bernadettebloom's review against another edition
2.0
I really thought this one was going to be good. It's the story of Anita Hemmings, the first African American Vassar grad who passed as white in order to attend. I ended up skimming it just to be done.
wizardbaker's review against another edition
2.0
Slow moving and boring. Only finished in hopes something exciting would happen. It didn't.
hazeyjane_2's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This started off strongly, very lighthearted, charming and Bridgerton-esque, but wore thin after a while in terms of character development. I felt a bit more attention could have been given to Anita's home life, and a B-plot included as the only real conflict consists of Anita keeping her secret. The dialogue was also rather stilted in places. Still, the Vassar sections of the book were well done.
leavingsealevel's review against another edition
3.0
I have conflicted thoughts about the telling of this story, but I'm not sure it's my place to weigh in.
hullomoon's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
I appreciated the way the story discussed passing and colorism and how making the decision to pass as white wasn't an easy decision.
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny
Minor: Homophobia
airclay3's review against another edition
5.0
Great epilogue! I appreciated the facts the author put at the end, about what was real and what was made up for the story. Ellen not knowing her true heritage is super sad but also super understandable, given the time. I am so impressed by Anita. And for the college letting her graduate and allowing her daughter admission.
In response to my earlier update, turns out Porter was alright and Lottie was not. I loved that Caroline and Belle turned out to be amazing supporters :)
In response to my earlier update, turns out Porter was alright and Lottie was not. I loved that Caroline and Belle turned out to be amazing supporters :)
jacquelinc's review
4.0
very interesting. anita hemming first black woman passing as white at vassar
lifeofpie's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
k8iedid's review against another edition
I love the premise of this book, but I just couldn't get into it (DNF at 37%). The dialogue and "friendship" between Anita and Lottie just didn't grab me.