The Beauty in the Breaking by Michele Harper 280 pages What’s it about? Michele Harper is a Black woman who works as an Emergency Room doctor. Her memoir is one woman's journey of self- growth and discovery. What did it make me think about? What an interesting perspective. Should I read it? Through her stories of life in the E.R. (treating all kinds of patients) we see Ms. Harper's intellect, her kindness, and her compassion. What we do not see is much joy, or any humor. This makes for a rather preachy book. I must say that I admire Michele Harper and if I ever find myself in an E.R. I would consider myself fortunate to see her standing by my bedside. Quote- "I knew myself well enough to know that when I leave, I leave for good. First comes the physical separation; the emotional disentanglement follows in time," If you liked this try- On the Move by Oliver Sacks Crying in the H Mart by Michelle Zauner Fire Shut up In My Bones by Charles M. Blow 7 stars |
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NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • A Best Book of 2021: Entertainment Weekly, Good Morning America, Wall Street Journal, and more From the indie rockstar of Japanese Breakfast fame, and author of the viral 2018 New Yorker essay that shares the title of this book, an unflinching, powerful memoir about growing up Korean American, losing her mother, and forging her own identity.
Ramadan Ramsey by Louis Edwards
383 pages What’s it about? It is 1999 and Ramadan Ramsey is 12-years-old and living in New Orleans with his grandmother, Mama Joon. His mother passed away when he was small and he has never known his father. When his grandmother dies and leaves him alone with his Aunt Clarissa (and lots of cousins) he struggles with what to do. Ramadan decides to sneak away and travel around the world to find his father. His unexpected journey is at the heart of this story. What did it make me think about? This book is filled with great characters. Should I read it? This is a book that I have great admiration for. For me the beautiful, descriptive writing (and the writing is beautiful) could sometimes actually get in the way of the story that Louis Edwards was telling. I feel the plot was sometimes bogged down by all the words... Having said that Mr. Edwards writes some of the best characters. I really liked this book but I would have loved it about 30 pages less. If you liked this try- Everywhere You Don't Belong by Gabriel Bump Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson 7 stars |
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ratings
3 to 4- I found some aspect of this book redeeming but would not recommend it.
5 to 6- I really enjoyed something about this book (characters, plot, meaning etc.) but it was uneven. Some aspects were stronger than others.
7 to 8- It was a good book. I liked lots of aspects of this book. I would recommend it.
9 to 10- I was sorry to turn the last page. I highly recommend this book!