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A review by b10h4z4rd
Everyone's Thinking It by Aleema Omotoni
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
I found this book really beautiful!
With mysteries, I can find them a bit contrived and difficult, but this one unfolded really well. Our plot felt fresh and delightfully new, with Iyanu's photos being stolen in order to stir up drama around the school while the culprit pinned it on her.
Omotoni write delightful characters that interacted in a way that felt natural. All their different, distinct traits were pertinent to the novel, even if in small ways.Iyanu's photography, Marcus's panic attacks, Quincy's baking–all of those traits were actually pertinent as either details or plot points. I appreciate how this novel gives an incredibly nuanced depiction of how predominantly white institutions and their cultures can affect the few students of color there and make them act in less than optimal ways.
My only criticism of this book is that it can be difficult to remember all the characters. There are several characters, each with somewhat equal participation in the plot, but it can be difficult to differentiate them (mostly the guys for me) and keep all their traits neat and tidy in my mind, especially with how short this novel is compared to others. I would have appreciated a little relationship diagram or faces to put to names because I genuinely forgot that some characters were related to others and their ages in relation to each other.
All in all, a lovely and nuanced depiction of how oppressive, stifling environments can change even the most well-meaning of people.
With mysteries, I can find them a bit contrived and difficult, but this one unfolded really well. Our plot felt fresh and delightfully new, with Iyanu's photos being stolen in order to stir up drama around the school while the culprit pinned it on her.
Omotoni write delightful characters that interacted in a way that felt natural. All their different, distinct traits were pertinent to the novel, even if in small ways.
My only criticism of this book is that it can be difficult to remember all the characters. There are several characters, each with somewhat equal participation in the plot, but it can be difficult to differentiate them (mostly the guys for me) and keep all their traits neat and tidy in my mind, especially with how short this novel is compared to others. I would have appreciated a little relationship diagram or faces to put to names because I genuinely forgot that some characters were related to others and their ages in relation to each other.
All in all, a lovely and nuanced depiction of how oppressive, stifling environments can change even the most well-meaning of people.