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brassnbooks's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Had some points that I felt iffy with but overall it wasn't a terrible boik
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Violence
drraytay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
my_weird_bookish_heart's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Racism
strange's review
- 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
2.75
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Transphobia and Alcohol
lindseyhall44's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This beautiful novel-in verse- wraps around your heart and doesn’t let go.
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Violence, and Abandonment
nikexistiertnik's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Racism
martapsalvado's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Homophobia, Racism, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
jasthebooklover4's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I really like Micheal's character and reading about his life/ journey. This is a coming of age story with lots of topics and themes being discussed. This was a deep book, but there were some sweet and touching moments.
Micheal is a half Jamaican and half Greek-Cyprian, living in England. Throughout the novel he doesn't feel like he is Black or Greek enough. He also deals with struggles with racism and having people stereotype him. We also see him coming out, figuring out his identity, and finding his place in the drag society where he could be the confident and fierce person he is. The Black Flamingo also have themes of family, friendship, and love.
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Drug use
howlinglibraries's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"So who is The Black Flamingo?"
"He is me, who I have been,
who I am, who I hope to become.
Someone fabulous, wild, and strong.
With or without a costume on."
I'd been meaning to read The Black Flamingo since it took the book community by storm a couple of years ago, and it definitely did NOT disappoint. Following Michael, a young biracial (Jamaican/Greek Cypriot) British boy, we start off at a young age in his life and watch him grow into a college freshman learning self-love through drag.
The entire story is told as a novel in verse, but the first-person narrative gave the book a very autobiographical feeling that was beautiful to experience. There's a lot of commentary on race, gender, sexuality, and feeling "othered" by your loved ones that a lot of readers will absolutely relate to, but most of all, I loved seeing this beautiful queer young Black boy celebrate every facet of his identity by the end of it.
It's for your liberation. It's knowing that after this nothing will be the same for you. It's a rebirth.
✨ Representation: Michael is Jamaican/Greek Cypriot and self-identifies as both Black and mixed, is gay, and uses he/him pronouns but seems to be exploring some elements of his gender; several side characters are Black and/or multiracial; several side characters are queer, including gay, lesbian, bi, and trans on-page representations
✨ Content warnings for: bullying, homophobia, racism, substance abuse, absent parent, brief mention of child abuse
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Homophobia, Racism, and Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse
mimccub's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Racism