bookswithlee's Reviews (669)

Well, that was a trip. Death of the Author is a sharp, and unsettling book that dives into AI, authorship, and the weird, blurry space between art and technology and man is my head still spinning after reading this one!

This book is fast-paced and eerie in the best way. It makes you think about who owns stories, what "originality" even means anymore, and how tech can hijack creativity in ways we’re not ready for. I do wish it had been a little longer; there are some big ideas here that could’ve been explored more. But still, it packs a punch.

One of Okorafor’s biggest strengths is her ability to write dynamic, deeply human characters, even in the middle of such a mind-bending story. Zelu and the people around her feel so real, which makes the twists even more unsettling.

If you like literary fiction with some sci-fi elements and feels like it could be real tomorrow, this one’s for you. Highly recommend, especially if you’re into books about art, AI, and the future of storytelling. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while!

I was really looking forward to Icarus because I’ve enjoyed K. Ancrum’s previous work, but this one didn’t pull me in the way I had hoped. The narration seemed like it was trying to be poetic and moving, but it didn’t quite land for me. At times, it felt unrealistic—like there was a lot going on, yet somehow nothing at all.

That said, there were some powerful quotes I really liked, and I appreciated the mental health representation. The short chapters kept the pacing engaging, and I recognize that I’m probably not the target audience for this book.

I think readers who enjoy lyrical writing, emotional storytelling, and books that focus more on a character’s thoughts and feelings rather than plot might connect with this one more than I did. It wasn’t bad, just okay.

This was my first five-star read of the year, and it truly did not disappoint. Note trigger warnings at the end of this post.

I was eagerly anticipating this book, and Wilkerson's talent for creating dynamic, multi-dimensional characters immediately drew me in. Typically, I'm not a fan of novels that flip between timelines and voices, but here it felt both seamless and purposeful as the shifts in perspective only enriched the narrative.

What resonated with me most was how the book places Black history firmly within the broader tapestry of American history. As a Black reader, I appreciated seeing a narrative that goes beyond the confines of enslavement to highlight our resilience, creativity, and enduring impact, even in the face of immense challenges. Wilkerson’s portrayal of Black lives is both a tribute to our strength and a reminder of the many layers of our story.

The story is engaging, fast-paced, and emotionally challenging, prompting deep reflection on both personal identity and our shared history. I walked away feeling like I had learned something significant, and the emotional impact of the storytelling stayed with me long after I finished reading.

The only misstep for me was the romantic relationship, which felt forced and out of the blue. However, I understand that it wasn’t meant to be the focus of the book so the 5 stars stand.

If you enjoy rich character development, multiple timelines handled with care, and narratives that offer historical insight alongside emotional depth, Good Dirt is an excellent choice.

Thank you Libro.FM for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review

Trigger Warning: This book contains depictions of historical enslavement, racial trauma, and discussions of violence including the mention and discussion of the murder of a child