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lit_vibrations's Reviews (365)
I’ve been reading this book on and off for about a month now and I’m happy to say I finally finished!!!! This is the first book I’ve read by Tananarive Due and it will not be my last because I’ve definitely been missing out. This was the perfect combination of horror, sci-fi, suspense, mystery, and creepiness.
The novel is a collection of black horror short stories that all share a sense of dread and fear balanced with heart and hope. It’s so well-written and the author truly gives a different feel to what is scary. Every story was told in a way that made them all seem so realistic. We’re given characters living ordinary lives yet they all have encounters with some sort of supernatural entity or force. The vivid descriptions of the different settings where things took place meshed so well really bringing the stories to life.
What I liked most was that all of them were sufficiently creepy or eerie in someway but nothing was to frightening to read. The author gave just enough to satisfy the reader. I will say the first half of the book contained the best stories but my favorites were:
* The Wishing Pool
* Haint in the Window
* Last Stop on Route 9
* Rumpus Room
* Shopping Day
These were the few that had me hooked from the start and made me want more. I loved the cleverness, all the eerie moments, and details throughout. This book will make you appreciate the work it took the author to weave together 14 amazingly cohesive stories.
Overall I really enjoyed this book the reader has a chance to dive into a world crossed between Get Out and Lovecraft Country. This collection of terrifying horror tales is centered around themes of racism, trauma, mental health, death, abuse, and family. I definitely recommend if you’re into short stories or looking to try something new to give this book a read. Special thanks to the author & akashicbooks for my gifted copy!!!
The novel is a collection of black horror short stories that all share a sense of dread and fear balanced with heart and hope. It’s so well-written and the author truly gives a different feel to what is scary. Every story was told in a way that made them all seem so realistic. We’re given characters living ordinary lives yet they all have encounters with some sort of supernatural entity or force. The vivid descriptions of the different settings where things took place meshed so well really bringing the stories to life.
What I liked most was that all of them were sufficiently creepy or eerie in someway but nothing was to frightening to read. The author gave just enough to satisfy the reader. I will say the first half of the book contained the best stories but my favorites were:
* The Wishing Pool
* Haint in the Window
* Last Stop on Route 9
* Rumpus Room
* Shopping Day
These were the few that had me hooked from the start and made me want more. I loved the cleverness, all the eerie moments, and details throughout. This book will make you appreciate the work it took the author to weave together 14 amazingly cohesive stories.
Overall I really enjoyed this book the reader has a chance to dive into a world crossed between Get Out and Lovecraft Country. This collection of terrifying horror tales is centered around themes of racism, trauma, mental health, death, abuse, and family. I definitely recommend if you’re into short stories or looking to try something new to give this book a read. Special thanks to the author & akashicbooks for my gifted copy!!!
Another great short story part of the A Point in Time series, which is a transporting collection of stories about the pivotal moments, past and present, that change lives.
This story follows a hidden community built by people escaping slavery. We have one woman that managed to escape a plantation, create shelter, and give birth to a child that would help continue her legacy for generations to come. First Mother made a deal with island men from another village that began with her daughter. Once each girl born turned seventeen they’d return to the village to select a man to help them bare a child. If born a girl they’d remain with the mother. But if born a boy the son would be returned to the village and taught how to be a man.
Different mothers from each generation tell their stories of courage and survival until the cycle ends with Afice. Being the last of nine generations of women who survived enslavement, sickness, and hunger. It’s now Afice’s turn to decide whether she will continue her ancestors legacy and bare a child or choose her own path.
Jesmyn Ward is such an incredible writer. I love how she created such a powerful fictional perspective on Maroon communities that was inspired by true historical events and research. Maroon communities are quite interesting, and clearly aren’t discussed enough as a part of history because this was the first I’ve heard of them. Overall, this was a really great quick read definitely wish there was more to continue the story. It had one of those endings that left you with unanswered questions.
This story follows a hidden community built by people escaping slavery. We have one woman that managed to escape a plantation, create shelter, and give birth to a child that would help continue her legacy for generations to come. First Mother made a deal with island men from another village that began with her daughter. Once each girl born turned seventeen they’d return to the village to select a man to help them bare a child. If born a girl they’d remain with the mother. But if born a boy the son would be returned to the village and taught how to be a man.
