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bionicsarah's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the drama and ethical dilemmas behind this book where a family planning nurse discovers that the poor black women and girls she is looking after are not fully giving consent to the treatment they receive .When this is potentially dangerous she becomes concerned and determined to do something about it
The dilemma dramatically increases when underage girls she is treating are sterilised without parental consent .
The historical setting is described beautifully and the larger background to the unethical treatment of black people st this stage in American history is woven into the story .I was aware of these issues but I think if I wasn’t I would have not felt I was being lectured to which is sometimes the feeling one gets with similar ethical moral issues novels .The author should be proud of this as it is not easy to achieve
I loved the characters particular the main nurse and felt she was believable.
Deep South poverty is extensive throughout the novel but not depressing to the tone which remains warm
I would recommend to those who like a historical novel with a giant ethical dilemma in the middle
I read an early copy on NetGalley Uk
amypodzarz's review against another edition
5.0
I can't recommend this book enough. Such an amazing, powerful read. Will be thinking about this one for awhile.
lcf67's review against another edition
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Take My Hand” by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a powerful story loosely based on historical events. It follows two young sisters victimized by an unjust system and the nurse who seeks justice. The book emphasizes the importance of sharing and remembering such stories. A gem of a read!
“In a world inundated by information about these tragedies and more, I still passionately believe in the power the novel (and its readers!) to raise the alarm, influence hearts, and impact lives.” ~ Dr. Dolen Perkins-Valdez
“In a world inundated by information about these tragedies and more, I still passionately believe in the power the novel (and its readers!) to raise the alarm, influence hearts, and impact lives.” ~ Dr. Dolen Perkins-Valdez
ladieblack1's review against another edition
4.0
A sad riveting account about black, brown , and poor women that needed to be told. A must read for schools imo.
bethanygladhill's review against another edition
4.0
At the same time a story that is matter of fact and change making.
jennitarheelreader's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars!
“In a world inundated by information about these tragedies and more, I still passionately believe in the power the novel (and its readers!) to raise the alarm, influence hearts, and impact lives.” ~ Dr. Dolen Perkins-Valdez
^I can’t say it any better, so I had to quote it. Loosely inspired by actual events, Take My Hand is the powerful story of two young Black sisters who were victims of reproductive injustice, without the informed consent of their caregivers or the girls. It’s also the story of their nurse who was working at the family planning clinic at the time.
It is not ok that this ever happened to women, teenagers, young girls, women with disabilities, women who were economically disadvantaged, women in prison, women in institutional living, and to find out that it continues to happen? That leads me right back to the quote above.
I devoured this book in two days. The writing is smooth and precise; the story compelling and never loses pace. You can’t help but love India and Erica, who at first live in extreme poverty after their mother has passed away, their father and grandmother doing the best they can at the time, still grieving. Their nurse, Civil, becomes close to the family, and eventually becomes an advocate for them, finding them more secure, livable housing, a job for the father, schools for the girls, and eventually, on the path to justice when the unthinkable happens to these girls and this family.
A thought-provoking, important, sensitively told novel everyone should read.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
“In a world inundated by information about these tragedies and more, I still passionately believe in the power the novel (and its readers!) to raise the alarm, influence hearts, and impact lives.” ~ Dr. Dolen Perkins-Valdez
^I can’t say it any better, so I had to quote it. Loosely inspired by actual events, Take My Hand is the powerful story of two young Black sisters who were victims of reproductive injustice, without the informed consent of their caregivers or the girls. It’s also the story of their nurse who was working at the family planning clinic at the time.
It is not ok that this ever happened to women, teenagers, young girls, women with disabilities, women who were economically disadvantaged, women in prison, women in institutional living, and to find out that it continues to happen? That leads me right back to the quote above.
I devoured this book in two days. The writing is smooth and precise; the story compelling and never loses pace. You can’t help but love India and Erica, who at first live in extreme poverty after their mother has passed away, their father and grandmother doing the best they can at the time, still grieving. Their nurse, Civil, becomes close to the family, and eventually becomes an advocate for them, finding them more secure, livable housing, a job for the father, schools for the girls, and eventually, on the path to justice when the unthinkable happens to these girls and this family.
A thought-provoking, important, sensitively told novel everyone should read.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
cjwilson775's review against another edition
5.0
I had heard of but do t ever recall experiencing several emotions simultaneously until reading this book. A must read.
kaitwernsing's review against another edition
5.0
I just don’t believe that anything I say about this book will do it justice.
It’s heartbreaking, devastating, and unfortunately based on true events in US history that I hadn’t learned about until now. Take My Hand is such a powerful read, many many tears were shed, and I imagine that it will stay with me forever.
It’s heartbreaking, devastating, and unfortunately based on true events in US history that I hadn’t learned about until now. Take My Hand is such a powerful read, many many tears were shed, and I imagine that it will stay with me forever.
annalena2422's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0