Nicholas McCane
Overall, I enjoyed the book. And I love R.F. Kuang. The writing was remarkable. You can tell that she worked her ass off on this one. If you’re a fan of dark academia, historical fantasy, and want to see what happens when language and power tongue kiss, this one is for you. It will definitely make you think critically about language and privilege. The setting is Oxford during the 1830s.
I have two issues:
I’ve gotten used to her books being a little extra long; however, it felt like this one would never end. The first 300 pages felt like a lecture, but then it picked up. This is a beautiful story, but not an easy read.
There was a lot of over-explaining or telling. I wish she had let the characters develop themselves instead of telling us everything.
Here’s a quote: “Translation is always an act of betrayal.”
Oh yeah, middle fingers to Letty (Babel) and Nezha (The Poppy War series) I haven’t forgotten about you lol.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. And I love R.F. Kuang. The writing was remarkable. You can tell that she worked her ass off on this one. If you’re a fan of dark academia, historical fantasy, and want to see what happens when language and power tongue kiss, this one is for you. It will definitely make you think critically about language and privilege. The setting is Oxford during the 1830s.
I have two issues:
I’ve gotten used to her books being a little extra long; however, it felt like this one would never end. The first 300 pages felt like a lecture, but then it picked up. This is a beautiful story, but not an easy read.
There was a lot of over-explaining or telling. I wish she had let the characters develop themselves instead of telling us everything.
Here’s a quote: “Translation is always an act of betrayal.”
Oh yeah, middle fingers to Letty (Babel) and Nezha (The Poppy War series) I haven’t forgotten about you lol.
Payback
Chicago Police Department Commander Jon Burge’s state-sanctioned “interrogation” ring that operated within the department for decades brutalized more than one hundred African Americans. This is a collection of five true stories about racism and reform, crime and corruption, justice and injustice in Chicago.
This is a 35 page short story written by Natalie Y. Moore. The whole time I was reading this, I had flashbacks. I was born and raised here. And I will never forget. I remember how they beat us and harassed us. How they would stop me for no reason and illegally search me. This would occur about three times a day. I will never forget how many times they arrested me for nothing. For walking to the store with my brothers to get groceries. They would tell us that three or more in a group was mob action. They charged me with ridiculous offenses like huffing paint, gang loitering, and or course mob action. I remember how they would put me in the back of a police car and take me to an empty field. They made me sit in the car and watch a bunch of them form a circle around someone and beat whoever was in the middle of it. And how they would tell me I was next. I had to be no older than 11 or 12. I remember in 1995 when they snatched one of my 15-year-old friends (who had done nothing wrong). They charged him with R*** and mur***. They gave him a 40-year sentence. After 17 years inside, DNA proved they had the wrong guy. I have many stories and still carry many scars, physically and mentally. I even remember when they tried to say I r***ed a white woman. But thank God she told the truth and said it wasn’t me. As you can see, this book was very triggering. I’m so glad I read it and will read any and everything I can find by this author.
Chicago Police Department Commander Jon Burge’s state-sanctioned “interrogation” ring that operated within the department for decades brutalized more than one hundred African Americans. This is a collection of five true stories about racism and reform, crime and corruption, justice and injustice in Chicago.
This is a 35 page short story written by Natalie Y. Moore. The whole time I was reading this, I had flashbacks. I was born and raised here. And I will never forget. I remember how they beat us and harassed us. How they would stop me for no reason and illegally search me. This would occur about three times a day. I will never forget how many times they arrested me for nothing. For walking to the store with my brothers to get groceries. They would tell us that three or more in a group was mob action. They charged me with ridiculous offenses like huffing paint, gang loitering, and or course mob action. I remember how they would put me in the back of a police car and take me to an empty field. They made me sit in the car and watch a bunch of them form a circle around someone and beat whoever was in the middle of it. And how they would tell me I was next. I had to be no older than 11 or 12. I remember in 1995 when they snatched one of my 15-year-old friends (who had done nothing wrong). They charged him with R*** and mur***. They gave him a 40-year sentence. After 17 years inside, DNA proved they had the wrong guy. I have many stories and still carry many scars, physically and mentally. I even remember when they tried to say I r***ed a white woman. But thank God she told the truth and said it wasn’t me. As you can see, this book was very triggering. I’m so glad I read it and will read any and everything I can find by this author.
This is a modern day (2014) retelling of Steven King’s Carrie. A biracial girl, Maddie Washington, lives with her racist father. Because of his racism, he wants her to be perceived as white. This takes place in a fictional sundown town of Springville, Georgia. Once she’s outed as black, all hell breaks loose.
The book summary doesn’t do the book justice. The incredible writing hooked me from the first chapter. I loved this book. It’s a great YA horror.
The audiobook brought the podcast segments of the book to life. Can’t recommend it enough. This is the third book I’ve read by Tiffany D. Jackson. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
This is a modern day (2014) retelling of Steven King’s Carrie. A biracial girl, Maddie Washington, lives with her racist father. Because of his racism, he wants her to be perceived as white. This takes place in a fictional sundown town of Springville, Georgia. Once she’s outed as black, all hell breaks loose.
The book summary doesn’t do the book justice. The incredible writing hooked me from the first chapter. I loved this book. It’s a great YA horror.
The audiobook brought the podcast segments of the book to life. Can’t recommend it enough. This is the third book I’ve read by Tiffany D. Jackson. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.