itsawrapxx's reviews
191 reviews

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. 

Sula by Toni Morrison

challenging reflective slow-paced

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

5.0

I am glad I waited for this time in my life to read Sula. I had to sit with this one for a little bit. Though Sula is on the extreme, I saw aspects of her in myself. But I could also say the same for Nel. When Sula said her lonely is her's? Baby! a word! 

Needful Noor by Takerra Allen

emotional fast-paced

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

4.5

this book is a smooth 800+ pages and I have never read through a book of this length so fast. Takerra Allen took her time on this one! I don't care for Noor, and you know what? I'm not sure I cared for anyone. Dorian's and Noor's relationship was so compelling while also being trifling as hell. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Sexual assault

Last Stop from Innocence by Takerra Allen

4.25

Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett

mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I am not even going to front like I didn't have a good time with one. The twists and turns in the story were unexpected and paced well. There was never a lull in the story, and it was hard to put the book down once I started. Breanna and Ty had only been in a relationship for like 90 days at the point we meet them in the story. I consider them still being in the "Getting to Know You" phase, so Breanna was getting my nerves with how hard she was going for Ty. Like girl... y'all down know each other. But also it was understandable knowing Breann's past.  
I like how race and social media were woven into the story. Breanna's distrust of the police again makes it understandable when she is reluctant to divulge certain information to them. But I think what was more damning than the police was social media and public opinion. The whole storyline with Billie had me frustrated, but in a good way. it's been a while since I've picked up a suspense, thriller, mystery. I would recommend this one, especially if you're looking for a good black suspense/thriller. 

Her Own Happiness by Eden Appiah-Kubi
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.

The cover of this book is beautiful, but the story is mundane. I didn't see it for Ant and Maya's budding romance, and I don't think I ever will.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

It took a second for me to get warmed up to the story. I think I felt a similar sentiment for Seven Days in June, but in this instance, I think I was more than halfway into the story. It was when Ezra relieved his secret that things started to pick up for me. I normally am not a fan of instalove. Ezra and Ricki's relationship was Instaloveish so that could be why I wasn't completely invested in their romance. But I loved all the characters in the story and how their stories all wove together. One of my favorite things about Tia Williams writing is how she incorporates black art and culture spanning the century with the appropriate humor.  The dialogue between characters is always engaging and real, it's another thing I enjoy about her writing.  Overall I had a good time with this Magial Romance. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide