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krystalicia_'s reviews
185 reviews
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Black Girls Must Have It All by Jayne Allen
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Probably my favorite of the trilogy but I did find the writing super repetitive. It probably could have been cut down a bit to provide a bigger impact. I’m happy Tabby’s story is being told though
The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.0
Ember pissed me off a lot at the beginning and then I realized I fully understand why she was the way she is. Truly she desperately needs to talk to someone (quite literally anyone) about her trauma and that’d probably help tremendously. I wish we delved a bit deeper into Ember and Sage’s relationship, but I understand this is mainly a chill little rom-com that I got through in a few hours. Also, Danowoa is in fact very hot, so I’m glad we’re all in agreement about that.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.75
Far from my usual genre but so glad I gave this a chance. I think this is a book that is definitely a top tier experience listening to the audio book as it really does immerses you into the story. I think this will really resonate with anyone who’s lived in the city, but I feel like the descriptions would help most get into the story. I often forget Staten Island is a part of the city, and as I learn more about it, I can see why. I’m hoping for some massive character development for her in the next book but I’m also not holding my breath. One thing I wish we did have was more exploration of the other POVs. I feel like we got a lot from the Bronx and Staten Island, and a lot of Manhattan in the beginning, but we still don’t really know why Manny was chosen to be the city, especially if he was just getting there. I would have loved to get more POV from Brooklyn and Queens, and even Jersey City (which was such a fun little addition!!!). Excited to read the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Rape