destheesquire's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Gun violence, Murder, Death of parent, Addiction, Grief, Death, Physical abuse, Violence, Sexual violence, Drug use, and Drug abuse
d0505's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Murder, Gun violence, Cursing, Death of parent, Violence, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Terminal illness
wherethewildreadsare's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Hold You Down was a deeply emotional book about the injustices that plague the Black community. This is centered around 1980/1990's, during the rise of Crack in black communities. Two sisters, Mercy and Lennox, live in one of the NYC burroughs each with their young sons. Lennox's choices of entering the Crack business set the family on a path of loss, violence, and pain. But there is deep love within the family. Hold You Down is an example of many stories of Black families impacted by drugs. Brown does a great job describing the elements of racism that Black individuals receive from police as well as the justice system.
I can honestly say that I didn't expect this to be as gripping or brutally honest as it was. So much tragedy. I wish I had looked into some TW to prepare for some of the heavy content.
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for the honest review.
I can honestly say that I didn't expect this to be as gripping or brutally honest as it was. So much tragedy. I wish I had looked into some TW to prepare for some of the heavy content.
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for the honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Drug abuse, Rape, Gun violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Violence, Murder, and Addiction
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