Scan barcode
adrianascala's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death, Racism, Police brutality, Grief, and Murder
nicoless's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
In this nightmare, there is only water lapping at your feet, nipping at your heels. Show me your scars, the monster asks. Show me where the snake wrapped itself around your arm and sunk its teeth into soft flesh. You roll up your sleeves and show him the holes littering your limbs. Come out of the shadows, he says. There’s no solace in the shade. Show me where it hurt, he says. Don’t wait for the water to rise. The water won’t save you. You look down and see a warbled reflection in the ripple of the black depths. God has many faces. Many voices. A song in the darkness. Have faith. Suck at the snake’s bite, spit out the venom at your feet. To swallow is to suppress. To be you is to apologize and often that apology comes in the form of suppression, and that suppression is indiscriminate. Spit it out. Don’t wait for the water to rise. Don’t apologize. Forgive yourself.
Life is, sometimes, a nightmare in which I am drowning. And the demons that belong to hell are mine then. I wonder: why do I take that ownership?.
In Open Water Someone's truth is repeated in crescendo until it upsets me, because, if to be me is to apologize and often that apology comes in the form of suppression, and that suppression is indiscriminate; when someone tells me their truth (again and again) as if it's mine -and it is-, it's inconvenient.
-I'm trying not to drown out here, while drowning inside.
I've known most of these feelings, but some of these heart wrenching experiences were foreign to me until recent; "You have known him by many names, but today he was Daniel."
This poetic prose is an exploration of the Inner Being; Trauma as a result of Police Brutality; as well as Love and Relationships of a Black experience.
I'm grateful to dive into this flow of Pain, Fear, Love, Rawness and Rhythm.
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Police brutality, and Murder
raebennison's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone. It is a must-read. I've never read love captured like this, but it's exactly how it feels.
Also reading with Caleb Azumah Nelson's playlist 'open water' really enhances the book.
Graphic: Death, Racism, Violence, Murder, and Alcohol
sadhbhprice's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
holly_daze_'s review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Violence, Police brutality, Grief, and Murder
sammyb's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Police brutality
Moderate: Racism and Murder
Minor: Death
milanaradic's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Grief and Murder
peggy_racham's review against another edition
5.0
Second person perspective, my beloved. Never have I read a love story quite so profound and beautifly written and also tragic.
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, and Alcohol
cass_cgallegos's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I loved that this book has honest depictions of grief and pain and fear, and also joy and love and life in equal amounts. This isn’t just a story of how a Black man endures trauma. This is a story of how a Black man lives in the truth of systemic racism and the hope for joy despite it.
What a stunning story. What an important one.
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Racism, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Chronic illness
annick's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Racism, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Police brutality, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content and Suicidal thoughts