3.5*
Ah, who doesn't love a book about books, right? Right. This was pretty enjoyable, so let's get to it!
What I Liked:
- • Books are basically the hero of the story. Sure, Clara and others have a role in ensuring that they get into the hands of those who need them, but they're just the vessel. Books are making the true difference here.
- • Clara isn't always likable. "Wait, what?" you ask. "How is this a good thing?" Glad to tell you! So she's judgy as all get out, and she can be awfully self-absorbed, but the good news is, she goes through a ton of growth as a character and tries to do better. And really, isn't that kind of the best? Plus she's pretty funny and witty, so that is a bonus too!
- • Gosh, the book-within-a-book was fabulous! It's called Don't Tread on Me and I really feel like I need it to be an actual thing? It's Clara's latest book obsession, and I think it really speaks to the quality of the writing that I was able to love a non-existent book.
- • There were some pretty solid messages in this book. Like I said, Clara learns a lot through the course of the book. It's done mostly through her friendships and relationships with her peers, her teachers, the school staff, and her parents.
What I Didn't:
- • There was a bit of a Problematic Moment™. It serves to make Clara wonder if books can be harmful, but I think it was a little too self-absorbed, for one, and not the best way to show it, for another. (show spoiler)[Jack, who is gay and has parents who are not supportive, tries to kill himself. Clara blames herself for providing him with a copy of Catcher in the Rye. All of this is just... yikes.]
- • The resolution was just a bit too easy. I mean, I knew it would probably end a certain way, which is fine. But I just needed it do so in a somewhat more believable way.
Bottom Line: Suggested Reading truly is a love letter to books, and who among us wouldn't appreciate that?