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kiwi_00's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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? Yes
4.75
Why I really like Confessions Of An Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney
Goffney focuses on the very specific experience of being a middle class Black teenage girl in the United States, which a large number of people find relatable. Monique's Blackness is not the singular most important quality of hers, however, every thing that she lives through within the book is impacted by her race which is what happens in real life. We're all people who have different personalities but because of the way Blackness is treated in the face of white supremacy, every facet of our identity is affected by that. Intersectionality is such a big part of this book and the intracommunal discussions that need to happen around gender to improve the understanding of the struggles that marginalised genders encounter and the potential solutions. The intersection of gender and race are pivotal reasons as to why her father reacts in an appalling manner when Dom lies to him and to why Myracle left . For some readers, Goffney introduces the idea of intersectionality and for others, allows them to feel represented where the concept of misogynoir feels like a social media buzzword instead of sociological terminology to describe some people's struggles in a white supremacist patriarchy.
Whilst writing about this, Goffney also manages to explore class dynamics within the Black community and respectability politics. Monique's parents, especially her mum are a depiction of middle class Black people (or Black people above the age of 50ish) who think that the best way to advance economic classes is to adhere to the social standards that have been cultivated by white supremacy. Not being loud in public, dressing 'appropriately' and respecting your elders are all key parts of respectability politics, which can only function through the systemic and intracommunal policing of the self and of others,this phenomenon is most noticeable whenever Monique's mum and Reggie interact; albeit having a number of funny interactions, Monique's mum never fails to reiterate to him that she thinks that he's nothing more than a common hooligan whose antics will land him in jail eventually . For people who pride themselves on 'upstanding' ethics, she says this to Reggie's face multiple times and doesn't really attempt to help him apart from acting as a disciplinary figure. Monique also adheres to (what I imagine) are her mother's strict set of respectability politics rules as she has a deep-rooted fear of behaving in an 'untoward' manner in public and people judging her harshly based on previous actions (such as fearing that Reggie would think badly of her for kissing Dom outside of church). However, a slight difference between respectability 'expectations' for Black boys and Black girls, is that it is tied to a girl/woman's body and her sexuality. Confessions Of An Alleged Good Girl is very relatable because it reminds people who grew up with these experiences of how anxiety-inducing and mentally draining it is to try and be perfect all the time whilst viewing yourself from a third person perspective to anticipate how other people will react to what you do or say.
The inability to say what you're thinking (among other things) is not conducive to forming a comprehensive idea of what an unhealthy relationship looks like. For many readers (but especially teenagers) it is imperative to learn what an unhealthy relationship can look like especially in comparison to a healthy relationship. Dom and Monique's relationship was unhealthy, not only because he was pressuring her to have sex but because her own dreams, friends and time were secondary to any of Dom's wishes . In a romantic relationship, a woman's life shouldn't become secondary to anything, much less the desires of a man. Reggie and Monique's relationship is much healthier because it functions as a partnership where each individual is equally important and valued by the other. Monique only comes to these realisations through self-reflections and deep thought. It is ironic that the people who Monique thinks she's better than, teach her so much about sex, vaginas and letting go of respectability politics. The best part of this found family dynamic is that Reggie had no importance in the search for dilators to help cure vaginismus . I also really liked those moments of vulnerability, where one of the characters would share something about themselves (secret or otherwise) and it made their bond much more real.
Religion is a crucial component of this book since Monique is a pastor's daughter. However, it is the main way that respectability politics polices women. The conflation of female family members with personal property is the reason so many men get angry at the prospect of a future, imaginary daughter doing something that they consider 'fast' and inappropriate (regardless of if it actually was because they demean and maintain a strong distaste for women who do act like that). This is why Monique's dad gets so angry at her. Religion as the tool for respectability politics makes Monique feel guilty for desiring and experiencing any type of pleasure. One of the core beliefs of Christianity, especially in Catholicism is the idea that suffering is Christ-like and brings you closer to God and it is likely that this is prevalent across all denominations.
