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amandas_bookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gun violence, Infertility, Racism, and Grief
Moderate: Death, Abandonment, and War
Minor: Child abuse, Pedophilia, and Rape
literapy_nyc's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Angela Jackson-Brown's Untethered is a powerful historical fiction novel set in 1967 Alabama. Katia Daniels, a Black social worker, balances caregiving at a group home for Black boys with the weight of personal loss and unfulfilled dreams. The novel explores the emotional toll of being a protector while facing personal grief and societal challenges. Katia's fierce care for the boys she protects sometimes comes at a steep personal cost. Jackson-Brown's detailed research on child protective services and the Vietnam War brings depth to the story. Katia's grief over losing her father, a missing twin brother in Vietnam, and dreams of motherhood bring layers of emotion to the story. Her moments of comfort—romance novels and Nina Simone's music—offer glimpses of tenderness amid hardship. The relationship with her mother, marked by shared grief, is beautifully portrayed. I love how relationship-centered this novel is! The boys in Katia's care feel just as real and precious as Katia herself.
The author thoughtfully explores difficult themes like sexual abuse, addiction, gun violence, and death. Healing is shown as ongoing and complex, rather than neatly resolved.
I found myself rooting for Katia's happiness, even as it unfolded in unexpected ways. Untethered is a moving testament to the strength and emotional depth of Black women. It honors the complexities of caregiving in our families and communities. Jackson-Brown allows Katia to be vulnerable without making her a martyr. As a therapist, I appreciated how the novel captures emotional strength and personal growth through challenges beyond our control.
This compassionate, thoughtful read lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended for those who value stories of healing, strength, and love.
The author thoughtfully explores difficult themes like sexual abuse, addiction, gun violence, and death. Healing is shown as ongoing and complex, rather than neatly resolved.
I found myself rooting for Katia's happiness, even as it unfolded in unexpected ways. Untethered is a moving testament to the strength and emotional depth of Black women. It honors the complexities of caregiving in our families and communities. Jackson-Brown allows Katia to be vulnerable without making her a martyr. As a therapist, I appreciated how the novel captures emotional strength and personal growth through challenges beyond our control.
This compassionate, thoughtful read lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended for those who value stories of healing, strength, and love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, and Death
tianas_littalk's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Pedophilia, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Miscarriage, Sexual assault, and Pregnancy