Insightful and engaging

The hype heaped upon this book meant it fell well below my expectations. Comparisons to Sally Rooney are misguided and actually do the writer a disservice. Rooney captures souls and spirits in the slightest of stories, Kiley Reid on the other hand brings us a multilayered, super woke tale that is efficient rather than effortless. The story is, however, very engaging and the various characters captured brilliantly.

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A really thought provoking read

Do not be fooled into thinking this is chic lit. It had me asking some really soul searching questions about unconscious racism.

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Won’t remember this

It was an ok story but felt the ideas could have been exploited more; it hovered on the surface. May be the plot was weak because the writing was descriptive enough and the dialogue was realistic. The performance was good and brought the story to life. But sadly for me it won’t be a story I remember in years to come and not a book I will want to read/listen to again. Im glad I listen to it though. Thank you

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A book of two halves

This was such a strange book in some ways. Basically nothing at all happened for the first half of the book. It was so incredibly slow with so many descriptions given in minute detail. I nearly gave up several times but somehow the writing kept me going, just. Then about halfway through it finally started to have a plot and became fascinating. I got really hooked following it and kept thinking about the characters. I found it hard to relate to the characters for a long time as my life has nothing in common with either Amira's or Alix's. Amira's character eventually emerged but Alix's remained baffling - her obsessions with Amira and Kelly were just bizarre. But there were some really thought provoking ideas about race, and the relationship between Amira and Briar was beautifully described. I thought it was very well read apart from Briar's voice seeming rasping and unrealistic. Overall very glad in the end that I did stick it out through the first half to make it to the second!

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LOVED THIS!

I loved this book so much, I couldn’t stop listening to it. Wasn’t a massive fan of the narration because I couldn’t always tell who was talking, as there are a lot of characters (when the two main friends’ groups are considered). I also loved how the characters were likeable yet flawed and how the black characters were so diverse and not displayed as a monolith. Will be buying the physical book, too!

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the best modern book I've listened to!

Fantastic story brought to life by a truly excellent performance. I loved all the characters so much, but that little girl got me every time!

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Best narration ever

The narrator is gold dust, and added immensely to my enjoyment of this book. She made the audio version superior to the physical book. Fantastic! I would give her another star if I could.

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thoroughly enjoyable

really liked this book, well paced, good storyline with thought provoking race themes as well as love, friendships and coming of age themes.

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Brilliant

Absolutely fantastic novel and an exceptional performance by narrator Nicole Lewis. Thoroughly engaging from start to finish and an intelligent, witty and thought-provoking piece.

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Brilliant narration

I loved the story but I especially loved it with the narration. The story had me hooked.

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