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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
This book is one of the best books I've read in a long time. As a teacher of immigrants and students of color, this book touched my soul and made me think about things I had never thought about before in regards to the young adult experience.
Robin Miles' expertise to read this story as I lay at her feet drew me in, and after sinking deeply into Fabiola's experience I've reemerged grateful for the journey.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a really strong debut - I feel like it covered both the protagonist's experience of being an immigrant from Haiti and black culture in Detroit so well. It also helped that there were no discernible white characters - it didn't feel like the story was watered down so non-black people could relate to it (in my opinion as a non-black person).
Like others have said, the inclusion of Vodou is such an integral part of the story and it's a side of the practice that we never really see. You can tell that this is an #ownvoices work because the story feels so true and doesn't play into popular stereotypes.
This is definitely a serious book that tackles a lot of issues. Drugs play a big part in the novel, and relationship abuse is frequently featured. One of the main plotlines also involves the protagonist's mother being detained by ICE. She has a great voice, but I would definitely note that this book has a lot of scenes that are difficult to read, based on content.
Definitely going to check out more from Zoboi in the future, especially in her upcoming anthology.
Like others have said, the inclusion of Vodou is such an integral part of the story and it's a side of the practice that we never really see. You can tell that this is an #ownvoices work because the story feels so true and doesn't play into popular stereotypes.
This is definitely a serious book that tackles a lot of issues. Drugs play a big part in the novel, and relationship abuse is frequently featured. One of the main plotlines also involves the protagonist's mother being detained by ICE. She has a great voice, but I would definitely note that this book has a lot of scenes that are difficult to read, based on content.
Definitely going to check out more from Zoboi in the future, especially in her upcoming anthology.
Wow. Learning that this was Zoboi's debut novel, I was highly impressed. Wow. The quality of this novel is one that I couldn't expect from a multi-time novelist. This is definitely my favorite book I've read yet this year. There is power packed symbolism and imagery woven in the sentences of this novel that I was highly impressed with. The author's background in spoken-word poetry I think really helped her craft the beautiful paragraphs. The story telling is also wonderful. There were many plot twists of sorts and heart-wrought emotion. I loved this novel and I cannot express this enough. Please take money to purchase this novel and the time to read it because you will not be disappointed.
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
The story overall is interesting and entertaining. The mysteriousness of the Haitian religious aspects add flavor. However, the character development seems rather predictable. Their interactions and story hold. A good way to pass the time and an entertaining story. Just not characters who will stick with you years later when you try to think of the book.
This is one of the books for our Research Quarter. It's the only one I hadn't read.
It's pretty good and a great way for kids to understand Haitian immigrant issues in the United States.
In talking about Black America, I prefer The Hate You Give. In talking about assimilating into US culture as a black person, I prefer Americanah. In talking about white and black relationship and crisis etc., I prefer Little Bee.
It's pretty good and a great way for kids to understand Haitian immigrant issues in the United States.
In talking about Black America, I prefer The Hate You Give. In talking about assimilating into US culture as a black person, I prefer Americanah. In talking about white and black relationship and crisis etc., I prefer Little Bee.