An American Marriage - Book Review

[@zehrazaidi4293]

Can I just say how important you are. Always searching for great booktubers interested in minority ethnic authors and subjects. The world is majority ethnic and yet it isn’t reflected on booktube.

[@browngirlreading]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the review. There are more and more Black Boktubers out there.

[@zehrazaidi4293]

Brown Girl Reading - I love a lot of African-American literature and literature set in different African countries. Have seen more and more black booktubers who review these so well and highlight even more books I may not have heard about. I would love to find more who cover Asian and Middle East literature which is one of my main reads - I was half thinking of starting booktube but not quite there yet! 😃

[@RashmikaLikesBooks]

Go for it, Zehra! I don't know BookTubers who focus primarily on Middle Eastern lit, but Nashwa S and For the love of classics (forgot her name) are both from Pakistan, and Farah from the farah project is Muslim, although I don't think she's Middle Eastern. Please do start a channel if you are able. We truly need more Booktubers not from the US or the UK who can give a unique perspective on literature, or deal with something other than the latest releases from the newest literary prize (which are likely to pretend that only white authors exist...)

[@gabrielleelliott8169]

She is amazing

[@LEFTONREAD]

Thoroughly enjoyed your take! Man Big Roy was so awesome. Even the way he fought for his son in the end was just so loving. I'm not sure if I buy that Celestial had the epiphany that she shouldn't be with Roy when she saw big Roy during the funeral. Deep down I think she may have known they shouldn't have married (pure speculation on my part). I couldn't put my finger on what I felt this book was missing, but hearing this review I think it was because I didn't hear Celestial's voice as much. I wanted to know from her point of view how Roy being in prison affected her. She was guarded in her letters to Roy, so I never really got the true story (from her POV) or even when exactly did her feelings towards Dre begin to shift. This is one book I would love to see adapted on film.

[@browngirlreading]

Exactly. I think it might be getting turned into a film. Not sure. It's definitely going to be a good one.

[@paula1755]

I got caught up in the hype of this book and bought an Ebook copy the day it was available on Amazon. I started reading it that day and was not drawn to the story like I thought I would be. I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. Maybe, like you, I should have waited.

[@browngirlreading]

In my opinion it's better not to get caught up in the hype. It can definitely affect ho you receive the book in the end. I don't do reading hype well.

[@ladyjustice7]

I wish I had found you review when I read this book last year. It was such a good book but I had nobody to discuss it with when I finished.

[@NaturallyMenee]

Great review! I read the book a few weeks ago for Book Club and I too was sucked in from the beginning. I enjoyed the book and couldn't help but ask myself the question, "Would I wait?" Reading the letters between the couple gave me a great sense of who they were and how vulnerable Roy was and how life kept moving for Celestial. I feel its a good representation of what marriage can become if the couple isn't deeply rooted. Thanks for the review!

[@browngirlreading]

Thanks Menee! I'm sure it made a good discussion for your book club.

[@kaythereader]

You are so right that they should have never married. Big Roy was my favorite character in the book. I also enjoyed the letters. Something bothered me about Celestial but I don’t know exactly what is was. I felt bad for Roy throughout the story, but like you, I’m not either team. Great review.

[@browngirlreading]

I think the thing that probably bothered you about Celestial is that her character doesn't have as much voice as Roy. We know her but not as well as Roy. She's a bit silent. Big roy was everything! My favorite character hands down. Thanks Kay!

[@edglebennett6312]

Yes Big Roy was a great Character

[@Jane_Toussaint23]

I liked Big Roy too! I think the most intriguing thing about this book is that there are no real protagonists in the story. Roy, Celestial, and Andre were all problematic in their own ways.

[@browngirlreading]

The characters are their own protagonists. That makes for uninteresting story.

[@sheissotshego]

I appreciate how the book was told from 3 perspectives. The many examples of the different marriages was actually great. Well talking about BigRoy when he buried Olive that was just something else. When he and Roy Jr played a that trick on Andre just to give Roy time with Celestial. Tayari did well by telling the story through letters. The book is character driven and this allowed us, the readers to be emotionally connected to the characters.

[@zfran5059]

Thank you for your review of this book. My daughter read this and gave it a 3.5 and she said it a satisfying ending. I have a few books from the library I want to read first because time issue. But your review makes me want to read it now

[@browngirlreading]

Thank you for the compliment! Hope you enjoy the book.

