theblackafrican's reviews
51 reviews

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-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

4.0

read this book on audible so in my head that makes a difference. Needless to say, though, I did actually enjoy this book. It was a very lighthearted, fun and an easy read. This is the type of book you take on vacation just to relax and, wind down with a little bit. I loved how this book turned out to have a happy ending, but the character still went through challenges. 
Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
I couldn’t finish this book because I hated the point of view. It was written in what seemed like “a whole bunch of hypothetical thoughts” and a bunch of “different scenarios.” 

I kept getting lost in whether or not things were actually happening in the or were they made up in the narrators head. 

This book was just very confusing and I couldn’t keep up. I feel like I would’ve loved the message though if I continued it.
Restore Me by J.L. Seegars

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad 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? No

4.5

eEEeeeeemotional rollercoaster. I swear. 
But so refreshing, so spicy, so juicy! We all need a Dominic in our lives. 🥵
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

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hopeful 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

3.0

This was a very short fun read. The chapters seemed undeveloped and almost seemingly like cliff-hangers but I believe that author wanted the book to feel this way. I did love the storyline of the 2 Nigerian sisters who were loyal to one another by a fault. Older sisters (myself being one) always feel the need and pressure to take up the responsibility of our younger siblings. 
A vey quick read.
Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

Absolutely loved it! Such an amazing storyline, the author made you fall in love with every single character. Except the mom & sister. I, seriously didn’t want the book to end, because things had turned around for Janelle so much for the better. Super fun love story with a little extra spice!
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

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adventurous hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Hmmm, this book was okay. Nothing too extravagant, IMO (in my opinion).It tells the story of a woman who is non-exclusively dating men. She gets into something almost serious with a decent guy. And things are going well. Until suddenly, because of her loss/trauma, she finds someone who relates/connects to her, even more than the first guy. HOWEVER, standing on morals + all decency in the world, she should not indulge in this new affair. It’s just wrong but to them, it feels right. I guess it can teach us (selfless) people a thing in life. 
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful sad 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

4.0

Just like everyone else, I was surprised by this book. I didn’t expect it to have a magical turn but it was awakening and refreshing. I don’t often indulge in fantasy books. If that’s what it’s even considered. Needless to say, I loved the storyline and the characters even more. Ms. Della was my favorite character. She even taught me a few things. Ezra and Rickie’s love was truly God sent.  
Bad Men and Wicked Women by Eric Jerome Dickey

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emotional funny tense medium-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

FAIR WARNING: This may be long but you wont regret it. So unlike everyone else, I will start off by mentioning I did ENJOY this book. This book was so much more different from any book that I've ever read before. My bookclub voted on this book for the month and I am happy we did so. But the top 3 reasons why I enjoyed it: One) Male POV. You often don't read books that are written by male authors so gave us the opportunity to dive into a male's mind and see what they struggle and deal with on a daily basis. Two) It was the story of two best friends, one who was African-American, and another who was Ghanian. With this,  we got to step into the lives of their perspective being Black in America. but 2 completely different experiences. With immigrants life and then AA life. Which we all knows,  there's a lot of political struggles that comes with that. *rolls eyes*
Three) For once, this book legitimately felt like a movie. It was so action packed/based that I for sure knew I was watching either "All about the Benjamin's or Training Day." I loved how vividly I could imagine all the scenes acted out. EJD killed it there.
Now, full transparency, my only CON was the excessive use of dialogue in this book. At some point it got confusing and I felt that many parts could've been more narrated rather than scripted as dialogue that part made you lose touch with the book. It was kind of interesting.
However, the book was great. I would recommend it. It was an amazing storyline of a father, connecting back with his daughter, who needed him. And two hitmen, who really were just on a mission to kill anyone that deserved it. I really enjoyed the book and I will be reading the second one.
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden

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mysterious tense 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

4.0

This book was just as good as the first one, not worst or better. The cliffhanger that the first one left off at picked right up into rhythm on this book. I really did it enjoy this book. halfway through, I thought to myself "all the drama has happened," what more could she write about? But interestingly enough, the end did take turn. not too dramatic though. more calm but still unexpected and I was pleased with the ending.
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

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hopeful 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

3.0

I’m an avid book reader so I’m always looking for a hot and intense book. Maybe I should’ve read the description or other reviews first but this was a very mid book for me. It was giving very much young adult or something that I would give to my eighth graders. It was a great storyline and all but very immature.