Reviews

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

thereadingsparrow's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

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

3.75

jaylulah26's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

imlouisamay'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
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

marlieraines's review against another edition

emotional funny 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

4.5

dziubas's review against another edition

fast-paced

4.5

mfbaaby's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 stars!!

I’m not that into poetry or verse writing but this was extremely beautiful. I enjoyed every moment and love the message in the end. Beautiful book.

yellowswagger's review against another edition

5.0

There was a part of me that was waiting for the big conflict, waiting for a main antagonist, but that's not necessarily what coming of age stories are about. I didn't fall in love with the use of language, but rather the way I was able to exist in the pockets of Michael's life. In a lot of ways, it felt like reading a memoir, but from the lens of someone whose strength stems from their softness. It was the reality of being black and queer and finding yourself without the heavy trauma. I would gladly read this again. When you have a black or mixed protagonist, it feels so often the story is written to cater to the white reader. This didn't feel like that. It organically approaches and explores internalized homophobia, sexual racism, and fetishization and how in a white supremacist society, we all have some unlearning to do. It was a warm and light and altogether a story of acceptance and self discovery that I would love to see adapted to screen. 9/10.

zluvsreading's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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

Full rtc but this is an amazing book

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Lesbophobia, Outing, Sexual content, Drug use, Bullying, and Homophobia

Minor: Suicidal thoughts

sharonmalonza's review against another edition

informative 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

3.75

This is an important book. The tone took a moment to adjust to as it felt very very young and on the nose but I can see why this kind of voice would matter for a young audience.
There were some beautiful poems in there and moments that made me chuckle.

Some of my fav quotes:
"Talking to Daisy is like walking on eggshells. I am curious what might have broken her. She doesn't seem mean. she seems hurt."

"What's it like to not know your father but still know yourself?"

"I'm thinking about going to Hell when I die and a living Hell on earth."

And several poems that are too long to quote.

vishwesh's review against another edition

3.0

It started well, but along the way, I couldn't relate to most of the drag queen stuff, it's a different culture altogether! It was a drag for me to finish this one.

I know some very important issues are addressed in the book, but probably not for me.