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emmagray13's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
amaru222's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
Its nice reading about a gay kid whos family isnt horribly homophobic. Its definitely the kind of book id give to a highschool looking for media that embraces their identity. the structure of the book makes it super easy to finish quickly and accessible for most reading levels, but the contents made me want to pause between chapters and reflect on my own experiences growing up as a queer kid. In that way id recommend it to young adults who are looking for the books they didnt have growing up. Only a bit cliche in the tropes but thered a reason…. all these things happen in the real world too
antidietleah's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
3.5
eileen9898's review against another edition
3.0
Objectively, there's nothing wrong with this book. I wasn't technically bored while reading, but I also didn't connect with it.
Drag is something, that I tried to be more interested in over the years because it's so important to queer culture, but I think I just don't care for it. I was way more interested in the other parts of the story.
Drag is something, that I tried to be more interested in over the years because it's so important to queer culture, but I think I just don't care for it. I was way more interested in the other parts of the story.
linda_1410's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 stars
This is very much a coming of age story about Michael, a half-Greek Cypriot/half-Jamaican Brittish boy from his early years up to college. Through it, he struggles to find the real him between expectations of his family, society and classmates, and what it means to be mixed-raced. Typical coming of age stuff. Michael also struggles to figure out where he fits in queer society and finally finds a place that lets him express himself in drag.
This was a character-driven story, as there's no real plot beyond personal growth and acceptance. I liked Michael, and his mom, and best friend Daisy. His other classmates don't get as much space time but they're mostly nice too. It's low on angst and drama, but still finds ways to address issues like race and identity without lecturing the reader.
The author himself did the narration and did a really good job with it. He didn't create other voices for the various characters but it wasn't necessary.
This is very much a coming of age story about Michael, a half-Greek Cypriot/half-Jamaican Brittish boy from his early years up to college. Through it, he struggles to find the real him between expectations of his family, society and classmates, and what it means to be mixed-raced. Typical coming of age stuff. Michael also struggles to figure out where he fits in queer society and finally finds a place that lets him express himself in drag.
This was a character-driven story, as there's no real plot beyond personal growth and acceptance. I liked Michael, and his mom, and best friend Daisy. His other classmates don't get as much space time but they're mostly nice too. It's low on angst and drama, but still finds ways to address issues like race and identity without lecturing the reader.
The author himself did the narration and did a really good job with it. He didn't create other voices for the various characters but it wasn't necessary.
jnfilippelli's review against another edition
3.0
This topic is urgent and powerful and needed.
However, I wanted more. This could be three separate books. Too many of the important experiences were crammed into one book. Each deserves their own space.
However, I wanted more. This could be three separate books. Too many of the important experiences were crammed into one book. Each deserves their own space.
flotrenza's review against another edition
4.0
I adored this book, it makes me want to rediscover who I am!
sarahvankuiken's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. The coming-of-age story was probably a 4/5 for me, but honestly... the writing took this down to a 3/5. I didn't find it especially beautiful or well done, and the character's poetry was... not good.
bookishwelshie's review against another edition
5.0
The Black Flamingo is a novel told in, beautifully-written, verse. Dean Atta is clearly such a talented poet. This is easily one of my top reads of the year so far, I enjoyed it as much as Felix Ever After.
The narrative being told in verse makes it fast paced and focuses on the most important parts of the main character Michael’s story. The unique writing style really paid off here.
It’s all about Michael’s journey of self discovery. First, he realises that he is gay during high school and experiences some first crushes. Then, at university, he discovered the art of drag where he can express himself as an alter ego and have a platform to share his poetry. Also to experiment with fashion and breaking gender norms.
I know this will be an important book for a lot of young people. I can’t recommend it enough!
The narrative being told in verse makes it fast paced and focuses on the most important parts of the main character Michael’s story. The unique writing style really paid off here.
It’s all about Michael’s journey of self discovery. First, he realises that he is gay during high school and experiences some first crushes. Then, at university, he discovered the art of drag where he can express himself as an alter ego and have a platform to share his poetry. Also to experiment with fashion and breaking gender norms.
