A review by zayzay2
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

emotional informative reflective 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? Yes

4.75

It took me a while to finish this book, I started and was going strong but I started university and couldn't read at my normal pace. So I tried my hardest even on days I was tired to read so I would finish this book by September, I knew what this book was about since I read the back of the book and my sister read it before me and recommended it to me. I loved the book as It taught me history I did not know about, I knew black women in America were going through this but not to this extent, i did not know the details and this books shed a light to that for me as I am not from American. I loved the sisters relationship, the grandma was also a likeable character. Civil was an interesting character, she was dealing with the fact that she had an abortion, also the fact that she gave shot to the girls she didn't know what for. What I am proud of is she trusted her gut most people do as they're told and not ask questions due to being a new nurse, she asked questions risked everything (even though I know she's privileged) she still stood on business. I loved ty as he was present throughout all this, yes he did expect answers but at a certain point he stopped asking and was just there for her and I respected that and showed true and raw love. I really wasn't expecting them to win the case, when they give us the 2016 chapter it shows she didn't talk to a lot of the people so I assumed they lost the case, so when they won I was shocked and really pleased. I honestly thought you are suing the government that is not something you see everyday and even today 2024 it is hard to find justice, so I was pleased this book had some light. It showed us that if we want to see change in this world we first have to take the steps and not expect things to change on their own, we should stand up for each other and what's right even with the consequences. I did get annoyed at civil at time when she acted like the girls mother but then again I understand there was a lot of love but also guilt in her as well as her unresolved feelings from the abortion. I enjoyed the last couple chapters as she was showing us what she learnt, not to make the same mistake again and try and save anyone but rather give advice and support and not to fix everything. Loved how she reconnected with everyone at the end, she really did find her found family, loved the last couple paged where she asked to meet ty. was waiting for that as there was still a lot of unsaid things and there's still love there. Overall it was educational, emotional but also heartwarming to see a community come together and fight for what's right.