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amandasbookreview's Reviews (966)
"When you've lost everything, you've got nothing left to lose."-Caris, World Without End
World Without End by Ken Follett is the second book in the Kingsbridge Series. This book takes place in Kingsbridge, a couple hundred years after Pillars of the Earth takes place. The year is 1327 and we are introduced to 4 children who are playing in the forest when they come across a man who is being attacked. The man looks to be a knight and says his name is Thomas Langley. He tells the children to forget what they saw and to dig up the letter only after he dies or else they could face death as well. These children grow up all entangled in the web of mystery. Caris is a free spirit who doesn't want to be tied down to anyone. Merthin is madly in love with Caris. Gwenda who just wants the love of her life to love her in return. Ralph becomes a knight but is not the chivalrous type. All their stories intertwine as Kingsbridge deals with devastating events such as the collapse of a bridge and the Black Death.
Check out the rest of my review at www.amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com
World Without End by Ken Follett is the second book in the Kingsbridge Series. This book takes place in Kingsbridge, a couple hundred years after Pillars of the Earth takes place. The year is 1327 and we are introduced to 4 children who are playing in the forest when they come across a man who is being attacked. The man looks to be a knight and says his name is Thomas Langley. He tells the children to forget what they saw and to dig up the letter only after he dies or else they could face death as well. These children grow up all entangled in the web of mystery. Caris is a free spirit who doesn't want to be tied down to anyone. Merthin is madly in love with Caris. Gwenda who just wants the love of her life to love her in return. Ralph becomes a knight but is not the chivalrous type. All their stories intertwine as Kingsbridge deals with devastating events such as the collapse of a bridge and the Black Death.
Check out the rest of my review at www.amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com
I absolutely adore Beverly Holoka's poetry. This is not the first time I have read her work. Light and Dark is a wonderful collection of poems. In this collection, the author has moments of lightness and moments of darkness. Some poems are inspiring and hopeful while some others are full of pain and sadness. I love that Beverly Holoka presents her poems in this way. Human emotion is often complex with a wide range of emotions. Even the most positive person will have moments of self-criticism, pain, and doubt.
I have a couple favorite light poems and they were, The Man behind the Counter and Proof of Tomorrow.
"Seeing these kids smiles and muddy faces
I know this is proof of tomorrow!
It is written all over their sundrenched hair and optimistic eyes." -Proof of Tomorrow
These poems inspire hope. There is a reason to live and carry on. This theme occurs often in her works.
These are the few dark poems I enjoyed, I feel like I'm..., A Peaceful Battle, and This is not the me I used to know.
"Stabbed deep into my Soul
A wound that will live on
It has stood the tests of time
It has withheld many tears
Shedding its skin like a snake
I see know, it hurts more
I thought there was enough
Enough pain, enough heartache." -A Peaceful Battle
Many of her darker poems discuss themes like finding true friends, fitting in, body image issues, heartbreak and much more. These are things everyone could relate to and reading poetry about those thoughts and feelings can be so helpful.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading her works and I am looking forward to reading more! If you love poetry then you will love this collection. Beverly Holoka's work is honest and beautiful!
Check out all my reviews at www.amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com
I have a couple favorite light poems and they were, The Man behind the Counter and Proof of Tomorrow.
"Seeing these kids smiles and muddy faces
I know this is proof of tomorrow!
It is written all over their sundrenched hair and optimistic eyes." -Proof of Tomorrow
These poems inspire hope. There is a reason to live and carry on. This theme occurs often in her works.
These are the few dark poems I enjoyed, I feel like I'm..., A Peaceful Battle, and This is not the me I used to know.
"Stabbed deep into my Soul
A wound that will live on
It has stood the tests of time
It has withheld many tears
Shedding its skin like a snake
I see know, it hurts more
I thought there was enough
Enough pain, enough heartache." -A Peaceful Battle
Many of her darker poems discuss themes like finding true friends, fitting in, body image issues, heartbreak and much more. These are things everyone could relate to and reading poetry about those thoughts and feelings can be so helpful.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading her works and I am looking forward to reading more! If you love poetry then you will love this collection. Beverly Holoka's work is honest and beautiful!
Check out all my reviews at www.amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com
Thank you to the author, Pen & Sword Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
I love all things history. I also have this weird obsession with the dark corners of history. Life in the Victorian Asylum: The World of Nineteenth-Century Mental Health Care by Mark Stevens is definitely piqued my interest. This nonfiction book is broken up into two parts: The Victorian Asylum Patient’s Handbook and the History of Victorian Asylums. The author goes into great detail about the layout of these asylums and even some misconceptions about mental health in this time period. Most would assume that mental health patients were tortured, as they were throughout most of history, but the Victorian Age did see some progress when it came to treating mental illness. The book then concludes with maps, diagrams, and photos from the time period.
I love historical nonfiction but this book missed the target. Maybe it is because I had assumed there would be more discussion about mental health. The first 70-75% of the book reads like an information leaflet. It is in the second person, addressing the reader as if they are the ones looking at the mental institution. The concept is unique but did not nail the execution. There is more information describing the look of the mental institution and servants than it did about mental illness. I was hoping for more stories about the patients and what exactly their treatment plan was at that time.
Even the second half didn’t quite hit the target for me. The author touches on different laws and acts that were made during the Victorian Era. Don’t get me wrong, there is quite a bit of research that went into this book, but just not the type of research I was expecting. Anyway, this book gets 2 out of 5 stars from me.
I love all things history. I also have this weird obsession with the dark corners of history. Life in the Victorian Asylum: The World of Nineteenth-Century Mental Health Care by Mark Stevens is definitely piqued my interest. This nonfiction book is broken up into two parts: The Victorian Asylum Patient’s Handbook and the History of Victorian Asylums. The author goes into great detail about the layout of these asylums and even some misconceptions about mental health in this time period. Most would assume that mental health patients were tortured, as they were throughout most of history, but the Victorian Age did see some progress when it came to treating mental illness. The book then concludes with maps, diagrams, and photos from the time period.
I love historical nonfiction but this book missed the target. Maybe it is because I had assumed there would be more discussion about mental health. The first 70-75% of the book reads like an information leaflet. It is in the second person, addressing the reader as if they are the ones looking at the mental institution. The concept is unique but did not nail the execution. There is more information describing the look of the mental institution and servants than it did about mental illness. I was hoping for more stories about the patients and what exactly their treatment plan was at that time.
Even the second half didn’t quite hit the target for me. The author touches on different laws and acts that were made during the Victorian Era. Don’t get me wrong, there is quite a bit of research that went into this book, but just not the type of research I was expecting. Anyway, this book gets 2 out of 5 stars from me.
I don’t read a lot of Young Adult but I will ALWAYS read anything by Nicola Yoon. The Sun is Also a Star would be hard to top after Everything, Everything. But Nicola Yoon knocked it out of the park. We are introduced to Natasha who believes in hard facts and science. She lives in New York but her family immigrated there from Jamaica when she was a kid. However, now she is being deported and she has one final day to try to fix it. Then there is Daniel, a romantic and a poet. He is a Korean-American that is preparing for college interviews to pursue the dreams of his family. They are not necessarily his dreams but he cannot disappoint his family and throw away all their hard work. Somehow all these events collide and Natasha and Daniel meet but the future remains uncertain.
“Maybe part of falling in love with someone else is also falling in love with yourself.”
THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR
Observable Fact: This book shines!
It really makes one think about all the little details in the world, even in the universe, which have led us to where we are in our current life. Natasha doesn’t believe in love, only scientific fact–something you can observe and analyze. I just love her. She says what is on her mind and is just fierce. Daniel is determined to convince her love is more than just hormones. He is just adorable. But they both have one thing in common…determination. One thing that I love as that most of this book takes place over the course of one day, except for the epilogue.
The second amazing aspect of this story is it is not just about fate and love but the representation and the hardships they face. They have different backgrounds but have lived in America for most of their life. Natasha has lived in America for most of her life and doesn’t remember much of Jamaica. Her father desperately wanted the American Dream and one mistake leads to deportation even though their whole lives are in America. The book dives into the deportation process and how difficult it is to be successful and get permanent citizenship. Then Daniel is a Korean-American. He is a first-generation American. He struggles with going down his own path rather than the path his strict Korean parents have set for him. Daniel is more kind and willing to make his parents proud but also struggles with his identity as a Korean-American. Not as much as his brother, Charlie. Charlie has bitterness towards his Korean heritage that Daniel does not understand. Both of them face racism and conflict. Because of this representation, and seeing this conflict, it helps me learn about these races.
The final aspect that I love is the theme of family. Both of these families are different and they both want what is best for their children. It also shows distance and hostility. Natasha and her father have become distant. Charlie and Daniel have never gotten along and their relationship is quite the opposite of brotherly.
Now, I wish I could talk about that ending. But alas, spoilers. The narrators are Bahni Turpin, Dominic Hoffman, and Raymond Lee. They are phenomenal and bring each character to life! 5 out of 5 stars for this heartwarming book. Also, I will read anything by Nicola Yoon…I am starting the movie in 3…2…1…
“Maybe part of falling in love with someone else is also falling in love with yourself.”
THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR
Observable Fact: This book shines!
It really makes one think about all the little details in the world, even in the universe, which have led us to where we are in our current life. Natasha doesn’t believe in love, only scientific fact–something you can observe and analyze. I just love her. She says what is on her mind and is just fierce. Daniel is determined to convince her love is more than just hormones. He is just adorable. But they both have one thing in common…determination. One thing that I love as that most of this book takes place over the course of one day, except for the epilogue.
The second amazing aspect of this story is it is not just about fate and love but the representation and the hardships they face. They have different backgrounds but have lived in America for most of their life. Natasha has lived in America for most of her life and doesn’t remember much of Jamaica. Her father desperately wanted the American Dream and one mistake leads to deportation even though their whole lives are in America. The book dives into the deportation process and how difficult it is to be successful and get permanent citizenship. Then Daniel is a Korean-American. He is a first-generation American. He struggles with going down his own path rather than the path his strict Korean parents have set for him. Daniel is more kind and willing to make his parents proud but also struggles with his identity as a Korean-American. Not as much as his brother, Charlie. Charlie has bitterness towards his Korean heritage that Daniel does not understand. Both of them face racism and conflict. Because of this representation, and seeing this conflict, it helps me learn about these races.
The final aspect that I love is the theme of family. Both of these families are different and they both want what is best for their children. It also shows distance and hostility. Natasha and her father have become distant. Charlie and Daniel have never gotten along and their relationship is quite the opposite of brotherly.
Now, I wish I could talk about that ending. But alas, spoilers. The narrators are Bahni Turpin, Dominic Hoffman, and Raymond Lee. They are phenomenal and bring each character to life! 5 out of 5 stars for this heartwarming book. Also, I will read anything by Nicola Yoon…I am starting the movie in 3…2…1…
Here is the final Tolkien Tuesday for The Fellowship of the Ring and it is a post about the book vs. the movie!
https://amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com/2020/08/18/tolkien-tuesday-the-fellowship-of-the-ring-book-vs-movie/
These books have my heart and soul.
https://amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com/2020/08/18/tolkien-tuesday-the-fellowship-of-the-ring-book-vs-movie/
These books have my heart and soul.
There is always that book that you want to read slowly to absorb the information, that I how I felt about Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. This memoir is about Bryan Stevenson’s work as a lawyer helping those convicted and on death row. Every other chapter introduces a new case that is brought to him but ultimately focuses on Walter McMillian. Walter McMillian was convicted for a crime that he did not commit but due to systemic racism, he was arrested, convicted, and placed on death row. Death row cases are a race against the clock. Bryan Stevenson is a true hero. His dedication and passion to help those who were the victims of a failing justice system is nothing short of inspirational.
This is a painful read. Inspirational but painful. Reading about all the people who are convicted and face death who haven’t had a fair trial or are even innocent. The justice system is failing so many and it is not blind, as it should be.
“Proximity has taught me some basic and humbling truths, including this vital lesson: Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done. My work with the poor and the incarcerated has persuaded me that the opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice. Finally, I’ve come to believe that the true measure of our commitment to justice, the character of our society, our commitment to the rule of law, fairness, and equality cannot be measured by how we treat the rich, the powerful, the privileged, and the respected among us. The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.”
BRYAN STEVENSON
This is a book that one needs to read slowly and take in all the information. While it is a relatively short book, it is packed with some harsh truths about our justice system. In school, we are taught that America is this wonderful place…home of the free and justice for all. But that isn’t the case, is it? We are not the country we believe we are. That is the harsh truth. However, there are heroes that are fighting for that belief every single day. Bryan Stevenson’s courage and passionate drive moved me to tears. I want more people like him in this world. I want more people to see another human for more than their worst mistake. We only have one life to live, and we should be living it by giving mercy and respect.
He asks several important questions for the reader to think about throughout this book, but one that stuck with me is, “Why do we want to kill all the broken people?”
“But simply punishing the broken–walking away from them or hiding them from sight–only ensures that they remain broken and we do, too. There is no wholeness outside of our reciprocal humanity.”
BRYAN STEVENSON
That also brings in tons of thoughts about capital punishment itself. We are not the same society we were 1,000 years ago or 500 years ago. We are a different society, should we figure out a way to heal the broken and give justice to ALL without capital punishment.
Goodness, I could quote this whole book if I could. You will just have to read it for yourself. This book gets 5 out of 5 stars!
This is a painful read. Inspirational but painful. Reading about all the people who are convicted and face death who haven’t had a fair trial or are even innocent. The justice system is failing so many and it is not blind, as it should be.
“Proximity has taught me some basic and humbling truths, including this vital lesson: Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done. My work with the poor and the incarcerated has persuaded me that the opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice. Finally, I’ve come to believe that the true measure of our commitment to justice, the character of our society, our commitment to the rule of law, fairness, and equality cannot be measured by how we treat the rich, the powerful, the privileged, and the respected among us. The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.”
BRYAN STEVENSON
This is a book that one needs to read slowly and take in all the information. While it is a relatively short book, it is packed with some harsh truths about our justice system. In school, we are taught that America is this wonderful place…home of the free and justice for all. But that isn’t the case, is it? We are not the country we believe we are. That is the harsh truth. However, there are heroes that are fighting for that belief every single day. Bryan Stevenson’s courage and passionate drive moved me to tears. I want more people like him in this world. I want more people to see another human for more than their worst mistake. We only have one life to live, and we should be living it by giving mercy and respect.
He asks several important questions for the reader to think about throughout this book, but one that stuck with me is, “Why do we want to kill all the broken people?”
“But simply punishing the broken–walking away from them or hiding them from sight–only ensures that they remain broken and we do, too. There is no wholeness outside of our reciprocal humanity.”
BRYAN STEVENSON
That also brings in tons of thoughts about capital punishment itself. We are not the same society we were 1,000 years ago or 500 years ago. We are a different society, should we figure out a way to heal the broken and give justice to ALL without capital punishment.
Goodness, I could quote this whole book if I could. You will just have to read it for yourself. This book gets 5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you, NetGalley, Alyssa Cole, and William Morrow Paperbacks for the opportunity to read this book!
When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole is a thriller that channels “Get Out.” The book focuses on gentrification in a neighborhood in Brooklyn. The book follows the points of view of Sydney and Theo. Sydney has lived in her neighborhood most of her life with the same neighbors who have become family. However, a big company is coming in with the promise of jobs–with this comes gentrification. Theo is one of the new white neighbors to move in, along with his girlfriend Kim. Kim and Theo are struggling in their relationship when he meets Sydney from across the street. She is making a tour of the neighborhood for the big block party and Theo has offered to help with the research. Their research leads them to discover historical patterns of racism. Meanwhile, people are disappearing and new people are moving in. The problem is these neighbors wouldn’t up and leave, especially without saying goodbye. Now it seems like someone is targeting Sydney. Are Theo and Sydney just paranoid? Or is there something more sinister at work?
HOLY SHIT! This book had me on edge the entire time! It has all the twists and turns. Right when you think you know what will happen—BAM–another twist! There are so many intense themes throughout the book. Gentrification is the main theme. A company is systematically pushing black people and people of color out of the neighborhood so it can make the new white people comfortable. Then there are examples of racism and “white tears.” The pacing moves along fairly well, but it REALLY picks up at the final half of the book. There are psychological aspects like paranoia and anxiety. THEN there is the dystopian plot line–that completely blindsided me. However, it never felt unrealistic. These are real fears that black people deal with throughout their entire lives. It is absolutely gut-punching.
The characters are fantastic. I knew from the very first line that I was going to love Sydney. Theo is great too but not as badass as Sydney. Then on top of it all, there is an intense amount of research about the Bronx and New York. I learned so much and now plan to find some more books on the topic because it is definitely eye-opening. For me, this book is fantastic from beginning to end and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. This book gets 5 out of 5 stars!
This book is set to release on September 1st, so be sure to add it to your wishlist!
When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole is a thriller that channels “Get Out.” The book focuses on gentrification in a neighborhood in Brooklyn. The book follows the points of view of Sydney and Theo. Sydney has lived in her neighborhood most of her life with the same neighbors who have become family. However, a big company is coming in with the promise of jobs–with this comes gentrification. Theo is one of the new white neighbors to move in, along with his girlfriend Kim. Kim and Theo are struggling in their relationship when he meets Sydney from across the street. She is making a tour of the neighborhood for the big block party and Theo has offered to help with the research. Their research leads them to discover historical patterns of racism. Meanwhile, people are disappearing and new people are moving in. The problem is these neighbors wouldn’t up and leave, especially without saying goodbye. Now it seems like someone is targeting Sydney. Are Theo and Sydney just paranoid? Or is there something more sinister at work?
HOLY SHIT! This book had me on edge the entire time! It has all the twists and turns. Right when you think you know what will happen—BAM–another twist! There are so many intense themes throughout the book. Gentrification is the main theme. A company is systematically pushing black people and people of color out of the neighborhood so it can make the new white people comfortable. Then there are examples of racism and “white tears.” The pacing moves along fairly well, but it REALLY picks up at the final half of the book. There are psychological aspects like paranoia and anxiety. THEN there is the dystopian plot line–that completely blindsided me. However, it never felt unrealistic. These are real fears that black people deal with throughout their entire lives. It is absolutely gut-punching.
The characters are fantastic. I knew from the very first line that I was going to love Sydney. Theo is great too but not as badass as Sydney. Then on top of it all, there is an intense amount of research about the Bronx and New York. I learned so much and now plan to find some more books on the topic because it is definitely eye-opening. For me, this book is fantastic from beginning to end and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. This book gets 5 out of 5 stars!
This book is set to release on September 1st, so be sure to add it to your wishlist!
Thank you, Emma Dabiri and Harper Perennial for the opportunity to read this book!
Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture by Emma Dabiri is a collection of essays about the history, culture, and racism surrounding Black hair. Black hair has a beautiful history that has been erased by European history. Today, Black hair is still a source of discrimination. It is stigmatized and appropriated. Emma Dabiri begins by giving her background. She is Black and Irish, with “tightly coiled hair.” Her first memories regarding her hair is that it was something bad–something that needed to managed. She didn’t have access to the proper hair care and she was often made to feel ashamed of her hair. She then dives into the history regarding black hair and hair discrimination. The most important detail is her growth to love herself and embrace her beautiful hair.
“Africa is the gift that keeps on giving. African and Afro-diasporic cultures continue to be presented as lesser, as primitive and underdeveloped, while the systematic extraction of their resources-physical, cultural, and material-continues on at a merry pace.”
TWISTED
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a powerful statement of taking back her power, embracing her identity as a Black woman with Black hair. As a white woman, I can’t relate. My heart is absolutely broken for all those who have discrimination for the color of their skin and their hair. It should be accepted and embraced. The fact that history had tried to break and erase Black culture is infuriating. I had no idea that the history behind Black hair is so complex and I am angry that I never knew this. I am so glad I read this because now I do know! Black hair is not just cultural but there is also science and mathematics that comes from this culture. It is eye-opening and brilliant.
The research that went into this book is just astounding. European history tried to erase much of it but she is able to bring up some history. I am now going through her references to read and learn more. I can’t stress this enough, read this book. The discrimination that many face needs to be discussed so we can make a better world for our fellow Black brothers and sisters. Read this book. 5 out of 5 stars.
Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture by Emma Dabiri is a collection of essays about the history, culture, and racism surrounding Black hair. Black hair has a beautiful history that has been erased by European history. Today, Black hair is still a source of discrimination. It is stigmatized and appropriated. Emma Dabiri begins by giving her background. She is Black and Irish, with “tightly coiled hair.” Her first memories regarding her hair is that it was something bad–something that needed to managed. She didn’t have access to the proper hair care and she was often made to feel ashamed of her hair. She then dives into the history regarding black hair and hair discrimination. The most important detail is her growth to love herself and embrace her beautiful hair.
“Africa is the gift that keeps on giving. African and Afro-diasporic cultures continue to be presented as lesser, as primitive and underdeveloped, while the systematic extraction of their resources-physical, cultural, and material-continues on at a merry pace.”
TWISTED
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a powerful statement of taking back her power, embracing her identity as a Black woman with Black hair. As a white woman, I can’t relate. My heart is absolutely broken for all those who have discrimination for the color of their skin and their hair. It should be accepted and embraced. The fact that history had tried to break and erase Black culture is infuriating. I had no idea that the history behind Black hair is so complex and I am angry that I never knew this. I am so glad I read this because now I do know! Black hair is not just cultural but there is also science and mathematics that comes from this culture. It is eye-opening and brilliant.
