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thedailydiva's reviews
781 reviews
Take a Chance by Miyeko May
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Adorable and sweet lil short story.
Emancipating James by Joan Vassar
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4 stars
Still loved, but these stories are getting a lil formulaic. Don’t get me wrong, I still adore them, but this one took me longer to read, esp during the ‘revenge’ part of the book which takes up the last half of the book. I was as weary as the men were, that was exhausting to read.
These stories are absolutely fantastic! I love the world Vassar has built. I love the emotional and soulful ties between this knit family, that brotherhood! 😍 I LOVED Jeremiah’s story and was so worried for his character arc. 🫣 But that ending did it for me!! 🥰
I was a bit disappointed in the death in this book. They deserved more. 😔
These stories are the perfect blend of historical fiction, true history and sizzling Black love! They are so wonderful. Anyone who enjoys this troupe and hasn’t read these, I’m jealous you get to experience it for the first time. Cuz there’s nothing like that first time! 😍
I will read Anthony, the fourth book in this series. Than I may take a lil break from Ms. Vassar. But I will be back. I look forward to reading more of this author.
Still loved, but these stories are getting a lil formulaic. Don’t get me wrong, I still adore them, but this one took me longer to read, esp during the ‘revenge’ part of the book which takes up the last half of the book. I was as weary as the men were, that was exhausting to read.
These stories are absolutely fantastic! I love the world Vassar has built. I love the emotional and soulful ties between this knit family, that brotherhood! 😍 I LOVED Jeremiah’s story and was so worried for his character arc. 🫣 But that ending did it for me!! 🥰
I was a bit disappointed in the death in this book. They deserved more. 😔
These stories are the perfect blend of historical fiction, true history and sizzling Black love! They are so wonderful. Anyone who enjoys this troupe and hasn’t read these, I’m jealous you get to experience it for the first time. Cuz there’s nothing like that first time! 😍
I will read Anthony, the fourth book in this series. Than I may take a lil break from Ms. Vassar. But I will be back. I look forward to reading more of this author.
The Monkey by Stephen King
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am a fan of King. With over 50 novels and 200 short stories I’ve only scratched the surface and much more so with his novels. I picked up this new to me short story in prep to see the new motion picture it’s based on.
I went in blind, only knowing it had something to do with a possibly evil toy monkey. I’ve thought those things creepy since my childhood when I discovered one in a beloved video game. So it was no surprise that King’s tale creeped me out. But more than frightening me, it had me asking so many questions. Which is always a highlight of reading for me. I don’t like to be spoon fed. Leave me with something to ponder, which King usually always does. But this time, my head is spinning. Yay!
King is a master of atmosphere. His descriptions are like a paintbrush. I tend to read King slower, allowing his words to paint his story as intended. Our MC, Hal, intrigued me, and I’m unsure if I like him! As we only have his voice to rely on, I asked myself is this real? Or is this trauma?
King’s portrayal of family life and dynamic gives us so much food for thought. We are a product of our upbringing, family structure and the family itself. Hal has quite a bit of trauma in his childhood, did he influence the monkey, or vice versa. I still don’t know and that fascinates me.
I really hope the movie doesn’t answer that question. 😓
I went in blind, only knowing it had something to do with a possibly evil toy monkey. I’ve thought those things creepy since my childhood when I discovered one in a beloved video game. So it was no surprise that King’s tale creeped me out. But more than frightening me, it had me asking so many questions. Which is always a highlight of reading for me. I don’t like to be spoon fed. Leave me with something to ponder, which King usually always does. But this time, my head is spinning. Yay!
King is a master of atmosphere. His descriptions are like a paintbrush. I tend to read King slower, allowing his words to paint his story as intended. Our MC, Hal, intrigued me, and I’m unsure if I like him! As we only have his voice to rely on, I asked myself is this real? Or is this trauma?
