dionnesims's reviews
35 reviews

Concentrate: Poems by Courtney Faye Taylor

challenging dark informative reflective sad fast-paced

3.75

I think all of the creative forms in this book (collage, timelines, photography) really added to the poetry. The poetry was a bit difficult for me to understand at times though.

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

2.5

I read 3/4ths and skimmed the last 1/4th because it moves very slowly. It's a lot of storytelling within the storytelling, if that makes sense. So there isn't really a deep plot, mostly reflection on why the characters are in their current states. I don't really enjoy that kind of story but I'm sure some folks will!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Classism, Kidnapping, Racism, Abandonment, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, and Hate crime

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

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

4.75

I finally understand why folks call Octavia Butler prophetic. What an incredible, unsettling book to read only a year before 2024, the year the book starts in. Can't recommend enough!

Alive at the End of the World by Saeed Jones

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

4.75

just an absolutely beautiful read from start to finish. almost wish it were longer but honestly it's the perfect length because it's still very impactful. bravo!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Racism, Sexual content, Gun violence, Death of parent, Death, Murder, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Cursing

Her Word Is Bond: Navigating Hip Hop and Relationships in a Culture of Misogyny by Cristalle "Psalm One" Bowen

emotional informative reflective slow-paced

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug use, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Drug abuse

Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye

adventurous dark 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? No

4.25

If you're into Yoruba Mythology, I think this is the darkest YA within the mythology that I've read yet. I thoroughly enjoyed the massive twists at the end (thank god, because otherwise it would have felt predictable) and can't wait for the second book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Colonisation, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Torture, Violence, Genocide, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Sexual assault, Slavery, and War

Theatre of Marvels by Lianne Dillsworth

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I appreciate the internal journey that Zillah goes on throughout this book. Despite the historical setting, "what does it mean to be Black" is a question that remains relevant even in 2022.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Trafficking, Slavery, Sexual harassment, and Sexism

Moderate: Bullying and Misogyny

Minor: Confinement and Drug use

Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney

funny hopeful informative lighthearted fast-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? Yes

4.5

I finished this book very quickly because I loved the characters and story so much! I grew up in a very restrictive, Christian setting as well, so I really related to Monique's experiences with guilt, shame, and low self-esteem. I could have used a book like this as a teen!!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Religious bigotry, Toxic relationship, and Medical content

Minor: Alcohol

Boys Come First by Aaron Foley

emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.5

I genuinely enjoyed every moment of reading this book! Troy, Dominick, and Remy are the quintessential millennial, queer, Blac adult trio. The dialogue felt fresh, the conflicts were relatable, and the questions brought up (and answered) felt so genuine that I found myself nodding along at parts. Can't recommend this more!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Classism, Cursing, and Drug use

Moderate: Death of parent and Rape

Minor: Gun violence and Cancer

Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, and Mental illness