Tayari Jones An American Marriage Book Review |

[@jouelzy]

Aye a book review! Get American Marriage here: amzn.to/2QyBFnW Or sign up for Audible w/ my link and use your free credit for this book: jouz.es/audible

[@myartmydesigns2289]

Please mam support my channel

[@CurvyTajaMarie]

When Andre was introduced I already knew the deal.

[@TheSacralBliss]

I loved this book! I think they would have divorced even if he wouldn’t have went to jail 🤷🏾‍♀️.

[@victorialoveless1]

I just finished reading this book and couldn’t help but feel like Celestial loved the idea of having the two fight over her. I don’t believe she would’ve initially chose Roy if she didn’t deep down know that Andre would take her back. It was unfortunate what happened to Roy but at the end of the day it was something Celestial couldn’t deal with.

[@dominiquethomas9603]

I read this book on my flight to from NYC to Miami. I was also in my feelings. I could not stand Celestial and Andre’s relationship. Celestial was so spoiled how you gonna marry a man and can’t even tell him you’re fucking his best man. Urghhh I felt Roy’s brokenness at the end. Loved your review!

[@justinreader2804]

That’s such a good point about how they didn’t have any outside friends, I found the words so compelling but you brought up some great points. Great vid!

[@pastortimmothy]

Best book review I’ve heard in YEARS!

[@nayzee41]

Loved the book and have a lot to say about it. We gonna have to speak your book club into existence for 2019 'cause you can't just drop this review and leave us hangin' sis.

[@JasmyneGilbert]

Yes, back-to-back content! Keep it coming, sis.

[@prbrown29]

Jouelzy, I loved hearing your comments and would have loved to delve even further into this novel with you. This was my first time reading something by Tayari Jones and I did enjoy it. I thought her characterizations were sharp and on-point. However, the problematic issue for me with this novel was I found both characters unlikable. I couldn't really "root" for them or their marriage for just that reason. I think I'm going to disagree with your point about Roy ending up with the girl from Eloe/Wal-mart. I think after his time in lockup and his conversations with Celestial, his priorities about what he wanted (a big name, big brand) or what would make him happy changed. And who is to say that he couldn't still have ambitions during his partnership with Davinia. I just don't think the status/power couple thing was as big to him anymore. Hope you're posting book recommendations for next year. I believe the ones you posted in the past were more on the non-fiction side but I'm always looking for something to read.

[@lafreddie23]

Great review! *Spoiler Alert* There were so many interesting themes in the book. I thought Roy's ambition changed but he still had the entrepreneurial spirit that he always had. He starts a barbershop business with his father which is doing well. He finds comfort and stability in Davina that he never found with Celestial. I don't think he would look down on Davina for working in Wal-Mart. His parents are working class. So, I think in the end, he realizes that he doesn't have to go far from home to be successful. It's a different type of successful than trying to be the next of Wolf of Wall Street, but he's still being creative and using his marketing background. Plus he'll never have to work for anyone else again.

[@niketv2847]

I don’t know how I stumbled upon your channel, but I’m so glad I did!! Your personality is everything and your down to earth, witty analysis was chef’s kiss! I’m definitely subscribing 😉

[@hafsa1888]

Deffo getting my hands on this book! Love your book reviews sis ✨

[@iamuhura]

I really enjoyed this book review! Also love your makeup look in this video; the lip color reminds me of ABH liquid matte in Sepia.

[@kimigirl1621]

i was soo confused on when exactly this book was set too hahah because the way they were describing the phones made it sound like the late 80s or 90s but then i remember at one point they were talking about strict airport security so i was like it's gotta be early 00s then ? it threw me off!!!

[@ajwalker4416]

I always appreciate a good book review, thank you. I'm not thinking this is my kind of book although I've seen it bubble up in people's reading lists. Thanks for mentioning how the story ends, "spoilers" never bother me because I know what I'm getting into ahead of time and can make a better decision if the material is worth the journey.

