February Mini Book Reviews: Part 2

This batch of mini reviews are all connected to secrets that each main character has had to keep for their own protection and/or survival:

James by Percival Everett

This novel is so damn good! I’ve never actually read the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, so I went into this book blind, but I still found it captivating. Jim’s code-switching, planning, dream conversations, and drive are perfect for combatting the frequent depersonalization of enslaved folks. The pacing was steady and the ending was cathartic for me. I don’t know what else to say without giving spoilers!!!

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

This book tore me apart and then put me back together again. I love this author’s writing and knew this would be a good book but I was a bit apprehensive to read it. Han and Kenny’s friendship is so pure and I loved their flirtatious scenes together. As heartbreaking as some of the story was, I am so happy with how it ended. Reyes covers some incredibly heavy topics with care. The characters felt real to me. Heads up, this story contains a few explicit scenes, so don’t be surprised when they sneak up!

Please read this book y’all.

The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson

The Color of a Lie is a fantastic book for putting readers into the shoes of Black folks in the Civil Rights era. A lot of folks don’t realize that northern cities were also violent towards Black folks & how that played into the creation of the suburbs of America. I love the way the author included details like the instructional video in Levittown, students reading 1984, & connected the story to historical events.

Calvin’s struggle w/passing for white hit close to home for me because my great-grandfather had to pass in order to get work in Philly. I don’t think people realize how painful that experience is & that it left folks with consistent anxiety.

I recommend this book to anyone from the age of 12 (10/11 if your child has good comprehension & seems to be emotionally mature enough to handle it) & up.

If you want to learn more about racial passing and depictions of it in media, check out my content & research here: https://www.bookishafrolatina.com/passing

Request these books at your local library and/or purchase them here: https://bookshop.org/lists/bookish-afrolatina-s-february-recommendations