A review by endemictoearth
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad slow-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 is a YA coming of age story told in verse, but read by the author. (I read along with the book at some points.) Some sections definitely feel more poem-like, others the free verse just flows as a regular story would. It is really interesting, getting these flashes from his growing up for the first half of the book, seeing what experiences shaped Michael and made him who he is. At about halfway, he goes off to university and explores different identities and tries drag. It’s very personal, and never feels preachy about all the things it’s trying to say. 
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