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barebookery's reviews
33 reviews
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
5.0
Giovanni is undoubtedly my favorite character and continues to live rent-free in my mind. He was just so kind, straight up, and I loved his perspective on things. David, however, can choke and that's all I'll say on that. I understand he was dealing with his own shit, but I just did not find him to be a likeable character. Just very selfish and sometimes thoughtless in my opinion. Anyway, I think this book is so important to read, especially as we celebrate Pride Month, because I think people forget that pride isn't just about acknowledging out and proud queerfolk, but also the closeted ones whose stories have yet to be told.
This story really touches on how crushing societal standards can be even if all you're trying to be is yourself, how high and low being in love can make you feel no matter what your sexuality is, cultural differences, perceptions of masculinity and femininity, and so so so much more. And from a technical perspective, I really loved the writing. Every detail, every scene put you right there. There was one scene in particular that was so gut-wrenching for me to read because the emotions were so high and the writing was so raw. I am just in awe of Baldwin's prose everytime I read his work and this story was no exception.
Not gonna lie though, this book is a tragedy so be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster if you decide to read it. But I honestly could not put this book down.
This story really touches on how crushing societal standards can be even if all you're trying to be is yourself, how high and low being in love can make you feel no matter what your sexuality is, cultural differences, perceptions of masculinity and femininity, and so so so much more. And from a technical perspective, I really loved the writing. Every detail, every scene put you right there. There was one scene in particular that was so gut-wrenching for me to read because the emotions were so high and the writing was so raw. I am just in awe of Baldwin's prose everytime I read his work and this story was no exception.
Not gonna lie though, this book is a tragedy so be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster if you decide to read it. But I honestly could not put this book down.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
3.0
First of all, this book deserves an award for worldbuilding and imagery alone. I don't even want to think about the amount of research it must've taken to put this story together but it truly paid off. Every detail immersed you in Orïsha and I was here for it. Also, there wasn't a character I didn't like. Each one had their own motivations, personality, and were just beautifully developed. One character in particular is Inan.
If you read this story, you may think I'm problematic for this but I'm an Inan stan! Idc idc idc. Even though he was one of the main antagonists, I loved his story. I loved how passionate he was about his kingdom and his family. I think he's super smart, emotional, complex...all of which are traits often found in my favorite book characters lol.
My only issue with this story was the ending. I wouldn't say it was rushed but a lot of important characters were suddenly gone in one fell swoop, so reading it was kind of overwhelming to me. It just felt like a "These characters served their purpose. Time to get rid of them" kind of thing.
If you read this story, you may think I'm problematic for this but I'm an Inan stan! Idc idc idc. Even though he was one of the main antagonists, I loved his story. I loved how passionate he was about his kingdom and his family. I think he's super smart, emotional, complex...all of which are traits often found in my favorite book characters lol.
My only issue with this story was the ending. I wouldn't say it was rushed but a lot of important characters were suddenly gone in one fell swoop, so reading it was kind of overwhelming to me. It just felt like a "These characters served their purpose. Time to get rid of them" kind of thing.
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
5.0
Nothing about this story is predictable. I love a good plot twist and this book had them in abundance. And I loved how the writing would just build and build so effortlessly. There wasn't a piece of the story that didn't fit with the next.
I also appreciated how Sister Souljah conveyed the messages she wanted without them getting lost in the entertainment of the story. And despite the plot summary, this book was more than a cautionary tale about drugs. I saw messages in here for young black men and women, fathers and mothers, about relationships, humility, self-exploration, and more. This book was altogether fun, sexy, exciting, and sad in some parts but it always educated no matter what.
I also appreciated how Sister Souljah conveyed the messages she wanted without them getting lost in the entertainment of the story. And despite the plot summary, this book was more than a cautionary tale about drugs. I saw messages in here for young black men and women, fathers and mothers, about relationships, humility, self-exploration, and more. This book was altogether fun, sexy, exciting, and sad in some parts but it always educated no matter what.
How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
5.0
“How To Say Babylon” explores Sinclair’s Rastafarian upbringing in Montego Bay, Jamaica — an upbringing that was tyrannically enforced by her father to keep the author and her sisters pure but ultimately leaving them scared, sheltered, and silenced.
Through immersive narration and piercing prose, Sinclair opens up about her struggle to break away from the restrictive path her father laid forth for her future, and how she created a new path toward self-discovery and fulfillment using the power of poetry.
I used to be one of those people who thought that non-fiction could not be as expressive or gripping as fiction, but this book absolutely proved me wrong. Each time I picked up this book, I felt like I was in Jamaica. Sinclair makes you sit in every single moment with her — every adventure, every thought, every conversation, every trauma, every revelation…the reader is front and center.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Rastafari livity and its influence in Jamaican history and culture. This book also gave a visual and voice to Rastafarian women and children, a demographic who are often not thought of or spoken for due to the limitations of their lifestyle.
Pacing is another big thing for me when reading and I thought this book was very well paced. By the end of the book, I felt like I had been steadily guided through Sinclair’s physical, mental, emotional, and artistic growth.
There is bravery in vulnerability, and I applaud Sinclair for writing such a soul-baring story. In my opinion, this book has lots of valuable lessons in it for young women, especially young Black women, who have ever felt stuck or worthless. And from a literary perspective, I just think it’s brilliant!
