Reviews

Czarny Flaming by Dean Atta

abyreadsalot's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mrsthakkar's review against another edition

5.0

Dean Atta blew me away with this powerful novel told in prose about finding your identity when it doesn’t fit in any small boxes. Black, queer and fierce, I loved meeting the main character, Michael. Love this one and wish I could share it with students RIGHT NOW!

leannecroft's review against another edition

4.0

Wow! Just wow!
Ok, this book was so impactful and that message at the end there really hit. What a story to tell, the truth of so many and how many can relate to this story. Of course I can't relate to everything, but to put yourself in the shoes of this character... I have no words.
I love the format it was told in as well, the poetry aspect just really brought this character out of the pages. Wonderful!

sunbeam24's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ashley_clark's review against another edition

5.0

4.5

bethany6788's review against another edition

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Mixed-race gay teen Michael struggles with his Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican identities while navigating his coming out journey. Through the discovery of the Drag Society in college, he finds a sense of belonging and embraces his true self as the Black Flamingo, exploring the complexities of identity with raw honesty and lyricism.

I really, really enjoyed this book. I loved how the story was told. The prose of this book is so special. Not only that - but Michael’s journey is relatable and I absolutely adored his character. I’d keep following him! When he finds his people and place where he belongs, the novel truly shines. LOVED that performance!!!!

The audio was beautiful and I keep thinking about this line. “Your ignorance may be innocent but your racism is real.” It is so powerful and it really made me pause and think. Part of the beauty of this novel is just that. It’s truly brilliant.

lavenderluvsbooks's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense 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

5.0

Queer bipoc poetry just does it better. I am in love with this story. As a jamaican descendant omnisexual woman I feel seen and understood. Bravo

tegan_mills2014's review against another edition

5.0

I really love novel in verse. This was incredibly enlightening. I often think about the fact people should be educating themselves about differing ways of life without requiring someone to teach it to them. This book is the epitome of that statement. While you can never truly understand someone else's life or experience, reading a book like this one provides a glimpse into it. Empathy truly comes from finding connection in this kind of literature.

ritchtea2's review against another edition

4.0

Love love loved the writing style
Everything was brilliant
It’s a book where you don’t want to stop reading, a book where time simply flys by

maurice_greenware's review against another edition

adventurous informative inspiring fast-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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Racism