m4k_f33's review
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
One of my least favorite chef d’œuvres by Sister Souljah. I had high expectations for this book especially after having read the last 2 and read the whole Midnight series. I see where she was trying to go with the symbolism and “life after death” vibe but it was confusing and felt like it had no end goal at times. Don’t bother
sunny1's review
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lovemeknots's review against another edition
1.0
I honestly did not finish this book! It wasn't what I was expecting. I will have to revisit this book later perhaps as an audiobook! I just wasn't feeling it this time around. Not the typical Sister Souljah I'm used to but perhaps her writing style has evolved to something I'm not used to.
soul_over_it's review
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
"The Coldest Winter Ever" is my favorite book to the point that I have read it several times over and the pages are falling out. I have also read the spinoff character books, so I was extremely excited to find a sequel had finally been written. However, this book left me extremely disappointed and I am still not sure what to make of it. I will say that the writing is still very descriptive, but at times I wish it wasn't. This book took me a year to read because it was so ridiculous I had to put it down twice. The second time I picked it back up just so I could finish it, not because I was actually interested in the ending. I did not go in with an expectation of what I had hoped for Winter, but this was definitely not it and by the end, it mostly felt like just a push on religion. Nonetheless, Winter is still Winter and I have yet to decide if that is good or bad. If you are hoping for those descriptions of materialism, sex, and violence, that part of the writing does not disappoint, but sadly the rest does. I would have preferred no sequel at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Abortion, Sexual content, Drug use, Cursing, and Rape
lexesmikasa's review
4.0
I couldn't listen to others reviews because I rather take a dive into a book myself and come up with my own conclusions. I will say, many may not have finished the book based on the genre the book is. The Coldest Winter ever is known as an urban fiction book. However, Life after death can be viewed as a book that takes a dive into Winter's life after her death basically. It deals with the underworld, analyzing her life, her still being the same ol' Winter, and seeing if she could redeem herself.
People dove in with their own thoughts of what should happen and as Sister Souljah stated, plenty has written continuations of her book and she wanted something different.
I personally felt this was a really good book with a deeper message that went over a lot of people's head (similar to the coldest winter ever). Of course, some things happen that made me clutch my pearls but I understood where the author was going when it comes to speaking of hell. Overall, this approach was different and thought-provoking to say as well. I believe the genre of the book and people having their ideas of how the book should've gone is why so many have major issues with it besides their own personal reasons as well.
I would say, go into the book with a different mind frame and understand it's not the same genre. Dump what you believe should happen and just experience the book. Be prepared for shockers though! There were moments where I stated Winter was borderline insane.
People dove in with their own thoughts of what should happen and as Sister Souljah stated, plenty has written continuations of her book and she wanted something different.
I personally felt this was a really good book with a deeper message that went over a lot of people's head (similar to the coldest winter ever). Of course, some things happen that made me clutch my pearls but I understood where the author was going when it comes to speaking of hell. Overall, this approach was different and thought-provoking to say as well. I believe the genre of the book and people having their ideas of how the book should've gone is why so many have major issues with it besides their own personal reasons as well.
I would say, go into the book with a different mind frame and understand it's not the same genre. Dump what you believe should happen and just experience the book. Be prepared for shockers though! There were moments where I stated Winter was borderline insane.
thissagreads's review against another edition
INCREDIBLY disappointed with direction of this book, and I also hated the great Nia Long’s narration. The Brooklyn accent was in and out, and the text itself was frustrating. There was religion being pushed, homophobia, and the main character (the reason so many readers tried reading this book!) was so annoying. Her focus was trying to get in bed with every other man, and was no longer hustle focused. She should’ve matured after 15yrs but she didn’t and I couldn’t finish. It was too boring and too ridiculous.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Gun violence
the_chocolate_print's review
3.0
Whew!! After the first two chapters I really had to put it down, i realized it wasn't what I expected it to be, and I might have to read this book twice. Once Winter is able to converse with another character is when the story begins. The time Winter is alone and realizing she is in the after life was a lot to process in the beginning. Winter was still Winter, lol! This book isn't awful like some will say. Sister has been ahead of others when it comes to her storytelling. You have to appreciate details and history when it comes to her story telling. Also, religion and spirituality. Sister explored some territory many people just don't feel the need to think about. She lost two stars for me because it wasn't what I wanted it to be and not being sure of the direction she truly desired. She will never tell but I do feel like a rewrite was in here somewhere.
jeslauwal's review
2.0
This book was like a fever dream, and I mean that in the worst way possible. While I had hoped that Winter’s 15 years in prison would cause her to grow up, this was not how I would have pictured that happening. It did not feel true to the Winter that I “met” as a teen. I understand what Sister Soulja was trying to do with this book, but I felt like I was being beat over the head with her religious views.