A review by mezzano
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney

emotional lighthearted 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? Yes

4.0

An absolutely delightful read with an important message about identity, Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry features the life of Quinn, a teenage girl who uses lists to organize her life and dreams of following in her parents footsteps by attending Columbia University. Quinn attends a very white and upper class school and her parents have never offerred opportunities for her to connect with Black culture the way others may have growing up. This story handles this issue with incredible nuance. When Quinn realizes her journal of has been stolen (and that she's being blackmailed), she works with the last person seen with the journal--Carter Bennett-- in order to overcome her greatest fears. It is with her friendship with Carter that allows her to come to terms with racial issues and other aspects of her identity.  Aspects of the book which held this from being a five star read was its predictability of the plot and the maturity of the teenage aged characters. I wish the story had been allowed to be slightly "messier." Nonetheless, this book is thoughtful and empowering. An absolute must read.


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