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passionyoungwrites's reviews
165 reviews
Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum by Antonia Hylton
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Madness not only gives a direct history of the asylum, but it delves into the history of mental health practices spanning over the operation of Crownsville Hospital. This includes the treatment of the patients, the often extreme treatment trials, the evolution of staff, as well as the admissions mishaps / choices. Madness also allows us to see the practices that showed the correlation of the asylum to incarceration, to include the legacy of slavery in the treatment of Black people’s bodies and mind in our current mental healthcare system.
The story also goes into racial integration of the hospital, spans through its closure in 2004, and gives a brief details of plans of restoration of the campus and cemetery.
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The stories intertwined within the history shared here offers a personal touch into the lives of both patients, caregivers, and staff. This allows readers to see that even though there were many negatives within the asylum, there were indeed great people around that did the best they could to make Crownsville Hospital a better place. The author also shares her family’s experiences with mental illness and the secrecy and shame it reproduced for generations.
Also family of the familiar Henrietta Lacks, was included in the stories. Definitely an unknown, interesting, yet heartbreaking story for me.
The story also goes into racial integration of the hospital, spans through its closure in 2004, and gives a brief details of plans of restoration of the campus and cemetery.
.
The stories intertwined within the history shared here offers a personal touch into the lives of both patients, caregivers, and staff. This allows readers to see that even though there were many negatives within the asylum, there were indeed great people around that did the best they could to make Crownsville Hospital a better place. The author also shares her family’s experiences with mental illness and the secrecy and shame it reproduced for generations.
Also family of the familiar Henrietta Lacks, was included in the stories. Definitely an unknown, interesting, yet heartbreaking story for me.
Sisters & Husbands by Connie Briscoe
“Instead of asking yourself if Julian is perfect or if your relationship is, you need to ask yourself whether you can live with Julian’s faults.”
.
This book shows plenty of issues within marriage. Couples growing apart after being married for over 20 years, blended family issues, and ultimately the effects on a soon - to - be bride, Beverly, that experiences betrayal of a friend. All of this within a week of her wedding and she’s forced to see that no marriage will be perfect.
.
I always knew there was something up with Valerie. Because I could never wrap my mind around how her and Beverly were friends after dating the same man in college (at the same time, unknowingly). That was a weird connection to begin with - at least for me, and it really brought light to who Valerie was in this story.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Instead of asking yourself if Julian is perfect or if your relationship is, you need to ask yourself whether you can live with Julian’s faults.”
.
This book shows plenty of issues within marriage. Couples growing apart after being married for over 20 years, blended family issues, and ultimately the effects on a soon - to - be bride, Beverly, that experiences betrayal of a friend. All of this within a week of her wedding and she’s forced to see that no marriage will be perfect.
.
I always knew there was something up with Valerie. Because I could never wrap my mind around how her and Beverly were friends after dating the same man in college (at the same time, unknowingly). That was a weird connection to begin with - at least for me, and it really brought light to who Valerie was in this story.
Lazaretto by Diane McKinney-Whetstone
“Lazas house,” she said. “Dat’s were he goin’.”
.
Two women meet at a fated time. Sylvia - a nurse’s assistant and Meda, there to give birth. After the birth Meda is told that her baby died, because she was pregnant by her white employer. But they lied. Soon after, Meda becomes a surrogate mother for two white boys at an orphanage and Sylvia eventually ends up as a nurse at Lazaretto, a quarantine station for the sick and immigrants coming into Philadelphia.
.
Though the Lazaretto is where most of the story comes together, the author gives us much time to get to know each character. The boys and the orphanage, the little girl that Sylvia’s family takes in, Miss Ma who won’t talk much but has fits of laughter, her granddaughter who loves having relations with men that are “taken”, and Meda’s brother Buddy and his card game friends.
.
Then all of these characters convene to the Lazaretto for a wedding. Those not there for the wedding party, are there to visit their family who live and work at the establishment. All of the white staff are given leave for the weekend. But as the boat of wedding guests enter the port, gunshots ring out across the river and things go crazy. Soon afterwards, telegraphs come in and the Lazaretto is officially on quarantine. Truths come out and suddenly everyone understands everything clearly. Yet again, Diane knows how to swoop you into a story that you cannot put down!
.
Also, per the Author’s note, the Lazaretto was an actual place that existed as a quarantine station.
.
If you haven’t read anything by Diane McKinney - Whetstone, what exactly are you waiting for?!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“Lazas house,” she said. “Dat’s were he goin’.”
.
Two women meet at a fated time. Sylvia - a nurse’s assistant and Meda, there to give birth. After the birth Meda is told that her baby died, because she was pregnant by her white employer. But they lied. Soon after, Meda becomes a surrogate mother for two white boys at an orphanage and Sylvia eventually ends up as a nurse at Lazaretto, a quarantine station for the sick and immigrants coming into Philadelphia.
.
