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lit_vibrations's Reviews (365)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was packed with so much information that I found insightful as it captured the origins of hip-hop. I’m into music heavy especially rap and just to read something that goes into depth on its history I learned so much.
It took awhile to get through this one but I enjoyed the authors personal perspective and how well he constructed the interviews, stories, talent, and backgrounds of so many artist into this one book. Definitely worth the hype and recommend you read if you’re into music. Special thanks to the author, Crown publishing, and Netgalley for my advanced copy!!!
It took awhile to get through this one but I enjoyed the authors personal perspective and how well he constructed the interviews, stories, talent, and backgrounds of so many artist into this one book. Definitely worth the hype and recommend you read if you’re into music. Special thanks to the author, Crown publishing, and Netgalley for my advanced copy!!!
This was a very dark yet interesting retelling of the original childrens story “Hansel and Gretel.” It was a really quick read, very straightforward, and descriptive. But it’s definitely not for children possibly for a more mature YA audience as this was an adult version of the story. I wasn’t expecting the sex-trafficking twist involved or the predatory behavior Hazel’s stepfather was displaying.
It follows two MC’s Hazel and Gray who are boyfriend and girlfriend but are forbidden from dating by The Monster (Hazel’s stepfather). When her mother and stepfather leave for a small outing Hazel uses this as an opportunity to go chill with Gray. After heading through the forest for a romantic picnic they end up lost, phones dead, and hours past curfew. Attempting to retrace their steps they stumble upon a mansion hidden in the forest and go inside not knowing they may not be allowed to leave.
This short story is apart of the Faraway Collection of Amazon Originals and was actually my first read by Nic Stone. I wasn’t disappointed at all considering this retelling was supposed to be about choosing one’s own path. I was just a little shocked by the premise itself.
But the twisted narrative gives a real life example of what happens when you welcome a “Monster” into your home without knowing their true intentions. Both Hazel and Gray’s mothers made the same mistake entrusting someone they didn’t know around their kids. I appreciated the subliminal message just not a fan of the dark elements involved.
But overall , this was okay definitely recommend you read at your own will. If you like dark twisted stories then this may be for you. Just proceed with caution as some may find it to be a bit disturbing.
It follows two MC’s Hazel and Gray who are boyfriend and girlfriend but are forbidden from dating by The Monster (Hazel’s stepfather). When her mother and stepfather leave for a small outing Hazel uses this as an opportunity to go chill with Gray. After heading through the forest for a romantic picnic they end up lost, phones dead, and hours past curfew. Attempting to retrace their steps they stumble upon a mansion hidden in the forest and go inside not knowing they may not be allowed to leave.
This short story is apart of the Faraway Collection of Amazon Originals and was actually my first read by Nic Stone. I wasn’t disappointed at all considering this retelling was supposed to be about choosing one’s own path. I was just a little shocked by the premise itself.
But the twisted narrative gives a real life example of what happens when you welcome a “Monster” into your home without knowing their true intentions. Both Hazel and Gray’s mothers made the same mistake entrusting someone they didn’t know around their kids. I appreciated the subliminal message just not a fan of the dark elements involved.
But overall , this was okay definitely recommend you read at your own will. If you like dark twisted stories then this may be for you. Just proceed with caution as some may find it to be a bit disturbing.
This wasn’t the most entertaining YA book I’ve read recently. The character development, writing style, and delivery didn’t really do it for me. But I chose to read and finish the novel because I liked the premise. It kinda reminded me of this movie I watched called “Accepted” where the student was rejected from every college they applied to so they created a fake university to attend.
In the novel Perla Perez was graduating high school early. She was very excited about getting into her dream college Delmont University. Rather than applying to multiple colleges she had her mind set on this particular school. When she received a rejection letter instead of being honest with her parents about it. She forged an acceptance letter and found a way to live on campus without anyone knowing she wasn’t a real student. Eventually her plan blows up and she’s confronted by campus security forcing her to come clean.
There were a few realistic aspects in the novel I enjoyed. Like how the parental and cultural pressure to perform academically can do more harm than good. In some cultures hard work is highly praised so academic achievements can be seen as a social competition you must succeed in.
Perla’s parents projected a lot of their wants and desires onto her making it seem as though she had to be academically perfect and seek their validation. They never gave her the room to be honest about college because she was always compared to someone else and felt she had to prove herself worthy. They undermined everything she wanted placing this role for success unto her that she wasn’t really prepared for. Then once the truth came out her mother’s main concern was that she lied and how embarrassing it would be when others found out. Not realizing them projecting “their ideal self” unto her caused the entire situation.
