jcxjab 's review for:

Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney

3.5

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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i really enjoyed this book, but there were some moments that i was confused about considering the characterization of quinn. there were moments when i, as a reader, had to not place myself in her shoes directly. as a black girl who was in white spaces a lot, i could understand her. but it fails me to understand why she doesnt speak to her mother beyond a few sentences/interactions, if she's so pro black woman... strong female presence changes so much. i like the romance and the community that was built around her as it seemed she was broke down. matt disappearing is so funny to me because it's accurate on account of how you may think you like someone and then they simply leave your mind. from a writing point of view it just looks lazy. this book is really a re imagined FOREVER  on netflix. for that i loved it. i can drone on and on about the 'white washed black girl trope' but it wouldnt be useful, this book served a particular purpose for someone - love it for what it is, not what i want it to be! the drama of who had the notebook was a good catalyst to get readers inside the story but logically it was a bit flat.. but for some reason i loved it.