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africanbookaddict's review
5.0
!!! book blog review: http://africanbookaddict.com/2015/11/18/the-twelve-tribes-of-hattie-by-ayana-mathis/
I bought this in 2014. I didn't even plan to read this during the summer, but the book was smiling at me from my bookshelf, so I started it. From the first page to the last, this has been a good page turner. I honestly do not have any issues with this book, it was an excellent read! I read each chapter as a short story, since each chapter focuses on one of Hattie's 9 children intertwined with Hattie and her husband August's history. Each chapter has its own twists and turns as readers get acquainted with Hatties children and whatever issue they face in life. I believe Mathis concludes each chapter powerfully and with a hint of positivity. Its interesting how all of Hattie's children have such diverse lives and they face real life joy and pain. Yes, Hattie was an unloveable, stern, sometimes cold woman - but I understood and appreciated her.
Nobody in this life is perfect, and this book surely kept nailing that into my head. I don't even think a review can do this book justice - you have to read it for yourself to understand. Its a shame that this book doesn't have great ratings on Goodreads, I don't know what people expected when they chose to read it lol. I'm glad Oprah saw the greatness of this novel, hence peoples' increased interest. Don't get me wrong, the stories are laden with lots of different things: homosexuality, depression, mental illness, colorism, the great migration (from Georgia to Philly), marriage, racism, sickness, pain, cowardice, bravery, Christianity, family... The book takes readers through 4 generations (from 1925 to 1980), so be prepared for a long, powerful ride.
Note: This is an adult fiction book, readers should be 18 years or older to indulge
I bought this in 2014. I didn't even plan to read this during the summer, but the book was smiling at me from my bookshelf, so I started it. From the first page to the last, this has been a good page turner. I honestly do not have any issues with this book, it was an excellent read! I read each chapter as a short story, since each chapter focuses on one of Hattie's 9 children intertwined with Hattie and her husband August's history. Each chapter has its own twists and turns as readers get acquainted with Hatties children and whatever issue they face in life. I believe Mathis concludes each chapter powerfully and with a hint of positivity. Its interesting how all of Hattie's children have such diverse lives and they face real life joy and pain. Yes, Hattie was an unloveable, stern, sometimes cold woman - but I understood and appreciated her.
Nobody in this life is perfect, and this book surely kept nailing that into my head. I don't even think a review can do this book justice - you have to read it for yourself to understand. Its a shame that this book doesn't have great ratings on Goodreads, I don't know what people expected when they chose to read it lol. I'm glad Oprah saw the greatness of this novel, hence peoples' increased interest. Don't get me wrong, the stories are laden with lots of different things: homosexuality, depression, mental illness, colorism, the great migration (from Georgia to Philly), marriage, racism, sickness, pain, cowardice, bravery, Christianity, family... The book takes readers through 4 generations (from 1925 to 1980), so be prepared for a long, powerful ride.
Note: This is an adult fiction book, readers should be 18 years or older to indulge
jesslolsen's review
4.0
I always find it really refreshing to read a story that is set out slightly different from the norm, it makes be excited to continue reading no matter what the topic, and it makes it harder to guess how it is going to end.
This story tells the depressing yet interesting tale of Hattie's tribe of children. It very cleverly shows you who they are, and then by default tells the story of Hattie herself.
I don't know how accurate it is, but in parts it is heartbreaking, and I found myself really wanting this poor family to finally cut a break! It seemed like each and every one of them was doomed to struggle their entire life.
But despite the bleak tales of the family members, the Mathis is a master storyteller. It may not give you warm and fuzzys when you read it, but it will definitely keep you turning the page.
This story tells the depressing yet interesting tale of Hattie's tribe of children. It very cleverly shows you who they are, and then by default tells the story of Hattie herself.
I don't know how accurate it is, but in parts it is heartbreaking, and I found myself really wanting this poor family to finally cut a break! It seemed like each and every one of them was doomed to struggle their entire life.
But despite the bleak tales of the family members, the Mathis is a master storyteller. It may not give you warm and fuzzys when you read it, but it will definitely keep you turning the page.
booksandbourbon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ir_sharp2's review
3.0
I agree with the 'Aw, hell' reviewer. It's a book. I read it, it was okay. I was intrigued once or twice, but overall not the kind of story I go for. Too much short story for me. And as for the Oprah comments? Seriously?? "Hot diggity damn, Ayana Mathis is the bomb diggity"?!?!?! Wowwwww... Oprah's gotten too.......something......for my taste. Yech.
d52s's review
3.0
This was enjoyable but not great. I like the characters and was impressed by this first time author. Overall, good insight on motherhood/family life. But by the last chapter, I was tired of how the book jumped around with minimal continuity.
jlfields925's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
shirleytupperfreeman's review
Hattie and August are part of the Great Migration. Each chapter is the story of one of their offspring - for better and worse, richer and poorer, in sickness and in health. The writing is beautiful, the stories often bleak, the characters resilient in spite of many challenges. Worth the read.