[@Ossouko]

This book got me in my feelings too! 😳🤯 They were all annoying but Celestial got on my last nerve.. 😒🤣

[@Luvlee92]

Yes she just gave up on him after a while she wasn't even trying to be a good friend to him. He asked her dead on about Andre and she denied it. I just thought she was really gonna try to be with Roy for the long hall but guess not. He even believed in her doll making dreams like damn man. 🤦🤷

[@octayajones4173]

Yes! I did NOT like her.

[@stacywyatt4277]

I liked all the characters. I think she had a right not to self-sacrifice. 12 years is a long time and did support him greatly. She did what many people not, Roy was never alone and if it were not for Celestial he would have rotted in jail.

[@MaseratiHolly]

Ossouko Jolie lmaooo

[@Immigrantwriter]

@@stacywyatt4277 I felt like she didn't want this commitment and yet didn't want to be judged for divorcing him while he was in prison. But it didn't feel consistent with her character.

[@rashida9693]

Wow I'm early. And I listened to this book from a library app while driving to and from work and while washing dishes. Book had me in my feelings each time, no matter what. Excited to hear your review. *pressing play* to continue.

[@Baruch1girl]

Sometimes people give up when they have done everything right.... Education, the marriage, the corporate job and things still derail. Those things can make some people give up.... sounds like the character Roy didnt have proper emotional foundation..... ps I'm out here giving opinions on a book I haven't read🤣🤣

[@myartmydesigns2289]

🎄🎄🎄

[@jazzsingerlady]

Well, honestly I think you're right and I have read the book. 😂😂

[@shaniiicole]

You're not too far off! Lol

[@TikvahVered]

Or he just realized that he needed someone who would take their vows seriously.

[@shanchip1]

hey! i read the book and i understand what you're saying about roy's ending, based on your personal experiences with men like him. But I think the point of his metamorphosis was that he was a completely different person when he came out of prison. Even think about how it must have felt to try and do everything right, and then end up in the exact same place as his biological father, the same cell no less. He chose to be happy with what was in front of him, bc striving for greatness, wanting more was tearing him up inside.

[@Karmesha]

I definitely felt a way about the ending, after all of that And the way they tried to play him when he got out with Andre exerting himself into the mix by being the one who should tell him no sir you are not his wife and that’s disrespectful regardless of your friendship but I did enjoy the book and it made me want to go re read her last book Silver Sparrow which is a good book also... also Im ready for this book club!

[@lasaintlauren558]

Praying for you AND the book club. 🤞🏾🙌🏾

[@kishawitaki9286]

I purchased this book after watching your review. The book was so good I read it cover to cover in one day. I didn’t care for the ending. But over all I truly enjoyed the book.

[@christinagowda3626]

Loved your review. Going to send people from my channel to yours!

[@kdlove8629]

You got my like for your remarks on the ending! I was literally pissed at the way the book ended. I know not everything can be roses etc, but I felt like Andre needed more than ass whooping. Friend or nah...Celest should have been like look this is my husband...I can't turn my back on him. They simply said, "We tried". That wasn't enough for me...

[@shashuhughes]

Been waiting for this!!! ❤️

[@paoloignacio1639]

Sis I’m on winter break, I got all the time in the world to be reading these books!

[@browneyedrockerbabe4155]

*I really enjoyed this book alot & It really drew me in into the characters. Excellent Review Joulzey* 📚📖

[@Yardee4life]

I read this book at the beginning of the year and remembered liking it, but the memories are vague. I remember being troubled by the idea of time moving forward while he was incarcerated. What are the realistic expectations of preserving ties? They put something on commissary. Kept in touch. Am I remembering correctly that they were newlyweds when he was arrested? There's a whole lot of growth that occurs on the outside...maybe less so when trapped in the monotony of imprisonment. And then him driving and showing up for closure? Yeah...I wasn't happy with the ending either. Jouelzy, I'm down for a bookclub too...but in real time. These memories from February 2018 are foggy!

[@gabrielafrancois7175]

Girl! Such a great book! I was definitely in my feelings. I read this about a year after being married and kept telling my husband "this is hitting wayyy to close to home." I appreciate your critiques! I can definitely relate to feeling like you KNOW the characters! I was so emotionally invested and that's when I knew this was a great book!

[@celesterae2154]

I started this book months ago and put it down. Picked it back up yesterday and will pause your review until done. Can't wait to hear your perspective to compare.

[@Dee.provost]

Yes. The book did seem so familiar thats why I loved it!

[@naturalQueeP]

I was able to get my hands on this book this summer and oh my...it’s a good read. The writing is awesome and captivating. I got hooked just from reading the first 2 pages.

[@canvasanderth]

I'm more of a new thought audio book listener, but I'm watching this video from beginning to end b/c I live for everything you do for the culture.

[@daniellepointer3328]

I feel you pressing that content out! About to go cop that book!!

[@jadarobinson6487]

Love your videos and never read this book before.

[@Tullahgit]

Just finished this book!! Im excited to hear your point of view!!

[@larryy3133]

You was invested in this novel! Sis was passionate.

[@jazzsingerlady]

Fiiiiiirst! I read this book and have a lot of thoughts. Now imma shut up and listen to your review. Lol

[@myartmydesigns2289]

🎄🎄🎄

[@abominablebookgirl7197]

Girl let us discuss then because when I tell you I was pissed at this book?!?!?! I was so angry!

[@jacobbehm5941]

@@abominablebookgirl7197 What part where you annoyed at?

[@abominablebookgirl7197]

@@jacobbehm5941 The entire book tbh. However, the most frustrating for me was the way the book ended. Her endings are so lack luster.

[@jacobbehm5941]

@@abominablebookgirl7197 This is the first book I read of hers but I agree about the ending. I wish Celestial and Roy would have ended together.

[@Emmra94]

I can’t help but feel like the “simplistic end” was on purpose. When I finished the book I had a real internal struggle with wanting more (aka text book “happy ending”) for the characters. Nevertheless the more you look into the characters apart you kind of realize/ come to terms with the ending being the most realistic outcome for them.

[@latoyawatts5]

this book had me in my feeling it was a great book thank you.

[@HipHop226]

About to start this joint

[@latresemilton6729]

Just finished the Audible. So awesome! It reminded me of the adult version of Upstate by Kalisha Buckhannon I read several years ago.

[@courtcourt309]

I read this book awhile ago so i dont remember all the details, but i didnt love it. I really disliked Celestial and I just couldnt relate at all to how quickly she gave up on Roy. The setup was already there for Andre to step in I guess...

[@teekay6967]

I didn't love the book either. It was okay for me. The book is described as a love story, so I viewed it thru that lens. However, I feel the book fail to show a strong, passionate bond between Celestial and Roy. Especially, given Roy did witness that kind of love between Big Roy and his mother. Maybe I was wrong. Even the love between Celestial and her best friend Andre was not a strong example, it may have even been one-sided because I did feel Andre loved Celestial. So, I was't surprised or disappointed when Celestial and Roy broke up. And all that theatrics regarding using condoms and the tree was too much for me. Also, I don't feel a man who was falsely accused of raping a woman would allude to raping his wife. (I hope I did not reveal too much) Idk I wasn't invested or connected with this book.

[@nnelson4557]

i'm so ready for a book club. and i have to get this book!

[@lieamars80]

I just received this as a secret Santa gift. Can't wait to get into it!!

[@deewaltonrealtor]

Yes please do a book club!!

[@marnadanyelle]

Read the book and thought is was challenging to read due to emotional undertones that were not addressed. BTW... I’m ready for the book club. Can we do anything to help you get things off the ground?

[@novelbeauti5073]

This book had me in my feelings. Very well written. It was pretty shady how Celestial ended up with Andre... this is why it is so hard to believe in platonic male-female relationships. Roy was even willing to take his wife back despite anything she's done because of his love for Celestial (leading me to feel bad for him). One of the challenges of this story was how early in the marriage the couple was faced with the wrongful imprisonment. I feel if this challenge arose later, Celestial may have held him down more.-I knowwww that this sounds crazy but I really feel that. I agree with the ending being really simplistic compared to the build up.Anyway, great read overall and I look forward to your book club.

[@Solmom03]

I know I should not listen to this as I haven’t begun this as it’s on my shelf and not opened yet...but it’s you so it’s good bc it’s you. I’ll be back when I read over Xmas break.

[@Martina_E]

Yes to a book club - this sounds like such a good book!

[@desaraej]

Great review! Loved the book also. I feel like Roy was fresh out, lost the love of his life, felt like a failure and just needs a minute to regroup. The choice of woman/small town that he ends up in to me hints at more rest and rebuilding his manhood on a different playing field. Yes, he's a Morehouse grad, but he's also a felon. I just think he needed time to heal and I could definitely see a sequel where he finds himself and charts a new course. (Out of the small town and into something even greater...)

[@CurvyTajaMarie]

RIGHT!!! I didn't understand how they as a couple did not have more social connections. Especially when Roy was sentenced, and received 12 years. Like you said I understand the main focus was the intimacy and not to get messy with a ton of other people and their narrative.

[@shaniiicole]

So I listened to this book on Audible. And it was GREAT. I would sit in my car and finish chapters before going into work or the house.

[@omgChanelDenise]

Celestial got on my nerves. She was so spoiled and annoying.

[@littlemisstricky]

Loved this book!

[@chidum]

I usually don't like reading books or watching movies with any spoilers. But half way through I knew I had to get this book ASAP!

[@ShanRiW]

Read this book earlier this year. Loved it. It had me shook for a while.

[@ramonianelson7410]

I listened to this book last month and was allllll in it! It was so good! I had so many emotions listening to this book. I need to get a hard copy of it.

[@Amberrechelle]

That highlighttttttttttttttttttt YES MAAM

[@AlanaBenjamin1]

You right. Roy kinda gave up and we don't get why. What happened in jail? What happened in his experience after the wrongful imprisonment? The author tried to allude to it but we didn't quite grasp it.

[@tamaracharese]

I listened to the book on Audible. Loved it! Especially the ending

[@cocoswan3844]

I read this book 📖 in the summer. What an amazing read!!

[@gumptownchick2008]

I really enjoyed this book when I read it as well! I wanted to know how did Celestial make you feel? I really found myself annoyed with her at times because I felt that she was being pretty selfish at times.

[@CurvyTajaMarie]

I have read this book 3 times!!!! I love it

[@beckym5501]

This book js got straight to my feelings..was playing a movie as i knew more abt characters😄 Beautifully done..ts captivating

[@Dayo_kid]

I never read the book but could it be possible the purpose of the book was to have you the reader analysis the characters actions, rile you up, and have you almost striving to do better in hard situations to not be in a situation of being looked at as a disappointment to even your inner self. its like, if I'm judging someone on their excuses COMING OUT OF JAIL, l I'm not going to accept any excuses I have for myself moving forward.

[@Dayo_kid]

in all, I think the writer wanted to light a fire underneath everyones asses

[@tayesimone]

I haven’t watched the video yet but I am definitely interested in your review on this book. I tried to listen to it on audible and idk if it was the author’s writing style or the narrator but it wasn’t doing it for me and I had to stop. It was also a slow read for my mother I don’t even know if she finished the book yet.

[@garphinegeorge5135]

I enjoyed your review! I felt like the book had a lot of missing pieces, and I didn’t like the ending. I needed more insight into why the characters made certain decisions. Overall, it’s a good book that really makes you think about commitment.

[@bolanleadisa]

Just finished this book 2 minutes ago and I’m so mad right now!!! So mad!! I can’t even write 😓

[@1234IZM]

I was planning to read Silver Sparrow first, but this one sounds good too

[@makeittherapy]

That book is amazing!

[@almanajvia4904]

Can u tell about moral values in that novel?

[@tiffanyross2240]

Its good on audio too!

[@blufaerie]

Giiiiiiiirl!!!! Yes! Atlanta ain’t nuthin BUT a network! How’d they have NO FRIENDS!!! Also, the ending was so abrupt... Particularly with his Louisiana relationships... ahem... I feel like he was written there but didn’t want to be there. I feel the same about the end of Silver Sparrow. Eh.

[@abominablebookgirl7197]

I decided after Silver Sparrow, I will never read Tayari Jones anything again. Like sis, why can't you make one character happy? Who hurt you?!?!