I love this book so much and I will continue to re-read it as it brings me so much joy.
Goffney focuses on the very specific experience of being a middle class Black teenage girl in the United States, which a large number of people find relatable. Monique's Blackness is not the singular most important quality of hers, however, every thing that she lives through within the book is impacted by her race which is what happens in real life. We're all people who have different personalities but because of the way Blackness is treated in the face of white supremacy, every facet of our identity is affected by that. Intersectionality is such a big part of this book and the intracommunal discussions that need to happen around gender to improve the understanding of the struggles that marginalised genders encounter and the potential solutions. The intersection of gender and race are pivotal reasons as to why her father reacts in an appalling manner when
Whilst writing about this, Goffney also manages to explore class dynamics within the Black community and respectability politics. Monique's parents, especially her mum are a depiction of middle class Black people (or Black people above the age of 50ish) who think that the best way to advance economic classes is to adhere to the social standards that have been cultivated by white supremacy. Not being loud in public, dressing 'appropriately' and respecting your elders are all key parts of respectability politics, which can only function through the systemic and intracommunal policing of the self and of others,this phenomenon is most noticeable whenever Monique's mum and Reggie interact; albeit having a number of funny interactions,
The inability to say what you're thinking (among other things) is not conducive to forming a comprehensive idea of what an unhealthy relationship looks like. For many readers (but especially teenagers) it is imperative to learn what an unhealthy relationship can look like especially in comparison to a healthy relationship. Dom and Monique's relationship was unhealthy, not only because
Religion is a crucial component of this book since Monique is a pastor's daughter. However, it is the main way that respectability politics polices women. The conflation of female family members with personal property is the reason so many men get angry at the prospect of a future, imaginary daughter doing something that they consider 'fast' and inappropriate (regardless of if it actually was because they demean and maintain a strong distaste for women who do act like that). This is why Monique's dad gets so angry at her. Religion as the tool for respectability politics makes Monique feel guilty for desiring and experiencing any type of pleasure. One of the core beliefs of Christianity, especially in Catholicism is the idea that suffering is Christ-like and brings you closer to God and it is likely that this is prevalent across all denominations.
I love this book so much and I will continue to re-read it as it brings me so much joy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
kalynaobyrne's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book was fantastic and is probably my favorite YA that I have read all year! There were so many fantastic things about this book. I loved the discussion on sexual health for teens and the traumatic effect shame can have on them. Monique was very relatable and so many readers will see themselves in her story.
I really liked how this book discussed some of the harsh expectations that can be associated with religion without denoucning it. Even though I am not religious myself I appreciated the way this book was able to walk the line in between both.
I loved the characters and how they grew throughout the story. I loved the evolution of Monqiue’s mom that we got throughout the book! I loved how Monique and Sasha’s friendship developed and how Reggie and Monique's relationship changed. The way he treated her with such respect and patience was amazing. It is such a good reminder to find someone who will love you for who you are and not someone who will pressure you into things you are uncomfortable with and who only wants your body.
I loved how sex postivie this book was. This is such a great YA book and I will be highly recommending it to everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual content
kell_xavi's review against another edition
medium-paced
5.0
Intelligent, original young adult contemporary novel that was heartfelt and real. I was interested in reading more young adult fiction by black woman authors, and the difficulties of growth and identity-searching when faced with pressures of a romantic relationship, religion, and secrecy appealed to me. Though Monique's situation is refreshingly individual, reading about her experience as a teenager brought up in a Black baptist church with religious parents reminded me of flawed ideas I had about sex and relationships at her age. I enjoyed seeing Mo come into her sexuality on her own terms, with better understanding of her body and its relationship to her thoughts and feelings, that allowed her to undo some of the shame and confusion that I think Christianity instills in a lot of us (honestly, loved seeing the undoing of a lot of virginity signalling in a modern setting, ones that I think other fictions like Jane the Virgin uncritically recycles.
