We Cast a Shadow is a work of literary racial satire, both hilarious and heart-wrenching at the same time. I'm thankful that the Center for Fiction LoWe Cast a Shadow is a work of literary racial satire, both hilarious and heart-wrenching at the same time. I'm thankful that the Center for Fiction Longlisted this debut novel, otherwise I might not have come across it.
In the not so distant future, the narrator is concerned that a black birthmark on his biracial son is getting bigger and bigger. As one of the few black men in his firm, he is trying to climb the ranks to save money for a complete "demelanization" procedure for his son Nigel which will bleach his skin and alter his features so he can have the appearance of a white man and thus be treated as one.
I picked this novel up not knowing what to expect and could not put it down. It is hilarious at times with the type of satirical humor that left me thinking, "I really don't think I should be laughing at this." Parts of it are entirely dystopian while others feel entirely too close to reality. The middle part of the books meanders from scene to scene a bit but is still engaging. The last 1/3 of the book hit me hard. It moves from one emotionally powerful scene to another. The end left me weeping (which doesn't happen very often btw).
Maurice Carlos Ruffin has a mastery of language that had me reading sentences multiple times for pure enjoyment. With 2019 almost over, this novel has easily slid into my top 5 for the year. Now feeling like a bit of an obsessed fan, I'm off to read any author interviews I can find....more
3.5 *s. Christmas Camp is everything you want in a holiday novel. It's heartwarming with a great cast of characters.3.5 *s. Christmas Camp is everything you want in a holiday novel. It's heartwarming with a great cast of characters....more
Set in post-apartheid South Africa, this novel alternates between the points of view of three women, all facing life-changing moments in their lives. Set in post-apartheid South Africa, this novel alternates between the points of view of three women, all facing life-changing moments in their lives. It deals with the racism of those times and the early onset of the AIDS epidemic. The story is so compelling. While heartbreaking, it is also full of hope.
I have not read Bianca Mariais' first novel yet, but I am convinced that she is now on my list of favorite authors. ...more
Just right for the season! I love a charming Christmas novel. This one had a little bit more substance than most. It deals with some difficult topics,Just right for the season! I love a charming Christmas novel. This one had a little bit more substance than most. It deals with some difficult topics, while still being heartwarming. ...more
Interesting elements that just didn't quite come together for me. A very lonely young man, Leke, seeks connections by stalking people in malls, makingInteresting elements that just didn't quite come together for me. A very lonely young man, Leke, seeks connections by stalking people in malls, making appointments with every type of doctor/practitioner imaginable, and steals things. He does not know his birth mother and his adoptive mother passed away. I adored Leke's quirkiness but would have like a better wrap up to the story....more
The Last Thing She Told Me by Linda Green is the story of secrets spanning generations of a family that surface when Nicola’s grandmother dies. EverytThe Last Thing She Told Me by Linda Green is the story of secrets spanning generations of a family that surface when Nicola’s grandmother dies. Everything she knows about her family begins to unravel. It’s told through three alternating viewpoints, one present day and two in the past. I always love this format which makes for a fast-paced, intriguing read. This was a solid enjoyable read but not terribly unique. ...more
I'm way behind everyone else here, but FINALLY I listened to this book. It was not as amazing as I expected but it was good. While I enjoyed the narraI'm way behind everyone else here, but FINALLY I listened to this book. It was not as amazing as I expected but it was good. While I enjoyed the narration, I do think that this format may have made it a little more difficult for me. I seemed to get lost during some of the scene switches. I felt a bit detached from Cora's character at times. I did like the alternate reality portion of this story. I've since read The Nickel Boys and enjoyed this one far more....more
Heartbreaking and harrowing, The Nickel Boys is a fictionalized account of events that occurred at the Dozier School for boys in Florida. The main chaHeartbreaking and harrowing, The Nickel Boys is a fictionalized account of events that occurred at the Dozier School for boys in Florida. The main character Elwood is sent to the school when he catches a ride with someone driving a stolen car. At the school, Elwood meets Turner who helps him navigate life there. I loved Elwood's character and the relationship between the two boys who were somewhat opposites. Having listened to The Underground Railroad this month, this novel is my favorite of the two. ...more
4.5 *s. This Is Home is a lovely story about family, friendship and parenthood and the definition of a home. This novel was the first I've read by Lisa4.5 *s. This Is Home is a lovely story about family, friendship and parenthood and the definition of a home. This novel was the first I've read by Lisa Duffy. I found it incredibly readable with well-drawn characters. ...more
4.5 *s. I waited way too long after reading "Sleeping Giants" to start this second book in the trilogy. I can say that I found it even more compulsive4.5 *s. I waited way too long after reading "Sleeping Giants" to start this second book in the trilogy. I can say that I found it even more compulsively readable than the first. Told in interviews, case files, and recordings, this novel is a particularly fast-paced read. I highly recommend this to those who want to just try a bit of science fiction as I find this series very accessible. I can't wait to read the final installment....more
3 stars for the page-turning factor. While I couldn't put this book down, I also didn't particularly love it. Hanna is a terrifying 7 year old who lov3 stars for the page-turning factor. While I couldn't put this book down, I also didn't particularly love it. Hanna is a terrifying 7 year old who loves her father and wants to kill her mother to live happily alone with him. Hanna does some particularly amazing things for her age. I disliked her mother, Suzette, so much that I had trouble feeling bad for her at times. Just an OK read for me....more
The full cast audio version of this book added an extra star. 19 year old Sadie is missing after the death of her 13 year old sister. One part of the The full cast audio version of this book added an extra star. 19 year old Sadie is missing after the death of her 13 year old sister. One part of the story is Sadie searching for the killer to avenge her sister's death. The other part is a podcast by West McCray who is attempting to solve the mystery of what happened to Sadie. This podcast portion makes the novel so well suited to an audio presentation. I am not a huge YA reader, but I found this book more mature than most in this genre. I highly recommend it!...more
The Hunger is the result of taking a particularly horrific piece of history and adding an extra bit of supernatural horror to it. I think everyone criThe Hunger is the result of taking a particularly horrific piece of history and adding an extra bit of supernatural horror to it. I think everyone cringes over the Donner party wagon train trip to California in 1846. I absolutely loved the idea of turning this into a horror novel. It's divided in sections by months as the group descends into madness. I'll keep the horror element a secret, but this one is definitely one to add to your must read horror list....more
4.5 *s. I loved this piece of literary science fiction. There is plenty of science in here, but I was mostly drawn in by the relationships between fam4.5 *s. I loved this piece of literary science fiction. There is plenty of science in here, but I was mostly drawn in by the relationships between family members and friends in this book. It is so unique and just a lovely read. If you liked "Age of Miracles" by Karen Thompson Walker, I think you'll love this one....more
4.5 *s. I wasn't sure about picking this one up because of mixed reviews. After reading the blurbs on the back, I decided it was definitely for me. I s4.5 *s. I wasn't sure about picking this one up because of mixed reviews. After reading the blurbs on the back, I decided it was definitely for me. I saw words like dark, gothic, magical, fairy tale. Yes - definitely a book for me. I loved this one it was 100% my type of book. It is strange and extremely dark.
The ending did wrap up a little too quickly, leaving me slightly puzzled but still satisfied. Overall a really great read!!!...more
This beautifully written novel is the story of Achilles told by his partner Patroclus. The characters are so well-developed and the words just flow. IThis beautifully written novel is the story of Achilles told by his partner Patroclus. The characters are so well-developed and the words just flow. I don't think it matters if you are a Greek mythology fan or not. I'm looking forward to moving on to Miller's novel Circe next....more
Great story and great characters!! Children are kidnapped and put under horrible studies at The Institute. The whole premise of the studies is quite iGreat story and great characters!! Children are kidnapped and put under horrible studies at The Institute. The whole premise of the studies is quite interesting. As expected, The Institute is quite a page turner. The ending was fairly quiet but I found it satisfying....more
Loading...
