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bookishlifeofbrie's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
jodeezle's review against another edition
3.0
I have to admit that I picked thisbook becauseof the author and the cover. But I was very pleased with this book. It caught me from the very beginning. This story taught me things abou the civil rights movement that I had never heard of. I talked to my family about them and they confirmed some things. The history and research were a wonderful help in bringing the story to life. I enjoyed watching Anita and Jason figure out what was important to them.
I've read other books by Donna Hill and again she did not let me down. Definitely will recommend this book to friends and family.
This book was received in exchange for an honest review.
I've read other books by Donna Hill and again she did not let me down. Definitely will recommend this book to friends and family.
This book was received in exchange for an honest review.
stephltorres's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
reallyintoreading's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
curiouslykatt's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Confessions in B-Flat take us to Harlem, New York in 1963. We have Anita Hopkins who is following the teachings of Malcolm X, meanwhile Jason is pulling up roots from Atlanta and moving to New York to help spread the gospel of Martin Luther King Jr. Knowing this you can see where this story might be going. You have a “by any means necessary” approach versus a passive resistance approach. Ultimately striving for the same goal, but two very different paths.
This was probably a bad timing read for me and I even mentioned to our bookclub host I’ll be actively picking up some other books because ya girl needs a reprieve. With that being said I don’t know how to review this one. I’m not mad I read it. I’m not happy I read it. I just read it. I can see a lot of the bookclub readers really enjoying this one.
I will say the historical inaccuracies were a bit of a miss for me, but I don’t think a lot of readers will actually pick up on the minutiae the same way. Like how many people are going to notice that answering machines weren’t common until the 80s but a poor beat poet/waitress has one? How many people will screech halt when Anita and Jason take a plane ride and she’s shocked he’s never been on a plane... In the 1960s... How many people will reflect on bell bottoms, which weren’t common until the later 60s/ early 70s.
I’ll be honest it was probably my brain focusing on these acting as a padded wall for my sanity.
I read the book. I got it off my shelf. We’ll call it a win.
katieinqueens's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
kay_reads_books6's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What first captured me to read this book was the synopsis of a civil rights romance read. I came for the historical fiction and stayed for the romance.
How Anita and Jason came to be was so different and unique. I really enjoyed this story. What threw me off was the transitions in the book. I'm not sure if that was because I listened to the audiobook. But the narrators did so well!
Also, the mention of cassette tapes in this time frame threw me off, as well. That wasn't for about another 20 more years.
Other than those 2 things, I really enjoyed this story of 2 different people fighting for the same thing, but in different ways.
How Anita and Jason came to be was so different and unique. I really enjoyed this story. What threw me off was the transitions in the book. I'm not sure if that was because I listened to the audiobook. But the narrators did so well!
Also, the mention of cassette tapes in this time frame threw me off, as well. That wasn't for about another 20 more years.
Other than those 2 things, I really enjoyed this story of 2 different people fighting for the same thing, but in different ways.
i_attri_'s review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
lauren_soderberg's review against another edition
5.0
Donna Hill’s Confessions in B-Flat is a poignant, timely, and beautiful story about two people finding their way during the tumultuous 1960s.
When Jason Tanner meets Anita Hopkins on a bus bound for New York City, he knows he’s encountered someone special. He’s been sent by Dr. King to expand the message of passive resistance to people up north, which seems to directly clash with Anita’s support of Malcolm X’s ideology. But neither Jason nor Anita can seem to shake their connection. Will it be enough to keep them together during one of the most politically charged time periods in America’s history?
As mentioned in the blurb, this novel is as timeless as it is timely. At its core, it’s a story about two people whose connection and love for each other strengthens with time, despite some seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Hill is masterful at weaving the history of the Civil Rights Movement into her narrative; you feel dropped straight into that time period and all of its vigor and tumultuousness. Yet, the personal connection and bond between Anita and Jason is what really shines. Though they’re shaped by their time, their love is universal.
I felt a gamut of emotions reading the arc of their story, and feel that it’s not only important for its message about civil rights (and how much more work there is to do) but for its beautiful love story and tremendous character growth. I also greatly enjoy reading stories about characters whose life experiences are different from mine, as it widens my worldview and enriches my life in ways that are valuable and important. We need more stories like these.
This is one of my favorite novels of 2020. A definite must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When Jason Tanner meets Anita Hopkins on a bus bound for New York City, he knows he’s encountered someone special. He’s been sent by Dr. King to expand the message of passive resistance to people up north, which seems to directly clash with Anita’s support of Malcolm X’s ideology. But neither Jason nor Anita can seem to shake their connection. Will it be enough to keep them together during one of the most politically charged time periods in America’s history?
As mentioned in the blurb, this novel is as timeless as it is timely. At its core, it’s a story about two people whose connection and love for each other strengthens with time, despite some seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Hill is masterful at weaving the history of the Civil Rights Movement into her narrative; you feel dropped straight into that time period and all of its vigor and tumultuousness. Yet, the personal connection and bond between Anita and Jason is what really shines. Though they’re shaped by their time, their love is universal.
I felt a gamut of emotions reading the arc of their story, and feel that it’s not only important for its message about civil rights (and how much more work there is to do) but for its beautiful love story and tremendous character growth. I also greatly enjoy reading stories about characters whose life experiences are different from mine, as it widens my worldview and enriches my life in ways that are valuable and important. We need more stories like these.
This is one of my favorite novels of 2020. A definite must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.