Book Review: Pride or Die by [Author’s Name]
As a lover of young adult mysteries, I couldn’t resist the pull of Pride or Die by [Author’s Name]. The premise seemed like a perfect blend of high school drama and intrigue, featuring a diverse cast navigating the challenges of identity and acceptance in a Texas school setting. But while I dove in with eager anticipation, I ended up grappling with some unexpected frustrations.
The story centers around Eleanora Finkel, a fiercely determined high school senior who has just founded an LGBTQ+ club. This club is more than just a social space; it’s a beacon of hope and a safe haven for students searching for belonging in a world that often feels hostile. However, the plot takes a sharp turn when Kenley—the popular head cheerleader—is attacked right outside the club’s meeting room. Suddenly, Eleanora and her friends find themselves tangled in a web of suspicion, desperate to clear their names and protect the survival of their club.
On the surface, this sets up a thrilling narrative, but I found myself scratching my head throughout. The urgency Eleanora feels, believing there’s a “homophobic murderer” on the loose, seems disproportionate, especially since Kenley—and not a member of their club—has merely been injured. The mystery itself felt lackluster; while I appreciated the intention behind it, the execution left a lot to be desired. Even after the Scooby-Doo-esque reveal, I was left wondering about the motivations at play.
Eleanora’s voice dominated the narrative, and to be honest, it became quite grating. Her self-absorption was overwhelming; while she eventually has a moment of self-reflection, it felt a bit like too little, too late. I was genuinely intrigued by her friends, Noah and Tyler, as well as Kenley, but they often felt overshadowed by Eleanora’s relentless monologue. It would have been refreshing to see the story unfold from their perspectives, which might have provided the depth and nuance that felt sorely lacking.
The portrayal of characters was particularly frustrating. Outside of Eleanora’s tight circle, everyone else seemed to fit neatly into stereotypes, lacking the complexity that makes for captivating storytelling. There were cringe-worthy moments that I found difficult to digest, and at times, I felt like I was reading an exaggerated teenage drama rather than a nuanced exploration of high school life.
However, I must highlight the commendable performance of the audiobook narrator, Ina Marie Smith. Her youthful tone and emotional sincerity brought life to Eleanora’s character in a way that might not have landed on the page.
At the end of the day, Pride or Die didn’t resonate with me the way I had hoped. Yet, I recognize that everyone has different tastes. If the premise piques your interest—especially if you’re a fan of YA mysteries—I encourage you to give it a shot. There’s potential here, and I believe many readers might find enjoyment in Eleanora’s journey and the themes of friendship and acceptance woven throughout the story. While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I’m grateful to Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to dive into this tale of high school chaos and identity exploration.
Happy reading, everyone!
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