lafate's reviews
142 reviews

Blues for Mister Charlie: A Play by James Baldwin

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is a poignant and still timely story that takes place innthe 1960s. A young black man is murdered in the beginning of the play. What will happen? How do the different white and black characters react? Will anything happen legally? 

It's not a long play. I read an old used paperback. I recommend this play. James Baldwin has once again written an important work. 
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

This is a delightful romance, the second of a trilogy. I enjoyed it very much, but related to the first book a lot more. These books are a little spicy, but this is spicier than "Get a Life, Chloe Brown". Dani Brown is bisexual and I think it could have been cute if she found a woman to love. But maybe as a trilogy it works better as female and male. 

I gave book one five stars, this gets 4.5 if Goodreads. I listened to this on Audible; the narration is excellent.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful 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? No

5.0

I had heard good things about this book and purchased it on Audible. Then I sort of forgot about it until I was looking through my library for books to listen to this year. I'm so glad that I got to it. I knew there were light-skinned black twins and that one decided to pass for white. 

That was pretty much as that I knew. I didn't know about the depth of the story and the skillful and emotional writing. The story spans decades and includes historic events. I'll be getting to more books by Brit Bennett.  This is wonderfully narrated by Shayna Small, the first time I've listened to a book narrated by her. 
Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring tense fast-paced

5.0

My 28 year old and I got to see Gary Paulsen give a talk years ago. We got a signed paper copy which I read and loved. I rarely reread books, but I listened to this for a buddy read. The narrator helps add another dimension to this book and I enjoyed it even more. I even made my 28 year old listen to the funniest chapter with me. I highly recommend this book! 
Speculative Japan: Outstanding Tales of Japanese Science Fiction and Fantasy by Kazumasa Hirai, Taku Mayumura, Ryo Hanmura, Mariko Ōhara, Masami Fukushima, Hisashi Asakura, Tetsu Yano, Hiromi Kawakami, Tensei Kono, David Brin, Shinji Kajio, Takumi Shibano, Sakyo Komatsu, Koichi Yamano, Grania Davis, Gozo Yoshimasu, Gene van Troyer, Yasutaka Tsutsui, Takashi Ishikawa, Aritsune Toyota

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

4.0

This book was gifted to me, and it took me a year or two to get to it. The collection was an interesting mix of stories. The first one was kind of gross, but I still felt compelled to read it. If you're going to read this, then take heart that it's the only one. I wouldn't have chosen to lead with that story. A few stories fell flat, but most were 4-5 stars. There are a couple of real gems in here. 

I'm a casual science fiction reader. I think this book could appeal to hard-core fans like the person who gave this to me. They vary in style, substance, and strangeness. It is a solid collection. I wasn't familiar with any of the authors, but I am with a couple of translators as I'm a Japanese literature fan. 


Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America by Joy-Ann Reid

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

5.0

I knew ahead of time that I would feel sadness and anger at Medgar Evers' death. It was harder because the author brings their lives into focus. She chronicles their lives as they relate to the Civil Rights Movement. I knew that Medgar was an activist, but I didn't know much about him. 

I want to thank Joy-Ann Reid for writing this book. You helped me to understand things a little bit more. In these times, it's more important than ever to study this history. 

The author narrated this book, but there were a few places where the volume was off, usually too high. The sound engineer could have tweaked this. 

I would encourage everyone to read or listen to this book. 
Ada Blackjack: A True Story of Survival in the Arctic by Jennifer Niven

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

4.5

This is a story of survival, but it is really a story of heartache. Ada BlackJack was dealt a hand that she had little control over. She went to Wrangel Island with four men, but there were supposed to be other Eskimos as well. Eskimo was the term used in the book because of the time period. I don't know if she was Inuit or Yupik (there are alternate spellings), so I have been using Eskimo. 

The man who set up the expedition didn't go. We learn about him and the men going. We learn about preparations and the time on the island. We learn about the aftermath as Ada BlackJack is the only survivor. All through, I'm rooting for this young woman. Her story didn't end at her rescue. 

I listened to the audiobook, which didn't have the pictures or maps. It should include a PDF of them.  I ended up borrowing the ebook from the library so I could see them. I'd like to give this 4.5 stars. 
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful 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? No

5.0

This is my fourth book by Elizabeth Acevedo and my favorite so far. I listened to the audiobook read by the author. I'm not the target audience of Young Adult books. I'm an old woman. I was into poetry some as a teenager, but most of my stuff wouldn't have stood the test of time. 

This book has heart, conflicts, and joys. It's about a teenage girl who begins to write poetry. She has a twin brother, immigrant parents, and a best friend, all living in Harlem. I will not give any spoilers. 

I give this a hearty five stars. 
Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I listened to this on Audible. 

First off, before I even discuss the story, let me say that Dion Graham was a perfect narrator  I know there were a couple of parts when his voice was a little too soft, but the sound engineer should have caught that. The ratings on Audible are much higher than here.

This book has been awaiting me on Audible for a while and is my first book by Colson Whitehead. He invented a cast of characters whom I could feel for and against. The main character, Ray Carney, is someone I rooted for from beginning to end. Sure, some dealings might have been a little sketchy, but it's tough to get by in the city. I also loved the humorous parts that usually caught me unaware.

I grew up in a different city, but I remember the mid-1960s. This book felt true to the times. I have a friend who sold vintage furniture, and I was surprised at how well the author described the furniture of Ray Carney's furniture shop. 

I'll be back for more Colson Whitehead. And Ray Carney. I love this book.
Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales by Nelson Mandela

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I listened on Audible. First off, I loved the stories, some a little more than others, and most of the narration was 5 stars. The music was fantastic, but it is so much louder than the stories that you should be ready to adjust your headphones if that's how you're listening. 

I would recommend these stories to anyone who likes folktales. They come from many African countries. I'm an adult, but I would also enjoy these with my grandkids, even the one who would claim to be too old. 

I'm thankful for the PDF with all the pictures and credits - great illustrations! If you are borrowing from the library or buying from any source, please check for the PDF! This is also in print. It was produced to raise money for children orphaned and impacted by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. I'm glad to have this!