scotareademall626's review
2.0
I found the writing to be intriguing but the plot just didn’t really seem to go anywhere for me. Did there seem to be a story arc? Meh, kinda. But I felt at times, especially the last half, where it was just sort of a lazy river ride.
cnxnoname's review
2.0
I had been intrigued by this novel (based on the name) for quite some time. My intrigue had been recently reinvigorated by the fact that I had recently seen a review or a post detailing this novel as a merge of two novels that I'm highly interested in. The first, one of my favourite novels from last year, An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, and the second, a book I've never read but have read stellar reviews for, The Mothers by Brit Bennett, which I really want to read.
Unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me despite all the intrigue. I really did click with some elements of the story. The complex relationships of young girls and their mothers/caregivers is a standout element of this novel that caught me. The character Kim immersed me in the heartache of that breaking point that most young girls get to with their mothers when they feel they are being mistreated. Another element that stood out in The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls was the relationship between Althea and Proctor. It was so mesmerizing that their relationship didn't just die because they fucked up in this one area of their life that lands them in prison. I loved that element.
I felt that the book went over quite a few topics that are pertinent and yet under-discussed in the black community. Casual homophobia, bulimia, sexual and physical violence between siblings, the turning of the blind eye, all of these topics are key focal points that are important discussions that come out in this novel. However, the fact that all those topics need to be/are brought forward doesn't necessarily make the story gripping or emotionally complex.
I personally felt that the novel was kind of underwhelming in its delivery of such topics. I felt like Kim was the most unique character and I really wish that the story was mainly told from her and Althea's perspective and not so much Lillian and Viola. I think the struggle between the two is a critical and never-overstated topic to examine in the culture.
Anyway, yeah this book didn't really do it for me. I do appreciate it's existence but I felt like giving up reading at points. It was interesting but everything was a little too resigned to its fate and enamoured with its misery for me. It wasn't visceral enough. Sue me, sis.
Unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me despite all the intrigue. I really did click with some elements of the story. The complex relationships of young girls and their mothers/caregivers is a standout element of this novel that caught me. The character Kim immersed me in the heartache of that breaking point that most young girls get to with their mothers when they feel they are being mistreated. Another element that stood out in The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls was the relationship between Althea and Proctor. It was so mesmerizing that their relationship didn't just die because they fucked up in this one area of their life that lands them in prison. I loved that element.
I felt that the book went over quite a few topics that are pertinent and yet under-discussed in the black community. Casual homophobia, bulimia, sexual and physical violence between siblings, the turning of the blind eye, all of these topics are key focal points that are important discussions that come out in this novel. However, the fact that all those topics need to be/are brought forward doesn't necessarily make the story gripping or emotionally complex.
I personally felt that the novel was kind of underwhelming in its delivery of such topics. I felt like Kim was the most unique character and I really wish that the story was mainly told from her and Althea's perspective and not so much Lillian and Viola. I think the struggle between the two is a critical and never-overstated topic to examine in the culture.
Anyway, yeah this book didn't really do it for me. I do appreciate it's existence but I felt like giving up reading at points. It was interesting but everything was a little too resigned to its fate and enamoured with its misery for me. It wasn't visceral enough. Sue me, sis.
milbelmama's review against another edition
3.5
It was a contempo story, writing was fine. Reviewed as a mesh between An American Marriage (which I thought was not that good) and The Mothers, (which I really enjoyed a lot!), I gave it a try. But I could’ve passed on this one. It was just ok, and luckily for me, it was short. Bahni Turpin and the other narrators were great but other than being a story of current American life, I really didn’t see a great development of any particular character. So I listened at 2.0 speed and there are too many other great writers to read…
bookitmik's review
2.0
DNF. Not for me. Kinda boring. Lacking plot, character development and any forward progress. Triggering for those with ED.
mbondlamberty's review
3.0
Hard read (listen) - dealing with abuse, neglect and eating disorders.
I finished it so not terrible but can take a toll - so consider this a trigger warning.
Didn't actually take this long, but was my nighttime listen so I fell asleep a lot and repeated parts as my shuffle isn't super high-tech
I finished it so not terrible but can take a toll - so consider this a trigger warning.
Didn't actually take this long, but was my nighttime listen so I fell asleep a lot and repeated parts as my shuffle isn't super high-tech
grace_grimsley's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.25
alexism26's review against another edition
It wasn’t the type of book I needed at the time.
annainthemargins's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Confinement
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Physical abuse
bookaddictrn's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this story despite the sobering, unhappy plot. Would have given it 4 stars except the ending left me dissatisfied.
jcinf's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This is the first audiobook I’ve listened to. It’s hard for me to rate because I’m not entirely sure I enjoyed the experience of listening to a book.
So I’m not sure if my rating comes more from the fact that I don’t enjoy audiobooks as much, or if I just had trouble remembering to listen.
The voice actors were good, but Viola’s voice kind of annoyed me lol.
So I’m not sure if my rating comes more from the fact that I don’t enjoy audiobooks as much, or if I just had trouble remembering to listen.
The voice actors were good, but Viola’s voice kind of annoyed me lol.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder