Reviews

Cool. Awkward. Black. by Karen Strong

mirrorstarweb's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted

4.0

meganforce's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring

4.0

readingwithkirstyn's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Cool. Awkward. Black is such a fun anthology collection that ranges across all genres, truly allowing something for everyone. While I didn't love all of these stories, I did completely love some of them. Honestly, how could you not when it features authors like Kalynn Bayron and Tracy Deonn? I just wish some of the stories will evolve into full stories because they would be amazing! This is an obvious choice for any and all libraries - the diversity and representation alone is vital for those who don't get to see themselves in every story.

billiamslibrary's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

4.0

It's a really solid collection of short stories, many of which I wish will turn into full novels at some point! I loved how this collection had something for every kind of nerd & was killing it with its representation!

esul's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

written for younger minds but i still had a great time w this one, and it’s perfect for pride month!

aesselya's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional medium-paced

3.75

theaceofpages's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Short story collections are always a bit tricky to rate since they are always such a mixed bag. Some stories hit hard while others are a miss. I'm glad to say that I enjoyed a lot of these more than I typically do in short story collections (I only DNFed two of them and the others were mostly enjoyable). Some were still better than others of course! I think my favourites were The Book Club (which follows a girl who has a book speak to her) and Intuitive Check (which follows a DnD adventure). I also loved the humour in Cole's Cruise Blues ("Hi, I'm leaving" is such a great line!). While not all of the stories worked for me, the diversity means that there is likely something for everyone although I do think it is worth noting that a decent chunk of the stories are fantasy or related to fantasy so if you hate that genre you might have more misses (although I think there are enough non fantasy stories that you won't be fully disappointed!)

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

wisteriamoon's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was delightful, heart-warming and incredibly needed. It was an anthology that spanned so many different voices and I really think that's so vital. It was such a joy to read.

"Our Joy, Our Power"—5 stars. I really loved this one! The writing was lyrical, the romance was adorable and the Fan-Con setting was so cool!

"The Book Club"—3 stars. This one felt a little generic/young for me, unfortunately, but I did enjoy that it was a story about books!

"Nina Evans, In the Round"—5 Stars. My theater kid heart is so happy! As somebody who is disabled, I know that the theater industry can sometimes be difficult with casting, but this story was so beautiful and I adored it.

"Earth is Ghetto"—4 stars. This one was really interesting. I thought it had a very unique tone, and I don't usually read Sci-fi like that, so it was a nice step out of my comfort zone.

"Initiative Check"-4 stars. I LOVE D&D! This one was really cute and creative.

"Corner Booth"—5 stars. The grumpy/sunshine vibes and the incorporation of spelling... impeccable.

"Betty's Best Craft"—4 stars. This was cute but I found myself a little confused throughout.

"The Panel Shows the Girl"—4.75 Stars. This one was incredibly innovative, cool, and fun to read!

"Spirit Filled"—4 stars. This one hit a little close to home for me... it was really sweet and very emotionally evocative.

"Cole's Criuse Blues"—4.5 stars. What a fun time! I wanna go on a cruise now. This had a great message.

"Hich Strangeness"—4 stars. This one was beautifully-written. The vibes were en pointe!

"Catalyst Rising"—3 stars. I'm not a big science fan... I was sad I didn't like this more but it just didn't work for me.

"Requiem of Souls"—5 stars. AHHH! This was so creepy-cool! The music and the ghosts and the whole vibe... it was just fascinating.

"Honor Code"—4 stars. This one was interesting; I enjoyed the social media aspect.

"Drive Time"—4 stars. This was cute and funny! I had a great time reading.

"Wolf Tracks"—5 stars. This concept was incredible and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!

"The Hyo's Journey"—3.5 stars. This had some interesting aspects but fell a little flat for me.

"Abyss"—3 stars. This was cool and action-packed, as well as having an interesting format.

Overall, this was truly such a cool experience and a great way to start Black History Month. My heart is full!

bax_books's review

Go to review page

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

punkystarshine's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

 As with all anthologies, there was a range, but most of them were so cute and fun. I loved all the nerdiness and specific geeky references. I read this anthology because Kalynn Bayron was in it, and was delighted to see some of my other favorite authors of late show up like Leah Johnson and Tracy Deonn.

My top three faves were: Nina Evans, in the Round by Kalynn Bayron, Corner Booth by Leah Johnson, and Drive Time by Lamar Giles. Honorable mention to The Panel Shows the Girl by Amanda Joy, Cole’s Cruise Blues by Isaac Fitzsimons.

Overall definitely worth the read. I have yet to regret following Kalynn Bayron wherever she goes.