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damalireads's reviews
223 reviews
Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
I really liked Lamya! Appreciated the look into her life across multiple countries, figuring out how to assimilate and realizing that may be impossible when you're fighting an uphill battle of racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, and transphobia (oh my!). She has a lot of heart behind her writing and I think remaining anonymous actually added to the story. I would say if you have any curiosity about this book, definitely give it a try!
I will say, I didn't find the writing in this memoir to be very strong. The structure felt very formulaic. Most issues or problems had a 1:1 solution, and I didn't feel very present in the story. Some analogies were stronger than others, and sometimes felt forced. I feel like her ideas were creative enough to warrant an equally creative writing style but I didn't get that. To be fair, that could partially be due to my disconnection with religious stories from the Quran + my own qualms with how memoirs are written.
Overall, I'm glad I read this & learned some tings.
I will say, I didn't find the writing in this memoir to be very strong. The structure felt very formulaic. Most issues or problems had a 1:1 solution, and I didn't feel very present in the story. Some analogies were stronger than others, and sometimes felt forced. I feel like her ideas were creative enough to warrant an equally creative writing style but I didn't get that. To be fair, that could partially be due to my disconnection with religious stories from the Quran + my own qualms with how memoirs are written.
Overall, I'm glad I read this & learned some tings.
I'm Telling the Truth, but I'm Lying: Essays by Bassey Ikpi
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
The Wreckage of My Presence: Essays by Casey Wilson
funny
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
I just randomly picked this up and gave it a go. I think I gradually lost my amusement and got bored with the last 30-40% of the book. Still a pleasant read, I did laugh, and I really liked her essays about her mom and son. Also the one on real housewives and the cult of spin classes were fun.
I don't really recommend this lol not bc it's bad but because I don't think it'll have much of an impact unless you are drawn to the author thru her TV shows or podcast (i.e. Me). Just ok and that's ok!
I don't really recommend this lol not bc it's bad but because I don't think it'll have much of an impact unless you are drawn to the author thru her TV shows or podcast (i.e. Me). Just ok and that's ok!
The Wedding [Abridged] by Dorothy West
challenging
reflective
medium-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
Really compelling narrative on class and colorism in the Black community. Excellent writing. Ending was just too abrupt and dramatic for me to give it 5 stars but I do recommend it.
Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up by Charish Reid
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.0
Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
1) the cover of this book is so good. truly love it. if it wasn't a mid book for me I'd buy it just for the vibes.
2) as mentioned in 1, the book was mid! I'm afraid nothing new or interesting was said about the horrors of corporate America and silicon valley and capitalism in this book. and the form + black hole element didn't make up for that
3) BUT let me tell you, I read this book so fast. Engaging, readable, atmospheric. I was vibing the whole time and only near the end did I realize I'd be walking away with very little. Have to give this book props for that.
4) the bleak look at SF was interesting since I just visited. I did like that element, and the feeling that there was also a lot that Cassie did not see about the city bc of her job/salary/self absorbed nature (no offense cass!).
5) ending on 4 is weird so, I'll add that the visceral imagery in the book was very well crafted, but felt disruptive to the storytelling at a certain point. Cassie was often imagining these metaphor filled scenes that were sometimes interesting, but mostly unnecessary for me.
⭐⭐⭐.5
2) as mentioned in 1, the book was mid! I'm afraid nothing new or interesting was said about the horrors of corporate America and silicon valley and capitalism in this book. and the form + black hole element didn't make up for that
3) BUT let me tell you, I read this book so fast. Engaging, readable, atmospheric. I was vibing the whole time and only near the end did I realize I'd be walking away with very little. Have to give this book props for that.
4) the bleak look at SF was interesting since I just visited. I did like that element, and the feeling that there was also a lot that Cassie did not see about the city bc of her job/salary/self absorbed nature (no offense cass!).
5) ending on 4 is weird so, I'll add that the visceral imagery in the book was very well crafted, but felt disruptive to the storytelling at a certain point. Cassie was often imagining these metaphor filled scenes that were sometimes interesting, but mostly unnecessary for me.
⭐⭐⭐.5