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ce_read's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I received an ARC of this book before it was published and just now finished it, months after it was published
Distressing, heartbreaking, very well written. I felt like, a couple of times, the Point was lain with a bit too heavy of a hand (reiterating something clearly that had just been pointed to in in-text action), but overall, it didn't put me off of the story. Lots of historical evidence was woven into the story, and the climate (social & ecological) are both deeply disturbing in their portrayal of just how close we are to the setting in this book.
Finishing it felt like a kick in the gut. Well done.
The short stories didn't "grab" me in the same way that the novella did, but I also feel like I may not have been the intended audience.
Distressing, heartbreaking, very well written. I felt like, a couple of times, the Point was lain with a bit too heavy of a hand (reiterating something clearly that had just been pointed to in in-text action), but overall, it didn't put me off of the story. Lots of historical evidence was woven into the story, and the climate (social & ecological) are both deeply disturbing in their portrayal of just how close we are to the setting in this book.
Finishing it felt like a kick in the gut. Well done.
The short stories didn't "grab" me in the same way that the novella did, but I also feel like I may not have been the intended audience.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cultural appropriation, Grief, Racism, and Slavery
Moderate: Pregnancy, War, and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
biblio_jordyn's review against another edition
challenging
tense
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? N/A
4.5
“They believed their security depended on making sure we never felt safe in our bodies.”
This book had a couple short stories and a novella, and I loved every last one of them.
While, the book is barely 200 pages it packs a punch in all the ways the world needs and what it means to be Black in America (focusing on VA/NOVA)…the police brutality, the educational disparity for a variety of reasons, and how hard it is to get out of the cycle that we’ve been boxed into, no matter how we act, no matter how much we educate ourselves…the sad and scary truth is..to some? Black is Black and many people can’t see past that and what it means to them.
“[…] in truth, I felt tired. What does it matter how much I ache, or how clearly I speak, or how carefully I conduct myself, I’d the brutal misjudgments remain regardless?”
This book captures the essence of fear and power and everything.
This book had a couple short stories and a novella, and I loved every last one of them.
While, the book is barely 200 pages it packs a punch in all the ways the world needs and what it means to be Black in America (focusing on VA/NOVA)…the police brutality, the educational disparity for a variety of reasons, and how hard it is to get out of the cycle that we’ve been boxed into, no matter how we act, no matter how much we educate ourselves…the sad and scary truth is..to some? Black is Black and many people can’t see past that and what it means to them.
“[…] in truth, I felt tired. What does it matter how much I ache, or how clearly I speak, or how carefully I conduct myself, I’d the brutal misjudgments remain regardless?”
This book captures the essence of fear and power and everything.
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, Ableism, and Violence
Minor: Slavery
libbyhb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
This is an engaging and well-written set of short stories and a novella, and the novella was the definite standout to me. I did really enjoy the short stories, though! I liked how simple the premise of My Monticello was - a group of neighbors, two of whom are black women descended from Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, escape from a quasi political apocalypse by staying in the Monticello house. I liked the cast of characters Johnson put in this group, and the dynamics they brought to the situation (wanting to go back, not wanting to go back, feeling out of control, feeling able to take over the structure of their new little society, etc). Overall an intriguing and heartbreaking read, really recommend.
Graphic: Racism, Death, and Gun violence
woobat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racism
thndrkat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, and Racism
stevie's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Graphic: Car accident, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Hate crime, Pregnancy, Racism, Slavery, and Violence
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