Scan barcode
idontstandbymostofmyoldratings's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Islamophobia
amandaquotidianbooks's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
This is a snapshot of how racist micro aggressions arise during a weekend away to “meet the parents.” It shows how easy it can be to dismiss these subtle threats and how easily someone could be convinced they misunderstood. I enjoyed the moments of tenderness between Farai and her boyfriend as represention for mixed race couples. It was also eye opening to see how the bigoted parents never approached awareness of or honesty about their prejudices. The artwork was colorful and full of soothing nature in the backgrounds. The chapter breaks took the opportunity to speak directly to the reader and rounded out the story. Though these characters are in college, this is appropriate in tone and content for young adult readers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
shewantsthediction's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
WOW, this is fantastic and I really wish it continued! I wanted more of Adam and Farai's story, but I also understand why Farai made the decision she did, and I agree with her choice.
This perfectly nails what it feels like to experience microaggressions from the people around you, but still having to be polite so as not to destroy relationships. In this story the issue is very magnified, as Adam's mother is absolutely terrible and clearly making rude comments on purpose, but I thought her reactions when called out and the types of comments made were very realistic.
Alongside the love and affection Adam and Farai obviously have for each other, this book conveys the sense of isolation, alienation, pain, and inner turmoil these jibes cause, and how not being on the same page about racism can break down trust, even within a loving relationship. (While Adam isn't an active racist himself, he's what I like to call a "complicit racist," which is just not cool.)
I also LOVE the way Farai is drawn. There's no shying away from Black features here: big curly hair, colorful outfits, curvy body, wide lips/nose/eyes. Just seeing her on the page being lovey-dovey with a skinny white boy was radical. (I've literally never seen relationship depictions in art I could physically relate to.) Sorry but there's not too many Black girl cartoon characters drawn with this much care!
This perfectly nails what it feels like to experience microaggressions from the people around you, but still having to be polite so as not to destroy relationships. In this story the issue is very magnified, as Adam's mother is absolutely terrible and clearly making rude comments on purpose, but I thought her reactions when called out and the types of comments made were very realistic.
Alongside the love and affection Adam and Farai obviously have for each other, this book conveys the sense of isolation, alienation, pain, and inner turmoil these jibes cause, and how not being on the same page about racism can break down trust, even within a loving relationship. (While Adam isn't an active racist himself, he's what I like to call a "complicit racist," which is just not cool.)
I also LOVE the way Farai is drawn. There's no shying away from Black features here: big curly hair, colorful outfits, curvy body, wide lips/nose/eyes. Just seeing her on the page being lovey-dovey with a skinny white boy was radical. (I've literally never seen relationship depictions in art I could physically relate to.) Sorry but there's not too many Black girl cartoon characters drawn with this much care!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
liteartha's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
wish this was a little longer and delved more into the issues it explored! it brings up a really important conversation and has a vital message but delivers it in a really simple way. it was also a little hard to believe this was a couple that had been together for two years, and the dialogue was a little stiff/had a few typos. i did like the art style and loved farai though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Islamophobia
wilhelmena's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
The half star is only missing from the full 5 because it was short, i just wanted a little more fleshing out as the other characters aside from the main seemed a little 2D but maybe that’s how they needed to be given the themes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
More...