You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.6 AVERAGE
4.6 AVERAGE
The way this book was written was like poetry. Given the fact that the author is actually a poetry. I read each chapter like verses. Some parts of the story reminded me of my own childhood and family. Being surrounded by old people reminiscing about the old days, the good and bad. This book made me miss my great grandparents and how grateful I was to have them for so long. There are parts of this book that made me SOB because I was so connected and attached to the characters. The characters somehow felt familiar. This book invited a new sense of African American pride that felt like rebirth. I think this will become one of those books I read for comfort.
exquisite. heartbreaking. builds you back up. a love letter to black history. wonderfully tackles black trauma without making the entire book about it, because really, love is what underscores this novel
I truly enjoyed reading this book and connected with it on so many levels! Although it was a book I borrowed from the library, it’s definitely worth investing in my collection of books.
I absolutely LOVED this book. Though it was about 800 pages, I couldn’t get enough of Ailey, her family’s story, and the history of Chicasetta.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
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
one of the most impressively researched and incredibly written books i’ve read in a long time. everyone must read this. immediately.
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Yes, I rated this book 5.75 stars because if I could rate it 500,000 stars I would.
One of the front pages’ reviews says that this book is “…indeed, a mountain to climb, but the journey is engrossing…” and that is a great way to describe this it.
Another reviewer said, “It’s not often I get to the last few chapters of an 816-page book and wish it wouldn’t end so soon.” Same Colette Bancroft from the Tampa Bay Times. Same.
This book is an incredibly slow burn but the fire is hot the ENTIRE time. Honestly, the fire doesn’t even die at the end. Instead, it just consumes you.
Such an incredibly touching and moving novel. I will never give away this book and I’m SO happy that I purchased a paper copy rather than digital. I think I might re-read this every year for Black History Month. Yes, it’s an 800-page book that I want to re-read. It’s just that good!!
One of the front pages’ reviews says that this book is “…indeed, a mountain to climb, but the journey is engrossing…” and that is a great way to describe this it.
Another reviewer said, “It’s not often I get to the last few chapters of an 816-page book and wish it wouldn’t end so soon.” Same Colette Bancroft from the Tampa Bay Times. Same.
This book is an incredibly slow burn but the fire is hot the ENTIRE time. Honestly, the fire doesn’t even die at the end. Instead, it just consumes you.
Such an incredibly touching and moving novel. I will never give away this book and I’m SO happy that I purchased a paper copy rather than digital. I think I might re-read this every year for Black History Month. Yes, it’s an 800-page book that I want to re-read. It’s just that good!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Colonisation