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theblushbookworm's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Hate crime, Police brutality, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism and Violence
Minor: Colonisation
elizaob's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Death, Racism, Violence, Police brutality, and Death of parent
mattypallett's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
At times, the way Nelson tried to draw similarities between Stephen and his father felt too heavy handed for my tastes. Using music (or food) as connective tissue makes sense since it’s such a universal language but using specific dialogue choices that their respective partners said to them, unknowingly, seemed slightly forced. On the other hand, I did like the way that it added some depth to the tension between them; with the father so mad at the son out of fear he may repeat his missteps/face the same difficulties he faced.
Nelson’s melodic and repetitive writing style worked brilliantly to reflect the constant music influences in the character’s lives, and I found it endlessly readable. And the final 10-15 blew me away.
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, and Death of parent
alannashelfhelp's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
hi97's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racism and Alcohol
Moderate: Slavery, Police brutality, and Death of parent
alexdayhey's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, and Deportation
alyxinthestars's review against another edition
4.5
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
sydapel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Drug use, Racism, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
laurareads87's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content warnings: racism, discrimination, police brutality, grief, death of a parent, drug & alcohol use
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Alcohol
sandwiiche's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
this story is about the struggles of immigrant families, and how they strive to build a new place they can call home. it's a story about loss, the grievance of loved ones, but also the loss of purpose and connection. the story truly heroes the idea that when all else fails, when words cannot express one's thoughts and feelings, it is through the language of song and dance that allows one to voice their heart's truest emotions. it is the space created by music, by letting yourself get lost in the rhythm that gives an individual the opportunity to feel, to open their heart up to the wounds of the past, the joys of the present, and the hopes for the future. ultimately, it is a narrative about the journey to discovering one's identity whilst navigating the rollercoaster of life.
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Racism, Police brutality, and Alcohol