Reviews and Comments

I thought it was going to rhyme. It doesn’t rhyme.

I actually started reading this closer to when it came out...2017? And read almost half and then got distracted but not because it isn’t good. It’s SOOOO good. It’s a book I think every white person should read. I really love Ijeoma’s brain and her approach to writing this book. I finished by listening on audio (from the beginning) and the audiobook reader did a great job. I had the thought a few times that Oluo is maybe even a little too generous with her readers. As in, too patient, too kind. But I guess that was the goal, I just feel a bit more angry on her behalf considering everything that has happened since she wrote it. Basically, just effing read this book.

I’ve never spent a full summer in Arizona, but after reading this, I feel like I have. This book is full of rich imagery and three-dimensional characters. It is a good start in addressing the need for stories of male sexual assault survivors. Also a beautiful love story.

Very good but hard to live up to Brown Girl Dreaming, the first Woodson I read. This book made me cry more than once and my overwhelming reaction was that I think teachers 4th grade through 7th grade should be teaching it in schools, especially if the student body is predominantly white. Jacqueline Woodson is just an incredibly talented and nourishing voice for any age.

Similar to Love You Forever but not as controversial. Nice nurturing dad representation.

This book heals parts you didn’t know needed healing. I think a lot of us can relate to the bisexual disaster that Elliot is. I’m sad it is over.