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Reviews tagging 'Religious bigotry'
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus
24 reviews
frenchtoast_n_books's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? No
3.5
In short, there was so much I loved about this book but there were things that I just didn't get. Let's get into it.
The whole first half was a beautiful narrative of what brought 2 teens together, what hardships they face, and how they braved the love and cruelties of the world to manage throughout the day.
Then Mabel hears the finality of her terminal illness and this story veers onto another path. The story becomes jumbled with Mabel's dreams that have no real context or reflection in the story, her journey with Audre, and her learning about a man facing the death penalty.
I'll center on the dreams because that's where the disconnect lies. I love that these dreams are meant to connect Mabel to the universe and the cycle of life and ancestors to help her through her diagnosis, BUT these dreams are of Audre's grandmother, a person Mabel has never met and her past that Mabel has never learned. It failed to meet the mark, especially since there is no reflection or discussion on these dreams. They happen without warning and then they are gone in the next blink. I'm left thinking, "that was the point?" and "why should I care?"
Then the book ends in a painfully abrupt way that I understand but it will always leave me hoping for more.
I would have honestly loved the story (5 out of 5) if the dreams were cut or at the very least explained within the text. Though I have heard the creole isn't accurate, but I can't comment on that as I have no expertise in the matter, and I honestly loved the "spoken word" feel the narration holds. It makes me feel like I'm in the person's head.
I loved the discussions, the relationships, the words, and the story so much. I enjoyed the poems of every astrological sign that marked the passage of time. I loved so much this story had to offer. Though it wasn't perfect, I will read whatever this author releases next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Confinement, Grief, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Terminal illness
Minor: Medical content
invaderlinz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Terminal illness, Religious bigotry, Homophobia, and Child death
Moderate: Slavery and Sexual content
Minor: Addiction, Racism, Police brutality, and Grief
hanathemah's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Terminal illness, and Homophobia
Minor: Police brutality, Racism, Religious bigotry, Slavery, and Transphobia
daydreamermoonwalker's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Very well written, the romance is beautiful and I loved learning about other cultures.
It's really sad which isn't my favorite thing in a book, (why it's 4 stars and not 5) but if you like that sort of thing I highly recommend it!
It's really sad which isn't my favorite thing in a book, (why it's 4 stars and not 5) but if you like that sort of thing I highly recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Terminal illness
Minor: Police brutality and Racism
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