mswatson's Reviews (552)

Not my favorite of the 3 books. It leaned too religious at the end- felt like it was trying too hard.

The first half was riveting, though.

I loved reading a Riordin-esque story based on some mythologies I remember from my childhood. Gum-baby and Brer Rabbit were some of my favorite stories

Lots of food for thought. I kept notes of all the names and facts I learned and things I need to learn more about. The audio was fantastic, thanks to Jason Reynolds.

I appreciated the concepts provided. I need to read the paper-version. Listening to the audio was a bit distracting. Kendi's reading voice was different and less engaging than his public speaking voice.

YA.

Heavy. Dealt with a lot of difficult topics. I wouldn't recommend for younger grades.

That being said, this was an excellent book. In the epilogue, Hesse discusses her desire to write a book set during the time right after the liberation of the concentration camps. In reflecting in the books I've read about WWII, most take place right before that time and they climax with the liberation.

This book excellently shared what a toll that experience could take on one's mental health and the difficulty of recovering and starting again.