Overall this book was meh definitely wasn’t for me. Nothing about it was memorable not even the characters so can’t say I would recommend just read at your own will. Special thanks to the author and publisher for my advanced copy.
In the novel Perla Perez was graduating high school early. She was very excited about getting into her dream college Delmont University. Rather than applying to multiple colleges she had her mind set on this particular school. When she received a rejection letter instead of being honest with her parents about it. She forged an acceptance letter and found a way to live on campus without anyone knowing she wasn’t a real student. Eventually her plan blows up and she’s confronted by campus security forcing her to come clean.
There were a few realistic aspects in the novel I enjoyed. Like how the parental and cultural pressure to perform academically can do more harm than good. In some cultures hard work is highly praised so academic achievements can be seen as a social competition you must succeed in.
Perla’s parents projected a lot of their wants and desires onto her making it seem as though she had to be academically perfect and seek their validation. They never gave her the room to be honest about college because she was always compared to someone else and felt she had to prove herself worthy. They undermined everything she wanted placing this role for success unto her that she wasn’t really prepared for. Then once the truth came out her mother’s main concern was that she lied and how embarrassing it would be when others found out. Not realizing them projecting “their ideal self” unto her caused the entire situation.
Overall this book was meh definitely wasn’t for me. Nothing about it was memorable not even the characters so can’t say I would recommend just read at your own will. Special thanks to the author and publisher for my advanced copy.
What length will someone one go to uncover the truth? That’s what I thought about after reading Time’s Undoing. This was such an extraordinary novel I literally enjoyed every moment of reading this book. When I say I want to read historical fiction this book is the perfect example of that. The type of mood it creates was so masterful and the mystery and suspense behind uncovering the truth about Meghan’s grandfather had me on edge. It was also the perfect blend between the 1920’s and present day. Once I found out the author based some of the book off her family history I was immersed even deeper into the story.
This heartbreaking story will take you back into a world where tragedy strikes and those who vowed to uphold the law attempt to cover up the truth. Inspired by true events the novel follows Meghan McKenzie a young Black reporter who searches for answers in the unsolved murder of her great-grandfather Robert Lee Harrington in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, back in the 1920’s. It unfolds between alternating timelines of the past and present by both Meghan and her grandfather Robert.
The authors vivid depiction of the past and her similarities to police brutality and corruption in the judicial system shows that these are issues African Americans still face today. I felt so many emotions while reading this book I was upset even a little heartbroken at one point.
Overall this book was nothing short of amazing for me. The believable details, great pacing, and the way the characters background stories are gradually revealed keeps the reading going. Although the novel centers around such a tragic event knowing the truth will be uncovered by the end gives a degree of hope. Special thanks to the author, @duttonbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!!
This heartbreaking story will take you back into a world where tragedy strikes and those who vowed to uphold the law attempt to cover up the truth. Inspired by true events the novel follows Meghan McKenzie a young Black reporter who searches for answers in the unsolved murder of her great-grandfather Robert Lee Harrington in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, back in the 1920’s. It unfolds between alternating timelines of the past and present by both Meghan and her grandfather Robert.
The authors vivid depiction of the past and her similarities to police brutality and corruption in the judicial system shows that these are issues African Americans still face today. I felt so many emotions while reading this book I was upset even a little heartbroken at one point.
Overall this book was nothing short of amazing for me. The believable details, great pacing, and the way the characters background stories are gradually revealed keeps the reading going. Although the novel centers around such a tragic event knowing the truth will be uncovered by the end gives a degree of hope. Special thanks to the author, @duttonbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!!
This was an interesting short story can come off a little confusing with how it’s told. But I’ve started reading short stories more lately out of curiosity and this was on audio so it was a quick listen.
“Lila” is book 7 in The One series which is a true story about the complexities of female friendship, religion, love, self-reflection, and self-discovery. Naima and Lila were childhood friends that basically grew up and then eventually apart.
In my opinion their friendship started off complicated and one-sided but the two eventually bonded and became friends. Their friendship was really created based off co-dependency and a trauma bond on Naima’s part. Throughout the story Naima describes her up and down friendship with Lila and how every time they fall apart something brings them back together.
It was never anything good that brought the two back together in my opinion. Naima basically depended on Lila because she made her feel good unlike her parents or anyone else she’d encountered. Plus there were always hidden feelings shared between the two but neither acted upon those feelings until they were older.
