Scan barcode
bookdragon217's reviews
591 reviews
Tropicália: A Novel by Harold Rogers
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Life was full of failure, grief, and misery for everybody, but there certain people hellselected for an unstoppable battering."
Tropicália by Harold Rogers was a stunning debut. The writing is poetic and cuts so deep at times. The story is raw and gut wrenching. Rogers tightens the grip on the reader with a tension that can only be cut with a knife. This debut is stunning and I am so excited to read more of Roger's work in the future.
This story is told in multiple perspectives, all from different members of the same family. There is so much unresolved and unspoken grief and trauma and it fills the reader with so much angst as all the back stories unfold. In the backdrop is the immense poverty in Brazil caused by tourism, political unrest and the colorism that still divides Rio de Janeiro. The cast of characters are multidimensional, flawed and human in every sense of the word. Rogers portrayal does an amazing job of blurring the lines of 'good' and 'bad'.
Rogers' explores poverty, lack of choices, unfulfillment, alcoholism, unrequited love, fatherlessness, lust, unwanted pregnancy, abandonment, biracial identity, revenge and generational curses. After reading this one I'm left reflecting on the power of forgiveness, the human ability to change, the loss of regret and how sad life would be if we were judged by the worst moments of our lives without opportunity for redemption. It reminds how messy families can be but also how love brings about hope and how living in the past keeps us trapped in vicious cycles. Love can cause the deepest of wounds but also be restorative. It can blind you to make bad decisions but it also teaches you how to give grace. I can sum this one up by saying people find ways to numb the pain that lives in the heart and storytellers in families sift through all the broken glass and make a beautiful mosaic for the future generations to gaze at. This book was a beautiful disaster.
If you love generational stories that don't always have a happy ending, you'll totally be captivated by this one. If you loved The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, then this one will make a nice pairing. Thanks to @atriabooks for sending me a gifted copy.
Tropicália by Harold Rogers was a stunning debut. The writing is poetic and cuts so deep at times. The story is raw and gut wrenching. Rogers tightens the grip on the reader with a tension that can only be cut with a knife. This debut is stunning and I am so excited to read more of Roger's work in the future.
This story is told in multiple perspectives, all from different members of the same family. There is so much unresolved and unspoken grief and trauma and it fills the reader with so much angst as all the back stories unfold. In the backdrop is the immense poverty in Brazil caused by tourism, political unrest and the colorism that still divides Rio de Janeiro. The cast of characters are multidimensional, flawed and human in every sense of the word. Rogers portrayal does an amazing job of blurring the lines of 'good' and 'bad'.
Rogers' explores poverty, lack of choices, unfulfillment, alcoholism, unrequited love, fatherlessness, lust, unwanted pregnancy, abandonment, biracial identity, revenge and generational curses. After reading this one I'm left reflecting on the power of forgiveness, the human ability to change, the loss of regret and how sad life would be if we were judged by the worst moments of our lives without opportunity for redemption. It reminds how messy families can be but also how love brings about hope and how living in the past keeps us trapped in vicious cycles. Love can cause the deepest of wounds but also be restorative. It can blind you to make bad decisions but it also teaches you how to give grace. I can sum this one up by saying people find ways to numb the pain that lives in the heart and storytellers in families sift through all the broken glass and make a beautiful mosaic for the future generations to gaze at. This book was a beautiful disaster.
If you love generational stories that don't always have a happy ending, you'll totally be captivated by this one. If you loved The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, then this one will make a nice pairing. Thanks to @atriabooks for sending me a gifted copy.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, Gun violence, Infidelity, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
Women of the Post by Joshunda Sanders
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Our Roof Is Blue by Sara E. Echenique
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"I act brave so I will feel brave."
Our Roof is Blue by Sara E. Echenique was such a beautiful story about strength and resilience. It's about a girl trying to help her brother, Antonio regain his voice after he stops talking due to trauma from Hurricane Maria. She wills herself to be brave in order to support him through his struggles post-storm.
The writing is beautiful and the illustrations are gorgeous and eye catching. I think it would be a useful tool to get children to talk about their emotions after facing a traumatic experience, such as a natural disaster. It also is a reminder of the importance of community and letting others be there for you when you are struggling. The sibling relationship is so special in this one and this story warmed my heart. Antonio's healing journey was so dependent on having loving people in his corner.
The hurricane destroying the family's roof is a crucial part of the story. Puerto Ricans are still facing this same dilemma post- Maria due to the lack of response from the U.S. Techos Pa' Mi Gente is an organization on the ground still providing assistance to families who need roof repairs to their homes. Visit @techospamigente.pr and consider making a donation.
Thanks to @authoraechenique for sending a copy my way. I adored this one and I know your little ones will too. I highly recommend this one if you love:
🇵🇷 Puerto Rican representation
🌺 trauma and selective mutism
🇵🇷 climate change education
🌺 sweet sibling relationship
🇵🇷 community and mutual aid
🌺 the healing power of storytelling
Our Roof is Blue by Sara E. Echenique was such a beautiful story about strength and resilience. It's about a girl trying to help her brother, Antonio regain his voice after he stops talking due to trauma from Hurricane Maria. She wills herself to be brave in order to support him through his struggles post-storm.
