cleoreads's reviews
83 reviews

Like a Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun by Sarah Ladipo Manyika

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

challenging dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Real Life by Brandon Taylor

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

These Ghosts are Family by Maisy Card

challenging dark informative mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

What a peculiar, yet original book. 

Where we begin with this book, is not where we end. Through a non-linear timeline, the author pulls the reader in so many different directions. I was constantly on my tippy-toes, leaning in towards the story, interested to see where the author will take me. But I must admit I lost my footing at times. 

This is a generational family saga like no other. Seeing as at times, the title is to be understood as both literal and figuratively. As someone who prefers not to dabble with demons, I preferred the chapters in this book where we dealt with figurative ghosts. 

What would you do if the haunting actions and choices of your past showed up at your doorstep, ready for a reckoning? The characters were forced to face their ghosts that were seeking answers for years of lies, betrayal, abuse and abandonment committed. Very messy, but very entertaining. 

This novel travels borders and centuries, as the author navigates vignettes sometimes set in Jamaica, sometimes Harlem, sometimes the 1800s, sometimes the 2000s. I have to applaud the author for exploring themes such as slavery, patriarchy, migration and repentance in such an unconventional way, but the ending left me truly confused as to how it fit into the whole story. Even after watching interviews of the author, I am still not convinced. 

However, that first chapter alone was enough to put this author on my radar. I am looking forward to their next offering. 

She Would Be King by Wayétu Moore

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective 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

5.0

Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn

challenging emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee

emotional informative reflective sad slow-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

4.0

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

challenging emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Havoc of Choice by Wanjiru Koinange

dark emotional informative sad tense 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

3.0

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie

emotional funny relaxing tense fast-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

3.5

Stressful.