[@blufaerie]

@@abominablebookgirl7197 Right? Neither daughter can be in a good place?

[@abominablebookgirl7197]

That was what I was saying! Then there's the fact that she puts us through all this drama for the driest endings.

[@Luvlee92]

Both endings were disrespectful lol. Both people giving up on people who were so called people they loved... That's hurtful where is the honestly? Between husband and wife. Father and daughters. We just wish people could claim their mistakes in a timely manner in both books. Ain't no happy ending sis lol.

[@abominablebookgirl7197]

@@Luvlee92 word! I was like, this lady ain't never happy. Her endings are forever dry after telling us the most trifling stories of the most average ass individuals.

[@CurvyTajaMarie]

YASSSSSS IN ALL MY FEELINGS!!!!!

[@AlphabetSoup123]

Motha Jones can write her face off! Have you read Silver Sparrow?! I always feel like I want to chuck her books out the window because I get sent on an emotional rollercoaster reading about her characters' lives and choices. Celestial was dead wrong and Roy wasn't too much better when it came to the choices they made. Roy's story was a compelling one though. I loved the storyline about his fathers and how that impacted him in and out of prison. I would have liked to see Celestial's character be a bit less privileged because with the message of the story being about how incarceration affects a whole family, her coming from a background of means sort of stifled the impact of what those family's go through since she had this circle of people around her to act as a buffer for the hardships that come with having a mate in prison. It almost seemed as if her character never had to fully deal with having a loved one in prison since someone was always there to distract her from her feelings or the situations.

[@abominablebookgirl7197]

Thank you for speaking to my soul!

[@jvjohnso]

Come through new content 👌🏾👍🏾🙏🏾

[@AlanaBenjamin1]

Also Celestial's father tho. Interesting character...

[@millievanillie90]

Can we get a booklist update for 2018 or in progress 2019? Even if it’s just a couple since you’ve been moving and what not

[@AshleyMorgan]

Hey love. I’m interested in getting back to reading in 2019. Do you have a list of books to read or a video talking about this please. I’m looking for some good reads to expand my mind!

[@BeingTanisha]

If you search her videos she has book list from the past 2 years I believe.

[@GigiSxm]

Here are some I’ve read and loved: Americanah, crazy rich asians, little fires everywhere, the couple next door, it ends with us, the hate u give, the mother of black hollywood, the last black unicorn, behold the dreamers, what alice forgot, november 9, big little lies, behind closed doors, before the fall, a day late and a dollar short

[@arsnphnx44]

@@GigiSxm Definitely wanna read "The Hate You Give" after seeing the movie -which I enjoyed. I've heard the book is more fleshed out and overall better.

[@abominablebookgirl7197]

@@GigiSxm I was with u til November 9. Colleen Hoover can go to bed.

[@GigiSxm]

@@arsnphnx44 the book is usually better. I haven't seen the movie, i just don't want to be disappointed

[@Bookspine5]

Sounds like a fun read.

[@SigsReads]

I agree, the ending was too simple and I’m surprised Roy settled for Davina who refused to give him a child when he kept letting us know how much he wanted one.

[@azhairving]

I had so much trouble with this one. I just couldn't get pulled in or something and I tried 3 separate times.

[@Uptowninfluenced]

Ditto to this review! the ending was extremely abrupt and SPOILER- Celestial pretty much she got rid of Roy as soon as she left her husband mama funeral and did it with Andre (I'm childish) ... MESSY. I felt the ending needed more conversation.

[@AThickGirlsCloset]

I was over Celestial in the book. She worked my last good nerve. I was expecting more from him once he got out. I felt he was so wrapped up in her that nothing else mattered.

