QUEENIE BOOK REVIEW

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Book Review of Queenie By Candice Carty-Williams
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[@tomiakinwande]

as a young black girl, I was heartbroken reading this book. I cried multiple times and realized that there needs to be more books for young black girls to see themselves in a positive light.

[@butterflymoon6368]

There needs to be both. If young black girls are only seeing uplifting books then that's not good for self esteem because they'll be thinking 'why is my life not that good?' Books need to be written about human beings not ideals.

[@ThePreciousWonPoetryShow]

If you want to see a book with a more positive light read "Queendom Beautiful Women (Book #1)" By: Precious Won. It's a book that encourages women to embrace their inner beauty in a society which places way too much emphasis on external beauty. The book also celebrates womanhood and friendship.

[@lizo.3]

I also thought that her issues with dating black men should have been fleshed out more. I think we should have learned more about her relationship with her biological father (even though he wasn't really present in her life) and about her relationship with Roy. I also really liked the therapy, but I think this part should have been more in depth, like her going to therapy was what I was waiting for. I really wished she would have dedicated more time to Queenie's journey through therapy. Overall I loved the story.

[@cocochanel3812]

Ummmmmm I don’t know how I feel about Queenie. I liked that she went to therapy and began to get healthy but I didn’t like the violent sexual scene with the white guy like 🗣NOOOOO. The office romance backfiring 🗣NOOOOOO. Her not taking a cue from the guy that broke up with her. 🗣NOOOOO. The biggest thing I didn’t like was her friend that talked trash to her the one that was dating the same guy as her , but came back into her life like they are bffs. 🗣NOOOOO . They don’t treat her like that because she is black but because she doesn’t have any boundaries and standards .

[@LEFTONREAD]

“I don’t know how to feel about Queenie”! Same. I left so confused as to what I read, what was the intent etc. her friend verbally abusing her was A LOT! I just wish I understood why she desires relationships with white people who demean and abuse her. And exclusively white men who do the same. It is so confusing and an explanation was never really provided.

[@butterflymoon6368]

she doesn't have boundaries and standards because of how she has been treated and she has been treated like that because she is black.

[@naomibeautymind6226]

@@butterflymoon6368 I don't think it has anything to do with her being black.

[@lisamae6035]

You are not crazy! I finished reading “Queenie” last night. Pros: page turner, appealing book cover, author could easily lead into series of books based on other characters. Cons: I share your same views. The BLM (and other platforms) seemed forced. Queenie became a little annoying especially with blaming her ability to “show up for work” all on a break up. I am not Queenie, but I have been through a divorce and still lived my purpose at work. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and would consider reading her future work.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Crazy you just finished last night. I agree, it was really was a page turner for me. Very well written. I didn’t mind the not being able to show up for work over a breakup. There are different thresholds for different people. As someone who has dealt with depression, I know just how hard it can be to get out of bed, let alone make it to work. So i appreciated showing the mental health aspects. I just didn’t like some of the generalizations. This is a tough one for me to gauge.

[@cynthialeaf8358]

I agree that the BLM and other hot button issues seemed forced, like the author wanted to fit in as many talking points as possible. I also thought that there was some very specific pop cultural references (like song titles) that will date the book and take away from its staying power.

[@butterflymoon6368]

That's because you have much higher self esteem. Americans generally have much higher confidence than British people do.

[@ThePreciousWonPoetryShow]

The book "Queendom Beautiful Women" By: Precious Won is an empowering book of womanhood and sisterly love. The book encourages us to embrace our inner beauty!

[@ZBoogey26]

I picked up this book because of the beautiful cover, and was appalled at the messages strewn throughout....you are not crazy.... i agree with you wholeheartedly... the generalizations upset me long after I put Queenie down. I felt so let down after completing it because I had built up so much anticipation to read it in the first place

[@LEFTONREAD]

Ziara Albritton yeah a shame because it’s difficult to really pin point the intent.

[@adelejolliffe2612]

Thank you for a brilliant summary - you’ve articulated here lots of things I now realise I was thinking but couldn’t put together. Thanks for such a clear and thoughtful exploration of this book 👍

[@cameronragas1242]

My biggest issue with Queenie was like you said ;a lot of things were not tied up. A big problem I found was with her anger about police brutality in the United States. It would last a few lines but it never developed into anything.I loved her friendships and her relationship with her grandparents. Her seeking help for her mental illnesses was extremely inspiring. I heard there would be a second part to Queenie so who knows maybe it’ll get more “political” as the author said. Great book cover.

[@LEFTONREAD]

You really hit the nail! Maybe my review could have been 2 minutes 🤣! The fact that things were not tied up really bothered me. I do not think I could give the second book a read. Maybe I will just to see. I have never really had a book where I enjoyed the writing to this level, but not the book. The police brutality and how it was thrown in the book was very awkward for me. The last sentence also left with #blacklivesmatter and I was just so confused as to how this all ties out or what the objective is.

[@bkpixie7068]

The police brutality but was just thrown in and so was the small but lit about gentrification. I guess the point was to say that it is happening in the UK too but we already know that. That whole thing just seemed off to me.

[@alishajohnson2900]

I’ve been waiting for you to review this book! I read it a few months ago and this is one of the more detailed reviews I’ve watched. I appreciated the fact that she was a flawed character + the mental health that was showcased. But I agree (IMO) that there were some problematic views/statements in the book and some things about her “struggle” of being a black girl felt forced and not like a proper representation. Personally, I hadn’t read a book in a minute lol so it was a good intro for me to start reading again because it was such an easy read. Loved your review as always!

[@LEFTONREAD]

Love this! I so agree. I really loved that she was flawed and the writer didn’t make her perfect (at some points it reminded me of the show insecure on hbo that I love). But yeah the conclusions that were made at the end left me confused and uncomfortable. Glad you were able to enjoy the book!! The writing was good.

[@PullDownTheMoon]

The review of this book has opened my eyes because even though I've heard loads about this book I've never heard anyone talk about deeply or even have issues with it. hearing you read the content, I'm super shocked, the bit about the alternative black girl thing puts a bad taste in my mouth too. I still wanna read it but sad I have to spend my coin as it doesn't sound as good as I want it to be. Damn NetGalley for not approving my request. I'm intrigued by the interracial dating bit because I also had no idea it had that in it, I'm in an interracial relationship but I still feel like this book makes me feel icky listening to it because some of the generalisations are mad.

[@melahsmusings]

Book covers definitely draw me in as well! I love a beautiful book cover! Thank you for an amazing book review! If I do read this book, I’ll check it out from the library instead of purchasing. Btw, I love your hair color and earrings!

[@LEFTONREAD]

Thank you for the compliments 🤗! Also yes! I think people will all have different opinions/ reactions from this. One thing for sure, it is a good discussion starter. I could so see this in a book club setting.

[@melahsmusings]

LEFT ON READ ❤️❤️❤️

[@JBJari]

Thank you for your honest opinion. As always. 😊. I requested this book from the library, but from your opinion, now I'm like nope.

[@mimithomas69]

Good review I myself only wanted to read this book based on the cover. You’re review along with the comments helps me to make an easy pass on this book.

[@LEFTONREAD]

That cover is really beautiful 😩

[@imani406]

I started this book a few months back and couldn’t get past chapter 2. The writing was very difficult for me, from the dialogue to the texting, it just read more like a YA novel which I wasn’t digging. However like many, this stunning cover drew me back in. I gave it a second chance & recall ending it shortly after that racist scene at Queenies boyfriends mother party. I was confused by her accepting response & felt it unrealistic & misrepresenting. Needless to say I DNF’d the book in chapter 3 but requested the audio book which is something I do when I’m not feeling a writing style. I look forward listening to the audio & exploring your critiques. Great review!

[@LEFTONREAD]

We are a lot alike in the fact if I am not enjoying a writing style or a book, I will dnf. Definitely not going to suffer through something I am not enjoying. The racists comments in the book with his family and how she semi ended up apologizing for it were so crazy. I felt like it was crazy but I thought there was going to be an explanation as to why she allows this and, idk that there was going to be more. I had no idea until the end that the reason was simply going to be because she’s a black woman. I really left confused.

[@josryder7841]

GIRL...I FELT those “whoosah” moments here😂 I’ve seen this cover floating around and was curious(that darn cover lol) Now? nah I totally understand ALL of what you are saying. I don’t like when I sense that my people are being cast in a generalized way....especially by our own. We do it to ourselves and half the time I don’t even think we realize the messages we are conveying. I co-sign with your statement “....”I care about what little Black girls think....” One hundred percent! Thanks for such great reviews!

[@LEFTONREAD]

Just now seeing this 😩😩😩! That cover surely did get me 😑. Some people loved it though so it could just be me 🤷🏾‍♀️(+ apparently a lot of others in the comment section lol)

[@butterflymoon6368]

What's the generalisation though? Also we're talking about British black women. That's important. The American journey is different.

[@maritareads5229]

Your face after reading those passages lmfaooo I can't

[@LEFTONREAD]

🤦🏾‍♀️

[@ItsQueeenDeee]

Great review!!

[@katythebeauty330]

I’m still in like chapter 9 of the book but so far from what I’ve read I do like that Queenie is flawed. It seems realistic and gives a different outlook to the story without everything being so perfect. I think it lets the readers know that although I may not make such drastic decisions like Queenie it has showed that boundaries are important. And we can all look at how she has an outlook of the relationships she thinks she deserves.

[@halliehurst4847]

I really enjoyed Queenie to begin with because it was mirroring my flat mates life at the time. The lighter moments of the book, like the page where Queenie listed reasons she was going to say single for a bit I read a couple of days after my flat mate had listed her reasons to stay single... before having a one night stand that evening, Which I found hilarious. I felt like I was one of Queenie friends but in real life. It captured the way you go a little crazy after a break up sometimes and was really funny to begin with before it took a darker turn. Now my flatmate had had a very bad break-up. She was cheated on and did not take it well. She dated some absolutely terrible rebound guys who treated her like shit, worse than the boyfriend that cheated on her. Had a few one night stands that didn’t go well. However, she kept going to work, and generally dealt with it way way better then Queenie (thank god or I’d have been very worried about her). Anyways the reason I’m bringing this up and agree very much with your points, (especially 8:10 onwards) is that my flatmate is this pale freckly Scottish girl who mostly dated black guys over that time period. So any time Queenie (or rather the author) tried to justify or focus on her acceptance of her terrible treatment as anything other than trauma I was left going, ‘huh?’. It already wasn’t ringing true for other reasons, but knowing someone who had gone through a similar situation but the opposite way around to Queenie made some of the authors points feel very uncomfortable. The book seemed to morph from a comedy to quite a dark book covering difficult topics very quickly. And those topics weren’t handled well. Typed quickly on phone, sorry for typos/if this doesn’t make sense.

[@queeniecherry3406]

I love this book because is my name 😂

[@nayafitzgerald]

Chileeeeee I was waiting for you!

[@LEFTONREAD]

🤗

[@francicacornwall-john8185]

I needed this review. I agree with your views

[@daysleeper1989]

I am glad to see a review of this book! I have similar feelings about it. I think the author tried to bring up the internalised racism as the reason behind some of Queenie´s behaviour. I would say that it is also about her family history but I agree that there should be explored in a better way.

[@LEFTONREAD]

🤔 that is a good perspective. I HOPE that was the intent! If so, that would make so much more sense. Unfortunately I am not sure if it was clearly executed.

[@17BeautifulMind]

I've heard issues about this book, but never in details. Thanks for this review. I may pass on this one unless my bookclub picks it.

[@LEFTONREAD]

I actually think this book is better as a book club book versus lone reading. Probably because I left with so many questions as to what the author’s intent was. I believe different perspectives would generate some interesting and helpful discussions.

[@TB-tc4sk]

What book club I wanna join?

[@booksandpieces]

Really interesting review. I've seen some similar things on twitter so it's certainly not just you!

[@LEFTONREAD]

Yes and based on the discussion now, I realize it is pretty split. I can see different perspectives taking away different things from this book.

[@brittaneymitchell2966]

Great review

[@Angbwillinspireu]

I love your reviews. I also like you promote the use of the public library,👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. Objectively: This book should be read in book clubs or groups. I would love to know a diverse Black women's perspectives on it from around the world. Subjectively: I would read it and write a review very similar to yours. I don't know women/females with so much low self-esteem; is the main character an anomaly of our changing society or is she a reflection of a generation not really familiar with their past?

[@LEFTONREAD]

I think this would be great for a book club! I do know people with low self esteem and who just make harmful decisions etc. I guess I just don’t know any who do to this extreme especially not with drawing the conclusion of them accepting this extremely abusive and racist behavior because they are black women??? While also not wanting to date black men. It was a head scratcher for sure. The discussions with this book would be crazy.

