Reviews with content warning for Sexism - Brown Girls

a surprisingly fast read, brown girls is an important illustration and exploration of the titular subject in all their aspects: their complex identity, family, the immigrant experience, societal pressure, discrimination in many aspects including their race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.

i particularly enjoy the portrayal of how said life struggles never truly end, there's always another hurdle to jump thru whether it be in terms of schooling, career, romance or family life. it's also satisfying seeing the narrator learns more abt herself and slowly comes to terms w/ her identity and place in the world after reconnecting w/ her motherland, and for the most part 'wake up' from internalized racism & colorism and unconscious self-doubt and hatred.

palasi andreades nuancedly delves into many relevant topics w/in the lives of WOC, esp in relations to whiteness, and the ebb and flow of friendship thru time is realistic. overall, i enjoy this book and hope to read more from the author.

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elliehoney's review

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emotional hopeful reflective tense 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? N/A

4.5

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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-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? It's complicated

4.5

I really loved Brown Girls. It’s the story of second-generation immigrant girls growing up in Queens. The book follows them from early childhood through to the end of life, but the emphasis is heavily on their teens and twenties, the key coming-of-age years. What immediately stands out is that this novel is told in the first person plural, “we”. This does mean the reader never gets to know any of the girls individually, but I found it really drew me into the story as a reader, making me feel as if I was one of the group, or at the very least a fly on the wall as a group of girlfriends got together. The collective voice vividly highlighted the universality of some of their experiences like sexism, racism, and balancing the expectations of immigrant parents with the realities of life in America. Yet the diversity and individuality of their different experiences came through clearly as well. Some girls were encouraged by teachers; others were put down. Some went to college and achieved professional success; others did not. Some became parents; other aborted unwanted pregnancies, struggled with fertility, or chose to remain childless. Some escaped Queens; others remained there their whole life. The writing was lyrical, while still feeling rooted in reality. I’ve never been to Queens but this depiction feels vividly authentic. It’s easy to believe I’ve been transported there and given the opportunity to share the lives of this group of Brown girls. A unique book that is sure to stick with me.

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