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aleciatalbot's review against another edition
5.0
Magical realism is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres to read in, and A Love Song for Ricki Wilde was a hit in this category.
This book felt so different than any other book that I’ve read. I love Tia Williams’s writing SO much. It’s immersive and poetic and I felt like I was experiencing Harlem and its sights, smells, and sounds in both the 1920s and the present. I don’t want to give away too much about the plot, because I think it’s a fun one to go into without many expectations.
The characters in this story are absolute top tier. Ricki is strong, independent, sensitive and perseveres despite her family’s criticisms. Ezra is a determined, kind, and a swoonworthy jazz musician mmc. They are electric together.
I loved everything about this book, and it was such a joy to read. I can’t wait to keep reading more Tia Williams in the future!
This book felt so different than any other book that I’ve read. I love Tia Williams’s writing SO much. It’s immersive and poetic and I felt like I was experiencing Harlem and its sights, smells, and sounds in both the 1920s and the present. I don’t want to give away too much about the plot, because I think it’s a fun one to go into without many expectations.
The characters in this story are absolute top tier. Ricki is strong, independent, sensitive and perseveres despite her family’s criticisms. Ezra is a determined, kind, and a swoonworthy jazz musician mmc. They are electric together.
I loved everything about this book, and it was such a joy to read. I can’t wait to keep reading more Tia Williams in the future!
mvilly's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Gorgeous
natalie_ayerdis's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
thealyssa_ann's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I loved Ricki as a character and how she found herself and embraced the history of Black Harlem. The weaving of different times and stories was so masterful and intriguing. The pace felt a bit weird to me, but ultimately I’m a huge fan of this.
micahelise's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
5.0
5/5 - i am ricki wilde; ricki wilde is me. WHEN WILL IT BE MY TURNNNNNNN (minus the curse)
casshow's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
erinbrady's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
kfmcf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
First, I want to start off by saying that the prose and historical aspects of this book are lovely. Tia Williams is and will be an incredible writer, no matter the genre.
However, this book was not for me. I love magical realism, I do, but this one kept trying to toe the line of both being and not being magical realism throughout the entire book. I was far more interested in the Harlem Renaissance chapters than I was anything with Ricki (sorry). Or even Della! I would have loved this to be a look through Della's life. I just really struggled with Ricki and Ricki's schticky family.
Also, this book doesn't get into the real meat of the magical realism until around 60% of the way through. It leaves you wondering what is going on as if there is going to be a big payoff - and there really never is. The exposition of what's going on feels a bit underdeveloped and underwhelming. And why were they so drawn to each other? Maybe I just too much of a skeptic to really 'get' the Fated Mates trope, but I could not suspend my disbelief that they were a perfect match. What did they even have in common?
This book left me pretty frustrated throughout the majority of it and that's disappointing, to say the least.
However, this book was not for me. I love magical realism, I do, but this one kept trying to toe the line of both being and not being magical realism throughout the entire book. I was far more interested in the Harlem Renaissance chapters than I was anything with Ricki (sorry). Or even Della! I would have loved this to be a look through Della's life. I just really struggled with Ricki and Ricki's schticky family.
Also, this book doesn't get into the real meat of the magical realism until around 60% of the way through. It leaves you wondering what is going on as if there is going to be a big payoff - and there really never is. The exposition of what's going on feels a bit underdeveloped and underwhelming. And why were they so drawn to each other? Maybe I just too much of a skeptic to really 'get' the Fated Mates trope, but I could not suspend my disbelief that they were a perfect match. What did they even have in common?
This book left me pretty frustrated throughout the majority of it and that's disappointing, to say the least.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Death, and Suicide
Minor: Emotional abuse
elevyn's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Just what you’d expect and a little bit of extra knowledge. It was cutesy but full of interesting tidbits and history. Neat genre to be incorporating heavier info - I’m a fan of sneaky opportunities for learning. Fun read after a wedding weekend! A sweet touch is when characters from Seven days in June stop by for a guest appearance.
joyyboyy's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I'm so conflicted on this book and really want to talk to someone about it. I enjoyed the characters and the setting so much but the pacing was so odd to me i didn't feel like I was experiencing a story? I loved the magical realism but also if I hadn't know it was in there I would have just been confused at the 60% mark.