Reviews tagging 'Terminal illness'

Maame by Jessica George

59 reviews

albadee's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

everything. mommy issues, immigrant family dynamics, coming of age, grief, depression, female friendships/found family, finding your voice, I could go on. What a stunning debut. this book has been sitting on a shelf in my living room for two years and I read it at the exact time I needed to. Also a much needed slow paced palate cleanser after reading a new contemporary romance I didn’t enjoy. I can’t wait for her next book 😭

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Terminal illness

Moderate: Sexual content

Minor: Rape, Suicide, and Vomit

There are a couple of moments of uncomfortable sexual encounters where consent isn’t clear

samanthabryan34's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-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

3.0

A coming-of-age story that follows Maddie as she navigates the grief that comes with losing a loved one, while touching on topics of racism, Ghanaian culture, and mental health. I did like it, especially because of how it stems from the author’s own life experiences, but I don’t think any part of it really stands out to give it more than three stars.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent

aftereliza's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring slow-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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Chronic illness, Drug use, Mental illness, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent

Minor: Racism, Sexism, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment

meghanelizabeth's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective 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

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, and Death of parent

Moderate: Mental illness and Racism

Minor: Suicide

calamitywindpetal's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent

Minor: Sexual assault

teacupsandfirereads's review against another edition

hopeful 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

3.0

I'm on the fence if I loved this one. It told a realistic story, the responsibilities of caring for a sick parent and not getting to "grow  up" in time. I found the main character believable, but I struggled to connect with her. I found for broaching such a dense topic, this book just skimmed the surface level. I wanted more substance to it, and didn't feel I got what I wanted. Take my review with a grain of salt. It is still worth reading.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Terminal illness, and Grief

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racism, Death of parent, and Abandonment

Minor: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Toxic relationship

nanirump's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Body shaming, Chronic illness, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, and Classism

theliteraryloot's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Racism, Terminal illness, and Death of parent

Moderate: Sexual content

alybarnett02's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

See trigger warnings! The “Tragedy strikes” was really heavy for me. But so so good, I cried and reflected on my own similar experience. And how those hard things we go through shapes us. Shows such personal growth. I could definitely relate to Maddie when I was that age. Being in London as a black woman, along with her challenges in dating white men. Whew!! Say it for the people in the back! Such good topics!

This was hard to read after Maddie’s dad died. Mostly the process of her grief, and talking to him at her nightly prayer. Wow. I cried. I lost my mother in law and slowly coming on her birthday while reading this. I felt Maddie’s pain. Most people around that age don’t understand what it’s like. But, everything from her talking to her dad, knowing he isn’t in pain, and can be free was so beautiful. And so true for all of our loved ones. It was the reminder I needed. And ending that part with her dad responding? My heart yall. Whatever your religion is, it’s insane, and it might not seem real. But your loved ones can tell you, “its okay”.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent

Moderate: Toxic relationship and Abandonment

evawhite's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Grief, and Death of parent

Moderate: Racism and Sexual content

Minor: Suicide and Terminal illness