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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
Despite the sadness of the subject matter, I felt this was a hopeful story. It was beautifully written and the characters felt real, complete with flaws.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Transcendent Kingdom hit home in a lot of ways for me especially since the majority of it takes place in Alabama.
Multiple conversations in this book are ones that I have heard while growing up and can relate too in many ways. Really good read.
Multiple conversations in this book are ones that I have heard while growing up and can relate too in many ways. Really good read.
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Mental illness
A strong story talking about spirituality, family and science. Interesting and different than my normal reads.
After listening to Yaa Gyasi on a podcast (Fresh Air, I think), I knew I wanted to read one of her books. I knew the intersection of immigration, faith, science, and addiction, would be a powerful combo so I got TK as a gift for a friend's birthday.
I soon got my own copy and really really loved the story. I related to Gifty, being a Ghanaian immigrant myself, and attending graduate school at Stanford. Gyasi's ability to convey pain and depression through Gifty and her mother was so palpable. It didn't help that I listened to Orphee by Johansson building on my sensitive emotions.
Despite the great story, I didn't like how rushed the ending felt. I understand that Gifty's story is still being written as she lives her life, but it all just felt a bit abrupt.
I soon got my own copy and really really loved the story. I related to Gifty, being a Ghanaian immigrant myself, and attending graduate school at Stanford. Gyasi's ability to convey pain and depression through Gifty and her mother was so palpable. It didn't help that I listened to Orphee by Johansson building on my sensitive emotions.
Despite the great story, I didn't like how rushed the ending felt. I understand that Gifty's story is still being written as she lives her life, but it all just felt a bit abrupt.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was outstanding, I can't wait to read her other books.
I do see the appeal in this book and I enjoyed the writing but I had trouble connecting with the story and the characters. Every time I started to get into a part of the story, it would switch to the main character's meandering thoughts on religion or science etc and I lost interest. Might just be a case of not the right book for me at this time.
I think I need to stop listening to contemporary fiction for a little bit. Think I’m being harsh on this book.
Painful, honest, and so so beautiful. A must read in my opinion, although, some topics are triggering. I found myself relating to Giftys grief and spirituality journey immensely.