Reviews with content warning for Medical trauma - Take My Hand

Trigger warnings: Racism, pregnancy, sterilization of children, brief insinuations of child abuse.

I passed on this book a couple years ago when I had the opportunity to choose it from Book of the Month, and then it recently showed up in my Little Free Library so I took it as a sign that I should give it a chance. I'm so glad I did. It's easily one of the most moving books I've read so far this year, and while it was often heartbreaking, it also left me feeling inspired and uplifted by the time it was over. The characters felt real, and learning at the end that the book was actually loosely based on true events felt like being punched in the gut. I cannot wait to pick up more from this author.

Content Warnings

harkless's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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writingcaia's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

4.75

Another showcase of mistreatment of Black people, of Black women in particular. Will it ever stop?!?
Inspired by a true story this book is gut wrenching and heart breaking, but beautifully written and with a mysterious narrative that keeps you guessing at what comes next.
Super recommend it!

Content Warnings

bendercath's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Really moving and beautiful telling of a horrific part of American history. Particularly in present-day America, this story of Black women’s reproductive rights is strikingly powerful. The voices of the characters are vivid and strong, so real. Thank you to this author for her work on this impactful and important book.

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kitta's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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bmpicc's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I loved this book. 1970's historical fiction tackling what was never talked about in my high school history classes. Women making choices about their lives and their bodies is not a new conversation. Very well told story.

"Mama says, 'You're warping that girl with your guilt, Civil.' when she says this, I'm silent. There are a lot of things a mother can say to hurt her child, even long after the child is an adult."

Content Warnings

stefdemuth's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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