itsawrapxx's reviews
177 reviews

Out of Body by Nia Davenport

4.0

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maritza Moulite, Maika Moulite
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.

I think I'm not gelling with the format the story is being told in. I'm just not intrigued by where this story is going. 

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

4.0

This was a quick read and each story left an impression on me. Preach cobbler, however, might be my favorite among the bunch. Normally, I do not enjoy short stories, but each story stood on it's own. 

Devout by Takerra Allen

dark tense medium-paced

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

3.5

I've quickly become a fan of Takerra Allen. This series has to be my least favorite of her work so far. I did not like Denny, and while the ending gave more context to his behavior, I still did not see it for him. Age gaps, and instalove are two tropes that I also tend to dislike. Denny and Neeki heavy pretty fast, and the age difference made it even more alarming. Regardless Takerra Allen knows how to tell a story, I just did not like Denny and Neeki's relationship at all. 

Family Meal by Bryan Washington

emotional slow-paced

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

3.5

I appreciated the journey of friendship between Cam and JT as they navigated their separate trials and tribulations. The story started off promising but lost its pacing by the end. 

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

This story had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. The way Gyasi can tell a story that spans time, space, culture, and generations is captivating. I'm upset with myself for waiting so long to read Homegoing, but I'm so glad I did. 

Dele Weds Destiny by Tomi Obaro

3.5

Front St. Porter by Nina.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 56%.

I might come back to it, but the porter brothers are so problematic. I'm just not in the headspace for all the trigger warnings in one book.  

The Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson

challenging emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

slow-paced

3.5

Narratives written in multiple POVs is not my favorite. I didn't find the story hard to follow but some stories felt unfinished and ultimately took away from the main plot. There was a lot of Monshe's POV, but I wish I had more perspective from Nate and Dodo. I enjoyed the setting and think the multiple POV worked in getting a feel of the town. Ultimately I found the ending to be a little underwhelming.