King’s portrayal of family life and dynamic gives us so much food for thought. We are a product of our upbringing, family structure and the family itself. Hal has quite a bit of trauma in his childhood, did he influence the monkey, or vice versa. I still don’t know and that fascinates me.
I really hope the movie doesn’t answer that question. 😓
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This is a hard book to review.
I’ll start with this book is NOT meant for me.
Picked this up in anticipation of reading Percival Everett’s James, needed to refresh my memory. I remembered nothing of this story, even though I’ve seen cartoon versions, even the Disneyfied adaptation with Courtney B Vance as Jim.
This review is a fresh look. The book, while not banned, has been challenged numerous times and has been removed from libraries and from many school curriculums. One of the reasonings is the use of the word, ‘Ni@@er’! In some more current editions, they’ve edited the use of the word to ‘slave’ or even in some asinine editions to ‘ROBOT’! I have thoughts on this, but I digress…
I have to remind myself that not only is this book meant for younger audiences, it was also ‘allegedly’ meant as satire. Ok. As a young readers book, this book does well at introducing the pre-Civil War era and the possibility of change represented by Huck and his relationship with Jim. As satire, hah, we see how well that’s aged… 😜
In truth, I did not enjoy this book. As I opened with, this book is not for me. And the people it IS for are attempting to ban or revision it. All I kept thinking, I am uninterested in the ‘adventure’ and so much more interested in Jim’s pov! I’m so glad to be able to dive into Everett’s reimagining.
I’ll start with this book is NOT meant for me.
Picked this up in anticipation of reading Percival Everett’s James, needed to refresh my memory. I remembered nothing of this story, even though I’ve seen cartoon versions, even the Disneyfied adaptation with Courtney B Vance as Jim.
This review is a fresh look. The book, while not banned, has been challenged numerous times and has been removed from libraries and from many school curriculums. One of the reasonings is the use of the word, ‘Ni@@er’! In some more current editions, they’ve edited the use of the word to ‘slave’ or even in some asinine editions to ‘ROBOT’! I have thoughts on this, but I digress…
I have to remind myself that not only is this book meant for younger audiences, it was also ‘allegedly’ meant as satire. Ok. As a young readers book, this book does well at introducing the pre-Civil War era and the possibility of change represented by Huck and his relationship with Jim. As satire, hah, we see how well that’s aged… 😜
In truth, I did not enjoy this book. As I opened with, this book is not for me. And the people it IS for are attempting to ban or revision it. All I kept thinking, I am uninterested in the ‘adventure’ and so much more interested in Jim’s pov! I’m so glad to be able to dive into Everett’s reimagining.
Elbert: The Uncaged Mind by Joan Vassar
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Oh goodness. I really love these stories. They’re historical fictional romance. But as the series progresses and you delve into some of the other characters, it is a sprawling epic!!
The brotherhood of men in these stories just make my heart stumble. The community! The culture! The historical accuracy!!! I am in love! These stories are checking all my boxes. We always read of the brutality of slavery times. Sometimes in the hands of the right author you get the resilience and power. But Vassar is unmatched. You get it all and it’s so satisfying to read.
This story ended a bit oddly for me, but I’m still giving it high marks. I absolutely enjoyed everything else. The last 10% of this story was a cry fest! But the best kinda cry! I love these characters. Looking forward to the last three books. If something happens to any of our core characters, I will be CRUSHED! I love them all. Like family. These books are a pleasant surprise.
The brotherhood of men in these stories just make my heart stumble. The community! The culture! The historical accuracy!!! I am in love! These stories are checking all my boxes. We always read of the brutality of slavery times. Sometimes in the hands of the right author you get the resilience and power. But Vassar is unmatched. You get it all and it’s so satisfying to read.
