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4.35 AVERAGE
4.35 AVERAGE
5 stars for writing and storytelling but it’s such a dark, disturbing read. The story of multi generational trauma and abuse in the racially charged Deep South.
absolutely haunting. i always thought it would get better, bad thing x would be the worst thing and the tipping point, but there was always something even worse afterwards
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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:
N/A
This book took me through a rollercoaster of emotions I mean literally left my mouth wide open like WTF‼️ So, many heartbreaking moments that made me want to put the book down yet it was so good that I couldn’t. The complex situations experienced by the characters feel true to the time period they’re in.
Rozelle👏🏽Mthafkin👏🏽Quinn . . . Hands she could’ve caught them cause the lowdown things she did to her kids was trifling, wrong, and hateful. The constant verbal and physical abuse not to mention the things she made her daughters do. That woman didn’t have one loving motherly bone in her body. The only thing she cared about was money anything to make a quick dollar she’d force her kids to do it. She deserved an Oscar award cause that woman could put on a show and lie straight through her teeth.
The book was beautifully written, very detailed, vivid and the character development was immaculate. Reading this was like watching a movie. It had me on edge waiting to see what would happen next. My favorite characters were Tangy Mae, Tarabelle, and Mushy if you’ve read this then you know why I say that. All I kept thinking while reading this was that part from Color Purple where Sophia said “I know what it like to wanna go somewhere and cain't.” Rozelle’s kids wanted to leave and never look back yet she had a hold on them that even if they left a few would still return for one reason or another mainly for each other. But living with her was like being in prison every day for the rest of your life.
Overall, this book was amazing. Not gonna sugarcoat anything it was very sad might even be a little traumatic for some but it was raw, uncut, and a depiction of somebody’s reality whether you want to believe it or not. I can go on and on about this book but why spoil it I recommend you give it a read. But proceed with caution it gets very TRIGGERING‼️ If you’ve ever read Push by Sapphire or Perish by Latoya Watkins this book gives that type of vibe.
Rozelle👏🏽Mthafkin👏🏽Quinn . . . Hands she could’ve caught them cause the lowdown things she did to her kids was trifling, wrong, and hateful. The constant verbal and physical abuse not to mention the things she made her daughters do. That woman didn’t have one loving motherly bone in her body. The only thing she cared about was money anything to make a quick dollar she’d force her kids to do it. She deserved an Oscar award cause that woman could put on a show and lie straight through her teeth.
The book was beautifully written, very detailed, vivid and the character development was immaculate. Reading this was like watching a movie. It had me on edge waiting to see what would happen next. My favorite characters were Tangy Mae, Tarabelle, and Mushy if you’ve read this then you know why I say that. All I kept thinking while reading this was that part from Color Purple where Sophia said “I know what it like to wanna go somewhere and cain't.” Rozelle’s kids wanted to leave and never look back yet she had a hold on them that even if they left a few would still return for one reason or another mainly for each other. But living with her was like being in prison every day for the rest of your life.
Overall, this book was amazing. Not gonna sugarcoat anything it was very sad might even be a little traumatic for some but it was raw, uncut, and a depiction of somebody’s reality whether you want to believe it or not. I can go on and on about this book but why spoil it I recommend you give it a read. But proceed with caution it gets very TRIGGERING‼️ If you’ve ever read Push by Sapphire or Perish by Latoya Watkins this book gives that type of vibe.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Hate crime, Rape, Murder
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Abortion, Murder, Fire/Fire injury
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Wow!!!!! This was such a haunting, trauma-filled story but extremely well written. It drew me in from the beginning and held on throughout the book. It’s such a powerful read that evokes emotion (I fought tears several times) - a testament to the author’s tremendous writing skills in character and story development. I can definitely understand why readers return to read this again every few years. Amazing!
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
Never have I read a book that is so devastatingly raw and powerful! Set in the racially segregated South of the late 1950s, it unflinchingly explores the brutality of abuse, the scars of systemic racism, and the unyielding resilience of a young girl who dares to dream of a better life.
The story follows thirteen-year-old Tangy Mae Quinn, the sixth of ten siblings born to Rozelle, a cruel and abusive mother whose mental health issues drive her to unspeakable acts of violence and control (like - seriously bad. She is quite possibly the worst mother I have ever laid eyes on). Tangy Mae, the darkest-skinned of her siblings, is seen as the least desirable in Rozelle's eyes, a fact Rozelle makes no effort to hide. Yet, Tangy Mae is also the brightest of her siblings, her intelligence and determination standing out in stark contrast to the despair and dysfunction that define her family's existence. Tangy is also the kindest of the children and often takes on the responsibility of looking out for her older and younger siblings, hoping for a better and brighter future for herself.
The novel's strength lies in its complex characters and unflinching honesty. Rozelle is a deeply flawed figure whose actions are monstrous, yet Phillips does not reduce her to a one-dimensional villain. Her beauty and light skin offer her social leverage. Still, her deeply rooted insecurities, paired with a traumatic past and mental health issues, manifest in the tyrannical rule she exercises over her children. Her exploitation of her children, whether by forcing them into labor or, more horrifically, prostitution, is hard to stomach but central to understanding the gravity of the challenges Tangy Mae and her siblings face. As the layers of Rozelle's history are revealed, readers are forced to grapple with the cyclical nature of trauma and the role societal pressures play in creating monsters like Rozelle.
On the other hand, Tangy Mae's character is the complete opposite of Rozelle, acting as a symbol of quiet resistance and hope. Her acceptance into the first integrated class at a local high school is not just a personal achievement but a radical act of defiance against her mother's wishes and the oppressive societal norms of Bakersfield, Georgia. Tangy Mae's journey is heart-wrenching yet inspiring as she navigates the perilous intersection of her mother's wrath and desire to hold Tangy back while also battling the systemic racism of the segregated South.
Tangy Mae's siblings, each with their own burdens and coping mechanisms, add even more depth to the narrative, illustrating the varying effects of Rozelle's abuse on her children.
Sensitive readers beware: Trigger warnings abound in this book. Phillips does not shy away from depicting the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse endured by Tangy Mae and her siblings, nor does she gloss over the harsh realities of racism, substance abuse, and violence. For those who can endure its heavy themes, it offers a profoundly moving experience, but believe me when I say it's rough. There are no fairy-tale endings here, only the hope that Tangy Mae's determination will be enough to forge a better path for herself. My heart was heavy long after finishing this, and I still think about Tangy Mae - because you know she represents so many Black women.
This is a harrowing but essential read. It is not for the faint of heart, but for readers who can handle its weight, it is an unforgettable and profoundly moving exploration of resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. Tangy Mae Quinn's story will stay with me for a very long time.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing
This book rendered so many emotions from me. It kept me interested in what happens next. It can be triggering because it brings to life real things of the past.