Red at the Bone - Jacqueline Woodson

Rating: ⭐️⭐️½

I really wanted to love this, and at first I thought it would be something I really enjoyed. But the importance of the story, the switching perspectives, and the past to present to future and back really made it go over my head.

A part of me doesn't want to write a review for this, because so many people love this book and I know I'm apart of the minority that do not. But the reason I am writing it is because I want to SPECIFICALLY tell you, that this book was just not for me. Usually when I don't like a book there is something that I find fault with that is usually universal and not just me. With this, there was no universal flaw; it just wasn't something I was particularly interested in.

I think it was the writing style for me and the fact that everything was more of explanation rather than a plot. In my opinion, this book has no plot. It's just a look into the past, present and future of some characters and what certain things mean to them. And that isn't really what i'm looking for in a book. I'm looking for a book to whisk me off my feet and into its story, and I'm sorry to say that this book wasn't even close.

It just lacked everything to me. And I know others will pick up this book and it will be exactly what they are looking for, but to me it wasn't memorable.

What was memorable was the accounts of the different characters. Despite not liking the changing confusing perspectives, I did like when I knew who's perspective it was and what they were talking about. It was their own recollection of a time in their life, a memory, something important to who they are and I did feel a little attached to some characters because of this. However, there were still a majority of characters I felt like I didn't know or care about in the slightest.

I'm just sad this didn't end up being a hit for me, but I'm glad it will be for others.

The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When I think of this book and trying to come up with the words to review it, there are no words. No words that I can write that will articulate better than Angie Thomas herself. This book is about hate. This book is about injustice. This book is about death. This book is about a lot of things.

I need to say this right now instead of at the end; If you haven't read this yet, please just pick it up, make it next on your read list, read the synopsis for the first time (or again), read the first chapter, anything. This book deserves its hype. It deserves promotion. It deserves to never stop trending.

Angie Thomas, you did such an incredible job. And that honestly means nothing coming from me. I loved this book and what it talked about. How vulnerable it was. Everything. Thank you for writing this. Thank you sharing this story with the world and myself. I just cannot get over how important it is that people read this book. People need to know of these kind of accounts, the kind that Starr had with Khalil. It breaks my heart to know that they never get the justice they deserve. Because it's not right what happened. A hairbrush is not a gun.

Angie Thomas, your writing is exquisite. You know how to piece the words together to make this extravagant piece of art, and again, I just want to say thank you for sharing it with us, with me. I loved this book.

The quote that really hit different with me from this book was this one,

“Good-byes hurt the most when the other person’s already gone.”

In the Neighborhood of True - Susan Kaplan Carlton

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Algonquin Books for reaching out to me to participate in this Book Tour and for providing me with a physical copy of the paperback arc!

#intheneighborhoodoftrue

This was an incredible story. The premise of the story is surrounded by the hate against people that are not white, are not Christians, are not the "ideal Southern"person/family.

After Ruth's father dies, her and her family move from non-restrictive and flexible, New York City, to old-beliefs, upheld traditions and sweet tea, Atlanta. Ruth quickly discovers that she can fit in with the popular kids, or she can be Jewish, but she cannot be both. She decides to hide her religion and soon she has these new friends and new crush, Davis, that are all apart of the all-Christians club. Deep inside, Ruth knows she can't hide her religion forever, and violence is brewing. Ruth will have to choose between all she loves in her new life or standing up for what she believes is right.

It has been a long time since I read a book that is centralized around Southern culture and beliefs. I have always found their traditions interesting and intriguing, and I like that things like the Magnolia Queen were included in this book.

I enjoyed how the author kept the injustice "silently" brewing in the background of the story until the breaking point. I know that it wasn't really silent, it was blatant and obvious, but with a character who is hiding her religion, it quietly brews until she knows she needs to stand up.

Somethings that felt a little off for me were, Max as a character and the ending. In my opinion, its always good to have a side character that can help bring the main character back to what is right, but to me Max didn't really do that. He was just kind of there as a plot guidance to help Ruth slowly realize her fault, but I didn't feel attached or interested in him at all. The ending just lacked the pack of the punch. I wanted more from it. It felt rushed and straight to the point, and even then I wasn't happy with it. There could've been more dialogue and intrigue and heartbreak. Without spoilers, there just could've been more to the ending.

I admire how the author also based this story off of a true event and also things that have happened in her life. She attended the temple that was mentioned in the book, and one day as they were leaving the temple, her daughter asked her "did you know my classroom was bombed?" and that is where it started.

I still 100% recommend this book! It discusses important topics and the writing style is great.

Make sure to check out the hashtag #intheneighborhoodoftrue on Instagram and Twitter to see the buzz about book!