BOOK REVIEW THE WATER DANCER

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Book Review of The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates which is now Oprah's book club selection (Congrats)! This has been classified as both Historical Fiction and Fantasy.
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The Water Dancer By Ta-nehisi Coates (Affiliate Link doesn't effect price)
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[@Samantha-wo5pr]

I was so disappointed in the ending. Like there was so much description and plot points leading up to it, for the ending to be a couple pages. Left me with so many questions. What was his fathers reaction to the necklace? I wanted to hear about Thenas reunión with her daughter ! Ughhh it felt unfinished.

[@thecarrielea]

This was so helpful! The mental head space impact is crucial... I might have to wait on this one.

[@ThatsSoPoe]

Good to know about the heaviness! I love Coates' writing and have been wanting to pick this up, but I'll make sure I'm in a good headspace for it when I do.

[@jadahpayne7175]

One of the best books I’ve ever read. The way he words things is amazing. The journey of Hiram and his memory was gripping. I felt parts of his journey in the pit of my stomach. I also had take to breaks. It was a sweet torture. I wasn’t prepared for it. The “surprise” was the icing on the cake for me. I would recommend. But be warned. You will physically, mentally and emotionally feel the effects of this novel.

[@LEFTONREAD]

I think people will be affected differently by this book, but in the end everyone who reads this book WILL be affected. There is so much to say about this book, but yeah.

[@jadahpayne7175]

LEFT ON READ Yes. My brother is reading it. His emotions are totally different than mine and yours. I’m curious how he is going feel when he is finish

[@daniellewilliams1775]

Jourdan! You hit the nail on the head! I 100% agree that it felt like there were times where I felt like the story was so drawn out. I felt bad for feeling this, but I found myself just wanting it to be over. When you said maybe it was intentional, it made me think of the story a bit differently. I still learned a lot from the book and enjoyed the different perspectives of slavery from a psychological standpoint. It was different than the usual narratives about slavery. Love your reviews girl!

[@rachellyn5897]

great review! I got this as my botm pick and I'm excited to read it in November! I think that books where you're right in the story, like right beside the main character.

[@abbylous13]

I’ve been waiting for your review ☺️

[@LEFTONREAD]

💛🤗

[@BeautifullyBookishBethany]

Great review! It's a fantastic book, but definitely one that is slower and I think a lot of that is that he's focused on exploring ideas and history, more than about having a specific plot driving it. It is definitely intense, but I like the use of memory and collective memory as magic.

[@MameysMedley]

YES!!!! I know EXACTLY what you mean about being pulled into the story and experiencing it. I felt it too! I really enjoyed this book but the magical realism parts of it were not my favorite. I LOVED Hiram and other characters and felt their development was well done. I felt connected and that's how I come to love a book; the storytelling and connection to the characters. I am a fairly new subscriber so I look forward to more!! Thanks!

[@LEFTONREAD]

thank you! Also yes, I was unwillingly pulled within the story throughout. I can understand your point on the magical realism aspect. Anyways, thanks for watching

[@NewPossibilities]

Excellent review.

[@Livinginbookland]

I loved it. I listened to the audiobook and it was very well narrated. He did such a great job. It was out of my comfort zone as far as reading but I really enjoyed it. I recommend everyone to read it. 👍🏽😊

[@LEFTONREAD]

So glad you enjoyed! A good narrator makes a world of a difference 💙

[@brittaneymitchell2966]

Thank you for sharing.⭐️💫

[@LEFTONREAD]

Brittaney Mitchell 💛💛

[@tpj376]

Til this day! I still don’t get why underground (tv show) was never picked back up 🤦🏽‍♀️ I will need some time before I read this; just read Underground Railroad and Homegoing this month 😭 Appreciate your reviews as always ❤️

[@LEFTONREAD]

Yes! That show was so amazing! Like so good! Ooo those are both such amazing reads! Homegoing is one of my favorites period. I would definitely pace it out if you do plan to read the water dancer.

[@StacyB84]

Great review. Still on the fence about getting this one.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Thank you! If I had purchased I would not have regretted, but after library rental I do not plan on purchasing. It would be a lot for me to re-read etc. I can definitely see varying opinions on this from 3 ⭐️ to 5 ⭐️

[@nakiacee15]

I was planning on reading this book during winter break but after the first two pages I already knew I would have to put that on pause lol. I didn't have enough mental capacity to take that in just yet.

[@tinotrivino]

You are so sweet ♥ I will probably buy that book, thanks for the nice review. Hugs from Spain (europe lol)

[@criticalreadstoday2767]

Thank you for your honest take! Working my way through the story right now but I'm on about page 130ish and I have hit a lul. Your review makes me want to get back to it though!

[@LEFTONREAD]

man, do I understand. I stopped several times! If you do not finish it, don't beat yourself up, just pace yourself and read when you feel up to it.

[@JashanaC]

Super interested to check this one out. I'll keep the pacing & intensity of the story in mind whenever I pick it up.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Yes! I almost gave up, but glad I finished it. In the end, it was worth it.

[@ladyjustice7]

I've read this book and as usual Coates leaves quite an impression and makes you think about things you might not have considered before.

[@LEFTONREAD]

I find myself still thinking about various characters mentioned and more so the systemic roots of racism as a structure through this book. He definitely gives you grains that are all a part of food for thought.

[@RachelRae]

Great review! I definitely had points where I put the book down because the pacing was slow.

[@LEFTONREAD]

💙💙! I almost gave up on the book, but so glad I didn’t. In the end, it all came together and still has me thinking about different parts over a week later.

[@AysiaSBeauty]

You just further confirmed my need to get this book. I feel like it might be similar to Kindred by Octavia Butler. That's one of my favorite books!

[@LEFTONREAD]

I love Kindred too! It’s not really like that, hard to explain, but it is definitely a book where you are placed within the setting/world of the book.

[@AysiaSBeauty]

LEFT ON READ update: I was just gifted the book! You should do a book club or a meet up! I’m in the DMV and i would totally come out!

[@ReadingWithMoe]

Great review! Definitely some heavy material but a good book

[@LEFTONREAD]

Thank you and yes it was 💙

[@angieriddick3851]

I can understand what you are saying. Too me it was a struggle. I had to go back and reread certain sections to get a better understanding. Too many characters to keep track with. A good read but you do have to have patience. The ending was nice .

[@LEFTONREAD]

You do have to have patience. I JUST told a friend of mine to not give up, that in the end it is worth it.

[@GiselleMills]

Good review. I’ve been looking forward to buying this book to see if it lives up to the hype but now I’m not sure. I don’t like books that leave me feeling depressed, no matter the subject. But maybe I will still give it a try and review it on my channel as well. 👍🏽

[@LEFTONREAD]

Giselle Mills it may not feel as Heavy to you but it definitely was very heavy for me. The descriptive writing made me feel like I was there. Definitely watch other reviews. I am sensitive by nature so it may not have been as taxing to the average reader.

[@GiselleMills]

Okay good to know, thanks :)

[@ambbbbrrrr]

As always I loved this video. I will be trying to read this again next month. I have been reading and seeing so many reviews for this that now I’m not as nervous to finally fully dive into it. Would you suggest reading Underground Railroad or Washington Black first before diving into TWD or no?

[@LEFTONREAD]

I would say neither is dependent on the other. More so of if you have read those, you may enjoy this as well and vice versa. Out of the 3, I enjoyed Underground Railroad the most and Washington black the least. The only 2 I would recommend would be the water dancer and Underground Railroad 💛

[@eyeheartmusic15]

I really enjoyed the show underground they dropped a lot of jems

[@halimamuslimah]

I bought this book having no idea what it was about. Imagine my surprise! It took me quite a while to get through the book because I needed to take a breather and get my mind "right" in order to continue reading.For me, it is certainly not a book one can just breeze through. The writing is fantastic as is the story and execution of this historical fiction. It made me think and I have no regrets for having purchased it. I would recommend this to anyone. The story is a heavy one, so get your mind prepared to not just read, but to think.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Elizabeth Davis that would be even more interesting having NO idea what the story was about. Coates definitely provokes thought. Glad you loved the book 💛

[@rawkvox]

Trauma should be remembered but sholdnt define Life? Love your channel!!

