Reviews

Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana

foiblesandfiction's review against another edition

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the narration is just not for me. like not the audiobook arrators but the actual way that the book is written. maybe to try again another time.

annamary54's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad tense 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

4.5

This book is fantastic, I will definitely be recommending to everyone. Each characters struggle to just survive in the face of gentrification, and how their stories crossover is so captivating. These characters had so much perspective, it felt like I knew them. The chapter “Lite Feet” especially got to me, I was not expecting that. (iykyk) My other favorites were “Ms. Dallas,” “Camaraderie,” and “Federation for the Like-minded.” This book also captures the english language in a way that is rarely used in literature. Some of the best writing I’ve encountered on my current reading kick. I will say I struggled to get into the book since it’s not very plot driven (and I like a plot heavy book), but once I understood the flow of it I really enjoyed it. Especially once I reached “Ms. Dallas,” I couldn’t put it down. 

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5erinnicole's review against another edition

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This book is well written, and interconnected. It just hit me at the wrong time and it felt like I couldn’t give it the time to really process it. 

I might return later. 

noelnoie's review against another edition

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3.0

I listened to this book on audio. Bahni Turpin NEVER disappoints in making a book come alive. Maybe because of that I enjoyed the story she read the most. Overall it was good. I appreciate the interconnectedness of the stories. The anxiety of the tenants facing gentrification and losing their home was palpable off the page. One way I judge if I like a book of short stories is if I am left wanting to know more about the characters in any given story- I didn't totally get that feeling the way I did with J. California Coopers short stories, but again it's still definitely a worthwhile read. I'll say this though, that teacher certainly got what he deserved ( I said what I said- Period!)

taraabyte's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

coppolaklein's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective

2.5

10aya's review against another edition

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Alternating a chapter or two of this with a chapter or two of Hood Feminism was an excellent experience. Wild how they played off each other so perfectly some times. These stories will be sticking with me for some time. 

gina1223's review against another edition

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3.5

Really good moments that had me in my feelings. I liked the way the stories interconnected, but I wanted a longer book. 

sydapel's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Like any collection of stories, some of these I liked more than others, but what I found really compelling is how effectively these fictional accounts show the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to low-income/subsidized housing in America. In particular, how easy it is for the system to work against you or how one expense or incident can have catastrophic effects on a basic need. The audiobook cast in this is also excellent, it's almost like listening to a podcast series it feels so immersive and personal. 

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stone_cold_kat's review

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.0