lit_vibrations's Reviews (365)

A novel that explores the complexities of family, love, and friendship it follows four women of the Gardin family as they struggle to hold things afloat after the loss of their family member Beau. “We can’t let this family fall apart because the person who held it together passed away.” 

While things may appear picture-perfect, life for these ladies is far from it. Ruth runs the family business and tension has intensified around her ownership since Beau passed. Mary and Martha add fuel to the family tension when they begin to undermine the decisions Ruth makes for the business.

I really wanted to like this book but it was real meh the entire time. The pacing was too slow for my liking and I just wasn’t vibing with the characters. Naomi was the eldest of the group yet I felt Ruth, Martha, and Mary were right up there in age with her. I wasn’t looking for any messy drama which there was some here and there. I just wanted more from the story in general. It lacked a lot of depth and had no clear direction in my opinion. 

Martha and Mary were too old to be acting the way they were toward Ruth. Just complete brats . . . I get they felt some type of way about her since she married into their family TWICE‼️ But it’s not like she came in trying to run and control everything after marrying Marlon or Beau. Things just happen, they passed away and left their money to their WIFE which just so happened to be Ruth. Their actions displayed pure jealousy. Then Ruth’s mother was madness that woman was deceitful and money hungry. Her presence was the juiciest part of the book. Mary and Tynan’s situation what was the relevancy? 

Overall, the book was okay some might find it enjoyable and entertaining. I just think this one wasn’t for me. Special thanks to the author & @waterbrookmultnomah for my advanced copy‼️

This book was pretty decent for the most part. The pacing was rather up and down for me but Lister is definitely an excellent writer without a doubt. It was a lighthearted read mainly surrounding three women Joy, Diane, and Rochelle and the power of their friendship as they cope with the loss of their lifelong friend Yvette. Each character takes the reader on a different journey as they navigate through the struggles of daily life, relationships, marriages, and their careers. 

The tension between Joy and her husband Robert really carried the book in my opinion. Robert was really nonchalant and gave off a idgaf attitude from the beginning. I thought it was hilarious when Joy hit him with those divorce papers. He wanted to talk and work things out then. 😂

Diane and her husband Jeffrey were also giving off a bit of drama in the beginning. Diane was going through pre-mature menopause at 38, unable to get pregnant, and was considering adoption. Jeffrey was being inconsiderate asf about everything but later in the book we see why. 

Rochelle was presented as the insecure overweight friend with low self-esteem who was navigating motherhood and life after leaving an abusive marriage. There was a budding romance between her and Warren. Which I thought Warren was a charmer just a little corny but perfect for her. 

Overall, I think the book is worth reading. I loved the fact the characters were older in age and the author explored different aspects of each woman’s life. Nothing drastic really happens but it was enjoyable getting to know these characters and exploring the depths of their friendship. Yvette was mentioned a few times throughout just wish we could’ve gotten more backstory on her character. Special thanks to the author & @harpermusebooks for my gifted copy‼️

Rating: 3.75/5⭐️

I absolutely loved this book it was so poetic and enchanting I read it in two days‼️ I loved the direction the author took it made the book hit a little different but in a good way. Weaving through decades the dual timelines worked well especially once I realized the similarities between certain characters. It kind of made me think of the movie Seventeen Again with a 1920s spin.

The novel follows Ricki Wilde, the artistic daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty who decides to head to Harlem in search of a fresh start. Then we have Ezra Walker a lost musician drawn to Harlem every leap year in February to find his soulmate and end their epic love story before it begins. “I’m not scared of you he said. I’m scared of us.”

The past timeline being set during the Harlem Renaissance era gave it such a pleasant historical feel and enhanced the tone of the book. The current focused more on the character building and tying the timelines together. With the connection between Ezra and Ricki being so instant. Their coincidental run-ins proved you can’t fight fate when it’s meant to be. 

Overall, I highly recommend A Love Song for Ricki Wilde to anyone who loves romance, magical elements, or historical fiction. All of the characters were well-drawn and relatable loved Mrs.Della she made the ending worthwhile. Ezra was so chivalrous his character was literally everything too. Special thanks to the author & @grandcentralpub for my advanced copy‼️

The novel follows Lore Alemeyu a young girl whose village is trapped in a forested prison. Escaping is out of the question as it could result in death. But when the village is nearly destroyed in a earthshake Lore agrees to a deal with a Fae lord to restore things. Organizing an enchanted library the Fae cannot enter in exchange for her village being rebuilt seems like a fair deal. Everything comes with a price and if it sounds too good to be true most likely it is. But Lore is brave and convinces them she’s willing to risk her life for wealth but in reality she’s seeking magic of her own. 