The writing is beautiful and the illustrations are gorgeous and eye catching. I think it would be a useful tool to get children to talk about their emotions after facing a traumatic experience, such as a natural disaster. It also is a reminder of the importance of community and letting others be there for you when you are struggling. The sibling relationship is so special in this one and this story warmed my heart. Antonio's healing journey was so dependent on having loving people in his corner.
The hurricane destroying the family's roof is a crucial part of the story. Puerto Ricans are still facing this same dilemma post- Maria due to the lack of response from the U.S. Techos Pa' Mi Gente is an organization on the ground still providing assistance to families who need roof repairs to their homes. Visit @techospamigente.pr and consider making a donation.
Thanks to @authoraechenique for sending a copy my way. I adored this one and I know your little ones will too. I highly recommend this one if you love:
🇵🇷 Puerto Rican representation
🌺 trauma and selective mutism
🇵🇷 climate change education
🌺 sweet sibling relationship
🇵🇷 community and mutual aid
🌺 the healing power of storytelling
Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success by Jessica Parra
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
"That's the trouble with bending. It was impossible to know how far to go before you broke."
Reading Rubi Ramos's Recipes for Success by Jassica Parra was the highlight of my week. It was witty, heartwarming, and overall a joy to experience. This is a debut novel that features stellar writing, larger than life characters and a whole lot of heart. I was so captivated by the story that I can't believe this is Parra's first novel.
Rubi Ramos is a protagonist I won't easily forget because I related so much to her issues. She's Afro-Latina, a daughter of immigrants dealing with racism, white saviorism in college admissions and at the same time carrying the heavy weight of her parents' expectations of the American Dream and her own feelings of imposter syndrome and FOMO. She has a strained relationship with her mother because of her rigid expectations and the unresolved trauma from Cuba. Rubi longs to connect to her Cuban roots through baking but her parents want her to pursue law instead as a way to avoid the struggle they had to go through to make ends meet. Rubi is afraid to chase her own dreams because of the guilt she feels about feeling indebted to her parents for their sacrifices. Parra did an amazing job showing how some immigrant parents value assimilation and education over creativity and arts and how the weight of trying to make independent choices for yourself can be paralyzing and anxiety provoking.
Although this one tackled heavy themes in Latinx culture, Parra managed to give us a sweet romance that didn't overpower the story, supportive teenage friendship and acceptance, lots of Cuban culture and lots of yummy food and baking. Do yourselves a favor treat yourself to the beauty that is this story. Parra is an author to keep your eye on in the future. Thanks to @wednesdaybooks for sending me a gifted copy.
Reading Rubi Ramos's Recipes for Success by Jassica Parra was the highlight of my week. It was witty, heartwarming, and overall a joy to experience. This is a debut novel that features stellar writing, larger than life characters and a whole lot of heart. I was so captivated by the story that I can't believe this is Parra's first novel.
Rubi Ramos is a protagonist I won't easily forget because I related so much to her issues. She's Afro-Latina, a daughter of immigrants dealing with racism, white saviorism in college admissions and at the same time carrying the heavy weight of her parents' expectations of the American Dream and her own feelings of imposter syndrome and FOMO. She has a strained relationship with her mother because of her rigid expectations and the unresolved trauma from Cuba. Rubi longs to connect to her Cuban roots through baking but her parents want her to pursue law instead as a way to avoid the struggle they had to go through to make ends meet. Rubi is afraid to chase her own dreams because of the guilt she feels about feeling indebted to her parents for their sacrifices. Parra did an amazing job showing how some immigrant parents value assimilation and education over creativity and arts and how the weight of trying to make independent choices for yourself can be paralyzing and anxiety provoking.
Although this one tackled heavy themes in Latinx culture, Parra managed to give us a sweet romance that didn't overpower the story, supportive teenage friendship and acceptance, lots of Cuban culture and lots of yummy food and baking. Do yourselves a favor treat yourself to the beauty that is this story. Parra is an author to keep your eye on in the future. Thanks to @wednesdaybooks for sending me a gifted copy.
The Star Side of Bird Hill by Naomi Jackson
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Suicide, and Death of parent
House Woman by Adorah Nworah
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, and Pregnancy
The Making of Yolanda la Bruja by Lorraine Avila
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
"This is a place where an entire race has oppressed and sat above the rest. On this land, the blood-spills always bubble back up to the surface, and instead of cleaning it, the oppressors constantly cover it with cement."
The Making of Yolanda La Bruja by Lorraine Avila was my first read for Caribbean Heritage Month and it was pure perfection. The story focuses on Yolanda, a deaf Afro-Dominican teenager who is coming into her ancestral power while navigating her own anxieties about feeling that a new white student is a possible threat to her school community. She is wise beyond her years and has a heart for her Bronx community and high school made up of mostly Black and Brown students.
