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ashliesydel's reviews
1474 reviews
Give My Love to the Savages: Stories by Chris Stuck
4.0
Imagine you're a bi-racial black man and your white dad takes you to his business located in Los Angeles during the Rodney King riots and tells you that he needs you to watch his business.
He pushes you out of his car, a white Porsche that is gaining attention of looters, throws you a gun, and tells you that his life is more valuable than his
This was one of many stories in this book, I am still shook.
Other stand out stories include the black republican with vitiligo, the self-proclaimed asshole, the man that turned into a dick (a real one with arms) and the teen in witness protection.
Not one story in this collection was weak. I was so impressed with this read and need others to read it so we can talk about all the emotional, messy, fucked up feelings both the characters and readers journey through.
He pushes you out of his car, a white Porsche that is gaining attention of looters, throws you a gun, and tells you that his life is more valuable than his
This was one of many stories in this book, I am still shook.
Other stand out stories include the black republican with vitiligo, the self-proclaimed asshole, the man that turned into a dick (a real one with arms) and the teen in witness protection.
Not one story in this collection was weak. I was so impressed with this read and need others to read it so we can talk about all the emotional, messy, fucked up feelings both the characters and readers journey through.
Sundae & Taavon by Charity Shane'
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I Should Have Worn A Curtain 2: A Novella by Samyra Alexander
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
When I started book one, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'll be honest I didn't LOVE Shaena. As readers we are given a very intimate view of her thoughts and emotions and our girl is messy.
Her struggle with food, her inability to admit her flaws, and the excuses irked me. With that said, I was still empathetic because there were several people in her life that triggered her and pushed her to be on the defensive.
In book 2, we see her continue to slip and make excuses, but we also see the catalyst that brings her clarity. Once she stops making excuses and puts in the work and allows herself to be vulnerable, she becomes unburdened and embraces personal growth. I was rooting for our girl and was ready to throw hands when that fake bish did her dirty.
This story reminded me of Bridget Jones where you have a flawed protagonist, that is simply trying to exist and find happiness and inner peace.
Her struggle with food, her inability to admit her flaws, and the excuses irked me. With that said, I was still empathetic because there were several people in her life that triggered her and pushed her to be on the defensive.
In book 2, we see her continue to slip and make excuses, but we also see the catalyst that brings her clarity. Once she stops making excuses and puts in the work and allows herself to be vulnerable, she becomes unburdened and embraces personal growth. I was rooting for our girl and was ready to throw hands when that fake bish did her dirty.
This story reminded me of Bridget Jones where you have a flawed protagonist, that is simply trying to exist and find happiness and inner peace.
I Should Have Worn A Curtain: A Novella by Samyra Alexander
4.0
Shaena is plus size. Mentally she knows that she wants to lose weight and tells herself over and over again that she's going to do it. But finding the motivation, understanding her triggers, and putting in the work keep eluding her. Then you add in her binge eating and it's a losing battle for sure.
She believes with a sponsor from Overeating Anonymous and her new beau who happens to be a fitness trainer with genuine concern for her health and an active interest in helping her she can overcome her personal demons and stay on the right track.
This story was incredibly relatable. Every time our girl slipped up and tried to justify her poor food choices it felt like a lived experience. When she told herself she deserved to eat junk for the hard work she had put in, I felt like I was seeing myself.
This is a two parter and the ending was difficult. I had a feeling she was going to snap and she did but not in the way I had anticipated.
I'm hooked and plan on finishing up the second half very soon.
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Sins of Christie by Linette King
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Thriller Novella Book Review
Sins of Christie by Linette King
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Linette King's name has been heavily rotated in my black girl thriller/horror reading group. Her entire catalog has been devoured and all anyone can say is "She's that girl".
I decided to start with a novella so that I could get a feel for her writing style and story building.
In hindsight I should have went with a full-length story because I NEEDED more.
This quick little novella follows three women Jasmine, Christie, and Rochelle.
I didn't like Jasmine at all. She's married to a controlling man who is up to no good. Corporate corruption shit at an Elon Musk level.
Rochelle I respect. She saw an opportunity and went for it. Sadly, she was a bit too impulsive and didn't know how to keep her mouth shut.
Then there's my girl Christie. Pretty sure she has Alexithymia (Emotional Blindness). Poor thing just doesn't know how to interact with others or read a room. She meant well.
This is a very fast paced story that is exciting and leaves you wanting.
Sins of Christie by Linette King
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Linette King's name has been heavily rotated in my black girl thriller/horror reading group. Her entire catalog has been devoured and all anyone can say is "She's that girl".
I decided to start with a novella so that I could get a feel for her writing style and story building.
In hindsight I should have went with a full-length story because I NEEDED more.
This quick little novella follows three women Jasmine, Christie, and Rochelle.
I didn't like Jasmine at all. She's married to a controlling man who is up to no good. Corporate corruption shit at an Elon Musk level.
Rochelle I respect. She saw an opportunity and went for it. Sadly, she was a bit too impulsive and didn't know how to keep her mouth shut.
Then there's my girl Christie. Pretty sure she has Alexithymia (Emotional Blindness). Poor thing just doesn't know how to interact with others or read a room. She meant well.
This is a very fast paced story that is exciting and leaves you wanting.