Bearmouth

I'm sure the writing style will put a lot of people off, but I found it fascinating--it takes a lot of skill to consciously break the rules like that. I loved the setting, which was wonderfully fleshed out given how short the book is, and the commentary on classism and revolution. I do wish that Newt's gender had been explored with a little more nuance--what is it like to be a girl when you're the only girl you know, when you have no frame of reference? That question opens up a lot of possibilities that I wish had been explored. Also, it was a bit troubling that the only character of color both A. existed mainly to impart wisdom to the (presumably white) protagonist and B. died.

Other than that, though, this was a great read.

The writing is very creative and a bit challenging. The story is compelling for the most part, but does get a bit predictable toward the end.

This is startling. I'm amazed it wasn't shortlisted for Carnegie. Atmospheric and gripping. Clever and touching. Please read it.