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4.39 AVERAGE
4.39 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a quick read but had such depth. I feel like I gained a lot of perspective and more empathy toward older generations because of this book. I thought it was truly a thought-provoking read and I devoured it but also wanted to savor it. This book tackled subjects of race, generational trauma, religious beliefs, and sexuality.
The author's note about wrecked me and then I just felt this ache throughout the entire book. Wishing the father could somehow find a way to connect with his child. I loved the way this story was told and appreciated the quick chapters. This book could easily be read in one sitting.
The books reminds me slightly of a modern-day Tuesday's With Morrie. Everyone should read.
The author's note about wrecked me and then I just felt this ache throughout the entire book. Wishing the father could somehow find a way to connect with his child. I loved the way this story was told and appreciated the quick chapters. This book could easily be read in one sitting.
The books reminds me slightly of a modern-day Tuesday's With Morrie. Everyone should read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Murder
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
+ flawed character who does work on himself to be better, exploration of Black history, shows how masculinity ruins itself sometimes
- frame narrative that limits itself, homophobia, more “tell” than “show”
- frame narrative that limits itself, homophobia, more “tell” than “show”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Death of parent
Minor: Miscarriage, Slavery
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
challenging
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you're considering picking this up, try out the audio. Narrated by the author, I think he conveys this epistolary novel well.
I'm a little confused on why all of the 1-2 star reviews think all scumbag dads deserve redemption arcs, because they don't. They can try to redeem themselves at the end of their lives, but it never works and that is what the author showed here.
This could've been five stars for me if there would've been a few chapters from Isaac's POV reading the letters from his father. Even just one at the very end.
I'm a little confused on why all of the 1-2 star reviews think all scumbag dads deserve redemption arcs, because they don't. They can try to redeem themselves at the end of their lives, but it never works and that is what the author showed here.
This could've been five stars for me if there would've been a few chapters from Isaac's POV reading the letters from his father. Even just one at the very end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Hate crime
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Beautiful. 5 stars. Favorite book this year.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Receiving something like this from your dead parent would honestly be a gift. Told in letters written to his son, Jacob asks Isaac for amends after he failed as a father and ostracized his son for being gay. The letters read like a memoir, so I often forgot I was reading a piece of fiction. Don’t Cry for Me was very educational in that it explored both generational and racial differences. There are so many stories about the past that we forget to ask our loved ones while they are alive. Once they are gone, the questions seem to flow more freely. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat, and I think the book would have been better if it included Isaac’s reactions to the letters. Overall, a strongly worded novel.
If you liked this book, check out Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death
Minor: Slavery, Suicide, Blood
This book was amazing! It was incredibly moving which made it hard to read fast but i think i appreciated it more because of that. It was such an interesting point of view into the black culture and how they were raised. Definitely gave some perspective into my personal life i wasn’t sure i needed. Would definitely recommend!
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes