toreadistovoyage's Reviews (1.58k)

A beautifully written story in verse about Jacqueline Woodson's coming-of-age in the 1960s and 1970s. Covering heavy topics, but also exploring what it means to simply be a child, this was informative, inspiring, and worth a read.

I cannot imagine the vulnerability and self-reflection it took to write this. Putting all the worst parts of yourself out there - both the worst things you have ever done and the worst things that have ever happened to you - without making excuses for them, is daring. I am really glad that I listened to the q&a with the author at the end of the book. She explains so much about her process, the intentionality behind her writing style, the reasoning for sharing everything she shared. It really changed how I viewed the book. 

Great audiobook. Trotter’s narration was conversational, making it feel like a live recitation. He discusses what made him who he is - friends, family, art, his neighborhood, the time in which he grew up. A fairly short memoir; I wish there had been more. 

Not a typical novel, but rather interwoven short stories. Engaging stories covering a wide variety of topics, many of them dealing with familial issues/pressures/expectations. I wanted to be in each story longer; I wanted more of these characters’ stories. 

I don't often read short story collections. I have a hard time with what feels like an excerpt from a longer work. When I do venture into a collection, I appreciate when the stories feel connected in some way - either obviously (shared characters, settings, etc.) or veiled (thematic, style, etc.)

Commonalities amongst some/all of the stories were:
Peculiar behavior (some possibly due to mental health issues, other more open-ended)
Trauma informed behavior
Home (what is home? differences in homes; loss of home; letting others in/keeping others out)

What I appreciated about these stories was the peculiarity. The characters did not act/think/behave in what would be considered "normal" ways. There were a few stories, especially "None of That", that left me wishing that they had been expanded upon. I wanted to know more about those characters and that world. There were a couple of stories that felt less connected and were less successful for me. 

What a beautiful story. 

Novel in verse
Coming-of-age
Explores identity, gender, sexuality, and race

My son is now obsessed with the Titanic.

Jack and Annie continue to get sent into situations that are extremely dangerous, which lends the reader to question the real motives of Morgan. These four books had the kids looking for items to help break the cursed dog. And let me just say, the reveal was a major let down.

Highly suggest listening to the audiobook. Lovely, emotional collection.

Debut novels written by poets never cease to impress me - and this was no exception. Beautifully written. 

Multiple perspectives
Family saga, but also kind of coming-of-age
Grief, existential crisis, loss
Recovery
Friendships/relationships
History
And so much more

I wouldn't say I almost DNFed this book, but it was close. I am really glad I pushed through till the end, because the ENDING was great. That being said, I don't think it should take 32 chapters for me to get hooked. 

I really liked the world building and magic system (even if I didn't fully understand it for most of the book). The book definitely had a definitive mood/vibe/whatever you want to call it, which strengthened the story. For most of the book I had no real investment in any of the characters. By the end, though, that had changed. 

I can't exactly pinpoint what wasn't working for me for most of the book, but I imagine it had something to do with just not caring about what was happening/the characters.