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vickksx's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
shakirae's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely incredible book, especially if you are Black or Black biracial. Definitely one of my favorites.
obsessivebooklover's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
theveganbookgirl's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
The story had elements in it which I don't always like to read about but it was done very well. Easy getting invested ib the story.
emzy2202's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
planetpammy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
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
4.25
portybelle's review against another edition
4.0
As a white woman, I have never been subject to any racism. It’s not my lived experience as it is for many people. I really don’t understand how or why people can be racist and don’t just judge people as people regardless of their skin colour. This book was a real eye-opener into the kind of abuse people of colour experience on a daily basis. And I apologise if ‘people of colour’ is not the correct term to use. I found what Monica is subjected to quite shocking and was horrified at the insight into casual and not so casual racism evoked in the book.
Monica’s mother in law in particular was horrendous. I don’t know how Monica was able to put up with some of the terrible things she said. It was so disappointing that her husband Dan, good in so many other ways, didn’t seem to recognise the hurt this caused. And yet at other times I was so moved by his love for Monica “I hope you know, that you’ve always known, that you’re my heart Mon. I’ll look after you. Forever. ”
There’s a lot of tension built up throughout the book but then there’s also moments of (dark) humour. The author balances these brilliantly. The complex family relationships are examined in minute, often uncomfortable detail. Monica is described as a flawed heroine and she’s certainly that. For all I was on her side, at times I despaired of some of her choices.
I finished this book some time ago but it’s one that has stayed in my mind. It really made me think about whether I was guilty of some of the casual racism I read about in the book. I do hope not. It also gave me a better understanding of what some people experience everyday. A well written, sometimes unsettling, often thought-provoking book.
Monica’s mother in law in particular was horrendous. I don’t know how Monica was able to put up with some of the terrible things she said. It was so disappointing that her husband Dan, good in so many other ways, didn’t seem to recognise the hurt this caused. And yet at other times I was so moved by his love for Monica “I hope you know, that you’ve always known, that you’re my heart Mon. I’ll look after you. Forever. ”
There’s a lot of tension built up throughout the book but then there’s also moments of (dark) humour. The author balances these brilliantly. The complex family relationships are examined in minute, often uncomfortable detail. Monica is described as a flawed heroine and she’s certainly that. For all I was on her side, at times I despaired of some of her choices.
I finished this book some time ago but it’s one that has stayed in my mind. It really made me think about whether I was guilty of some of the casual racism I read about in the book. I do hope not. It also gave me a better understanding of what some people experience everyday. A well written, sometimes unsettling, often thought-provoking book.