(Read for my "Intro to 21st Century Literature" class.)

It doesn't seem right to say I enjoyed this, at least in the usual sense. There are so many scenes that are difficult to read because they deal with sensitive topics and/or the prose contains multiple layers of meaning; there are so many characters and relationships to keep track of.

Orange is an incredible storyteller, and this is an important story to tell. Honestly, I'm grateful that this is part of the course curriculum since it means I have support in tackling the themes and implications, as well as being in conversation with multiple interpretations.

Although I don't think I ever want to reread this, it's been profoundly impactful. Definitely deserving of all the acclaim and hype it's received.

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content warnings: 

parent deaths, major character death, gun violence, mention of suicide, minor gore, alcoholism & drug abuse, implied rape, physical & verbal domestic abuse

rep: 

American Indian MCs, biracial (Indian/white) MCs

CONVERSION: 13.15 / 15 = 4.5 stars

Prose: 9 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 8 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 9 / 10
Setting: 9 / 10

Diversity & Social Themes: 5 / 5
Intellectual Engagement: 5 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 4 / 5
Rereadability: N/A
Memorability: 5 / 5