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bookswithlee's Reviews (669)
It took me some time to fully process this book and decide on a fair rating taking the whole story into account. I agree with most that this book is brilliantly written. The writing style had a unique flow and I enjoyed the authors take on the deep South and the struggles that many Black people have experienced both in the past and present.
If I had to describe the feel of this book, I would say it’s similar to that of Toni Morrison’s Beloved.
While I did enjoy this book, I will say I was left wanting more character development and just more of the story overall. The story started off strong, but as it progressed my interest started to fade; however my interest was regained towards the end which is why I rated this book a 4 and not a 3.
I looked forward to reading more from this author. Overall great unique story!
If I had to describe the feel of this book, I would say it’s similar to that of Toni Morrison’s Beloved.
While I did enjoy this book, I will say I was left wanting more character development and just more of the story overall. The story started off strong, but as it progressed my interest started to fade; however my interest was regained towards the end which is why I rated this book a 4 and not a 3.
I looked forward to reading more from this author. Overall great unique story!
This is definitely one of those books that I feel takes patience and reflection for one to enjoy and this book deserves every second of it. Without patience, one will quickly move on missing the beauty of the story.
Snake falls to earth is an YA indigenous futurism book that follows Nina a young Lipan girl within our world and oli a kid from the land of spirits and monsters.
Nina has always had the deep feeling that there is more out there and oil who is cottonmouth has been cast away from his family as this is tradition.
We follow both stories until they collide together in such a magical way joining together their world, while others are pushing to keep it apart
I really enjoyed the author drawing on traditional Lipan Apache story structuring. While at first I found it difficult to follow as it impacted the overall pacing of the book. However, as the story progressed, I started to appreciate the structure of the story as it made the story feel more authentic.
I will also add that perspectives in this story switch between 1st and 3rd person which can make the story feel less cohesive and polished for some.
I would urge others to go into this story with the understanding that there is no right way to tell or structure a story. There are cultural differences that should not be ignored.
Overall I enjoyed the whimsical found family nature of this book and I plan to read more work from Darcie in the future!
Snake falls to earth is an YA indigenous futurism book that follows Nina a young Lipan girl within our world and oli a kid from the land of spirits and monsters.
Nina has always had the deep feeling that there is more out there and oil who is cottonmouth has been cast away from his family as this is tradition.
We follow both stories until they collide together in such a magical way joining together their world, while others are pushing to keep it apart
I really enjoyed the author drawing on traditional Lipan Apache story structuring. While at first I found it difficult to follow as it impacted the overall pacing of the book. However, as the story progressed, I started to appreciate the structure of the story as it made the story feel more authentic.
I will also add that perspectives in this story switch between 1st and 3rd person which can make the story feel less cohesive and polished for some.
I would urge others to go into this story with the understanding that there is no right way to tell or structure a story. There are cultural differences that should not be ignored.
Overall I enjoyed the whimsical found family nature of this book and I plan to read more work from Darcie in the future!
4.5 stars
I loved this book as not only a Black woman who has struggled with mental health and postpartum depression, but also as a therapist. The relationship between the two main characters (Josiah and Yasmen) was so dynamic and authentic that I could feel every emotion coming to life off of the page.
There were so many things I loved about this book, but let’s first start with the mental health representation.
I can tell you first hand that I have worked with clients similar to Josiah and Yasmen who have come across similar struggles in life and stepped into my office as a final step hoping for anything to bring them back together.
I loved how Kennedy Ryan was able to depict these very real life struggles of couples, specifically Black couples as they make the leap into seeking therapy with not only nuance, but compassion.
She handle these very delicate issue with such care while also allowing the rawness of each persons very real emotions to bleed onto the page pulling you into the story and allowing you to connect and feel as they navigated through difficult situations and conversations.
My only qualm is that I wished that therapy and mental health was handled and dealt with equally between the children not just with the child who was showing the more internalized symptoms as mental health symptoms should be treated equally whether they are internal or external symptoms presented. I wished that this was touched on more instead of adding in therapy as in afterthought for one of the children as it’s often the child who appears to be doing “okay” who needs the most help and attention.
I also loved the family and friend dynamics throughout the book. I found myself laughing with Yasmen and her friends and wishing I could be apart of the family get togethers. My mouth was also watering for the food even feeling nostalgic for some that I no longer enjoy such as chitterlin’ (my mama ruined them for me once she told me what they were lol).
Overall this was a beautifully written story that dealt with a lot of difficult issues; however, each was handled with care and did a great job shining light on the importance of mental health specifically within the Black community. I cannot wait to read more from Kennedy Ryan. Great book!
I loved this book as not only a Black woman who has struggled with mental health and postpartum depression, but also as a therapist. The relationship between the two main characters (Josiah and Yasmen) was so dynamic and authentic that I could feel every emotion coming to life off of the page.
There were so many things I loved about this book, but let’s first start with the mental health representation.
I can tell you first hand that I have worked with clients similar to Josiah and Yasmen who have come across similar struggles in life and stepped into my office as a final step hoping for anything to bring them back together.
I loved how Kennedy Ryan was able to depict these very real life struggles of couples, specifically Black couples as they make the leap into seeking therapy with not only nuance, but compassion.
She handle these very delicate issue with such care while also allowing the rawness of each persons very real emotions to bleed onto the page pulling you into the story and allowing you to connect and feel as they navigated through difficult situations and conversations.
My only qualm is that I wished that therapy and mental health was handled and dealt with equally between the children not just with the child who was showing the more internalized symptoms as mental health symptoms should be treated equally whether they are internal or external symptoms presented. I wished that this was touched on more instead of adding in therapy as in afterthought for one of the children as it’s often the child who appears to be doing “okay” who needs the most help and attention.
I also loved the family and friend dynamics throughout the book. I found myself laughing with Yasmen and her friends and wishing I could be apart of the family get togethers. My mouth was also watering for the food even feeling nostalgic for some that I no longer enjoy such as chitterlin’ (my mama ruined them for me once she told me what they were lol).
Overall this was a beautifully written story that dealt with a lot of difficult issues; however, each was handled with care and did a great job shining light on the importance of mental health specifically within the Black community. I cannot wait to read more from Kennedy Ryan. Great book!
3.5 stars. This was super cute. Who can refuse a cozy mystery centered around food? Super easy read and would recommend the audiobook as well!
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book because it’s not really a genre I gravitate towards, but I always like to read new thing. This book did not disappoint! I loved it’ it was so cute, true to the time period, with a bit of fantasy (which I love). This book might turn me into an avid romance reader lol. Loved it!
