You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
I really liked this book - deep and difficult dive into depression and addiction but through the lens of a scientist in her lab - for me it helped to have so recently read Homegoing - thinking of the character in this book as a variation on one in that helped give this book more texture for me - although I suspect the loneliness of the narrator and the smallness of this world is in some ways a direct response to the vastness of Homegoing - it is the opposite in scope but similarly interested in familial relationships.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5. Woweeee. I can’t even begin to explain the complexities of this novel. Beautifully captured. The way this book moves through time is incredible. I only wish we had been able to see her progression in the last chapter, rather than jumping forwards.
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
a moving, intimate portrait of a Ghanaian immigrant family in Alabama that wrestles with important questions about science and religion and explores themes of loss, culture, mental health, and racism. Gyasi’s portrayal of Nana’s battle with addiction (and its impact on Gifty and her mother) was real, raw, and heart-wrenching. I really enjoyed Gyasi’s prose and the glimpse into Gifty’s research and grad school life.
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
This book was alright. I mean, the timeline was really confusing, and I don't really understand what the point of it all was, but it was entertaining enough. The writing could've been better, I didn't feel that innate sense of loss when she talked about her brother. Her dad, though? He sucked. I'm pretty angry at him, to be honest. All in all, this book wasn't anything... too special, I guess? I mean, it was alright, but I don't have any strong feelings about it. Honestly, it's a bit forgettable.
This book made me sad and angry.
I felt so sad for Gifty. The writing was so good that her pain and loneliness were so palpable through the pages. I was angry because Gifty paid the price for everything but I had noone to be mad at. Her brother was an addict and her mom was sick. It was sad because you just know the events broke Gifty to where she would never be whole again.
I prefer plot driven books over character driven books but I still gave this book 4 stars for the excellent writing. Gaasi strung words together so beautifully all the while weaving so many different topics like religion, racism, mental illness, poverty, sexuality and so much more.
I loved the parallel between Nana's death and Gifty's career choice. I did think waiting for Nana's death to come was frustrating because it kept being mentioned and the anticipation was killing me. I felt the book relaxed a bit after he died.
I liked the end. I was ready for the book to end because I didn't like how it was making me feel. The only curiousity I had was what Nana's head space and mind was. We know what we know of him through Gifty and it was clear she loved and idolized him but I wonder if he felt so much pressure especially after Chin Chin man.
Overall great sophomore offering by Gaasi. Hope she continues to give us more books like these that infuse her home country into it.
I felt so sad for Gifty. The writing was so good that her pain and loneliness were so palpable through the pages. I was angry because Gifty paid the price for everything but I had noone to be mad at. Her brother was an addict and her mom was sick. It was sad because you just know the events broke Gifty to where she would never be whole again.
I prefer plot driven books over character driven books but I still gave this book 4 stars for the excellent writing. Gaasi strung words together so beautifully all the while weaving so many different topics like religion, racism, mental illness, poverty, sexuality and so much more.
I loved the parallel between Nana's death and Gifty's career choice. I did think waiting for Nana's death to come was frustrating because it kept being mentioned and the anticipation was killing me. I felt the book relaxed a bit after he died.
I liked the end. I was ready for the book to end because I didn't like how it was making me feel. The only curiousity I had was what Nana's head space and mind was. We know what we know of him through Gifty and it was clear she loved and idolized him but I wonder if he felt so much pressure especially after Chin Chin man.
Overall great sophomore offering by Gaasi. Hope she continues to give us more books like these that infuse her home country into it.
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced