Reading vlog | Queenie By Candice Carty Willams

What I am reading and a book review. Thanks for checking out the video! Please comment, share, subscribe for more videos.
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Books mentioned
Bluebird bluebird amzn.to/2GWsiJ1
Queenie amzn.to/2HCEu2M
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[@MistressofReads]

Side note as someone who designs, that Queen cover.... whoooooooooaaa pretty

[@Comfycozyup]

Agree, the cover is nice.

[@UKLeonie]

Well as a Londoner and a 1st gen brit, I see "Queenie" will be a good talking point, that is a true reflection for many UK sistas. Also it really is a different experience from those in London v those in other UK cities. Anyways I'll get a copy regardless as I've loved the authors written peices in media.

[@Comfycozyup]

Well, please read it because I would love to know your point of view. Thanks for watching!

[@Prime-o8f]

I don't mind the trash. But it is totally unrealistic. What black girl from Brixton (which is the blackest area in the whole of the UK) doesn't like black men? It doesn't make sense. Her step dad being abusive doesn't justify it imo, growing up in Brixton means she would have been surrounded by almost exclusively black men her whole life (good and bad). It would make more sense if she grew up in a white town and her abusive black step dad was the only example of a black man she'd seen her whole life.

[@kaythereader]

Unpopular Opinion: I loved Queenie. I listened to the audio book and the narrator was good. I loved that Queenie was very flawed and made some of the worst decisions EVER. I loved the "trash" aspect of her friends and family and the men she dated. It was a lot to unpack. I had to think about this character for a couple of days before I could review the book. NOTE: I usually love books everyone else hates. :-) I really enjoyed Bluebird Bluebird.

[@Comfycozyup]

Well, I'm glad somebody enjoyed the trash. It was way too much trash for me 😂

[@kaythereader]

@@Comfycozyup LOL!!! I agree with so many of the points you made about the book. To me, Queenie was an example of what NOT to do and what not to accept. I was glad the author wrote her that way. I'm thinking (hoping) her intent is a warning for young women to make good choices and to value their self worth, unlike Queenie.

[@Comfycozyup]

@@kaythereader I want to go to one of her book signing, so I can asked that question...what was her intent? I'm sure she will be in NY at some point.

[@Prime-o8f]

I don't mind the trash. But it is totally unrealistic. What black girl from Brixton (which is the blackest area in the whole of the UK) doesn't like black men? It doesn't make sense. Her step dad being abusive doesn't justify it imo, growing up in Brixton means she would have been surrounded by almost exclusively black men her whole life (good and bad). It would make more sense if she grew up in a white town and her abusive black step dad was the only example of a black man she'd seen her whole life.

[@AnimaKim]

You saved me! Taking this off my TBR right now! Your review was great!

[@Comfycozyup]

Lol you're welcome!

[@brookemercer2886]

Reading this book now so I came looking for videos on it. So so glad I found your channel. I'm already obsessed.

[@Comfycozyup]

Thank you :)

[@SomdahSaysSo]

I’m still on the fence with this book. I loved the cover so I put it on my list but you confirmed what I thought that I’m not pressed to read this. Thanks for the review and I’ll pick it up from the library one day.

[@UKLeonie]

I'll be picking up from the library too,heard so many bad reviews.

[@Comfycozyup]

There is no rush for this one lol because it's a mess...thanks for watching!

[@sharronking]

Its Trash

[@TheOnylove]

Candice did an interview that was released July 2, with NPR host Sam Sanders from his show It’s Been a Minute, about the book. And she does say that she made her that flawed on purpose. I guess it’s meant to start a conversation, especially for black women who don’t have the support system or that inner strength. I placed the link below. Maybe that will explain a few things and frustrations behind the book. And they will be making it a show too! Link: www.stitcher.com/podcast/national-public-radio/its-been-a-minute-with-sam-sanders

[@Comfycozyup]

Thanks! I've read enough interviews that she did. I get it, I just don't think I was the right audience for this story.

[@seriela]

What an honest, thoughtful review. I appreciate your struggle reading it. I don't know if I would read it.

[@Comfycozyup]

Thank you! I don't think a lot of people will like this.

[@brighteyes3445]

New Suscriber I thought it was me. I think I read 23 pages and just couldn't read anymore. I'm glad I purchased this from the library.

[@Comfycozyup]

smh forever leave a sour taste in my mouth.

[@sharondaisadora]

Whew, I don't know about reading this one and I've seen so many 5 star reviews on goodreads for it. there are lot of things about this that would piss me off so yeah, I don't know about reading it lols. Great vlog as always ;)

[@Comfycozyup]

Girl, I don't know where the 5 stars coming from smh...I'm still upset about this book lol Thanks for watching!

[@danam.1979]

I found your page because after reading Queenie I wanted to discuss this mess with someone. I thought the book was 100 pages too long. I kept reading expecting a huge bombshell but there really wasn't enough there for the build-up! SN, I started to read another novel and one of the characters is TOM!!! I'm tried of reading about anyone named TOM now!

[@Comfycozyup]

😂🤣 this book was a mess and the most talked about this year on my channel. Girl, I totally understand.

[@BookishIntrovert63]

Girl, you really have me wanting to read Queenie. I have a copy from the library now.

[@Comfycozyup]

If you read, let me know what you think.

[@gapsbetweenstars]

I was so excited about Queenie and now I feel stressed about reading it haha 😂 Thank you for the honest review, I’ve only seen good reviews so far so it’s great to have a different take.

[@Comfycozyup]

There are some people who enjoyed the story, so if you want to read go ahead. Just be prepare for some not so good moments. Plus are you from London?

[@gabrielaperez5876]

I am feeling the same. I started reading it and haven’t picked it up in like 2-3 weeks. I want to finish it but at the same time I’m like ehhh lol

[@Comfycozyup]

lol It's definitely not for everyone.

[@CharlieBrookReads]

❤️❤️ great review even though you weren't a fan it was interesting hearing your thoughts xx

[@Comfycozyup]

Thank you 😊

[@MusicalTati]

Awesome! This was enough of the story detail to let me know I need not waste my money or time.

[@Comfycozyup]

Nope Nope...read at your own risk

[@ThisDaye]

Please don't give up on Queenie! I was sooo fed up with her in those initial pages too, but keep reading you'll see the big picture and why it was happening and you'll see her evolution! It was tough at first but the discussion about mental health is so needed in the black community and I appreciate this book's contribution to that.

[@Comfycozyup]

Did you watch the entire video?

[@MariamOkwengu]

I completely understand your thoughts and feelings on Queenie. I was very upset reading 50% of this book and her hunger for acceptance and love just broke my heart. I really really reaaalllyyy liked the mental health aspect of this book. It really is traumatic to be a black woman in today's society. It often feels as though we are disrespected and given crumbs of the table and people expect us to be happy with these crumbs. The character pulled herself together, a bit late in the book though..but she did. Thanks for putting this out there! 💗💗💗

[@Comfycozyup]

Thanks for watching! It's one of those difficult read.

[@DEEliot-ky9cl]

"that bitch lucky" LOL

[@hotpocketH]

When you read 50% of Queenie and post a review titled "realistic in places and not so in others" and hear a reviewer like you that says those exact same words, who actually goes in-depth about the story rather than regurgitate the blurb to their viewers! Has opened my eyes as to who in the book tube community really appreciates and understands the stories they read!

[@Comfycozyup]

Thanks for the feedback :) I really appreciate it!

[@MonicaLatimer]

I'm so torn over Queenie. I ordered it as my Book Of The Month pick, but after reading a few reviews and now hearing your thoughts, I just don't know if I want to experience it. This was an excellent vlog!

[@Comfycozyup]

Thank you! I really wanted to like this book, but it was too problematic for my liking. If you do read it, let me know what you think.

[@davemassive8147]

on top of abandonment issues she (queenie) is also seriously co-dependent!!! feel free to message me on this. really good assessment. there's plenty of other issues and perspectives that can be explored in this

[@Comfycozyup]

Agree, there is a list of issues that can be identified. Thanks for watching!

[@survivingmy40s]

I am with you! Yes, this is an old review but I just finished it a few weeks ago and I agree.

[@Comfycozyup]

It's one of those books that's on everyone TBR. Thanks for watching! It's a memorable book for sure.

[@jgreene85]

I really couldn't stand this book (Queenie) but I'm glad you found something to connect with or like.

[@Comfycozyup]

Very little to like about this book lol ...Queenie is messy

[@essiees802]

LOVE, LOVED, LOVING THIS BOOK!...

[@Comfycozyup]

It's definitely a mix review. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@brookesmith6998]

I agree with a lot of the points you made. I sped thru the last 70 pages just so I could see if she was gonna try to get it together 😂 Ik there are people out there who can relate to Queenie, but as someone who cannot I had trouble understanding why she did a lot of the things she did. I think that's my own frustration with people who have so much to give to the world not seeing their own self-desstructive behavior. But the thing about Queenie was that she often knew that what she was doing was dangerous or asinine and still did it anyway? 🤔

[@Comfycozyup]

Exactly! She knew what she was doing, but she wanted someone else to do the work and fix her. It character was sooo frustrating. Thanks for watching!

[@smarti1144]

I enjoyed the book. I no longer need the people in the stories i consume to not have realistic trauma and flaws. I may not like the character decisions but i liked the book because it was funny and well written. She was trash and her friends and family were problematic just like in real life. I would say the experience that Black people have in Europe (Paris and London) is different than in the US. She was a contradiction. But ultimately i couldn't relate to that but I still enjoyed it. I think the character wqs frustrating in purpose.