[@Sadiesay13]

Agreed. I was excited to read this book as a born Jamaican living in the US I felt seen. I liked most of that aspect of the book. Especially when it came to the mental health and her seeking therapy. And I remember her grandpa saying to her grandma like "let her go to therapy". But everything else about the book had me upset and confused for this exact reason.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Yes I loved that part for similar reasons! Really was the saving grace for me.

[@maybeni288]

I needed this review but yeah some people think that not that if you are black you should experience bad relationships etc but that a lot of people don't come toward black women with the intention to be caring, soft etc..

[@michelletyszczenko4153]

Totally agree with you :)

[@butterflymoon6368]

6:44 - No she isn't. She's saying that because of the way white men perceive black women, she is concerned that she is not like that - not what he might want. I don't think she's saying she's 'not like the other girls' and certainly doesn't leave the reader feeling like she's insulting them. These are evidently her insecurities. She is saying she is different but not better.

[@RoyMurrysReviewsandComments]

Interesting review. Are all your videos this long?

[@briannant]

This was great! -B

[@cienegadiaries9015]

I just got the book, I'll be back in these comments soon!

[@jeneanmcnear3367]

Yes you have the book that I brought and read a view pages of. The London slang is hard for me to adjust to. The little I did read I kinda fell in love with her friend (Kyazike, I think) more who went on that date, but that's just the little I read. She had me laughing. I wished it was a book on her character. Hmmm, from your description it makes me not want to finish because I see your point. But at the same time I knew it was just something about her character that I could not connect too. I did also stop reading because of the character Thomas who is a Gemini because that struck a cord to me on a personal level. Nothing to do with the book. I feel like I got sucked in by the pretty cover. 😦

[@LEFTONREAD]

I think it was really good writing so it really is a tough one for me to say. I personally can not recommend it, but I do believe many people will like the book. I watch insecure and thoroughly enjoy it, through all of the poor decisions etc. The show is able to highlight blackness and what it is like to be a black woman, without implying (in my opinion) that the bad decisions are somehow tied to race. It’s tricky because for 10 of the things that I appreciated, there were like 1-2 things that just made this book blood boiling for me. You should finish it though lol 😂

[@jeneanmcnear3367]

@@LEFTONREAD I also love the show Insecure, haven't watched it in a while because the price of cable and all these add on to Hulu/Netflix can be expensive,but regardless to cost I do agree with you to how the show finds a good balance. I do enjoy a realistic, flawed characters that make mistakes as well (but with some limits). I mean that's what being human is about. But if you do the same thing over and over again expecting different results that is insane or at least in the words of Einstein. I do think it was the race factor as you said in regards to the book that turned me off. I don't know maybe my spider senses was telling me that in regards to the character. From the little i read and how you explained the book a lot of whats going on in Queenies world is due to her. In short terms she needs to do some soul searching. I believe her fear of ending up with a "certain type of bad guy is translated beyond color/race". She thinks oh its black guys who do this when in reality what she is running from will find her even if he is a different race. She has to change her mind frame, grow, really get to the core of her problem, and pray to God/Jesus or something. Shucks, she needs to listen to Aretha's A Rose is Still A Rose Song because that seems to be a little bit of what going on here. If you get my point, she needs to find herself and her power. I guess I will finish it. But maybe if she comes out with another book that is showing her growth, maybe that's why that therapist is in the book to help guide her and whoever maybe doing things/ thinking like her in life. Then I could see this book/possible future collection of books turning into something worth wild. Idk maybe it's also not an easy read for me beyond just the slang because I like to relate to the character and with her it's a little hard for me. Like I get her but then that race factor makes me roll my eyes. Because yeah her friends story in chapter 4 I think was easy for me even with all the slang. You gonna have me writing a whole paper to the author as to what I need to see in the follow up books about her life, because now in my mind it has to be some so I don't get enraged with this book.

[@butterflymoon6368]

@@LEFTONREAD I don't think the author is saying bad decisions are because of her race. She has a need for validation because of the absence of a male father figure and that absence has led to her searching for external male validation, however that is very hard for her to get as a black woman in the UK because she is perceived as less by men (which is true, I'm biracial and from here). She therefore lowers her standards in order to receive that validation. Her need for validation is the driving force. If anything, it did show interracial relationships in a bad light.

[@theliteraturelis9619]

I tried reading this book but I just could not get into it at all

[@Thegodmadestore]

I'm releasing my book next week can you do a review on it?

