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barebookery's reviews
33 reviews
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
5.0
This book really touched me. Each character was distinct, relatable, and important. I felt that I became a part of their family in reading this book. I also enjoyed watching the characters grow and develop. It made them seem even more real. By the time you reach the end of the story, you won't even recognize any of the characters as they all go through significant, but necessary changes throughout.
I was heartbroken many times while reading, especially once I began to understand the extent of Papa's abuse and control, and the deleterious impact it had on the narrator and her family. But then I was moved at how family helped Kambili and Jaja survive that abuse. It reminded them and other characters that they have value and there is always something to live for.
This story spoke to the dangers of being silent, the influence of religion on behavior, the difference between leadership and control, and the transformational power of patient, unconditional love. Also, the imagery in this story was amazing. It was fun to be transported to Nigeria as the author infused the dialogue with Igbo, and masterfully described scenes that put you in the moment with the characters and educated you on Nigerian culture.
I was heartbroken many times while reading, especially once I began to understand the extent of Papa's abuse and control, and the deleterious impact it had on the narrator and her family. But then I was moved at how family helped Kambili and Jaja survive that abuse. It reminded them and other characters that they have value and there is always something to live for.
This story spoke to the dangers of being silent, the influence of religion on behavior, the difference between leadership and control, and the transformational power of patient, unconditional love. Also, the imagery in this story was amazing. It was fun to be transported to Nigeria as the author infused the dialogue with Igbo, and masterfully described scenes that put you in the moment with the characters and educated you on Nigerian culture.
Confessions in B-Flat by Donna Hill
3.0
This book was very well researched. I appreciated that the author included actual pictures and links to videos pertaining to referenced events in the book so that the reader can feel immersed in what was going on during that time.
I really enjoyed the pacing of Anita and Jason's relationship. I didn't feel like there was such a rush to get to the romance. The character development was also very consistent and realistic. I felt like Anita and Jason's family and friends could've easily been my own.
However, Anita was very annoying in my opinion. I felt like the book was constantly making excuses for her. Every time she acted like a brat, she was described as "fiery" and "guarded" when it was really giving pushy and selfish.
I also didn't like how Anita enforced her beliefs on literally everyone like she needed to prove something. Sometimes I couldn't tell if she was in love with Malcolm X or Jason
I really enjoyed the pacing of Anita and Jason's relationship. I didn't feel like there was such a rush to get to the romance. The character development was also very consistent and realistic. I felt like Anita and Jason's family and friends could've easily been my own.
However, Anita was very annoying in my opinion. I felt like the book was constantly making excuses for her. Every time she acted like a brat, she was described as "fiery" and "guarded" when it was really giving pushy and selfish.
I also didn't like how Anita enforced her beliefs on literally everyone like she needed to prove something. Sometimes I couldn't tell if she was in love with Malcolm X or Jason
Patternmaster by Octavia E. Butler
5.0
By the time I finished Chapter 1 of this novel, I knew I was hooked bad. I was very impressed at how Butler somehow described telepathy in a way that was tangible and perceptible for the reader. Even the fight scenes were entertaining to read, though they were completely mind controlled.
The timing of the story was the perfect mix of cutting to the chase while also taking time to explain certain plot points, or even leaving breadcrumbs that hint at the climactic moments to come.
I thought there were important life lessons to be learned through the main character about never giving up or giving in, and how all that glitters is not gold.
This story also explored perspectives surrounding feminism, gender roles, and sexuality.
The timing of the story was the perfect mix of cutting to the chase while also taking time to explain certain plot points, or even leaving breadcrumbs that hint at the climactic moments to come.
I thought there were important life lessons to be learned through the main character about never giving up or giving in, and how all that glitters is not gold.
This story also explored perspectives surrounding feminism, gender roles, and sexuality.
Jazz by Toni Morrison
4.0
I'm not gonna lie, when I first started this book I was attracted to the mess of it all. I wanted to know what led up to something so scandalous. And as with any Toni Morrison story, the truth isn't always linear.
When you start reading this story, you think you know who the bad guys and the good guys are, but Morrison opens the hatch for you to take a deep dive into each characters' past and beliefs, and then you realize that everything is not so cut and dry. This book explored themes of motherhood, beauty, self-love, romantic love, community, and friendship.
Something else I think is cool about this novel is that the way it is written is similar to how we hear jazz music. There are joyous moments that sound like a cacophony of instruments and make you want to dance, somber moments that hit you in your gut, then it can get slow and sultry, there are solos, etc.
The only thing I will say is that if you choose to read this book, stay alert because the POV switches up a lot! Sometimes it threw me off while reading because I can't comfortably move forward until I know who's talking and it's not stated outright, so you gotta put a little work in to read this book, but it's a very good story. Miss Toni definitely had something to say with this one.
When you start reading this story, you think you know who the bad guys and the good guys are, but Morrison opens the hatch for you to take a deep dive into each characters' past and beliefs, and then you realize that everything is not so cut and dry. This book explored themes of motherhood, beauty, self-love, romantic love, community, and friendship.
Something else I think is cool about this novel is that the way it is written is similar to how we hear jazz music. There are joyous moments that sound like a cacophony of instruments and make you want to dance, somber moments that hit you in your gut, then it can get slow and sultry, there are solos, etc.
