This book touched my soul and life in too many ways to describe. I will not be giving this book a full review and detailed review because of its' content. I loved how the disclaimer was in the title and not something I just found out while reading the book. There were a few quotes in the book that made me think critically. One, "it's not that bad" "at least you are alive."

Those two lines resonated with me on a personal level that I wish to not disclose. This book is a must read, especially those who (mostly men) dismiss or invalidate rape culture. This book should be a mandatory read in every house and class in the world. I found most astounding in the book how this book was not man bashing and bought to light how women are also perpetrators of the negative narratives surrounding rape culture. Women blaming other women made me think that just because you belong to a marginalized group doesn't mean that you are an ally of the marginalized group to which you are apart of.

I also thought about how I work or interact with victims of violence (RAPE) in my professional capacity.

This book had me enraged, shocked, and intrigued at the same time. This author has a true gift with explaining history in a detailed clear manner. The only thing that was constantly confusing was the changing of characters and plots throughout the book.

The following are excerpts from the book (most shocking) and thoughts:

Father and sons were not accused of witchcraft.

Less than 200 people were accused of wizards and witches.

The most shocking revelation of the book was that there was no evidence of the witch trials in Salem during this time.

Witch cake (please pay attention to this section of the book, I had to pick my mouth from off the ground).

Parrish talked about the different forms (Judice). He believed the devil could not form in an innocent body. He did not believe you could be good or evil. You were either one or the other.

Lawson said the devil raged amongst them. Lawson believed prayer helped things and helped them embrace their faiths. The villagers should prepare for spiritual warfare.

The innocent could prove they are innocent by drowning

The devil can not read the Bible

Bishop was prosecuted to the highest degree for claiming to perform witchcraft on 5 village girls. She was subjected to the law of Deuteronomy that you only need two witnesses to find someone guilty. She was also charged with performing witchcraft on people she never met.

If you poke a person and they don’t bleed, you were accused of being a witch. "The devil does need human things like blood to do his bidding."

It is not often that a book pulls me in. Maybe it was the way in which the narrator narrated the book. I keep wishing for Nel to not be dead. This book made me think about being an anger teenager. I found myself in an array of emotions reading this novel. Which is why I strongly recommend this book.

I am going to start by saying that I am very thankful and appreciative of Michelle Obama and the "let girl learn" initiative that I currently use throughout my Peace Corps experience. Reading this book soothe my soul and stirred up an array of emotions within myself.

Michelle, a woman who was raised quite differently than me. I kept thinking to myself, "wow, we are so different yet similar in this experience of being a black woman." I do not know how Michelle was able to articulate herself in a manner that showed anger and compassion. She was not afraid to call out the people who mocked her or threaten the safety of her family. In addition, she was not afraid to tackle and dive into unfamiliar territory (U.S military).

As a black woman myself, I find myself trying hard not to succumb to the "imposter syndrome" or "stereotype threats." It relieving to know that our beloved FLOTUS has felt similar in these regards. Although those emotions can be gripping, Michelle searched within and outward to reground herself in what she believed in, in order to move forward.

This book should be a required read for all young brown girls in the world. When she spoke about her dedication to the law and higher academic achievement, I was stunned. She spoke about how it wasn't enough for her, she felt like she needed to do more community work for brown bodies.

I too struggle with the woes of higher education and decisions to make for my life. Michelle had the same questions around my age. It was refreshing to know that you can be confused about your career path at any age in life. Quite often, I think to myself "I am too old now, I have to continue on the path that my 16 years self-set for me." Something Michelle and I work hard on overcoming.

Michelle wrote as if saying "you never are too old to change paths." In reading Becoming, I felt self-assured and motivated to do what I believe is best for me and not what others believe is best for me. Michelle gave me permission to reassess my life at any moment of my life. Most important the message of her book was to stand up for bullies, believe in yourself, and trust your gut.

I believe that this book is a must read. As a person who has worked within the system and seen how injustices goes unseen and unanswered. I found myself cheerful and heartbroken by this man's life. 30 years is a long time to be left to die for a crime that you did not commit. Too often our society demonize black and brown bodies for convience. Too often do we our LIVES get slipped through the cracks. You would think that we would learn to be to more empathetic to humankind. Please read this book! You will not forget or regret it!

Anthony's relationship with his mother touched me beyond belief.... I understand that bond and the love they shared.

This book literally flip my mind inside out. I am still confused.....
Upon further thought, I've decided to change my rating and opinion of this book. The book was leading up to... or I thought it was leading up to a major plot twist like most thrillers. I did not understand the ending of this book. The ending of this book only makes sense if there was a sequel in the making. I find myself confused by this book and what actually happened.

Banks living at #17 cherry tree lane.

Mary Poppins is a no-nonsense woman to the children. She definitely knows how to straighten children out. I definitely believe that she is more playful than she leads them to believe. Is she wasn’t why would she fly to the ceiling when the children and Mr. Wig couldn’t come down due to uncontrollable laughter.