Reading this was such a different experience for me since I’m not big on fantasy yet. But I loved the premise and I’ll go for anything that involves black characters and magic so it was a win for the most part. The beginning was very fast-paced and pulls you into the novel immediately but the further things progress the pacing wanes a bit. 

I did want a bit more from some of the characters and felt the character development wasn’t a strong point. The world building was lit and the authors writing was massively descriptive so it was easy to envision everything. The love triangle . . . . didn’t really catch that vibe. There were instances of attraction but no real chemistry for anything to blossom. But I liked Asher and Finn’s character.

Overall, this was okay if you’re into fantasy, coming-of-age, or books filled with magic then you might enjoy this one. The plot twist ending was golden cause I didn’t expect it but kind of figured something was off in the beginning. We are also left with a cliffhanger so I’m curious to see how book 2 will kick things off.  I can honestly say the beginning and ending of the book is what held things together. Special thanks to the author, @harpervoyager & @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy‼️

Rating: 3.5/5⭐️

WHO LOVED IT? I LOVED IT‼️

This was such an extraordinary book that’ll transport you through the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life.

When Louella and William decide to leave the Montgomery Plantation for good they take with them a group of freed slaves and William’s brother Robert in hopes of finding a better life. Later down the line they build the Kingdom of the Happy Land grounded on the philosophy of “one for all, and all for one.” After William and Louella were crowned King and Queen things were going well for the Happy Landers but nothing good last forever. Unless you’re willing to fight for what’s yours. That’s why I loved Louella’s character she did not let up when it came to what she wanted. She definitely didn’t hesitate to check Robert and put him in his place when necessary.

William was a good man and a lovable character but his attachment to Robert and the Montgomery name irked me so bad. I had ill feelings about Robert 70% of the book but towards the end my thoughts changed a little. Mama Sue was one of my favorite characters in the book.

Overall, the book was amazing highly recommend especially if you’re just getting into historical fiction. It being based on true events got me hooked. I also loved the premise, the strong character development, and the language used by some of the characters. Imagine The Yellow Wife and the movie Django Unchained meshed together in a book. It’s gonna hit a bit different than the average historical fiction books you’ve probably read. But trust when I say this is so worth the read. Special thanks to the author, @tnzfiction, and @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy‼️

Another great memoir has been added to my list of favs‼️ I won this gem in a giveaway last year and wish I read it sooner. Morton’s memoir was so engrossing, well-written, and like nothing I’ve ever read before. She used a magic/mythological approach that I loved so much. 

“Mythmaking isn’t a lie. It is our moment to take the privilege of our own creativity in Black Mythology and use it to fill in the gaps in literature that colonization has tried to steal from us. It is us choosing to write the tales that our children pull strength from. It is hijacking history for the ignorance in its closets. This, a truth that must start with the women.”

Throughout the book Mouton explores themes surrounding womanhood, family, growing up black in America, her childhood, motherhood, sexual harassment, and so many other things. She tells her own story while remixing myths and drawing on traditions from all over the world. 

Like one myth we’ve all heard before mothers having eyes in the backs of their heads. I remember rolling my eyes once behind my mothers back and her immediately saying do it again and see what happens all while never turning around to acknowledge me. Couldn’t tell me she didn’t have eyes in the back of her head lol. 

Overall, this was an amazing memoir definitely recommend y’all give this one a read. There were a lot of personal stories presented that many readers can relate to in one way or another. 

The author takes us on a compelling journey through 93-years of history at one of the nation’s last segregated asylums Crownsville State Hospital. The building of Crownsville became official after twelve Black men under the supervision of a doctor, were forced to clear land, pour cement, lay bricks, and harvest tobacco. When construction finished, they became the first twelve patients of the state’s Hospital for the Negro Insane. For centuries, Black patients have been absent from our history books. Madness transports readers behind the brick walls of a Jim Crow asylum.