[@LauraFreyReadinginBed]

I raced through this one on audio, and actually ended up getting the print book from the library, because I couldn't listen to the audio fast enough. I thought it got a little overly dramatic towards the end, what the big fight in front of the house and all of that. And I like that she took a more personal view of mass incarceration, it's easy to think of the injustice that individual people are dealing with, but this book shows how incarcerating one person has so many effects on so many other people.

[@browngirlreading]

I don't think that was dramatic at all. That's pretty realistic of a person having to face that life has moved on without him and that includes his wife moving on with his best friend. If that doesn't make you want to kill somebody I don't know what will.

[@annoyedbyyourface]

Thank you for the review! One of my book clubs is reading *An American Marriage* this month and I was on the fence about participating. Thanks to your review I'm officially on the side of not giving it a try lol. I laugh but it just doesn't sound like my cup of tea. And with my workload, that's a-ok with me lol. Thanks again!

[@tzefirayah_700travelmore.]

Sounds intriguing. I've picked this book up a few times. After listening to you're book review, I'll have to add it to my list.

[@RachelRae]

Wow, I had no idea she took this story from a conversation she overheard. That makes me like this book even more. Listening to Silver Sparrow right now, so far so good. Love the Deadpool Pop and graphics in the background too!

[@browngirlreading]

Can't wait to hear what you think about Silver Sparrow. I filmed in my youngest daughter's room. She loves Deadpool. LOL! And mangas!

[@ONYXPages]

Hey there! Please pardon the non-related post. I wanted to let you know that I did the Booktube Watching Tag and I tagged you as one of my favourite Booktubers! Thank you for your great content! So glad we got to meet in person. I miss you though! Come to Toronto!

[@browngirlreading]

I was happy to meet you too Njeri! Yes I saw that you tagged me. I need to get to work on it because I'm really bad about doing tags.

[@RunwrightReads]

I haven't read this one yet but your review is so enthralling. I love that quote from the author - write about people and their problems, not problems and their people. Sounds like great writing advice and it makes me want to check out the book now. I saw that it also appeared on Barack Obama's reading list.

[@browngirlreading]

Yes Karen I was struck by that advice from her writing mentor. It's making me think more about my writing.

[@Amber83670]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I definitely agree with you. Her writing has improved. I attempted to read Leaving Atlanta. I thought the topic was very interesting but the writing was not good. Unfortunately, I DNF it. I’m glad I gave her another chance.

[@browngirlreading]

I won't be reading Leaving Atlanta, but I will attempt The Untelling. I've already read Silver Sparrow. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@TheStoryscapeShow]

Those flashbacks were so telling and even in the beginning of the book there was a disconnect that was apparent between Celestial and Roy. And now that you mention it, I do tend to like the epistolary format too. It's such a cool way to engage with a story. Great review!

[@browngirlreading]

Thanks Dominique! Those 2 were clearly not meant to be together. epistolary format is awesome!

[@karencameron6063]

My copy just arrived in the mail yesterday. Your reviews continue to grow my TBR pile!

[@browngirlreading]

Thanks Karen! Nice to hear. Thank you for being a faithful follower!

[@classygreen2347]

I read this book twice. Once for myself, 2nd for book club. And I noticed so many beautiful nuggets that Tayari dropped about Celestial's personality and how I intially bypassed Roy's infidelities (probably because it was mentioned briefly at the beginning) and how some of his previous actions may have played a roll in their break-up. The incarceration was just the straw that broke the camel's back.

[@browngirlreading]

Those two were not meant to be married to each other.

[@classygreen2347]

No, he should have listened to her dad when he said "she wasn't his to give."

[@cocoswan3844]

Totally agree with your review. I have it 4 stars also.

[@browngirlreading]

Thank you and thanks for commenting!

[@bookswithb2684]

Big Roy is the SH*T!!! I agree they should have never gotten married. I've been excited for this one for a while, but it didn't hit me in the feels like I'd hoped. Excellent review as always, girl!

[@browngirlreading]

Whe I finished I was sure you wouldn't love it. LOL! I'm starting to get to know your taste. ;)

[@bookswithb2684]

Brown Girl Reading Brown Girl Reading lol! I wish I knew my taste, haha. Maybe you can give me some pointers...save me some time. 😉😘❤️

[@pastortimmothy]

Great review. Thanks for sharing. 😁

[@browngirlreading]

Thanks for watching!

[@maiyakelley1885]

I listened to this on audiobook which was a great experience. I enjoyed it. I do wish that there was more from the black female perspective but I think that is another topic altogether. Great review!

