thebookalert's reviews
265 reviews

The Parlour Wife by Foluso Agbaje

Go to review page

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

4.25

One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall

Go to review page

challenging dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

Go to review page

emotional informative inspiring sad tense 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? No

5.0

I cannot remember the last time a book had such an emotional impact on me; when I was not reading about The Reformatory I was thinking about it. When I was reading it, I had to pause several times because my heart hurt for these characters. When I finished reading it, I could not pick up another book for days.

I was moved. I was educated. I felt angry. I felt love. I felt hope.

This is why I read.

It is worthy of all of the stars.
We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5