Reviews tagging 'Homophobia'

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

184 reviews

amazelan's review against another edition

emotional hopeful 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

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Bullying, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Drug use, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Racism

some_random_person_hi's review against another edition

3.0

I suspect the version I was reading had a couple pages missing.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Alcohol and Drug use

Minor: Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, Blood, and Sexual content

krys_kilz's review against another edition

emotional hopeful 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

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."

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia and Racism

Moderate: Bullying

Minor: Drug use and Sexual content

thebookpaiges's review against another edition

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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia and Racism

Moderate: Bullying, Alcohol, and Drug use

Minor: Racial slurs and Violence

thebookishnerd_'s review

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. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug use, Bullying, Abandonment, and Homophobia

Moderate: Racism

Minor: Cultural appropriation and Sexual content

blvckboyinparis's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-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

5.0

 since i have come out i have been reading more novels about queer main characters. i've read this before but it hits differently now. it's more in your face but in a good way. michael is every bit the black flamingo he performs on stage.

artist. poet. intellectual. lover. son. friend. brother. gay. black. greek-cypriot. beautiful.

so very, very beautiful. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia and Racism

Moderate: Sexual violence and Abandonment

ree_the_owlgirl's review

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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Homophobia, and Bullying

midnightgremlin's review against another edition

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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia and Bullying

mayareadsxo's review against another edition

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

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Content Warnings

Minor: Lesbophobia, Toxic friendship, Homophobia, Bullying, Abandonment, and Racism

saucy_bookdragon's review against another edition

inspiring reflective slow-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

3.5

 A short, sweet, uplifting slice of life contemporary that discusses Black queerness, specifically coming of age and drag. I liked how accessible the prose is and the introspection, though I wish the story were more focused on a tighter timeline to allow for more room in fleshing out the side characters 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia and Racism

Moderate: Drug use