The only thing I will say is that if you choose to read this book, stay alert because the POV switches up a lot! Sometimes it threw me off while reading because I can't comfortably move forward until I know who's talking and it's not stated outright, so you gotta put a little work in to read this book, but it's a very good story. Miss Toni definitely had something to say with this one.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
5.0
I've had this book for years, but never felt ready to read it til recently. And I think it's beautiful. Not only does this story emphasize loving yourself, but also being with someone who adds to that love.
I feel like in another life, Janie and I could've been homegirls. I loved her "tell-it-like-it-is" attitude. My favorite chapter in this book is when she gets Jody together at their store in front of everybody there
I feel like in another life, Janie and I could've been homegirls. I loved her "tell-it-like-it-is" attitude. My favorite chapter in this book is when she gets Jody together at their store in front of everybody there
Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
5.0
When I read CBB, one issue I had was that many important characters were killed at the end. But now that I've read CVV, I see God had bigger plans. And that's all I'll say on that to avoid spoiling lol.
Reading this sequel was like watching a movie. Where the first story enticed readers with glimpses into Orïsha's magic, this story shows the full breadth of magic and its various forms. You can feel the force of the magic, see its colors, watch its progression, and so much more, which made for a really cool reading experience.
I also enjoyed Zélie's character development. I could see her growing, becoming a strong woman, a strong warrior. I love her passion for magic, her clan, and the maji as a whole. I'm also glad my boy Roën had more airtime. Something about dark, complex characters always gets me
Reading this sequel was like watching a movie. Where the first story enticed readers with glimpses into Orïsha's magic, this story shows the full breadth of magic and its various forms. You can feel the force of the magic, see its colors, watch its progression, and so much more, which made for a really cool reading experience.
I also enjoyed Zélie's character development. I could see her growing, becoming a strong woman, a strong warrior. I love her passion for magic, her clan, and the maji as a whole. I'm also glad my boy Roën had more airtime. Something about dark, complex characters always gets me
The Lesson by Cadwell Turnbull
4.0
This story really took me on a wild ride. I loved the author's prose and how he connected each character throughout the book. Everybody was sharing the same experience but the way they handled it and their background stories added to the overall depth of the plot. I also enjoyed how author incorporated real history about USVI, where he was born and raised, to educate readers and set up the story.
This story was such a page-turner for me, especially toward the end of the book. The shock value of the Ynaa's offenses had me on the edge of my seat
This story was such a page-turner for me, especially toward the end of the book. The shock value of the Ynaa's offenses had me on the edge of my seat
Pleasantview by Celeste Mohammed
5.0
I was taken aback by how graphic this book was so friendly reminder to check those content warnings lol. But nonetheless I enjoyed reading this book.
The way it was written reminded me of Augustown by Kei Miller. Each chapter seamlessly added to the next to build out the fullness of this amazing story. There was a colorful cast of characters and they were all distinct with their own backgrounds, feelings, and dilemmas.
This book was very raw (sometimes I felt too much) but I didn't feel like it was unnecessary. This story shows you a different and darker side to the image of paradise often affiliated with the Caribbean through its characters, their stories, and their struggles. This book touches on racism, classism, generational trauma, sexuality, immigration, and so much more.
I also loved how this book immersed you in Trinidad from the dialogue between characters to the description of their surroundings. Overall, this story was very well-written and realistic as it evoked many emotions within me while reading. Truly a great read.
The way it was written reminded me of Augustown by Kei Miller. Each chapter seamlessly added to the next to build out the fullness of this amazing story. There was a colorful cast of characters and they were all distinct with their own backgrounds, feelings, and dilemmas.
This book was very raw (sometimes I felt too much) but I didn't feel like it was unnecessary. This story shows you a different and darker side to the image of paradise often affiliated with the Caribbean through its characters, their stories, and their struggles. This book touches on racism, classism, generational trauma, sexuality, immigration, and so much more.
I also loved how this book immersed you in Trinidad from the dialogue between characters to the description of their surroundings. Overall, this story was very well-written and realistic as it evoked many emotions within me while reading. Truly a great read.
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
5.0
I read this book with my father, and we both LOVED this story. With both of us being from different generations, it kind of reflected the clashing of generational perspectives in this book with regard to race, sexuality, and even love. It made for a very thought-provoking reading experience and caused us to have conversations about a range of topics surrounding these themes.
This book read like an action-packed thriller movie! Each chapter felt like added momentum to a lift hill, and whenever a climax was reached (and there were many!) it would set off a series of twists and turns that kept us on the edge of our seats.
The writing was easy to read with a perfect mix of brevity and vivid detail. The dialogue and imagery in this story really brought it to life too. You felt and understood the sorrow, the rage, the remorse, and the thirst for revenge. And then it all eventually starts to come together in a very satisfying way.
This book read like an action-packed thriller movie! Each chapter felt like added momentum to a lift hill, and whenever a climax was reached (and there were many!) it would set off a series of twists and turns that kept us on the edge of our seats.
The writing was easy to read with a perfect mix of brevity and vivid detail. The dialogue and imagery in this story really brought it to life too. You felt and understood the sorrow, the rage, the remorse, and the thirst for revenge. And then it all eventually starts to come together in a very satisfying way.