arielkay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
kaya217's review against another edition
3.0
The story was unique but something is missing. The ending is hastily wrapped up for one thing but really...something is missing and since I can't put my finger on it this book gets 3 stars.
natreadsallaboutit's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.75
Mystery. Black motherhood. Family Ties. Folklore.
Gentrification. Caul.
TW: infertility/miscarriage, spousal abandonment, abuse.
It’s one thing to be born into something you try to pry away from, yet end up prying into things you know it’s worth fighting for.
Initially. I did not know what to expect at first and even had to do more research myself about caul and en caul babies. I just always knew a baby born in the amniotic sac, was indeed special. Nothing more, nothing less. I never knew the other side of it (traditions, folklore, superstitions etc) until I came upon this book. The more I read, the more attached I became and the characters were developed enough to where I wanted to keep reading to learn more and more about their individual story.
I felt the characters indignation, grief, anxiety, jealousy, hope and more. All in all, this book was memorable and for sure recommend.
allysonw_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Pregnancy
tnbutler15's review
4.0
Whew, very lengthy to the point where I started skimming pages towards the end. I cycled through several emotions towards the Melancons, but they weren’t very likeable characters. The magic/voodoo part was interesting.
caseythereader's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- 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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Child abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Police brutality, Death of parent, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Drug use, Child death, Cursing, Death, Pregnancy, and Suicide
torrie_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Thoughts
"You’re only proud of me for doing what you ask. You don’t give a damn about my feelings, and you never have, so don’t patronize me."
This book y'all. I knew this was going to be a good one and it was. I was unprepared. I still don't know if I have the words to write this review. But this book discusses so much.
Mostly what stood out to me were the topics on motherhood and especially the things we are willing to do to have children when we struggle to do so. Also, the way it captured the individual hurt of miscarriage while others expect you to just move on.
I think this one deserves a reread to annotate it. I know this feels like rambling and maybe it doesnt convince you to read it. But maybe it will make you curious enough to seek out other reviews that will convince you.
"You’re only proud of me for doing what you ask. You don’t give a damn about my feelings, and you never have, so don’t patronize me."
This book y'all. I knew this was going to be a good one and it was. I was unprepared. I still don't know if I have the words to write this review. But this book discusses so much.
Mostly what stood out to me were the topics on motherhood and especially the things we are willing to do to have children when we struggle to do so. Also, the way it captured the individual hurt of miscarriage while others expect you to just move on.
I think this one deserves a reread to annotate it. I know this feels like rambling and maybe it doesnt convince you to read it. But maybe it will make you curious enough to seek out other reviews that will convince you.
bethmarie2003's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5