I loved Avila's deep exploration of themes of racism, gun violence, mental health, social and restorative justice, activism, spirituality, disability, feminism & misogyny, white supremacy and colorism and anti-blackness in the Caribbean. Her passion for youth shines through and is evident in the way she tells this story through the perspective of Bronx, NYC teenagers. It's authentic, heartfelt, gut wrenching and emotional. It really highlights how racist institutions fail BIPOC students, create anxieties and fears and silences victims. But Avila still finds ways to show teenage joy, laughter, discovering love, friendship and the ways communities of color pull together and heal.
Avila also does a great job of showing how Black women are not believed, especially if they don't conform to societal standards of behavior & spirituality. Avila celebrates Afro-Caribbean spirituality practices & gives validity to their power in helping communities in very real ways. This book would be a powerful tool in the hands of youth because of how it voices how gun violence in suburban schools has bled into the inner city. It's also a nice reminder of how much teachers care but are limited in what they can do for student safety. I'm left pondering how true social justice would look like if the affected communities were allowed to lead these movements, not the rich & politicians motivated by pandering.
Thanks to @levinequerido for the gifted copy. I highly recommend you go grab a copy.
The Making of Yolanda La Bruja by Lorraine Avila was my first read for Caribbean Heritage Month and it was pure perfection. The story focuses on Yolanda, a deaf Afro-Dominican teenager who is coming into her ancestral power while navigating her own anxieties about feeling that a new white student is a possible threat to her school community. She is wise beyond her years and has a heart for her Bronx community and high school made up of mostly Black and Brown students.
I loved Avila's deep exploration of themes of racism, gun violence, mental health, social and restorative justice, activism, spirituality, disability, feminism & misogyny, white supremacy and colorism and anti-blackness in the Caribbean. Her passion for youth shines through and is evident in the way she tells this story through the perspective of Bronx, NYC teenagers. It's authentic, heartfelt, gut wrenching and emotional. It really highlights how racist institutions fail BIPOC students, create anxieties and fears and silences victims. But Avila still finds ways to show teenage joy, laughter, discovering love, friendship and the ways communities of color pull together and heal.
Avila also does a great job of showing how Black women are not believed, especially if they don't conform to societal standards of behavior & spirituality. Avila celebrates Afro-Caribbean spirituality practices & gives validity to their power in helping communities in very real ways. This book would be a powerful tool in the hands of youth because of how it voices how gun violence in suburban schools has bled into the inner city. It's also a nice reminder of how much teachers care but are limited in what they can do for student safety. I'm left pondering how true social justice would look like if the affected communities were allowed to lead these movements, not the rich & politicians motivated by pandering.
Thanks to @levinequerido for the gifted copy. I highly recommend you go grab a copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, and Racism
Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms by Jenna Yoon
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Notes on Her Color by Jennifer Neal
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"You have to feel out different spaces like they've got blood and bone of their own—and make yourself fit into them like a river."
Notes on Her Color by Jennifer Neal was quite an experience. It's one of those books that crawls under your skin and melts into you from the inside out. It's raw, emotional and dark and at times you want to look away because it feels brutal and you feel guilty for being a witness. Neal's writing is captivating. I loved how she wove the art of music into the story because it felt like a way to freedom for the protagonist, Gabrielle. The premise of being able to change skin color based on emotion and the environment was a unique aspect of the story. Neal tackles the heavy topics of colorism, respectability politics, family history, mother-daughter relationships, emotional abuse, misogyny and mental health in very interesting ways.
The speculative aspects really add flavor to an already layered story. At times I didn't know what I was reading because it was weird but it was beautiful. This is definitely a book for readers who love vibes rather than plot and enjoy being taken on a blind journey full of feelings. I'm still thinking about this one and trying to process it all. I can't say much more except this is one you have to experience for yourself.
Thank you to @catapult and @cocoachapters for the gifted copy and opportunity to review this one.
Notes on Her Color by Jennifer Neal was quite an experience. It's one of those books that crawls under your skin and melts into you from the inside out. It's raw, emotional and dark and at times you want to look away because it feels brutal and you feel guilty for being a witness. Neal's writing is captivating. I loved how she wove the art of music into the story because it felt like a way to freedom for the protagonist, Gabrielle. The premise of being able to change skin color based on emotion and the environment was a unique aspect of the story. Neal tackles the heavy topics of colorism, respectability politics, family history, mother-daughter relationships, emotional abuse, misogyny and mental health in very interesting ways.
The speculative aspects really add flavor to an already layered story. At times I didn't know what I was reading because it was weird but it was beautiful. This is definitely a book for readers who love vibes rather than plot and enjoy being taken on a blind journey full of feelings. I'm still thinking about this one and trying to process it all. I can't say much more except this is one you have to experience for yourself.
Thank you to @catapult and @cocoachapters for the gifted copy and opportunity to review this one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide attempt