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itsawrapxx's reviews
193 reviews
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!
Daughter in Exile by Bisi Adjapon
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? Yes
4.5
I could not put this book down! Of course, I sympathized with Lola, but at times I just wanted to jump through the book, shake her, and be like, "Girl, What are you doing!? Do you not see this is a terrible decision!?"
This is still a very riveting story delving into the themes of blackness and immigration in the US. As bad as things seemed to get for Lola, the story was hopeful and endearing. It truly reinvigorated in me the importance of extending kindness to others!
This is still a very riveting story delving into the themes of blackness and immigration in the US. As bad as things seemed to get for Lola, the story was hopeful and endearing. It truly reinvigorated in me the importance of extending kindness to others!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Suicide
My Government Means to Kill Me by Rasheed Newson
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.5
It reads like a tv series, and I was fully enveloped in Trey's story. The mix between real and fictitious is beautifully done, and each chapter feels episodic. The book's ending came a little left field and left me wanting more. Nonetheless, it was a very enjoyable and insightful read. I would recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Police brutality and Sexual harassment
IMPACT by Taisha S. Ryan
emotional
sad
medium-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
I was into the book until the last 5 or 10 percent of it. I could not get into the plot twist with Eric, and I could not understand why Dre kept such a big secret as he did from Ava. And the book never reckoned with Dre knowing something like that but keeping it from her. The book did keep my attention until the end, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Miscarriage
Free Game: A Foxview Heights Novel by Kema B.
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
2.75
I had to sit with my thoughts on this one. I listened to the audiobook, and I know this is a novella, but everything happened so fast! To the point that I was left a little unfulfilled and underwhelmed. The Narrators, however, were excellent!