Chain-Gang All-Stars

What- oh my god. This book is beyond words beautiful. It presents no answer, only questions and explores modern day issues with the American prison system through an anti-capitalist and realistic lens. I just finished. I am in awe.

The book felt like the premise held more potential than it wound up being. The commentary on the prison system, while welcome, was a bit heavy handed. I would read more from this author, but I want more emotional depth and background from the characters to match the strength of the premise.

January was my month of ten star reads and this one is right at the top of my list! Tore through it in just a couple days and could not stop thinking about it. The way each character is woven together into this brutal world (one not so far removed from our own) left me speechless and lingering on it all long after I flipped the final page.

Review 1 of 2 Written by Shonda Moore 🪓 Nana Kwame Adeji-Brenyah’s “Chain-Gang All-Stars” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that I rated four out of five stars. The book explores a range of compelling themes, including advocacy, gender identity, America’s obsession with sports, children of incarcerated people, and the duality between humanity and the demons of the imprisoned. These themes are woven into an engaging narrative that demands the reader’s full attention. 🔪 The story delves into the lives of its characters with remarkable depth, making them come alive on the page. Adeji-Brenyah’s writing style is both gripping and insightful, providing a comprehensive understanding of each character’s motivations and struggles. While the book required significant attention to fully appreciate, it was ultimately a rewarding read that left a lasting impression. 🪚 I found the character development to be particularly strong, as it left little unknown to the reader and added layers of complexity to the narrative. Although the book demanded my full focus, I wouldn’t mind rereading it when I have more time to fully immerse myself in its rich storytelling. Adeji-Brenyah’s talent for crafting intricate and thought-provoking narratives shines through in “Chain-Gang All-Stars,” making it a novel well worth reading. ⚰️Reviewed by Shonda Moore, moderated for This BrowneGirl Reads Book Club 2024 #thisbrownegirlreads #tbgrbookclub

If I could rate this a 100, I would. Made my favorite book of the year and we're only in February! Beautiful writing, colorful perspectives, and so much love.