It was a tough read, but I'm glad I decided to try out this classic! Hearing the book read by the author added a personal touch which I always enjoy aIt was a tough read, but I'm glad I decided to try out this classic! Hearing the book read by the author added a personal touch which I always enjoy and recommend. A lot of the book had passed before I really got into the cadence of Angelou's storytelling; even so, it's impossible to miss the heart and honesty she brings to her writing. I am embarrassed to admit how long it took me to distinguish her grandmother (mama) from her mom (mother) - even still, I might have mixed them up.
Giving a book like this a rating is hard because it's such a specific type of memoir with a meandering plot, but it is impactful and had me genuinely shocked at multiple points. So many important and difficult things about the past are immortalized here. Glad I read it!
Content warning for child molestation (graphic), illness, murder, suicide, homophobia, racism (frequent), assault and injury, and parental neglect....more
Bits of witty banter could not save what was ultimately a book out of my wheelhouse. I wanted to revisit this after skipping it in high school due to Bits of witty banter could not save what was ultimately a book out of my wheelhouse. I wanted to revisit this after skipping it in high school due to the language. Surprisingly, the language was not a big deal now, so that's a win! However, the focus on gossip, preconceived notions about others, and marrying for status completely turned me off and made it challenging to focus on other positive elements. Lots of people love this book, but I couldn't get over my issues with the premise. It has plenty of competence and is still not the worst thing I've read, but I'm not going to be diving enthusiastically into any of Jane Austen's other books.
Content warning for general bullying and misogyny....more
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