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artsandbookish's review against another edition
Now more than ever, I think it's important to continue to learn and expand your knowledge. This book was incredible. Not only was it inspiring, but also a little eye-opening. "Tell Me Your Names and I Will Testify" was beautifully written, which made it so easy to read. Sometimes, certain topics can be tough to read, but it was effortless to take everything in that was being told. The idea of each chapter covering different stories, different things from the author's life was a fantastic one. It really makes the reader go through a lot of emotions tough. I didn't really know what to expect when I picked up the book. But it proved to be a brilliant read—a definite recommendation.
theshaggyshepherd's review against another edition
4.0
Tell Me Your Names and I Will Testify // by Carolyn Holbrook
From the NetGalley description: "The compassionate and redemptive story of a prominent Black woman in the Twin Cities literary community."
Tell Me Your Names and I Will Testify is Carolyn Holbrook's story about her trials and tribulations as she grows up and then raises her own children in and out of poverty. There are many examples of the everyday racism she had to endure as well as topics, such as sexual assault, poverty, and generational curses.
I want to start by saying this book was not what I expected based on the title and the beginning chapter. Throughout the whole book, I was waiting to learn about the woman that appeared to her and was surprised when I reached the end without finding out more. Having said that though, this has still been very eye-opening and kept me drawn in the entire time. I enjoyed the way Holbrook told her story and am awed by her accomplishments. She is a strong woman that worked with what she had and showed what can be accomplished when you set your mind to it.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
From the NetGalley description: "The compassionate and redemptive story of a prominent Black woman in the Twin Cities literary community."
Tell Me Your Names and I Will Testify is Carolyn Holbrook's story about her trials and tribulations as she grows up and then raises her own children in and out of poverty. There are many examples of the everyday racism she had to endure as well as topics, such as sexual assault, poverty, and generational curses.
I want to start by saying this book was not what I expected based on the title and the beginning chapter. Throughout the whole book, I was waiting to learn about the woman that appeared to her and was surprised when I reached the end without finding out more. Having said that though, this has still been very eye-opening and kept me drawn in the entire time. I enjoyed the way Holbrook told her story and am awed by her accomplishments. She is a strong woman that worked with what she had and showed what can be accomplished when you set your mind to it.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
alittlegreyfish's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and University of Minnesota Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This was an interesting set of compiled essays by Carolyn Holbrook that deal with timely and moving issues of racism, poverty, education, personal struggle, and prejudice that the author encountered throughout her life. I found the essays to be mixed in quality and they felt rather disjointed for me. There were some that I thought were truly phenomenal - the one about her teaching and building a workshop as well as her oldest son in prison really stood out to me. However, others I had difficulty resonating with. Overall, I thought this was a very interesting perspective to read from but found the organization of the essays to be a bit challenging to follow.
This was an interesting set of compiled essays by Carolyn Holbrook that deal with timely and moving issues of racism, poverty, education, personal struggle, and prejudice that the author encountered throughout her life. I found the essays to be mixed in quality and they felt rather disjointed for me. There were some that I thought were truly phenomenal - the one about her teaching and building a workshop as well as her oldest son in prison really stood out to me. However, others I had difficulty resonating with. Overall, I thought this was a very interesting perspective to read from but found the organization of the essays to be a bit challenging to follow.
deethereader's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and University of Minnesota Press for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review 3.5/5
I found this an interesting read, had sympathy for the struggles and cheered when Carolyn was able to overcome them. The lengths that a parent will go through to care for her children and the choices they make is one to be applauded. Although there were some parts where I felt disconnected from the story I still enjoyed this book and the messages I got from it
I found this an interesting read, had sympathy for the struggles and cheered when Carolyn was able to overcome them. The lengths that a parent will go through to care for her children and the choices they make is one to be applauded. Although there were some parts where I felt disconnected from the story I still enjoyed this book and the messages I got from it
raebeen's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this more than I did, unfortunately. Interesting parts of her stories and essays, but I wish that I came away knowing more about her life. I was curious to learn more after certain essays and felt like they ended right as I was getting interested.
yasdnilr's review against another edition
5.0
I received this arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this. Carolyn is a clear and honest writer with interesting tales of her life. I didn’t realise at first it was a collection of various essays she has written over the years - in fact I didn’t realise until the very end. So instead of a straightforward linear tale, small parts of the story and more were revealed in each essay until by the end, I had a really clear view of how she got where she did and why. Her life is so interesting! I admire people (but especially women) who are so determined to get where they are going, despite any obstacle, domestic abuse or systematic racism, in her way. I loved her children too. I continue to watch in awe of how people get up and keep on going. Highly recommended. Would read a thousand more pages of Ms Holbrook’s work.
I loved this. Carolyn is a clear and honest writer with interesting tales of her life. I didn’t realise at first it was a collection of various essays she has written over the years - in fact I didn’t realise until the very end. So instead of a straightforward linear tale, small parts of the story and more were revealed in each essay until by the end, I had a really clear view of how she got where she did and why. Her life is so interesting! I admire people (but especially women) who are so determined to get where they are going, despite any obstacle, domestic abuse or systematic racism, in her way. I loved her children too. I continue to watch in awe of how people get up and keep on going. Highly recommended. Would read a thousand more pages of Ms Holbrook’s work.
bthnywhthd's review against another edition
5.0
Loved the intimacy and rawness and emotion of this eclectic collection of essays.