Instant Karma review by the Ent on 11/13/2020 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog. **We reviewed an audiobook copy of the book from the publisher- our opinions are our own and we recommend the book**
Know Before You Read
Book: Instant Karma
Genre: Teen Romance, Drama
Age suggested : 12 and up
Release Date: November 3rd, 2020
Themes: Karma, Personal Responsibility, Empathy, Nature Conservancy
Warnings: Mild language, teenage relationships and kissing
Instant Karma Quick Summary:
Prudence is teenager who takes her studies, her friendships, and her relationships very seriously. In fact, one could even say she is rigid in he beliefs about others. One day she finds herself with the uncanny ability to cause instant karma to anyone she finds worthy of it. Prudence must learn that all actions have reasons behind them and consequences.
Instant Karma Review: (Contains Light Spoilers)
-Is Instant Karma Appropriate?-
There is not a lot of inappropriate content within this book. It contains some teenage relationships (nothing overtly sexual) and some mild language. Despite this, the reason we would only recommend it for kids aged 12 and up because the plot and pacing wouldn’t hold the attention or interest for younger readers.
-Plot/Story-
The overarching plot of the story kicks off when Prudence gets the ability to cause instant karma toward anyone she sees fit. This can come in positivity and negativity depending n the actions of the person being affected. This is a very interesting concept that plays out very well as the generally judgmental Prudence must learn that every person’s action may have hidden reasoning and meaning.
There are multiple side plots regarding Prudence and her relationships with her friends, family, and potential boyfriend. In this portion of the story, it plays out as a fairly generic teenage drama story, but there was some character growth along the way.
-Characters-
Prudence comes off as a bit selfish throughout much of the first three quarters of the book. Although there is a payoff in the end where Prudence learns to listen and empathize with others, it can be a bit difficult to get through Prudence’s selfishness at first.
There are several other characters in this story that play large roles and bring the story forward. Perhaps the most important secondary role comes from Quint. He plays the eventual love interest while originally coming off as an aloof teenager who gets whatever he wants. By the end of the book, you see his full story arc and you gain an appreciation about what he has done with his life.
Overall, this book has some fairly relatable teenage characters, although their flaws may be a bit accentuated. It has some decent character growth, but still had some room for improvement.
Instant Karma Discussion Questions
- Which character did you relate to the most in the story? What makes you relate to them?
- Have you ever had school partner that you didn’t get along with? What did you do to try to work alongside them better? What could you have done better?
- How did Prudence’s perspective change throughout the book? what caused this change in perspective?
- If you had Prudence’s ability, what would you do with it? Do you think you would be more likely to punish bad behavior or reward positive behavior?
If you enjoyed our Instant Karma Review, check out our other blogs:
–Look Both Ways: Jason Reynolds beautifully weaves together 10 short stories featuring 10 middle school students who each face their own roadblocks
–Stamped Review: A brief history of racism and slavery in America that has been adapted for teen readers by Jason Reynolds
–The Hate U Give: Starr is a teenage girl who has to deal with the shooting of one of her good friends.
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