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theblackafrican's reviews
51 reviews
The Arrangement by Robyn Harding
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
To me, thrillers are always predictable but I really enjoyed this one because it took an unexpected direction with a surprising ending. An escort falls in love with a man and ends up making horrible decisions. I enjoyed the build-up leading to the tension and the author did not drag the book out at the end. I was actually surprised and shocked with the outcome and was happy to see a book take an unpredictable ending.
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? No
4.25
Wow, this book was raw. Like really raw. Some of the stories shed light onto some real shit that be happening behind closed doors. Pastors faking. Moms favoring. Children and daughters, not knowing themselves, but having to find themselves through other relationships. 9 deep stories. It kinda reminded me of 'For Colored Girls.' I do recommend.
The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book felt like a Thanksgiving dinner. It was so warm and comforting. By the end of the book, I for sure knew that the emotions that were evoked were happy, pleased, and content.
What I thought would be a drama romance, with toxicity, it wasn’t. It was a full-circle romance taken place in historical setting of southern Carolina. And so I also learned a lot about the historical background of the Black river owns by Black slaves on plantations.
It started off with a bang, with a woman being left at the altar by her soon-to be- husband, because he did not want to go through with the marriage. Slowly, it turned into a very warming romance, where someone who’s good and deserving of true love, gets what she deserves at the end.
I was shocked though because I expected so much more negative interactions but, I am pleased with how Rhonda McKnight satisfying feeling in me.
What I thought would be a drama romance, with toxicity, it wasn’t. It was a full-circle romance taken place in historical setting of southern Carolina. And so I also learned a lot about the historical background of the Black river owns by Black slaves on plantations.
It started off with a bang, with a woman being left at the altar by her soon-to be- husband, because he did not want to go through with the marriage. Slowly, it turned into a very warming romance, where someone who’s good and deserving of true love, gets what she deserves at the end.
I was shocked though because I expected so much more negative interactions but, I am pleased with how Rhonda McKnight satisfying feeling in me.
Thick of Love by Danielle Marcus
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Interestingly, enough, I really enjoyed this book.
It was literally fast paced and non-stop drama with a bunch of love plot twists at the end.
Danielle Marcus didn’t make the book feel rushed or anything, but she should concluded each storyline it with a perfect ending. I enjoyed diving into each of the characters lives and really seeing how things turned around for them.
I almost feel like I was watching a popular series of any show with how relevant the drama was. Almost as if watching Insecure, Harlem or Rapshit. It was very relatable and I enjoyed this book a lot.
It was literally fast paced and non-stop drama with a bunch of love plot twists at the end.
Danielle Marcus didn’t make the book feel rushed or anything, but she should concluded each storyline it with a perfect ending. I enjoyed diving into each of the characters lives and really seeing how things turned around for them.
I almost feel like I was watching a popular series of any show with how relevant the drama was. Almost as if watching Insecure, Harlem or Rapshit. It was very relatable and I enjoyed this book a lot.
The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
3.5
I enjoyed this book because it’s unusually different from what I typically read.
It takes a historical fiction approach with the setting being in Washington, DC. So all the relevancy of historical figure tributes, places and people was fun to read about.
The protagonist, Clara, however, is a gifted girl in a magical realm. She’s gifted since birth, which is why her birth was also distinct among many others. In a crossroad of a very rural + predominantly white town. Nonetheless, She has the gift of talking to spirits and so being gifted, she’s responsible for saving her people from a very sticky situation they’re going through.
Clara realizes she can’t do it on her own so she sets out all other people with magical and spiritual gifts as they embark on this magical heist.
Grandma Octavia was probably my favorite character who was always being in her ear, essentially doing what all grandmas do. Providing wisdom. Warning her from irrational decisions. Being that embark of warmth.
Ultimately, I am happy that I decided to read this on audiobook because the narrator did such an amazing job with the theatrics. I was able to fully understand the relevant culture + sayings dated back then.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. Maybe for like a quick airport read or for a nice giddy book in between two other heavy books.
It takes a historical fiction approach with the setting being in Washington, DC. So all the relevancy of historical figure tributes, places and people was fun to read about.
The protagonist, Clara, however, is a gifted girl in a magical realm. She’s gifted since birth, which is why her birth was also distinct among many others. In a crossroad of a very rural + predominantly white town. Nonetheless, She has the gift of talking to spirits and so being gifted, she’s responsible for saving her people from a very sticky situation they’re going through.
Clara realizes she can’t do it on her own so she sets out all other people with magical and spiritual gifts as they embark on this magical heist.
Grandma Octavia was probably my favorite character who was always being in her ear, essentially doing what all grandmas do. Providing wisdom. Warning her from irrational decisions. Being that embark of warmth.
Ultimately, I am happy that I decided to read this on audiobook because the narrator did such an amazing job with the theatrics. I was able to fully understand the relevant culture + sayings dated back then.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. Maybe for like a quick airport read or for a nice giddy book in between two other heavy books.
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
I’m sorry 😭
I tried but it’s just not my genre.
I tried but it’s just not my genre.
Soul Ties by Miss Candice
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
WOAH.
by far, one of the best books I’ve ever ever read. When I tell you, I felt every emotion, submersed in every character, felt every emotional regular coaster, believe me.
We’re always used to books having predictable or happy endings, but this ending definitely did not head in the direction I anticipated. It was a reality, a very non-fictional true love story. I honestly loved how the book touched on many topics such as depression, postpartum, falling in love with the right person at the wrong time, Even sexuality. Miss Candace did not miss her style of writing is very captivating and you truly feel as though you’re one of the characters. Not going to lie, I give this book at 10 out of 10.
by far, one of the best books I’ve ever ever read. When I tell you, I felt every emotion, submersed in every character, felt every emotional regular coaster, believe me.
We’re always used to books having predictable or happy endings, but this ending definitely did not head in the direction I anticipated. It was a reality, a very non-fictional true love story. I honestly loved how the book touched on many topics such as depression, postpartum, falling in love with the right person at the wrong time, Even sexuality. Miss Candace did not miss her style of writing is very captivating and you truly feel as though you’re one of the characters. Not going to lie, I give this book at 10 out of 10.
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I would hate to say that this is the typical I want your husband so I’m gonna do everything to get him/cheating trope, but it is.
This book is like every other book where someone knew comes into a marriage thinking that it’s peach perfect and little do they know, they’re in for a rude awakening..
The only thing that made me give this book higher recommendations is that although, it follows a typical and usual storyline, the author threw in some key elements/details that were a bit different than other books. It made the book feel a darker and thriller-ish
This book is like every other book where someone knew comes into a marriage thinking that it’s peach perfect and little do they know, they’re in for a rude awakening..
The only thing that made me give this book higher recommendations is that although, it follows a typical and usual storyline, the author threw in some key elements/details that were a bit different than other books. It made the book feel a darker and thriller-ish
A Worthy Love by A.E. Valdez
emotional
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
4.0
A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was the most emotional, heart wrenching, and saddest book I’ve ever read. But despite how I just described it, I truly loved it.
I always wanted to continue reading to figure out what happened next between the two. They were so young, but their love was so old. So strong. But so palpable.
It just sucks because not all books have happy endings and this book displayed just that.
I always wanted to continue reading to figure out what happened next between the two. They were so young, but their love was so old. So strong. But so palpable.
It just sucks because not all books have happy endings and this book displayed just that.