Once the physical intimacy occurred Naima didn’t see Lila fit to be someone she’d date and instead married her long-term boyfriend because it felt like the right thing to do. When things turned upside down in Lila’s life, Naima was always there to pick up the pieces until Lila could no longer show up for Naima then their friendship basically ended.
By the end of the story I think Naima wished she hadn’t let Lila slip away. Even though she knew their friendship was never genuine she missed her or maybe just felt she needed her still. Overall, this was a cool quick read I was left with a few unanswered questions. But I still found it to be a little thought-provoking so I do plan to go back and read the other books in the series which are by different authors.
Rating: 3.75/5
“Lila” is book 7 in The One series which is a true story about the complexities of female friendship, religion, love, self-reflection, and self-discovery. Naima and Lila were childhood friends that basically grew up and then eventually apart.
In my opinion their friendship started off complicated and one-sided but the two eventually bonded and became friends. Their friendship was really created based off co-dependency and a trauma bond on Naima’s part. Throughout the story Naima describes her up and down friendship with Lila and how every time they fall apart something brings them back together.
It was never anything good that brought the two back together in my opinion. Naima basically depended on Lila because she made her feel good unlike her parents or anyone else she’d encountered. Plus there were always hidden feelings shared between the two but neither acted upon those feelings until they were older.
Once the physical intimacy occurred Naima didn’t see Lila fit to be someone she’d date and instead married her long-term boyfriend because it felt like the right thing to do. When things turned upside down in Lila’s life, Naima was always there to pick up the pieces until Lila could no longer show up for Naima then their friendship basically ended.
By the end of the story I think Naima wished she hadn’t let Lila slip away. Even though she knew their friendship was never genuine she missed her or maybe just felt she needed her still. Overall, this was a cool quick read I was left with a few unanswered questions. But I still found it to be a little thought-provoking so I do plan to go back and read the other books in the series which are by different authors.
Rating: 3.75/5
A gripping historical tale of survival and motherhood. What lengths will a mother go to protect her children?
I don’t know what held me back from reading this book but I’m soooo glad a friend recommended I give it a read ASAP!!! I’m a fan of historical fiction and when I say the author had me immersed so deeply into this book it’s literally a page-turner.
Most people might shy away from reading certain books that involve slavery due to the graphic details, abuse, and the horrific cruelty casted upon African Americans during such a tragic time. But this book was so much more than that. There were some gruesome details depicted but also moments that brought hope especially the ending. Had me praying for Monroe and Essex.
I enjoyed the first person narrative and getting to see everything unfold from the eyes of someone who was a slave but was favored differently than most.
The FMC Pheby was promised freedom on her 18th birthday but things didn’t work in her favor. Then being sent to the Lapier jail on the day of her mother’s funeral was only the beginning. But Pheby held on to her faith that Master Jacobs would come for her. Then once she learned of his death she nearly lost hope but eventually found a way to make do. Forced to become the jailer’s mistress was only part of the many hardships she’d endure on Devil’s Half Acre.
Pheby Delores Brown was an extraordinary character fueled by hope, courage, faith, and the love for her children. The care and sympathy she’d show to other slaves was so merciful. She was an imperfectly perfect woman that was forced to make hard decisions in order to survive. I admired Pheby’s heroism and how she had moments where she stood up to Rubin Lapier knowing it might cost her a great deal later.
Overall this book was phenomenal ya’ll I didn’t even read the synopsis just dove right in and I was not disappointed. It was well-paced, the writing and character development was superb. I’m so happy I finally read this book I 100% recommend if you haven’t read this yet take this as your sign it’s a MUST-READ!!!
I don’t know what held me back from reading this book but I’m soooo glad a friend recommended I give it a read ASAP!!! I’m a fan of historical fiction and when I say the author had me immersed so deeply into this book it’s literally a page-turner.
Most people might shy away from reading certain books that involve slavery due to the graphic details, abuse, and the horrific cruelty casted upon African Americans during such a tragic time. But this book was so much more than that. There were some gruesome details depicted but also moments that brought hope especially the ending. Had me praying for Monroe and Essex.
I enjoyed the first person narrative and getting to see everything unfold from the eyes of someone who was a slave but was favored differently than most.
