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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
A Song This Book Reminded Me Of: Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by Nina Simone
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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:
Complicated
Deeply enjoyed this book and glad I finally picked it up after the collecting of dust on the shelf. Lyrical strings of sentences yet I was never lulled, never detached from the last stretch of each chapter.
The author managed to break down the different struggles faced by the characters and giving each the attention they deserve, for some just enough to be fairly understood.
A common theme shared by the characters in here is the desire for change and betterment. Yes, many were simply pressed by the bleak prospects of their lives. But for some, it was a choice, to alter their life path and pick the ones that champions their truth.
———
On a more personal note, this book felt more like a much needed cultural telling. I’ve read a couple of books touching on racism in America, most poignant was Song of Solomon by Tony Morrison. But as someone living far from the happenings, it was always something I struggled to fully grasp the extent of. I feel this book has been the best at unfolding that experience and giving me that understanding why it’s an issue that still needs to be fought for everyday.
Page 326:
“Don't say we’re tired of talking about race/The only race is human race. American Blacks, too, are tired of talking about race. They wish they didn’t have to.”
The author managed to break down the different struggles faced by the characters and giving each the attention they deserve, for some just enough to be fairly understood.
A common theme shared by the characters in here is the desire for change and betterment. Yes, many were simply pressed by the bleak prospects of their lives. But for some, it was a choice, to alter their life path and pick the ones that champions their truth.
———
On a more personal note, this book felt more like a much needed cultural telling. I’ve read a couple of books touching on racism in America, most poignant was Song of Solomon by Tony Morrison. But as someone living far from the happenings, it was always something I struggled to fully grasp the extent of. I feel this book has been the best at unfolding that experience and giving me that understanding why it’s an issue that still needs to be fought for everyday.
Page 326:
“Don't say we’re tired of talking about race/The only race is human race. American Blacks, too, are tired of talking about race. They wish they didn’t have to.”
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
Not for me. I get why people like it but I might just have to accept that I find contemporary fiction a bit boring.
I very much enjoyed the snippets from her blog though. Very interesting.
I very much enjoyed the snippets from her blog though. Very interesting.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Enjoyed the reflections on the immigrant and “returning” immigrant experience a lot! Not a big fan of the main character, Ifemelu or the amount of focus on the love story! Overall, must read for anyone who has immigrated to the US!
I know I often say “everyone needs to read this book” but like… everyone needs to read this book. The only reason it’s 4 stars instead of 5 is because it had a couple lulls in the story (at least for me). I loved being able to read the points of view of both Ifemelu and Obinze. I love some good character development, and it was great to get it with two characters. I also appreciated the perspective of a non-American Black person trying to understand the racism and colorism within the United States. All of the blog posts were just amazing, too. I highlighted basically all of them. When she later transitions back to Nigeria, the complex emotions of returning home hit hard. The motif of hair braiding/hair care was so beautifully woven throughout the story - it really stuck with me.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual assault, Excrement, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Classism
Minor: Body shaming, Death, Death of parent
emotional
funny
reflective
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:
No