Scan barcode
tlaynejones's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Dementia, Colonisation, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence
rgander's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, Racism, Pregnancy, Infertility, Death, Adult/minor relationship, Dementia, and Sexual assault
katiemack's review
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is an excellent coming-of-age story and debut novel. Some of the beliefs the characters state (i.e., Soila's discussions of her upbringing in Kenya and African cultures vs. other characters' experiences growing up as Black folks living in America) feel prescriptive--lots of telling rather than showing--but it's an effective technique to outline issues that should be considered more (especially by white folks). The scenes with Soila's mom are infuriating and tragic, but again, these difficult circumstances are necessary to showcase. The ending is surprisingly heartwarming (in the best possible way).
This is an excellent coming-of-age story and debut novel. Some of the beliefs the characters state (i.e., Soila's discussions of her upbringing in Kenya and African cultures vs. other characters' experiences growing up as Black folks living in America) feel prescriptive--lots of telling rather than showing--but it's an effective technique to outline issues that should be considered more (especially by white folks). The scenes with Soila's mom are infuriating and tragic, but again, these difficult circumstances are necessary to showcase. The ending is surprisingly heartwarming (in the best possible way).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Dementia, Abortion, and Sexual assault
Minor: Sexual content
mwetzel's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Abortion
Moderate: Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Dementia, Death of parent, and Racism
Minor: Suicide and Addiction
onemorepagecrew's review against another edition
4.5
Lucky Girl by Irene Muchemi-Ndiritu was such a captivating read, I was in Soila’s corner from the start and felt like she was my friend until the end. If you enjoy coming-of-age stories that weave in familial and cultural expectations balanced against personal desires, then this is an excellent choice.
The story follows Soila, born and raised in Kenya, as she embarks on college in New York City. She navigates friendships, romantic relationships, and her career while trying to heal from the loss of her father and uncovering new information about her family. It’s her journey of personal identity and how she sees herself, and how others see her, in both Kenya and the U.S.
I found myself attached to Soila and her best friend from NYC, Leticia, feeling very into their journeys. I got mildly attached to her romantic interests and her family, but never fully sank into those characters. For me, part four (the last part) was a little rushed compared to the first three parts, but overall the story and where it landed felt good.
If you enjoy coming-of-age and immigration stories that weave in cross-cultural relationships and navigating parental expectations, this should be on your TBR.
Thank you so much to Dial Press and NetGalley, I was so thankful for the advanced copy - I appreciate you!
Content warnings: grief, racism, dementia, September 11th (first-hand perspective)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Racism, Dementia, and Death of parent
More...