[@Comfycozyup]

This is one of those books with mix feelings. Some people enjoyed it and others did not. However, it does make a great conversation. After reading one of the author's interview, I don't think I was the right audience for this story. Thanks for watching!

[@smarti1144]

@@Comfycozyup oh I read it and thought I can give this to some nieces lol. But I enjoyed your video.

[@endofanage223]

Good review but you gonna have to get that fire alarm thing fixed... Batteries.

[@smicky93]

I know I should have waited, but the journey is more important to me. My book club is going to read this next month, I think and I wanted to know what your opinions are. Like I said, the journey and I want to see what the other women think. But I've had this very experience with another book I read recently. Still...*interested? in this story. Thanks for your review.

[@Comfycozyup]

You're welcome! If you read it let me know.

[@smicky93]

@@Comfycozyup Definitely.

[@oni8640]

I will definitely listen to this book after your review.

[@Comfycozyup]

Cool, let me know what you think about the story after you read it. Thanks for watching!

[@britishbaje]

just finished, but disappointed in the lack of depth with this. i’m not particularly sure what the point of it all was, i don’t think queenie is any better at the end than the way she started, i don’t think she really addressed her treatment of tom or her treatment of herself. all just a bit weak imo.

[@Comfycozyup]

Agree! At the end she was still going after toxic men. Interestingly, some people found a connection to the story. I wasn't the audience for this messy story.

[@AlwaysDoing]

I probably would have had a hard time getting past having unprotected sex then getting tested every time, holy cow. I love how some people in the comments are like, "thank you, I can take this off my tbr" and others are like, "thank you, I need to read this now" - the sign of a great review!

[@Comfycozyup]

lol those are the best review. This book certainly has mixed review.

[@pastorytime2683]

I was interested in Queenie.... But not sure! Loved this blog tho!

[@Comfycozyup]

Thank you! It's a messy story, but some people like it.

[@browngirlreading]

Great review! Girl I'm out. Not reading this one, unless I have to for my book club.I've got bigger fish to fry. It wasn't on my potential TBR anyway. I love cauliflower pizza. Delicious! Funny your review is the first I've seen. From what you say sounds like a 2,5 stars from what you say.

[@DEEliot-ky9cl]

Hearing her talk about this book made me think about what you were talking about on IG this past week. Maybe this is the other side of white people writing about the black experience. Where now, they are publishing black people that confirm their belief about the black experience. I could be wrong but this review made me think about that.

[@browngirlreading]

D.E. Eliot Interesting idea... There seems to be a trend I. These types of novels. I felt like Halsey Street had this similar vibe. Hated that book but the writing was good.

[@Comfycozyup]

Oh you definitely wouldn't like this book. It's worst than Halsey Street. The new super dysfunctional character to sell a book.

[@browngirlreading]

Yep! That's what it sounds like. Smh...@@Comfycozyup

[@esotericjp]

So I dnf'd it. I really started reading the book the day it was released (Tuesday) read about 60 pages and was utterly bored and disappointed with it.

[@Comfycozyup]

I almost did the same thing smh...it's not wealth it.

[@MyCozyLittleLibrary]

Man, Queenie really worked you over!

[@Comfycozyup]

Right lol I'm still thinking about it.

[@sibongiseni5993]

It ended up being worth the read for me. I have a friend that went through something similar to Queenie, I couldn't hate her cause I've enabled such behavior in the past

[@Comfycozyup]

Interesting...it's cool you found a connection to the story. Thanks for watching!

[@andreawolf8665]

I just started this and now I'm really curious how I will like it 😆

[@Comfycozyup]

Let me know :)

[@andreawolf8665]

@@Comfycozyup As you have seen in my Instagram story I actually loved it. The first part is hard to digest and I also was irritated by the flashbacks sometimes. Further, I wished that first part was shorter and everything after she starts therapy in more detail. BUT, all in all, I just couldn't stop reading, and when she goes back to work, that description of her anxiety really hit me as it was familiar to me and I've never read about it so accurately described.

[@francicacornwall-john8185]

So I finally got around to reading Queenie... I do not know how to feel about this book. I agree I became a bit frustrated as well.

[@Comfycozyup]

Yeah, it was an experience smh

[@latoyacarthan9645]

Man reading this book I wanted to kick queenie ass she is just crazy and I am like damn come on girl . Get your life together. Thank you for the review

[@Comfycozyup]

right lol....Thanks for watching!

[@BookieCharm]

I love cauliflower pizza- Congrats on going strong with keto! I had been unsure of picking up Queenie. After hearing your thoughts about the fetish-y themes, I think I will pass on it.

[@Comfycozyup]

Yeah, there was a lot of that. It's not for everybody. Thanks for watching!

