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passionyoungwrites's reviews
165 reviews
The Blueprint by Rae Giana Rashad
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
“Remember. Nothing is just.” - Henriette
.
History has a way of repeating itself with systems of oppression, no matter the year. Pent down, held back, hushed, ruled, and manipulated is the Black girl. From the Big House to the Penthouse, from the Planters to the Politicians - the Blueprint remained the same - “Hold her”.
.
Solenne in the year 2030 in a dystopian world where choice isn’t afforded to her and an algorithm determined everything about her life. And while writing the biography of her ancestor, Henriette, from 1800’s, she sees a resemblance in circumstances - oppression by a white man to herself - a concubine. She also sees strength she hadn’t seen before.
.
As she grew older Solenne allowed herself to acknowledge that she was experiencing what every oppressed woman experienced - in some capacity or another. And then it all made sense.
.
The Blueprint for me was a clear acknowledgment that change is within you. Yes, systems are in place, people with power are in charge, but on an individual level you must figure out how to free yourself from your shackles in order to truly be free.
.
Freedom for one doesn’t look the same for others. Solenne wanted out of her situation so bad and then she was hit with the reality that the system was still in place causing her to free herself in another form. Same with her ancestor Henriette, she kept going too.
It’s just so crazy to look back to the 1800’s and think we’ve come so far from slavery just to read this book and see that we’re really only a step or two away from bondage in many different forms.
.
Also the way this book is structured, makes it so much easier to see the “why’s” and connect the dots to understand the characters. All of which are relevant and move the story forward. All facing their own personal troubles.
.
History has a way of repeating itself with systems of oppression, no matter the year. Pent down, held back, hushed, ruled, and manipulated is the Black girl. From the Big House to the Penthouse, from the Planters to the Politicians - the Blueprint remained the same - “Hold her”.
.
Solenne in the year 2030 in a dystopian world where choice isn’t afforded to her and an algorithm determined everything about her life. And while writing the biography of her ancestor, Henriette, from 1800’s, she sees a resemblance in circumstances - oppression by a white man to herself - a concubine. She also sees strength she hadn’t seen before.
.
As she grew older Solenne allowed herself to acknowledge that she was experiencing what every oppressed woman experienced - in some capacity or another. And then it all made sense.
.
The Blueprint for me was a clear acknowledgment that change is within you. Yes, systems are in place, people with power are in charge, but on an individual level you must figure out how to free yourself from your shackles in order to truly be free.
.
Freedom for one doesn’t look the same for others. Solenne wanted out of her situation so bad and then she was hit with the reality that the system was still in place causing her to free herself in another form. Same with her ancestor Henriette, she kept going too.
It’s just so crazy to look back to the 1800’s and think we’ve come so far from slavery just to read this book and see that we’re really only a step or two away from bondage in many different forms.
.
Also the way this book is structured, makes it so much easier to see the “why’s” and connect the dots to understand the characters. All of which are relevant and move the story forward. All facing their own personal troubles.
A Lesson in Thorns by Sierra Simone
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
“Just promise me you won’t go to the chapel ruins.”
.
Here we follow Poe, a librarian who accepts a job at her friends manor - Thornchapel. But this isn’t just any job, this is the place that Poe visited with her parents and friends twelve years ago. And they are all back under one roof.
.
So it seemed to me that this Thornchapel manor has some spiritual powers, in short terms. It somehow has all six of the then children back at the same time as adults. The thing is, most of them don’t know each other in adulthood. All of them are there for jobs or by association.
.
Poe on the other hand is also there to find out what happened to her mother who disappeared after her last summer there. Especially intrigued when she received a letter in her mothers handwriting. Against her fathers wishes, she returns to find some truth. Unbeknownst to her she also falls in love or you might just say lust!
.
Plenty of secrets, a ritual, kink, bi- representation, and Poe that has narcolepsy. I found this interesting, even outside of the kinky scenes. Though I most say, Ms. Simone knows how to pull you in because this got real HOT at the end. And of course it’s a series so the story isn’t complete. But this was definitely a great start.
.
Here we follow Poe, a librarian who accepts a job at her friends manor - Thornchapel. But this isn’t just any job, this is the place that Poe visited with her parents and friends twelve years ago. And they are all back under one roof.
.
So it seemed to me that this Thornchapel manor has some spiritual powers, in short terms. It somehow has all six of the then children back at the same time as adults. The thing is, most of them don’t know each other in adulthood. All of them are there for jobs or by association.
.
Poe on the other hand is also there to find out what happened to her mother who disappeared after her last summer there. Especially intrigued when she received a letter in her mothers handwriting. Against her fathers wishes, she returns to find some truth. Unbeknownst to her she also falls in love or you might just say lust!
