153 reviews for:

Not Without Laughter

Langston Hughes

4.1 AVERAGE

mhjackson's review

5.0

---

I had to read this for class, but this novel was a beautiful read. It brought laughter, contrary to what the title may suggest, and truth about the African American family dynamic. The views on religion, music, and the overall theme of Sonny’s education was very worth analyzing. 10/10 would recommend!

daisydoolie's review against another edition

4.0

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: N/A

colleenvb3's review

5.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

jwave08's review

5.0

---

This is an incredible perspective, and similar to someone else in the comments, I am amazed this is not required reading for grade school. I feel the view, the story telling, the history are all important elements that are needed in a classroom. The was my first Langston Hughes novel and I am happy I did it; wish I had sooner.

#100YearsOfBooks

saul30's review against another edition

5.0

---

probably one of my new favorite books ... i cried like 5 times

dglds_'s review

5.0

emotional inspiring 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: No

leahtee's review

5.0

---

Amazing book. One of the best I've read in a long time.

chaoticmissadventures's review

4.0

---

A very character driven novel, centered around one boys coming of age and the family that surrounds him.  You can see Hughes poetry voice shining through in the writing.  I particularly liked the character of the aunt who runs away with the circus, and then leads a life filled with walking on the edge of the families morals.  All of the characters are complex and vivid.  I also enjoyed the ongoing conversation of if Sandy should be going to school, it is a conversation as old as time but so complex with the time period.

playingmyace's review

---

🙌 I had a rewarding time.

becks's review against another edition

4.5

emotional funny informative inspiring slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No