Take a photo of a barcode or cover
ambershelf's Reviews (1.3k)
I needed this read that brings hope to humanity and community
4.25/5 gifted by the publisher
A great history/memoir/essay about black activism focusing on young activists. I really enjoyed the unique format of introducing the larger socio political environment, the activists involved in the movements, followed by the author’s short essay about the impacts of these essential events and people
A great introductory read to black resistance that’s very approachable!
A great history/memoir/essay about black activism focusing on young activists. I really enjoyed the unique format of introducing the larger socio political environment, the activists involved in the movements, followed by the author’s short essay about the impacts of these essential events and people
A great introductory read to black resistance that’s very approachable!
4.5/5 gifted by the publisher
While contained and not much goes on, I love this story about mother-daughter relationship, one in Brazil and another in the US. The quiet writing style blends well with the contemplations of loneliness from both women.
It’s also just a beautiful story that makes me miss my mom terribly ❤️
While contained and not much goes on, I love this story about mother-daughter relationship, one in Brazil and another in the US. The quiet writing style blends well with the contemplations of loneliness from both women.
It’s also just a beautiful story that makes me miss my mom terribly ❤️
3.25/5
What i liked
- the mystery of how the three women are connected
- themes of being a mixed race person growing up in white-dominant spaces
- exploration of intersectional feminism (something I wish would be more of a focus instead of a plot device. See more below)
- the writing is lyrical and restrained yet doesn’t alienate the readers
What didn’t work for me
- the three POVs have very similar narrative styles. I wouldn’t have been able to distinguish them without the names in the beginning of each title
- I really dislike using sexual assault as a plot device, and there are multiple instances in this book where I feel like the author could be trying to make a statement about body autonomy but fails to explore deeper. Making all the harm on multiple women’s body read like trauma porn more than an intentional choice
- a veeeeery slow start. Coupled with the mystery of how the three POVs are connected, things don’t make much sense until the halfway point. TBH I almost dnfed this
What i liked
- the mystery of how the three women are connected
- themes of being a mixed race person growing up in white-dominant spaces
- exploration of intersectional feminism (something I wish would be more of a focus instead of a plot device. See more below)
- the writing is lyrical and restrained yet doesn’t alienate the readers
What didn’t work for me
- the three POVs have very similar narrative styles. I wouldn’t have been able to distinguish them without the names in the beginning of each title
- I really dislike using sexual assault as a plot device, and there are multiple instances in this book where I feel like the author could be trying to make a statement about body autonomy but fails to explore deeper. Making all the harm on multiple women’s body read like trauma porn more than an intentional choice
- a veeeeery slow start. Coupled with the mystery of how the three POVs are connected, things don’t make much sense until the halfway point. TBH I almost dnfed this
4.5/5
What I loved
- interweaving personal stories with reporting of undocumented immigrants
- the emphasis on community, especially how she cares for kids who experienced family separation
- the refusal to be “impartial.” Her rejection of being an “objective journalist” and instead portrays her own connection to undocumented immigrants is deeply affecting. Especially for readers who feel the need to take a neutral stance on the legality of moving across borders, Villavicencio’s compelling writing will hopefully make one reconsider to prioritize our humanity and shared struggles before inhumane laws
What I wanted more
- more geopolitical background and context on immigration. EVERYONE WHO IS GONE IS HERE is a phenomenal companion read to fill in some of the blanks in this book
What I loved
- interweaving personal stories with reporting of undocumented immigrants
- the emphasis on community, especially how she cares for kids who experienced family separation
- the refusal to be “impartial.” Her rejection of being an “objective journalist” and instead portrays her own connection to undocumented immigrants is deeply affecting. Especially for readers who feel the need to take a neutral stance on the legality of moving across borders, Villavicencio’s compelling writing will hopefully make one reconsider to prioritize our humanity and shared struggles before inhumane laws
What I wanted more
- more geopolitical background and context on immigration. EVERYONE WHO IS GONE IS HERE is a phenomenal companion read to fill in some of the blanks in this book