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ambershelf's Reviews (1.3k)
ARC gifted by the publisher
through this electrifying collection that examines Central American identity, we follow characters spanning the past, present, and future on their journeys through undocumented immigration, caring for elders, struggling to survive climate change, bringing a loved one back from the dead, and more. Reyes’ prose is polished with a tinge of humor, all the while infused with such earnestness that brought me to tears in several stories. I especially love Variations on Your Migrant Life, which is structurally similar to ALL THIS & MORE (Peng Shephard) and thematically reminiscent of SOLITO (Javier Zamora). I highly recommend RIO to readers new to short stories and those who love this genre alike
through this electrifying collection that examines Central American identity, we follow characters spanning the past, present, and future on their journeys through undocumented immigration, caring for elders, struggling to survive climate change, bringing a loved one back from the dead, and more. Reyes’ prose is polished with a tinge of humor, all the while infused with such earnestness that brought me to tears in several stories. I especially love Variations on Your Migrant Life, which is structurally similar to ALL THIS & MORE (Peng Shephard) and thematically reminiscent of SOLITO (Javier Zamora). I highly recommend RIO to readers new to short stories and those who love this genre alike
4.25/5 finished copy gifted by the publisher
following individuals in post-conflict Northern Ireland, HORSES is a unique collection that fuses the somber with humor, absurd with tender to explore the lives lost and saved during a tumultuous period. I admire Carson’s craft in exploring seemingly ordinary experiences in the backdrop of extraordinary times. While not every story is memorable, I loved following the unique journeys of each character as they traversed the ever-changing landscape—from realistic interactions to ghostly encounters
following individuals in post-conflict Northern Ireland, HORSES is a unique collection that fuses the somber with humor, absurd with tender to explore the lives lost and saved during a tumultuous period. I admire Carson’s craft in exploring seemingly ordinary experiences in the backdrop of extraordinary times. While not every story is memorable, I loved following the unique journeys of each character as they traversed the ever-changing landscape—from realistic interactions to ghostly encounters
4.75/5 ARC gifted by the publisher
After years of living precariously, Jane hopes this year of house-sitting for her wealthy producer friend in LA will turn her fortune around. Suppose she can finish her latest novel, a centuries-spanning epic that her painter husband refers to as the "mulatto War and Peace," during her sabbatical. Then, Jane will finally get tenure and bring stability to her two kids. But as things go South and Jane turns her desperate gaze to Hollywood, will she find success? Or more mountains to climb?
COLORED TELEVISION offers a refreshingly unique perspective on mixed-race identity. Senna's storytelling is wickedly funny, yet deeply insightful, as she navigates the feelings of being in between and the inadequacy experienced by biracial Black and white individuals. While others have explored similar themes, Senna's approach is unparalleled, discussing serious topics through approachable writing, realistic characters, and addictive storytelling.
I particularly love the various biracial characters in COLORED TELEVISION and how they approach their identities differently. Some wear it like a badge of honor, some leverage their whiteness, while some use their Blackness for self-promotion. Through Jane's Hollywood adventures that act as a mirror, readers gain a deeper understanding of how multiracial people aren't (and shouldn't be) just a trope in pop culture.
COLORED TELEVISION is a treasure trove of thought-provoking content, delving into discussions of African immigrants vs African Americans, interracial relationships between a Black and white person, and the challenge of summarizing one's racial experience without flattening it. Senna's incredible writing shines most brightly when exploring politics, managing to be engaging without feeling didactic or overly serious. It's a testament to Senna's craft to tackle heavy topics while infusing humor, and COLORED TELEVISION delivered. I highly recommend this to those looking for a compelling and original read!
After years of living precariously, Jane hopes this year of house-sitting for her wealthy producer friend in LA will turn her fortune around. Suppose she can finish her latest novel, a centuries-spanning epic that her painter husband refers to as the "mulatto War and Peace," during her sabbatical. Then, Jane will finally get tenure and bring stability to her two kids. But as things go South and Jane turns her desperate gaze to Hollywood, will she find success? Or more mountains to climb?
COLORED TELEVISION offers a refreshingly unique perspective on mixed-race identity. Senna's storytelling is wickedly funny, yet deeply insightful, as she navigates the feelings of being in between and the inadequacy experienced by biracial Black and white individuals. While others have explored similar themes, Senna's approach is unparalleled, discussing serious topics through approachable writing, realistic characters, and addictive storytelling.
I particularly love the various biracial characters in COLORED TELEVISION and how they approach their identities differently. Some wear it like a badge of honor, some leverage their whiteness, while some use their Blackness for self-promotion. Through Jane's Hollywood adventures that act as a mirror, readers gain a deeper understanding of how multiracial people aren't (and shouldn't be) just a trope in pop culture.
COLORED TELEVISION is a treasure trove of thought-provoking content, delving into discussions of African immigrants vs African Americans, interracial relationships between a Black and white person, and the challenge of summarizing one's racial experience without flattening it. Senna's incredible writing shines most brightly when exploring politics, managing to be engaging without feeling didactic or overly serious. It's a testament to Senna's craft to tackle heavy topics while infusing humor, and COLORED TELEVISION delivered. I highly recommend this to those looking for a compelling and original read!
4.5/5 ARC and ALC gifted by the publisher
I loved this brilliant examination of privilege following a white billionaire trying to give away his fortune and his Black assistant (program manager?) with a middle-class upbringing. The aspects of a meaningful life/career are fascinating. Is helping a rich dude give away money more meaningful than an interior designer helping said rich guy pick out furniture?
I also love how the author explores privilege. Not just wealth, race, and the intersection of both, but also one’s youth and attractiveness. The questions of what’s considered “ethical” to use one’s privilege to make money is another theme I loved reading about in ENTITLEMENT.
Lastly, the author raises a very intriguing question about becoming wealthy. Does being rich make one selfish? Or is being self centered a prerequisite of amassing wealth?
Highly recommend reading this book with a group. There will be so much to discuss!!
I loved this brilliant examination of privilege following a white billionaire trying to give away his fortune and his Black assistant (program manager?) with a middle-class upbringing. The aspects of a meaningful life/career are fascinating. Is helping a rich dude give away money more meaningful than an interior designer helping said rich guy pick out furniture?
I also love how the author explores privilege. Not just wealth, race, and the intersection of both, but also one’s youth and attractiveness. The questions of what’s considered “ethical” to use one’s privilege to make money is another theme I loved reading about in ENTITLEMENT.
Lastly, the author raises a very intriguing question about becoming wealthy. Does being rich make one selfish? Or is being self centered a prerequisite of amassing wealth?
Highly recommend reading this book with a group. There will be so much to discuss!!