Different mothers from each generation tell their stories of courage and survival until the cycle ends with Afice. Being the last of nine generations of women who survived enslavement, sickness, and hunger. It’s now Afice’s turn to decide whether she will continue her ancestors legacy and bare a child or choose her own path.
Jesmyn Ward is such an incredible writer. I love how she created such a powerful fictional perspective on Maroon communities that was inspired by true historical events and research. Maroon communities are quite interesting, and clearly aren’t discussed enough as a part of history because this was the first I’ve heard of them. Overall, this was a really great quick read definitely wish there was more to continue the story. It had one of those endings that left you with unanswered questions.
This novel was pretty straightforward and easy to read but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. There were great highlight moments with a steady flow of events but it doesn’t hold your attention the entire time.
It follows Jack and her husband Gabe a couple hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems. After a job goes wrong Jack returns home to find her husband had been murdered. To make matters worse she’s the primary suspect. Now on the run Jack must decide who she can and can’t trust to clear her name and find the real killer.
I felt like we weren’t given the same energy throughout the entire book. About 35% in things drastically declined to me. Then after Jack discovered her husband had been murdered the reader spends the majority of the time watching her jump from one location to another with minimal development.
It was just so much with this book that I questioned. For example if you found your husband dead why would you wait over an hour to contact the police? It made her seem suspicious even if she was innocent.
The book mainly focused on two major themes being falsely accused and seeking justice. Quite a few of the chapters were repetitive not to mention she was doing some Kim Possible type stuff all while being hurt which made things seem unbelievable. I did feel the beginning of the book took full advantage of the premise but everything after turned into this action-packed type thriller.
I gave the book a 3 not necessarily because I enjoyed it but because the author had some great action scenes that were entertaining. Most of the side characters were one dimensional and lacked depth so you don’t really care for any of them. Then it was immediately obvious as to who was behind the murder. I thought the reasoning was boring and not really climatic because I saw it coming.
Overall, I found the book to be very mid and felt this one just wasn’t for me. But it may be for you so read at your own will. Special thanks to the author, @gallerybooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!!
It follows Jack and her husband Gabe a couple hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems. After a job goes wrong Jack returns home to find her husband had been murdered. To make matters worse she’s the primary suspect. Now on the run Jack must decide who she can and can’t trust to clear her name and find the real killer.
I felt like we weren’t given the same energy throughout the entire book. About 35% in things drastically declined to me. Then after Jack discovered her husband had been murdered the reader spends the majority of the time watching her jump from one location to another with minimal development.
It was just so much with this book that I questioned. For example if you found your husband dead why would you wait over an hour to contact the police? It made her seem suspicious even if she was innocent.
The book mainly focused on two major themes being falsely accused and seeking justice. Quite a few of the chapters were repetitive not to mention she was doing some Kim Possible type stuff all while being hurt which made things seem unbelievable. I did feel the beginning of the book took full advantage of the premise but everything after turned into this action-packed type thriller.
I gave the book a 3 not necessarily because I enjoyed it but because the author had some great action scenes that were entertaining. Most of the side characters were one dimensional and lacked depth so you don’t really care for any of them. Then it was immediately obvious as to who was behind the murder. I thought the reasoning was boring and not really climatic because I saw it coming.
Overall, I found the book to be very mid and felt this one just wasn’t for me. But it may be for you so read at your own will. Special thanks to the author, @gallerybooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!!
A breathtaking historical fiction novel with a hint of spice about finding the way home no matter how long the journey takes. In the novel the author perfectly blends two timelines from the past and present creating an epic page-turner. I really loved how the narrative wove together two different eras simultaneously creating multiple viewpoints on this families history. Donna Hill has a real knack for taking past historical events and creating a modern relevancy with her storylines, researched documentation, and characters.
