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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
disappointed! this started off with a bang...literally, but then it just deflated. what little story there is here unfolds at a glacial pace. too bad!
There were parts that were really good with a solid pace then it went in a direction that took the steam out. This happened more than once throughout the book. I wish there was more of the espionage side of things as well.
I LOVED this debut novel by Lauren Wilkinson. First, I enjoyed how the author wrote the novel as if the protagonist is writing in a journal as a letter to her twin boys. Secondly, the author does a fantastic job of highlighting employment issues for WOC, in a field dominated by white men, giving examples of workplace racial bias and sexism. She also does a great job with her character development of the protagonist, Marie, who accurately describes the necessity of her to be academically competitive so that she would receive the same recognition as her white counterparts, and hopefully lead to college and employment opportunities outside of her community in Queens. There is also family drama that reminded me of Celeste Ng's "Little Fires Everywhere." Finally, during a clandestine assignment, Marie meets a handsome political leader and quickly falls in love, only to have that love ripped away from her. This book is about standing up for yourself; finding yourself; forgiving yourself; and, healing yourself. But it is also about simply trying to be a decent human in a world filled with hate and greed; and recognizing that while you cannot protect your family from such evils, you can prepare them to be better humans and rise above it. In regards to the ending, I wouldn't be surprised if there is a sequel, allowing readers to have the satisfaction in knowing if Marie took justice into her own hands or dies attempting to save the world.
Amazing
This is a really rich and new voice. A classic spy novel, but everything about it is new. Highly compelling.
This is a really rich and new voice. A classic spy novel, but everything about it is new. Highly compelling.
I liked it. A bit slow but still held my interest. Will be curious to see if there will be a sequel.
is it a spy thriller? is it a romance? is it a mother’s journal? who can say? but one thing “american spy,” by lauren wilkinson is is a waste of time. the author does too much and accomplished absolutely nothing. this book had a spark when it started but the end was just garbage. i give this book ⭐️ one out of five stars because the beginning was great and the narrative choice was interesting. however, please do not read this book
follow me on instagram @alli.maj
#readingisarebellion
follow me on instagram @alli.maj
#readingisarebellion
Unexpected and beautiful! This novel shattered my romantic idealization of spies and I’m grateful for that. I sincerely look forward to reading Wilkinson’s next work. My fingers are crossed that we hear more about this tenacious heroine.
I really did like this one. A historical/political fiction telling the story in the Cold War 80’s. This was also a beautiful reflection on motherhood from the main character.
I also appreciated the feminist commentary throughout. This book highlights how women were (and still are?! Feels relevant as a comment for today!) underestimated - especially black women. Marie’s power was contagious.
I won’t forget this one!
I also appreciated the feminist commentary throughout. This book highlights how women were (and still are?! Feels relevant as a comment for today!) underestimated - especially black women. Marie’s power was contagious.
I won’t forget this one!
Rounded up from 4.5ish. This took the idea of a spy thriller, and did something layered and thought-provoking with it. It’s about the various ways that people hide, shift, and show their identities at different times (and how black people in particular do so). It’s about what it means to be part of a powerful country like America, but to be disenfranchised within it, and not in agreement with what it’s doing. It’s also about family, especially sisters, and the love and resentments between them.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No