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A review by fig29
Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
3.5
i found olivia to be so incredibly selfish throughout the book that it was honestly tough to read at parts. olivia did have some decent character development and in the last like 10% actually apologized to her best friend, but it took us way too long to get to that point.
i did like the little throwback to YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN by including mack in this.
the story overall felt like it was trying to include a lot all at once, and just wasn’t my favorite. additionally, this story took place over a 3-day weekend and toni was already talking about “falling in love” with olivia like 66% of the way through the book. the insta-love was very overwhelming.
overall, i loved the description of the music festival (as a music fan and festival-goer, the atmospheric description was 100% accurate). i’ve missed live music during this nightmare-world we’ve been in, and this was a nice release. i also loved the representation in the book and i am very glad it exists.
i likely would only recommend this to a friend if they’ve already read YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN, as i don’t think this should be anyone’s first dabble into leah johnson’s work, because she is better than this book shows.
(imani was my favorite tho i’m willing to go to war for her. loml. i want her to be happy all the time. we’re getting married in the spring and you’re all invited.)
i did like the little throwback to YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN by including mack in this.
the story overall felt like it was trying to include a lot all at once, and just wasn’t my favorite. additionally, this story took place over a 3-day weekend and toni was already talking about “falling in love” with olivia like 66% of the way through the book. the insta-love was very overwhelming.
overall, i loved the description of the music festival (as a music fan and festival-goer, the atmospheric description was 100% accurate). i’ve missed live music during this nightmare-world we’ve been in, and this was a nice release. i also loved the representation in the book and i am very glad it exists.
i likely would only recommend this to a friend if they’ve already read YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN, as i don’t think this should be anyone’s first dabble into leah johnson’s work, because she is better than this book shows.
(imani was my favorite tho i’m willing to go to war for her. loml. i want her to be happy all the time. we’re getting married in the spring and you’re all invited.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Toxic friendship