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itsawrapxx's reviews
177 reviews
Confessions Of A Hustla's Housekeeper by Write Guidance Editing, Jahquel J.
sad
tense
fast-paced
2.5
I listened to the audiobook and it felt like the narrator was shouting at me the whole time, but I still enjoyed how she brought the book to life because I probably would have dropped it had I been reading it. Whew! The mess and dramatics of it all. the actual writing wasn't all that compelling, but the drama and theatrics definitely made this a page-turner for me. Also, I did not like Roddy at all and he never really became redeemable to me, I was not rooting for Yves to end up with him at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, and Emotional abuse
Don't Cry for Me: A Novel by Daniel Black
emotional
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
4.0
This was an honest and sincere story for me. I did like, nor agree with Jacob, but it wasn't a completely deplorable character to me. If anything, he was a flawed man whose very ridge views of gender and patriarchy caused his suffering and to have truly fulling relationships. I thought book was well done.
True to the Game by Teri Woods
dark
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? Yes
2.0
I watched the film, and it encouraged me to read the book. The narrator was really the only one saving Grace, and I don't know how I managed to finish this outside of that. I'm assuming Teri Woods's later works are better developed. There are so many Characters and plot lines going on within the book that, at times it is hard to follow. There are also some inconsistencies in the plot. We don't know very much about these characters, and because of that, I don't feel this immense love that Gena and Quadir have for one another, and I didn't feel any way about his death either I believe many people might love this book for the nostalgia of it all, but I think the urban fiction genre has come a long way since the publication of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Rape, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Violence
A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
challenging
emotional
sad
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
4.0
This was a somber read for me, but I still enjoyed it. The first half of the book left me wondering how it was all going to come together, and I thought it was a little slow. The book's second half is really the star. It took a day or two for me to process the ending and what I had read once it was all said and done. It touches on some big themes and does it so elegantly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Suicide
Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
4.0
I loved the fantastical take on intergenerational trauma and how the story narrates from all the pov's of the multigenerational family. I was more invested in the relationship the family had with one another than the stories of these women's love lives with men.
Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah
emotional
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
3.5
The love between Efe and Sam was endearing. But I had to take my time with this; there were moments when the book had me exhausted. The book handles the themes of marriage, motherhood, and mental health in the most human and empathetic manner. Despite the rough patches and missteps both characters make along the way; you are rooting for them to find their way back to happiness and one another. I went through the motions with Efe and Sam, but that speaks to the character-driven plot as well as how well-developed they are. I was not a fan of the ending at all. Both characters had such significant revelations as individuals and had made notable strides in their relationship that I wish were able to breathe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
Moderate: Self harm
An Ugly Girl's Diary by T. Styles
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The book's first half left me on the fence, but by the second half, it pulled me in. Tye is an anti-hero, but he has enough humanity that he isn't entirely unredeemable to me. This story is plot-heavy, and the ending leaves on a nice cliffhanger. It made me excited to pick up the second book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Bare With Me by Kendra Danielle
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
I had so much fun reading this! When I tell you I laughed my tail off? This is just a well-done romantic comedy. I loved Denise; I thought she was funny and relatable. She had a bold, colorful personality compared to Xavier, who was slightly more reserved. This will be right up your alley if you love the fake dating trope. Xavier is a grump, but I also loved his character and development. The development of their relationship was also a *chef's kiss*. 10/10 highly recommend it!