Reviews

Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead

ungildedlily's review

dark funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

kristalovesparis's review against another edition

funny tense medium-paced

3.5

kindasweetish's review against another edition

dark informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If I could give this book over a 5, I would. I love Carney and Pepper and all of the characters they find themselves entwined with. I’m also learning a lot about the history of New York. A really large, complex rock which is a perfect reflection of America.

cupitonians's review against another edition

adventurous tense medium-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? It's complicated

3.5

Classic middle book syndrome! 

boenguen's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny 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

3.5

robynearhart's review against another edition

adventurous challenging funny fast-paced

3.5

mcgrathprj's review against another edition

adventurous funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

bcgg's review

5.0

'CROOK MANIFESTO is a darkly funny tale of a city under siege, but also a sneakily searching portrait of the meaning of family. Colson Whitehead's kaleidoscopic portrait of Harlem is sure to stand as one of the all-time great evocations of a place and a time. COLSON WHITEHEAD is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eleven works of fiction and nonfiction, and is a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, for The Nickel Boys and The Underground Railroad, which also won the National Book Award. A recipient of MacArthur and Guggenheim fellowships, he lives in New York City.'

When you read one of Colson Whitehead novels, you realize how a novel should be written. Phrases structured with vivid wording. Memorable characters that will stay with you.

His writing is a gift and I am a huge fan.

kealajaye's review against another edition

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

This is like if you made an action movie into a book. I think it would be a really amazing read for many, but it just could grab my attention. I got more into by the final part, but the first one was a blur because I was trying to fast forward. 

lmrajt's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective 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

3.5

I was glad to have these characters back in my life, was interested the whole time (yeah Pepper!)  and look forward to the next installment. That said, it took a lot of focus to read and seemed a bit all over the place. I had to keep looking up the slang!