Scan barcode
jbird_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism and Abortion
tahsintries's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Racism
hayleyvharrington's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, and Abandonment
Minor: Alcohol
stephanieswilley's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
sup3r_xn0va_maya's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
update: 1 hour later
I had book club and discussed this book with some really cool friends. After talking it out I can see where the author was going with this book. I think my take away is that we should give Black men grace and understand when it comes to the ways they show up in our lives. Some of them might not know the "typical" ways to show love so they show love in the only ways they know.
I'm giving this a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
-
This book is ultimately about generational trauma and Black boy and manhood.
The main character wasn't likeable at all and I didn't like how terrible the main character was. With each confession I just became more and more irritated with the book and him. He was somewhat a grey area character, but to me he was just an unlikeable asshole.
He often complained that he wanted his child to "be a man" and be confident and have strength but every chance the main character has at reaching out to his child to reconcile their relationship, he shys away. So now he's the meek one? Yeah, I don't like that hypocrisy, with as much grief as he gave his son for not acting like "a man", he could have stood up and "been a man" when it came to connecting with his son.
I felt sorry for his family because they had to deal with him. I understand that he is trying to learn and do better as a person, he's so unlikeable that I don't care if he's trying to become a better person. I'm trying to be understanding to his character but it's hard for me.
My friends felt more sympathy than I did for the main character and maybe you will too.
I'm giving this a 3 out of 5 stars.
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, and Outing
cc_shelflove's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism and Child death
Minor: Slavery, Suicide, and Blood
afroheaux's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, and Sexual violence
themillennialjareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Suicide
jaylee_books's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
Minor: Murder
laurataylor's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Racism, Medical content, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Colonisation