of this book. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book and in particular the title novella.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Violence
Minor: Cancer, Child death, Cursing, Death, and Grief
wai's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Suicide, Cancer, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Hate crime, Sexual violence, Gun violence, and Cursing
Minor: Slavery
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