It took some time for me to find my footing with this story as the story switched from past to present and there are multiple points of views. The chaIt took some time for me to find my footing with this story as the story switched from past to present and there are multiple points of views. The chapters are short, but they work. Once I found my pacing I really ended up enjoying this story. This story deals with a lot of themes and issues and packed a powerful punch. I suggest listening to the audiobook if possible as that helped me connect to the story overall. ...more
*I received a review copy from Bookish First and voluntarily leaving an honest review*
This was my first time reading this author and it wasn’t a bad *I received a review copy from Bookish First and voluntarily leaving an honest review*
This was my first time reading this author and it wasn’t a bad read, but something about this story just didn’t grab me and I couldn’t connect to the story the way I wanted. The way Sunny treated his friends after they went along with his lie when they didn’t even want to was appalling. Friends like those are rare and you treat them as such. His parents were so out of touch at times. I'm not sure what the mood of this book was supposed to be. One minute it would be light and funny and the minute it tackled some serious issues. So for me it was hard to find my groove while reading as I didn't know what to expect. I did like that the book had a diverse group of characters. I also felt that the ending was wrapped up to nicely giving everything that happened between Sunny and Cirrus. I have heard good things about Frankly In Love by this author and hoping I have a better outcome with that book. In closing, I didn't hate the book nor did I love it. ...more
I really enjoyed this own voices novel. Camila has dreams of playing futbol professionally, but because* I received an audiobook copy from NetGalley*
I really enjoyed this own voices novel. Camila has dreams of playing futbol professionally, but because she is a woman that is unheard of and best left to the men. This book dealt with a lot of issues such as misogyny, missing and exploited girls/ women and domestic violence. Camila’s father was a complete jerk and they way he treated his wife and kids were terrible. There is a romantic element in this book and I liked how Camila didn’t let a guy determine her fate which I know wasn’t an easy choice. The audiobook narrator did a great job throughout the whole story. I was able to finish in one day. I also appreciate the authors note at the very end....more
“Fear, stereotypes about black boys don’t make the world better.”
Whenever I read books like Ghost Boys, I get angry before I even started the book. W“Fear, stereotypes about black boys don’t make the world better.”
Whenever I read books like Ghost Boys, I get angry before I even started the book. Why? Because this keeps happening over and over and over. Black boys, men and women are killed like its nothing. Jerome was a regular kid playing with a toy gun and was shot and killed by a cop who feared for his life. As usual. ...more
Amir is being blackmailed by a student so he runs away to Rome. He then meets an interesting cast of characters that become like*Bookish First Review*
Amir is being blackmailed by a student so he runs away to Rome. He then meets an interesting cast of characters that become like a family to him during his time of need. This was my first time reading this author and it wasn’t a bad book but I felt like it lacked direction. The story line just went on and on and on with no clear point. There was this whole build up to the incident that happens on the plane and I found that to be lackluster and flat. Amir at times was bland and lack personality. I really wanted to see him flourish while in Rome but I felt shortchanged. I was also hoping to learn more about the Muslim culture and how Amir being gay could be an issue. The parents were but weren't religious. The saving grace of the story for me was Soraya and Jahan. ...more
I really enjoyed this book even if it did frustrate me at times. Afi was better than me because I wouThank you to Algonquin Books for my review copy.
I really enjoyed this book even if it did frustrate me at times. Afi was better than me because I would have NEVER married Eli. Her Mom and Aunty put her in a terrible position and only cared about themselves in this story. Afi feelings were often dismissed and she was just supposed to go along with the flow while her husband gets to have two women and not a care in the world. I know in some countries men can have more than one wife, but that’s not going to work for me. I definitely agree with Afi in having to be the only wife.
Eli had no backbone and was too weak to stand up to his mother. His personality was lacking and he just irritated me the WHOLE book and I was just done with him.
I love that Afi found her strength and grew as the book progressed. Afi wasn’t the naive character from the beginning of the book. She had goals she wanted to accomplish and she made them happen and was able to stand on her own two feet. I was so happy for her when the book ended.
This was a solid debut by Peace Adzo Medie and I definitely recommend this story. It reads quick and will have your emotions all over the place. At one point I threw my book after dealing with Eli’s sorry ass. ...more
Not going to lie Bree worked my last nerve in this book. Then I had to remind myself she’s 16 and give her a pass. The pacing of the story c3.5 stars
Not going to lie Bree worked my last nerve in this book. Then I had to remind myself she’s 16 and give her a pass. The pacing of the story could have been better as it did stall at times. The action scenes especially towards the end had me on the edge of my seat. This story tackles everyday racism us Black people face in America. That ending was something else and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Chloe has a chronic illness which I enjoyed seeing since I suffer from a chronic illness as well. Just because I look okay on the outside doesn’t meanChloe has a chronic illness which I enjoyed seeing since I suffer from a chronic illness as well. Just because I look okay on the outside doesn’t mean I am.
“You think this is a big deal because, no offense, you’ve had a lot of people in your life who claimed to care about you but didn’t act like it. That’s not me. I can cook, and right now, you can’t. So I’m doing it for you because that’s how people should behave; they should fill in each other’s gaps. Don’t think about it too hard.”
*sighs* Red
I love the way he didn’t treat Chloe like she was going to break but was there when she needed the help. He wasn’t pushy or arrogant about it which was great.
Chloe and Red had awesome banter. I loved the tension they had in the beginning. Seeing them lower their guards down and fall for each other was everything.
I loved the family dynamic of the book and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. ...more