[@karinabarbee8049]

Well after your review and the conflicting reviews on goodreads, I think I can safely take a pass on this one. Might I suggest It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover? Not even as something to review for the channel but just as a reader. I think it may speak to you in some ways how you had hoped Queenie would.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Thank you for the book rec! I have not read this. I added it to my never ending tbr 😩

[@oniallen3581]

Thank you for your review! You and I share similar sentiments with the exception of it being a page turner. The book is just very......bland. I felt like I was always waiting for it to get good. I personally could not stand Queenie's self sabotage 😂 and I was cringing during the parts with Guy. Speaking of Guy, that situation was very predictable as far him being her friend's boyfriend. I picked up on that instantly. The parts about the protests and her "anger" towards police brutality just didn't really fit for me. Overall, it felt like the author was trying to include too many issues and it just wasn't effective.

[@latoyacarthan9645]

I must say I love the review , the book was a real page turner yes and couldn’t put the book down like really . I love the therapist as well she was full of support . Queenie was making the common mistakes that a lot of us make as women . She was a really character and also I was mad 😠 at some of the way she was doing stuff . The race stuff did bother me a lot . I was like wow that how the book ended. I was like really where is the book going .

[@LEFTONREAD]

Thank you! It’s so hard discussing because it’s like I like that she was a mess, I understand the 20s and learning yourself and dealing with Fboys. It’s one of the reasons I love the show insecure, because it shows black women just figuring it out and not having it altogether. The only dating abusive white men who fetishized you and subject you to racists environments etc, was never concluded / explained. Idk the way being a black woman was brought into the angle felt weird/ confusing.

[@JordalineReads]

I just bought this book! Would you say it's still worth reading? Also, I love your earrings!

[@LEFTONREAD]

Thank you! Yes I would say to still give it a read. The writing (IMO) was done really well. I feel like this is a book that will garner different responses.

[@KrissyFizzle]

I haven't fully read the book yet but from the excerpt you read, what she said wasn't how it should be, but I think bc time and time again she's been shown all she's good for is for sex she's bought into it now, which some black women do buy into Hypersexualisation bc they believe "if this is the only praise I'll get from society, then I'll do this" so while it's not right what she's saying I think it was put there to show the perspective of a black woman that when their mental health is wack and they have low self esteem and self worth, will take anything they get. Bc being a black woman is hard when you constantly see your peers being appreciated for more than their body yet all people want you for is yours. And so if you do have low self esteem and a low sense of self you will buy into that type of attention bc that's the only way you get ANY attention. So while she's wrong and it's like why tf are you saying these type of things bc when you read it that shocked me, I haven't got that far in yet personally I can empathize that when you get nothing sometimes you will fall victim (not always to this extent) to taking breadcrumbs. Also as a black girl who doesn't fit the stereotypical black girl look I understand the insecurity of being seen as less and shamed bc you don't fit that aesthetic. Not particularly for a white man but just in general But at the same time I do see what you mean with stereotypes, but I also see the other side But I also need to finish the book to see the rest of her character to see how this relates when I read it myself

[@hattiesallie2622]

Saved me from wasting my time sis!!!! 😩

[@salowlbooks3421]

I have seen the author speak in London, and within the audience there was a lot of emotion towards this book and on the other hand there is a lot of issues so much that there was not a lot of time to question the author more about her book not on less I have to book a one to one with her. You are right about the book and on top of it the author will be bringing out a movie on Queenie.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Wow I would have been interested to hear that discussion! Hopefully some adjustments are made within the movie to tie out some of the themes. At least give a more in depth explanation to some of the patterns/ decisions. I would be so interested to hear the intent etc.

[@salowlbooks3421]

I hope as well the movie will be a little different. I also did wanted to video the talk but I was not allowed to.

[@Justice.I]

I really liked the book…. Her sexual experiences truly sadden me .. I loved your review !

[@SaharaKnows]

Can you review What a time to be alone ?

[@browngirlreading]

I rolled both eyes Hard when I read that part too. You are spot on! No you're not crazy. I was over ALL the black women stereotypes. Not needed to tell the story and the link with race is not correlated because in my opinion she should've not trusted any men. I don't see how this book is a political piece. I was also troubled why she didn't distance herself from the Black Bridget Jones Diary marketing ploy.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Yes and I finally read your good reads review and you are right, I have not read Bridget Jones (only watched movie etc) but I don’t see the correlation. There are just too many questions I am left with, and they all involve the intent of the book. You might be right that my 2.5 was too generous 😂😂 .

