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redlocqueen_'s reviews
64 reviews
Babel by R.F. Kuang
emotional
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
WOW! Such a phenomenal read! Kuang has beautiful writing and you can tell she took her time with this book. I love how she put in notes and explanations. It really added to the story without crowding it. I honestly feel like this book should be taught in schools. Kuang was able to tie so many important themes and historical issues within this fictional story, it's baffling in a good way! The biggest themes in this read were colonialism and oppression, which of course in today's time this is important to know. She was able to make me critically think on my life and what's happening in the now. I loved loved loved this book! The character development and plot was *CHEF'S KISS*!!! I really fell in love with all the characters (except Letty lol). This was my first Kuang read and I can't wait to read her other books. If you're deciding on reading this or not....GET IT! You won't be disappointed!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Suicide, and Violence
Minor: Drug abuse and Death of parent
Ajeemah and His Son by James Berry
dark
sad
tense
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? No
3.75
Very nice short read! At times, the dialogue was hard to follow but after rereading a couple times I was able understand. I loved how in this african diaspora historical read that the main characters were really fighting to get back to their homeland rather than conceding.
The Beauty in Breaking: A Memoir by Michele Harper
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Truly reflective and delightful to get a inside look into the author's experiences! Not only did she tell us her experiences throughout her career but she gave you a inside look on how to overcome and cope in the best way. My career field is veterinary medicine and being African American, I was able to really connect to her story. It gave me confidence to keep pushing through my day to day life. Awesome read! Thank you Dr. Harper!
It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Confusing POVs and characters. The book didn’t keep me engaged.
Songs of Irie by Asha Ashanti Bromfield
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Amazing read! I couldn't put this book down. I love how the author portrayed the FMes different lifestyles with their POls. While also tying in the political climate during that time period. Very well written. The audiobook was even better and very well narrated! Most definitely a top read for me this year
The Roommate by Brandy Bush
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Great concept but poor writing. I good quick erotic read though.
Credence by Penelope Douglas
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Great book that kept me on my toes! This book is not for the weak of heart! Also, please read the trigger warnings before reading, even the darkest of dark romance readers may not be able to get through this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest
Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
I just couldn't get into the writing and story. I was getting confused with the descriptions and the plot. Hopefully I can return to the book and finish it. I've heard great things about this author!