bbboeken's review against another edition
5.0
Exceptional writing, with enough distance between writer and subject yet very emphatic. Superb balance between structure, plot and engagement. Left me curious about his other novels.
wabisabigio's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Torture
sethsimmons122's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cookewitch's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Utterly heartbreaking but brilliant read! Even more heartbreaking knowing that it was inspired by the Dozier School for Boys in Florida and the awful treatment boys sent there had to endure.
Oh Elwood and Turner, I think you’ve broken my heart 💔
📖💔📖
Oh Elwood and Turner, I think you’ve broken my heart 💔
📖💔📖
duranceau22ced's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
brendi92's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
ccryan's review against another edition
Really enjoyed Whitehead’s writing, as heartbreaking as the end was to process (and really the entire story).
rrickman33's review against another edition
5.0
Elwood sees the good in things, what could be, how it could be better. Even after he is unfairly sent to the Nickel Academy, a "reform" school for boys where atrocities occurred. Based on a real place, The Dozier School, in Florida that ran for 111 years. The Nickel Boys starts with an unearthing of an unmarked grave yard by a near-by University. What they find are the bodies of boys.
At The Nickel Academy, Elwood befriends Turner who has a very realistic look at the world, pretty much the opposite of Elwood. This book takes you on a horrid journey but also one of friendship, survival, reckoning with the past, and learning to move forward. The ending left me shocked, there is a bit of a twist.
I did a dive into Dozier School after reading this book and even if you don't read this book, that is definitely something you should look into. This place was real and these experiences and stories deserve to be heard.
I can't recommend this book enough. It will tear your heart out but deservedly so.
At The Nickel Academy, Elwood befriends Turner who has a very realistic look at the world, pretty much the opposite of Elwood. This book takes you on a horrid journey but also one of friendship, survival, reckoning with the past, and learning to move forward. The ending left me shocked, there is a bit of a twist.
I did a dive into Dozier School after reading this book and even if you don't read this book, that is definitely something you should look into. This place was real and these experiences and stories deserve to be heard.
I can't recommend this book enough. It will tear your heart out but deservedly so.
margaridaasp's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.25