[@browngirlreading]

I was sure this one would be good on audio. Yes the missing female perspective is one of the reasons the book isn't perfect. TJ missed an opportunity there. Thank you!

[@indialavoyce95]

Great Review! This is on my TBR!

[@browngirlreading]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it.

[@jcoxbell]

Great review! I’m really excited to read this one. I heard it’s not super long - sounds like she covers a lot of ground in a slim book!

[@browngirlreading]

No it's only 308 pages. Enjoy!

[@IAmRallyGirl]

Quite interesting. Thank you for including that quote to put things in perspective. Great backstory. I am going to get it. Thanks for giving me a heads up on the other book, because I had it in my cart. lol

[@browngirlreading]

Thanks for watching! Come back and let me know what you think of it when you're done.

[@dreykini407]

Great review...I think I will order and read it. Tfs😉

[@browngirlreading]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. Hope you enjoy the book. Happy reading!

[@mckblm]

I finished this book yesterday and I loved it. Someone mentioned that they thought this book was a romance. Thank God it's not cheesy or pie in the sky like the other romances I've read and hated. The use of letters to get to know Celestial and Roy's characters is brilliant. It is definitely my favorite book of the year.

[@browngirlreading]

Oh so you were totally won over! Interesting.

[@Jademeia]

Great review! I enjoyed an American marriage too I think I gave it 4 stars as well.

[@browngirlreading]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@KayAmpersand]

Well, now I have to read this just for Big Roy! Thanks for the review, Didi - I was also waiting for the hype to die down before I picked it up.

[@browngirlreading]

You're welcome! And YES! to Big Roy!!!! Happy reading and come back and let me know what you think of An American Marriage.

[@julem247]

Your commentary was amazing - I enjoyed it WAY more than I enjoyed the book. I found the secondary characters much more interesting than the main characters! That said, I do think she's a talented writer. Interesting to see what her next book will be....

[@browngirlreading]

Thanks you! Agreed that the secondary characters are more interesting. I'm also interested to see what here next book will be about.

[@Kamiele1908]

👋🏾 I'm soooo glad you got to this book!!! I really enjoyed it and like you, I couldn't put it down. I do have questions for you....how did you feel about Roy's real dad and their meeting?? How did you feel about Davina's role in Roy's life after his release and the development of tiger relationship? That struck a cord because I felt like this wasn't her first time in a situation like this. I started to wonder how real these scenarios are... Lastly, do you think the absence of the race of the accuser was a good thing?? I recently finished Silver Sparrow. While I definitely enjoyed the read, the ending left me with so many questions. My next TJ read will be The Untelling; have you read that one?? Thanks and keep the reviews coming!!

[@browngirlreading]

Having Roy's real dad appear in his jail cell was like very unreal, however that device was good for exploring and comparing the father/son relationship. The Davina role was another device that I didn't care for too much. Davina's character comes out of the blue and as a reader we're wonder about the relationship these two had had in the past. Why Davina? I think she left out the race of the accuser because she didn't want the reader to be side tracked from what she was trying to do which is to talk about marriage surviving incarceration. I'll be eventually picking up The Untelling as well.

[@brandilett2961]

I agree more from Celestial would have been good esp towards the end. I think that if she would have gotten more into the incarceration people may not have connected with the characters as much. The charaters were relatable and it leaves room for interpretation. I enjoyed it as well! However I admit Ido wish Roy and Celest would have worked out, for the sakeof the black family.If only ,but then again there are so many relationships like this that do exist and the ending is not has nice.

[@browngirlreading]

I think TJ tried to be as realistic as possible in showing that time and life are still moving for everybody who isn't in prison and for the one that is in prison it's hard to comprehend that.

[@brandilett2961]

@@browngirlreading that is true!

[@phyllisdrhodes]

Great review! You definitely enjoyed this one more than I did, I believe I rated it a '3' on GoodReads. I agree that the best parts were the epistolary aspects because I had little interest in the "main characters' and often wondered early on why they were married in the first place. I found the "supporting cast" more interesting than Roy and Celestial. Neither was a particularly "likable" character (IMO) which only made it more difficult to empathize or sympathize with their plight. (Although I felt for Roy as wrongful imprisonment is a fate no one should endure). I moderated this selection at my local book club session several months ago and despite closing the book with a "meh" impression, it proved to be a great discussion novel (with an overwhelming turnout - lots of interest in this one) with members relatating to many of the book's characters and situations.

[@browngirlreading]

Agreed the supporting cast was a lot more interesting. I can definitely see this being a book club hit though. Loads of things to talk about. I liked this one a lot more than Silver Sparrow. Have you read that one?

