tuhmeeyur's review
4.0
this book is a gorgeous sneak peak into the lives of black people - especially black women in the 60s in new york. toni cade bambara's writing style is so simple, so easy to grasp, so real, yet so poignant. it's truly unique in that way. i love her depiction of the intelligence of children and their oppression at the hands of adults as well as the way women lean on their friendships with one another when confronted with similar oppression from the men in their lives.
"somebody has opened a wet umbrella in my chest" - a line on the very last page of this book which i think perfectly summarizes the unique voice toni has, the way she gets you viscerally involved in the story, for who cannot relate to that feeling? and yet who else has put it so succinctly?
"somebody has opened a wet umbrella in my chest" - a line on the very last page of this book which i think perfectly summarizes the unique voice toni has, the way she gets you viscerally involved in the story, for who cannot relate to that feeling? and yet who else has put it so succinctly?
philip_bonanno's review
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Collection of short stories. Some were def stronger than others! I liked Survivor a lot and enjoyed Playing with Punjab
charlottesometimes's review
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lachellerising's review
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
marisatn's review
Had to return to library. Couldn’t get into the stories. Will try again sometime.
nerdymamabooks's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
hottieb333's review against another edition
Not feeling it. While I appreciate the musicality of the writing style, it wasn't the vibe I was looking for.