This story ended a bit oddly for me, but I’m still giving it high marks. I absolutely enjoyed everything else. The last 10% of this story was a cry fest! But the best kinda cry! I love these characters. Looking forward to the last three books. If something happens to any of our core characters, I will be CRUSHED! I love them all. Like family. These books are a pleasant surprise.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Haven’t read this book since middle school. I take it in so very differently with a whole life lived. This is labeled a great American Classic. I understand why most would think this. It hits me a lil different, but I appreciate Twain’s themes and look on his current cultural surrounding. I’m glad to have reread it as an adult and look forward to how this book and its sequel will accompany my reading of Percival Everett’s James.
BLACK by Joan Vassar
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Yes! All of this, yes!
I found Joan Vassar by chance. I’ve been trying to read new authors in hopes of finding that ‘Diamond in the Rough’! Vassar is that, for me! Her historical fiction romances (of which this is my first) remind me so much of early Beverly Jenkins (this is high praise)! But Vassar’s storytelling has a bit more spice and bite. 🤗
This story has had me in a chokehold. I love ALL of the characters. Even the ones we ‘should’ despise. They are just all written so very well. I was immediately invested. As the story progressed I was shaken by some of the drama. It made me wonder if I could stomach protecting my peace in this manner. Because the character development was so good, it invested me in all of their choices. I rarely speak aloud to my books. I was a full blown additional character in some of these conversations.
The authors ability to weave real life history into her story was top notch. It made her world a living, breathing, additional character. Because I know what’s going on around the central story it upped the ante for me understanding the dangers on the fringe of her story.
I read this as slowly as I could, sometimes causing myself pain because I just wanted to get back to my beloved characters. I am so so happy this is a series, because I NEED to read Elbert’s story! I love him!!!
I am overjoyed to have found this author. I’m excited! I know she will be an author whose entire library I plan to decimate. It’s always so exciting to discover a new author that thrills you! SQUEE!!
I found Joan Vassar by chance. I’ve been trying to read new authors in hopes of finding that ‘Diamond in the Rough’! Vassar is that, for me! Her historical fiction romances (of which this is my first) remind me so much of early Beverly Jenkins (this is high praise)! But Vassar’s storytelling has a bit more spice and bite. 🤗
This story has had me in a chokehold. I love ALL of the characters. Even the ones we ‘should’ despise. They are just all written so very well. I was immediately invested. As the story progressed I was shaken by some of the drama. It made me wonder if I could stomach protecting my peace in this manner. Because the character development was so good, it invested me in all of their choices. I rarely speak aloud to my books. I was a full blown additional character in some of these conversations.
The authors ability to weave real life history into her story was top notch. It made her world a living, breathing, additional character. Because I know what’s going on around the central story it upped the ante for me understanding the dangers on the fringe of her story.
I read this as slowly as I could, sometimes causing myself pain because I just wanted to get back to my beloved characters. I am so so happy this is a series, because I NEED to read Elbert’s story! I love him!!!
I am overjoyed to have found this author. I’m excited! I know she will be an author whose entire library I plan to decimate. It’s always so exciting to discover a new author that thrills you! SQUEE!!
River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Hmmmm…
This is a difficult book to rate.
Is it well written? Yes! Is the storyline compelling? Absolutely, how could you not route for a Mother’s Quest to locate her children? Did I learn anything new about this time period? No. But this is going to be subjective. I read a lot of slave stories. It happens to be a favorite genre as I’ve personally searched for answers to my ancestral timeline. So reading this book, while interesting, didn’t teach me anything new.
Books, like any art, are subjective. I think my biggest disconnect was with the characters. Unfortunately, the main character Rachel, lacked depth or any believable likability other than my natural pathos toward a suffering Black Woman on a noble search for her family and legacy. But that yearning has lil to do with the character and more to do with my endearment to any suffering maternal figure. That emotion comes from me, not the character introduced on the page, if that makes sense.
I enjoyed the story, as it progressed. The overall story arch finally picking up and my yearning for the characters happy ending. The pace of the story was slow and I found myself in some spots a lil bored. Wanting more from the story than the carefully crafted convenience. Everything happened almost too neatly for the time period presented. Especially with my knowledge of its relentless brutality, specifically in the Caribbean Slave Trade.
