What a book to read during the pandemic, huh?! But actually, The Names We Take, was a great book and I can’t recommend it enough. The plot was riveting and heartwarming, and also filled suspense and dread. A truly good book. ( )

As one might expect considering the title The Names We Take, this fast-paced, appealing story by Trace Kerr presents characters exploring their identities, including gender and social roles. Notwithstanding the survivalist dystopian landscape (following the One Mile Cough pandemic) and the stereotypical/ obligatory (?) menacing biker gang, the important qualities in this book center on showing the characters choosing their "names," revealing themselves to others as the human beings they wish to be.

For YA readers especially, the harrowing terrors that Pip, Fly, Iris, Clare and others face and overcome and the final safety, respect, friendship and love they find shine a strong light on the value of the journey to freedom. ( )

This book was surreal to read during an actual pandemic that as of the writing of this review has killed over a half million Americans. Fast-paced, intense writing, I could not put it down.

In this dystopian novel, set in disease-ravage Spokane, Pip and her little band of misfits must figure out how to survive and remain true to who they are. The relationships are tender and sweet, and carry the reader through the more shallow moments of the plot.

Also – there is a tiger. ( )

I can not give an honest review of this book. I got about half way through it and was so confused that I just couldn't get myself to finish it. Oddly enough it sounds like a book that wraps around Covid. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written tale of Pip, who must learn to navigate her own world while confronting the violent realities of the post-apocalyptic world she's been forced into. A pandemic has decimated the population, leading to violent gangs who roam the streets looking for any advantage. Pip, who left her family before the disease killed them, has managed to find a safe haven, but for how long? The plot went in several unexpected (for me, at least) directions, and gets rolling from the first page. Great page turner, highly recommend for fans of dystopian YA. Contains violence and somewhat graphic gender issue commentary. ( )