I could not get into the writing style of Devils Kill Devils.  A lot words with not much happening.  And also it gets kinda religious.  Just not for me. 

I Made it Out of Clay is billed as a romcom, and while it does have those aspects, I would say it is more serious than comedy.  I had very few laugh out loud moments. I enjoyed the story which deals heavily with grieving loved ones that have passed on and feeling unprotected in a world of haters (religious fanatics, misogynists, non existent intimate relationships).  Being a minority myself (African American) I saw many similarities regarding feeling unsafe and targeted due to religious affiliation (Jewish in this case).  While I do not feel it is the same because you can easily not showcase your religion compared to skin color, I understood the concept the author was going for.  The feeling of being a target was expressed very well nonetheless.  I loved the expression of Jewish traditions/language in the book.

I loved the many representations in the book as far as black, queer, black Jew.   Very blended.  I liked the characters, but the main character Eve annoyed me.  I get she is going through some stuff, but I found her self centered and arrogant.  The world doesn't revolve around just your feelings lady..  And also for best friends, they don't seem to be.  Anyway, good time if you take at face value and don't ask too many questions. I enjoyed the story.  I think there was a lot of lead up and quick resolutions.  I wouldn't have minded more details toward the end.

We Call Them Giants is a fun dystopian with an emotional twist.  I was left with questions as many things were not explains but I still enjoyed it.  The illustrations are so life-like.  

The Summer I Ate the Rich #netgalley was a good ARC.  I like the unique zombie (aka zonbi) from Haitian culture, as well as, all the other references to the culture. The food references were yum and you can imply the author loves some Haitian food.  Book had many valid points about how rich people hoard wealth and don't help people in need enough.  While I enjoyed the plot, I do feel there was some over simplification of events that I would not mind more details about.  Like what happened with what was done.  I need to know.  Also I had issues with Brielle's recklessness, lack of repercussions for actions, and behaving so adult all the time.  I had some issues with mom too being so hands off.  But great book, fun story with quite a few shockers. I enjoyed it.

Sure I'll be Your Black Friend is a hilarious relatable memoir through some seriously sad situations.  As an African American I will say people suck and I've had many similar experiences.  My only hope is we as blacks don't contribute to the madness and allow it to continue as rampant as it has.  I did not know Columbia had a graduation swimming requirement.  Great book and I am happy to be able to review it for my book community.  Very timely with the election because politics and racism do indeed have a relationship.

Eve's memoir is emotional, informative and I have a better clue into this lovely talented artist and person.  While I do think she was vulnerable, I feel as though there was details about her personal life that are missing.  Personal about emotions, but not gonna give you too much info about my interactions.  I like the validation of insights into the patriarchal music/Hollywood industry.  Overall a good safe memoir.  She minded her business and didn't mention too many celebrities to get into trouble.  Smart. 

The Middle Passage is a history lesson for the ages that should never be forgotten.  As the author states, "many consider slavery to be the greatest crime ever committed against people in human history". That says a lot considering there are so many criminal examples to choose from and the fall out from it is exponential.  Another quote: "the pain of the present is sometimes overwhelming, but the reasons for it are rooted in the past." I see that everyday when I hear about another injustice against black people.  They never stop unfortunately.  The book was educational, emotional, and not overly graphic.  Illustrations are muted and at times abstract but you feel them just the same.  And remember "a government that tolerated the dehumanization of human beings initially, is capable of tolerating it again".  Oh and apparently the song Amazing Grace was written by a slave ship captain that decided to become a minister.  I now feel the song is tarnished for me. 

I enjoyed Immortal Dark and just when it gets really good, the cliffhanger comes in. I hate when books don't tell you about the cliff hanger up front.  That said, there are lots of shockers and satisfying events/reveals along the way to entertain so I am not completely upset.  

Anyway, I loved the unique take with black vampires and an African ancestry for said vampires.  It's not loud and proud on every page, but the representation is a beautiful thing.  Love the dedication at the beginning too and appreciate it.  I enjoyed the characters and how different everyone was.  There are definitely lots of characters and at times I was confused, but I rolled with it and it all straightened itself out.  Patience grasshopper.  I loved the power struggles, the concept of who vampires drink from, why they drink from certain places and the house/university dynamics.  Book had a lot going on and it was done nicely.   

My only complaint is some dumb decisions made toward the end that didn't really make sense.  Other than that, awesome book that I was so excited to finally read, despite find out about the cliffhanger.  Looking forward to book 2.

The Night Eaters Vol 2 s a wild ride in getting to know your true self and that your parents have been lying to you you whole life. I was confused at times but enjoyed it nonetheless. Lots of gore, comedy, and eff bombs galore.  I like how funny and curious Billy continues to be and responsible Milly wants to be.  The dog scene was hilarious.  Great series and I hope to continue when the next volume gets released.

 The Night Eaters Vol 1 was an unexpected storyline that I thoroughly enjoyed.  It was so much more than the haunted house story I expected.  Excellent horror plot with some emotional family drama thrown in.  Mom is a trip, dad is chill, Milly is angry and Billy is a spaz.  Loved them all.  I love the references to Chinese culture (not talking about the past is definitely a shared cultural trait) and stereotypes.  Overall, I enjoyed the story and am definitely about to read Vol 2.