.
Plenty of secrets, a ritual, kink, bi- representation, and Poe that has narcolepsy. I found this interesting, even outside of the kinky scenes. Though I most say, Ms. Simone knows how to pull you in because this got real HOT at the end. And of course it’s a series so the story isn’t complete. But this was definitely a great start.
King: A Life by Jonathan Eig
adventurous
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
What happens to a man who becomes owned by a cause?”
.
We all know Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because of his work during the Civil Rights Movement. We know him for his famous “I Have A Dream” speech, his marches, his non-violent approaches, and community gatherings in the name of defeating segregation.
BUT, we didn’t know him as a man, not a person that was separate from the movement. At least I didn’t.
.
This novel allows us to see King in a different light. One where we know of his grandparents start, his parents and their upbringing, his childhood and his life’s choices up until adulthood. We see Martin, (named Michael at birth) become a symbol in the civil rights era without even trying. Because leading was never his goal, except for behind a pulpit in a church or even as a professor.
.
Educated, aware, and human, Martin was a lot more than what was portrayed to the public. He was a person, with feelings, doubts and flaws. Because he definitely had women in different area codes. 🥴 Y’all know about the BLACK Baptist preachers and women so don’t be so shocked.
.
This read was a long one but definitely worth it. I’m proud to know that someone took the time to give us thorough details of what happened back then, the people that were involved alongside Martin, and the importance of their roles. I feel that this was definitely the exposure of truths that the Civil Rights Movement needed - even if they appeared harsh.
.
I usually don’t read much nonfiction, but if you’re worried - don’t be, this doesn’t read that way. It’s more written as stories rather than a bunch of facts put together.
Let’s know our history, all of it!
.
We all know Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because of his work during the Civil Rights Movement. We know him for his famous “I Have A Dream” speech, his marches, his non-violent approaches, and community gatherings in the name of defeating segregation.
BUT, we didn’t know him as a man, not a person that was separate from the movement. At least I didn’t.
.
This novel allows us to see King in a different light. One where we know of his grandparents start, his parents and their upbringing, his childhood and his life’s choices up until adulthood. We see Martin, (named Michael at birth) become a symbol in the civil rights era without even trying. Because leading was never his goal, except for behind a pulpit in a church or even as a professor.
.
Educated, aware, and human, Martin was a lot more than what was portrayed to the public. He was a person, with feelings, doubts and flaws. Because he definitely had women in different area codes. 🥴 Y’all know about the BLACK Baptist preachers and women so don’t be so shocked.
.
This read was a long one but definitely worth it. I’m proud to know that someone took the time to give us thorough details of what happened back then, the people that were involved alongside Martin, and the importance of their roles. I feel that this was definitely the exposure of truths that the Civil Rights Movement needed - even if they appeared harsh.
.
I usually don’t read much nonfiction, but if you’re worried - don’t be, this doesn’t read that way. It’s more written as stories rather than a bunch of facts put together.
Let’s know our history, all of it!
The American Queen by Vanessa Miller
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
4.0
Louella was brilliant, especially during her times. A Black woman, formally enslaved, and fearless of what was to come. It was her idea to set out but they had no intended destination in mind. Common sense often kicked in and Louella navigated the troubles along the journey by selling her healing salve, and often using her husband’s brother who passed for white to get them out of tough situations.
.
After finally settling on their own land, purchased with their own money and labor, Louella and her husband were crowned King and Queen of Happy Land with the largest number in their community being 400 people, men, women, and children at one time.
.
I enjoyed this one and was surprised to know that it is based on a true story. Though this book gave a very happy ending, the epilogue gives a detailed reasoning of why. However, the biggest lesson that Louella learned over the years was to trust herself and her thoughts. Because truly no one expected such great accomplishments from a Black woman, especially not one that is called “Queen” on land that actually belonged to her.
And to see the men that she helped to live alongside her jeopardize it all for nothing was heartbreaking. Black folks love some corn liquor, in my neck of the woods they call it moonshine. 😭
.
.
After finally settling on their own land, purchased with their own money and labor, Louella and her husband were crowned King and Queen of Happy Land with the largest number in their community being 400 people, men, women, and children at one time.
.
I enjoyed this one and was surprised to know that it is based on a true story. Though this book gave a very happy ending, the epilogue gives a detailed reasoning of why. However, the biggest lesson that Louella learned over the years was to trust herself and her thoughts. Because truly no one expected such great accomplishments from a Black woman, especially not one that is called “Queen” on land that actually belonged to her.
