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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
Obviously I had never read this book and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised and disappointed at the same time...i was not sure what to expect. I enjoyed Woodson's journey but with the writing style felt there was something missing in the story.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I loved this. It read quickly and beautifully. Woodson is exploring ideas of identity within her particular family, culture, locale, and nation. Her exploration of her family genealogy, her family connections near and dear were reminiscent to Madeleine L'Engle's Summer of the Great Grandmother which I finished (again) last night. She searches out who she is based on her relationships and comparisons with those who've gone before. She listens to the stories - family stories, stories read aloud, stories from the library read and re-read - and as she listens they form her and she learns what to say. Some of my favorite poems are the series of "how to listen" haiku strewn throughout the book.
She is shaped by place, by where she is at any given time. She acknowledges this - that any change in her history or her friend Maria's history or her grandparents, great grandparents - any changes in the lives, choices, histories, locales would make her a different person with different acquaintance and a different life entirely.
There are things I struggle with, this is a book to interact with. The final poem of the book has her believing in all things - even opposite things -with little distinction; no barriers. I think that is dangerous. Her reaction to religious practice of her family within the Jehovah's Witnesses was a struggle to think through. She seemed resentful of the time spent, thankful for the parameters given, frustrated by reactions by her grandfather and mother, intrigued by the wholly other. Because there are many beliefs wrapped up in the Jehovah's Witness that are not Trinitarian, Christian parents will want to tread very carefully. I would not hand this to a child without knowing what is there.
Clearly, Woodson has a gift. "Words are my brilliance." she is acknowledged and acknowledges on pg 248. Yes. For sure. Don't miss her brilliant words.
2023 - Listened to the Audiobook on a drive with family. Many connections with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn which I read for the first time last summer. That was fun. Still enjoyable, Woodson reading her own words was a nice layer.
She is shaped by place, by where she is at any given time. She acknowledges this - that any change in her history or her friend Maria's history or her grandparents, great grandparents - any changes in the lives, choices, histories, locales would make her a different person with different acquaintance and a different life entirely.
There are things I struggle with, this is a book to interact with. The final poem of the book has her believing in all things - even opposite things -with little distinction; no barriers. I think that is dangerous. Her reaction to religious practice of her family within the Jehovah's Witnesses was a struggle to think through. She seemed resentful of the time spent, thankful for the parameters given, frustrated by reactions by her grandfather and mother, intrigued by the wholly other. Because there are many beliefs wrapped up in the Jehovah's Witness that are not Trinitarian, Christian parents will want to tread very carefully. I would not hand this to a child without knowing what is there.
Clearly, Woodson has a gift. "Words are my brilliance." she is acknowledged and acknowledges on pg 248. Yes. For sure. Don't miss her brilliant words.
2023 - Listened to the Audiobook on a drive with family. Many connections with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn which I read for the first time last summer. That was fun. Still enjoyable, Woodson reading her own words was a nice layer.
I love this book so much that I after I closed the cover, I wrapped my arms around it in a hug. Jacqueline Woodson's words are so vivid and beautiful, and she tells the story of her childhood and the people and places she has known with such warmth and love. I felt completely absorbed in her world. It's rare for me to read a book a second time, but I have a feeling I will be coming back to this one.
Wonderful in its simplicity and richness. I want to visit my own memories now.
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
I loved this book. It is written in free verse, and is a memoir of the author's life growing up through the 1960s and 1970s. I highly recommend this for grades 4th - 8th, but also for adults. Just because this is written as a children's book, adults can relate and will enjoy the meaning of the poems.
See a full review at http://jonils5663.blogspot.com/2015/01/brown-girl-dreaming-by-jacqueline.html
See a full review at http://jonils5663.blogspot.com/2015/01/brown-girl-dreaming-by-jacqueline.html