[@phyllisdrhodes]

Yes...I've purchased and read all her published novels. I think she is improving as a writer; however, I'll proceed with caution with future offerings from her. I obviously have a disconnect because I fail to see the 'greatness' of this novel - especially to the point where The Great O (Oprah) is going to bring it to film.

[@browngirlreading]

I think because it's interesting to see a story based on how incarceration effects a marriage. We don't often get that point of view.

[@queenkayenandi9322]

Wonderful book review!! I read Silver Sparrow about 8 years ago and loved it, although the ending made me think, WTH. Anyway, I was so excited to read An American Marriage I preordered it, but I stopped at page 55. I found the letter writing to be very boring. I'll pick it up again after I finish There, There by Tommy Orange "strictly" based on your review. Thanks for sharing.

[@browngirlreading]

There, There is on my TBR too. Hope you're enjoying that one. Give the epistolary part of An American Marriage a try again. ;)

[@MorganGayle]

Love your review! I’m also #teamnobody lol. I actually appreciated that it was a love story instead of a story about mass incarceration. I don’t think enough books include how prison effects romantic relationships. Overall I was completely drawn in and felt like these were real people I was reading about. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I remember you saying you weren’t fond of love triangles so I was afraid that would turn you off.

[@browngirlreading]

I thought the love triangle was going to be a turn off for me too but she made it work. True we don't have enough books on how incarceration effects families and marriages.

[@almanajvia4904]

Can u tell about moral values in that novel?

[@browngirlreading]

I don't understand your question.

[@almanajvia4904]

@@browngirlreading what lessons u can get in the story of the novel?

[@browngirlreading]

@@almanajvia4904 I think you should read it and figure that out for yourself. I don't think the author wrote it specifically to teach morals.

[@bunbacheso]

I'm so glad you're reviewing this! I'm reading this book now, though, so I won't watch the video yet. :)

[@browngirlreading]

Good idea not to watch until you're done! Happy reading!

[@tsg336]

Faithandlove718 here.I enjoyed the book couldn't put it down. I wish she would have went into more detail about what went on before he got arrested. It was like he & his wife argued, he went downstairs, helped a lady...next thing he's in jail.

[@browngirlreading]

Well there is quite a bit of description of their short marriage but I can understand how you needed more.

[@PrettyBrownEyeReader]

I enjoyed your perspective on An American Marriage especially that it was written from a man's point of view. Maybe that is why I found the character of Celestial almost annoying. Big Roy was a good man!

[@browngirlreading]

Yes I can see ow you'd say she was annoying. She annoyed me the most for the fight scene. I was like girl react for goodness sake. I just wanted to shake her.

[@leonjj39]

Great review ,book gave me many emotions .Thanks as was in needed of black reviewers

[@browngirlreading]

Thanks for watching & supporting!

[@edglebennett6312]

I hated the book. I know that's a strong word but I will say I disliked it very much, it could have been great but came off as repetitive and I had to push through to finished it, it could have been a great book.

[@classygreen2347]

#teamBigRoy

[@DEEliot-ky9cl]

This book is a dumpster fire... if Oprah didn't back it, nobody would be talking about it. My opinion but this book got more holes then a slice of swiss. The characters' way of acting to things are so unrealistic. Big Roy is the only character you want to hear more about. The writing is good but the story is just dumb. I'm going to stop typing because I know people that think this book is good get offended when you asked them to think hard about this book. Good review... love your videos.

[@browngirlreading]

Dumpster fire is a bit much. The book is pretty good and I was looking for this book before Oprah said anything about it because I'v been waiting for Tayari Jones' next novel since I read Silver Sparrow and so have a bunch of other people. Not everybody needs Oprah to find a book. Yes there are a few holes in the book but that doesn't dismiss it's good points. I said it wasn't perfect. Thanks for commenting!

[@DEEliot-ky9cl]

Brown Girl Reading it's like I said, I know for some reason people get a little offended when you tell them you dislike this book. I understand that every book hits people differently. For me this book was not realistic and actually I think i know why now because of your video. I always felt like the wife was underwritten but it wasn't just that. It was because it was written mostly from a man's perspective and she did a poor job at it. Except when writing about Big Roy.

[@chermoka]

I just do not see it with this book

[@browngirlreading]

See what?

[@chermoka]

@@browngirlreading what the whole fascination is. It is so much recommended and so much fuss around it. To me as a somewhat average reader per say (English not being my native) it was just a below expectation.