[@WildfireFlames]

Being from Memphis, I can definitely attest that it is almost impossible to be born and/or raised here and not be friends with a single black person. He’s the feds

[@NicoleSykesArtistry]

I really enjoyed this book. From the very beginning I couldn’t help but put together a cast for the movie version? Would a movie based on this book interest you and who would you cast? (I paused your video 3 mins in to write this. I apologized if you touch on this in your review)

[@arsnphnx44]

Sounds like his time in prison really broke him and he lost himself -or depending on who he was internally before all this, perhaps enlightened him and found himself.. I don't have the bougie life experience personally or closely enough vicariously to have the level of familiarity you have. But I can imagine someone living his life would experience his 'connections/associations' fading fast in the face of public scrutiny amidst such serious allegations. Sadly, many wouldn't be willing to 'dirty their hands' at the risk of their images/careers being smeared from even associating, let alone supporting or fighting with him (innocent/not)... That usually takes someone cut from a different level of cloth to get in the trenches with you during such a trying time. Him experiencing that, the public embarrassment of not only the accusation, the actual conviction then doing real prison time (not sure what his experience was in there), not to mention the infidelity of his wife.. He spent years building up such a life only to lose it all for so long, could've all just drained him and run him off to the simple life he chose.. Perhaps he couldn't return to the life he knew b/c the stigma on his name would remain regardless. I'd need to see if he was happily living as his authentic self or if he was living a life he was pressured or expected to lead. Perhaps w/o real love/support outside of his family while trudging through all that for a few years, he just had no more left in the tank to fight or even deal w/ it afterwards. Sounds like an interesting enough read. Thanks for sharing this fun, engaging perspective on it.

[@vasthijean-michel8958]

Jouelzy, I have a question for you, so you said you are not land-locked so what is your definition of home?

[@cocoswan3844]

I thought 💭 the same thing about the friends issue. What the hell!!

[@cminmd0041]

I picked AAM for my book club so I am listening to ALL the reviews and you are the FIRST person to bring up his prior lack of fidelity! So many people hating on Celestial without ever noticing she was faithful for 2+ years and he is faithful for 2 days! I did not EVER notice the lack of friends! It would have been interesting if she used that network for her business but not his situation. But I do think they were SO ashamed of the charges. How people believe you when you say you are innocent? When your wife is your alibi? Is she just another stupid, gullible wife? Like the BTKiller's wife washing his laundry after he "dressed a deer" but there's never any venison in the freezer? I totally believe he wanted to sue but he already felt SO beholding to Celestial's family. He owes Uncle Banks for 5 years of legal services (even though I don't think he has any intention of paying) and feels he can't ask him to do more. And if he stays in Enloe he really can't be suing the police department and town. The only person I kind of hated in the book was Olive. I thought she was kind of all around shitty for slapping Celestial and never writing her name in the family Bible. She was always undermining their marriage. But what really made her terrible was her refusing to have kids with Big Roy because she thought he wouldn't love Roy Jr as much as them. She just means SHE would never love any kids of Roy's the way Roy loved Roy Jr. She was projecting HER failures onto him kind of like how she projected her failures as a wife onto Celestial.

[@JessicaBloxom]

Lemme go ahead and find this book. That is weird af that they are products of the AUC and they didn't have any friends or connects. I graduated from Clark Atlanta and I know Morehouse and Spelman definitely has the network

[@abominablebookgirl7197]

Will you also be joining the "booktube" community?!?!??!

[@camillegraham2078]

Yes I've been wanting to read this book. P.s. I think her name is pronounced Tay.are.ee (I suck at phonetics)

[@AlphabetSoup123]

I agree with you about the ending for Roy! I didn't see how he could have a relationship with the one woman when he hadn't even been honest about how her son was doing in prison. That relationship was another one built on a lie and doomed to fail. One critique I'd give to Tayari Jones is her endings always feel too abrupt as if she just stopped writing mid-sentence and this ends up making me feel like her characters' lives are petering off into oblivion. I needed more closure from this story.

[@keilah4039]

Speaking of fiction, do you plan to write more stories in the future? It's been a while since you mentioned/plugged your short story collection.

[@BeingTanisha]

I have this book in my book case so I hope this isnt a spoiler but ima watch it anyway....

[@sofineshesmine]

Got half way through it. The writing was so simple and lacked depth. Especially with the characters. Even though the characters were written in first person, they had no substance. You couldn't tell Andre's speaking voice from Roy's. Not to mention, Celestial was annoying. Got to where Roy met up with Davina at her place for dinner and was pretty much done with it .

[@doggybag11]

I was thinking about reading this book! Are there any emotional parts? I don't like crying lol