Reviews tagging 'Drug use'

How to Love a Jamaican by Alexia Arthurs

3 reviews

bookishkellyn's review

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reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is the first anthology where I’ve enjoyed every single story. This is a well-written collection that really hits home if you’re Jamaican (or Black Caribbean).
→ A friendship with a white-washed Black girl. A man compares himself to his estranged twin brother. The drownings of twin girls who loved mermaids. A mother sends her daughter back home to reset behaviors. A lesbian at a “straight wedding” reflects on life changes. A boy reminisces about his late grandmother. A college girl on an international track scholarship. A married immigrant harbors a secret. Acquaintances reconnect on Facebook. Daughters express their mixed emotions about their mothers. A Rihanna-like star dwells on her trials and tribulations.

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kathyreadsalot's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.5

As a Jamaican, I’m always on the lookout for contemporary fiction written by Jamaicans about Jamaicans. This is not disappoint. I enjoy short stories and vignettes which is what this book gave - very real and nuanced snippets into the lives of people that I might as well have been related to. Extremely well written and enjoyable, Arthurs spends time exploring mother-daughter relationships, the dynamics of migration on a family, the often complex family dynamics, and exploration of idenity outside of what is considered normal and acceptable by Jamaican standards. Loved the inclusion of some LGBTQ+ characters and stories too. A well rounded collection. My only gripe is I wish they had some Jamaican narrators for this audiobook!! The accents were not great. 

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hilarylouise's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring medium-paced
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0


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