Danee C Jones-Mitchell

multicultural dialogue of race and misinformation

Revisado: 02-25-22

Racism is a disease that sickens a society… this story challenges us to examine our “level of health” where it’s concerned. It’s a story of perspectives and how they shape who and how we are in the world, with our fellows and inside ourselves.

It’s a multicultural dialogue of race and misinformation spun artfully as only a true griot can.

McFadden is one of my favorite authors and this book does not disappoint. She is not a punk when it comes to reflecting on hard truths and bringing all facets of our humanity (or lack there of) to life.

Well done.

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MUST READ-Humorous and insightful

Revisado: 06-28-19

Someone wrote my in another review that this book is the perfect marriage between “The Bridget Jones Diary” and “Americanah” (both favorites) and I couldn’t agree more.

I thought I’d be bored because I am well beyond the age of the protagonist but I was thankfully wrong! I identified with the experiences, mistakes and feeling of both my younger and present self. I most appreciated the candor and wit that enfolded within the story.

I liked the main character and hated some others which is a good sign-in my reading experience, apathy towards characters equates to poor story telling, character development, etc and usually results in immediate dismissal of a book.

The ending mimicked real life in that all problems cannot be solved just because the book ends. Progress not perfection...

Good from start to finish.

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Not the depth I'm used to

Revisado: 10-17-18

I received this book free in exchange for this review.

After reading the synopsis of the book, I thought the subject matter and nuances in the relationships of these three women would create a beautiful story. Alas, it did not...

First of all, there were excessive details that foreshadowed NOTHING. As a reader, when an author shares a PRECISE attribute of something or someone, it makes me believe that this information is important to remember for something later to come--not the case here. These descriptions of what people were doing was could have been better replaced with how they were BEING. For example, the mention of the brand of clothing, shades, shoes a character has or telling me the kind of car she's getting in to EVERY TIME she enters the car. I got it that this character is all about the finest and best THE FIRST TIME, tell me more about how this fits into the story. Also, it is suffice to paint a picture of characters and situations using eloquent written imagery that provides both context and depth such as in the style of Diane McKinney Whetstone or Bernice McFadden. I found details redundant and annoying and wanted more insight than shallow words.

While the situations and circumstances had all the makings of a profound story, the characters lacked wisdom and I found myself not connecting (and even rolling my eyes) at the unrealistic and immature responses of these women. While beautiful, successful and flawed, again, there was no depth to most of them. Problems and circumstances were handled like a sitcom--short, shallow and unenlightened.

It was tough to get through and I found myself likening it to the African American fiction of old (in the beginning where Terry McMillan was our ONLY she-ro). Perhaps this writing style is more conducive to those starting out (both writers and readers). I struggled as I wrote this review as it is not my intent to "blast" the author. I know that it takes great effort, skill and dedication to put pen to paper and create and I appreciate the art just not the expression.

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Not what I expected

Revisado: 10-17-18

I received this book free in exchange for a review.

Starting with a strength - I love that the author was inspired to write this book as a result of a school shooting especially when it seems that they are more the norm than any of us are comfortable with. The recall of the"kindness experiment" is inspiring.

Honest review - I listened and kept waiting for something that never showed up....The book was more a memoir of sorts of how students (Secret Kindness Agents) ultimately transformed themselves first then others by committing random acts of kindness. I guess I thought the story behind the acts would shape the context for why humans should do more radical acts of kindness and its benefits THEN the rest of the book would more poignantly provide tips on how regular folks could do do these acts.

Words, phrases, concepts were redundant causing a "get on with it" reaction from me. Maybe if I were a teacher this would be of greater benefit to me. As a parent, I will however,share some of the insights with my own child.

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Wished for a different ending

Revisado: 08-06-18

Good story and characters well developed. I, like another reviewer, wished it was devoid of the "cheesy sound effects" (did not add to the experience). Great insight into why characters were the way they were. I wanted the ending to bring them all to a close. Sad ending but understood how things lead to this conclusion.

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Delightful read for all ages

Revisado: 08-06-18

Listened with my 10 year old daughter. Both she and I "Potterheads" (love all things Harry Potter) so the magical world and witchcraft is fascinating to us and this book did not disappoint. Like Harry Potter, great insight into the human experience with character building to boot. LOVED the characters, story and narration so much so that this is one of our new favorite author's. Currently listening to The Witch's Boy.

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Intense and complex

Revisado: 05-29-18

I cared about all these characters. They were complex and the author was able to tell the story of who the were that makes them who they are and how love is simple but complicated. Well written, well told.

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Sad but TRUE

Revisado: 06-27-17

My initial reaction was sadness upon hearing the impetus for the book. The tone was both reflection of author's parenting strengths coupled with "do this so you don't have any regrets". Although I felt stings of this sadness throughout book, I could really appreciate to the practical strategies and could/would be easily implemented. Simple and easy to understand language and on point with common parenting concerns.

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Love sharing the adventure with my daughter

Revisado: 06-27-17

This is my first time around the Potter series (outside of the movies) and I'm loving that i get to share the adventure with my 9 year old daughter! The details of the story are so much more rich than is portrayed on screen. The narration is stellar and the story is quintessentially fascinating "Harry". We tried to read it together but this is so much more exciting and gives us a new level of connection. We plan to listen to the whole series.

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Connection is the key!

Revisado: 06-27-17

Beautifully done! It gave me empathy about both myself as a kid and my own child. This is not your 'garden variety' parenting book that seeks to resolve perceived behavior challenges with strategies to get your child to do better. There are consistent opportunities to reflect on who we are as mothers and humans and how our experiences affect the parent child relationship (as they do in ANY relationship). The bottom line seemed to be encouraging thoughtful, strength based interactions with our children which promotes connection and leaves everyone feeling valued. I appreciate all the the research based factoids about behavior and best practices.

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