The research that went into this book is just astounding. European history tried to erase much of it but she is able to bring up some history. I am now going through her references to read and learn more. I can’t stress this enough, read this book. The discrimination that many face needs to be discussed so we can make a better world for our fellow Black brothers and sisters. Read this book. 5 out of 5 stars.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michel Richardson is my book club’s selection for the month of July. This book essentially has two stories. There is the story of the Kentucky Blue Fugates and The Pack Horse Library Project. Cussy or Bluett is one of the last of the Blue People. Her skin is blue, which is now a known genetic disorder. She is also a librarian in the Pack Horse Library Project. She rides through the mountains of Kentucky bringing books to those who don’t have access to the books. It is a harsh world but bringing books to people is her way of making the world a better place.
Sigh… I read this book over a week ago and I still haven’t been able to pin down my feelings on this book. So here is me trying? Sorry if it comes off as a clumsy review, but that is how my thoughts feel at the moment. So I loved learning about the Pack Horse Library Project. Her passion for instilling a passion for reading is just inspirational. This aspect of the book is perfect. She runs into many who are victims of a cruel world and are starving. She does everything she can to save those she cares about.
Then there is the Blue Fugates aspect of the book. I actually had no idea this was a genetic condition and I enjoyed learning about it but what I didn’t enjoy is how racism towards her blue skin is such a prominent aspect of the book. In fact, it rules over the whole story. The problem is she isn’t a person of color. She is white with a genetic condition. I understand people are idiots and will display their prejudice no matter what. But it is a constant comparison to Black people and how she is looked at like a person of color. In fact, there are moments where she is treated worse than people of color AND is subjected to racial slurs. I feel that this is extremely problematic. I am still learning about anti-racism. I am trying hard to learn. I feel that this undermines the harsh realities and cruelties that Black people have experienced in America’s history.
Now onto the trigger warnings. This book is just filled with trauma. Rape, Suicide, death of children…you name, it is in this book. There is one death in particular that broke me and I sobbed. But I won’t spoil it.
Another issue I had is the love story plot.
POSSIBLE SPOILER:
Cussy doesn’t want a husband. She doesn’t believe that anyone could love her because of her blue skin. It is pretty obvious a certain character is fond of her. The problem is she never shows her feelings towards him. I was surprised at the end because to me, it didn’t make much sense. I am trying to be vague to avoid spoilers.
Again, sorry for the weird review. Some things didn’t sit well with me, but I did learn quite a bit and I loved the prose of her writing. So I am rating this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Sigh… I read this book over a week ago and I still haven’t been able to pin down my feelings on this book. So here is me trying? Sorry if it comes off as a clumsy review, but that is how my thoughts feel at the moment. So I loved learning about the Pack Horse Library Project. Her passion for instilling a passion for reading is just inspirational. This aspect of the book is perfect. She runs into many who are victims of a cruel world and are starving. She does everything she can to save those she cares about.
Then there is the Blue Fugates aspect of the book. I actually had no idea this was a genetic condition and I enjoyed learning about it but what I didn’t enjoy is how racism towards her blue skin is such a prominent aspect of the book. In fact, it rules over the whole story. The problem is she isn’t a person of color. She is white with a genetic condition. I understand people are idiots and will display their prejudice no matter what. But it is a constant comparison to Black people and how she is looked at like a person of color. In fact, there are moments where she is treated worse than people of color AND is subjected to racial slurs. I feel that this is extremely problematic. I am still learning about anti-racism. I am trying hard to learn. I feel that this undermines the harsh realities and cruelties that Black people have experienced in America’s history.
Now onto the trigger warnings. This book is just filled with trauma. Rape, Suicide, death of children…you name, it is in this book. There is one death in particular that broke me and I sobbed. But I won’t spoil it.
Another issue I had is the love story plot.
POSSIBLE SPOILER:
Cussy doesn’t want a husband. She doesn’t believe that anyone could love her because of her blue skin. It is pretty obvious a certain character is fond of her. The problem is she never shows her feelings towards him. I was surprised at the end because to me, it didn’t make much sense. I am trying to be vague to avoid spoilers.
Again, sorry for the weird review. Some things didn’t sit well with me, but I did learn quite a bit and I loved the prose of her writing. So I am rating this book 3 out of 5 stars.
"Readers will need LOTS of ice cream to cool down after this spicy concoction!"
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/september/viewer/desktop/#page/70
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/september/viewer/desktop/#page/70