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A review by lit_vibrations
Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
5.0
This was such a captivating coming-of-age YA novel that really took me by surprise!!! It was beautifully written and so engrossing it had me hooked from the beginning. I will say it starts out as a slow burn but it was worth every minute. The plot provides a fascinating exploration of family dynamics, self-discovery, freedom, and alternatives for following your own path regardless of your upbringing.
It follows Nigeria Jones raised as part of the Movement, a Black separatist group based in Philadelphia. She was homeschooled, vegan, and participated in traditional rituals to connect her and other kids from the group to their ancestors. But when her mother disappears, Nigeria’s world is upended and she begins to question everything.
The character development was great and very diverse. I loved how all of the characters aided in Nigeria’s life and came to her rescue whether the situation was good or bad. At the end of the day everyone wanted what was best for her. The relationship she had with her father became very dysfunctional after her mother’s disappearance and I found myself siding with Nigeria during their disputes. I felt her dad was overly controlling and to stuck in his ways to really want more for her.
The best part of this story was the mystery that surrounded her mother and actually learning what occurred. I had my assumptions but I was totally wrong so that was a great twist in the novel. I also enjoyed that there were realistic developments throughout that helped Nigeria shape her own path and really come to terms with everything that was happening around her. The last few chapters definitely explain why she behaved a certain way and was suddenly second guessing her father’s way of life.
Overall, the book was amazing and so worth the read. I definitely recommend!!! Special thanks to the author & @balzerandbray for my gifted copy.
It follows Nigeria Jones raised as part of the Movement, a Black separatist group based in Philadelphia. She was homeschooled, vegan, and participated in traditional rituals to connect her and other kids from the group to their ancestors. But when her mother disappears, Nigeria’s world is upended and she begins to question everything.
The character development was great and very diverse. I loved how all of the characters aided in Nigeria’s life and came to her rescue whether the situation was good or bad. At the end of the day everyone wanted what was best for her. The relationship she had with her father became very dysfunctional after her mother’s disappearance and I found myself siding with Nigeria during their disputes. I felt her dad was overly controlling and to stuck in his ways to really want more for her.
The best part of this story was the mystery that surrounded her mother and actually learning what occurred. I had my assumptions but I was totally wrong so that was a great twist in the novel. I also enjoyed that there were realistic developments throughout that helped Nigeria shape her own path and really come to terms with everything that was happening around her. The last few chapters definitely explain why she behaved a certain way and was suddenly second guessing her father’s way of life.
Overall, the book was amazing and so worth the read. I definitely recommend!!! Special thanks to the author & @balzerandbray for my gifted copy.