There's an openness to this book that felt as though Goffney is parenting the reader. I think this novel is really for anyone who has current or past religious trauma that is sexual in nature, as it's so patient while also been so fun and bright. One thing I wasn't certain of was how great the shifts in personality are with a few characters; I felt at the beginning that Goffney was laying it on thick, and though the transition was smoother than I expected, I almost wanted a bit more tension at the end to show that morals and values are difficult to change, and it's a harder process than we hope. That said, she stuck the landing, finding balance between the friendship, romance, family, and personal aspects with a sweetness and wisdom that I really loved.
There's an openness to this book that felt as though Goffney is parenting the reader. I think this novel is really for anyone who has current or past religious trauma that is sexual in nature, as it's so patient while also been so fun and bright. One thing I wasn't certain of was how great the shifts in personality are with a few characters; I felt at the beginning that Goffney was laying it on thick, and though the transition was smoother than I expected, I almost wanted a bit more tension at the end to show that morals and values are difficult to change, and it's a harder process than we hope. That said, she stuck the landing, finding balance between the friendship, romance, family, and personal aspects with a sweetness and wisdom that I really loved.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Misogyny, Medical content, and Toxic relationship
katherine_kelley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I loved this!! Probably the best or one of the best books of the year. I hope every teenager, especially girls, reads this because its message is so important and it’s told so well. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Medical content
lettuce_read's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Panic attacks/disorders, and Medical content
chattie_the_mad_chatter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book brilliantly explored societies relationship with sex, teenagers expectations and the importance of knowing your own body and having strong friends and family to be able to talk to.
Add in religious communities more extreme views and the conflict of what you want vs everyone else can feel very traumatic.
The book shines a light on largely unknown and discussed medical condition that is very important to feature in a YA book.
But themes aside, this story was gripping! I had so much fun hanging out with these catalysts and read this so quickly!
Monique was a protagonist I easily sympathised with and was rooting for and her unlikely friendships was a joy to read about develop.
I loved the family dynamic as slowly we looked under the surface of Mo's family and Reggie's exploring prejudice and judging people.
Forgiveness, listening, talking and standing up for yourself were all shown beautifully here. The family and friendship dynamic shone. An unhealthy relationship and a blossoming healthy relationship were interwoven so well as we share Mo's journey as she starts to see things differently. I love the healthy relationship and rooted for it very early on, but the friendship is the star of this book as is the very healthy sex talks. Highly recommend!
Add in religious communities more extreme views and the conflict of what you want vs everyone else can feel very traumatic.
The book shines a light on largely unknown and discussed medical condition that is very important to feature in a YA book.
But themes aside, this story was gripping! I had so much fun hanging out with these catalysts and read this so quickly!
Monique was a protagonist I easily sympathised with and was rooting for and her unlikely friendships was a joy to read about develop.
I loved the family dynamic as slowly we looked under the surface of Mo's family and Reggie's exploring prejudice and judging people.
Forgiveness, listening, talking and standing up for yourself were all shown beautifully here. The family and friendship dynamic shone. An unhealthy relationship and a blossoming healthy relationship were interwoven so well as we share Mo's journey as she starts to see things differently. I love the healthy relationship and rooted for it very early on, but the friendship is the star of this book as is the very healthy sex talks. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
denisejochems's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
liseylovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
This is the perfect book for young black girls who grew up in the church and felt so much pressure to be perfect and always follow the rules.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Toxic relationship
toffishay's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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? It's complicated
4.0
Books like this remind me why I continue to return to YA stories as an adult. It was funny and emotional and telling a story that is so often not told. I really connected with the main character and her struggles to find support in her family. It was also a really great exploration of the dangers and irresponsibility of not giving young people accurate sex education and information about their bodies. I never would have found a story like this when I was in the demo for YA, but I love that they exist now and I can't imagine all the good that this will do for people reading it. The style of writing is also fun and the characters feel like real teenagers. I also love stories with growth and you get a really interesting and intense third act conflict.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual content, Medical content, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Cursing and Alcohol
amberinpieces's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Body shaming, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Cursing, Medical content, Alcohol, and Sexual content
Minor: Racial slurs and Outing