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booksamongstfriends's reviews
738 reviews
The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson
4.0
Though this story felt familiar, I really enjoyed this book. The Jigsaw Man starts out with some of my favorite crime story pieces. First, you have the seasoned DI with the rookie trainee combo. So my heart is telling me I don’t wanna get too attached. Then you have a convicted killer who you ALMOST felt was justified. Emphasis on the almost
His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie
3.0
Marrying into rich family sounds great at first… but marrying into rich family so you can dissuade the son from the woman he loves…. Not so much
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
5.0
In the the heat of battle, this man don’t miss! Another hit from S.A. Cosby!
MY THOUGHTS
MY THOUGHTS
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
2.0
This book highlights the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers compared to fathers and societal standards of what it means to be a "good" mother. While the focus on misogyny is important, at times it feels overdone, as if the reader is being beaten over the head with it. In some ways it even appears as an attempt to remove accountability from Frida’s choices and actions. Though Frida continually left me questioning her with her decisions— and not just her initially leaving her toddler alone at home for hours despite having resources available.
The School for Good Mothers is one of those novels where readers will either sympathize deeply with the main character or find it difficult to connect. I found myself unsure about my feelings halfway through. The deliberate slow pace mirrors the painful experience of Frida, who is sent to a rehabilitation facility for mothers labeled as "bad moms" in society's eyes. Every page burns slowly as does her ache of being away from her daughter, Harriet.
The book also sheds light on societal conformity and the ways in which women often create soft landings for men, seen through Frida’s interactions with her husband and another man at the rehabilitation center. But Frida… why are you trying to cuddle up with a man who let his kid fall from a tree while trying to cheat! Your husband cheated on you!! GIRL! Some aspects of the plot felt far-fetched, especially concerning the legal processes and Frida’s interactions with other characters.
I wished the novel delved more into the societal systems surrounding the rehabilitation process rather than solely focusing on Frida and her lens. The potential was there as we were introduced to other moms, but it wasn’t enough. While other areas were overdone and beyond extreme or dystopian. For example, the removal of a mother from her child at such a young age seemed unrealistic and along with other aspect of the husband new relationship and exposure to their young child. Or the lack of knowledge to apply care and expectations placed on Harriet exemplified by the social worker just didn’t make sense.
Overall, The School for Good Mothers is a mixed bag for me. While some readers may connect with Frida's fear of losing her child and relate to her sorrow and loss, others may find certain aspects of the novel pushed to the extreme and lacking in depth.
The School for Good Mothers is one of those novels where readers will either sympathize deeply with the main character or find it difficult to connect. I found myself unsure about my feelings halfway through. The deliberate slow pace mirrors the painful experience of Frida, who is sent to a rehabilitation facility for mothers labeled as "bad moms" in society's eyes. Every page burns slowly as does her ache of being away from her daughter, Harriet.
The book also sheds light on societal conformity and the ways in which women often create soft landings for men, seen through Frida’s interactions with her husband and another man at the rehabilitation center. But Frida… why are you trying to cuddle up with a man who let his kid fall from a tree while trying to cheat! Your husband cheated on you!! GIRL! Some aspects of the plot felt far-fetched, especially concerning the legal processes and Frida’s interactions with other characters.
I wished the novel delved more into the societal systems surrounding the rehabilitation process rather than solely focusing on Frida and her lens. The potential was there as we were introduced to other moms, but it wasn’t enough. While other areas were overdone and beyond extreme or dystopian. For example, the removal of a mother from her child at such a young age seemed unrealistic and along with other aspect of the husband new relationship and exposure to their young child. Or the lack of knowledge to apply care and expectations placed on Harriet exemplified by the social worker just didn’t make sense.
Overall, The School for Good Mothers is a mixed bag for me. While some readers may connect with Frida's fear of losing her child and relate to her sorrow and loss, others may find certain aspects of the novel pushed to the extreme and lacking in depth.
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
5.0
This story will challenge your way of thinking! And what better author than Toni Morrison to do so. Starting from their time in foster care, reading their experiences into adulthood and motherhood, Morrison has you wondering which one is black, and which one is white. Twyla or Roberta. It’s up to us as the reader to decide which is which, never exposed to the truth. Is it the names, their actions, their responses, their mothers…. How do you identify a person?
I have been suggesting this book and boy has it sparked interesting conversation. My godmother and I have been coming back to this for the last few days. My godmother quickly looked at the differences in their mothers, but just as quickly questioned if that was really a telling point. At every page you realize that what is considered “black” or “white” for one person could be argued for southern in certain context. Or religious in another. Just as I knew Twyla was black…. by the end it was clear to me Roberta was instead. At every conversation my mind changed but one in particular stuck out. The Hendrix talk.
I have been suggesting this book and boy has it sparked interesting conversation. My godmother and I have been coming back to this for the last few days. My godmother quickly looked at the differences in their mothers, but just as quickly questioned if that was really a telling point. At every page you realize that what is considered “black” or “white” for one person could be argued for southern in certain context. Or religious in another. Just as I knew Twyla was black…. by the end it was clear to me Roberta was instead. At every conversation my mind changed but one in particular stuck out. The Hendrix talk.