As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Edelweiss by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
This was my first experience with a Kwame Alexander book. Based on the entire prose of Solo I can already tell it won't be my last. Within moments of beginning the story and seeing how it's verse was laid out for readers, I was immediately overcome with the atmosphere of it all. Like with books by Ellen Hopkins there's this sense of intimacy that comes with the format of the story. So much in it generates a sort of warmth and moves you the further you flip through the book and that is the most important thing to note about Solo.
What strikes me most about this is the message behind various moments in the book. Alexander provides readers with a voice that was desperately needed for its younger audience. Readers will relate to somethings in the pages and others won't, but that's okay. Because there's something deeply obtainable about the voice we witness.
More importantly, there's this element of healing and growing and reaching for life. There's a lot of layer to Solo that will keep readers turning pages. Family relationships and the struggle of living in someone else's shadow. Human complexities that arise not only from this but from love, loss and growing up. Frankly, it makes the novel so raw and moving that you scarcely find yourself drifting in and out of the story. I loved it! Overall, it's an excellent read with a velvety tone that is both honest and thought provoking.