Hylton is an amazing journalist and author‼️ I love when authors shed light on untold stories that occurred throughout history. The way she wove together her research with the stories of the patients and employees from Crownsville Hospital was perfectly executed. She focuses on so many themes not only mental health but how it affects the black community from one generation to the next, segregation, civil rights, and the healthcare system. 

I love that she even put bits and pieces of herself and her family’s history with mental health into her work. It gave a sense of authenticity knowing she didn’t give us something she simply researched. But provided us with a thorough examination of a buried time in history cross referenced with real life evidence and experiences. 

I don’t think I’ve ever annotated a book as much as I did while reading this. It’s heavy, rich in history, thought-provoking, and gut-wrenching I literally didn’t want to put it down. So many of the stories told throughout the book were shocking and will stay with you for a long time. Just imagine committing a simple crime or doing absolutely nothing and being sent to a mental institution for punishment not knowing you may never be heard from again. 

Overall, I loved this there is sooooooo much more I could say. But I’ll leave it at read the book you won’t be disappointed trust me. Special thanks to the author & @legacylitbooks for my gifted copy‼️

Authenticity at its finest‼️ I’m really becoming a major fan of memoirs. It’s something about seeing a person be so vulnerable and allow readers into their personal lives that I find to be quite captivating. Trotter’s story pushes the narrative that it’s hard surviving in an environment designed to destroy you. When faced with adversity you’ll either sink or swim.

“Everyone’s life is defined by a constant state of change, but what does it mean when those changes all come with cortisol-spiking traumas, death, and loss?

The Upcycled Self is broken down into four parts that provide a detailed explanation of what made Trotter the man he is today. Recounting stories that shaped him Trotter discussed the setbacks he experienced, his relationship with his mother, trauma, love, loss, and music. 

“OUR LIVES ARE A RESPONSE to the call of our childhoods. Somewhere in the middle echoes of the past, we find our truest selves.”

Overall, I enjoyed this memoir and definitely recommend. It’s fast-paced, very well-written, has a seamless flow with engaging storytelling. It was so easy to connect and sympathize with his personal experiences. The encounters with his mother is where his vulnerability was most evident. “Losing my mother was my greatest motivation, but it was only one of many losses.” Special thanks to the author & @oneworldbooks for my gifted copy‼️

“𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚞𝚙𝚜𝚢 = 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚜”

A book that had lots of potential but fell short of my expectations. Akúa returns home to Jamaica attempting to reconnect with her sister and her home culture. After losing both their mother and brother to sickle cell Akúa brings her brother’s remains along for the trip with the hopes of reassembling her family. 

During her time in Jamaica Akúa and Tamika visit various places from their childhood where their brother’s ashes are spread. The longer the sisters are in the presence of each other the more Akúa realizes how different they are. While being back home Akúa must come to terms with the difficult reality of being gay in a deeply religious family, and what being a gay woman in Jamaica actually means.

This was a really interesting book but I don’t think I really grasped its concept because the pacing was so fast. I know that sounds weird but I moved through it so quickly I couldn’t really connect with the plot. I wanted more from the other characters to really understand why their family bond wasn’t as strong. Why didn’t Tamika really go home for her brother’s funeral? Was facing her father apart of the issue? Was there some built up resentment because he moved them away from Jamaica after their mother passed? 

I have so many unanswered questions which is why I wish the book had been a tad bit longer or more detailed in some areas. The author touched on quite a few themes involving girlhood, sexuality, family, grief, belonging, self-discovery, and coming of age. 

Overall, I think the book was okay but the author missed the mark in certain aspects. I didn’t really get Akúa’s involvement with Jayda and I wish the book didn’t end so abruptly. Outside of that the writing was very descriptive and vivid but lacked depth so I wasn’t as drawn into the story. Special thanks to the author & @catapult for my gifted  copy‼️ 

It took me awhile to gather my thoughts on this one because the book was really meh from beginning to end and took me forever to get through even with audio. I still don’t get or understand the point that the author intended to make here. My rating was rounded up based off the last few chapters. The conflict and drama between the characters was entertaining but this was definitely something I could’ve DNF’d. I thought the situation between Millie and Agatha was rather odd. There were also too many characters and not enough plot for readers to grasp the concept of what was happening. I really felt as though we were just going in circles with these characters which lacked depth by the way. I don’t necessarily recommend this but say to read at your own will. If you’re a fan of the author you might enjoy it.