Reviews

The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds

sandraagee's review against another edition

4.0

I read something where someone compared Jason Reynolds to [a:Walter Dean Myers|13291|Walter Dean Myers|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1230178601p2/13291.jpg]. If this book is any indication, it's an incredibly apt comparison. Reynolds writes compelling characters and crafts a portrait of the grieving process that can be appreciated by just about anyone, but the way he paints his setting (seems to be a predominantly black urban neighborhood) is especially fantastic.

jocelyn_fowler's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-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? No

5.0

compass_rose's review against another edition

5.0

Thoroughly enjoyed this. So many lovable characters. An easy read with lots to chew on. Sad. but in a way that is healing, if that makes sense.

Read again Sept 2021 with my 13yo. She loved it! Now among her favorite books. We did it for a tween book club and it was a hit. Great discussions.

markatong's review against another edition

4.0

This is a really nicely written book that stirs your emotions

afro8921's review against another edition

4.0

Matt enters his senior missing part of his dynamic dream team namely his mother. He spent the summer watching her slowly pass away from cancer. Now it's up to Matt to navigate the rough waters of High School. Everyone except his best friend Chris treats him weird. While things at school are hard, at home they're not much better. Matt's father has started drinking too much and Matt's normal coping mechanism (i.e. cooking) has failed him. A chance meeting with the funeral director provides some much needed relief in the form of a job and a chance to explore grief and try to put the pieces of his world back together. Mr. Reynolds has penned a wonderful novel that covers the ways your world changes and remains the same when death suddenly takes those we love.

rosiethespy's review against another edition

5.0

Loved this one. I cried more than once, and as sad as some parts were, the hope and humor and feelings of love were much more affecting. Wonderful.

paperlove's review against another edition

Ich wollte wirklich, dass mir das Buch gefällt, aber es passiert einfach gefühlt gar nichts. Obwohl Matt einiges durchmachen musste, war mir sein Schicksal schlichtweg egal. Vor dem letzten Drittel habe ich es dann auch aufgegeben, dem Buch noch etwas abgewinnen zu können und habe es abgebrochen.

biblioemily's review against another edition

4.0

mild language

sc104906's review against another edition

3.0

Matt and his father are still reeling from his mother's death. Matt's father has taken to drinking and is no longer a supportive presence in his life. Matt's grief is overwhelming. In attempt to step up and take care of his father, Matt gets a job at the local funeral parlor, where the mirror of grief in others comforts him. Matt's father gets into a car accident and must spend an extended period of time in the hospital recuperating. Matt continues to work at his new job, where he meets Love, a young woman he has had a crush on forever. Matt's boss is a positive presence in his life and helps Matt deal with his grief, growing pains, and new responsibilities.

This is a real portrayal of grief. While not one of my favorite books by Reynolds, very little happens within the book, Reynolds still creates characters that feel so real they spill off of the page.

amysutton's review against another edition

4.0

This book is the book I wanted to read after my dad passed away. It's the one I wanted to write while he was battling cancer. This was great!
I have a few issues with "love" being what helps mend Matt's heart, but who am I to speak against cliches?