I know this will be an important book for a lot of young people. I can’t recommend it enough!
shannenlc's review against another edition
5.0
Trying to review this book is tricky, because all I want to do is gush about how much I bloody LOVED IT!! Honestly, everything about it touched my heart. The illustrations were gorgeous, the poetry beautiful and raw and the reading experience so emotional. Name any emotion and I guarantee I felt it whilst reading this book.
The Black Flamingo follows Mike, a young black boy, who is trying to figure out his sexual and gender identity, and how that aligns with his blackness. It's a complex journey of self-discovery for Mike who experiences a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions along the way - confusion, self-doubt, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, shame, curiosity, exhiliration, inspiration, understanding, acceptance and pride. His experiences are both internal and external, and it's certainly not a smooth journey for him. He faces prejudice and discrimination, but commits himself to the path of finding his true self and is relentless in that pursuit, regardless of what others think, say or do. Mike is a truly inspirational character, not just for young audiences, but adult audiences too.
The representation as a whole in this book is incredible and almost the entire spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities will find a piece of themselves within the pages. But it's not just an illuminating read just in regards to LGBTQ+ themes, but also racial themes and blackness.
Mike grapples with what it is to be part of multiple marginalised groups; of how his blackness and multi-racial identity undermines and intereacts with his queerness and vice versa. He fears how both will cause him to face prejudice and discrimination but simeutaneously wants to embrace them wholly as being part of who he is and who he is proud to be.
The Black Flamingo is ultimately a story of pride; of being unapologetically and fiercely you no matter what. It's not just for LGBTQ+ people, it's for everyone, because it's not just a celebration of queerness, it's also a celebration of life, love and identity.
"Being both black and queer,
affirming that I exist,
I am here and I have been here
long before this moment,
the first people were black
and queerness predates its modern meaning.
Queerness predates its derogatory meaning.
Queerness predates colonialism
and Christianity.
Queerness predates any hate attached to it.
I call myself black.
I call myself queer.
I call myself beautiful.
I call myself eternal.
I canll myself iconic.
I call myself futuristic."
The Black Flamingo follows Mike, a young black boy, who is trying to figure out his sexual and gender identity, and how that aligns with his blackness. It's a complex journey of self-discovery for Mike who experiences a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions along the way - confusion, self-doubt, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, shame, curiosity, exhiliration, inspiration, understanding, acceptance and pride. His experiences are both internal and external, and it's certainly not a smooth journey for him. He faces prejudice and discrimination, but commits himself to the path of finding his true self and is relentless in that pursuit, regardless of what others think, say or do. Mike is a truly inspirational character, not just for young audiences, but adult audiences too.
"Before I came here
I didn't want to wear a dress,
I didn't want to be that stereotype.
I know that's wrong,
my thinking was wrong,
the different ones
are often the most strong.
I know trans
and gender nonconforming people
started our movements,
won our freedoms.
I'm a man
and I want to be a free one.
I'm a man and I want to put a dress on."
The representation as a whole in this book is incredible and almost the entire spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities will find a piece of themselves within the pages. But it's not just an illuminating read just in regards to LGBTQ+ themes, but also racial themes and blackness.
"I always thought education
and money was going
to earn me respect,
but a successful black man
is a threat. Pulling me over
for driving a nice car.
This isn't what I wanted
for your moving day
but this is what it's like
to be black in this country
or anywhere in the world.
They interrupt our joy.
Our history. Our progress.
They know they can't stop
us unless they kill us
but they can't kill us all,
so you're living your life
and suddenly interrupted
by white fear or suspicion.
They fear sharing anything.
Our success is a threat."
Mike grapples with what it is to be part of multiple marginalised groups; of how his blackness and multi-racial identity undermines and intereacts with his queerness and vice versa. He fears how both will cause him to face prejudice and discrimination but simeutaneously wants to embrace them wholly as being part of who he is and who he is proud to be.
"I feel like Goldilocks;
trying to find a group of people
the perfect fit for me.
A group that's 'just right'.
I didn't feel black enough
for African Caribbean Society,
I didn't feel Greek enough
for Hellenic Society,
I didn't feel queer enough
for LGBT society
But I've got to find a group
that's just right for me."
The Black Flamingo is ultimately a story of pride; of being unapologetically and fiercely you no matter what. It's not just for LGBTQ+ people, it's for everyone, because it's not just a celebration of queerness, it's also a celebration of life, love and identity.