Reviews with content warning for Sexism - Black Girl Unlimited

Do you know that feeling when you pick up a book and you just KNOW that it's going to leave a tremendous impact on you even before you finish it? That's how I felt while I was reading this!

IF YOU'RE READING THIS, PLEASE STOP AND PICK UP THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK, NO REVIEW WILL DO IT JUSTICE.

I rarely cry while reading books, but this brought me to tears on several occasions. This novel tackled some incredibly difficult topics, and what's even more difficult and heartbreaking is knowing that this is autobiographical. The way that Echo Brown told her story was so raw, beautiful and impactful. I loved the way that she incorporated magical realism into this novel and how each chapter ended with a lesson (it felt like a hybrid of both the personal development and memoir genres). The symbolism that she used was superb - the "black veil" representing depression and the description of "wizards" were the two that stood out to me the most. I adored how many of the females within the novel were described as wizards - I felt as though that gave them power in situations that were meant to make them feel powerless at the hands of others. It truly was incredible and brought tears to my eyes.

Echo did a great job with describing all of the characters and developing their interpersonal relationships. The way that she described her relationship with her mother in particular was the most impactful in my opinion. Her mother was so flawed, but the love they both share for each other (even when they don't see eye-to-eye) made me so emotional. We really got to know Echo through her relationship with her brothers as well - hearing how she had to step into a motherly role at such a young age really helped to embody her spirit and allowed readers to understand her thought process and decision making throughout the rest of childhood and teenage years. Her relationship with her teacher was a great example of how families and communities can come together to help each other overcome adversity as well.

Although this was extremely difficult to read due to the subject matter, I think it is an extremely important novel and can impact readers of all ages. I believe that everyone gain something from this story! I highly recommend the audiobook as well - it is narrated by Echo Brown herself and adds even more emotion and depth. I truly can't recommend this novel enough. I am looking forward to seeing more from Echo in the future!

Content Warnings

locdbooktician's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful informative sad tense fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Wow! This book was so challenging and covered so much. The lessons that were in each chapter were vital to survival and generational trauma. Learning about the plight of the black woman and it being overshadow by black men enraged me while reading this book. The sexual violence was difficult to listen to in this books listening to the author’s end remote at the end of the book broken and had me crying big girl tears.

Content Warnings

tanzreads's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

FUCK. This book was everything. Echo Brown skillfully reached inside of me and performed a miracle with every single lesson of wizard training. And taught me so, so much.

Content Warnings

booksteaandchocolate's review

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. This is a book I plan to pass on to my nieces in hopes of them gaining a smidge of the author's perseverance and strength. I think this is told in such a unique way. It can be a bit jarring at first but once you get used to the flow it's kind of mind blowing how moments just bleed in to each other.

The content is very serious. I knew what this book was about and knew it could be very difficult for me to read with the triggers in it, but felt it was a story that I needed to know. I'm glad I pushed myself even with my struggle. I had to give myself what I refer to trigger breaks to keep myself reading. If you have anxieties like me or have problems with triggers (such as, drug usage, alchoholism, abuse, rape, talks of suicide, and near death experiences) please try to push through to the end. It is genuinely worth the read.

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