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156 reviews
The Trees by Percival Everett
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. I don't know how Percival Everett could write on such a dark subject matter, with such humor. I had too many laugh out loud moments. I couldn't put this book down, it was so entertaining. I wish Jordan Peele could make a screen adaptation.
Passing by Nella Larsen
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Nella Larsen wrote beautifully. However, I couldn't wait for this book to end. I just didn't find any of the characters likeable or interesting, especially Irene- from whose tedious viewpoint the book is written. Perhaps I would've liked it better had I gotten to know what Clare, or Brian were thinking...I found myself frustratingly curious about Brian. That said, Ms Larsen was indeed a gifted writer.
Afterlife by Julia Alvarez
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I didn't like this book at all. I only finished it because I was hopeful it would take an interesting turn. I skipped past a lot of the main character's internal dialogue. Honestly, non of the characters were actually likeable, except for Estela. It's okay to have unlikable characters, but atleast make the story interesting.
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Police brutality
A Girl is a Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is the best book I have read in a really long time. It was like a love letter to african womanhood, in all it’s complexity, beauty, ugliness, messiness, resilience, etc. It’s also historical fiction, so I learned a lot about the history, mythology, and culture of Uganda. Jennifer Makumbi is genius!
Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danticat
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.75
The Sex Lives of African Women by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
I just didn’t enjoy this book. I found it a little boring, and as far as I had gotten, I only read about privileged african women. Perhaps the more diverse participants in terms of SES, were included later in the book. However, 61 pages in, I was just bored, and felt like I was reading about sex lives that I see on American tv every day. To be fair, perhaps that’s the point- that the sex lives of African women are just like what we see on tv?
Minty Alley by C.L.R. James
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The storyline was really stressful, how much drama can one withstand? I also didn’t find any of the characters likeable, except for Ella, who wasn’t a main character.
The Dew Breaker by Edwidge Danticat
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture