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elderwoodreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
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
4.5
Really unique book, from concept all the way down to formatting. I really enjoyed this thoroughly, although I feel like it could've been even a little longer with more reflection on behalf of the main character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Racism, Police brutality, and Death of parent
Minor: Cursing, Drug use, Blood, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
thlad's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Suicide, Grief, and Murder
tafeeeeee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I just finished it and I already want to listen to it again. Mr. Reynolds' calming voice, elegant prose, and ability to bring out emotions through words struck me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Grief, and Murder
jennswan's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Grief, and Murder
blkdariareads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The book and audiobook are amazing. The book is written in verse, but is understandable for YA. The book highlights major cultural, community, and broader societal issues. Built into the book is a discussion starter for a classroom/ group setting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
paris_nicole's review
dark
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
4.25
The story follows a 15-year-old boy, whose older brother was shot and killed the night before. He believes he needs to follow to rules of his community and kill the individual who he believes is responsible. The entire book takes place in the 8-floor elevator ride down in his building. On each floor, someone from his past, who is connected to his story in some way, gets on. He learns information about the death of his father, brother, uncle and others that impact his decision on whether or not to continue the cycle of violence.
The book was written in prose, which I really enjoyed. I listened to the audiobook, read by the author. It was a quick read and I enjoyed the story. I also really appreciated how he acknowledged our country's incarcerated youth and the start and end of the novel.
The book was written in prose, which I really enjoyed. I listened to the audiobook, read by the author. It was a quick read and I enjoyed the story. I also really appreciated how he acknowledged our country's incarcerated youth and the start and end of the novel.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Murder
ecoyne's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Grief, and Death of parent
ellajohnson's review against another edition
emotional
sad
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, and Murder
theboricuabookworm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
5.0
I read the graphic novel of this a few months ago, so I knew the premise but the expanded poetry was incredible. Reynolds’s voice is both vulnerable and sure of itself, gut wrenching and cathartic. A book on teenager-hood, brotherhood, and growing up in the hood that should be required reading for all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
breadforanna's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Violence