Reviews

3 and a half stars but written well in that it touches your heart. It’s a deeply sad book and pre-readers should note warnings for suicide and depression. I do feel like there was more back story that needed to be brought into the forefront and that we were missing a deeper family history.

queen_persephone's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

rshaharyar's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad slow-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

3.5

Content Warnings

bredison's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

readtomea97's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

5.0

wengergal's review against another edition

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5.0

J.J. Bola has written a lyrical book that tells the story of Michael, a Congolese born Brit, who has and is battling mental health struggles. The story flips between past time in London and current days in the United States. I found the flipping back and forth a bit of a struggle. I wonder if a continuous timeline would have made it easier for others.

I found that I could relate on a personal level with Michael. As someone who has battled mental health struggles, I found myself nodding with things Michael said or felt. For those who have not struggled with mental health, it is possible that they might not be able to relate to the main character.

Throughout the story, Bola leads the readers down a path that seems certain and then flips the story to the point that I gasped out loud with shock at the turn of events.

This is a heavy heavy book yet so beautifully written that I could not stop listening to the audiobook. I do think the audiobook added a sense of connection with the main character. I found myself talking to Michael throughout the book, telling him to do something or not to do something. I wanted to take Michael by the hand and get him the help that he so desperately needed. I wanted to wrap my arms around Michael and let him know that someone cared for him and his life was worth living. This book gutted me with the emotions that it made me feel.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Atria in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

skyee_18's review against another edition

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5.0

I had no idea what this book was about when I started it, and I definitely did not think it would touch me in the way that it did. This book was relatable in so many ways it was like looking into a mirror at times. Yes, maybe this novel is a bit depressing and I can understand why some people may not have loved it as I did, but I counter that it is just immensely REAL. Yes, it can be uncomfortable at times, but the uncomfortable conversations are the ones we need to be having. So many things in this story resonated with me and the writing was truly beautiful. I was blown away by this book that I randomly grabbed at the bookstore. It is 10000% worth the read.

***it can be a bit dark at times, so if you are not ready for something like that, I would maybe hold off on reading it***

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