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kaymrenee's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The messaging and ideas of this book are great. I didnt love (but also didn't mind) the somewhat magical-realism style, mostly because a lot of it felt repetitive (how often do I need to hear "I have a condition" explained and stated by the same character, not even to other characters but just as part of narration?) I appreciate attempts to critique sexist tropes but unfortunately the critiques didn't land for me, especially when compared to the very in depth discussions/critique of race/racism/colorism and celebrity/fame.
Not something I'd personally say is a "must read" (I think you can find similar themes in books id enjoy more) but its not a bad one to pick up.
Both stars for themes.
Not something I'd personally say is a "must read" (I think you can find similar themes in books id enjoy more) but its not a bad one to pick up.
Both stars for themes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, and Police brutality
katielong84's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Gun violence, Racism, Police brutality, and Death of parent
siobhanward's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
3.0
If this whole book had focused on Soot's storyline, it would have been a fantastic read. However, Soot was overshadowed by the author and his journey to promote his mysterious book. Maybe it was just too meta for me. I don't know. What I do know, is that some parts were fantastic: Soot and his story, the end of the book, and interactions between the author and the Kid. Unfortunately, the rest of the book just kind of dragged for me and I found myself waiting impatiently for the plot to move past the author and back to Soot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Racism, Violence, Police brutality, and Death of parent
christineplum's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
wow. there are not many books that I read that I believe are true “modern classics.” as in, required reading both for poignant content and for the formidable usage of literary devices. I plan to revisit this with something to annotate in hand, because it’s worth the reread and attention to detail.
I should add that I listened to the audiobook, and I very much enjoyed the narrator.
I should add that I listened to the audiobook, and I very much enjoyed the narrator.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racism, and Police brutality
readingrandbow's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racism, and Police brutality
rainbowarpaint's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Mental illness, Racism, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
hanley's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
i think calling your book "Hell of a Book" and then having it be one of those meta stories in which there is an author with a book of the same title creates high expectations. yet Jason Mott managed to surpass them all and I enthusiastically concede-- it's a hell of a book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, and Police brutality
whataboutzana's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gun violence, Racism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexism
bookgardendc's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The title does the book justice. I’ve never read anything quite like this - it’s funny and complex and deeply profound and yet somehow two-thirds of the book manages to
feel fairly light. I clearly felt the inner struggles of the characters, and the generational trauma that African Americans must experience. Beautiful book.
feel fairly light. I clearly felt the inner struggles of the characters, and the generational trauma that African Americans must experience. Beautiful book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Hate crime, Racism, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Violence, Police brutality, Murder, and Alcohol
Trauma is a major feature. This book centers on police shootings of black men and boys. While descriptions aren’t graphic, it is an ever present theme.megdye487's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Police brutality