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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Humane and charitable. My first, but not last, James McBride. I was taken in by all the characters. Highly recommend.
4.5 stars. I did the audiobook version, which is normally not my thing, but this book is probably 75% dialogue, so it works very well.
Clearly the author was influenced by Spike Lee, to the point that I had to make sure that Spike Lee didn't write the book. That is not meant as a put-down. It is not a deep book, but, like Spike Lee's movies, it gives a very vivid portrait of that point in time in that city. In this case being New York City in the 1970s.
It reads almost more like a play than a book, said as a compliment. I can easily see this making its way into movie form, and I would not be surprised if it happens in the next year or two. It could also easily be remade as a play.
Clearly the author was influenced by Spike Lee, to the point that I had to make sure that Spike Lee didn't write the book. That is not meant as a put-down. It is not a deep book, but, like Spike Lee's movies, it gives a very vivid portrait of that point in time in that city. In this case being New York City in the 1970s.
It reads almost more like a play than a book, said as a compliment. I can easily see this making its way into movie form, and I would not be surprised if it happens in the next year or two. It could also easily be remade as a play.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is very funny but full of anger. It is extremely imaginative yet feels completely authentic. And finally, the strength of love and community that leads to redemption is beautifully portrayed.
It is slow to get going, but stick with it. It's worth it. In fact, I read it twice, I loved it so much.
It is slow to get going, but stick with it. It's worth it. In fact, I read it twice, I loved it so much.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Murder
emotional
inspiring
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:
N/A
4 ⭐️
I decided to give James McBride another chance with this one, after not having enjoyed heaven and earth grocery store very much, and I’m glad I did. The rich set of characters and funny dialogue, particularly between sport coat and his friend hot sausage, kept me eagerly moving forward in this story and occasionally laughing out loud. I also found the historical fiction aspects of this particular community, made up of Black people, Puerto Rican people, and poor white Italian and Irish immigrants, particularly compelling. For whatever reason, as compared to heaven and earth grocery store, it was much easier for me to follow the plot of this novel while getting to know this cast of characters. Would recommend starting here if you’re looking for a James McBride read.
I decided to give James McBride another chance with this one, after not having enjoyed heaven and earth grocery store very much, and I’m glad I did. The rich set of characters and funny dialogue, particularly between sport coat and his friend hot sausage, kept me eagerly moving forward in this story and occasionally laughing out loud. I also found the historical fiction aspects of this particular community, made up of Black people, Puerto Rican people, and poor white Italian and Irish immigrants, particularly compelling. For whatever reason, as compared to heaven and earth grocery store, it was much easier for me to follow the plot of this novel while getting to know this cast of characters. Would recommend starting here if you’re looking for a James McBride read.
No one from South Brooklyn’s Causeway Housing Projects can explain why Deacon Sportcoat shot Deems Clemens, a dreadful dope dealer in those projects. The shooting, nonetheless, stirs up all the players and some mysteries in the neighborhood in this hilarious romp.
Answers some of life’s greatest questions, such as, “Who brings the cheese?” and “Do you do?”
Outrageous. Characters who are all themselves, truly characters. Who believe in loyalty, love, redemption, anger, decency, and chances.