And to see the men that she helped to live alongside her jeopardize it all for nothing was heartbreaking. Black folks love some corn liquor, in my neck of the woods they call it moonshine. 😭
.
Blues Dancing by Diane McKinney-Whetstone
“My aunt says the smell of butter on a foggy night means you’re ready to fall in love.”
.
Verdi has been in a relationship with Rowe, a college professor who rescued her from addiction when she was an undergrad. After twenty years, Verdi’s then boyfriend, Johnson comes to town.
.
This story shows how each character comes into themselves. From career choices, to relationships, addiction woes, and eventually rediscovery.
.
Verdi - undergrad turned into a user, recovered, educated, and then almost crashed and burned again. Johnson - depressed, undergrad, hopeless on the inside, turned to drugs, and trying to meet the expectations of the world. Kitt - a single mother to a special needs child who cares for her mother as well; very protective of those she loves, especially her cousin Verdi. Rowe - a college professor who is controlling to say the least, and fears that he would become a product of his upbringing.
.
Though these aren’t all of the characters, these are the ones that move the story forward. Family issues arise, especially from the past. Cashing each person to look within.
But Verdi eventually realizes that she doesn’t have to continue the path of being saved by anyone. Especially now that she’s overcome so much over the years. And with Johnson back in town wanting to talk, and Rowe still married and controlling, things shift for Verdi. In this story she learns to take her control back in every area of her life!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
“My aunt says the smell of butter on a foggy night means you’re ready to fall in love.”
.
Verdi has been in a relationship with Rowe, a college professor who rescued her from addiction when she was an undergrad. After twenty years, Verdi’s then boyfriend, Johnson comes to town.
.
This story shows how each character comes into themselves. From career choices, to relationships, addiction woes, and eventually rediscovery.
.
Verdi - undergrad turned into a user, recovered, educated, and then almost crashed and burned again. Johnson - depressed, undergrad, hopeless on the inside, turned to drugs, and trying to meet the expectations of the world. Kitt - a single mother to a special needs child who cares for her mother as well; very protective of those she loves, especially her cousin Verdi. Rowe - a college professor who is controlling to say the least, and fears that he would become a product of his upbringing.
.
Though these aren’t all of the characters, these are the ones that move the story forward. Family issues arise, especially from the past. Cashing each person to look within.
But Verdi eventually realizes that she doesn’t have to continue the path of being saved by anyone. Especially now that she’s overcome so much over the years. And with Johnson back in town wanting to talk, and Rowe still married and controlling, things shift for Verdi. In this story she learns to take her control back in every area of her life!
When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era by Donovan X. Ramsey
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
Reading this was like finally being able to understand. Growing up I’d always hear people use the term crackhead and crackbaby. And the terms were used loosely because of course it was in reference to the actions of the people. To my knowledge, many people still don’t know what happened during the time when Crack was the drug of choice. And to see the political standpoint of it, their plans, and the correlation of it in regards to incarceration is crazy.
Lennie was my favorite character because she actually lived it. She wasn’t just knowing about it, she battled it, relapsed, attempted to keep a sense of self. And to be able to read about her was important because many people are often ashamed of where they come from.
.
So if you’ve ever wondered what went on back in the day, this is definitely a book for you to pick up. It not only covers during but the recovery of the four people we meet and what their lives looked like after Crack.
Lennie was my favorite character because she actually lived it. She wasn’t just knowing about it, she battled it, relapsed, attempted to keep a sense of self. And to be able to read about her was important because many people are often ashamed of where they come from.
.
So if you’ve ever wondered what went on back in the day, this is definitely a book for you to pick up. It not only covers during but the recovery of the four people we meet and what their lives looked like after Crack.
Cane River by Lalita Tademy
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
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? N/A
5.0
Don’t try to match one misery against another. Field or house, we’re all in the same web waiting for the spider to get home.”
.
Learning. Teaching. Applying. Realizing.
Those are the words that come to mind when I think of the four generations of women we follow here in this novel. Elisabeth, Suzette, Philomene, and Emily initially on and near a Creole plantation on Louisiana’s Cane River.
All of these women living in similar times with small differences who shape them as mothers and as people. The three eldest women navigating slavery, and eventually freedom. Baring children by men that they could not marry, and the ones that could marry (in a sense) were devastated when it was time to be sold to other plantations. Manipulated but also navigating decisions that would ultimately lead to family stability but at the same time hoping that things didn’t get worse.
.
Even though these women progressed throughout the years, individually and as a family, they were struck with discrimination (as expected with the times) due to their color and because of their choice in men.
Some were color struck and felt that the lighter their skin the more advantage they would have in the world. While the others felt that they would still be labeled as colored and mixing with white men was merely “bleaching the line”.
