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chakgilbert's reviews
266 reviews
They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
I think this book is well researched. I can clearly tell the author looked at all types of sources to ensure her point is valid. The author gives plenty of examples of white women actively participating in slave ownership and trafficking. She makes it clear, white women were not passive bystanders in the institution of slavery. My only critique is it can be a little repetitive. However, I would recommend this book because it highlights a different aspect of that time that seems to be downplayed a lot.
Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Shori wakes up in a cave with amnesia. She doesn't know how she got there, but she knows she is severely hurt. She is in and out of consciousness but wakes up hungry and knows she needs fresh meat. The meat comes to her. She sleeps and recovers enough to go hunting. Her skin is sensitive to the sun. When Shori is well enough, she explores and finds a burned-down home. She finds some clothes. Wright comes across her on the road. He sees a young, black, and injured girl. He tries to help. In her fear, Shori bites Wright, and that is when we learn she may be a vampire.
The first couple of chapters pulled me into the story. It made me uncomfortable, and that's why I would not recommend this book to everyone. Shori looks like a 10 or 11-year-old, but she is 53. Wright's interaction with her and the sexual nature of vampires and their bite make the reader uncomfortable. It is an extremely hard read if you can't get past that. The novel explores themes of race, identity, and the challenges of understanding one's nature in a hostile world. It also delves into power and consent.
In a way, this book reminded me of Sky Full of Elephants, not because of the content but the "what if" question the books explore. This book explores what if melanin was the way for vampires to have more freedom. Would the same prejudices they have lived through impact their society? How does one find one's identity when the society around them is hostile to them? The questions that this story brought to mind made me like the book more than I would have without it. I did not enjoy the amount of exposition in the story instead of showing it. Butler told me the differences between the Council of Judgment and our court system, even though the last part of the book showed me. The explanation could have been cut.
It seemed that maybe this book could have been the start of a series. The way it ends leaves enough room for more stories to be born out of it. If this was Butler's worst book, then I can't wait to get into the rest because I truly enjoyed this. I would not mind discussing this book with others.
The first couple of chapters pulled me into the story. It made me uncomfortable, and that's why I would not recommend this book to everyone. Shori looks like a 10 or 11-year-old, but she is 53. Wright's interaction with her and the sexual nature of vampires and their bite make the reader uncomfortable. It is an extremely hard read if you can't get past that. The novel explores themes of race, identity, and the challenges of understanding one's nature in a hostile world. It also delves into power and consent.
In a way, this book reminded me of Sky Full of Elephants, not because of the content but the "what if" question the books explore. This book explores what if melanin was the way for vampires to have more freedom. Would the same prejudices they have lived through impact their society? How does one find one's identity when the society around them is hostile to them? The questions that this story brought to mind made me like the book more than I would have without it. I did not enjoy the amount of exposition in the story instead of showing it. Butler told me the differences between the Council of Judgment and our court system, even though the last part of the book showed me. The explanation could have been cut.
It seemed that maybe this book could have been the start of a series. The way it ends leaves enough room for more stories to be born out of it. If this was Butler's worst book, then I can't wait to get into the rest because I truly enjoyed this. I would not mind discussing this book with others.
Fumbled into Forever by Elle Madearis
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book has a mix sad parts but it was balanced with a lot of funny parts. It’s a quick read that I enjoyed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse
Minor: Abortion
Dreaux: The Ruthless One by Nek Mills
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This fantasy novel follows the journey of a traveling detective, judge, and executioner, Sir Konrad Vonvalt. As a justice, Vonvalt is responsible for upholding the law and delivering fair rulings, accompanied by his law clerk, Helena, who also acts as the scribe and the muscle, Dubine Bressinger. The story delves into themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of leadership as they investigate cases, some involving dark magic and treachery. The novel is told through Helena's eyes, looking back as an older woman, and we are along for the ride as she witnesses how these challenges change Vonvalt, and the empire seems to be on its way to crumbling. The story balances mystery with action and adventure while mixing horror. The narrative examines what it means to be just in an unjust world and the sacrifices one must make to pursue truth and fairness. I would recommend it.
Konrad Vonvalt, Helena Sedanka, Dubine Bressinger, Radomir Dragic, and Claver are the main characters. Throughout the book, I feel as if I learn a lot about Vonvalt and Helena, but the other characters aren't well fleshed out. Even so, I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, even with Claver on the opposing side. The blend of internal and external conflicts makes the mystery both complex and exciting. The power dynamics of each character become more important as the story progresses.
The world seemed to be built off of medieval Europe. It focused on common law and the conquerors' placing their ideals on the lands they had conquered. That fact seems to be implied to be good, as Konrad believes that common law ensures justice for all under it. Helena seems to have a different idea, but the story doesn't explore that much. There was some information dumping at the start and throughout the book. It slowed the pace down some. The exploration of the justices' power and Vonvalt's realization of losing that power is fascinating. This book set up that storyline, and I would be disappointed if that wasn't explored in the next book. The story had low magic: emperor's voice, necromancy, and telekinetics.
I have a few complaints. There were some pacing issues, especially in the first 100 pages or so, but after that, it was an easy and compelling read. The passage of time was hard to grasp, so if it was not stated, I had to infer. The characterization of women was not the best. More information regarding is in the spoiler section below.
Overall, this book exceeded my expectations, and I had a good time reading it. While it is not perfect for me, I can understand why it is loved by some readers. I enjoyed the mystery element and the conversation surrounding power and law. I would recommend it to those who like character-driven epic fantasy. Also, those who enjoy a mix of legal and political intrigue, an examination of morality and power, and strong character interactions.
Besides Helena, there was the woman who betrayed her, the daughter of the murder victim, and Justice August. Each woman was there to move the story forward, not necessarily to have any agency. Justice August seems to have some background with Vonvalt, but she really didn't have any agency. Vonvalt ignored her concerns until a man told him the same information, and then she was killed. Helena is the only woman around, and even though she's telling the story, it feels like she doesn't have much agency either. She is letting the world happen around her, and she's just following along, and that could just be because of her age in this first book, or it could just be because that's how the author is writing women.
Konrad Vonvalt, Helena Sedanka, Dubine Bressinger, Radomir Dragic, and Claver are the main characters. Throughout the book, I feel as if I learn a lot about Vonvalt and Helena, but the other characters aren't well fleshed out. Even so, I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, even with Claver on the opposing side. The blend of internal and external conflicts makes the mystery both complex and exciting. The power dynamics of each character become more important as the story progresses.
The world seemed to be built off of medieval Europe. It focused on common law and the conquerors' placing their ideals on the lands they had conquered. That fact seems to be implied to be good, as Konrad believes that common law ensures justice for all under it. Helena seems to have a different idea, but the story doesn't explore that much. There was some information dumping at the start and throughout the book. It slowed the pace down some. The exploration of the justices' power and Vonvalt's realization of losing that power is fascinating. This book set up that storyline, and I would be disappointed if that wasn't explored in the next book. The story had low magic: emperor's voice, necromancy, and telekinetics.
I have a few complaints. There were some pacing issues, especially in the first 100 pages or so, but after that, it was an easy and compelling read. The passage of time was hard to grasp, so if it was not stated, I had to infer. The characterization of women was not the best. More information regarding is in the spoiler section below.
Overall, this book exceeded my expectations, and I had a good time reading it. While it is not perfect for me, I can understand why it is loved by some readers. I enjoyed the mystery element and the conversation surrounding power and law. I would recommend it to those who like character-driven epic fantasy. Also, those who enjoy a mix of legal and political intrigue, an examination of morality and power, and strong character interactions.
Church Girl by Naima Simone
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
For the most part I enjoyed this book. Aaliyah is a pastors kid who runs away from her wedding and heads to Chicago with her cousin. She starts school and finds a job as a nanny. Von is a tattoo artist with a child and a rocky relationship with his ex-wife.
The relationship between Aaliyah and Von is paced pretty well for most of the book. However, the ending felt rushed. The last 40-50 pages crammed resolution, 3rd act miscommunication, and declaration into it. I feel we got to see some growth in Aaliyah but Von’s seemed to happen suddenly.