Jane and Michael relationship and development were interesting. As an aunt I thought it reminded me of my nieces and nephews, being perfect examples of sour patches.

This book was life-affirming and changing. I agree with the title of the book. This book made me rea think more about the items in my life and their purpose... than decluttering my space. I am currently working on incorporating a few of the tips in this book in my life. So far I have gotten rid of 7 bags of useless things that don't invoke a memory within or is useful.
- Discard one item away and deciding where to put an item.
- The author stated that most people who tend to clutter were worried that when they clean up the house gets dirty once again.
- Urge to tidy when they are under pressure. The tidying urge dissipates after the stressor disappear.
- A messy room is a messy mind
- Confront your anxiety when having clutter
- Tiding is a tool, not the destination
- Tidying by category, not by space
- Start by discarding completely
- Appreciate your possessions
- Choose clothes that give you pleasure
- Downgrade loungewear
- Awareness of what they like is important
- Folding is expressing love and thanking our clothes for protecting our bodies
- Japanese culture way of tidying
-Hang heavy clothes from the left and light clothes to the right
- Respect your socks. They can’t be in tied up. They need to be in a relaxed state. Roll the stocking. Fold the socks.
-Reduce the need to store off-season clothes
- Books: decide whether or not you want to keep the book if it gives you pleasure by touching it.
- Books are meant to be read and not to be sitting on your shelves
- The “Discard papers” section was hard for me. Papers give me so much joy for organizing them but I do know that I should have thrown a lot of paper I have away.
- Don’t store things at your parents' house
- Discarding photos, only keep the ones that inspire joy
- Sort photos and put them into albums if they bring you joy
- Your feelings are the standards for decision making throughout this process
- Letting go is just as helpful as adding is to the magic of tidying

This is a bit of a spoiler alert! I didn't complete the review for this book because I want readers to truly enjoy this book. As much as I did, because I thought this book was fantastic. The characters, the plot, and the suspense was worth 10 stars.

Reading this book I was excited to read about Jules. I know it’s strange because she isn’t one of the three queens but I wanted to know more about her. Once I found out that she had the war gift I knew there had to be something behind her having such a strong familiar. I also want to know if Arsenal would receive a familiar or always have an indescribable bond with the bear.

Jules relationship with Joseph was an emotional rollercoaster for me but I loved the development of that relationship. My biggest complaint about YA fantasy is that the romance is dramatic AF and it was the perfect combination of emotions and forgiveness.

Marabel and Arsenal relationship is intriguing and I want to know more. I secretly hoped that they would all help each other and become three queens instead of fulfilling the killing tradition of two queens but... well it’s another story.

Billy and Arsenal love story is no a cliche and odd and I find myself cheering for them. I’ve always been attracted to opposites. Mainlander versus Queen!

I’m not sure if I want to read the third book because I don’t want to end.

Natasha’s story was ended too soon. I hope her story was a lesson to young readers who may be in domestic violence relationships. Call for help if you feel safe to do so! Turning your back on an abusive partner could possibly cost you your life.

The current queen (I won’t write her name) I’m not a fan of her and her poisoning tricks! I also think Joseph will kill for her. Guilt makes you do crazy things. I also believe that this queen may be possessed.

Originally I wrote a very long and detailed review for this book. After giving it a few days to think about I decided that brevity is key. I am in a state of confusion when writing this book. On the one hand, I am thinking "here we go another white savior type book" and on the other hand "these are the types of stories that need to be told."

On a more minute level, reading this book reminded me of all the songs that Elvis and The Beatles stole from Black artists. So many lives were changed by those songs but no one really knows the people behind those songs. Reading this book reminded me of the days that I would partake in activism work. I wanted to scream out "SAY HER NAME" Henrietta Lacks!!! Not Henrietta Lane, Henrietta Lacks.

The author definitely went on a journey to receive this story. Henrietta Lacks' daughter Debra, her mental state was described in a way that I do know if I would have been able to work with her. I remember thinking, regrettably, thank god the author swore at her in the hotel room. The family dynamics of the Lacks family could be a book on its own. I think the author and Debra relationship was most notable.

When medical and college students are learning about the HELA cells from Henrietta Lacks, professors need to be better on educating students on why those cells came to be and the controversy is behind them. But! I believe that stating that HELA cells profits need to be given to the family is"controversial" is another way of saying, "men in power took them, you can't prove it, and we [men in power] are not paying you anything." I do realize what I stated is similar to things Henrietta Lacks' family members would have said. However, I think Debra would have chosen the path of forgiveness.

I may have had some reservations about this book but I am glad it is out and some of the proceeds are going to a fund that supports the descendants of the Lacks family. However, I kept thinking to myself "here we go another example of black women saving the world, again, with no credit or reciprocated relationship to show of it."