.
Given the times, I feel that each of these women did what they needed to do to protect themselves to the best of their ability and provide for their family.
In the end, they saw some of their line education, owning land and having the ability to see the truths that always remained the same.
.
Spanning over 137 years of family history, Cane River, covers the authors family written as fiction. Surprisingly, there are photos of wills, family trees for each of the women and a combined tree for the entire family; photos of every family member that’s spoken of and a very much appreciated Authors Note and Acknowledgements that bring this story full circle.
.
Learning. Teaching. Applying. Realizing.
Those are the words that come to mind when I think of the four generations of women we follow here in this novel. Elisabeth, Suzette, Philomene, and Emily initially on and near a Creole plantation on Louisiana’s Cane River.
All of these women living in similar times with small differences who shape them as mothers and as people. The three eldest women navigating slavery, and eventually freedom. Baring children by men that they could not marry, and the ones that could marry (in a sense) were devastated when it was time to be sold to other plantations. Manipulated but also navigating decisions that would ultimately lead to family stability but at the same time hoping that things didn’t get worse.
.
Even though these women progressed throughout the years, individually and as a family, they were struck with discrimination (as expected with the times) due to their color and because of their choice in men.
Some were color struck and felt that the lighter their skin the more advantage they would have in the world. While the others felt that they would still be labeled as colored and mixing with white men was merely “bleaching the line”.
.
Given the times, I feel that each of these women did what they needed to do to protect themselves to the best of their ability and provide for their family.
In the end, they saw some of their line education, owning land and having the ability to see the truths that always remained the same.
.
Spanning over 137 years of family history, Cane River, covers the authors family written as fiction. Surprisingly, there are photos of wills, family trees for each of the women and a combined tree for the entire family; photos of every family member that’s spoken of and a very much appreciated Authors Note and Acknowledgements that bring this story full circle.
Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko
adventurous
reflective
tense
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
4.0
This is the second book in the Raybearer series, and I must say it didn’t disappoint. Though, If you want action throughout - Raybearer brings it all.
.
Tarisai is the first Empress Redemptor of Aristar. She now has to anoint a counsel of her own to come into her full power as a Raybearer. This is to appease the sinister spirits of the dead that she has made a promise to go into the underworld. With assassin attempts and child spirits haunting her, Tar is under plenty of pressure. The biggest decision she must make is whether she will die for justice or live for it.
.
This was an interesting finale to the first book, where we now see Tar grow up and her journey in fulfilling her promise of going into the underworld. It was interesting to see who stood beside her, who left, and their “why”. Though, I feel that as with many hero’s the lasting decision is always their own!
And yet she still couldn’t trust her own mother, even in death!
It’s always a great thing when the second books give a proper ending to a great story! Though this is a YA, it doesn’t read like one!
.
Tarisai is the first Empress Redemptor of Aristar. She now has to anoint a counsel of her own to come into her full power as a Raybearer. This is to appease the sinister spirits of the dead that she has made a promise to go into the underworld. With assassin attempts and child spirits haunting her, Tar is under plenty of pressure. The biggest decision she must make is whether she will die for justice or live for it.
.
This was an interesting finale to the first book, where we now see Tar grow up and her journey in fulfilling her promise of going into the underworld. It was interesting to see who stood beside her, who left, and their “why”. Though, I feel that as with many hero’s the lasting decision is always their own!
And yet she still couldn’t trust her own mother, even in death!
It’s always a great thing when the second books give a proper ending to a great story! Though this is a YA, it doesn’t read like one!
Jubilee by Margaret Walker
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
“A war to set us niggers free? What kinda crazy talk is that?”
.
Jubilee is a written history of Vyry living through slavery and seeing freedom. She is the daughter of a white plantation owner and his black mistress (his favorite one 🫣).
.
Reading this was like I was standing around watching things unfold. Vyry as a toddler being raised by others until she was of age to work in the big house. Her struggles with the Mistress, Big Missy, being slapped around and tied up for a mistake that many children would make. Being a maid to her own sister, same age as her. From learning to cook with Aunt Sally and eventually becoming the cook herself. To meeting a black man who is free that promises her marriage and freedom if he can buy her from her father. To living and waiting on the plantation well after slavery ended. To figuring out what life she wanted for herself and her children after the emancipation. To making that dream a reality just for it to be taken from her time after time. To watching her kids have a life that she never did.
.
The most fascinating part of this story is knowing that Margaret Walker wrote this story based on the life of her maternal great - grandmother from the oral recollection from her maternal grandmother!
