Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

2 reviews

utopiaandmelancholy's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

A delightful middle-grade fantasy book, taking me back to the kinds of things I enjoyed reading when I was younger. I really enjoyed the world building based on Thailand, and the parallels to Les Miserables. I loved the agency given to these young activist characters, with their differing backgrounds, and while I found the messaging a little heavy-handed, it's an important and worthwhile moral of social justice. A straightforward read with great characters and a heartwarming message. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Fire/Fire injury, and Death

Minor: Police brutality, Bullying, and Child abuse

jennajlh's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

A magical, whimsical retelling of Les Miserables in a fantasy Thai setting, it is one of the most beautiful books I have read in years. While MG, this book tackles tough modern themes like classism, mass incarceration, and homelessness head on in age-appropriate ways.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Classism, and Confinement

Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Police brutality, and Racism

Minor: Death of parent