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curlyhairbibliophile's reviews
473 reviews
What Kind of Mother by Clay McLeod Chapman
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
horrifying, grotesque, and the type of book i cancelled plans and stayed up way too late to read. the imagery in this book was so vivid i could almost imagine it as a movie scene playing out.
Clay, you nasty mf.
Clay, you nasty mf.
Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation by Anna Malaika Tubbs
informative
reflective
slow-paced
1.5
UGH, this was the classic example of a book with an incredible premise, but poor execution. :(
Much of the lives of Berdis Baldwin, Louise Little, and Alberta King have been lost to time and erasure. In history books and our recounting of their sons' lives and legacies, these three women have often been left out or only included as mere footnotes. I was hoping this book would introduce us to these women, the lives they led, and the passions they had.
Unfortunately, it didn't do much of anything it set out to do. THE THREE MOTHERS recounted the histories of MLK, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin and included a section about how their mothers supported them and loved them. Or, it speculated about the beliefs the three mothers may have had, but no citation of actual primary sources.
If you have NO background or information on Black history (ie: great migration, Jim Crow laws, garveyism), this is a great book for you. It is a digestible introduction to many histories and ideas.
However, if you want more information about these women, I recommend reading the works of these three men where they reference and discuss their mothers. Autobiography of Malcolm X, Go Tell It on The Mountain, and this article on Alberta King are great places to start.
Much of the lives of Berdis Baldwin, Louise Little, and Alberta King have been lost to time and erasure. In history books and our recounting of their sons' lives and legacies, these three women have often been left out or only included as mere footnotes. I was hoping this book would introduce us to these women, the lives they led, and the passions they had.
Unfortunately, it didn't do much of anything it set out to do. THE THREE MOTHERS recounted the histories of MLK, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin and included a section about how their mothers supported them and loved them. Or, it speculated about the beliefs the three mothers may have had, but no citation of actual primary sources.
If you have NO background or information on Black history (ie: great migration, Jim Crow laws, garveyism), this is a great book for you. It is a digestible introduction to many histories and ideas.
However, if you want more information about these women, I recommend reading the works of these three men where they reference and discuss their mothers. Autobiography of Malcolm X, Go Tell It on The Mountain, and this article on Alberta King are great places to start.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Hate crime, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Grief, and Murder
Whisper Down the Lane by Clay McLeod Chapman
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I absolutely ATE this up! I can't remember the last time I read a book in 24 hours, and I finally did with WHISPER DOWN THE LANE.
Side Note: Anyone in reviews saying "Psssh NO one in the 80s was believing DnD was from the devil or cabbage patch kids were demonic" clearly never interacted with evangelical christians, because I even heard those sentiments into the early 2000s
Side Note: Anyone in reviews saying "Psssh NO one in the 80s was believing DnD was from the devil or cabbage patch kids were demonic" clearly never interacted with evangelical christians, because I even heard those sentiments into the early 2000s
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Suicide
Moderate: Child abuse, Gore, and Pedophilia
Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats by Courtney Gustafson
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you Crown Publishing for an e-ARC ⭐️🐈⬛
a beautiful memoir about cats, the way we care for one another, relationships, and the human condition. i am so glad my most anticipated book of 2025 lived up to my own hype.
a beautiful memoir about cats, the way we care for one another, relationships, and the human condition. i am so glad my most anticipated book of 2025 lived up to my own hype.
Another Country by James Baldwin
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Wonderful, complicated and so SO MESSY! I read this for a book club, and this was such an awesome book to discuss one sangria deep with 10 strangers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Suicide attempt
Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Grotesque and INCREDIBLE! I love strange fiction that stretches the re-evaluates the sociology of motherhood. The messaging does slap you in the face a bit towards the end, but overall I had such a fun time with NIGHTBITCH.
TW for death of animals specifically rabbits, raccoon, and one house cat (in great detail)
TW for death of animals specifically rabbits, raccoon, and one house cat (in great detail)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Blood