Not many of us know these stories of what our ancestors endured. Though, I feel that many narratives that involve slavery mostly focus on those that tended to the fields. Where here Vyry was a house slave, very light in color and could pass for white - though she never did. This story allows the reader to see a full picture of slavery, and the struggles that were endured through the eyes of those from inside the house.
Oh how I wished Margaret would have left us more stories to read! And the foreword written by Nikki Giovanni in this 50th Anniversary edition is 👌🏾
.
Jubilee is a written history of Vyry living through slavery and seeing freedom. She is the daughter of a white plantation owner and his black mistress (his favorite one 🫣).
.
Reading this was like I was standing around watching things unfold. Vyry as a toddler being raised by others until she was of age to work in the big house. Her struggles with the Mistress, Big Missy, being slapped around and tied up for a mistake that many children would make. Being a maid to her own sister, same age as her. From learning to cook with Aunt Sally and eventually becoming the cook herself. To meeting a black man who is free that promises her marriage and freedom if he can buy her from her father. To living and waiting on the plantation well after slavery ended. To figuring out what life she wanted for herself and her children after the emancipation. To making that dream a reality just for it to be taken from her time after time. To watching her kids have a life that she never did.
.
The most fascinating part of this story is knowing that Margaret Walker wrote this story based on the life of her maternal great - grandmother from the oral recollection from her maternal grandmother!
Not many of us know these stories of what our ancestors endured. Though, I feel that many narratives that involve slavery mostly focus on those that tended to the fields. Where here Vyry was a house slave, very light in color and could pass for white - though she never did. This story allows the reader to see a full picture of slavery, and the struggles that were endured through the eyes of those from inside the house.
Oh how I wished Margaret would have left us more stories to read! And the foreword written by Nikki Giovanni in this 50th Anniversary edition is 👌🏾
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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
5.0
I guess living up to expectations is the rule, no matter where you grow up.”
.
It’s 1910, and in Chicago, The Davenports are one of the few Black families of wealth and status. Surrounded by servants, parties, peers, and love interests, we follow the Davenport siblings and those in their circle.
Olivia who is ready for marriage until she meets a civil rights leader that sparks her interest.
Helen, who is more interested in fixing cars abs relationships, but finds interest in her sisters suitor.
And then there’s Amy - Rose, and attendant to the Davenport sisters who has plans of opening her own business and marrying a man she can’t be with.
Ruby, Olivia’s best friend whose family is scheming for her to marry the Davenports son, John, as someone else wins her heart.
.
Reading of Black wealth was incredibly refreshing. And seeing that every class has some struggles of some sort is important. Not only that but the reader is allowed to see the political happenings in that time, the influence parents have on the children, career dreams and aspirations, and sacrifices made.
.
If I had to pick one character that I favored here it would be Amy - Rose. Solely because she was realistic and not clouded by the opinions of others when making decisions for herself.
.
Though, I feel that all of the characters are coming of age and have to see things for what they truly are. Seeing that what their parents want may be a starting point, but they realize that they have to actually take the time to find out what it is they want for their lives.
.
This novel ended on a cliff hanger, as expected, due to the second book to follow. I’m hoping the ending for this crew is one that they deserve and the love to each of their choosing.
.
If Historical Fiction is your thing, with a hint of romance - this is definitely one that you’d want to pick up!
.
It’s 1910, and in Chicago, The Davenports are one of the few Black families of wealth and status. Surrounded by servants, parties, peers, and love interests, we follow the Davenport siblings and those in their circle.
Olivia who is ready for marriage until she meets a civil rights leader that sparks her interest.
Helen, who is more interested in fixing cars abs relationships, but finds interest in her sisters suitor.
And then there’s Amy - Rose, and attendant to the Davenport sisters who has plans of opening her own business and marrying a man she can’t be with.
Ruby, Olivia’s best friend whose family is scheming for her to marry the Davenports son, John, as someone else wins her heart.
.
Reading of Black wealth was incredibly refreshing. And seeing that every class has some struggles of some sort is important. Not only that but the reader is allowed to see the political happenings in that time, the influence parents have on the children, career dreams and aspirations, and sacrifices made.
.
If I had to pick one character that I favored here it would be Amy - Rose. Solely because she was realistic and not clouded by the opinions of others when making decisions for herself.
.
Though, I feel that all of the characters are coming of age and have to see things for what they truly are. Seeing that what their parents want may be a starting point, but they realize that they have to actually take the time to find out what it is they want for their lives.
.
This novel ended on a cliff hanger, as expected, due to the second book to follow. I’m hoping the ending for this crew is one that they deserve and the love to each of their choosing.
.
If Historical Fiction is your thing, with a hint of romance - this is definitely one that you’d want to pick up!