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A review by kjfalk
Virgin Soul by Judy Juanita
4.0
I've been on something of a reading jag lately reading books set in my home region (Berkeley/Oakland). The previous book I read was Michael Chabon's Telegraph Avenue, which sadly annoyed the heck out of me. This one felt much more authentic; the author less pleased with every cutesy turn of phrase. It brought the time period and place to life vividly.
Sadly, it was less successful at bringing to life the main character, even though it felt autobiographical. Geniece, for all her striving for agency, seems to let things happen to her so much of the time, it seems. She seems most alive when she starts looking after two girls that she met through an inner city tutoring/volunteer program - and their fate is a turning point for her.
Still, overall, a worthwhile read.
Sadly, it was less successful at bringing to life the main character, even though it felt autobiographical. Geniece, for all her striving for agency, seems to let things happen to her so much of the time, it seems. She seems most alive when she starts looking after two girls that she met through an inner city tutoring/volunteer program - and their fate is a turning point for her.
Still, overall, a worthwhile read.