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Ordinary Hazards

Nonfiction | Memoir in Verse | YA | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Nikki Grimes

Ordinary Hazards

Nonfiction | Memoir in Verse | YA | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Memoir in Verse • Nonfiction

Setting

1970s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes narrates the author's challenging childhood, including her experiences with addiction, abuse, and neglect, and her journey through adolescence. Writing and faith become her sanctuaries, helping her cope with her tumultuous life. The book delves into themes such as trauma's impact on memory, emotional support's role in resilience, and creative expression's healing power. The book includes references to child abuse, substance use, addiction, sexual assault, and trauma.

Emotional

Inspirational

Hopeful

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.5

4,067 ratings

89%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes is a compelling memoir in verse that has garnered positive attention for its raw emotional depth and lyrical prose. Reviewers praise Grimes' ability to navigate harrowing life experiences with resilience and hope. Some critique the fragmented narrative, feeling it may challenge reader engagement. Overall, it’s a poignant, inspiring read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ordinary Hazards?

A reader who would enjoy Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes is likely someone drawn to emotionally potent memoirs and poetry. Fans of Jacqueline Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming or Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings would find this blend of vivid verse and profound autobiography compelling. This book will appeal to readers who appreciate resilience and poetic storytelling.

4.5

4,067 ratings

89%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Memoir in Verse • Nonfiction

Setting

1970s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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