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kathrynata's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kncunnin's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mxleelah's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
leesie_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is probably my first genuine five star in a while. At first, I wasn’t sure of the character development. I’ve noticed similarities between reading other novels from black British authors that sometimes it feels like the life is happening to the character, wear with black American authors characters happen to life.
More and more as the book progressed I started seeing a glimmer within Maddie. That her own perceived brokenness is due to her being a product of her environment. I started seeing her, reclaim her life in such an authentic, heartfelt way. In a way that was clunky, and unsure, and real that I couldn’t help living those struggles with her.
Through Jess’s writing. It was so heartfelt, that I saw Maddie starting to happen to her life. As an active participant instead of a passive one. Her growth was incredible. Her way authentically hold those around her accountable for the hurt that she experience was admirable, and she did it in a way in which she never lost what made Maddie, Maddie.
I’ve never cried so much reading a book. And I guess that means I loved it.
More and more as the book progressed I started seeing a glimmer within Maddie. That her own perceived brokenness is due to her being a product of her environment. I started seeing her, reclaim her life in such an authentic, heartfelt way. In a way that was clunky, and unsure, and real that I couldn’t help living those struggles with her.
Through Jess’s writing. It was so heartfelt, that I saw Maddie starting to happen to her life. As an active participant instead of a passive one. Her growth was incredible. Her way authentically hold those around her accountable for the hurt that she experience was admirable, and she did it in a way in which she never lost what made Maddie, Maddie.
I’ve never cried so much reading a book. And I guess that means I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, and Grief
bahatireads's review against another edition
5.0
Maame was an incredibly therapeutic read for me. Coming from an African background but living in a non-African environment, it was refreshing and validating to encounter a character like Maddie, who resonated so closely with my own experiences—it almost felt like looking in a mirror. Maddie’s frustrations, her anxieties, and her growth were so relatable, and witnessing her journey was inspiring.
I also really appreciated the representation of bisexuality in the story. As a bisexual woman, seeing Maddie’s openness to learn and express herself with Alex, without judgment, was beautiful. It’s a dynamic that I long to see more of in real life, though sadly, we often face a world filled with judgment.
Beyond that, Maddie’s people-pleasing tendencies, her interactions with her parents, and her struggles with mental health hit home. It can be hard to validate these feelings, especially in a culture that’s still adjusting to accepting experiences of depression, anxiety, and sadness as real and important. Maame is a gentle but powerful reminder that it’s okay to prioritize self-growth and mental well-being, and it left me feeling understood and hopeful.
These quotes are some of my favorites from the book:
"My eloquence on reveals itself when I can take the time to think about what I want to say, write it down and edit it a few times before hitting Send." (We have anxiety babe.)
"Shu once said that brothers have a level of audacity sisters couldn't possibly reach -or get away with- even if they tried."
"All I know is their marriage has taught me many things but sadly it's mainly taught me what to avoid."
"Marry me?" (I am also this delusional!!)
"There's often a misconception that to be well-loved, the love has to come from multiple sources, when truthfully, one or two people can love you with the strength of ten"
I also really appreciated the representation of bisexuality in the story. As a bisexual woman, seeing Maddie’s openness to learn and express herself with Alex, without judgment, was beautiful. It’s a dynamic that I long to see more of in real life, though sadly, we often face a world filled with judgment.
Beyond that, Maddie’s people-pleasing tendencies, her interactions with her parents, and her struggles with mental health hit home. It can be hard to validate these feelings, especially in a culture that’s still adjusting to accepting experiences of depression, anxiety, and sadness as real and important. Maame is a gentle but powerful reminder that it’s okay to prioritize self-growth and mental well-being, and it left me feeling understood and hopeful.
These quotes are some of my favorites from the book:
"My eloquence on reveals itself when I can take the time to think about what I want to say, write it down and edit it a few times before hitting Send." (We have anxiety babe.)
"Shu once said that brothers have a level of audacity sisters couldn't possibly reach -or get away with- even if they tried."
"All I know is their marriage has taught me many things but sadly it's mainly taught me what to avoid."
"Marry me?" (I am also this delusional!!)
"There's often a misconception that to be well-loved, the love has to come from multiple sources, when truthfully, one or two people can love you with the strength of ten"
gina_martini's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
3.5
_jessicagolden's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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. This was a really moving depiction about what it’s like to try and grow up and how messy that can be. There was one chunk of this book that I found hard to read, but you do have to visit rock bottom in this story before things can start looking up.
This book dealt with themes of grief, depression, guilt, racism, and familial responsibility in a really honest way and didn’t shy away from how complicated these things can be. There isn’t always a happy ending wrapped up neatly in a little bow, but there is always something to learn even if it’s painful or unexpected.