The novel follows Alessandra Fleming a woman who spent most of her life running from her past. With her aspiring career in photography and life in Manhattan she uses this as a distraction from the secrets and guilt she’s never been able to face. But after receiving a call regarding her father Alessandra must return home to Sag Harbor. For some returning home may be a good thing but for Ali it’s a constant reminder of the family she’s lost and the time she’ll never regain. Little does she know the answers and secrets of her family are hidden in their home waiting for her to return. But the only person who may be able to help her uncover the truth of the past is her father’s neighbor Zach. We watch as Alessandra discovers the truth of her family history and the documented lives of four generations of extraordinary women touched by tragedy and triumph, despair and hope.
The novel was superbly written, well-developed, and engaging to read. The pacing was fair and all of the characters gave balance to the story. The author spotlights the importance of knowing one’s family history, discovering themselves, and finding home. It also addresses different themes from slavery, family dynamics, generational trauma, and the historical injustices of African Americans.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book I found both Alessandra and Zach to be very compelling characters. It was their devotion to uncovering the truth and piecing their history together that I found so captivating. The novel was so layered from the detailed historical documents, flashback visions, moral family choices, and how both their backgrounds connected. It’s like the deeper you get into the novel the more information is revealed and you realize Ali and Zach were meant to find each other. Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours, & @entangled_publishing for my gifted copy!!!
The novel follows Alessandra Fleming a woman who spent most of her life running from her past. With her aspiring career in photography and life in Manhattan she uses this as a distraction from the secrets and guilt she’s never been able to face. But after receiving a call regarding her father Alessandra must return home to Sag Harbor. For some returning home may be a good thing but for Ali it’s a constant reminder of the family she’s lost and the time she’ll never regain. Little does she know the answers and secrets of her family are hidden in their home waiting for her to return. But the only person who may be able to help her uncover the truth of the past is her father’s neighbor Zach. We watch as Alessandra discovers the truth of her family history and the documented lives of four generations of extraordinary women touched by tragedy and triumph, despair and hope.
The novel was superbly written, well-developed, and engaging to read. The pacing was fair and all of the characters gave balance to the story. The author spotlights the importance of knowing one’s family history, discovering themselves, and finding home. It also addresses different themes from slavery, family dynamics, generational trauma, and the historical injustices of African Americans.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book I found both Alessandra and Zach to be very compelling characters. It was their devotion to uncovering the truth and piecing their history together that I found so captivating. The novel was so layered from the detailed historical documents, flashback visions, moral family choices, and how both their backgrounds connected. It’s like the deeper you get into the novel the more information is revealed and you realize Ali and Zach were meant to find each other. Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours, & @entangled_publishing for my gifted copy!!!
A breathtaking historical fiction novel with a hint of spice about finding the way home no matter how long the journey takes. In the novel the author perfectly blends two timelines from the past and present creating an epic page-turner. I really loved how the narrative wove together two different eras simultaneously creating multiple viewpoints on this families history. Donna Hill has a real knack for taking past historical events and creating a modern relevancy with her storylines, researched documentation, and characters.
The novel follows Alessandra Fleming a woman who spent most of her life running from her past. With her aspiring career in photography and life in Manhattan she uses this as a distraction from the secrets and guilt she’s never been able to face. But after receiving a call regarding her father Alessandra must return home to Sag Harbor. For some returning home may be a good thing but for Ali it’s a constant reminder of the family she’s lost and the time she’ll never regain. Little does she know the answers and secrets of her family are hidden in their home waiting for her to return. But the only person who may be able to help her uncover the truth of the past is her father’s neighbor Zach. We watch as Alessandra discovers the truth of her family history and the documented lives of four generations of extraordinary women touched by tragedy and triumph, despair and hope.
The novel was superbly written, well-developed, and engaging to read. The pacing was fair and all of the characters gave balance to the story. The author spotlights the importance of knowing one’s family history, discovering themselves, and finding home. It also addresses different themes from slavery, family dynamics, generational trauma, and the historical injustices of African Americans.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book I found both Alessandra and Zach to be very compelling characters. It was their devotion to uncovering the truth and piecing their history together that I found so captivating. The novel was so layered from the detailed historical documents, flashback visions, moral family choices, and how both their backgrounds connected. It’s like the deeper you get into the novel the more information is revealed and you realize Ali and Zach were meant to find each other. Special thanks to the author, hearourvoicestours, & entangled_publishing for my gifted copy!!!
