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janeowatson's review against another edition
The library removed it from libby before I could finish it!
chamomiledaydreams's review
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've been on the lookout for books featuring characters with albinism, and so far, "Nobody's Magic" is the only one I've read that was written by someone with albinism. It's definitely the most authentic, and I had to take breaks while reading each story, because they got a bit overwhelming for me.
My favorite of the three stories is "Drive," in part because it hits so close to home. It was validating when Suzette felt as though she had to jump through extra hoops to get her driver's license, and part of me was hoping that she (like me) would ultimately decide that driving isn't worth it. Of course, Suzette's situation is much different than mine, so driving represented a freedom for her rather than an obligation, and I'm happy that she managed to pursue her goals. The title "Drive" is a clever pun on the act of driving and the desire to move forward with purpose and determination.
The other two stories were great, as well, although I would say that I enjoyed each story a little less than the one I'd read previously. "Mind the Prompt" was especially challenging for me, because I hated the decisions that Agnes was making in her love life, and it was painful to watch her make a succession of bad choices. "Bottled Water" also featured moments that made me wince, but there was enough genuine human connection to compensate that the overall tone of the story was bittersweet, rather than depressing. I still don't understand why it was called "Bottled Water," to be honest, but I trust the author enough to assume that I just missed something as a reader.
The quality of Birdsong's writing is fantastic, so even when a scene was difficult to read, I was confident that she knew what she was doing and that she had a specific story to tell. The end of the book confirmed this for me, when I looked over the discussion questions meant for reading groups and realized that I had missed significant details in the text, like the fact that only Agnes' story is written in the third-person. That would be so much fun to analyze, and the English major in me who wrote essays on similar subjects in college is very intrigued.
I would love to read Birdsong's poetry collection sometime. It's great to see art made by someone with albinism, and I love the way that the characters' disabilities are subtly woven into the story. My heart leapt in fellow-feeling every time there was a reference to the characters' visual limitations, and even though each character was vastly different in terms of personality and lifestyle, I felt a connection to all three that kept me invested in their stories. I'm glad that my library had a copy of this book, and I hope that more of the stories I find about albinism are of a similar caliber!
My favorite of the three stories is "Drive," in part because it hits so close to home. It was validating when Suzette felt as though she had to jump through extra hoops to get her driver's license, and part of me was hoping that she (like me) would ultimately decide that driving isn't worth it. Of course, Suzette's situation is much different than mine, so driving represented a freedom for her rather than an obligation, and I'm happy that she managed to pursue her goals. The title "Drive" is a clever pun on the act of driving and the desire to move forward with purpose and determination.
The other two stories were great, as well, although I would say that I enjoyed each story a little less than the one I'd read previously. "Mind the Prompt" was especially challenging for me, because I hated the decisions that Agnes was making in her love life, and it was painful to watch her make a succession of bad choices. "Bottled Water" also featured moments that made me wince, but there was enough genuine human connection to compensate that the overall tone of the story was bittersweet, rather than depressing. I still don't understand why it was called "Bottled Water," to be honest, but I trust the author enough to assume that I just missed something as a reader.
The quality of Birdsong's writing is fantastic, so even when a scene was difficult to read, I was confident that she knew what she was doing and that she had a specific story to tell. The end of the book confirmed this for me, when I looked over the discussion questions meant for reading groups and realized that I had missed significant details in the text, like the fact that only Agnes' story is written in the third-person. That would be so much fun to analyze, and the English major in me who wrote essays on similar subjects in college is very intrigued.
I would love to read Birdsong's poetry collection sometime. It's great to see art made by someone with albinism, and I love the way that the characters' disabilities are subtly woven into the story. My heart leapt in fellow-feeling every time there was a reference to the characters' visual limitations, and even though each character was vastly different in terms of personality and lifestyle, I felt a connection to all three that kept me invested in their stories. I'm glad that my library had a copy of this book, and I hope that more of the stories I find about albinism are of a similar caliber!
lit_vibrations's review
4.0
This book was a bit interesting it featured 3 separate stories following three different characters Suzette, Maple, and Agnes. I think I would’ve enjoyed the book more had it been focused on one character.
I enjoyed “Drive” the most because Suzette was kind of feisty yet filled with so much curiosity. But I’d question everything too if I were sheltered most of my life. Her parents were controlling especially the father. He used gifts as a form of persuasion. If it weren’t for those on the outside looking in Suzette probably would’ve never peeped game. Eventually she wanted and needed more freedom and independence than her parents would allow. Experiencing things you’ve never seen or done before will do that to you. Now her mama threw me for a loop when she flipped out about that car. Cause ma’am we were just cool where is this animosity coming from.
“Bottled Water” was also okay I liked Maple’s character. After her mother was murdered and her judgmental grandmother started tripping. Maple needed to get away from it all. Dealing with her mother’s unsolved murder and the constant reminder of who her mother was. How could she really grieve? In the midst of trying to find her way she met a guy who helped her come to terms with her grief. But I think they kind of helped each other.
“Mind the Prompt” can’t really say I liked this story much. It was just something about it that I didn’t connect with and it fell a bit flat. Agnes and the decisions she made were very questionable.
Overall, I liked enjoyed it so I recommend!!!
I enjoyed “Drive” the most because Suzette was kind of feisty yet filled with so much curiosity. But I’d question everything too if I were sheltered most of my life. Her parents were controlling especially the father. He used gifts as a form of persuasion. If it weren’t for those on the outside looking in Suzette probably would’ve never peeped game. Eventually she wanted and needed more freedom and independence than her parents would allow. Experiencing things you’ve never seen or done before will do that to you. Now her mama threw me for a loop when she flipped out about that car. Cause ma’am we were just cool where is this animosity coming from.
“Bottled Water” was also okay I liked Maple’s character. After her mother was murdered and her judgmental grandmother started tripping. Maple needed to get away from it all. Dealing with her mother’s unsolved murder and the constant reminder of who her mother was. How could she really grieve? In the midst of trying to find her way she met a guy who helped her come to terms with her grief. But I think they kind of helped each other.
“Mind the Prompt” can’t really say I liked this story much. It was just something about it that I didn’t connect with and it fell a bit flat. Agnes and the decisions she made were very questionable.
Overall, I liked enjoyed it so I recommend!!!
tracithomas's review
4.0
This book is an incredibly strong debut. The dialogue is fantastic. The ways Birdsong explores language, place, family, and grief are really good. The book is so Black and unapologetically or explanatorily so. It’s three novellas and not a novel (as stated on the cover) and the stories felt too long for me. Strong scenes but the interior stuff went on a bit.
kxmulligan79's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2, I loved the writing. I could picture the scenes in my head. I didn’t enjoy the last story as much as the other 2. This could be due to my dislike of the main character.
waywordxwitch's review
4.0
~ ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion ~
Three very different women, three very different stories - all distinctly engrossing. I could read a complete novel about all three of these women. She snatches you up with Suzette, drags you in with Maple and gives you a slow burn with Agnes. This will be a top recommendation this year.
Three very different women, three very different stories - all distinctly engrossing. I could read a complete novel about all three of these women. She snatches you up with Suzette, drags you in with Maple and gives you a slow burn with Agnes. This will be a top recommendation this year.
sabinaleybold's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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
4.5
totally85's review
adventurous
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lostcupofstars's review
3.0
Drive, the first story was easily the best imo. It should have been a book on its own.
The second story was ok but by the time I got to the last one I was over it.
Agnes get a GRIP.
The second story was ok but by the time I got to the last one I was over it.
Agnes get a GRIP.
livreads4fun's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75