[@Riri808]

I was waiting for your review on this one. And I'm sure I will not be reading it!

[@firstrandom2732]

This book is amazing. I bought it in waterspoons UK. It stood out a lot. I opened the book read a few paragraphs and just had to buy it. I have started reading it already and it’s such an easy read .....I will come back and comment when I’ve finished reading the whole book

[@nicolebtch]

Thank you for this review!!!! Ugh I needed this so much because I HATED Queenie it felt so anti black

[@butterflymoon6368]

how so?

[@girlwiththemagicpen]

Sadly, this is some people's reality, the feeling of needing validation from men because they probably didn't have a father present for them or, in some cases, had a father who was/is too strict so that when they did taste freedom, they take it to the maximum. Some black girls probably can relate to feeling that the reason they do certain things goes back to their self-worth etc. I was super annoyed at the main character while I was reading the book because it felt to me like she simply wasn't acknowledging her wrongs, but constantly blaming one thing or the other. I highly respect people who own up to their wrongs once they realise that they're in the wrong.

[@LEFTONREAD]

I believe the seeking validation from men is a very real common ground. The level of degradation that was accepted being tied to blackness was weirdly executed for me 🤷🏾‍♀️. I just could not follow the conclusion. Versus clearly aligning this more-so to the trauma.

[@veecel]

I understand and agree with some of the gripes with the book. Personally a full explanation or exploration why Queenie has negative views toward black males wasn't needed. I'm numb towards those views but it is interesting reading the reactions to this book. There's problematic content? C'est la vie. Maybe this book will spark discussions on Twitter, Instagram or Lipstick Alley. Queenie is a mess but fortunately Candice Carty-Williams allowed us to see her process towards being healed. The author said her book was more of a political piece? 🙄 That's a huge stretch of marketing wizardry or her imagination. As an audiobook, it was just a fun 10-cent pulp fiction that may or may not end up on the silver-screen. Thanks for sharing your review.

[@LEFTONREAD]

😂 yeah I don’t think that not being explained will bother most readers like it did for me. Also yeah that’s what is crazy, I usually like “messes” because we are all kind of a mess. I really wish the book either deeply dived into how race / racism is just another layer versus randomly mentioning it and then having the HELLA awkward epiphany in therapy. The implication may not be what the author was going for, but being that it was the only thing that was stated in the book clearly as a reason for her decisions etc., it bothered me greatly. This is definitely a good “discussion” book. 10 people will probably all walk away with something different.

[@veecel]

​@@LEFTONREAD After quickly reading some of the other comments here, Queenie's insistence to discuss BLM was definitely awkward, pointless(?) and cringe-worthy. Then again, and to be honest when I hear people discuss BLM it is usually awkward whether they support it or are against it . . . that's another issue. Despite its flaws, Queenie is a page turner. The publisher did a great job marketing this deceptive debut.

[@eelperson9307]

i’m not gonna lie I really didn’t like queenie’s character, like that obviously could have been on purpose but either way I really thought a lot of the problems she had in her relationships were her fault tbh. Like one thing that stood out were those text chains to her old boyfriend where she kept starting arguments for apparently no reason just to start something. In general she just seemed really cynical and almost like she was playing the victim unnecessarily at times. Also, I thought the Black Lives Matter aspects were kind of shoehorned in and didn’t really fit the narrative, and when they did they were inextricably linked to generalizations and stereotypes, which I thought was really ironic. The writing itself was well done tho and it was a page turner

[@TyRhooooone]

Is the therapist in the book Black or White?

[@LEFTONREAD]

The therapist is not black.

[@TyRhooooone]

​@@LEFTONREAD *insert Oprah in disbelief gif*

[@jeneanmcnear3367]

Oh and as for the Bridget Jones Diary comparison, which didnt appeal to me. I don't know maybe in the sense that both characters go through mental growth or need to. It's been a while since I seen the first Bridget Jones which if I remember correctly I liked but whatever the last one was I warmed up to it, because somethings she was doing she should have known better via growth. You shouldn't always act the same way in your 20s as you do in your 40s but then again. Age doesn't mean maturity. Who cares call me judgy if you want to. As for the Americanah reference I don't know of that. I do however see similarities of Queenie in some of black male race. Where some have this higher value of other ethnicities as though they dont like who they are and want to achieve something better. But quickly forget that their offspring black daughters may look like them and then that leaves psychological damage. Now before anyone says anything I don't care about different races being together and actually in love. I just don't like it messes with people. A good example in regards to the book could be. Say queenie marries a white man, has a black son and I'm am not talking "light skinned black as that term plucks my nerves, I'm talking as black as you could imagine. What psychological damage would be done to her son is she still kept that negative mind frame about black men while having a black son. Would she see things differently or just mess him up mentally about himself and black women?🤔

