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. 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?