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songsaboutghosts's review
5.0
My only criticism of this book is that I want MORE! I want to know more of all these women's stories! Massive thank you once again to Break the Habit for giving us another amazing and important book, and Kafayat for bringing it all together so beautifully.
thatothernigeriangirl's review
5.0
Things I liked:
1. This is Us is an anthology of Black British women and girls writing. The author approached random women and girls (including her family members) and asked about their experiences. Just think “Humans of New York” style but bookish.
2. At first I was worried this style would diminish the quality of the writing but either the 100+ women and girls she spoke to are natural writers or Kafayat Okanlanwon (the editor) is REALLY good at what she does. The writing style was brilliant. Effortlessly engaging and each entry was just so easy to read.
3. I also LOVED the introduction. Okanlawon invites readers to “take care” of themselves as they read this collection. I wasn’t sure what she meant until I started reading and I had to pause because of some of the trauma.
4. Last but not the least is the themes covered in this book. This is pertinent because Okanlawon mentions that none of the writers were given a theme. Think of every and any aspect of a Black British woman’s/girl’s life. From immigration, to culture, to womanhood, motherhood, the “absent father” trope, health, love, heartbreak, skin, hair— I can’t even with the depth of this collection.
5. Okay, I lied. The youngest contributor to this collection was 4 YO and the oldest in their 80s. If nothing else will prompt you to pick this book, this fact should.
Things I didn’t like:
1. Nothing. This book is a 5-star read ✨. I sincerely thank the publisher for my review copy!
1. This is Us is an anthology of Black British women and girls writing. The author approached random women and girls (including her family members) and asked about their experiences. Just think “Humans of New York” style but bookish.
2. At first I was worried this style would diminish the quality of the writing but either the 100+ women and girls she spoke to are natural writers or Kafayat Okanlanwon (the editor) is REALLY good at what she does. The writing style was brilliant. Effortlessly engaging and each entry was just so easy to read.
3. I also LOVED the introduction. Okanlawon invites readers to “take care” of themselves as they read this collection. I wasn’t sure what she meant until I started reading and I had to pause because of some of the trauma.
4. Last but not the least is the themes covered in this book. This is pertinent because Okanlawon mentions that none of the writers were given a theme. Think of every and any aspect of a Black British woman’s/girl’s life. From immigration, to culture, to womanhood, motherhood, the “absent father” trope, health, love, heartbreak, skin, hair— I can’t even with the depth of this collection.
5. Okay, I lied. The youngest contributor to this collection was 4 YO and the oldest in their 80s. If nothing else will prompt you to pick this book, this fact should.
Things I didn’t like:
1. Nothing. This book is a 5-star read ✨. I sincerely thank the publisher for my review copy!
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