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princzukos's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
“We leave, we leave, we leave. We always leave. It is in our blood to leave. But perhaps it’s also in our blood to return” (pg. 137)
Synopsis: A collection of short stories and think pieces of what it’s like growing up as women of color from the dregs of Queens, New York.
likes:
- pacing -- quick read
- representation: there is no one specific race/ethnicity that was prominent in this book since it was narrated as if it was a consensus of all types of women of color -- i thought it was a cool concept. the author also perfectly portrayed the guilt WOC feel when they leave their homes and childhood friends behind to pursue a degree, which is something i resonate deeply with
dislikes:
- i wish the chapters were much longer, but i think this is a great piece of literature to start with then delving into the topic of race, diversity, and inclusivity (i would <b>LOVE</b> to see this being taught in schools!!)
comments:
i wanted to hate this book at first b/c i thought it was going to be a rupi kaur-esque (idc for rupi kaur) x house on mango street type of book, but it’s not like that at all!
Synopsis: A collection of short stories and think pieces of what it’s like growing up as women of color from the dregs of Queens, New York.
likes:
- pacing -- quick read
- representation: there is no one specific race/ethnicity that was prominent in this book since it was narrated as if it was a consensus of all types of women of color -- i thought it was a cool concept. the author also perfectly portrayed the guilt WOC feel when they leave their homes and childhood friends behind to pursue a degree, which is something i resonate deeply with
dislikes:
- i wish the chapters were much longer, but i think this is a great piece of literature to start with then delving into the topic of race, diversity, and inclusivity (i would <b>LOVE</b> to see this being taught in schools!!)
comments:
i wanted to hate this book at first b/c i thought it was going to be a rupi kaur-esque (
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, Car accident, and Classism
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Rape, Islamophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and War
edgaranjapoe's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Alcoholism, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Suicide, Violence, Abortion, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Death, Drug use, Car accident, Abortion, and Fire/Fire injury
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