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davidbythebay's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a beautiful thriller complete with so much emotion. It's a lot of what would happen in this situation, with some appreciated commentary on the media and gossip, as well as on being quiet/shy (read: introvert). I definitely had a tear or two. I had a guess what was going to happen about a third of the way through and I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong.
Without spoilers, I will say that this is difficult subject matter (a school shooting) handled well. The first part of the narrative switches between the present time and past moments with Jake and his family. This, at times, was a little jarring but I do see the payoff. On a second read it may even lead to more insight and discoveries. But as a first read, I was lovely and heartbreaking and hopeful.
I knocked it down a bit because the last line is cheesey and, frankly, something I could never see being said at that moment in time if ever. It also comes out of nowhere in that hints of discord may be gleamed from the story line regarding these characters, but nothing to the point where this thing could lead to this conclusion. That's all I'll say to be spoiler free. Though I will also say, the last addition, shall we say, is too much for me to take seriously.
Overall, great emotional story with some slightly annoying characters and moments. (The dad/narrator is a bit of a cynical Simon (haha!) and negative about himself and his abilities, like depression level but without any seeming therapy.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, Mental illness, Self harm, and Suicide