The novel follows Alessandra Fleming a woman who spent most of her life running from her past. With her aspiring career in photography and life in Manhattan she uses this as a distraction from the secrets and guilt she’s never been able to face. But after receiving a call regarding her father Alessandra must return home to Sag Harbor. For some returning home may be a good thing but for Ali it’s a constant reminder of the family she’s lost and the time she’ll never regain. Little does she know the answers and secrets of her family are hidden in their home waiting for her to return. But the only person who may be able to help her uncover the truth of the past is her father’s neighbor Zach. We watch as Alessandra discovers the truth of her family history and the documented lives of four generations of extraordinary women touched by tragedy and triumph, despair and hope.
The novel was superbly written, well-developed, and engaging to read. The pacing was fair and all of the characters gave balance to the story. The author spotlights the importance of knowing one’s family history, discovering themselves, and finding home. It also addresses different themes from slavery, family dynamics, generational trauma, and the historical injustices of African Americans.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book I found both Alessandra and Zach to be very compelling characters. It was their devotion to uncovering the truth and piecing their history together that I found so captivating. The novel was so layered from the detailed historical documents, flashback visions, moral family choices, and how both their backgrounds connected. It’s like the deeper you get into the novel the more information is revealed and you realize Ali and Zach were meant to find each other. Special thanks to the author, hearourvoicestours, & entangled_publishing for my gifted copy!!!
I didn’t really enjoy the story wasn’t really holding my attention found it kind of boring actually!!! DNF’d at 48% special thanks to the author, joy revolution publishing, & netgalley for my advanced copy.
I didn’t really enjoy the story wasn’t really holding my attention found it kind of boring actually!!! DNF’d at 48% special thanks to the author, joy revolution publishing, & netgalley for my advanced copy.
I’ve been in my short story bag lately and this book did not disappoint. We have another great collection of 12 short stories that were engaging, thought-provoking, some humorous and others that will send you on an emotional rollercoaster. I love how the author explored real life situations that took us on a different journey with each of the characters.
The author does a great job addressing themes surrounding depression, abortion, sexuality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse, addiction, and extramarital affairs to colorism.
My favorite stories:
•Fear of Falling
•Confessions of an Adulteress
•Transformations
•Snapped
Each story flowed with ease from the dialogue variations, style of writing, and the themes of choice. The author really took her stories to another level by not playing it safe and discussing touchy subjects. A few of the short stories will force the reader to reason with the characters and construct their own thoughts and understanding as to why things ended a certain way. But I think this collection has something for everyone just be advised there are a few trigger warnings.
Overall, I enjoyed the collection and the stories being centered around black characters was a plus. What I’m starting to like most about short stories is they leave no time to dwell deeply into them but they’re fleshed out well enough for you to still enjoy. Special thanks to the author for my signed copy!!!
The author does a great job addressing themes surrounding depression, abortion, sexuality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse, addiction, and extramarital affairs to colorism.
My favorite stories:
•Fear of Falling
•Confessions of an Adulteress
•Transformations
•Snapped
Each story flowed with ease from the dialogue variations, style of writing, and the themes of choice. The author really took her stories to another level by not playing it safe and discussing touchy subjects. A few of the short stories will force the reader to reason with the characters and construct their own thoughts and understanding as to why things ended a certain way. But I think this collection has something for everyone just be advised there are a few trigger warnings.
Overall, I enjoyed the collection and the stories being centered around black characters was a plus. What I’m starting to like most about short stories is they leave no time to dwell deeply into them but they’re fleshed out well enough for you to still enjoy. Special thanks to the author for my signed copy!!!
In this enthralling debut the author tells an unforgettable multigenerational story surrounding a daughter, family of sisters, and the life of Hollywood star Kitty Karr. After Kitty passes away she leaves behind a huge fortune for the St.John sisters and a few untold secrets that could destroy the lives and reputations of those around them. Throughout the book we’re given a dual timeline with multiple POVs between the past and present were we discover who Kitty Karr truly was.
The beginning of the book was definitely a slow burn but as you immerse deeper into the novel things start to pick up. I found the past timeline and the transition of Mary becoming Kitty to be the most fascinating. I think once I realized Mary and Kitty were the same person I was hooked. Elise’s perspective tied both timelines together and gave us a better understanding of all the characters involved and why Kitty lived her life the way she had.
