Reviews

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

annakim's review

5.0

Colorism is not only a major concern about Black communities; it is also a problem among Asian communities. In Southeast Asia, there is a very popular product called Fair and Lovely (the company has pledged to change the name, but not to stop selling the product) that claims to bleach the skin. It's not uncommon for women in Korea to carry parasols on sunny days in order to protect themselves from getting a tan.
My heart broke for Genesis. All of her actions were rooted in a desperate need for love and unconditional acceptance and, as a result, she finds herself getting in trouble more than once. Even though the book ends on a hopeful note, there is no easy solution to the problems Genesis and her mother face and I think that that kind of realism is better than any cheap and easy ending.

biblioemily's review

5.0

Important look at colorism. I am HERE for 13-year-old protagonists, too, because this means I can convince 8th graders to read this book. :)

mdmartin's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

sosherpa1's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• 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

3.0

chardeemacdennis's review

4.0

Reread.

I'm so glad I decided to listen to this as a reread. I forgot how great this book is. I love Genesis so much. She's a great character and I love Troy and Sonja.

sasbybelle's review

3.0

This book could help middle grade preteens learn to help accept themselves for who they are and not who they think society thinks they should be. I felt at times the text dragged with details, but the overall story was good and I found myself rooting for Genesis and her new friends.

megan_stine's review against another edition

4.25

Realistic fiction story where the narrator struggles with the instability of her family and the color of her skin, which she thinks is too dark. 

madelinefmcguire's review against another edition

4.0

There are 96 things Genesis hates about herself, she knows the exact number because she keeps a list. Some girls at one of her old schools started it but as life kept happening and she started to think those things were true and she thought of more. Like the fact that her skin is do dark people call her Eggplant or Charcoal. Or the fact that they're always getting put out of their house because her dad doesn't pay the rent. When Genesis reaches #100 on her list she has to decide if she's going to continue down the path she's on or if she'll learn to start anew.

An intense story about one girl's internalized racism and self-hate. I thought this did an amazing job showing this perspective. The writing was strong and the story moved through well. I'd recommend this book for someone looking for a book on a different perspective or someone who likes books about people overcoming their struggles.

ctorms's review against another edition

4.0

Realistic fiction about a middleschooler struggling with bullying, colorism and an unstable home. "Raw" and "heartbreaking" are common descriptors for this story. Readers will quickly become engaged because Williams' delineation of character is so masterful. Genesis is resilient, empathetic and brave. I want so many good things for her because after reading this she felt like a friend. Distinguished.

lilywidner28's review against another edition

informative lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5