geewillikers's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
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
This book definitely relied on some darker themes and imagery, but I loved the narration style and the tone. I'd strongly recommend this book to anyone that can handle some dark humor.
lauraportalupi's review against another edition
5.0
These stories capture the artifice (and agony) of commonplace life. It took me a few stories to get really hooked, and then each story was like an integral piece of a beautiful yet increasingly disturbing picture. Thompson-Spires can write brilliant endings. And she has a keen ability to subtly weave characters between these stories. Intersectionality, mental health, police brutality, education, church, and what it means to be black in white spaces are all covered (and more).
tmariereads's review against another edition
5.0
I used to think that I didn't like short stories, but then I realized that I have never really given them a fair chance. I should not have waited so long to read this collection of short stories. Each story is thought-provoking, there is dark humor and satire sprinkled in many of the stories, and the collection as a whole is just incredibly powerful. Even if you think you don't like short stories, read this book and let it change your mind. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
meat_muffin's review against another edition
3.0
I'm generally not a fan of short stories, but this book has been on my list for a while so I had to get into it. Heads of the Colored People is composed of engaging stories in different styles and formats (letters between mothers in their kids' backpacks, for example). There is a range of themes, and I also liked that some of the stories were told about the same character from different perspectives. Overall, would recommend!
skyak's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
dweenzers's review against another edition
5.0
She has a lovely way of distilling people's quirks and conveying their thoughts on scenes. I also liked how she layered each short story with flashes to the past and scenes from the present, such that each story inevitably builds with gravity and tension. Many of the stories respond to each other, if not from using the same character, then thematically, like a meta-critique.
ikathyy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
booksonstereo_o's review against another edition
4.0
Heads of the Colored People is an excellent collection of short stories that systematically breaks down the black monolith view of black people. Chalked full of unique, bold perspectives, Nafissa Thompson-Spires has captured an aspect of the black experience that's utterly fresh.
meghanchristian's review against another edition
5.0
I haven’t read anything this relatable…ever. Each story was so balanced and interesting, most of them being set in Southern California! Loved this!