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sariahsharp's review against another edition
5.0
This was SO. GOOD! Engaging and emotional throughout. It’s beautifully written and narrated. Brit Bennet could easily become one of my favorite authors.
rachelplz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Grief
Moderate: Suicide, Abortion, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Infertility and Car accident
bard_the_dragon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.0
donnaburtwistle's review against another edition
3.0
This book ( beautifully narrated) unfolded like a Greek play to me...after major parts of the novel, a chapter of "the Mothers" voices would appear. They would reflect on the main characters and events in a collective voice, responding as a mother would...with concern, anger and love.
Nadia Turner is the main character--we meet her in her last year of high school in San Diego. Her mother has just committed suicide and the church community that has been a part of her family's life is trying to provide support to her and her father. In response, Nadia rebels against everything and turns to an older boy, Luke, for comfort. Luke is the pastor's son which makes him all the more desirable to Nadia. At the same time, Nadia forms an unlikely friendship with Aubrey, a new girl to her church.
The lives of these three young people intertwine throughout the pages; Bennett's story is filled with various emotions.
It doesn't surprise me that this book has been touted by Kerry Washington to bring to the screen...
Nadia Turner is the main character--we meet her in her last year of high school in San Diego. Her mother has just committed suicide and the church community that has been a part of her family's life is trying to provide support to her and her father. In response, Nadia rebels against everything and turns to an older boy, Luke, for comfort. Luke is the pastor's son which makes him all the more desirable to Nadia. At the same time, Nadia forms an unlikely friendship with Aubrey, a new girl to her church.
The lives of these three young people intertwine throughout the pages; Bennett's story is filled with various emotions.
It doesn't surprise me that this book has been touted by Kerry Washington to bring to the screen...
bahramo's review against another edition
5.0
An emotional journey of a young african american woman set in Southern California. Set around life altering decisions that are influenced by family and surroundings, this book is about real life and is hard hitting. It will stay with me for a long time. When psychologists say that fiction will make you feel more empathy, they are referring to this type of book. A must read for everyone who enjoys deep, meaningful literary fiction. enjoy
johndiconsiglio's review against another edition
3.0
A pair of motherless daughters—SoCal African-American girls, one wild & reckless, the other shy & church-going—become best friends. Over years, they share secrets, boyfriends, betrayals, etc. So, yeah, you’ve been here before. Author Bennett doesn’t ask too much of readers, but she doesn’t dumb-down either. A 2016 bestselling debut, it lacks the bite of her 2020 follow-up Vanishing Half. A Greek chorus of narrating gossipy church “Mothers” doesn’t help. Neither does an abortion storyline that wants to have it both ways. You can take it to the pool.
howifeelaboutbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I love Bennett’s writing style, how it’s all-knowing yet so mysterious at the same time. The story this book told was so layered and well-done, I know I’ll be re-reading it again before long.
lclindley's review against another edition
5.0
An urgent haunting and beautifully written story of love, guilt and entwined lives. I loved everything about this.
rmadams103's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness, I couldn't put The Mothers down. The writing alone is phenomenal, and I will now read anything Bennett writes from here on out. It is just that good. This is a beautifully intricate novel filled with deep characters, wide emotions, and lots of questions. And I loved every second of it.