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exorcismemily's review against another edition
5.0
"He is me, who I have been / who I am, who I hope to become / Someone fabulous, someone wild, and strong / With or without a costume on."
The Black Flamingo is the second novel in verse that I've read this year, and I'm really enjoying this style. This book was sweet and sad, and such a good read. It was easy to get invested in this story, and it steals your heart from the start.
CW - racism, homophobia, bullying, mention of suicide
The Black Flamingo is the second novel in verse that I've read this year, and I'm really enjoying this style. This book was sweet and sad, and such a good read. It was easy to get invested in this story, and it steals your heart from the start.
CW - racism, homophobia, bullying, mention of suicide
miss_kaktu's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
5.0
I enjoyed reading this original book with beautiful poetry; it's inspiring! I really appreciated the messages delivered throughout the narrative; I highly recommand this book!
alexisdoingok's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
john_the_captain's review against another edition
5.0
Read this book a second time for our bookclub. Loved it even more.
The point of joining a bookclub is to read something you might not usually read so this book might fall into that category. For me it was the first book I’ve read in verse and I just loved it.
There is no pretense in this book, no verbose language, no imagery (that I could see anyway), no beating around the bush. Whether intentional by the author or not the style of writing in loose verse is sparse and tightly edited. If it is accidental well that’s awesome, if by design well then the editing is sublime. It allows the book to flow and what could be a long and laborious story of a young black person, half Jamican, half Greek-Cypriot from age four to eighteen instead is a joy to read, short momentous occurrences in the authors life. If you are not an avid or fast reader this might be perfect for you.
There are not enough books out there by authors of colour let alone of mixed heritage navigating our LGBTQIA+ World so I’d encourage you all to get your hands on a copy. Have a search on Youtube for interviews by the author too.
The point of joining a bookclub is to read something you might not usually read so this book might fall into that category. For me it was the first book I’ve read in verse and I just loved it.
There is no pretense in this book, no verbose language, no imagery (that I could see anyway), no beating around the bush. Whether intentional by the author or not the style of writing in loose verse is sparse and tightly edited. If it is accidental well that’s awesome, if by design well then the editing is sublime. It allows the book to flow and what could be a long and laborious story of a young black person, half Jamican, half Greek-Cypriot from age four to eighteen instead is a joy to read, short momentous occurrences in the authors life. If you are not an avid or fast reader this might be perfect for you.
There are not enough books out there by authors of colour let alone of mixed heritage navigating our LGBTQIA+ World so I’d encourage you all to get your hands on a copy. Have a search on Youtube for interviews by the author too.
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
4.0
This novel has a sweetness that I didn’t anticipate. I don’t say that as a criticism, but as a reminder to myself to check my assumptions. First-person free verse allows us to follow Michael from childhood through his college years. He recognizes that he is gay at a fairly young age, and his family and friends are supportive. We witness much of his introspection about his friendships, his romantic dreams, and his feelings of not being Black enough (both because he is mixed race and because he is gay). Michael begins college in the second half of the novel, and it’s here that he discovers the Drag Society as he’s exploring various ways to get involved in university life. His introduction to the world of drag gives him the tools to express himself more completely. UK author Dean Atta writes respectfully and engagingly about Michael’s journey to better understand himself.
cristina19's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I was all good until that very last poem and then I started sobbing. Such a wonderful book about identity and being who you are, finding who you are, and doing it fiercely and unapologetically. Also loved that it was in verse. Just absolutely stunning
unfortunatelycole's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so beautiful. Seeing through the eyes of a black gay man, watching him grow into his own skin, is so happy to see. Finally having a book where queer people aren't constantly suffering, but just existing, is so refreshing. The poems we see from Mike are so beautiful and truly reflect the queer experience, especially those that are in the second half of the book. I can't say enough nice things about this book. 5/5, highly recommend!
teresarosereads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
So good!! This is a great coming-of-age story that covers so many important themes. I loved not only the discussions around queerness and drag but also those around family, race, and belonging. Such a good first read of pride month!