Through immersive narration and piercing prose, Sinclair opens up about her struggle to break away from the restrictive path her father laid forth for her future, and how she created a new path toward self-discovery and fulfillment using the power of poetry.
I used to be one of those people who thought that non-fiction could not be as expressive or gripping as fiction, but this book absolutely proved me wrong. Each time I picked up this book, I felt like I was in Jamaica. Sinclair makes you sit in every single moment with her — every adventure, every thought, every conversation, every trauma, every revelation…the reader is front and center.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Rastafari livity and its influence in Jamaican history and culture. This book also gave a visual and voice to Rastafarian women and children, a demographic who are often not thought of or spoken for due to the limitations of their lifestyle.
Pacing is another big thing for me when reading and I thought this book was very well paced. By the end of the book, I felt like I had been steadily guided through Sinclair’s physical, mental, emotional, and artistic growth.
There is bravery in vulnerability, and I applaud Sinclair for writing such a soul-baring story. In my opinion, this book has lots of valuable lessons in it for young women, especially young Black women, who have ever felt stuck or worthless. And from a literary perspective, I just think it’s brilliant!
The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man by James Weldon Johnson, Arna Bontemps
4.0
This book was short but had me reflecting a lot. Some of Johnson's musings about living in a racial society still remain accurate over a century later. The inner battle the narrator faces regarding how he shows up on a day-to-day basis is not unfamiliar or misunderstood to me. In America being black can easily be the deciding factor in whether an individual is treated like an individual, or less than. In some cases, it can also determine whether they live or die. So, in theory, to suppress one's blackness and conveniently already look white seems like an easy way out.
But what's safer isn't always fulfilling, especially when it denies you your truth. I think this book did a good job of expressing that how Black people are treated in this country does not take away from our value and our capabilities, and because of this many people throughout history have put their lives on the line so that we should not have to live in fear or shame. Black people are more than our struggle.
Overall a very insightful story. I went into it knowing that Johnson was a strong writer and this book confirmed that.
But what's safer isn't always fulfilling, especially when it denies you your truth. I think this book did a good job of expressing that how Black people are treated in this country does not take away from our value and our capabilities, and because of this many people throughout history have put their lives on the line so that we should not have to live in fear or shame. Black people are more than our struggle.
Overall a very insightful story. I went into it knowing that Johnson was a strong writer and this book confirmed that.
Augustown by Kei Miller
5.0
I loved this book and was truly enamored of Miller's prose. It showed a deep understanding of people and the immense influence our past can have over current emotions, choices, and circumstances. This book also referenced actual history from the real August Town, which helped inform the plight of Augustown's residents, so I enjoyed that balance of entertainment and education.
I also thought the imagery in the story was very strong and had me on the edge of my seat while reading as I uncovered layers of information that contributed to the autoclaps. The character development in the story was outstanding. I don't think I've ever had a favorite chapter before, but Chapter 5 of this book, which dives into the backstory of Mr. Saint-Josephs -- the teacher who cut the boy's locs, is one of the best chapters I've read in any book.
This is more than just a great story. There were many moments in my reading of "Augustown" where I had to pause and reflect on the messages Miller included pertaining to classism, colonialism, race and color, community/family influences and values, and ways the past can shape the future. So in closing, I am now part of the cohort of readers who would highly recommend this book.
I also thought the imagery in the story was very strong and had me on the edge of my seat while reading as I uncovered layers of information that contributed to the autoclaps. The character development in the story was outstanding. I don't think I've ever had a favorite chapter before, but Chapter 5 of this book, which dives into the backstory of Mr. Saint-Josephs -- the teacher who cut the boy's locs, is one of the best chapters I've read in any book.
This is more than just a great story. There were many moments in my reading of "Augustown" where I had to pause and reflect on the messages Miller included pertaining to classism, colonialism, race and color, community/family influences and values, and ways the past can shape the future. So in closing, I am now part of the cohort of readers who would highly recommend this book.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
5.0
What I loved most about this book was that there was no stone left unturned. Susan Cain addressed introversion from every possible angle including romantic relationships, workplace collaboration, raising kids with different personalities, cultural values that play into personality development, approaches to leadership, etc.
I also liked that this book didn't bash extroverts to make its point. If anything, Cain argued ways all personality types could better understand each other and work well together to prevent clashes or power struggles. A few things were also explained about extroverts that I never considered, which helped me better understand their tendencies and what they bring to the table that introverts typically lack, and vice versa.
I also liked that this wasn't just a book about how hard introverts have it. This book offered concrete solutions to clearing up these biases and misunderstandings about introversion. It also offered ways introverts can better advocate for themselves in social settings, at work, in relationships, and even in environments that seem to favor extroversion.
Overall, I learned so much from this book. Not only was it super relatable, but it broke down so much without boring me, and I got a lot out of it.
I also liked that this book didn't bash extroverts to make its point. If anything, Cain argued ways all personality types could better understand each other and work well together to prevent clashes or power struggles. A few things were also explained about extroverts that I never considered, which helped me better understand their tendencies and what they bring to the table that introverts typically lack, and vice versa.
I also liked that this wasn't just a book about how hard introverts have it. This book offered concrete solutions to clearing up these biases and misunderstandings about introversion. It also offered ways introverts can better advocate for themselves in social settings, at work, in relationships, and even in environments that seem to favor extroversion.
Overall, I learned so much from this book. Not only was it super relatable, but it broke down so much without boring me, and I got a lot out of it.