The FMC Pheby was promised freedom on her 18th birthday but things didn’t work in her favor. Then being sent to the Lapier jail on the day of her mother’s funeral was only the beginning. But Pheby held on to her faith that Master Jacobs would come for her. Then once she learned of his death she nearly lost hope but eventually found a way to make do. Forced to become the jailer’s mistress was only part of the many hardships she’d endure on Devil’s Half Acre.
Pheby Delores Brown was an extraordinary character fueled by hope, courage, faith, and the love for her children. The care and sympathy she’d show to other slaves was so merciful. She was an imperfectly perfect woman that was forced to make hard decisions in order to survive. I admired Pheby’s heroism and how she had moments where she stood up to Rubin Lapier knowing it might cost her a great deal later.
Overall this book was phenomenal ya’ll I didn’t even read the synopsis just dove right in and I was not disappointed. It was well-paced, the writing and character development was superb. I’m so happy I finally read this book I 100% recommend if you haven’t read this yet take this as your sign it’s a MUST-READ!!!
A powerful debut that explores the difficulties of motherhood, marriage, and finding time for your wants, needs, and desires. I struggled through the first half of the book because the pacing was entirely to slow. I felt like a lot of things could’ve been left out because there were parts of the story I just didn’t care for. The slow build-up almost lost me too.
The second half of the novel is where I became invested and cared to know what was going to occur next. While I enjoyed the author going in depth and really painting a vivid picture of what Efe and Sam were going through. Did she really have to go all the way back to the beginning of everything? I didn’t really find their relationship interesting and honestly I didn’t like Sam.
Usually I’d throw in something to describe the book but today I’m not going to do that. I want to focus on what statement the author was trying to make with the novel.
Motherhood is EXHAUSTING!!! Enjoyable and a blessing yes but at the end of the day it’s not for everyone. If you don’t have a support system which Sam really wasn’t supportive then it gets tiring doing it by yourself. As a mother the responsibilities revolving around the care of the child ALWAYS falls on mom. If dad decides he doesn’t want to do it anymore he can leave and NOBODY will make a huge fuss about it.
So, I actually loved that the author flipped the script and showed what it’s like if mom decides to walk away because it’s all too much. Was Efe wrong for leaving Sam with his kid? Maybe but again if Sam would’ve walked away what would’ve been the difference? He was not understanding at all with what Efe was dealing with because she did exactly what his own mother had done. LEAVE!!!
Overall, the book was pretty decent I changed my rating from 3.5 to 4 only because the last few chapters and that unexpected ending. The author did an amazing job focusing on two tough topics. I do recommend you guys give it a read just be prepared for the slow pacing. Special thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my advanced copy.
The second half of the novel is where I became invested and cared to know what was going to occur next. While I enjoyed the author going in depth and really painting a vivid picture of what Efe and Sam were going through. Did she really have to go all the way back to the beginning of everything? I didn’t really find their relationship interesting and honestly I didn’t like Sam.
Usually I’d throw in something to describe the book but today I’m not going to do that. I want to focus on what statement the author was trying to make with the novel.
Motherhood is EXHAUSTING!!! Enjoyable and a blessing yes but at the end of the day it’s not for everyone. If you don’t have a support system which Sam really wasn’t supportive then it gets tiring doing it by yourself. As a mother the responsibilities revolving around the care of the child ALWAYS falls on mom. If dad decides he doesn’t want to do it anymore he can leave and NOBODY will make a huge fuss about it.
So, I actually loved that the author flipped the script and showed what it’s like if mom decides to walk away because it’s all too much. Was Efe wrong for leaving Sam with his kid? Maybe but again if Sam would’ve walked away what would’ve been the difference? He was not understanding at all with what Efe was dealing with because she did exactly what his own mother had done. LEAVE!!!
Overall, the book was pretty decent I changed my rating from 3.5 to 4 only because the last few chapters and that unexpected ending. The author did an amazing job focusing on two tough topics. I do recommend you guys give it a read just be prepared for the slow pacing. Special thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my advanced copy.
I really wasn’t a fan of this book because it lacked so much depth. The premise seemed interesting kind of reminded me of a movie with the whole scenario and being trapped in a house ordeal. There was a lot of action and the beginning really pulled me in. But after awhile the book started to lose the suspense and thrill it gave in the beginning. I started asking what’s the point and questioning why certain things were happening cause it didn’t make sense.
The multiple POVs probably weren’t needed and I didn’t like how overly fabricated certain parts started to become. I get that it’s fiction but I still want to believe what I’m reading and I felt this book did too much and didn’t give enough. The character development was very mid and honestly I don’t remember any of them but Perry and Emma.
