Reviews

Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson

francitara's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny relaxing sad fast-paced

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

5.0

jouljet's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Racism

zoecrainfields's review against another edition

emotional reflective 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? It's complicated

4.5

laurenricketts's review against another edition

hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.75

tomwyllie's review

emotional reflective 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

4.0

m4heeen's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

Caleb Azumah Nelson, I would pay to read your grocery lists.

After reading Open Water in a span of two days in the summer of 2023, I knew that I would devour every single novel that this man puts out. 

Although very different from his debut, Small Worlds brings back that beautiful, lyrical, writing style Nelson has mastered. He has a way of repeating things over and over in a way they don't become bothersome or lose their meaning. Small Worlds is  a raw exploration of so many things, so many specific experiences, and feelings, yet there's a part of everyone in this book. It's authentic and relatable and so beautiful. 

I think part of the reason I personally feel so connected to Nelson's writing is the fact our taste in music is so similar. Knowing the songs Stephen (the main character) was referencing made the reading experience so much more personal. I felt that I was able to understand his connection to those rhythms and lyrics at a deeper level, holding so much love for those artists and albums myself. 

When I read (and loved) Open Water, I was hesitant to recommend it to people because I felt that it was more of an acquired taste. With Small Worlds, I urge you, beg on my knees, to read this book because it truly deserves all and more of the praise that it receives.  

aducharme4's review against another edition

emotional reflective 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? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism, Police brutality, and Death of parent

clarie's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

amis_bookshelves's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

4.25

laurag98's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful 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