Reviews

Invisible Life by E. Lynn Harris

prettypious's review against another edition

5.0

I first read this book when I was young, under 19 years old. Revisiting I’m the book almost 20 years later after living 20 years of life I have a much better appreciation for this book and the deceased author, Mr. E. Lynn Harris. I’ve read every book of his and revisited this book for the Read Harder Challenge. At one point he was my favorite author and I legitimately devoured his books and went when they were turned into stage plays. I’m seriously surprised none have been made into movies. I think it’s because America is as homophobic as it was 20 years ago. Anyways I highly recommend this book and any of the others by Mr. Harris. Anyways, I probably won’t reread every book of his, but I may revisit a view more of the books.

theladylovestoread's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

beingjada's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny reflective 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? Yes

5.0

karleemarie's review against another edition

slow-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

1.5

tiffanis29's review against another edition

4.0

Excellent word arrangement and storylines. Also learning a thing or two.

percy_roy's review against another edition

not invested in story

aly_camia's review against another edition

emotional sad tense slow-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

3.0

ridhimacha's review against another edition

4.0

I think this book was great in representing black bisexual men, and the struggles that come with balancing these parts of their identities. I especially appreciated the book mentioning and showing the effects of these "passing" men on the women that they were dating. The main character displayed some internalized homophobia in many instances when it came to seeing other gay or bisexual men, which was one of the flaws I found in the book. Overall, a good read showcasing lives of black bisexual and gay men during the 90s and representing identities that are often overshadowed.

celesteopale's review against another edition

1.0

So badly written I couldn't force myself to push past 40 pages : the author just repeats words from one sentence to another, gives no flesh to the characters, and you have such internalized homophobia that it's far from the LGBTQIA+ classic I expected.
I can't wrap my mind around the rating it got on Goodread.

A few examples of the very irritating "style" you would have to put up with :

"Come on, let's change the subject. Where are we going tonight" I asked, purposefully changing the subject.

Have you understood the character wanted to change the subject? It might be a bit difficult to grasp!

The dialogues are just as bland :

"Are you playing tomorrow?"
"No. I sprained my ankle this week. That's why I was down in the locker room in the whirlpool, getting treatment."
"Oh."
"Do you have a car?" he asked.
"Yes."

yvonnion's review against another edition

emotional sad fast-paced

4.75