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83 reviews
Before We Were Wicked by Eric Jerome Dickey
5.0
Before I share my thoughts on this exquisite body of work, I want to say Rest In Paradise to such an amazing author. This is my first time reading anything by Eric and Seeing how it took me all of two days to finish, I’d say it’s currently my favorite read of the year. Extremely excited to dive deeper into Eric’s catalog, especially “Bad men wicked women” which continues Ken Swifts story line. To conclude, happy reading to everyone!
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
5.0
Growing up watching my favorite shows and movies, starring some of the biggest child prodigies. It always left a sensational feeling, that they were blessed to be in their position. Well that’s until you see your favorite childhood tv personalities grow up and enter the realm of substance abuse, have developed a slew of mental health disorders, or the unfortunate events where they’re stolen from us at such an early age.
I am so glad Jennette was one of the few that didn’t allow a large check trump her personal beliefs, despite having almost all the odds against her; main being her mother. We wouldn’t have this masterpiece if that was the case. IGMMD showcased the difference between having a supportive relationship from your family in your best interest, and one that uses you for a financial benefit or exposure in the media. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to have a mother that you love so dearly you’d do anything to please, even if it means sacrificing yourself in the process.
I wish Jennette nothing but the greatest, most fulfilling life from here on after publication of her wonderful book. The appreciation I have for her sharing her struggle with eating disorders, feelings while on set, and most of all her families dysfunction upon the passing of her mom.
Excited to see what Jennette has in store for us, throughout her writing journey!!
I am so glad Jennette was one of the few that didn’t allow a large check trump her personal beliefs, despite having almost all the odds against her; main being her mother. We wouldn’t have this masterpiece if that was the case. IGMMD showcased the difference between having a supportive relationship from your family in your best interest, and one that uses you for a financial benefit or exposure in the media. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to have a mother that you love so dearly you’d do anything to please, even if it means sacrificing yourself in the process.
I wish Jennette nothing but the greatest, most fulfilling life from here on after publication of her wonderful book. The appreciation I have for her sharing her struggle with eating disorders, feelings while on set, and most of all her families dysfunction upon the passing of her mom.
Excited to see what Jennette has in store for us, throughout her writing journey!!
Bad Men and Wicked Women by Eric Jerome Dickey
4.0
This one started off a little slow for me but Eric definitely redeemed himself and we started chugging along
Finding Me by Viola Davis
5.0
When you picture a hardworking, gifted, strong, intelligent and beautiful black woman Viola Davis will always be front and center. We all know Viola as an amazing actress that blesses every screen she touches, however this book redefined the already massive amount of respect and cherishment I have for this woman! For her to pour her entire heart and soul into this book, giving us more than just a glimpse into all the trouble and hardships she has had to face as well as her biggest accomplishments. There was not a single moment throughout this entire book that I didn't feel every single emotion running through Violas head while writing this masterpiece, and there were multiple times where I was just in awe of how she allowed no struggle or setback to taint her drive and motivation to achieve everything she set out to.
There is not many people as deserving as this astonishing figure here and I pray she receives all of her flowers while she is still here!
To Viola, I thank you for sharing your story and wish you nothing but the best!!
There is not many people as deserving as this astonishing figure here and I pray she receives all of her flowers while she is still here!
To Viola, I thank you for sharing your story and wish you nothing but the best!!
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
5.0
Kennedy Ryan..... THIS ONE HERE!! Let me just say this is nothing short of amazing. I don't even know how many times I've said that but man is it true.... The formulation of the writing, the glimpse into all of the characters life, the storyline, THE REPRESENTATION OF BLACK LOVE! Every aspect held it weight in making this my best read of the year. I want to especially speak on Deja and Yasmen's relationship. I see a lot of people were annoyed with her attitude, me being one as well but we have to acknowledge where her state of mind was. Her entire foundation came crumbling down when Yas divorced Josiah, and at the age of 13 that is a rough deal of events to go through. I see it as Deja had a lot of animosity and angst following her parents split and someone had to be the brunt of that. Unfortunately, all of that was Directed towards her mother and that was because she blamed her for everything that happened... That being confirmed near the middle of the book when she says to Josiah "she ruined your life" while they were conversing. Overall I'm happy that they were able to reconcile as mother/daughter towards the ending but hopefully that is further built upon in the 2nd book of the series, even though that is suppose to focus more on Soledad's marriage that we caught a glimpse of during Before I Let Go.
