gossamer_lens's Reviews (1.48k)


Ugh. So fun! Loved ART.

The main character is a delight and a pleasure. The cast of characters was large and a little confusing at times. But with the extra material provided in the book it made it easy to figure out and follow. The plot was fun and just the whole vibes were good. Solid book.
informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

I'm not even sure how to approach reviewing this book. Ibram X. Kendi truly packed this book with wisdom, connections, experiences, and intent. Nothing was heavy-handed but everything was clear. Nothing felt like beginner BS, but real impactful points and thoughts on how to be anti-racist. This book beautifully contained points about intersectionality and how racism affects every area of life. This wasn't a book catered to helping white people dip their toes into the idea of racism existing. This was a profound book showing how we need to step past acknowledgment and move into action and being antiracist. 

I have loved this term since I heard it and felt it really spoke to Martin Luther King's point: "“I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Councilor or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice,”

I thought I knew the importance of not being silent. Kendi has opened my eyes to just how little I knew about the matter. I am buying this book to re-read and think about this more profoundly. This book quite literally changed my world view on several matters/approaches I had to life. I wish every white person would read and thoroughly consider this book and its message. I am very glad I did.

If you enjoyed this book/review, you may be interested in checking out other books I recommend: https://www.gossamerlens.com/post/black-history-month-book-recommendations 

This book was absolutely stunning. The writing was good and succinct. While the location never changes the story progresses through a handful of thoughtful and interesting character moments. Not quite a character study and not quite holding a "moral of the story" it lets your own experiences highlight what is important and what the point of reading this book is, for you. I found it to be a deeply moving piece about the power of small moments and living honestly with oneself.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It isn't a long read and would make for a very pleasant afternoon read during a weekend. I feel I may come back to this book later in life. Just so enjoyable and I think future me could get different themes out of it.

This books bringing color, flow, and a visual punch to this story is truly impactful. Marget Atwood creates interesting worlds but her characters often feel a little dry. This graphic novel makes up for any dryness of the characters by accenting the horror, pain, and occasional beauty in meaningful and dramatic visualizations.
challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This book is a stunning and unmoored story that sheds light on the beauty of culture, connection, and belonging while delving into the idea of generational pain and trauma. Rivers Solomon truly did something with this work. The story was small in scope, but the characters and overall emotional emphasis really bled through every moment of reading. It was only a 4-hour read and I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. The audiobook read by Daveed Diggs is a fantastic version.

If you enjoyed this book/review, you may be interested in checking out other books I recommend: https://www.gossamerlens.com/post/black-history-month-book-recommendations 

I really cannot be impartial in any way when it comes to Norse settings. I think the plot was rather enjoyable but it was the settings and characters that really made me love this read. The audiobook also had a lovely narrator. I've been trying to get into reading more and this book just was so pleasant and fun. While I cannot say it was especially groundbreaking, I can say it gave helped me feel again that spark of excitement that reading used to always give me. I think there is something to that. So maybe it isn't critically 5 stars, but I rate by how I enjoy things and that makes this is a solid 5.

Cute, simple and with lovely drawings and messages I enjoyed the read. Just beautiful and worth coming back to in the future

I have a really strong dislike for books that take tragic historical realities and then try to add fantasy... typically. This book did it very well. The author has a clear care and respect for the history he places this story in and that shows itself through the powerful narrative structure and some serious consideration for what purpose the magic introduced had. I don't want to give too much away, as I would recommend this to anyone to read. I will say the overall point to me felt to be one of the importance of remembering your past and your history. Behind every person is a group of people who have had various experiences that led their progeny to where they are today. It is important to remember.