hillysreads's Reviews (381)

This debut novel follows three generations of the North family who reside in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is broken into three parts, and it takes place between the years 1937-2003. Each chapter is from a different character's perspective: Joan, Miriam, August, and Hazel. These four strong, passionate Black women went through traumatic and tragic experiences and challenges but still kept their heads up, still stayed strong, still kept giving love, and kept their families together, despite what they went through. The passion and love jumped right off the pages in Memphis. The emotions ran deep and I felt myself tearing up at some parts and other parts, I was FUMING.

After reading The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois, I was feeling a reading slump coming on so I quickly picked up Blackout because I was needing a lighthearted read. And this book was perfect for me! This book was so adorable, each story just flowed and intertwined together flawlessly. I really enjoyed the characters, they had such dynamic personalities that reminded me of some of my favorite students when I worked in education. The stories are filled with heartwarming romance, a bit of drama, and some comedy.

The short stories were like a little intro to a book that I need to read

Oh my goodness. This book. Where do I even begin? I will start by saying I absolutely loved this book. It’s the best book I’ve read in a while. In the first couple of chapters, I was a little confused and lost in the story. This is a book where you gotta be patient because the story gently brews throughout. This is a multi-generational story that follows Ailey’s mother's side of the family.

I felt like I was traveling through time reading this book, going in and out of different decades, experiencing and living through what the characters were experiencing and living through. It felt like I was right there in the story with them. Each character, every song, every page of this book was done with absolute perfection. The author brought these characters and this story to life. Love, heartbreaks, trauma, racism, and so much more weaved together to create this story that feels so real. Because stories like this ARE real.

My favorite aspect of The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois the character development and the intricate details throughout this novel. This book needed every detail for it to be complete and whole. It felt like a roller coaster ride. At some parts, the story was blissful and easy to read, then the next page, it would take a turn that would have me in tears. The emotions. Ugh, just everything. This book is everything.

What. A. Journey.

Even though this book is 800 pages, I wanted more. I didn’t want the story to end. I wanted it to keep going. How is that possible? The other night I woke up in the middle of the night with this book on my mind.

My first read of 2022 and it will probably be my favorite read of 2022. If you loved Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, then you are going to love this book too.

Read this book. Don’t let the page count intimidate you. Let the story take over you. Because it’s so worth it.

I’ve been sitting on reviewing this book for weeks because I didn’t (and still don’t) really know how to formulate the words to describe how incredible this book is. So I hope this review does it justice. The 1619 Project is such an important book to read - a required read.

All we have ever learned about American History was the type of history that praises our prominent “hero’s” and how our lovely founding father’s built this “free” country and formed a strong and powerful government that was equal to all. However, this book tells a different story, like how those we consider our hero’s and the founders of America were not good people - at all. And they created a flawed system for black people and other POC. This book discusses how almost every system in America has inequalities due to racism. Racism influenced how this whole country was shaped and formed, from the ground up, every part and in every crevice. Slavery and reconstruction are what shaped our government and this country into what it is today. And how we don’t acknowledge or teach that, contributes to so many problems and issues.

The 1619 Project changed my perspective on many things, it made me look at things differently and have a deeper understanding of America. I cannot say enough how important this book is. And watching how people are responding to this book is….interesting…but not surprising. But it just goes to show how pivotal The 1619 Project is.

The information discussed in The 1619 Project is what they are trying to hide…this is why they are trying so hard to change what is being taught in schools. This is why you should read this book, we need to know the truth. And black people need reparations. Period.

This book gets all the stars