Reviews

The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah

schaebutta's review against another edition

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5.0

Book club read! Full Blog Review: https://schaesplace.com/blogs/books/thecoldestwinterever

I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. It had all the elements of a ghetto love story that reminded me of my favorite classics like Boys in the Hood, Set it Off, Menace to Society...and probably any Madea movie ever that kept me interested.

Winter is reckless, childish, and a hot friggin mess...but a life like hers is one many can relate to whether with experience in Brooklyn or some of the elements of mom trauma, relationship abuse or addiction. If those topics trigger you, you might want to sit this one out.

This selection made me realize that I love urban fiction! It seals the deal that it's one of the genres I lean towards - something about the drama, ratchetness, and ghetto behaviors that keep me turning the pages LOL. I'm eager to start reading Midnight's series by Souljah and maybe even stepping into the rest of Winter's series (once I'm done being mad at her...) 
I look forward to the great discussions I'll have in our book club meeting! <3

mcbibliotecaria's review against another edition

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3.0

Good book. Might read other in the series. Lead character leaves you infuriated and that is a good feeling to have for a fictional character..

readwithtre's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative 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

5.0

chl0edavis's review against another edition

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4.0

this shit was wild
read her for school social commentary is on point

stephsdopereads's review against another edition

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fast-paced

5.0

thekeeks's review

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adventurous dark emotional sad

3.5

jasminedaria's review

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dark emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I see why this book is so relevant more than 25 years after being published. It still remains very potent and tragic as a contemporary novel, but also in my opinion as sociopolitical commentary. I’m glad I have the language to digest what I read now, but wish I’d first experienced this book as a teen like many of my peers. Would highly recommend and likely read again. My only wish was more of Midnight’s story in this book (though I know there are other books that focus solely on him).

najmam's review

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dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

blissfulbrii's review

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Sister Souljah did it! The Coldest Winter Ever was a very realistic and intriguing read. Main character Winter Santiaga got on my nerves so bad lol but I understand she was written to be naive and immature with the arrogance stemming from her lavish lifestyle from her Father’s work, ultimately being humbled by life, despite the area she lived in.

Honestly I have much RESPECT for the author Sister Souljah for including in this book edition a THOROUGH READ of discussion questions aimed for the author as she took the reader down the thought process and creative direction of the intricate decisions she made and also I thought the character analysis was very interesting. I will be reading more!  

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ciaobellareads's review

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dark reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I did not enjoy this book as much as I did when I read it while younger. Rereading it as an adult has given me a different perspective. I did not enjoy the main character at all. There were no redeemable qualities about Winter at all. She was super selfish and continued to make bad decisions based off her immaturity. I was also annoyed that the author included herself as a character in the book. I've always lived Midnight, hut I've also realized that I didn't care too much for him either. He wasn't as great as he thought himself to be. I am glad I read the book, but I don't think I'm interested in ever reading it again.

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