This one just didn’t hit home for me. Sadly.
This is a difficult book to rate.
Is it well written? Yes! Is the storyline compelling? Absolutely, how could you not route for a Mother’s Quest to locate her children? Did I learn anything new about this time period? No. But this is going to be subjective. I read a lot of slave stories. It happens to be a favorite genre as I’ve personally searched for answers to my ancestral timeline. So reading this book, while interesting, didn’t teach me anything new.
Books, like any art, are subjective. I think my biggest disconnect was with the characters. Unfortunately, the main character Rachel, lacked depth or any believable likability other than my natural pathos toward a suffering Black Woman on a noble search for her family and legacy. But that yearning has lil to do with the character and more to do with my endearment to any suffering maternal figure. That emotion comes from me, not the character introduced on the page, if that makes sense.
I enjoyed the story, as it progressed. The overall story arch finally picking up and my yearning for the characters happy ending. The pace of the story was slow and I found myself in some spots a lil bored. Wanting more from the story than the carefully crafted convenience. Everything happened almost too neatly for the time period presented. Especially with my knowledge of its relentless brutality, specifically in the Caribbean Slave Trade.
This one just didn’t hit home for me. Sadly.
Fearless Love by Donnia Marie
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Le sigh…
I decided against sharing my laundry list of reasons this book is NOT for me! I’m just writing this note to myself to not read anything else from this author. She is not for you! At all! Avoid at all costs. You will hate it. You have been warned.
In my quest to try new authors and stories, to find ones that I love, I know I’ll hafta go through quite a few that don’t meet the mark. And some unfortunate ones that I should have DNFd a long time ago.
You have been warned!!!
Sucks that I’m starting BHM this way… 🤦🏽♀️
I decided against sharing my laundry list of reasons this book is NOT for me! I’m just writing this note to myself to not read anything else from this author. She is not for you! At all! Avoid at all costs. You will hate it. You have been warned.
In my quest to try new authors and stories, to find ones that I love, I know I’ll hafta go through quite a few that don’t meet the mark. And some unfortunate ones that I should have DNFd a long time ago.
You have been warned!!!
Sucks that I’m starting BHM this way… 🤦🏽♀️
Hooked by Emily McIntire
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3 middle of the road stars…
Pros:
- I will always rout for the villain. I love a wounded hero. I think villains make better main characters.
- Enjoyed the characters and their parallels to the original story.
- The mystery was simple but really good.
- Great cast of side characters.
Cons:
- Morally ambiguous MMCf just didn’t work. I really didn’t like her version of Hook. Meh. I didn’t believe him.
- Tried to hard to sell this evil persona. Book, in general, felt like forced dark erotica.
- There’s a thin line between erotically dark bad boys and non-redemptive psychopaths. This book was more of the latter and just not well written. Meh.
- FMC was far too forgiving and simply weak. Some of her reactions and forgivings were just odd.
I’m willing to give the rest of the series a try. I’ll try one more, but my hopes aren’t high. If it’s more of the same then this author just isn’t for me.
Pros:
- I will always rout for the villain. I love a wounded hero. I think villains make better main characters.
- Enjoyed the characters and their parallels to the original story.
- The mystery was simple but really good.
- Great cast of side characters.
Cons:
- Morally ambiguous MMCf just didn’t work. I really didn’t like her version of Hook. Meh. I didn’t believe him.
- Tried to hard to sell this evil persona. Book, in general, felt like forced dark erotica.
- There’s a thin line between erotically dark bad boys and non-redemptive psychopaths. This book was more of the latter and just not well written. Meh.
- FMC was far too forgiving and simply weak. Some of her reactions and forgivings were just odd.
I’m willing to give the rest of the series a try. I’ll try one more, but my hopes aren’t high. If it’s more of the same then this author just isn’t for me.