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ladygetslit's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book isn’t really about the integration of a school in the early 2000s. It’s more about the messy nature of human beings, who are so often selfish, prejudiced, anxious, and ignorant.
I wanted to rate this higher, because the writing was good, and I appreciate what Naima Coster accomplished with this book. Unfortunately, I just didn’t feel connected to the characters. Everyone in this book is some kind of asshole, and even though I can understand why, it just kept me from really feeling for them. I think if the story had focused only on Noelle and Gee, I would’ve been able to settle in more. As it is, the story follows so many different people and I didn’t have the time to feel connected to their story enough to be invested in the outcomes.
I would still recommend this book, because I think it does a good job of exploring the experience of being biracial, of being on the outside of something looking in. It just didn’t pack the emotional punch I wanted it to.
I wanted to rate this higher, because the writing was good, and I appreciate what Naima Coster accomplished with this book. Unfortunately, I just didn’t feel connected to the characters. Everyone in this book is some kind of asshole, and even though I can understand why, it just kept me from really feeling for them. I think if the story had focused only on Noelle and Gee, I would’ve been able to settle in more. As it is, the story follows so many different people and I didn’t have the time to feel connected to their story enough to be invested in the outcomes.
I would still recommend this book, because I think it does a good job of exploring the experience of being biracial, of being on the outside of something looking in. It just didn’t pack the emotional punch I wanted it to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, and Infidelity
Moderate: Drug abuse, Addiction, Cancer, Death of parent, and Miscarriage
Minor: Abortion, Sexual content, Racial slurs, Panic attacks/disorders, and Murder
bookmaddie's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I felt really close to this story, since it took place where I grew up. The setting, characters—it all felt so familiar, Coster captures it perfectly.
The beginning of this story is heartbreaking. It really hit me, and provided necessary context for the rest of the story, which weaves back and forth in time and between characters. While this structure was a bit confusing at times, Coster did a great job of making each section count. Sometimes a character is only followed for short periods, yet you really get to know each person deeply. Each personality radiated across the page, and it was really fascinating to see how individual decisions impacted their lives across time (and across families).
This story centers around the integration of a high school in North Carolina in the early 2000s, so there is a heavy focus on racism and classism. Even when people deny that their actions are fueled by racism (lmao this rlly reminded me of conversations I've had at home w family), Coster makes it crystal clear how racism is fuels people's actions and words. Reading about Gee and his friends trying to fit in at a (previously) all-white high school was really powerful and affecting.
What I found most unexpected was the beautiful focus on family and finding your own path in life. Because this story covers such a long period of time, you are able to zoom out and realize the circular nature that life can take at times.
Even though I felt really close to this story, it hasn't stuck with me the way I thought it might. I think it's a really impactful read and would encourage anyone to give it a read!
The beginning of this story is heartbreaking. It really hit me, and provided necessary context for the rest of the story, which weaves back and forth in time and between characters. While this structure was a bit confusing at times, Coster did a great job of making each section count. Sometimes a character is only followed for short periods, yet you really get to know each person deeply. Each personality radiated across the page, and it was really fascinating to see how individual decisions impacted their lives across time (and across families).
This story centers around the integration of a high school in North Carolina in the early 2000s, so there is a heavy focus on racism and classism. Even when people deny that their actions are fueled by racism (lmao this rlly reminded me of conversations I've had at home w family), Coster makes it crystal clear how racism is fuels people's actions and words. Reading about Gee and his friends trying to fit in at a (previously) all-white high school was really powerful and affecting.
What I found most unexpected was the beautiful focus on family and finding your own path in life. Because this story covers such a long period of time, you are able to zoom out and realize the circular nature that life can take at times.
Even though I felt really close to this story, it hasn't stuck with me the way I thought it might. I think it's a really impactful read and would encourage anyone to give it a read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Cancer, Racial slurs, and Racism
soobooksalot's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
What's Mine And Yours is a memorable story spanning many characters, families and timeframes.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Books for my gifted copy for review!
The book opens with a chapter that is as touching and hopeful as it is heartbreaking.
Each chapter alternates in differing decades, tacked by mother characters Jade and Lacey May, their partners, and children.
It took me a bit with each chapter to orient to which timeframe and age group the characters would be in, but it's an evenly-paced book regardless.
Each character's life challenges and resulting choices are laid out in a straightforward, relatable and most readable manner. Elements of social class, race, the treatment of women, addiction, reproductive expectations, relationships and family dynamics weave the events together. A nice reveal toward the end pulls all the threads together.
For fans of well-written, character-driven novels, this newest offering from author Naima Coster is recommended!
Released on March 2.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Books for my gifted copy for review!
The book opens with a chapter that is as touching and hopeful as it is heartbreaking.
Each chapter alternates in differing decades, tacked by mother characters Jade and Lacey May, their partners, and children.
It took me a bit with each chapter to orient to which timeframe and age group the characters would be in, but it's an evenly-paced book regardless.
Each character's life challenges and resulting choices are laid out in a straightforward, relatable and most readable manner. Elements of social class, race, the treatment of women, addiction, reproductive expectations, relationships and family dynamics weave the events together. A nice reveal toward the end pulls all the threads together.
For fans of well-written, character-driven novels, this newest offering from author Naima Coster is recommended!
Released on March 2.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Murder
Minor: Abortion, Addiction, Cancer, and Miscarriage
internationalreads's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Cancer, Death, Drug use, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Grief, Gun violence, Infidelity, Medical content, Miscarriage, Murder, Racism, Sexual content, and Violence
caseythereader's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Abortion, Alcoholism, Cancer, Car accident, Death, Death of parent, Dementia, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Infidelity, Medical content, Miscarriage, Murder, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Violence
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