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Red at the Bone: A Novel
Moving forward and backward in time, Jacqueline Woodson's taut and powerful new novel uncovers the role that history and community have played in the experiences, decisions, and relationships of these families, and in the life of the new child. As it explores sexual desire and identity, ambition, gentrification, education, class and status, and the life-altering facts of parenthood, Red at the Bone most strikingly looks at the ways in which young people must so often make long-lasting decisions about their lives--even before they have begun to figure out who they are and what they want to be.
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Community Reviews
This was a wonderful story, covering multiple topics and a long period of time. Each of the family members gets to speak up, which I loved.
I was a little disappointed that several of the events were only briefly touched upon, such as Tulsa Race Massacre and 9-11. I realize that these were important events and weren't the main focus of the story, though. People who want more information can look up the events.
The story hit several heavy topics - teen pregnancy, classism, LGBT issues. It was a great story that I would recommend.
I was a little disappointed that several of the events were only briefly touched upon, such as Tulsa Race Massacre and 9-11. I realize that these were important events and weren't the main focus of the story, though. People who want more information can look up the events.
The story hit several heavy topics - teen pregnancy, classism, LGBT issues. It was a great story that I would recommend.
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Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
196 pages
What’s it about?
This book begins in 2001 as Melody is turning 16. Melody's grandparents are hosting a coming out party for her at their Brooklyn home. The story goes back and forth in time to tell the story of Melody, her parents, and her grandparents.
What did it make me think about?
What didn't this novel make me think about? I came away wondering if people are more different or more the same- no matter what culture they come from.
Should I read it?
One of my favorites from 2019. Of course I would read anything Jacqueline Woodson wrote...
Quote-
"He knew what she wasn't saying. That the house felt small with him and Melody in it. Wrong. That she didn't want to live with him. Didn't want to raise anybody's child. Pregnancy was one thing, but being someone's mom was another. "
If you liked this try-
Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson
Ruby by Cynthia Bond
The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra
Lazaretto by Diane McKinney-Whetstone
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
196 pages
What’s it about?
This book begins in 2001 as Melody is turning 16. Melody's grandparents are hosting a coming out party for her at their Brooklyn home. The story goes back and forth in time to tell the story of Melody, her parents, and her grandparents.
What did it make me think about?
What didn't this novel make me think about? I came away wondering if people are more different or more the same- no matter what culture they come from.
Should I read it?
One of my favorites from 2019. Of course I would read anything Jacqueline Woodson wrote...
Quote-
"He knew what she wasn't saying. That the house felt small with him and Melody in it. Wrong. That she didn't want to live with him. Didn't want to raise anybody's child. Pregnancy was one thing, but being someone's mom was another. "
If you liked this try-
Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson
Ruby by Cynthia Bond
The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra
Lazaretto by Diane McKinney-Whetstone
The way the author displays and writes the connection between these generations and their coming of age events that made them the person they are today is absolutely beautiful. Starting the narrative at a traditional celebration, you follow the grandparents to the parents to the young mother to be jumping between past and present in heart breaking yet unconditional love of memories and views of each other. I probably am not describing all the emotions this book brought out in me properly but this book was a good read.
She felt red at the bone. Like there was something inside of her undone and bleeding.
Beautiful writing. Relatable. Eye-opening. Heartbreaking. Raw.
A reminder that there are different kinds of black Americans.
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