Review: Riot Act

RIOT ACT by Sarah Lariviere

Fiction, YA, Historical,

5*****

Blurb: Punk rock meets 1984 in this story of a group of theater kids who take on a political regime, perfect for readers who love books by A.S. King and Marie Lu. In an alternate 1991, the authoritarian US government keeps tabs on everybody and everything. It censors which books can be read, what music can be listened to, and which plays can be performed. When her best friend is killed by the authorities and her theater teacher disappears without a trace, Gigi decides to organize her fellow Champaign High School thespians to put on a production of Henry VI. But at what cost?

Thoughts: This is a very interesting book. One that should be read by everyone. Unfortunately, I predict it’s going to be banned by the very people who *should* be reading it. It’s thought provoking and disturbing, but so well-written. Quote: Ms. Lee is still talking. “And when they tell you you can’t do it? You do it anyway. You do it louder. You never stop.”

Told from the point of view of Max, who is actually dead, and trying to get his best friends to hear him, it shows what could happen if a dictator takes over the US. Quote: “History loves its snake oil salesmen.” Only certain music, theater, TV, radio, etc. is allowed. There’s no internet for outside information. Phone calls are regulated, and you can’t leave the city where you live without passes and permission. But that doesn’t stop the Thespian Club from putting on their own performances (in secret) of various plays. Gigi, Max’s best friend, is the main person Max is trying to talk to and she decides to put on version of a Shakespeare play that could really get her in trouble. The kind of trouble that Max got into. This is a story about teenagers who decide to fight back in the only way they know how—through art, theater, music. It is not a happy story or an easy one to read, but it is an amazing story, very well-written and with imagery that stays with you.

I love that there are strong ties to Shakespeare, especially Henry VI, and a couple references to Chekhov as well. At the end of the book, there is a recommended reading list as well as a playlist of music to go with the story.

Definitely Recommended

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”