Prompts You to Examine Cultural Stereotypes

I disagree with the other review that is posted in terms of the critique of the characters because I found their experiences and perspectives to be very thought-provoking. As I listened to the text, I didn't focus solely on the written (or spoken in this case) word. Instead, I took the opportunity to step into the shoes of various minorities and view the world through their eyes. What an enlightening encounter to peek into the lives of those who experience the world and differently than I.

With this approach, I found a realistic perspective of the ways in which my diverse group of students may experience the world and the stereotypes into which they are often placed by society. This was also an opportunity for me to examine my own unconscious perceptions of stereotypes. It is uncommon for a book to afford such an opportunity to its readers.

I would recommend this book to all educators, especially those who work with a diverse population of students. While I do agree with the other review in terms of the lack of development of the plot, I feel that this is midigated by the chance to view the world through someone else's experiences.

7 people found this helpful

meh

I never really believed the stories, or the characters. The 'pretend' mystery was not such a mystery in the end. Did she or didn't she jump? By the time the mystery is solved, this reader no longer cared.
None of the characters were developed in full and so we're left to wonder what on earth made them so messed up. So much of their misery (at least the adults) is self-inflicted, so it's hard to feel pity. The children turn out beautiful and talented anyway ("Brick", and Rachel).
This book would have been more effective as a short story. Indeed, it would have been more effective with an editor. When the author refers to "Jamie-who-was-really-James" for the thirteenth time in two paragraphs, I was gnashing my teeth with irritation!!
There was a lot of writing like this. "I'm making a point here, are you listening reader? because I'm being so erudite and stating things so poetically". The writing is very self-conscious, and the point the author was trying to make was never well realized in the characters or the plot. "It's hard to be of mixed race"? "It's hard to have been the victim of an attempted murder by a messed-up mother"? I lost interest in trying to figure it out. This book was unsatisfying.

11 people found this helpful

Meh

There is a lot going on in this book. A lot about race. A lot about family. It's fine.

1 person found this helpful

Ugh...

Admittedly I had to do it for a class so take the review with a grain of salt; BUT, the story and characters are unconvincing as well as just dull. I never once was drawn in to care about their struggles or troubles. Their climax (if you can call it that) left me yawning.

I will say however that the voice actors did an excellent job. I wish they had gotten a male to read the male characters parts but it still works since his portions are in the 3rd person.

1 person found this helpful

Underwhelming

I struggled with this book. Between the lackluster reading and writing, it was a bust.

2 people found this helpful

Tough Topic

The plot is heavy and troubling. This book should be read by thick skinned people.

Just okay

I struggled to get through this book. The story jumped back and forth between times and between I struggled listening to Rachel's narrative the most. Don't think I'd recommend this book.

Modern Day Beloved

What will a mother do to protect her children from what she sees as an ugly world? the role of racism in our world must be recognized especially for the pain it causes our children and communities. beautiful unexpected story that will touch you and leave you changed

Love can be dangerous

I enjoyed this YA novel about a family’s struggle to define their identity as more than race. Another important theme is how people navigate thru love, pain and tragedy. There are two explicit sex scenes so I can’t recommend it for my 7th graders.

Missed Opportunity, Dud!

This book is hard for me to rate. I thought the characters were developed although too young so unreliable to doing the things they were said to do. The ending was disappointing to me. There was so much leading up to things and then a dud! What it’s over? I felt the same let down with what went on with Aunt Loretta. There were lots of serious stuff going on that lends a lot for discussion. There are many times you’re disgusted with what’s going on. I’m not sure if I enjoyed this read or not. Much more could have been done. Teens enjoyed the book. Students gave it a much higher rating than I did.