Comments (30)

What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 30 items
Jan 25, 2024September09 rated this title 0.5 out of 5 stars
This book should be a cautionary tale for ALL BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS...leave the black community. You were born to live not die. The black femicide rate in the United States is 4.8 black women and girls every hour and in South Africa 2.8.…
Aug 18, 2023Einer2 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Not a book for a road trip. Agree with the views of many other reviewers.
Jan 26, 2021readinJC rated this title 0.5 out of 5 stars
I listened to this book on CD. It was so depressing to me, but I kept going in hopes of something redeeming in one of the family members.... but, no. I find it difficult to believe that all the members of this family found almost no joy,…
May 30, 2019ArapahoeAnnaL rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
An NPR Best Book of the Year 2013, this historical novel is a moving family saga that takes place within the story of the Great Migration, when more than 6 million African Americans from the rural South moved to the cities of the North,…
Oct 17, 2017
I stopped reading this about 30% in. I just didn't care.
Cynthia_N
Sep 12, 2016Cynthia_N rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
I could not really connect with the main character. I understood the issues she was dealing with but she was still not a likeable character.
Jun 17, 2015prtzlwmstrd rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
Sad story of controlling mother & her 11 children & 1 grandchild. Discusses sorrowful yet contemporary issues and effect on adult children. Sensitive and realistic presentation of complex mental health issue and effect on grandchild. If…
Mar 24, 2015Chapel_Hill_KenMc rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Sweeping historical saga that tracks the challenges and triumphs of a dispersed family descended from slaves.
Karaelena
Nov 04, 2014Karaelena rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Beautiful and tragic story. I loved her writing style. Each chapter told from a different view of each child. Will defintely look out for other titles from Ayana.
Feb 24, 2014librarylizzard rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
I started this on the recommendation of a colleague, but didn't get past the first 3 "stories". First, Hattie's twins die of pneumonia. Then, far in the future, her jazz-playing son questions his sexuality. By the time her badly burned and…
Dec 16, 2013HilarySquires rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Thank goodness for the hopeful ending!
Nov 07, 2013amandamarie2234 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
I agree with most of the comments so far. Mathis chose an interesting format for the narrative, and I love the idea of telling a family's story through chapters in each member's voice; however, I too kept waiting for ONE glimmer of hope--…
Oct 25, 2013DanglingConversations rated this title 1.5 out of 5 stars
This is a slog to read and does not resonate with any experience in my life. Parents of 12 children are inadequate. I was depressed reading this story and found it has no redeeming insights
Aug 19, 2013KSerá rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Yes, the writing is very good, which redeems the fact that this book is so unrelievedly dismal. I like stories about people facing challenges, but when none of the forteen characters in this book manage to overcome their problems and…
Jul 27, 2013azor rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Beautifully written. Very engaging story. I look forward to more by this author.
Jun 18, 2013amgriffin rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
Super depressing. But could be good on a gloomy day. Lacked closure and a polished ending.
Jun 13, 2013basilbrush rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This was very well written. I loved her writing style however it was a pretty depressing story.
Jun 09, 2013theredlilac rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I'm a sucker for Oprah's book suggestions. At less than 300 pages this was a quick read but it was not a happy book. Each chapter is one of Hattie's children, telling a snapshot of their life with Hattie as a mother and more often than…
May 10, 2013kimh454 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I liked it. I hope she writes more books.
Apr 27, 2013branch_reviews rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Young Hattie Shepherd’s family had followed the Great Migration to Philadelphia in search of a better life. Now, despite a dissappointing marriage and incredible adversities, Hattie is determined to do what she can for her own family.…
Apr 25, 2013HopeButterfly rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Seemed to be an interesting story but unfortunately I couldn't finish it in the time frame I had...maybe will get it again to finish.
Apr 20, 2013RonSims rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
A number of unlikable characters in a totally dysfunctional family. It was difficult to read but powerfully written. I couldn't identify with deeply cynical plot.
Apr 19, 2013Jennmro rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
Difficult subject matter and unlikable characters which led to an unfinished book on my end. Perhaps I picked it up at the wrong time, but not a fun read.
Apr 09, 2013
Dropped the ball and dumped this book. It is well written and not every book is a story book. A chapter for a child, it just wasn't for me. Sorry to my sisters
Apr 07, 2013santiano9 rated this title 1.5 out of 5 stars
I finished this book but skimmed a bit of it - not a good sign. Well written in terms of clarity and insight but woe is me, not one of these children had a normal happy life? Not too inspirational.