Queenie Jenkins can't cut a break. Well, apart from one from her long term boyfriend, Tom. That's definitely just a break though. Definitely not a break up. Stuck between a boss who doesn't seem to see her, a family who don't seem to listen (if it's not Jesus or water rates, they're not interested), and trying to fit in two worlds that don't really understand her, it's no wonder she's struggling. She was named to be queen of everything. So why is she finding it so hard to rule her own life?

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Published Nov 5, 2019

352 pages

Average rating: 6.86

484 RATINGS

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Readers say *Queenie* offers a raw, relatable look at a young Black woman's struggles with mental health, identity, and self-destructive behavior. Man...

foxland
Jan 04, 2026
4/10 stars
I wanted to enjoy this book mainly due to the lack of representation of minority millenials but alas, I remain disappointed.

Queenie was a big mash up of negative stereotypes and weakness. She clings to this idea of black identity and strength while acting almost completely opposite in her actions. She refuses to date black men because of trauma with her mom's abusive boyfriend but then wants to get on her pedestal when other people spew negative things about her race? She falls apart when her long-term boyfriend breaks up with her and continues to almost destroy her entire life over him, who over multiple flashbacks is revealed to have been toxic in the first place. It saddened me to watch her fall into self-destructive behaviours that even led to physical harm at points over such crap.

Thank heavens for the ending. I appreciated the discussion on mental health because it is something largely neglected and shunned in black communities. We need to have this highlighted more often. I was proud of her for addressing her anxiety. Overall, however, the hot mess was a bit too much for me.
Anne Phillips
Jan 03, 2026
6/10 stars
The storyline is good and important I just had a hard time reading about a woman’s man troubles because I’m so over shitty men. Of course the issues are deeper and identifiable to many women, especially Black women - it did a great job of telling that story.
QuiteContrary
Oct 17, 2025
8/10 stars
Good story. Glad I stuck with it.
nderessa
Feb 16, 2025
10/10 stars
absolutely loved loved loved this. Queenie girl, i see you, i feel you, and I am you. Thank you Candice , for this beautiful book. I cried and LOLd throughout it
Tanesha’s Tips
Dec 12, 2024
9/10 stars
See my goodreads review!

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