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A review by readingrobin
This Golden State by Marit Weisenberg
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
3.5
Sets up a great mystery that, while you may see the ending coming, it still builds up a good amount of intrigue and suspense for teen readers.
I was really feeling for Poppy the whole dang book. The fact that her parents had TWO children that were forced to lives as fugitives because THEY messed up big time really kept me from sympathizing with them. Sure, they tried to protect their kids, but ultimately it is so dang selfish to keep your kids in squalor half the time, deny them chances to make any attachments or relationships, or give them ways to grow emotionally or socially outside their family because of your mistakes. That legit messes kids up! I know we're talking about a work of fiction here, but it just heats me up. Good on Poppy for finally doing things for herself by the end.
The romance was sweet, but I think the mystery element was stronger and interested me more. It would have been nice to see Poppy make more friendly relationships with people other than the boy she's crushing on.
The ending was a little too open for me. It makes for some great drama, but I would have liked for things to wrap up more neatly.
I was really feeling for Poppy the whole dang book. The fact that her parents had TWO children that were forced to lives as fugitives because THEY messed up big time really kept me from sympathizing with them. Sure, they tried to protect their kids, but ultimately it is so dang selfish to keep your kids in squalor half the time, deny them chances to make any attachments or relationships, or give them ways to grow emotionally or socially outside their family because of your mistakes. That legit messes kids up! I know we're talking about a work of fiction here, but it just heats me up. Good on Poppy for finally doing things for herself by the end.
The romance was sweet, but I think the mystery element was stronger and interested me more. It would have been nice to see Poppy make more friendly relationships with people other than the boy she's crushing on.
The ending was a little too open for me. It makes for some great drama, but I would have liked for things to wrap up more neatly.