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shemeetscity's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5 stars!! Wow, these storiessss
Merged review:
4.5/5 stars!! Wow, these storiessss
Merged review:
4.5/5 stars!! Wow, these storiessss
athenian_frog's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
3.5
Interesting collection of short stories that touch on religion, complex family relationships, and one’s relationship with religion/sexuality. The author also examines mother-daughter relationships in a nuanced way.
I didn’t love all the stories but there were a couple that had me like woah!!
My favorites were Jael and How to Make Love to a Physicist.
I didn’t love all the stories but there were a couple that had me like woah!!
My favorites were Jael and How to Make Love to a Physicist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, and Sexual content
asalisbury's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
aharman13's review against another edition
3.5
A look behind the curtain of the front row of churchgoers
chazzychat's review against another edition
4.0
If you want a JUICY read that you’ll more than likely devour in 1-2 days — THIS IS THE ONE! The title is so fitting because we’re ushered into the SECRET LIVES of black women from teenage years to adulthood and the escapades they get into are tantalizing. Out of the 9 stories — I liked 7, 2 left me with my jaw on the floor, and 1 gave me allllll the feels and hope and whimsy I could desire. Very well done!
katriana85's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
pamela__reads's review against another edition
5.0
I rarely give a short story collection five stars because there is always at least one or two stories I’m not a fan of. However, I truly enjoyed each one of these stories, but my favorite by far was the first story in the collection titled “Eula.”
allieeilla's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
alisarae's review against another edition
Short stories of Black women's inner lives as they navigate the daily hypocrisies sparked by the conflict between desire and the church's prescription.
I enjoyed these stories. They are very slice-of-life, but interesting. It's easy to stay with the thread of the stories. Philyaw's voice is distinct and thoughtful, and the audio narration is warm, perfect. I'm happy this was my first book of 2021 and I hope it's a sign of other good reads to come.
Food pairing: There's one story where the character is really missing her southern roots, and her partner prepares a big seafood boil with the necessary Old Bay and sweet tea. But I think gumbo and cornbread would be a nice alternative.
I enjoyed these stories. They are very slice-of-life, but interesting. It's easy to stay with the thread of the stories. Philyaw's voice is distinct and thoughtful, and the audio narration is warm, perfect. I'm happy this was my first book of 2021 and I hope it's a sign of other good reads to come.
Food pairing: There's one story where the character is really missing her southern roots, and her partner prepares a big seafood boil with the necessary Old Bay and sweet tea. But I think gumbo and cornbread would be a nice alternative.