This book dealt with themes of grief, depression, guilt, racism, and familial responsibility in a really honest way and didn’t shy away from how complicated these things can be. There isn’t always a happy ending wrapped up neatly in a little bow, but there is always something to learn even if it’s painful or unexpected.
lememories's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
i really resonated with the mc’s feelings as she goes through all these drastic changes in life. this book got me crying, laughing, swooning kicking my feet, mad, gagged, confused, disappointed. felt all the feels fr.
mdphillips's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this book… it hit on a very personal level for me at this season of my life. I laughed and cried throughout the whole the book. Heartbreaking and heartwarming, thisis one I will definitely recommend and read again.
mnicolec's review against another edition
5.0
Feels: Like Google: Is hope the going tradition?
Recommend: Yes! Sweet late-bloomer coming of age tale.
Highlights:
- Humor + heart + humanity = trifecta; the protagonist, Maddie, immediately charmed me with her tender emotions, fierce loyalty and amusing self-talk as she strives to make sense of her life and the world around her
- George weaves in many resonant and poignant themes - experiencing life as a person of color, dealing with anxiety and depression, cycling through the stages of grief, caring for an ill loved one, balancing expectations from family, friends and self, navigating new life milestones (sex, alcohol, therapy, independence)
- Bravo, Heather Agyepong! Her narration galvanizes the story and breathes life into it. I loved her portrayal of the characters like Maddie’s mum.
- Worth repeating, thank you to the authors who normalize talking about mental health issues! The therapy sessions are a treat.
Lowlights:
- While Maddie is naturally a homebody, which is exacerbated by her need to be home to provide care for her father, there is a sense she’s been trapped in the dark ages; as a fellow late-bloomer, her naivety is relatable in ways, but absurdly exaggerated in others
- The upfront sex scenes are so spotty that it isn’t clear if she is a willing participant or taken advantage of… which then repeats
- I found the Google searches funny initially… but like all funny things, too much ruins a good thing
Insights:
- George’s debut novel is her sixth book manuscript - and the first of this style, where she claims she found her own voice
- Like the protagonist, Maddie, George was raised in the UK by Ghanaian immigrant parents, identifies as an introvert, worked at a literary agency and theater and helped care for her father as he declined from Parkinson’s disease - so this fictional story is very close to hers
Summary: After serving as the primary caregiver for her Ghanaian father during his decline from Parkinson’s disease, a young British Black woman experiences emotional turmoil while she redefines her life.
Why I read it: To read a Black author in observance of Black History Month (February)
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 4.6
Book about books: Wah, yeah. The protagonist lands a new job at a publishing company, provides creative sparks for their cook books and has even bigger writing ambitions.
Recommend: Yes! Sweet late-bloomer coming of age tale.
Highlights:
- Humor + heart + humanity = trifecta; the protagonist, Maddie, immediately charmed me with her tender emotions, fierce loyalty and amusing self-talk as she strives to make sense of her life and the world around her
- George weaves in many resonant and poignant themes - experiencing life as a person of color, dealing with anxiety and depression, cycling through the stages of grief, caring for an ill loved one, balancing expectations from family, friends and self, navigating new life milestones (sex, alcohol, therapy, independence)
- Bravo, Heather Agyepong! Her narration galvanizes the story and breathes life into it. I loved her portrayal of the characters like Maddie’s mum.
- Worth repeating, thank you to the authors who normalize talking about mental health issues! The therapy sessions are a treat.
Lowlights:
- While Maddie is naturally a homebody, which is exacerbated by her need to be home to provide care for her father, there is a sense she’s been trapped in the dark ages; as a fellow late-bloomer, her naivety is relatable in ways, but absurdly exaggerated in others
- The upfront sex scenes are so spotty that it isn’t clear if she is a willing participant or taken advantage of… which then repeats
- I found the Google searches funny initially… but like all funny things, too much ruins a good thing
Insights:
- George’s debut novel is her sixth book manuscript - and the first of this style, where she claims she found her own voice
- Like the protagonist, Maddie, George was raised in the UK by Ghanaian immigrant parents, identifies as an introvert, worked at a literary agency and theater and helped care for her father as he declined from Parkinson’s disease - so this fictional story is very close to hers
Summary: After serving as the primary caregiver for her Ghanaian father during his decline from Parkinson’s disease, a young British Black woman experiences emotional turmoil while she redefines her life.
Why I read it: To read a Black author in observance of Black History Month (February)
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 4.6
Book about books: Wah, yeah. The protagonist lands a new job at a publishing company, provides creative sparks for their cook books and has even bigger writing ambitions.