Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
Wow that was intense! I almost cried by page 13! What a debut novel. I honestly didnt really enjoy the book as much as I thought I would based on the hype. There is no doubt that it's gripping, gritty, and dark (all qualities I love in books)but it just didnt stick with me as much as it should have for some reason. I cant quite put my finger on it yet but when I can, i'll edit this and tell you what it was once i pin it down!
This book lacks use of literary devices. It just comes across as a bland retelling of a family history. It fails to draw me in and connect to the characters.
I thought the prose was really good. Mathis' ability to build strong characters was certainly hinted at. But there were too many people, and too many ideas for me to figure out what she was ultimately trying to say with the novel. By the end you see the cracks in Hattie's very solid and tough veneer, but not enough light shines for you to take away much more than that her life was really hard.
I also don't understand why the family house was on Wayne Street instead of Wayne Avenue--every other Philadelphia detail seemed right enough.
I also don't understand why the family house was on Wayne Street instead of Wayne Avenue--every other Philadelphia detail seemed right enough.
challenging
emotional
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
I really wanted to like this book because I'd heard so many good things about it, but I don't think it really delivers. I am pretty fed up with connected short stories and although this doesn't completely fall into that category, its structure kept it from being satisfying. I wish the author had combined all the stories of Hattie's children and had them interacting with each other as they stumble through life. Otherwise, why call them a tribe? Aside from the first chapter, which was lovely and full of promise, the rest of the book treats Hattie's children in isolation. I want to know the whole family's story.
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Mathis painted a picture of the main character through the eyes of her children with poise and incredible clarity. Hattie was complex, while she meant well, you questioned the ways she expressed love to her family. For this to be her first novel, Mathis struck me as one who has already mastered the craft. I was personally touched by Ella's chapter and after reading her story, others came in clear view. Each story undoubtedly resonates with a reader in different ways whether it connects you to a familiar story or it is your story. Certainly a novel I will remember for days and months to come.
I was struggling to care maybe I should read instead of listen but I was struggling to find a care.
This was an interesting read. While I enjoyed it I’m not sure I would listen to it again. At few times I was a little confused about who was who and what was going on. Overall the story of Hattie and her children was worth the time.
This book kind of broke my heart. Hattie tries so hard to keep her kids physically alive that she doesn't do anything for them emotionally. It's sad to think that the only one of her kids that seems alright is the one that was presumably molested.
The book was beautifully written. The metaphors were complicated and involved. The chapter on Ella hurt me the most and had the most eloquent metaphor.
Overall I really liked it but I wish we could see more of the characters lives. But I guess speculating might also what is so compelling.
The book was beautifully written. The metaphors were complicated and involved. The chapter on Ella hurt me the most and had the most eloquent metaphor.
Overall I really liked it but I wish we could see more of the characters lives. But I guess speculating might also what is so compelling.