I also just want to address Josiah briefly, cause honestly my brother fumbled heavily and was too stubborn to save his own marriage while he could. When the question came if Kassim would be ready to skip a grade and possibly attending therapy to dig deeper into his feelings and why he has become so concerned that he would continue to lose his loved ones, Josiah was quick to offer to also see a therapist for his son's sake. However, I believe he realized what he should have done from the start with his wife while they were in the trough of their relationship and they started drifting further and further apart. They were polar opposites when it came to the way they handle grief and that played a part in Yasmen's decision, the last straw being the incident where he painted over Henry's mural. Maybe I'm just reading too much into it lol, but that's how I see the situation. Either way they found a way love one another again!
Again this is my favorite read of the year and it's going to take a lot to top this one. Definitely can not wait until Soledad's book is released early next year!
Happy reading to you all!!
I also just want to address Josiah briefly, cause honestly my brother fumbled heavily and was too stubborn to save his own marriage while he could. When the question came if Kassim would be ready to skip a grade and possibly attending therapy to dig deeper into his feelings and why he has become so concerned that he would continue to lose his loved ones, Josiah was quick to offer to also see a therapist for his son's sake. However, I believe he realized what he should have done from the start with his wife while they were in the trough of their relationship and they started drifting further and further apart. They were polar opposites when it came to the way they handle grief and that played a part in Yasmen's decision, the last straw being the incident where he painted over Henry's mural. Maybe I'm just reading too much into it lol, but that's how I see the situation. Either way they found a way love one another again!
Again this is my favorite read of the year and it's going to take a lot to top this one. Definitely can not wait until Soledad's book is released early next year!
Happy reading to you all!!
Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert
3.0
I hate to do it! UGHH... I hate to be the bad guy and have to rate a book anything less than 4stars. However, it must be done. Let's start off with the 3 different POVs. Dana -the mother- perspective was honestly not great. It moved at a very slow pace, and like others I found myself rushing through it to hurry and get back to Ivy's. Which was actually very juicy and eerie the entire time, which is why it's a bummer Dana's fell short in providing all the background info and insight of her story w/ magic. Then you have that 3rd POV I believe that the occultist(Marion) narrates. I didn't quite mind the writing, although at times it did seem slightly overdone. lastly, I don't see the point of the rabbit being the cover of the book when it has nearly nothing to do with the story other than a few popping up dead, maybe I'm just being extra but I expected rabbits to have a stronger interest throughout the novel when I first picked it up. Overall this was an okay read for me, definitely not as extraordinary as it's predecessor series -The Hazelwood- I'd say a solid 3.5stars.
I am extremely excited for The Bad Ones and have high hopes!!
I am extremely excited for The Bad Ones and have high hopes!!
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
5.0
The entirety of this book continues to resonate in my SOUL, and I just love it. Angie Thomas, what an excellent way to showcase the struggles we as black people face everyday when it comes to the justice system. Along with the issues we put our own selves through when we refuse to grow and do better as a community. Starting off with the main plot of the book, being the death of Khalil by the hands of an, officer that was once again "fearing for their life." The way this entire scene was executed "chefs kiss." My emotions were sky high and I saw the movie so for it to feel like the first time all over again was astonishing. I almost forgot how stubborn Maverick was when it came to moving his family out of the craziness and to a better location. However, that is an issue that is sadly very prevalent in the black community. Now I'm not saying the moment you come into some money you forget where you came from and go all bougie, but if you do hey more power to you lol... We have to want better for ourselves though, and especially our kids because it's their livelihood that depends on it. Not some irrelevant street cred you get for being "down." With that being said y'all better go pick up this book cause it was such a great read and go watch the movie as well!!
Until next time bookiess :)
Until next time bookiess :)
Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert
5.0
I’ll start with the not so good part of my review, although I did enjoy this book a lot. There were a few tales I didn’t necessarily dislike, just that I felt they could be better. Those being the “sea cellar,” “the mother and the dagger,” and the very last one “death and the wood-wife.” Other than minor gripes I had with those particular parts, this was a great read. “The skinned maiden,” and “the door that wasn’t there…” AMAZING! Melissa must have magic running through her finger themselves, with all the gems she’s put out over the years. This would have been a 4 star rating but those illustrations, shot it right back up to 5. Jim Tierney did a wonderful job