[@LEFTONREAD]

You know reading this comment made me think 🤔 could this be the point of the author, to have these types of dialogues? I truly feel this would be an interesting book club discussion. I do not think I understood WHAT exactly was the author trying to portray here. I felt as though this was a representation of black women, when maybe the author wasn’t implying that. I do not know.

[@jeneanmcnear3367]

@@LEFTONREAD Yeah I do think this is a book that is meant for discussion I started thinking that after I finished writing all of that and then said it was a jed-eye mind trick.

[@LEFTONREAD]

JeNean McNear 😂

[@dizetoot]

I thought the book was okay it was really easy read and I loved the WhatsApp messages etc which gave it a modern Bridget Jones’s feel, gave it a solid 3 stars. In addition to not explaining her reasons for not dating black men, the book also seemed to really be emphasising that white men and not a good match for black women, so an odd mix. Also thought she tried to cover too many topics, so you have the mental health stuff, the sexual abuse, black lives matter, historic family abuse, anxiety etc etc, felt it could have been more self contained.

[@LEFTONREAD]

The writing really was good, especially for a debut! I also agree, on the relationships aspect. I have never exclusively dated white men and being a black women who chooses to ONLY date white men is a unique demographic. It may truly look like that, but at the same time, if that is the case, there should be an explanation as to what led her to that decision.

[@margaret_adelle]

I entered a raffle for an ARC of Queenie because it sounded interesting. But based on your review, it just sounds... like a lot of monolithism.

[@bkpixie7068]

I agree with you on every point. I had trouble when it came to not dating black men because of your childhood trauma but experiencing sexual trauma as an adult dating white men who primarily sexually abuse you. Bridget Jones wasn’t a draw for me and I felt like the BLM kept being thrown in just to make her seem more woke. It just didn’t jive with me when you look at her overall dating choices. Overall I appreciated the mental health aspect but I don’t think that I’ll be recommending this book to anyone. Love and Light

[@LEFTONREAD]

You know I touched on the BLM but I felt it was just too sensitive for me to discuss without understanding the author’s rationale. The book literally ended with #Blacklivesmatter in her acknowledgments and I was SO confused. I just do not understand how the issues the character had with not wanting to date a black man but at the same time acknowledging they “see you like this simply for the way you were born, something you cannot change” was so confusing. I can go on about the read she did or Sam(bo) and how the same could have been said of Queenie, but I really do not know what the intent of the author was so I didn’t. With everything going on anytime BLM was brought up, it almost came out of no where. I am just so confused.

[@bkpixie7068]

LEFT ON READ I’m just as confused. I think I need to search the author’s interviews to try to get an idea of what the intent was for adding that to this book. Overall, I did enjoy the mental health aspects of the book as well as the Queenie coming from a Jamaican family. My family is also Jamaican and I was able to connect to the grandmother. All that aside, I really do enjoy your content. We share similar tastes in books and I find that we have similar thoughts and opinions on those books. I’d still support your channel if your thought were opposite. LOL! Anyhow, keep doing what you do. 🤗

[@mspaula0509]

@@LEFTONREAD do you think the author pulled in BLM to get in on the social issue at the moment train? Much like some do for the MeToo movement? I have yet to read the book but I do know that past trauma definately effects people in different ways...and extreme spectrums too. I think I would like to read it just to see her relationship with her therapist and the epiphany she had in dealing with certain traumas.

[@queeniecherry3406]

Omg my name is called Queenie cherry

[@ubiquitousseymone]

I respectfully disagree with you. Life is about perspective and all our perspectives differ. I will return with bullet points, but at work. Very difficult to type thoughts on cellphone. TBC....

[@LEFTONREAD]

Looking forward to it! I really do want to understand. Also this is a different perspective for me. I have never exclusively dated white men so I really do not know what that experience is like and what trauma could be associated with constantly ONLY dating white men. And white men who fetishize you, say racist things etc. I guess I can’t grasp why or what would cause someone to after that still only check for white men? It was so confusing for me and the book never explained the reasons for it. It only seemed to imply (via therapy session) that she accepts the abuse because she is a black woman and that’s just how it is.

