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A review by jaduhluhdabooks
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
“I know you want to be whole, but I think being whole means acknowledging all your parts. And there are parts of you that want to be held, want to be needed and loved. That is just as emotionally valid as the parts of you that crave independence.”
ARC Review
•••
Synopsis
This book follows Soledad Barnes (Charles) on a journey of discovering self and love. I separate the two because that is what Kennedy brilliantly demonstrates. Through the writings and philosophies of bell hooks, Soledad embraces a sudden change in her life with her family and her purpose. In between her husband, turned ex, lying and raising her three girls as a newly single mom, Soledad walks with her sisters and her best friends and learns about choosing herself. Along the way she connects with forensics accountant, Judah Cross and navigates what love looks like in the midst of knowing self. The only kicker is...Judah is the person who brought her world as she knew it a-crumbling... In the end who will Soldedad choose? Love or self?
•••
Kennedy. Sis. You did it AGAIN. There were so many things about this book that just brought me life, healing, and sight!! From the sisterly love and bonds that exists in neutral and chosen family. The way that rage and grief are portrayed in this book are novel to some, but as Black woman, they just felt freeing. How often do we have to choose between raging or holding. The scene when Soledad just lets loose and demolishes things, I felt that scene to my core. She just raged and screamed and as Black women, we have to choose between succumbing to stereotypes or being "above board" and all of that rage builds up and festers and it's just RICH to see a Black woman get her rage correctly. AND THE MENTION OF LEMONADE IS EVERYTHING. I WAS SCREAMING. Yonce really released something for the ladies...
Another thing this book does is talk about colorism sooooo richly! The difference in tone amongst Lupe, Inez, and Lottie to her sisters, Nayeli and Lola and then her best friends Henz and Yasmen is not only stated but something Kennedy returns to often. Navigating in-laws who are of a different race that may favor a lighter toned grandchild over the other, and the reality of reminding each of the girls that they're beautiful beyond the tone of their skin. All of it is touched on and so beautifully flushed out. The real beauty of this book is how Kennedy shines light on autism and how the lack of conversation around disability awareness in the Black community is prominent. How often Black boys on the spectrum are overlooked or not provided the correct the supports in schools. The intersection of disability and the Black body is something that Kennedy just writes so beautifully and I found myself crying just sitting in her words. I would literally die for Judah, he's not only a wonderful father, but a great friend and someone who literally embraces who he is in all its beauty.
I just loved everything about this story and Soledad and Judah's love story is one for the ages. This book means everything to me and I can't wait to re-read it in march of 2024 when it's released.
ARC Review
•••
Synopsis
This book follows Soledad Barnes (Charles) on a journey of discovering self and love. I separate the two because that is what Kennedy brilliantly demonstrates. Through the writings and philosophies of bell hooks, Soledad embraces a sudden change in her life with her family and her purpose. In between her husband, turned ex, lying and raising her three girls as a newly single mom, Soledad walks with her sisters and her best friends and learns about choosing herself. Along the way she connects with forensics accountant, Judah Cross and navigates what love looks like in the midst of knowing self. The only kicker is...Judah is the person who brought her world as she knew it a-crumbling... In the end who will Soldedad choose? Love or self?
•••
Kennedy. Sis. You did it AGAIN. There were so many things about this book that just brought me life, healing, and sight!! From the sisterly love and bonds that exists in neutral and chosen family. The way that rage and grief are portrayed in this book are novel to some, but as Black woman, they just felt freeing. How often do we have to choose between raging or holding. The scene when Soledad just lets loose and demolishes things, I felt that scene to my core. She just raged and screamed and as Black women, we have to choose between succumbing to stereotypes or being "above board" and all of that rage builds up and festers and it's just RICH to see a Black woman get her rage correctly. AND THE MENTION OF LEMONADE IS EVERYTHING. I WAS SCREAMING. Yonce really released something for the ladies...
Another thing this book does is talk about colorism sooooo richly! The difference in tone amongst Lupe, Inez, and Lottie to her sisters, Nayeli and Lola and then her best friends Henz and Yasmen is not only stated but something Kennedy returns to often. Navigating in-laws who are of a different race that may favor a lighter toned grandchild over the other, and the reality of reminding each of the girls that they're beautiful beyond the tone of their skin. All of it is touched on and so beautifully flushed out. The real beauty of this book is how Kennedy shines light on autism and how the lack of conversation around disability awareness in the Black community is prominent. How often Black boys on the spectrum are overlooked or not provided the correct the supports in schools. The intersection of disability and the Black body is something that Kennedy just writes so beautifully and I found myself crying just sitting in her words. I would literally die for Judah, he's not only a wonderful father, but a great friend and someone who literally embraces who he is in all its beauty.
I just loved everything about this story and Soledad and Judah's love story is one for the ages. This book means everything to me and I can't wait to re-read it in march of 2024 when it's released.