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tlaynejones's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
This was just what I was looking for, a queer contemporary/ lit fic novel about being a person. Then when it opened with a quote from Thick by Tressie McMillan Cottom, a book I loooooved, I was so excited. Ultimately I did enjoy this novel about a Black woman coming to terms with who she is, while also grappling with developments in her romantic relationship, and the insidious racism permeating her professional life. I will definitely read another book by this author. My only real issue was that I found the story a little too drawn out. Recommended for when you are in the mood for a dive into the mind of a relatable but hugely conflicted protagonist. CW for Racism and some homophobia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Ableism, Infidelity, and Homophobia
Moderate: Gaslighting, Fatphobia, and Abandonment
maceydowns's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Alcohol, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Mental illness, Homophobia, Racism, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Classism, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Body shaming, Drug use, Fatphobia, and Gaslighting
citybookspgh's review
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A young woman confronts racism in the publishing world. Subplot is a Sapphic love story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Classism, Racism, and Gaslighting
moondreaming's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
there were many times i was very close to dnf'ing this book and the only reason i didn't was because i wanted to know how everything worked out. however, the ending of this book is, in my opinion, too open. so many of the sub plots and even, i would argue, the main plot weren't resolved.
i also didn't like any of the characters expect grandma anna and i didn't like or feel a connection to mickey at all.
i found the premise of the book interesting and an important conversation to be had. the actual book itself felt frustrating.
i also didn't like any of the characters expect grandma anna and i didn't like or feel a connection to mickey at all.
i found the premise of the book interesting and an important conversation to be had. the actual book itself felt frustrating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, and Body shaming
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Homophobia
laurensilva's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
One of Tembe Denton-Hurst's hopes for Homebodies was for women like her to see themselves in this book, an aim she succeeded in with me as a reader. I would have torn through this book in fewer than the 20 days it actually took me to finish it, if not for the descriptions of Mickey's mistreatment at the hands of a white-woman led publication, experiences that I share. Being undercut, gaslighted, unheard, etc. is such a common experience for women of color in the workplace, so I had to put the book down at a few points and take a bit of a break to avoid getting back into that toxic headspace.
I also saw myself in Mickey and other characters' ongoing battle of choosing between themselves and others. The need to be selfish in times of high activity or anxiety, but the guilt that still stems from that.
Overall, I enjoyed taking this ride along with Mickey as she works to figure out what she wants and what is right for her, which aren't always the same things. Despite all the people in her circle at the beginning - Lex, Chelsea, Scottie, Elaine - and how she fits into their lives, the story is fully about Mickey and what she makes of this turning point in her life.
Rated 4.5 stars because while I can't find anything wrong with the book, I didn't have that "wow, what have I just read" (in a good way) feeling that I've had after finishing my 5-star reads.
I also saw myself in Mickey and other characters' ongoing battle of choosing between themselves and others. The need to be selfish in times of high activity or anxiety, but the guilt that still stems from that.
Overall, I enjoyed taking this ride along with Mickey as she works to figure out what she wants and what is right for her, which aren't always the same things. Despite all the people in her circle at the beginning - Lex, Chelsea, Scottie, Elaine - and how she fits into their lives, the story is fully about Mickey and what she makes of this turning point in her life.
Rated 4.5 stars because while I can't find anything wrong with the book, I didn't have that "wow, what have I just read" (in a good way) feeling that I've had after finishing my 5-star reads.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting
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