shannonsink's review against another edition
5.0
This book changed my perspective on so many things; school shootings, conflict, love, and truth. I think it was one of the most inspiring books I've read this year. It got me to think and that's what a great book is supposed to do.
ldaniellem's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cgreens's review against another edition
1.0
I didn't expect to actively dislike this book, but it really did not vibe with me. The writing style came off as very amateur, and I had the sense the author didn't have a good idea or command of her characters or plot.
All of the characters were extremely flat, with the personality nuances of a teen soap drama. (And don't get me started on the random Briney or whoever plot "twist.")
I thought it was really odd that the story began 3 months after the shooting and then retold the story after already summarizing everything that had happened. The retelling storytelling tactic is usually used for surprises and reveals, but in this book it was literally just giving more details to what had already been stated. I can't imagine why the story didn't just occur chronologically, except that YA fiction with similar storylines happen to also employ a flashback, non-linear storyline.
Also, some of the aspects seem completely unrealistic. One student was SHOT IN THE FACE, got extensive facial plastic surgery, and was back at school 3 months later? And a local reporter managed to super quickly report on and get interviews with friends or family of every single victim? And include minors' names in her stories? And there was another part where the narrator wrote that she would be recognized no matter what school she went to, and I had to wonder, is this America? Where there's a shooting all. the. time. and it's rarely big news?
Which brings me to how useless the book comes off overall. School shootings have so much potential for literary political commentary, and this author chooses to go after . . . public high school principals and local journalists?
This wasn't a horrible book, but I came to it after reading a lot of very well-done YA tragedy-centered books, and this is actually the worst I've read of the lot.
All of the characters were extremely flat, with the personality nuances of a teen soap drama. (And don't get me started on the random Briney or whoever plot "twist.")
I thought it was really odd that the story began 3 months after the shooting and then retold the story after already summarizing everything that had happened. The retelling storytelling tactic is usually used for surprises and reveals, but in this book it was literally just giving more details to what had already been stated. I can't imagine why the story didn't just occur chronologically, except that YA fiction with similar storylines happen to also employ a flashback, non-linear storyline.
Also, some of the aspects seem completely unrealistic. One student was SHOT IN THE FACE, got extensive facial plastic surgery, and was back at school 3 months later? And a local reporter managed to super quickly report on and get interviews with friends or family of every single victim? And include minors' names in her stories? And there was another part where the narrator wrote that she would be recognized no matter what school she went to, and I had to wonder, is this America? Where there's a shooting all. the. time. and it's rarely big news?
Which brings me to how useless the book comes off overall. School shootings have so much potential for literary political commentary, and this author chooses to go after . . . public high school principals and local journalists?
This wasn't a horrible book, but I came to it after reading a lot of very well-done YA tragedy-centered books, and this is actually the worst I've read of the lot.
briannarengland's review against another edition
4.0
This book was amazing.
I couldn't stop reading, and when I had to put it down, my mind kept thinking about it.
It definitely would have been 5 stars except that some things weren't answered and some of the things that happened didn't really seem important to the story.
Nonetheless, I loved it.
I couldn't stop reading, and when I had to put it down, my mind kept thinking about it.
It definitely would have been 5 stars except that some things weren't answered and some of the things that happened didn't really seem important to the story.
Nonetheless, I loved it.
jmlang's review against another edition
2.0
Hate List was not a favorite book of mine. It would be different for everyone. I didn't enjoy this book because the entire book had a dark mood. There never seemed to be a part of the book that set a lightened mood. Throughout the book, the main character is trying to move on from the tragic event that occurred at school. It involved her boyfriend, a hate list they created, and multiple deaths.
abbie_al2001's review against another edition
5.0
This gripped me from the start and I was able to finish in one sitting. A story of personal growth and being able to forgive yourself before looking to others for forgiveness.
sir_presh's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this book especially the teary end **sniff**sniff**.
impybelle's review against another edition
5.0
Read it in three hours. Would have read it faster if I could have, but I wanted to actually absorb what I was reading. Definitely my vote for best book I've read in 2009.
celinalashelle's review
3.0
This is a clever book. A clever story and one that kept me intrigued and on my toes. I’m honestly not able to type a well thought out review about it simply because of all the turmoil I feel it’s left me with. All in all, this was a good book and one that I will return to again.
dream_write_read's review against another edition
3.0
3/5 Stars
I loved how I could so easily tell this was written in the late 2000's. I had to transport myself to right back to 9th grade and there were so many parts of this book that hurt to read.
It just was there for me to be a 5 star read though there was something missing for me.
The most problematic thing I found with this book was the Father-Daughter relationship...it was explored enough which caused issues with how it ended in my opinion.
Overall, relevant to its time. Yes, school shootings are very prominent at this time. I just think there could be better stories out there though in regards to the subject.
I loved how I could so easily tell this was written in the late 2000's. I had to transport myself to right back to 9th grade and there were so many parts of this book that hurt to read.
It just was there for me to be a 5 star read though there was something missing for me.
The most problematic thing I found with this book was the Father-Daughter relationship...it was explored enough which caused issues with how it ended in my opinion.
Overall, relevant to its time. Yes, school shootings are very prominent at this time. I just think there could be better stories out there though in regards to the subject.