Wrath. Victoria Christopher Murray. 2021. Simon & Schuster. 384 pages. [Source: ARC provided courtesy of NetGalley.] Absolutely loved all of these characters!! Let me start by saying, I’ll be needing a Sisley and Kareem prequel because there seems to be plenty to tell in that redemption story. The main characters’ back story played a vital role in the dynamics of Chastity and Xavier’s relationship and I appreciated how the supporting characters were used to further enhance your understanding of their perspective and subsequent decision making. I love how VCM did a spin on people’s use of scripture to support what they may innately want to do…the notion that there’s a scripture for everything (good and bad) was clearly shown. The ending took me by surprise … but it was delightful stray from the expected. Additional favorite points: • Bryce knowing and calling Xavier on his BS – too often in stories like this, you find friends that border on being accomplices. I appreciated that it was a clear depiction of how men MUST hold one another accountable and encourage each other to do better. • The underlying theme that it’s not how people see you, but how you see yourself….

Living in the Middle. A. Robert Allen. 2019. 247 pages. [Source: ARC provided courtesy of author.] There’s no greater challenge than finding the balance between how you see yourself and how others see you. Living in the Middle effectively conveys the notion of identity being fluid and the impact of external forces. I found the opening chapter to be confusing and difficult to understand prior to the introduction of Jimmy, which made it challenging to get into the book. The historical accuracy of the book throughout is phenomenal, but was presented in a rudimentary manner which makes it better suited for those without extensive knowledge or familiarity with/on the Tulsa Race Riots. Overall, I appreciated this book more for its historical relevance then for its novel components – the romantic relationship between Mercy and Jimmy was irrelevant, as were the Grimes/Glax interactions. I often found the dialogues to be strained and unbelievable. Sadly, the parts I loved most were the parts that were the quickest to read, leaving me hungry for more. The build up to the actual insurgence, the day of, and the immediate aftermath could’ve easily been more than half of the book. Three stars for Living in…

The Perfect Family. Samantha King. 2018. Kensington Books. 304 pages. [Source: ARC provided courtesy of NetGalley]. The Perfect Family is not what it seems, both the book and its main characters. It starts by describing the aftermath of any parents’ nightmare — being asked to choose which of your children will live or die. For Maddie, it’s being asked which of her twins will be spared by a masked man who shows up at her door. The shock of her daughter’s death leaves her mute, but her mind is active in reflecting about the day tragedy struck and her motive for her choice. Overall, this is an emotionally jarring read — the tension and anxiety were near constant. As you get to see what lies under the surface of Dom and Maddie’s marriage, you learn to take everything else with a grain (or pound) of salt. Through her reflections, you see Maddie struggling to keep from spiraling as she questions herself as a mother, but also no longer understanding what she takes for granted as truth. I compliment King because she was able to evoke emotions in me that made me need to know what happened next so I could…

Blissfully Blended Bullshit. Rebecca Eckler. 2019. Dundurn. 280 pages. [Source: ARC provided courtesy of NetGalley]. As someone in a blended family, I appreciated Eckler’s humorous approach with this book. I read this book as a bit of a “what to expect when you’re blending families,” because she tackles a lot of the big and small questions — dealing with exes, connecting with step-children, finances, etc. She holds no punches, even those that don’t portray her in the best light. Her input from friends provide unique perspectives of those with varied experiences. This isn’t just a book about Eckler, but about the range of blended family experiences. In describing the start of her relationship and how it developed, she tackles common “issues” that arise for parents as they date and join families. She didn’t sugarcoat any of it, and she presents her experience without judging others. She covers not the logistics of dating as a parent, but also the emotional angst that comes with it. It’s important to note that she doesn’t hold anything back. She’s graphic to a fault (didn’t need the visual for how she conceived her “Mid Life Crisis Baby”) which may not be everyone’s cup of tea….

A Beautiful Ghetto. Devin Allen. 2017. Haymarket Books. 121 pages. [Source: ARC provided courtesy of Edelweiss Above the Treeline.] I had chills while reading A Beautiful Ghetto. Part of it was seeing beautiful Black faces in environments that seem anything but that, based on social standards. Allen, however, captures everyday life in Baltimore with a brutal honesty that is truly compelling. There are pictures of children lounging on a rowhouse’s marble steps. Men in a barber shop. Dirt bike riders showing off tricks. Some images are less savory, though. Boarded up rowhouses. Vacant lots filled with debris. A streetside memorial. Allen also presents pain through images of the April 2015 uprisings in response the death of Freddie Gray, a young Black man who died from injuries sustained while in police custody. These are harder to look at — there’s an acute sense of pain, anger, and frustration conveyed that take me back to the days I wanted the uprising unfold from my living room only an hour away from Baltimore. The juxtaposition of destroyed property, police positioned in opposition against activists and protesters, and visible pain alongside hope shown through poignant signs, crowds of marchers, and impassioned speakers is powerful….