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wishingonaj's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
medium-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? It's complicated
4.25
Three sisters. I had a favorite. 5+ stars for my favorite sister, 4 stars for my second favorite sister, 3 stars for my least favorite. Feels like a glimpse into each of their lives, so it feels like the story could go on forever. I miss my favorite sister and I hope she’s doing well.
ruth_neese's review against another edition
5.0
Reading the prose in this book was like reading a poem. Images were conjured as readily as the spirits that accompanied the sisters. As a native of the Georgia Low Country, it brought me home.
loudmoufpisces's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
jazmin_lu's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Mental illness
Minor: Pregnancy
chrisclear33's review against another edition
Book #2 of 45 for 45 published in 1976. I’m a bit conflicted on this book. There were parts of it I adored and moments I couldn’t put it down, but there were other parts I found myself skimming or wishing were different. For me the best part was the connection and unconditional love between mother and daughters as I am one of three girls raised by a solo mama just like in this novel. Overall I am glad this one was part of my book challenge.
eujean2's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting story of a woman and her daughter that follows the daughters growing up and finding their way in the world.
I'm not sure yet about my rating. It is somewhere between a 3 & a 4. I like the different writing styles in the book (prose, poems, recipes) & they came through, even in the audiobook. I also liked following the characters. There is something that didn't completely engage me. It could just be that I am not the intended audience. I want to see how much of this story I carry with me.
(Note: I would like to try most of the recipes. I wonder if other people have done this.)
I'm not sure yet about my rating. It is somewhere between a 3 & a 4. I like the different writing styles in the book (prose, poems, recipes) & they came through, even in the audiobook. I also liked following the characters. There is something that didn't completely engage me. It could just be that I am not the intended audience. I want to see how much of this story I carry with me.
(Note: I would like to try most of the recipes. I wonder if other people have done this.)
fairymodmother's review against another edition
5.0
A friend recommended the poetry of this author and when I couldn't find that readily, I thought I might as well try a novel.
I have never been happier to come across something unknown. This is an utterly delightful book of family, finding yourself, and the magic of womanhood. Love suffuses every line--love for Blackness, for women, for humanity, for art. Even the difficult parts, the ugly parts are explored with compassion and grace. The words themselves sing.
Shange manages to make a world that is alive, and speaks of cultural, generational pain that cannot overwhelm the hope for the future. We start the story charmingly in the kitchen these sisters grew up in, set in Charleston South Carolina and follow them as they travel the country and the energy of the Black Power era.
Highly, highly recommended for those looking for a slice of life that uplifts, but does not gloss over the parts of life that send us low enough to need that pick me up.
CONTENT WARNING: (no actual spoilers, just a list of topics)
Added note, I listened to this on audiobook and thought the narrator did a fantastic job.
I have never been happier to come across something unknown. This is an utterly delightful book of family, finding yourself, and the magic of womanhood. Love suffuses every line--love for Blackness, for women, for humanity, for art. Even the difficult parts, the ugly parts are explored with compassion and grace. The words themselves sing.
Shange manages to make a world that is alive, and speaks of cultural, generational pain that cannot overwhelm the hope for the future. We start the story charmingly in the kitchen these sisters grew up in, set in Charleston South Carolina and follow them as they travel the country and the energy of the Black Power era.
Highly, highly recommended for those looking for a slice of life that uplifts, but does not gloss over the parts of life that send us low enough to need that pick me up.
CONTENT WARNING: (no actual spoilers, just a list of topics)
Spoiler
domestic violence, drug use, infidelity, hate crimes and racism, discussion of slavery, discussion of rape.Added note, I listened to this on audiobook and thought the narrator did a fantastic job.
kmardahl's review against another edition
5.0
The writing in this book is sheer poetry. I remember Ntozake Shange's name from years ago, but I don't remember in what connection. This book popped up on my radar recently and I thought I would go for it. I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Allyson Johnson, which was very good. The story captivated me. I am not the intended audience, but I listened because that is what I should do. The book is originally from 1982 so it was also an interesting look at the past that I remembered (somewhat), but definitely from a different angle. The book is about three very strong daughters and their lives. Indigo is only in the first part of the book, but I wish there was more about her. The lives of the older sisters Sassafras and Cypress are rather complex due to all the challenges that they are facing. That doesn't mean that the book is hard to read there. It just means that wow! They have a lot of things to deal with, and it hurt to read these issues (meaning issues facing a black woman in a systemically racist society). I am not sure I want to read her play because I simply don't enjoy reading plays. I am glad I got to meet the author in this book instead. Despite being written in 1982, which is mostly recognisable through mentions of a few historical events, the book is probably still very relevant today, unfortunately.
katelynmurtha's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I've ever read, I will keep it in my heart forever.
It's a modern coming-of-age story told with magic.
I found it in my neighborhood little free library when I lived in Alexandria, Virginia. I like to think it came to me, so I pass it on to friends.
It's a modern coming-of-age story told with magic.
I found it in my neighborhood little free library when I lived in Alexandria, Virginia. I like to think it came to me, so I pass it on to friends.