Reviews with content warning for Classism - Take My Hand

This book was emotionally driven , heartbreaking and wonderfully written. It speaks of the reality of what women of color experienced during this time span and captures

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arisol's review

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challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective sad 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? No

4.75

A deeply troubling, but vital novel, connecting a long history of system abuses to what we continue to see today. The character development and relationship-building is moving and carries an important weight to the plot. Highly recommend, will read other books by this author.

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gremlinpride's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

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allisonbuzard's review

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emotional inspiring sad fast-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? Yes

4.25

I thought that this story weaved together complex history, a compelling plot, and complicated but likable characters into a very readable story. The author explored the complexities of fertility, childbearing, childrearing, reproductive justice, and women’s choices tenderly and with nuance while detailing the horrifying intersections of race, class, and disability-based eugenics as part of the narrative. As a social worker, the main character was so relatable to me- her new-career- unhealthy-need-to-help was a mirror to my own early professional learning. I love a good back and forth past and present dueling time narrative. Definitely a book I’d recommend.

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theladyjess's review against another edition

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emotional informative sad slow-paced

4.0

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bookishmillennial's review

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disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial

This is based on a real lawsuit & on the true story of Mary Alice and Minnie Lee Relf who, in 1973 at ages 12 and 14, were surgically sterilized without their consent in Montgomery, Alabama. 💔

Dolen Perkins-Valdez painted such a rich story with important historical context! I had no idea about the lawsuit that inspired this book & while I was horrified & devastated for the women, I was not surprised that the horrific racism that seeped into our health care system. I really don’t understand how the federal government felt these were ever rooted in “good intentions”🤮

I related to Civil a lot because you already know I can be sanctimonious and self-righteous😅 However, she had damn good reason to be! She spoke up about the unethical, immoral shit that happened because she deeply cared not only for her patients but for Black women everywhere. She knew how important having a choice was & she never wanted that taken away from anyone.

If you’re a historical fiction girly, please give this one a go! The audiobook was FANTASTIC btw👏🏽

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