robin1b's reviews
184 reviews

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

Go to review page

challenging emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

5✨ - What can I say? It’s James Baldwin, writing a book in the 1960’s that is still completely relevant today. A mush read!
Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

Go to review page

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

3.0

3✨. I really wanted to love this book, so it’s tough for me to write this review. HBCU meets Harry Potter? I was all in! The author mentioned that the story would focus more on Black boy joy than trauma, but there was still a lot of trauma in the book, and I found myself feeling lost in the plot. It just didn’t come together the way I expected, and I didn’t find it as engaging as I hoped. That said, this is the author’s first book, and I’m still interested in checking out the sequel when it comes out this summer. I think there’s a lot of potential for growth!! 
All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks

Go to review page

challenging informative medium-paced

4.0

4✨ bell hooks was an amazing author and activist and this book is an example of that! She pushes us to see and live from an ethos of love. Oh, how the world would be different if we just lived out of love! That said, while I agreed with most of her points, there are a few places that it was obvious that this book is 25 years old. I note that this book also leans pretty heavily into God and spirituality, as that may not resonate with some people. I’m looking forward to delving even more deeply into her work! 
Somebody's Husband by Robbi Renee

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

4.25✨ The third installment in Robbi Renee's series, Somebody’s Husband, is a wonderful romance set at the fictional Monroe University, an HBCU. The story skillfully blends themes of loss and grief with love, joy, and passion, while exploring the question: Can you ever love again? While the plot is somewhat predictable, it’s still incredibly satisfying and just a bit spicy! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Also, Dr. Dresden is a dream! 
Spice:🌶️🌶️/5
Version: Kindle
James by Percival Everett

Go to review page

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-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? Yes

5.0

5✨ James was a powerful book. At such a time in history, it is important not to forget that we are not far removed from the times depicted in this book. A retelling of Huckleberry Finn, it offered a few laughs and many tears. It took me a week to read because it’s a difficult read—raw and direct. I highly recommend it to everyone. After reading it, think about the direction you want this country to take, because we could very easily slip backward..."

Version: Audiobook via Spotify - Highly suggest unless you understand how to read in this dialect. 
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

3.75✨ Came for the love story. Was disappointed by the love story. Fell in love with the back stories! That’s my path with this book. I knew it was a romance but the true story is the backstory and there is so much of it! Mental health, child abandonment, children experiencing adult incarceration and so much more! This book touched on so much so well! The love story was my LEAST favorite part of this book! Kudos to Jimenez for going deeper! 
Version: Audiobook via Libby. 
The Women by Kristin Hannah

Go to review page

challenging emotional informative reflective sad medium-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? Yes

5.0

5✨ First book of the year was one that I’ve been hoping to read for a while. The Vietnam War happened right before I was born and while I learned about it in school I haven’t gone back to it. This amazing piece of historical fiction took me back in time. I was crying and joyful and screaming and praying all in one book. It’s also caused me to want to research more about the war and the continued mental and physical health impacts of the veterans. Considering the current war in Palestine this is a must read!  
Version: audiobook via Libby
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Go to review page

challenging funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

4.5✨✨I wanted to finish the year off with reading a book by woman of color and a book that would give me positivity to go into the new year. I know I’m late to the party but this book did not fail! (I’m also a huge Grey’s Anatomy fan so I’m sure that helped!) It was just joy for me. I finished it in one day and I’m ready to make next year my “year of yes”! Yes to what brings me joy and makes me feel valued. Yes to everything that scares me. Saying yes to saying no! This book was excellent! As this will probably be my last book of the year I say to you, my bookish friend, I wish you a year of glorious yes!! A year of joy and peace and a year where you stop being a dreamer and be a doer! Happy New Year! 
Version: Audiobook via Libby - author reads! 
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

3.75✨✨✨✨ - Abby Jimenez reminds me a bit of Kennedy Ryan. There is a predictability to her books with a fun, emotional and thought provoking ride. Her characters feel real and I love how she shows us the good and bad. I also love how she shows examples of men with emotional intelligence. This book deals with a lot: breakups, stressful family dynamics, illness and more. While I enjoyed this book some of the inner dialogue seemed to be drawn out and may have been more difficult to get through if I hadn’t been reading the audiobook version. I really enjoyed the first half of this book the best. Enjoy! 
Version: Audiobook via Libby 
Spice: .5🌶️/5
Stranded by Shukri R. Abdi, Chris Bruno, David Howard Lee

Go to review page

inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

3.5✨✨✨ Super cute and quick read. Somewhat ratchet. 😂😂 if you are looking for a funny listen with an all star cast, this is the book. Also, bring the headphones if littles are around.