rensbookishspace's Reviews (171)

At the core of this book is a love story, cant say i’m into such things, but i definitely enjoyed this book.
From the start of this book you are rooting for the protagonist, to say her life was difficult is an understatement. We watch her come of age and figure things out.
Then there is the murder mystery element, this part kept me turning the pages. Who dunnit??
I enjoyed how the chapters went between past and present to tell the story.
This book was all the hype a few years ago and i’m glad i finally got around to it.

3.5 stars rounded down. I really enjoyed this book. Its not a thriller thriller like the name would suggest even though Ayoola is really a serial killer. This is a fun, light, exciting read. It was humorous even though it was somewhat dark. If you dont have a sense of humour skip this book.
It was an interesting way to explore family dynamics, loyalty, social damn media and other themes. It was too short though, there were storylines i wish were explored more :(
Blood is definitely thicker than water.

I hope this book is purely fictional and not a true representation of what its like being Arab-American. My gut tells me it may be common though not the norm.
I found this book to be an OK read, the ending was abrupt and left me wondering where is the rest.

A vivid, heart wrenching account of three generations of women in the same family who endure years of abuse at the hands of the men in their lives.
Sital details the abuse from the perspective of her mother and grandmother, often times written in dialect (which i loved, but was a little hard to read). I was able to learn more about the culture and history of Trinidad.
It truly is a sin to be poor. I am convinced this contributed to the women putting up with years of torment. All in all this was a good, heavy read.

To think that this book is almost 100yrs old! A classic worth reading. I love the way Nella Larsen writes, thoughts are expressed so elegantly. It could be representative of how well spoken people were 90+ years ago, i'm not sure.
This book tells the story of two fair skinned black women, Clare and Irene who were childhood friends. They run into each other years later and it so happens that one of them, Clare, is 'passing' as white. Irene seems secure with her racial identity and life while Clare seems unhappy and is attempting to reconnect with the black community. This short book was able to touch on so many things outside of race-parenting, marriage, sexuality and more.

If i didnt know better i would think that the author, Donna Hemans, was trying to get me to feel some sympathy for Lenworth. *rolls eyes* The nerve of that man! How can You keep someone's child from them and then try to justify it by claiming to be doing good. Who let him into the priesthood?!
This book was well written and captivating. I could not put it down, that is, until the disappointing end.

This is one heart breaking story. I read it in one sitting because i had to get all the answers.
The story starts with Viveks mother discovering his dead, naked body at their door. His mother knows someone knows what happened to him and keeps searching for answers.
This is a story about identity, a forbidden love and family. Viveks story is tragic as he is not understood until he reforms friendships with some childhood friends and his cousin, Osita. His full acceptance of who he is eventually leads to his death.

For me this was almost a 4 star book, 3.5 maybe? I enjoyed the storyline and how the author weaved between past and present. The story unfolded brilliantly. I think what threw it off for me was the magical element/superstitions. I'm not a fan and possibly i take things too literal.
Augustown tells the story of a fictional (not so fictional) innercity community in Jamaica. Ma Taffy is clairvoyant and wakes up one day knowing that an 'attaclaps' is impending. Her suspicions are confirmed when her grand nephew returns home from school crying and his dreadlocks cut off. Babylon is at it again!
This book tackles classism, religion, violence and Rastafarianism. A strong, powerful read!

This book left me in tears!! From the first the first page i was hooked. If you love a good, heavy, messy family drama you will enjoy this.
There are potential triggers in there as it explores self harm and hate crimes.