Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

4 reviews

megansoetaert's review against another edition

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funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

this was a frustrating and heartwarming read!! loved getting to see yinka's growth and her self-love develop. her experiences with colorism & family expectations were a central focus of the book. (butttt she was a hot mess beyond that too lol)

i couldn't believe she was in her thirties... but i'm glad she got it together & gained confidence with the help of her friends + a Black therapist!! we love to see it! i want nana’s book next 💘

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cerilouisereads's review against another edition

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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

5.0


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amberinpieces's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

3.5


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klitanightfuryreads's review

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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.


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