Thrillers are one of my favorite genres and I don’t feel like the author truly delivered with this one. Heard his other works are great but I can definitely say this book wasn’t for me but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it. Special thanks to the author, grandcentralpub, & netgalley for my advanced copy.
Rating: 2.5
The multiple POVs probably weren’t needed and I didn’t like how overly fabricated certain parts started to become. I get that it’s fiction but I still want to believe what I’m reading and I felt this book did too much and didn’t give enough. The character development was very mid and honestly I don’t remember any of them but Perry and Emma.
Thrillers are one of my favorite genres and I don’t feel like the author truly delivered with this one. Heard his other works are great but I can definitely say this book wasn’t for me but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it. Special thanks to the author, grandcentralpub, & netgalley for my advanced copy.
Rating: 2.5
The first few chapters started off pretty good but then the book took a turn and really started to lose me. The banter throughout was entertaining but I literally felt it had nothing to do with what happened to Ruthy Ramirez. Probably could’ve named it Our Lives Without Ruthy Ramirez.
We’re given a dual timeline with multiple POVs from the Ramirez family including a few flashback chapters from Ruthy. It follows the family as they continue to navigate their lives and deal with the absence of daughter/sister Ruthy Ramirez who disappeared at age 13 without a trace. In 2008, Ruthy’s sister Jessica came across a popular tv show and thought one of the girls might’ve been Ruthy. Together with the help of her sister Nina they come up with a plan to find their long-lost sister.
As good as the book started off I’m disappointed with how under developed it was. The characters were okay but nothing about them stuck out to make any of them memorable. We have quite a few chapters that had nothing to do with Ruthy’s disappearance even the chapters she appeared in. The title of the novel was a bit misleading considering what occurred in the novel.
I basically predicted what was going to happen in the last few chapters. Then the ending was so rushed and to finally know what did happen to Ruthy left me even more disappointed. The novel had so much potential to be great had it solely focused on Ruthy. We learn about everything and everybody but Ruthy.
Overall the novel was meh the last chapter kind of increased my rating so can’t say I recommend. But read at your own will you might enjoy it. It was a pretty quick read and the pacing was fast. I also appreciate the authors message surrounding missing minority children but the book didn’t deliver the way it could have in my opinion. Special thanks to the author, grandcentralpub, & netgalley for my advanced copy!!!
We’re given a dual timeline with multiple POVs from the Ramirez family including a few flashback chapters from Ruthy. It follows the family as they continue to navigate their lives and deal with the absence of daughter/sister Ruthy Ramirez who disappeared at age 13 without a trace. In 2008, Ruthy’s sister Jessica came across a popular tv show and thought one of the girls might’ve been Ruthy. Together with the help of her sister Nina they come up with a plan to find their long-lost sister.
As good as the book started off I’m disappointed with how under developed it was. The characters were okay but nothing about them stuck out to make any of them memorable. We have quite a few chapters that had nothing to do with Ruthy’s disappearance even the chapters she appeared in. The title of the novel was a bit misleading considering what occurred in the novel.
I basically predicted what was going to happen in the last few chapters. Then the ending was so rushed and to finally know what did happen to Ruthy left me even more disappointed. The novel had so much potential to be great had it solely focused on Ruthy. We learn about everything and everybody but Ruthy.
Overall the novel was meh the last chapter kind of increased my rating so can’t say I recommend. But read at your own will you might enjoy it. It was a pretty quick read and the pacing was fast. I also appreciate the authors message surrounding missing minority children but the book didn’t deliver the way it could have in my opinion. Special thanks to the author, grandcentralpub, & netgalley for my advanced copy!!!
This book was amazing it will literally have you laughing out loud. I listened to the audiobook as I read along and it definitely makes the experience so much more enjoyable. I love Jamie Foxx as an actor, singer, and comedian so this was a pleasure to read. It talks mostly about his family, raising his daughters in the entertainment business, and what it’s like being a father.
I really enjoyed learning about his childhood, upbringing, and the way his grandparents impacted his life. The stories about his grandmother will definitely have you laughing. It was so easy to relate to some of the things he experienced growing up. Just goes to show a lot of black households were raised the same back in the day.
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I really enjoyed learning about his childhood, upbringing, and the way his grandparents impacted his life. The stories about his grandmother will definitely have you laughing. It was so easy to relate to some of the things he experienced growing up. Just goes to show a lot of black households were raised the same back in the day.
Page 118 and 124