[@ubiquitousseymone]

@@LEFTONREAD I think my comment was erased.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Ubiquitous Seymone that is so crazy? I never saw it posted? I think only you or I would have the ability to erase it.

[@kristab8042]

Ok! I thought I was the only person who wasn't here for this book. You are totally right about the way blood women are depicted and how the way she dealt with men didn't make sense. I wasn't impressed with this character or this story.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Yeah I really just want to understand. Like understand why? Maybe this is a perspective from someone who ONLY dates white men, but even so, I wish we could have got into the reasons and determinants as to why.

[@Smile2DayTears2Morro]

DNF after chapter 4. 😞 I tried.

[@LEFTONREAD]

🤐 dang that tough huh? All you can do is try 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@user-ky7dk2jj9s]

girl the way i hated this damn book; it had so much wasted potential. While I can appreciate queenie's complexities (and vulnerabilities), this book was ultimately doing too much of the wrong thing. Also: I'd love to see more stories about young black women that aren't obsessively structured around/in relation to whiteness.

[@user-ky7dk2jj9s]

& i agree COMPLETELY that the way Queenie's relationship to her blackness was unpacked was tone deaf + incredibly reductive

[@user-ky7dk2jj9s]

it also reallllllly made me wonder about the whiteness of the publishing world & the willingness of white literary agents to push relatively degrading narratives about/around blackness into the mainstream

[@LEFTONREAD]

you have said it all! Such potential, and yes! "I'd love to see more stories about young black women that aren't obsessively structured around/in relation to whiteness." could not have said it better.

[@pampoovey6722]

SPOILERS! Dang.

[@Lauriette31]

This was a painful read in every imaginable way possible. I regret buying this book. I cringed on every page, at every line, at every awful attempt at so-called dialogue. It was a total and utter mess of a book.

[@LEFTONREAD]

😕 darn so sorry it was that miserable of a read for you. I enjoyed the writing style so for me it was at least a good read dialogue wise. Just some of the rationales/ explanations made me regret the read.

[@DEEliot-ky9cl]

I don't comment much because I'm an author and I don't like people to think I'm hating on my own people or on other authors but this novel was trash.

[@LEFTONREAD]

😐👀👀

[@DEEliot-ky9cl]

@@LEFTONREAD her logic on why she only dates white dudes reminded me of the black men in ohio that say they only date white women because black women have bad attitudes. Then these guys be shocked, shocked I tell you, to find out that a white woman will show her rage in public twice as fast as any sistah.

[@LEFTONREAD]

D.E. Eliot yeah I’m not sure what the experience is for a black women who exclusively dates white men, so maybe from that perspective it would take a toll. At the same time the fact that you would not date a black man, and only white men who devalue you, should have been explained. There is a reason for that, which wasn’t tapped into.

[@DEEliot-ky9cl]

@@LEFTONREAD exactly!!! I could say more but it would come off as a personal attack 😂😂😂 I love your videos, keep up the good work and as always... Write On ✊🏾

[@LEFTONREAD]

D.E. Eliot thank you!!

[@butterflymoon6368]

Na, I really disagree. I DO want black girls reading this who are going through it and need someone to relate to and can see themselves like that. I've been through the same. Dating interracially especially in the UK can be like this. This is a country that really hasn't spoken about race until George Floyd happened. It's not like America. Black American women also have ridiculously high self esteem compared to Black British women so it's a very different experience. You've been allowed to exist and be valued for it for a long time. We haven't. I find this book doesn't sit well with Black American women because they're looking for positivity and positive role models (which is not what books are about imo). In the UK positive role models are a sickly notion. We seek reality. In the US you look for guidance, teachers - like a spiritual quest. That is not the purpose of a novel. Each to their own but I am concerned about how people read books. I think it's also very important to understand the context and cultural differences between race in America and race in Britain.

[@tashalove5700]

I did NOT like this book. I didn't like how the author portrayed black women in a terrible light. Getting treated like pure crap by white men while still desiring them. Ridiculous. Page turner yet I still was not feeling it. I was very happy to finish this book!

[@TamikaMichelle]

This book is a nope for me

[@sharronking]

She failed at this book.PERIOD!

[@LEFTONREAD]

Sharron King 👀👀 lol