Though the Lazaretto is where most of the story comes together, the author gives us much time to get to know each character. The boys and the orphanage, the little girl that Sylvia’s family takes in, Miss Ma who won’t talk much but has fits of laughter, her granddaughter who loves having relations with men that are “taken”, and Meda’s brother Buddy and his card game friends.
.
Then all of these characters convene to the Lazaretto for a wedding. Those not there for the wedding party, are there to visit their family who live and work at the establishment. All of the white staff are given leave for the weekend. But as the boat of wedding guests enter the port, gunshots ring out across the river and things go crazy. Soon afterwards, telegraphs come in and the Lazaretto is officially on quarantine. Truths come out and suddenly everyone understands everything clearly. Yet again, Diane knows how to swoop you into a story that you cannot put down!
.
Also, per the Author’s note, the Lazaretto was an actual place that existed as a quarantine station.
.
If you haven’t read anything by Diane McKinney - Whetstone, what exactly are you waiting for?!
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
This story was something. The characters, the world building, the way the story carried you from beginning to end. Now I understand the hype behind it, and it’s real.
.
I really think that this story is relevant, even with it being a fantasy. Because Tarisai, the MC, is finally getting what she always wanted, a family, and then that’s threatened by her mothers wishes. But, she’s able to find out who she is in the process. And ultimately she finds out who her mother is, and was. And what better way to make a decision than with the truth? Not truth that you’re told, but from what you witness yourself.
.
I really think that this story is relevant, even with it being a fantasy. Because Tarisai, the MC, is finally getting what she always wanted, a family, and then that’s threatened by her mothers wishes. But, she’s able to find out who she is in the process. And ultimately she finds out who her mother is, and was. And what better way to make a decision than with the truth? Not truth that you’re told, but from what you witness yourself.
Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.0
Well, surely a lawyer isn’t gonna walk away after something as strange as this happens. But, Jay doesn’t realize that him looking deeper into the situation would put his practice, his wife and his livelihood at stake.
.
Amongst all of this, Jay continues his duties as a lawyer, finds time for his wife, and unexpectedly winds up dealing with people from his past when he was an activist. And surely he realizes that some people just can’t be trusted, not then and not now.
.
Though this is the author’s first book, I’ve read The Cutting Season last year. This book was entirely different. It’s a mystery / thriller / crime fiction with a lot of law / political information weaved within it - to give the main character a bit more flare.
I enjoyed this read because it gave an outlook on corruption from a political view, all races alike, and allowed the reader to see that somehow some small things are connected to bigger problems especially when big names are involved. Though not everyone will turn a blind eye, not even for a few dollars. The crazy things people do for that “black water rising”.
.
Amongst all of this, Jay continues his duties as a lawyer, finds time for his wife, and unexpectedly winds up dealing with people from his past when he was an activist. And surely he realizes that some people just can’t be trusted, not then and not now.
.
Though this is the author’s first book, I’ve read The Cutting Season last year. This book was entirely different. It’s a mystery / thriller / crime fiction with a lot of law / political information weaved within it - to give the main character a bit more flare.
I enjoyed this read because it gave an outlook on corruption from a political view, all races alike, and allowed the reader to see that somehow some small things are connected to bigger problems especially when big names are involved. Though not everyone will turn a blind eye, not even for a few dollars. The crazy things people do for that “black water rising”.
Patsy by Nicole Dennis-Benn
This is a story of sacrifice, of love, and ultimately forgiveness. Though Patsy could have been judged for her decision - in the long run she felt she did what was best for herself and her daughter. She knew the love that her daughter deserved, and she knew the source from which it would flow freely.
.
With the story being told from the point of view of Patsy and then switching to her daughter, Tru, we are able to see them evolve over the years. We see struggle from them both, and though Patsy’s dream didn’t pan out as she expected, she still had the ability to say that she made the choice that she could live with for the rest of her life.
.
I was disappointed at times with Patsy, though who am I to judge? Starting over in an entirely different country, no real security even when you get there, and you can’t go back home without being stuck there! Coupled with a religious parent and sexual abuse, Patsy really did what she needed to. Patsy is just a reminder that starting over is hard as hell. And sacrifices must be made, sometimes that includes leaving your children with family.
.
Patsy did, however, see truths hidden behind familiar faces that made the “American Dream” an ideal one. In the end, she realized that what success looked liked to one isn’t the same for everyone else.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a story of sacrifice, of love, and ultimately forgiveness. Though Patsy could have been judged for her decision - in the long run she felt she did what was best for herself and her daughter. She knew the love that her daughter deserved, and she knew the source from which it would flow freely.
.
With the story being told from the point of view of Patsy and then switching to her daughter, Tru, we are able to see them evolve over the years. We see struggle from them both, and though Patsy’s dream didn’t pan out as she expected, she still had the ability to say that she made the choice that she could live with for the rest of her life.
.
I was disappointed at times with Patsy, though who am I to judge? Starting over in an entirely different country, no real security even when you get there, and you can’t go back home without being stuck there! Coupled with a religious parent and sexual abuse, Patsy really did what she needed to. Patsy is just a reminder that starting over is hard as hell. And sacrifices must be made, sometimes that includes leaving your children with family.
.
Patsy did, however, see truths hidden behind familiar faces that made the “American Dream” an ideal one. In the end, she realized that what success looked liked to one isn’t the same for everyone else.
Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir by Akwaeke Emezi
“What is love if not a shield thrown up around you when you are too injured to throw it up yourself?”
.
This memoir is written in letters. Mostly to others, but also written to themselves. They spoke on every area of their life. From family past, identity - both gender and body, suicidal ideations, self - acceptance, romantic relationships, friendships, their home life, and even the ups and downs of following purpose to include their journey in the publishing world.
.
The author uses this work to explain some of the happenings in their first work, Freshwater, and how it made it into the world. Though it isn’t in a traditional format, it is definitely a great work that helps to shape and mold an image of who Akwaeke is and how they view and shape the world around them.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
“What is love if not a shield thrown up around you when you are too injured to throw it up yourself?”
.
This memoir is written in letters. Mostly to others, but also written to themselves. They spoke on every area of their life. From family past, identity - both gender and body, suicidal ideations, self - acceptance, romantic relationships, friendships, their home life, and even the ups and downs of following purpose to include their journey in the publishing world.
.
The author uses this work to explain some of the happenings in their first work, Freshwater, and how it made it into the world. Though it isn’t in a traditional format, it is definitely a great work that helps to shape and mold an image of who Akwaeke is and how they view and shape the world around them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Jazz by Toni Morrison
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My grandmother says she brought it on herself. Live the life; pay the price, she said.”
Morrison allows us to intimately meet each character, their prior lives before moving to the city and even a glimpse of their upbringing. Violet a mobile hairdresser and Joe a door to door beauty salesman. We see their current situation, their lives in the country where they were completely different people.
I really enjoyed the depth of this story. How it showed that our upbringing shapes some of who we are, and no matter how you try to run from it - the unhealed and unresolved parts always find a way to show up in other relationships.
Violet wasn’t chosen in childhood and thought that if she chose the love, it would stay. The same with Joe. Though both seemed to choose each other for different reasons. Joe chose Violet because of him not being chosen in his earlier years. To me, a lot of this story seemed to be a big trauma bond, being that each of these people had something in common, some void that they couldn’t fill but stuffed with someone who they felt understood them.
Morrison allows us to intimately meet each character, their prior lives before moving to the city and even a glimpse of their upbringing. Violet a mobile hairdresser and Joe a door to door beauty salesman. We see their current situation, their lives in the country where they were completely different people.
I really enjoyed the depth of this story. How it showed that our upbringing shapes some of who we are, and no matter how you try to run from it - the unhealed and unresolved parts always find a way to show up in other relationships.
Violet wasn’t chosen in childhood and thought that if she chose the love, it would stay. The same with Joe. Though both seemed to choose each other for different reasons. Joe chose Violet because of him not being chosen in his earlier years. To me, a lot of this story seemed to be a big trauma bond, being that each of these people had something in common, some void that they couldn’t fill but stuffed with someone who they felt understood them.
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thinking about the title of this novel, my mind only wanders back to Landry. Though, I feel as if the entire message of this book, at least for me, was about grace and the importance of lending a helping hand. Though, sometimes love or what we perceive to be love clouds judgement - this we see in multiple forms within the novel.
Though the brothers needed the Walkers, I feel that the Walkers needed the brothers more. This story shares many moments of them coming together and learning from one another. Though, the dangers of the town that still didn’t respect freed slaves as free citizens, still tried to find a way to break up these healthy connections. And the saddest moments in the story still pushed the story to a new depth. Allowing the reader to see that through it all, genuine love will ensure that your dreams come true.
Though the brothers needed the Walkers, I feel that the Walkers needed the brothers more. This story shares many moments of them coming together and learning from one another. Though, the dangers of the town that still didn’t respect freed slaves as free citizens, still tried to find a way to break up these healthy connections. And the saddest moments in the story still pushed the story to a new depth. Allowing the reader to see that through it all, genuine love will ensure that your dreams come true.
Miss Muriel and Other Stories by Ann Petry
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
The topics were sometimes nothing related to the titles which I found weird. A few stories were narrated by an “unnamed girl” where she explored life of her family’s drugstore business and the stories expand from her childhood into adulthood. Others include and angry man, a man going to find the woman he loves, parenting woes, a child and her imaginary friend, a drummer reminiscing while on set, and an exhumation gone wrong.
And honestly, I only liked 8/13. Now that’s not to say they were bad but some of the meanings weren’t extremely clear.
Though, it’s still #readannpetry , so far I think I enjoy her novels the most.
And honestly, I only liked 8/13. Now that’s not to say they were bad but some of the meanings weren’t extremely clear.
Though, it’s still #readannpetry , so far I think I enjoy her novels the most.