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A review by warlocksarecool21
Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I thought this book was a really beautiful story about a young Black teen trying to figure out where she fits into the world around her and trying to make a life for herself. I thought the author excellently balanced the dichotomy of a community and individuals navigating a racist world yet still finding solidarity and joy for themselves. The use of language in this book was especially interesting to me in how the author implemented Spanish words as chapter titles to describe the mood or theme for each chapter and highlight Jade’s journey of self-discovery and her mission to do something with her life. It took me a little while to the brevity of the writing style and chapter lengths, but I thought this aspect lent itself very well to the author’s experiment with language to Jade’s inner feelings and fears.
In regards to the plot, I really liked how the author included dichotomies and complex elements to portray the affects of racism on communities and the realities of interpersonal relationships. I appreciated how the fact that racism is not just some explicit, violent ideology, but also a subtle subconscious thing that impacts how you can treat people around you without even overtly thinking it. Additionally, I think Watson did a good job exploring the concept of privilege and intersectionality. For example, Sam and Jade had similar socioeconomic statuses and they sort of bonded over that, yet Sam still wasn’t willing to see that Jade experienced further challenges because of her skin color, which almost destroyed their relationship until they made up at the end of the novel when Sam realized she was wrong. I also thought that Watson’s presentation of how people within the same racial group can have varying levels of privilege even if they all experience racism. I thought it was especially interesting how she portrayed the tension between Maxine and Jade/Jade’s family because of Maxine’s wealth, but they were able to find common ground over shared cultural traditions and values. In this dynamic, I thought Jade’s mom was a very interesting, complex character because her insecurities and fears about providing for Jade were challenged when Maxine came into her life, and she lashed out because of how protective she was.
Finally, I really liked how the book showed that despite (or possibly because of) the harsh consequences of racism on Jade’s community, they still proved that they can find and create opportunities for joy, fellowship, innovation and creativity. I think that is a very powerful message when so many white people, including activists/allies, have difficulty moving past the fact that Black people, women especially, are capable of creating powerful, positive things and aren’t just limited to experiencing sadness, grief and anger. While this story does deal with heavy subjects, I think it simultaneously shows the power of community organizing, mutual aid and education that has the potential to create change in the real world.
In regards to the plot, I really liked how the author included dichotomies and complex elements to portray the affects of racism on communities and the realities of interpersonal relationships. I appreciated how the fact that racism is not just some explicit, violent ideology, but also a subtle subconscious thing that impacts how you can treat people around you without even overtly thinking it. Additionally, I think Watson did a good job exploring the concept of privilege and intersectionality. For example, Sam and Jade had similar socioeconomic statuses and they sort of bonded over that, yet Sam still wasn’t willing to see that Jade experienced further challenges because of her skin color, which almost destroyed their relationship until they made up at the end of the novel when Sam realized she was wrong. I also thought that Watson’s presentation of how people within the same racial group can have varying levels of privilege even if they all experience racism. I thought it was especially interesting how she portrayed the tension between Maxine and Jade/Jade’s family because of Maxine’s wealth, but they were able to find common ground over shared cultural traditions and values. In this dynamic, I thought Jade’s mom was a very interesting, complex character because her insecurities and fears about providing for Jade were challenged when Maxine came into her life, and she lashed out because of how protective she was.
Finally, I really liked how the book showed that despite (or possibly because of) the harsh consequences of racism on Jade’s community, they still proved that they can find and create opportunities for joy, fellowship, innovation and creativity. I think that is a very powerful message when so many white people, including activists/allies, have difficulty moving past the fact that Black people, women especially, are capable of creating powerful, positive things and aren’t just limited to experiencing sadness, grief and anger. While this story does deal with heavy subjects, I think it simultaneously shows the power of community organizing, mutual aid and education that has the potential to create change in the real world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Police brutality