Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

James by Percival Everett

78 reviews

hayreading's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional reflective fast-paced
  • 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

Not something I'd usually pick up, but an enjoyable one. The n-word is said 68 times in this book. I'm sorry, but that's too many. The point could be delivered without it. The book was fast paced and I was always interested in where it was going.

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pix_ani's review against another edition

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challenging emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

An amazing story told by an incredible narrator. This book will stay with me for years to come. 

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carojust's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I loved this book, and was immersed the entire way, rooting for James as the true hero in a world imagined by Mark Twain, perfected by Percival Everett. 

There's so much depth beyond the adventure, and so much that needed to be said from the other side of the story. Most haunting to me was the reality of being chained without the chain, always existing within context of White slavers, named by them, tortured by them, unable to take steps without them. The contrast between James and Huckleberry, a child who has more power than a grown man, was devastating. The symbolism of a pencil and paper, the sacrifice that comes with having a voice, made me emotional.

This is set to be a modern classic, and I hope you read this for the beautiful storytelling, and the focus on Black history and the evils of slavery. 

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sierracaine's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad 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? It's complicated

5.0


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rkibler24's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny hopeful inspiring 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

This was a wonderful retelling of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of James (We know him as Jim). The narrator for the audio version was fantastic. I listened mostly in the car and never wanted to get to my destination! This is a difficult book to read on account of all the details about the treatment of slaves, however, it is a masterpiece of storytelling and a book everyone should read!

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alyssatuininga's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

Wow, this book. I had this suggested to me by many people and finally decided to prioritize it. This is a view through the lens of the character Jim from Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. This book is beautifully written, with a twist on two old stories.  James gives Jim a new life with dignity, intelligence, and a complex life. I loved the code-switching and secret teachings of the slave community. This book was thought-provoking, deeply moving and engaging. Percival Everett has a way with words and the characters are well written. HIghky recommend. You will never look at Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn the same.

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bendercath's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Wow. What a tour de force. This book has left me breathless. I have such a deep and incredible respect for Percival Everett. He deserves all and every accolade for this masterpiece. Beautiful, disturbing, heartbreaking, inspirational ... all of that. I will never forget James. Thank you, Mr. Everett.

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zeropizza's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75


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alisonvh's review against another edition

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adventurous dark 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? It's complicated

4.0

I’m still working out how I feel about this book, but there’s no denying it’s compelling, well-written, and a very different take on Huck Finn.

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bookjudy42's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

An astounding work. Just incredible. Precise and biting and reflective and deep. James comes to life, with all the heartache and power of a firework. 

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