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uhnaisja's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sheilareads_'s review against another edition
3.0
“I realize how much less of an effort it is to be my authentic self, as opposed to trying to be someone else”.
The novel had a lot of redeeming qualities, and I really liked how Blackburn highlighted topics such as amatonormativity, religion, colorism, mother-daughter relationships, female dynamics, and family/cultural/societal expectations.
The way these problems are framed in the novel is nuanced. The reader understands/ sympathizes with Yinka (and other characters)as they attempt to navigate the challenges brought on by these topics.
I really liked the beginning of the book. The middle section became monotonous, and then a new male character appeared out of nowhere. I wish Blackburn had spent more time gradually introducing us to him.
Yinka's pathological lying gets her into a lot of trouble. This trope became tiresome very quickly. I know the book is about Yinka finding a huzband, but I thought it was too tunnel-visioned at times. Every time I turned the page, Yinka was still yapping about the same man, bruh.
The book is endearing and there are moments of humor as well as moments where Yinka is really introspective. I don’t mind predictable endings, but I also want to feel as though I learned something from spending time with the characters. I want to miss the characters after finishing a book. In all honesty, I won't miss Yinka and her crew.
spencer0o7's review against another edition
3.0
I have such mixed feelings on this book. On one hand its great but on the other its kind of eh. I did love Donovan and Aunty Blessing though. I absolutely despised the way Yinka’s friends gave her a pseudo intervention just for what? Getting a weave, learning to cook and doing squats??? How are you going to be angry at your friend for defending herself after being judged for years by her cousin like be serious. Did love the aro rep from Nana since im aro myself. I would’ve loved to see more from Yinka’s mum. I guess the ending felt a bit rushed too like the beginning with Alex took ages but then getting better and going to counseling was so quick. Jobrian SUCKED, I hated them so much like I get having white work friends but jesus they got on my nerves and no giving yinka a silk bonnet or whatever doesn’t help. I loved Kemi and Yinka’s relationship though I thought it was really beautiful and well written, wish it got a bigger spotlight though.
yarn_chicken's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. This reminded me of a black, immigrant version of Bridget Jones's diary, and I loved it. Highly recommend the audiobook
nady_breadin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.0
neequaye's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ncooney's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Yinka, I loved her journey with her family and self, but the ending felt like a relative letdown. Still a great read!
freev's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to like it more than I did. It’s common knowledge that older African women deeply value marriage. There wasn’t much more to this book than “live your life for yourself” which just felt ridiculously underwhelming.
bobeetle's review against another edition
1.0
First I couldn’t go with the voice of the narrator. It was so flat. Second, the book was boring especially the lead character.
maureenee's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.5
I really really love the west african elements in this book. Yinka makes frustrating choices but I love that she learns to love herself.