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cappuccino136's review
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
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
5.0
A small, independent bookstore in Minneapolis becomes a community center for readers and a haven for Tookie, who has a traumatic past. Having served 10 years, finally her wrongful conviction is reversed and she is let out of prison. Tookie gets a job and finds peace recommending just the right book for each reader who asks. At the opening of this book, the store's most annoying employee has died and starts haunting the store. Flora visits Tookie inparticular. But why? This is thematically rich and emotionally intense. The second half of the novel deals with living through the COVID pandemic and the events and aftermath of the murder of George Floyd. The author balances emotionally harrowing content with moments of warmth and humor. There is found family and community around the bookshop. The prose is powerful and evocative. The importance of stories and books and love of literature is a constant throughline. This is a snapshot of a moment in time for America and what we lived through and have to grapple with from our history and our justice system. It does not offer any prescriptions or answers. There are no shining heroes. Just people and communities trying to live their lives and what it means to be a family or a community together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Racism, Emotional abuse, and Police brutality
sfschmidt93's review
dark
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape, Torture, Drug abuse, and Emotional abuse
lacowie's review
hopeful
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Emotional abuse
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