Scan barcode
i_attri_'s review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
lauren_soderberg's review
5.0
Donna Hill’s Confessions in B-Flat is a poignant, timely, and beautiful story about two people finding their way during the tumultuous 1960s.
When Jason Tanner meets Anita Hopkins on a bus bound for New York City, he knows he’s encountered someone special. He’s been sent by Dr. King to expand the message of passive resistance to people up north, which seems to directly clash with Anita’s support of Malcolm X’s ideology. But neither Jason nor Anita can seem to shake their connection. Will it be enough to keep them together during one of the most politically charged time periods in America’s history?
As mentioned in the blurb, this novel is as timeless as it is timely. At its core, it’s a story about two people whose connection and love for each other strengthens with time, despite some seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Hill is masterful at weaving the history of the Civil Rights Movement into her narrative; you feel dropped straight into that time period and all of its vigor and tumultuousness. Yet, the personal connection and bond between Anita and Jason is what really shines. Though they’re shaped by their time, their love is universal.
I felt a gamut of emotions reading the arc of their story, and feel that it’s not only important for its message about civil rights (and how much more work there is to do) but for its beautiful love story and tremendous character growth. I also greatly enjoy reading stories about characters whose life experiences are different from mine, as it widens my worldview and enriches my life in ways that are valuable and important. We need more stories like these.
This is one of my favorite novels of 2020. A definite must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When Jason Tanner meets Anita Hopkins on a bus bound for New York City, he knows he’s encountered someone special. He’s been sent by Dr. King to expand the message of passive resistance to people up north, which seems to directly clash with Anita’s support of Malcolm X’s ideology. But neither Jason nor Anita can seem to shake their connection. Will it be enough to keep them together during one of the most politically charged time periods in America’s history?
As mentioned in the blurb, this novel is as timeless as it is timely. At its core, it’s a story about two people whose connection and love for each other strengthens with time, despite some seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Hill is masterful at weaving the history of the Civil Rights Movement into her narrative; you feel dropped straight into that time period and all of its vigor and tumultuousness. Yet, the personal connection and bond between Anita and Jason is what really shines. Though they’re shaped by their time, their love is universal.
I felt a gamut of emotions reading the arc of their story, and feel that it’s not only important for its message about civil rights (and how much more work there is to do) but for its beautiful love story and tremendous character growth. I also greatly enjoy reading stories about characters whose life experiences are different from mine, as it widens my worldview and enriches my life in ways that are valuable and important. We need more stories like these.
This is one of my favorite novels of 2020. A definite must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
cassiesnextchapter's review
5.0
4.5 Wow - this story blew me away! {Thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC (Sideways Books) and NetGalley for this free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.}
Heartfelt, tender, fiery, and inspirational. An amazing and powerful story of love and social activism set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1960s.
Anita is the spirited activist from New York following the teachings of Malcolm X, while Jason is the "do-gooder" from the south who is trying to spread the word of MLK Jr. To read the story of their upbringing, their family's histories, and the paths they choose is so inspiring. How they find their way to each other against many odds and so many differences is such a strong testament to their love.
I loved the historical aspect of this story and the interweavings of pictures, speeches, and news events from that time period. It really grounded the story, gave it a thoughtful and timely feeling, and shed light on the characters' inner struggles.
This is truly a beautiful story, filled with heartbreak, strength, purpose, laughter, and love. A must read!
Heartfelt, tender, fiery, and inspirational. An amazing and powerful story of love and social activism set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1960s.
Anita is the spirited activist from New York following the teachings of Malcolm X, while Jason is the "do-gooder" from the south who is trying to spread the word of MLK Jr. To read the story of their upbringing, their family's histories, and the paths they choose is so inspiring. How they find their way to each other against many odds and so many differences is such a strong testament to their love.
I loved the historical aspect of this story and the interweavings of pictures, speeches, and news events from that time period. It really grounded the story, gave it a thoughtful and timely feeling, and shed light on the characters' inner struggles.
This is truly a beautiful story, filled with heartbreak, strength, purpose, laughter, and love. A must read!
chcollins22's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
4.0
restlessbookish's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
readincolour's review against another edition
2.0
I had such high hopes for this book but I can't do historical fiction that doesn't get the timeline of history right it's sloppy research. Between calling Bayard Rustin Baynard, taking about cassette tapes (which were around at the time but not really for commercial use) and then talking about mix tapes, which weren't a thing until hip hop came along, I quit.
Beautiful cover though. Very beautiful cover.
Beautiful cover though. Very beautiful cover.
lit_vibrations's review
5.0
This novel was such a heartwarming masterpiece that captured an important time in history and remixed it with romance making it even more captivating.
Taken place in Harlem during the 1960’s the novel follows two courageous MC’s Jason Tanner a young activist seeking to spread the message of his mentor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Anita Hopkins an aspiring beat poet who believes in the practices of Malcolm X. When the two meet on a New York bus ride Jason is intrigued by Anita and although there political differences nearly get in the way of their conversation Anita also felt something in that moment. Nearly three months pass before they cross paths again making this next encounter one to remember.
