aidahdefilippo's review against another edition
3.0
Comes off as a very polished version of what were supposed to be raw & rough stories. Maybe I would have liked this collection better when I was part of the target age range.
sacajaguido's review against another edition
3.0
In this book of short stories the author cleverly spins several tales of life on 145th street in Harlem. The stories are a mix of humorous, serious, sad, and everyday experiences; in this way it feels as if you’ve come away with a slice of everyday life on this particular street. The voices of each of the characters encountered are strong and unique in a way that makes it so that everyone stands out in each short story. This was a quick read, but one that you will remember. Each story has a lesson of some sort that the reader should come away with, but these lessons aren’t heavy handed and the reader is left to interpret what they should take away from each characters experiences. The overall theme of community and friendship that’s present in this book is one that will stand out to anyone who reads this novel. In this way, this book is great for young high school readers; the stories will work as some of the subtlest lessons in life and there is a character that everyone can relate to.
ohheyash's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is my second time reading this book. I enjoyed the short stories that take place in this one neighborhood. You can to see the connection between the neighbors and all that takes place within that community. You have characters that own their own businesses in a black neighborhood. You have characters willing to go to the extreme for someone they love. You have an authoritative figures family willing to take time to actually get to know someone in the neighborhood. You also have a community willing to come together not only to celebrate with one another but support and help each other if needed.
fell4's review
slow-paced
2.0
Good, just not my speed. Maybe because it was an audiobook? I've read some of his other work and liked it a lot better tho.
jena_33's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
pheash95's review against another edition
4.0
I finish the book and it wasn't my favorite book because it was all sort story
raynerayne's review against another edition
4.0
Favorite short stories are Fighter, Monkeyman, and Kitty & Mack: A Love Story. My only complaint is that the narrators are always so vague and we don't know basic information about them (such as name, age, and gender) until at least halfway through the story, if even then. Otherwise, the stories remain light while still being touching, and the page count is relatively low so it's a quick read.
4.5 stars. This was such a hard one to rate since I do believe with all my heart that it deserves 5 but I couldn't ignore the nagging peeve mentioned above, unfortunately! Aaargghhhh.
4.5 stars. This was such a hard one to rate since I do believe with all my heart that it deserves 5 but I couldn't ignore the nagging peeve mentioned above, unfortunately! Aaargghhhh.