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aubreydillon02's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
espressoroast's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
nfiertz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
thearieslibrary's review against another edition
5.0
There were conversations interwoven between friends, lovers, family on topics such as the Igbo belief system, gender, identity, their path to becoming a writer and dealing with turmoil romantic relationships, which was a unique format and made it so interesting to listen to.
The imagery that they use to describe things never fails to amaze me with how vivid they are. I could picture the scenes aided by Akwaeke’s narration, play out like a movie in my mind. It was such an interesting insight into Akwaeke and it took me on a journey of reflection.
The way that we get more insight into Akwaeke’s life especially the events leading up to Freshwater (both during writing and after release; side note you need to read this too!), made it so intimate as there are glimpses of their worldview, which I found fascinating. The trials and tribulations that they have faced in their life only made me appreciate even more the place in my heart their books hold.
I took my time listening as I didn’t want it to end. I also didn’t expect to feel so many emotions while listening to Akwaeke’s narration but I love how brutal, raw and vulnerable they are. At points I even cried because paired with their narration, it only made the book more powerful and resonate with me in parts.
⚠️ CWs: sexual assault, death, child abuse, transphobia, self harm, dysphoria, cheating, medical content, medical trauma, chronic illness, panic attacks/dusorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, sex ⚠️
The imagery that they use to describe things never fails to amaze me with how vivid they are. I could picture the scenes aided by Akwaeke’s narration, play out like a movie in my mind. It was such an interesting insight into Akwaeke and it took me on a journey of reflection.
The way that we get more insight into Akwaeke’s life especially the events leading up to Freshwater (both during writing and after release; side note you need to read this too!), made it so intimate as there are glimpses of their worldview, which I found fascinating. The trials and tribulations that they have faced in their life only made me appreciate even more the place in my heart their books hold.
I took my time listening as I didn’t want it to end. I also didn’t expect to feel so many emotions while listening to Akwaeke’s narration but I love how brutal, raw and vulnerable they are. At points I even cried because paired with their narration, it only made the book more powerful and resonate with me in parts.
⚠️ CWs: sexual assault, death, child abuse, transphobia, self harm, dysphoria, cheating, medical content, medical trauma, chronic illness, panic attacks/dusorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, sex ⚠️
bickie's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! Such a raw splitting open of the author's self. What did they hold back? Loved the candor and how this book helped me think about myself and how willing I am to be "stand in my truth" and I don't even consider myself a god. Touches on so many topics: publishing, authenticity, racism, mental health, complicated family dynamics, romantic relationships, the importance of friends and found family...
I listened to the book (read beautifully by the author) and read the print book at the same time with annotations. I highly recommend the audio book.
Spoiler
suicide ideation and graphic description of attempts, graphic discussion of cutting self and others, graphic discussion of cannibalism, abuse,I listened to the book (read beautifully by the author) and read the print book at the same time with annotations. I highly recommend the audio book.
sundayfever's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Unlike any other memoir I've read. Some parts very relatable, some completely otherworldly. A refreshingly different look into an authors life.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt