jinxofthedesert's review against another edition
2.0
This is a hard book to rate. For the first half, it really dragged for me and I wasn't a big fan of the main character, or for any of the others actually. But when it finally got into the actual plot, about the character who's in jail (for something he's being wrongly accused of), the book got so much better. It still aggravated me at times with characters but there were many heartfelt moments and I at least enjoyed the main's relationship with the inmate.
All in all, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5.
All in all, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5.
tracyreads's review against another edition
5.0
This is a must read. More than To Kill A Mockingbird. More than Romeo and Juliet. I’ll teach it forever. It makes me cry every time and I’ve read it at least 7 times.
ceceliacaldwell's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-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
sundeviljewels's review against another edition
2.0
Yet another summer reading requirement for school. At least it was non-fiction, but, as usual, I have no idea why it was chosen.
jcpdiesel21's review against another edition
3.0
While I can't truthfully say that I enjoyed reading this book, I do appreciate what Gaines accomplished with the story. This particular period of American history is well captured, and Grant's attitude and frustrations feel realistic given the civil inequalities that existed at this time and especially since he is an anomaly in society due to the combination of his race and education. The pacing here isn't perfect; I found the first half in particular a struggle to get through since it tended to plod and the story was slow to get going, but the last half is stronger and the ending makes the necessary impact. This book lacks the intense symbolism of [b:Invisible Man|16981|Invisible Man|Ralph Ellison|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352854247s/16981.jpg|170957], but it reminded me of the difficulties that I had with that book while simultaneously feeling grateful that literature like this exists.
allisonmarie223's review against another edition
4.0
I debated giving this book 5 stars, but I think 4 is the right choice. Jefferson is a black man who has been sentenced to death after a robbery ends in murder. The defense argues that he is essentially too stupid, too naïve, and too animalistic to really be guilty. And because of this, his nannan asks the local teacher to teach him to be a man. This book was a poignant story of what it means to be educated and black. The characters care deeply for each other and despite a terrible situation, there is genuine love throughout the novel.
bookishquilter's review against another edition
5.0
There are so many worthwhile questions and answers in this book I don’t even know where to start. I will be ruminating over this book for a very long time. This is a very worthwhile book to read if you have ever wanted to ponder death, racial inequality and its generational impact, manhood, and faith.
sara_evaney's review against another edition
4.0
I‘m so glad I didn’t have to read this book in school, because that ruins books for me. I know some people like to study books and stuff, but I hated it! I want to enjoy the story, not pick it apart! And I did enjoy this story. It reminded me so much of Curtis Flowers and it was devastating to read. I’m glad we got a sorta „happy“ ending, if you can say that. It was very sad, but also good.
The only thing that annoyed me we’re the characters, which I basically all didn’t like, except Paul. But I suppose that was on purpose.
And then I just don’t like reading the language the black people spoke. I know that’s how people talk. It’s just so exhausting to read. I want real words, where I don’t have to imagine half the letters of the words. The worst was in Jefferson‘a diary. But even though I didn’t like it, I completely understand why it had to be like this and that otherwise it would’ve been way less realistic!
So over all a really good book!
The only thing that annoyed me we’re the characters, which I basically all didn’t like, except Paul. But I suppose that was on purpose.
And then I just don’t like reading the language the black people spoke. I know that’s how people talk. It’s just so exhausting to read. I want real words, where I don’t have to imagine half the letters of the words. The worst was in Jefferson‘a diary. But even though I didn’t like it, I completely understand why it had to be like this and that otherwise it would’ve been way less realistic!
So over all a really good book!
the_magic_bookstar's review against another edition
3.0
The book was okay but the ending so so good and emotional I sobbed for like 5 minutes
astoldby_cece's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0