Jason was passionate and eager to be a positive voice for the movement while Anita was fierce with her drive for justice by any means necessary. It was nearly impossible not to fall in love with these characters. The character development was excellent. Donna Hill put so much description into the story giving a realistic feel to the setting and characters.
I really enjoyed watching the love flourish and bloom between Jason and Anita. Her dealing with a past heartbreak almost made it impossible for Jason to show his real interest. But I loved how eventually Anita opened herself up to love again despite her past entanglement. Then just when you think things between them may not work something happens and gives their relationship hope.
The book not only feeds you in the romance sector but awakens the reader’s perspective on history and the difficulties African Americans face. The author’s inclusion of real photographs, news articles, and poetry was not only insightful but takes you on a journey through history.
I’m so excited this book is being adapted into a film. It’s definitely worth reading so I can only imagine how amazing the movie will be. Special thanks to the author and @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy and to be apart of this amazing tour!!!!
Taken place in Harlem during the 1960’s the novel follows two courageous MC’s Jason Tanner a young activist seeking to spread the message of his mentor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Anita Hopkins an aspiring beat poet who believes in the practices of Malcolm X. When the two meet on a New York bus ride Jason is intrigued by Anita and although there political differences nearly get in the way of their conversation Anita also felt something in that moment. Nearly three months pass before they cross paths again making this next encounter one to remember.
Jason was passionate and eager to be a positive voice for the movement while Anita was fierce with her drive for justice by any means necessary. It was nearly impossible not to fall in love with these characters. The character development was excellent. Donna Hill put so much description into the story giving a realistic feel to the setting and characters.
I really enjoyed watching the love flourish and bloom between Jason and Anita. Her dealing with a past heartbreak almost made it impossible for Jason to show his real interest. But I loved how eventually Anita opened herself up to love again despite her past entanglement. Then just when you think things between them may not work something happens and gives their relationship hope.
The book not only feeds you in the romance sector but awakens the reader’s perspective on history and the difficulties African Americans face. The author’s inclusion of real photographs, news articles, and poetry was not only insightful but takes you on a journey through history.
I’m so excited this book is being adapted into a film. It’s definitely worth reading so I can only imagine how amazing the movie will be. Special thanks to the author and @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy and to be apart of this amazing tour!!!!
justinevandale's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I grabbed this book because it’s a bookclub read for February and I wanted to make sure I could get to it before the bookclub meet day.
When I saw this book I really fell in love with the cover, it’s so gorgeous. I don’t read synopsis’ too much so I didn’t really know what this book was about. I did enjoy there story and I found it fascinating because I haven’t really read much about Malcolm X or Martin Luther King (and honesty don’t have much knowledge about them either). This book educated me on them. Or was also interesting to me that our main characters were so different and came from opposite upbringings but were still able to put their differences and views aside in the name of love.
Good historical (seems strange saying that but it did take places in the 60’s) romance read and I would recommend to historical lovers.
When I saw this book I really fell in love with the cover, it’s so gorgeous. I don’t read synopsis’ too much so I didn’t really know what this book was about. I did enjoy there story and I found it fascinating because I haven’t really read much about Malcolm X or Martin Luther King (and honesty don’t have much knowledge about them either). This book educated me on them. Or was also interesting to me that our main characters were so different and came from opposite upbringings but were still able to put their differences and views aside in the name of love.
Good historical (seems strange saying that but it did take places in the 60’s) romance read and I would recommend to historical lovers.
timitra's review
4.0
Confessions in B-Flat was an enjoyable read. I loved taking this journey through the sixties with Jason and Anita. It was entertaining and informative. The pictures included enhanced the experience of being immersed in not only in the story but in the time period as well. It was a solid read for me. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by this new to me author.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
notinjersey's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very interesting book set in the midst of the civil rights movement. It taught me about the differences in the beliefs of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Anita is an inspiring character who is able to get her words out to others through her poetry. Jason also determines how to help others while also sharing his message.
A sad part of reading this book was that while Anita and Jason wanted to see progress, they argued over whether the civil rights bill would actually help. Anita wondered if it would lead to higher pay and better jobs, decent places to live, and not getting beaten by the police. The truth is that these are difficulties that are still happening now.
As far as historical fiction goes, this was done in a unique way with actual news articles and photographs included, as well as YouTube links to speeches that were given. The book spans from the early 60s through the Vietnam War and concludes with a hopeful feeling.
A sad part of reading this book was that while Anita and Jason wanted to see progress, they argued over whether the civil rights bill would actually help. Anita wondered if it would lead to higher pay and better jobs, decent places to live, and not getting beaten by the police. The truth is that these are difficulties that are still happening now.
As far as historical fiction goes, this was done in a unique way with actual news articles and photographs included, as well as YouTube links to speeches that were given. The book spans from the early 60s through the Vietnam War and concludes with a hopeful feeling.