I enjoyed the author’s depiction of what it’s like for an individual to get away with racial passing and to experience a certain type of privilege they couldn’t afford to lose. While based on a fictional character I felt the book gave a raw and realistic portrait of how racial passing was once such a prominent thing for many mixed race Americans and the lengths they’d go to keep the truth hidden. Kitty’s mother knew she’d have more advantages passing off as white so she sent her away in hopes of having a better life. For many during the pre-civil war era passing was an opportunity to slip virtually unnoticed into a dominant society of privilege, wealth, and power.
Overall, this was a pretty decent read the writing was really captivating. My only downside with the novel was the fact it started off so slow, not all of the characters were developed, it could’ve been a few chapters shorter, and I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending. I felt like we were left with a few unanswered questions but nonetheless it was a great book and I recommend it’s worth reading. Special thanks to the author & henryholtbooks for my finished copy!!!
The beginning of the book was definitely a slow burn but as you immerse deeper into the novel things start to pick up. I found the past timeline and the transition of Mary becoming Kitty to be the most fascinating. I think once I realized Mary and Kitty were the same person I was hooked. Elise’s perspective tied both timelines together and gave us a better understanding of all the characters involved and why Kitty lived her life the way she had.
I enjoyed the author’s depiction of what it’s like for an individual to get away with racial passing and to experience a certain type of privilege they couldn’t afford to lose. While based on a fictional character I felt the book gave a raw and realistic portrait of how racial passing was once such a prominent thing for many mixed race Americans and the lengths they’d go to keep the truth hidden. Kitty’s mother knew she’d have more advantages passing off as white so she sent her away in hopes of having a better life. For many during the pre-civil war era passing was an opportunity to slip virtually unnoticed into a dominant society of privilege, wealth, and power.
Overall, this was a pretty decent read the writing was really captivating. My only downside with the novel was the fact it started off so slow, not all of the characters were developed, it could’ve been a few chapters shorter, and I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending. I felt like we were left with a few unanswered questions but nonetheless it was a great book and I recommend it’s worth reading. Special thanks to the author & henryholtbooks for my finished copy!!!
Haven’t read poetry in a minute so this was a great pick to get back in my groove for it. This collection is broken into 4 sections and was raw, honest, deep, and beautifully written. The author found such a creatively poetic way to connect with all of the readers. Her work translates into relatable personal experiences that surround the fragility of love, family, blackness, culture, beauty, body image, and a testament to hardship and how we must thrive through it all.
Every poem flowed naturally with passion and were all easy to read. Her poem “Livin Flush” took me out with those 4 little lines. When ppl get paid everything all good but soon as the money gone they back struggling. Her perspectives are interchangeable and can be viewed as humorous in certain aspects but also real and overly honest.
Favorite poems:
* Is This Your Sky or Mine?
* Self-Portrait No. 5 (Phoenix and Lullabies)
* RX for Little Black Girls
* Introvert Confessions
* Recipe for Keeping a Man
* The Way the World Holds You
Overall, I found this collection to be very enjoyable it was uniquely formatted and I loved the clarity and relatability. I felt with each poem we get a feel of who the author is and her own personal experiences. If you’re into poetry I definitely recommend checking out this author’s work. Special thanks to the author & @amistadbooks for my gifted copy!!!!
Every poem flowed naturally with passion and were all easy to read. Her poem “Livin Flush” took me out with those 4 little lines. When ppl get paid everything all good but soon as the money gone they back struggling. Her perspectives are interchangeable and can be viewed as humorous in certain aspects but also real and overly honest.
Favorite poems:
* Is This Your Sky or Mine?
* Self-Portrait No. 5 (Phoenix and Lullabies)
* RX for Little Black Girls
* Introvert Confessions
* Recipe for Keeping a Man
* The Way the World Holds You
Overall, I found this collection to be very enjoyable it was uniquely formatted and I loved the clarity and relatability. I felt with each poem we get a feel of who the author is and her own personal experiences. If you’re into poetry I definitely recommend checking out this author’s work. Special thanks to the author & @amistadbooks for my gifted copy!!!!