Besides the flaws, this was a quick and easy read. A good palate cleanser romance and something to enjoy on a rainy weekend.
The relationship between Aaliyah and Von is paced pretty well for most of the book. However, the ending felt rushed. The last 40-50 pages crammed resolution, 3rd act miscommunication, and declaration into it. I feel we got to see some growth in Aaliyah but Von’s seemed to happen suddenly.
Besides the flaws, this was a quick and easy read. A good palate cleanser romance and something to enjoy on a rainy weekend.
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Book Notes: www.chakeira.com/sky-full-of-elephants
Charlie is a college professor who was recently released from prison. He embarks on a road trip with his daughter, Sidney, who he has never met. They are in an America where there are no white people. This book mixes science fiction and magical realism, forcing the reader to ask various questions. It explores black identity, culture, and self-discovery. This book was surprising, and I could see myself discussing it more. It is a hard book to recommend. While I think it will lead to discussions, people generally have mixed feelings about it.
The book mainly follows Charlie and Sidney. Charlie is a professor at Howard and was recently released from prison. His daughter, Sidney, calls him to ask him to take her to Alabama. People need approval to get into Alabama, and communication is limited in and out of the state. Sidney is traumatized from seeing her mother, stepfather, and brothers die. She is angry and scared. She is not a likable character. Charlie is generally laid back in the book. He is reluctant to explain his absence to Sidney for most of the book. I don't think the characters were fleshed out really well, but they were general enough to convey the book's messages. Many of the early conflicts centered around Charlie and Sidney and their lack of relationship. Most of the internal conflict in the book is centered around identity and self-discovery.
The world was different. The book's first half had a dystopian feel, but in the second half, it felt more like a utopia. The tonal shift between the two halves was jarring. The book left a lot of plot holes. Some I could infer because of the experiences Ive had, but I can understand why some readers did not make the connections.
This book had many flaws, but I liked it so much because of the conversations that could be had. I don't need my books to clearly explain the science behind what is going on, and while there was some attempt, I don't think it was done perfectly. I really like the first 70% of the book and felt like the latter part of the book was not as strong. I love the way the book made me think about my own identity. While there were various messages, I tended to ignore the ones that didn't interest or apply to me. This review isn't very coherent, but the main takeaway is that this book is a mixed bag. It is a 4⭐️ for me because of how it made me think and my excitement to discuss with others.
Charlie is a college professor who was recently released from prison. He embarks on a road trip with his daughter, Sidney, who he has never met. They are in an America where there are no white people. This book mixes science fiction and magical realism, forcing the reader to ask various questions. It explores black identity, culture, and self-discovery. This book was surprising, and I could see myself discussing it more. It is a hard book to recommend. While I think it will lead to discussions, people generally have mixed feelings about it.
The book mainly follows Charlie and Sidney. Charlie is a professor at Howard and was recently released from prison. His daughter, Sidney, calls him to ask him to take her to Alabama. People need approval to get into Alabama, and communication is limited in and out of the state. Sidney is traumatized from seeing her mother, stepfather, and brothers die. She is angry and scared. She is not a likable character. Charlie is generally laid back in the book. He is reluctant to explain his absence to Sidney for most of the book. I don't think the characters were fleshed out really well, but they were general enough to convey the book's messages. Many of the early conflicts centered around Charlie and Sidney and their lack of relationship. Most of the internal conflict in the book is centered around identity and self-discovery.
The world was different. The book's first half had a dystopian feel, but in the second half, it felt more like a utopia. The tonal shift between the two halves was jarring. The book left a lot of plot holes. Some I could infer because of the experiences Ive had, but I can understand why some readers did not make the connections.
This book had many flaws, but I liked it so much because of the conversations that could be had. I don't need my books to clearly explain the science behind what is going on, and while there was some attempt, I don't think it was done perfectly. I really like the first 70% of the book and felt like the latter part of the book was not as strong. I love the way the book made me think about my own identity. While there were various messages, I tended to ignore the ones that didn't interest or apply to me. This review isn't very coherent, but the main takeaway is that this book is a mixed bag. It is a 4⭐️ for me because of how it made me think and my excitement to discuss with others.