[@LEFTONREAD]

Very true! Also, thank you!

[@ceciliajoseph8528]

I am currently reading this book, on page 100 and about to give up... I am trying to see the interest in the book but the dragging is truly pulling me away. Should I continue or give up?

[@supadupachris90]

Great review. I read this novel i will give it 5 out of 5. My only problem is I read it to fast....we are the underground.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Glad you love it! ❤️ and Wow! I took so many breaks. It took me weeks to finish.

[@taylorthenatural5509]

New subbie! I feel like black readers are underrepresented and down played in the book community. Every time I want to see a review for a book, its mostly white booktubers that come up.

[@LEFTONREAD]

I know, it’s a struggle! Just know that there are soo many of us on here! In my back from booknest tag video I shouted out a bunch of black content creators for reference and that was just the tip of the iceberg.

[@taylorthenatural5509]

@@LEFTONREAD Thank you so much! Keep doing what you're doing!

[@LEFTONREAD]

Taylor Sipp 💛💛💛

[@queen2539]

1st Comment!

[@LEFTONREAD]

🤗🤗🤗

[@mckblm]

Thanks for the review; I did not care for The Underground Railroad or Washington Black so I don’t think I will be reading this book anytime soon.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Yeah if neither of those were your cup of tea this might not be either. I say there is no rush needed to read it. The pacing was very similar to Washington black (to me).

[@MyMindMyPeace]

I LOVED this book. Definitely had to take breaks. I literally exhaled and turned to my husband with the widest eyes like “DAMN” lol It reminded me so much of the way Marrow of Tradition by Charles Chesnutt was written. So much more I could say but this was definitely one of the best I’ve read.

[@LEFTONREAD]

I am so glad you loved the book! I too exhaled when I finished, but I think I was unconsciously holding my breath throughout. Definitely intense!

[@classygreen2347]

I am thinking the same with the comparison to Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Ok so I wasn’t alone. Underground was definitely more fast paced, but they felt similar in some ways.

[@classygreen2347]

@@LEFTONREAD yes, UR transported me back in time. He held no punches with his narrative. Water Dancer is doing the same, but at a slower pace. Invoking the same emotions, but longer and somewhat heavier. I could see that mother at the cell feeding her son every day. My heart broke. I stopped there and will read again tomorrow.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Classandra Green that was one of the hardest parts to read! Even reading you mentioning it, I again envisioned it and can feel the despair/ pain. Heavier and everything else you said is exactly how I felt.

[@classygreen2347]

@@LEFTONREAD you mentioned reading books about memories, I think you might like Recursion by Blake Crouch. It is Sci-Fi.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Classandra Green thanks mucho for the rec, I do! Added to notes and will hopefully look into this on good reads!

[@nayzee41]

The story is haunting and very moving. And it's beautifully written. I think it's slightly overwritten which is why it seems to drag. It starts off strong but loses momentum and focus. 4.5 star read for me.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Yes it did feel overwritten at many points. Towards the end the book really came full circle and shot back up for me. The author is clearly a great writer and knew the story he wanted to convey.

[@sharri-annsolomon6480]

I love how strong and complicated the women are... I forget her name, but the girl that Hiram loved... I found myself giving her a side eye sometimes & I had to step back like she’s a independent, free thinking enslaved woman like really think about it you know. The choices I would have had to make being a slave to white masters first but then black husbands too

[@LEFTONREAD]

Sharri-Ann Solomon so true! I loved how the women in the book had such a strong sense of self. Her in particular. She was definitely free in mind and free in thinking. 💛