Reviews

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

unhingedbookbitch'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? It's complicated

5.0

This was such a beautiful story. It was short and easy to follow but filled with so much meaning and emotion. You can tell the author is a poet by how beautifully creative this book was written.

twiller's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

4.0

I go back and forth on whether or not I like super blunt, slam poetry style writing like this bc sometimes I find it too transparent and it bores me, but this is definitely a win in my book! The metaphors are simple but effective in expressing how Michael feels without coming across as repetitive or over-explaining. I’m not like, swooning over the side characters or anything, but they’re fun and flawed and contrast Michael nicely. Good stuff!!!!!!!

miloalright's review against another edition

inspiring fast-paced

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

4.0

ashleyvee'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

cait_readsxox's review

4.0

Wow this was so great! The only reason why it’s 4 stars is cause I wish this book spent less time on dragging out the introduction (excuse my pun) and more time on the drag components. Although I do believe the introduction of the book is relevant, I feel like it could have moved at a faster pace.

oak_55's review against another edition

3.0

3.5

tracie's review against another edition

3.0

This is a novel told in verse with lovely illustrations. It follows Michael, a gay Greek-Jamaican Brit, from when he is a small boy to his debut as drag artist 'Black Flamingo'. It touches on sexuality, class, identity, friendship, family ties and learning to be comfortable in your own skin. An absorbing read.

mehsi's review against another edition

4.0

A wonderful book about race, gender, identity, and more written in pretty lovely poetry (though I am still not too good at reading those as it still feels like someone grabbed a story and shredded it in pieces and taped it back together :P). I loved that we saw Michael grow up. From little to adult and see him discover the world and who he is. I was so proud when we saw him do drag and how fabulous he was. I loved the way he shared his story on that stage.
I loved Michael's family, his mom was amazing and so sweet and supportive. I also loved Daisy who was a terrific friend. And his sister Anna was so sweet, I had a laugh when he told her he was gay and she asked if he already had a boyfriend. XD
There was 1 or 2 things that had me (and when I asked others as I was curious if I was the only one) sighing a bit, which was a shame.
But all in all, recommended! Stunningly written, I flew through it.

hannah07's review against another edition

5.0

What an incredible novel.

morgannorton's review against another edition

emotional 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

5.0