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A review by eggbreadcryptid
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
this book really got under my skin, and I truly want to write something about it because I think it deserves that.
It’s automatically engaging as Sister Souljah draws you into the surprisingly privileged and materialistic world of Winter Santiaga. There is an element of being overwhelmed and glamoured by her extravagant life that you also feel whiplash when her life is suddenly changed by tragedy and betrayal.
This book is overall a morality tale, a cautionary tale for anyone who should long for a life like Winter. I kept turning the page wondering and wondering when she would hit rock bottom what would make her change what would be the moment that would make her realize she needed to make real internal changes. I think that’s what really keeps the reader invested.
I admired Souljah’s ability to show the inevitability of repeating history if we don’t learn from the past. I also was surprised at how well she inserted herself (literally) into the story. It works because intentional or otherwise she comes of vulnerable and flawed, her wisdom which is lauded by other characters can’t seem to get through to Winter. Her stoically heartless response to Midnight pouring his soul out to her in a letter chilled me almost as much as anything Winter did in the Story.
I think this book is worth a read for everyone. There’s a lot to think about here if you agree or not. See CW though because this book has in my opinion many an outdated and harmful view on some things.
It’s automatically engaging as Sister Souljah draws you into the surprisingly privileged and materialistic world of Winter Santiaga. There is an element of being overwhelmed and glamoured by her extravagant life that you also feel whiplash when her life is suddenly changed by tragedy and betrayal.
This book is overall a morality tale, a cautionary tale for anyone who should long for a life like Winter. I kept turning the page wondering and wondering when she would hit rock bottom what would make her change what would be the moment that would make her realize she needed to make real internal changes. I think that’s what really keeps the reader invested.
I admired Souljah’s ability to show the inevitability of repeating history if we don’t learn from the past. I also was surprised at how well she inserted herself (literally) into the story. It works because intentional or otherwise she comes of vulnerable and flawed, her wisdom which is lauded by other characters can’t seem to get through to Winter.
I think this book is worth a read for everyone. There’s a lot to think about here if you agree or not. See CW though because this book has in my opinion many an outdated and harmful view on some things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Violence