watson_my_shelf's reviews
604 reviews

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

This was cute! loved all the queerness. there are some very annoying characters (looking at you, Jackie), and I felt some of the plot points distracted from the main plot of the book. Overall, I enjoyed!

The Street by Ann Petry

4.5

Wow. What a book. It is amazing how Petry uses the street (any street occupied by poor, Black people in a segregated country), to represent so many things: systemic racism, sexism, classism, and more.  Lutie (the main character) shows so much perseverance and exemplifies feminism. It is terrifying how, akthough this book was first published in 1946, many of this could happen today. This book was not a quick read, as the content is heavy and heartbreaking. This book will bring you a moment of joy then infuriate you. 

A must-read classic! 

Fearless and Free: A Memoir by Josephine Baker

I did not know much about queen Josephine Baker & I am so glad we get to experience her memoir in english now! This was a bit chaotic but in the best way. I love that someone else wrote this over several years (decades?) and was able to publish it for Josephine. She is an increbile lady, who likely broke down so many barriers for women of color. 

A Pair of Wings : A Novel Inspired by Pioneer Aviatrix Bessie Coleman by Carole Hopson

3.5

This book is a fictionalized version of Betsy Coleman’s life. Betsy was the first Black female pilot. I love that this is written by Carole, who is a Black female pilot for United Airlines!

I did not know much about Betsy before reading this, but this book inspired me to look into Queen Bess a little more. What an impressive woman! She had a dream of being a pilot from a young age and worked so hard to get there.

I enjoyed the story, but thought the book was a little long and drawn out in some places. There were parts I wish we had gotten more of and parts I could have done with less of. The writing is good and the audiobook is also good.

It was refreshing to read a historical fiction that didn’t focus on WWII!

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

3.5

Mixed feelings on this one! I have so much respect for Baldwin, but the MC in this book was so frustrating and the misogyny got to me. 

Orbital by Samantha Harvey

challenging reflective tense

2.75

Harvey's writing style in this is very poetic. I love the idea of characters in space and love that this took place over the course of 24 hours. However, being primarily in these people's heads and memories did not hold my attention. Orbital fell flat for me. 

Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams

4.0

A beautiful story with Black love, sports, and messy families. I really enjoyed this love story. Loved the famous NBA player and badass Black female business owner duo. This one made me cry - it's an emotional story!

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

4.75

A beautfil memoir that explores being Black and queer, as well as gender identity. I really enjoyed how this book tackles the toxic masculinity that is so prevalent in our society. I can imagine this book is an excellent resource for boys exploring how to exist as Black and queer in this world. 

Thirsty by Jas Hammonds

4.5

I could not put this book down. This book hit hard. There is a lot of alcohol addiction in this book, and at at times, it was difficult to be in the mind of an alcoholic character. Jas did not hold back on showing how alcohol can affect so many aspects of many peoples' lives. This book is also about being biracial, growing up with a white mom, and attempting to thrive and fit in with wealthy, mostly white peers. 
Unfortunately, I felt the ending was a little rushed and I don't feel like it gave the closure it could have.

It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health by Karen Tang

4.5

I learned so. much. from It's Not Hysteria! While I did find the book to be a little textbook-y at times, there is so much good information in here. We need more research on reproductive systems and this book is a step in that direction.