readwithmika's reviews
42 reviews

emotional 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

On the Come Up is about Bri and her dreams to become a rapper, her family life, and struggles as a teenager. As a Black woman, I could relate to the internal dialogue Bri had with herself many times. I found myself laughing throughout the book at the interactions she had with her grandparents and mom as they were so reminiscent of interactions I’ve had with my family.

What I appreciated most about the book was how complex of a character Bri was. There was depth to her & she felt real. I loved the friendship between Bri, Malik & Sonny and the bond Bri had with her brother. Angie Thomas is a great writer and her books continue to be winners!

📚Favorite quote: “Not everything deserves your energy.”

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

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reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

Clap When You Land is a novel in verse that is one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I’ve ever read. This moving story explores complicated family relationships, grief, sisterhood, betrayal, connection, and belief. I was drawn in from the beginning and soaked up every carefully crafted word and phrase.

I enjoyed that most of the book is written from the perspective of each of the main characters. You learn about their lives and struggles and what’s important to them. You get a peek into what life is like in New York and the Dominican Republic. You get easily invested in your heir lives.

This is a book I would definitely read again. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read more from Acevedo because she is a brilliant writer.

Favorite quote: “I wrap myself tight around the feelings I cannot share, an unopened present, a gift no one wants.”

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

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reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

Pachinko is a historical novel set in Korea and Japan that spans over four generations of a family. The author is able to provide both depth and breadth of the characters and what was happening in Japan and Korea during this time.

The characters in the book were great to follow along. They were complicated, strong, and fully human. It was also interesting to read about four generations of a family. To be able to see the similarities among them and the ways there were differed was so telling of how is it in families.

The book explores family dynamics, love, loyalty, identity, and racism. So many of these topics can lead to many conversations and personal reflections. The theme of family is central to the book and the author did a beautiful job taking the reader on a journey through a family. It is a long book (over 400 pages), but definitely worth finishing. As someone who enjoys learning about history & other cultures, this book hit the mark.

📚Favorite quote: “Learn everything. Fill your mind with knowledge- it’s the only kind of power no one can take away from you.”

Content Warnings

More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

I want to read more non fiction books this year and “More than Enough” was a great way to kick that goal off. I didn’t know who Elaine was prior to reading it, but even so I was invested in her story from the beginning.

The book walks through Elaine’s childhood, college years, and professional life. It gave enough detail to draw you in but not bore you. I loved the way Elaine spoke about being a bi-racial woman and the struggle of figuring out for herself what type of Black woman she wanted to be. Elaine speaks so proudly of her Black mother and you got to see the strength of her mother that was passed on to her. Her exploration of race and racism was authentic deep and shed light to the experience of Black women in America.

What stood out most to me was Elaine’s ability to reflect back on her life and critically examine what she could have done differently and the advice she would give herself today. She didn’t just paint a picture of her life being easy or great but brought the reader along on her struggles and hardships. And she’s only 34! I was surprised at how much she’s accomplished at such a young age. I mean she was the Editor-in-Chief at Teen Vogue at age 29 & was the first Black person in that role! Elaine has paved the way for so many other women and her passion for young people and advocacy was encouraging.

If you’re looking for a nonfiction memoir that centers a Black woman, I’d recommend More than Enough!

Favorite quote: “When the world tells you to shrink, expand.”

Dear Martin by Nic Stone

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Wow. Many people have recommended this book and I can’t believe it took me this long to read. There was so much depth the author was able to put into this book and I worry my words won’t do justice to how gripping this book is. She does such an honest job of displaying the complexity of being Black in America. There are layers to the characters and a realness that resonates deeply. As a Black woman, it was hard to read at times because of how real the events of the book were. Many times as I was reading, I was reminded of a news headline where a Black person was the victim of racism. Even so, I believe this book is a must read. It is deeply moving and ought to cause us all to reflect on our own experience, bias, and stereotypes.

Content Warnings