Cuts Both Ways

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However I applaud the author for such an important subject matter, and for exploring all the different ways people can grieve and how a lost loved one can affect a family unit, I just felt like there was so much more space for more. This is my second time exposing myself to the culture of BPOC through books. The first was Ace of Spades but in Cuts Both Ways, I get to travel deeply in their culture. but i’d say in a sense i’m also hurt about her brother, despite being involved in all that, and him being well off - no one deserves what he went through. i never thought he’d be involved in such activities, but it’s why Candice put that in there, it could be anyone and happen to anyone. there was so much life ahead of him :( I feel like there are still questions to be answered so would love to see a sequel but I also appreciate and respect the idea that not every story has a happy ending and sometimes we are left without annswers. I would love to see a HEA though 🌚

Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite - Audiobook - Audible UK Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite - Audiobook - Audible UK

Many thanks to Hachette Children's Group and NetGalley for providing me with a Digital Review Copy. The plot wasn't believable and felt rushed. A pondering question I have upon finishing this novel... What was the message? What can people gain from reading this? I loved both characters I just wish there was more of a plot, as this book heavily just felt like a short period of Cynthia's life in which she was trying to come to terms with her brothers death, and if anything the book actually left more questions than answers, so the ending really did bother me. Ongoing Covid restrictions, reduced air and freight capacity, high volumes and winter weather conditions are all impacting transportation and local delivery across the globe. Cyn herself did go through a lot for such a young person, and she learnt some things along the way. however the connection that was built between her and Isaac was unmatched. it just felt RIGHT. hence when it all went down, my feelings were shattered. it’s upsetting that it had to end that way for them both, but really what was he thinking??? Thomas was simply doing all of that out of spite. it was all just crazy.

Author

I thought this book had the potential to be a good book, but instead, it was underwhelming and poorly written. I am no stranger to Candice Brathwaite’s writing; I'm certainly not a fan, but I do believe she has produced much better work than this without sounding too rude. I do not think fictional writing is for everyone. The thing that causes a lot of Young Adult books to be unsuccessful is that people write for an audience that they don’t already have. Unless you're well-established like John Green, you have to develop your style of writing before trying to put yourself in a box for a specific genre. Cuts Both Ways did a poor job of targeting a particular audience.

Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite | Goodreads Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite | Goodreads

Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments Cuts Both Ways is a riveting mixture of contemporary, romance and mystery that completely captures your mind. Wow. Where do I even begin with this book. Cuts Both Ways is like an onion. There are layers. On the surface level it is about a boy and a girl who fall in love. On a deeper level it is a Romeo and Juliet tale with a basis in crime. On a deeper level it is about the socio-political and economic values and expectations that the BPOC community face on a daily basis. Another moment that made me cringe is when Thomas the white upper class foster brother of Isacc is interested in a date with Cyn and so asks her dad if he can take her out on a date - WHILST SHE IS STOOD RIGHT THERE - boy bye this is not the 1850s.Candice captured the story of Cyn’s mum and dad beautifully - at times I was infuriated by Cyn’s dad but he was also grieving. I loved the grace Candice gave both parents and how she handled the cultural differences that have a funny way of playing out when a family is dealing with stronger forces than they are used to. Although this is obviously a YA romance book but it carries a heavy message about education. Having to be born in a place where gun and knife crime is something that bound to happen to the youngsters, Cynthia’s father is determine to change their future by moving out. Somehow I do agree with her father’s way of thinking that education can change someone’s future.