Anger Is a Gift

by Mark Oshiro
Anger Is a Gift cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Young Adult (YA)
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  • ID: 9972
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781250167040
  • Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
  • Published: 2018-05-22
  • Reviews: 3

Moss Jeffries is a multifaceted teenager dealing with the complexities of life, including panic attacks and the loss of his father. He finds himself at the center of a community rallying against the oppressive environment at his high school, where students are treated more like criminals than learners. The introduction of new regulations only exacerbates the tensions, leading to a tragic event that forces Moss to confront his fears and the systemic issues around him. /n/n As Moss grapples with his emotions and the challenges of his environment, he must decide whether to succumb to hate or harness his anger as a catalyst for positive change. The story explores themes of identity, activism, and the power of community in the face of adversity.

Reviews
William McGinn · William McGinn · 2020-06-22
brave 4.00

This book is as brave as its protagonist to not back down from brutality, alongside bold romance, brutal honesty, and best of all, the complex friendships.

William McGinn praises the book for its bravery in tackling tough subjects and its ability to balance brutality with tenderness. They highlight the bold romance and the complex friendships as standout elements. The reviewer appreciates the book's honesty and its willingness to explore difficult themes without shying away. They found the narrative to be engaging and impactful, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    This book is as brave as its protagonist to not back down from brutality.

    The romance is tender, the friendships complex which gives the systematic police brutality a personal touch.

    The book's willingness to explore difficult themes without shying away is commendable.

FunFandomBlog · 2020-06-11
powerful 3.50

This is an incredibly powerful, moving story but some of the minutiae of writing gets in the way of it really shining. The emotional depth is profound, but the execution could be smoother.

This reviewer found the story to be incredibly powerful and moving, highlighting its emotional depth and the way it tackles important themes. However, they felt that some of the writing details, such as dialogue and pacing, detracted from the overall impact. The story's ability to evoke strong emotions is commendable, but the reviewer wishes the execution was as polished as the themes it explores. They appreciate the boldness and honesty of the narrative, even if the writing sometimes feels uneven.

Quick quotes

    This is an incredibly powerful, moving story but some of the minutiae of writing gets in the way of it really shining.

    The emotional depth is profound, but the execution could be smoother.

    The story's ability to evoke strong emotions is commendable.

Classy Book Reviews · 2019-03-18
moving 4.50

The catalyst of the story killed me. I cried for basically the last 40% of the book. The events in Anger is a Gift were real and hard.

This reviewer was deeply moved by the story, particularly the catalyst that drove the narrative. They found the events to be real and hard-hitting, evoking strong emotional responses. The reviewer appreciated the raw honesty and the way the story tackled difficult subjects. They highlight the emotional impact as a key strength, making the book a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    The catalyst of the story killed me.

    I cried for basically the last 40% of the book.

    The events in Anger is a Gift were real and hard.

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