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wellreadmegs's review
emotional
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
4.25
Yinka was infuriating at times during this book, but her growth was ultimately incredible. I learned not only a lot about Nigerian culture and even faith. Yinka was a relatable character who went from having it all to losing it so quickly. I found parts of the book to be extremely relatable when it came to dealing with a breakup, your family's expectations, and navigating adult friendships when everyone is in a different season of life. Yinka is a single 30-something woman who doesn't have it all figured out yet but was putting in the work to do so & that's always a beautiful thing to watch. I appreciated that there wasn't a romantic love story between two people but between Yinka and herself. I thought the author did a great job with the counseling sessions of the book - some of it hit a little too close to home. Lizzie Blackburn touched on some deep topics of colorism, classism, and faith. Also, I appreciated the references to Insecure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism
klitanightfuryreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
4.25
I was sent this book by Penguin Random House as an ARC for a review…For starters this book is a super easy read, and it can be finished in one day - the language is easy and the writing is simple and straightforward.
I am a little torn about this book because I hated it and loved it at the same time. I hated the main character and even at the end with her “redemption” it was not a character I enjoyed. It felt to me like she was very shallow and even if her friends and family kept saying she was kind or so “unlike” her - it did not seem that way to me.
The rest of the book tho - it’s a win. I saw my life and my family in this book. I am from Central America and if I could tell you how many times I’ve been embarrassed and talked down to by relatives because I am in my thirties, childless and single I would be rich. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the native Nigerians and the first generation English born children who struggled with culture, language and fitting in…. but to me the most meaningful message from this book was the spotlight it brought to therapy (which was something I was not expecting)
*** Minor Spoilers ahead***
Having the main character confront her fears, demons and self-hatred in therapy was just beautiful, sweet and humbling. There were so many “aha” moments during those last 100 pages that I wish the book had focus more on this area, and/or maybe show that therapy takes more time. I know for the sake of wrapping up the book - this was condensed into a few pages and by the end of the book everything just seem to be “magically fixed” after a few visits to the therapist, and the most unrealistic part was her family somehow completely changing their mindset (I am talking generational trauma, mindsets and baggage here) being magically fixed overnight with a simple conversation.
Aside from this - I would recommend this book to anyone, specially those trying to expand their cultural knowledge. I give props to the writer as this is her first book and she wrote a beautiful strong book.
I am a little torn about this book because I hated it and loved it at the same time. I hated the main character and even at the end with her “redemption” it was not a character I enjoyed. It felt to me like she was very shallow and even if her friends and family kept saying she was kind or so “unlike” her - it did not seem that way to me.
The rest of the book tho - it’s a win. I saw my life and my family in this book. I am from Central America and if I could tell you how many times I’ve been embarrassed and talked down to by relatives because I am in my thirties, childless and single I would be rich. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the native Nigerians and the first generation English born children who struggled with culture, language and fitting in…. but to me the most meaningful message from this book was the spotlight it brought to therapy (which was something I was not expecting)
*** Minor Spoilers ahead***
Having the main character confront her fears, demons and self-hatred in therapy was just beautiful, sweet and humbling. There were so many “aha” moments during those last 100 pages that I wish the book had focus more on this area, and/or maybe show that therapy takes more time. I know for the sake of wrapping up the book - this was condensed into a few pages and by the end of the book everything just seem to be “magically fixed” after a few visits to the therapist, and the most unrealistic part was her family somehow completely changing their mindset (I am talking generational trauma, mindsets and baggage here) being magically fixed overnight with a simple conversation.
Aside from this - I would recommend this book to anyone, specially those trying to expand their cultural knowledge. I give props to the writer as this is her first book and she wrote a beautiful strong book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Grief, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Pregnancy, Racism, and Toxic friendship
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