Reviews tagging 'Grief'

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

5 reviews

madscientistcat's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective slow-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

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Grief, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Racism and Misogyny

Minor: Racial slurs, Infidelity, and Cancer

happyblkhippie's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

I LOVED this book!! From the tone of voice to the topics and themes explored. The characters are beautifully flawed and loveable. I love the wit and moderate heat. The eloquent and lyrical writing, story and setting are amazing. The narrator was absolutely phenomenal and really made the story come alive! It's a 5.75/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for me. This is the best book I 've read in a while. Definitely adding to my collection. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, Grief, and Mental illness

Moderate: Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Cursing, and Stalking

Minor: Police brutality and Chronic illness

jillianlistens's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Misogyny, Bullying, and Cursing

Minor: Grief, Vomit, and Police brutality

kayladaila's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Grief

Minor: Abandonment, Infidelity, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Bullying, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship

sunlit_music's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad 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

4.75

This book is such an underrated gem! Please check this book out if you love reading about books on romance, relationships, and fake dating. This book has so much depth and nuance!! It focuses on Black joy - Black people finding and keeping happiness, making close friendships, and achieving their goals and dreams in life. 

Kiki is a marvellous protagonist - funny, smart, compassionate, cocky, tough and no nonsense. I always found her characterisation believable and interesting. She loves her family and friends, and goes the extra mile to defend them and help them out. She has a FANTASTIC character arc, learning to trust people again, make more friends and learns she really is an important part of her university community, standing up for other students, and helping with relationship advice on her radio show Brown Sugar. 

Malakai is an awesome love interest! He's actually funny and nice, and not as bad as I initially thought he was. I love that Kiki and Malakai learn that they've been prejudiced and unfair about each other. 

Kiki's best friend Aminah is also flat out witty and hilarious!! I love her so much. She is The Best, an absolute joy to read. 

Honey and Spice covers heavy topics like grief, Kiki's mother surviving cancer, Kiki healing from a toxic relationship and friend break up, sexual harassment and blackmail, racism and sexism in academia with empathy and tact. Bolu Babalola does these topics justice, and discusses them with wisdom and grace. 

This book is extra special to me because it shows that people can redeem themselves, and work hard to be better. My favourite moments are

when Simi is revealed to be on Kiki's side and helps expose Zack's sexually harassing, abusive behaviour.

I love how people from different cliques who start off hating each other, but eventually become friends.

Especially Chioma (Chi-Chi) and Shanti! They're so cute as friends!!

Check this book out if you can, I highly recommend it!

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Content Warnings

Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Grief, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Cursing, Cancer, Sexism, and Sexual content