[@toddthelibrarian1289]

Your thumbnail looked so sad! I'm used to the happy version of Peta! I was going to check out your video anyway! Queenie sounds like a train wreck! I can see where self-aware characters might be attractive, but, uh . . . This sounds like something that I wouldn't care for! So, I'll probably hold back on this one! I trust your judgement and I've loved all of your other recommendations that I've tried thus far! Cheers C.C.! (Drink one for me!)

[@Comfycozyup]

I needed a drink after reading this but keto wont let me ☹

[@MistressofReads]

Reminds me of Push' by Sapphire --- also known as precious, That book just LEFT ME. left me changed. (smart enough to know better but not smart enough to do better.)

[@Comfycozyup]

Yes....exactly the same mess.

[@MistressofReads]

@@Comfycozyup I feel like the story has to be told. society's relationship with black culture has been one of Perpetual abuse and betrayal. from the black ceo down to the black farmer. from the family to the child. It's been messy. These types of stories are stories of societies abuse. Also, what happens to the ones who aren't strong willed. at the same time. DAMN. This is a skip for me. Like I said. I can do a precious read sometimes....... but.. naw woman. You take this one for the team.

[@Comfycozyup]

@@MistressofReads 😂🤣 you're welcome

[@MistressofReads]

Damn, that thumbnail looked unhappy. lol

[@Comfycozyup]

😂 yes my feelings

[@la.belle.epoque4478]

Question for anyone who’s doing audio book version. There’s a weird page turning sound I’m experiencing. Is anyone else experiencing it?

[@DEEliot-ky9cl]

not wanting to seek help with mental abuse or illness... is just part of the black culture, no matter where you're from

[@Comfycozyup]

so true....

[@normanorourke3244]

I think it's not just in the black community I suffered abuse as a child and didn't talk about it because of the shame I felt, resulting in a breakdown at 35 I am now approaching 60 and still have flash back. We need to more discussion on mental health issues involving all communities

[@Herbeautynetwork]

I loved your vlog and review. Its a shame Queenie wasnt that great I was eyeing it on release day. The character Queenie needs to more strong thats the type of characters im drawn too. I love the cover tho i love braids tangled up in the titled. But that wont help if the story isnt good. I saw the frustration invyour review such a shame this didnt live up to the high standards it should had. Great review 😊

[@Comfycozyup]

My biggest disappointment this year so far. I really wanted to love. Thanks for watching!

[@Delaware84]

I added this book to my scribd list to read it for free but I don’t think I can read it. The fetishism of the character would drive me crazy.

[@Comfycozyup]

Oh yes, I was frustration. Thanks for watching!

[@sharronking]

The cover is the only good thing about this book.

[@Comfycozyup]

lol your right

[@UhuruFrontier]

Soooooo. I see you are enjoying the book but are hating how this book is too true to life ('not your life of course).

[@Comfycozyup]

Oh no far from it....this was over the top. Like I said in the review, it might be a London behavior.

[@pampoovey6722]

Please change the battery in your fire alarm. Queenie (the character) is absolute trash. The book is, meh. It's disappointing how fixated on white men she is.

[@99ylsjd]

I recently finished Queenie and it was a struggle to do so. I’m glad I did finish but I agree with your 2 1/2 to 3 star rating. I believe that’s what I gave it on Goodreads. Queenie was a hot, stanking mess! Let us know if you ever ask the author what she was thinking because inquiring minds would love to know.

[@Comfycozyup]

I'm hoping i get to see her at one of these NY summer book events. In one of her interviews, she did address some of things in the book and is fully aware that it was over the top. Some of the messy part she herself wouldn't do. Thanks for watching!

[@thecortneyb.8486]

I felt the same way. Do not recommend.

[@MistressofReads]

whattttt.. I'm on my phone 2:11 and I had to stop the video.. WHAT KINDA WOMAN HAS UNPROTECTED SEX..t hat's some STD shit.. like i can't do this dace you CCP........................ you know I dig you. but........... queenie. hit my trigger point. I actually have nightmares about clowns with STDs trying to have sex with me. Me running my ass away trying to avoid that. Like.... you just stumbled into my hard limit. (ima have to skip this part fam)

[@brianaparnell9233]

Isn't queenie like every 25 year old out here that has no real raising so to fault the book for being realistic is .... Not smart.

[@Comfycozyup]

If you think this is a "realistic" behavior of a 25 year old woman with problems, then you are the perfect audience for this book. Not everyone going to like this book. Thanks for watching!

[@brianaparnell9233]

@@Comfycozyup thanks for replying and not all black woman have their ish together as you might. To get a view point on that is eye opening. I actually liked to read something unfamiliar to me it was a learning experience.

[@Comfycozyup]

@@brianaparnell9233 You should read some of her interview.

[@brianaparnell9233]

Ok will do.