zkhh's review against another edition
3.0
I have no idea why this book’s summary is what it is because it is false advertising. I spent the first half of the book very mad that the book didn’t match the summary at all. The school part doesn’t even happen until 30% in. I was over this book and almost DNF.
But. It did recover and I ended up appreciating the multigenerational stories, woven together, and tackling a lot of issues. I just wish it would’ve been advertised as such.
But. It did recover and I ended up appreciating the multigenerational stories, woven together, and tackling a lot of issues. I just wish it would’ve been advertised as such.
findyourgoldenhour's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 (Dear Goodreads, when will you allow fractional stars??) I liked this one a lot. Characters with depth and flaws that felt true to life; the way their stories intertwined kept me turning the pages. I read there's been talk of a tv miniseries, which I would totally watch.
The only thing that took away from the novel was the number of characters and the disjointed timeline. The author did an excellent job making the characters feel real, giving them all compelling storylines, but for me, there were too many to follow and care about. Add to that a timeline that jumps back and forth and I often found myself getting pulled out of the story to think, "Wait, what was going on with these people a few chapters back? Wait, what year is this?"
Despite this, I still really liked it, which is a testament to how talented the author is. I want to read her backlist and will likely read what she writes next.
The only thing that took away from the novel was the number of characters and the disjointed timeline. The author did an excellent job making the characters feel real, giving them all compelling storylines, but for me, there were too many to follow and care about. Add to that a timeline that jumps back and forth and I often found myself getting pulled out of the story to think, "Wait, what was going on with these people a few chapters back? Wait, what year is this?"
Despite this, I still really liked it, which is a testament to how talented the author is. I want to read her backlist and will likely read what she writes next.
kellyhook_readsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
What’s Mine and Yours tells the story of two fractured families and the tangled ways their lives intersect over the course of 20 years. A North Carolina community is at odds when students from a largely Black school from the east side of town are integrated with a predominantly white high school on the west side in 2002. Told through the lens of multiple family members at different points in time, this beautifully written character-driven novel slowly unfolds.
Naima Coster has given readers a LOT to unpack. Hot button issues? You name it, this one’s got it: racial tension, addiction, abortion, gun violence, infidelity, sexuality, the list goes on. Despite the controversial topics, the story is contemplative and rather understated. The school integration plotline takes a backseat to the true heart of the novel: the search for identity in light of one’s family and upbringing.
Various aspects of this story will resonate differently with each reader, which would make for a fascinating book club discussion
vaniagarwal's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
onewell's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this one. 3.5 rounded up! Follows lots of different story lines and goes back and forth between 3/4 main time periods. Got a little jumbled for me at times but that’s prob due to me not paying enough attention to what era the chapter was in. Love how stories weaves together and the elements of race, addiction, social status, family, etc. felt some characters weren’t developed quite enough, and some characters didn’t need to be in story, but I loved the overall arc of it
miztressofcool's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.75
blackmomreads's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
eyedoc's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Abortion, Addiction, Hate crime, Infertility, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Bullying, Death, Drug use, Grief, and Murder
talkbookswithnat's review against another edition
3.0
I read this as a buddy read last month. I haven’t been able to write a review because it has been heavy on my mind. I still don’t know how I feel about it, even with all the time I have taken to reflect.
I am rating 3 stars, but who knows, I may change to 4. I keep going back and forth. But this book was heavy with a lot of different stories. I loved the way the family stories intersected. But there almost seemed to be too much going on with the characters. The author writes about two main characters, Gee and Noelle, I almost wish the story was focused on just the two of them and not so much on the siblings.
I thought 90% of the book was building conflict and developing relationships and then - it was over. Overall I liked this book and it was definitely thought provoking.
I am rating 3 stars, but who knows, I may change to 4. I keep going back and forth. But this book was heavy with a lot of different stories. I loved the way the family stories intersected. But there almost seemed to be too much going on with the characters. The author writes about two main characters, Gee and Noelle, I almost wish the story was focused on just the two of them and not so much on the siblings.
I thought 90% of the book was building conflict and developing relationships and then - it was over. Overall I liked this book and it was definitely thought provoking.