Smashbomb

Search

Search results

All (5000)

Content

Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Dirty Girls Social Club (Dirty Girls, #1) in Books

Jun 8, 2018

So in trying to read more inclusively, I had been looking at some prominent minority writers like Junot Diaz or Sherman Alexie (I actually had one of Alexie's books out from the library when I realized where I'd heard his name). When the news broke about Junot Diaz, and I remembered that Sherman Alexie also had sexual harassment accusations against him, I decided instead of reading their books, I'd look up the books of the women calling them out! The Dirty Girls Social Club is the first book of what I'm calling my "Wronged Women" list. Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez wrote an article titled "I tried to warn you about Junot Diaz" about her experience with him. Others on the list include Erika Wurth, Elissa Washuta, Zinzi Clemmons, Carmen Maria Machado, and Monica Byrne. I've built a shelf on Goodreads for my list, and I'm sure more names will wind up on it. (Unfortunately.)

The Dirty Girls Social Club is the story of six college friends who decide to meet every six months for the rest of their lives, no matter what. The book covers one six month period, from one meeting to the next. It took me a few chapters to sort out who was who, and throughout the book I occasionally had to flip back to the first chapter, where Lauren gives a rundown of names and professions. All six are Hispanic of some flavor, whether that's Dominican, Puerto Rican, Colombian, Spanish, or Southwestern Native American. That's why they banded together in college. Each one has her own storyline - dealing with an abusive marriage, leaving a loveless marriage, being forcibly outed as a lesbian and learning to adjust to her new visibility, or becoming a rock star. I enjoyed how each of the six had a very individual story; they have interesting jobs and complicated love lives and unique problems.

Each of the women reflects on her Hispanic heritage in some form, whether that's taking lessons in how to love from their parents, or fighting for recognition for their minority, or writing columns about their lives for the local newspaper. The book both shows and tells us about the differences in various Hispanic cultures.

I especially enjoyed Amber/Cuicatl (the rock star) and Elizabeth (the lesbian). The rest of the book was a little slow going at times, but I think that's largely because I'm not a fan of contemporary fiction. I did enjoy it, though, and I'll probably check out more of the author's books.

You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com

Kudos

American Star. Jackie Collins

Jackie Collins

6.0 (1 Ratings) Rate It

Book

Featuring a brand new introduction from bestselling author, Isabelle Broom, talking about what...

Kung Fu Panda Holiday Storybook

Book and Entertainment

(0 Ratings) Rate It

App

★ Featured in "What's Hot" in the Apple App Store iStoryTime brings you Kung Fu Panda Holiday...

I Like Books - 37 Picture Books for Kids in 1 App

Education and Book

(0 Ratings) Rate It

App

"WOW... 37 stunning picture books for kids in one app. This is a MUST have for every parent with...

Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated The Nymphos of Rocky Flats (Felix Gomez, #1) in Books

Mar 1, 2018

I read several rave reviews about Acevedo's work, so I gave this book a try. One thing in its favor is that it is NOT a romance! Yay!

On the other hand, Felix Gomez is just a little too annoyingly prickly for me to give a damn about him. And the plot? Let's just say that as soon as I learned what "EBE" stood for, any chance of liking the book was gone. Too many clichés! Certain plot points were never adequately explained, leaving holes big enough to drive a semi through without scraping the sides.

I'm taking the other books off my to-read shelf. Life is too short to read boring novels.

Kudos

Kristy H (1252 KP) rated My Lovely Wife in Books

Mar 19, 2020

One of the most hyped books in ages--about a murderous married couple--completely fell flat for me. What a disappointment! I slogged through most of this one waiting for it to get good and see what all the fuss was about. I felt nothing for the characters except irritation. This was the ultimate epitome of a slow start. It picked up a bit, but there was nothing to redeem these hateful characters. The entire book was incredibly anticlimactic until a rushed, uncertain ending. Ugh. Still, I can see bits and pieces of why others found it so interesting, and I'll still be intrigued to read Downing's next book. 2.5 stars, though, for me.