Reviews with content warning for Bullying - The Black Flamingo

This book was a quick read for me and I enjoyed it! The characters were compelling, the topics covered were important, and there was some beautiful writing. Overall, this was a solid novel in verse.

"I come from my own pen but I see
people torn apart like paper, each a story
or poem that never made it into a book."

"Despair is love
for what isn't
here anymore,
or never was."

Content Warnings

thebookpaiges's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.75

Content Warnings

thebookishnerd_'s review

Go to review page

emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

The Black Flamingo is a coming-of-age story about Michael, a black queer teen, growing up and exploring and discovering his identity. He discovers the art of drag in university and finds a community to call home.

I loved this book, from beginning to end. I have a soft spot for books written in verse and this one did not disappoint. The writing style was beautiful and emotional. It was great to see the language subtly mature as Michael grew up. Each character felt distinct with their own voice and I just fell in love with Michael and Daisy's friendship.

This book addresses many issues from racism, homophobia (both internal and external), fetishization, bullying, forced gender roles, absent parents and so much more. Each issue shows its effects on characters in such a true-to-life way, despite the writing style.

This book packs an emotional punch. Michael's story will pull at your heartstrings. I definitely recommend this book. Especially to those looking for a short yet impactful read.

Content Warnings

ree_the_owlgirl's review

Go to review page

inspiring 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

4.0

Content Warnings

midnightgremlin's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad 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? No

4.0

Content Warnings

mayareadsxo's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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

4.0

Content Warnings

clockworkstars's review against another edition

Go to review page

inspiring lighthearted

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

"Rappelle toi que tu as le droit d'être fier.
Rappelle toi que tu as le droit d'être toi même."
4☆|5

Les larmes ont coulé dans mon cœur pendant cette lecture, plus fort que je ne pensais que cela était possible. Mes yeux ont défilé à travers les mots, mes doigts tournant les pages à toute vitesse, me menant irrémédiablement à cette situation : je viens de tourner la dernière page et je ne sais pas quoi faire.

Ce livre fut beau. Très beau. La plume, poétique et envoûtante nous emporte à travers les pages peuplées de dessins, de messages, de poèmes. On suit Michael, le flamand noir. On le suit dans la découverte de son identité, à travers l'enfance, le collège, le lycée. Et puis l'université, le Drag.

Ce roman est un très beau coming-of-age, une recherche d'identité, une affirmation d'identité. Ce livre m'a hypnotisé et les derniers discours/poèmes m'ont séduit au profond de mon cœur, j'aime <3.

Tw : alcool ; drogues ; harcèlement ; homophobie et homophobie internalisée ; racisme ; mention de sexe

Rep : mc noir (jamaïquain et chypriote grec) et gay pratiquant le drag ; personnage secondaire bi ; personnage secondaire lesbienne

Content Warnings

iirissr's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

3.25

I did enjoy it and read it in one night. It was a good story about a queer person who lives a normal life. I found it very refreshing.

Content Warnings

More...