Play Book Tag discussion

Finished this about a week ago, and have really struggled on how to write a review for this book. While it follows a main character and plotline- it's truly about the writing, the vibe and tone of the book, and the essence of our protagonist. This really seems like a DIFFERENT style of book- so different that it's hard to pinpoint it, or write about it in a review. That being said, I became fully immersed in the world of this book, really liked it, and appreciate the style and distinct point of view.

This is about Edie, a 20-some young black woman, who self-admits her bad qualities and habits. She is in a relationship with a white married man, and the book explores the dynamic between her and the surrounding players- with the married man, with his wife, and eventually with their adopted black daughter. But again, the while the book has a central plotline- it's more about the writing and the flow. Edie is obviously flawed, and lonely- those are main themes. But we also see class struggle, racial differences, age disparities being played out also. The themes aren't fully formed or fleshed out, but just a touched on here and there, and adds nuances to the characters.

I'm not sure if I'd call the book "beautiful" as many others have. While the writing is wonderful and flowing- Each sentence is carefully crafted, many running on, some jagged and jarred. I really enjoyed reading it, almost ethereal and other-worldly. I read a page out loud to my husband because I liked it so much, and he called the writing 'pretentious and trying too hard'. Clearly we didn't see eye to eye on that one, lol. I loved how unapologetic our main character was, she is clearly messy- and that shows. Some parts are so cringe and awkward. The book is often times "sexy" and has a charged, sexual tone- even when not appropriate. Much of the book's vibe and tone was forced into Edie's perspective and reflected our main character's personality onto the reader and how the reader views and experiences the book itself. I can see this being a love it/hate it kind of book.

Don't you love when a book stymies you when you try to review it? For me, and obviously for you, this means it was a show stopper. I am happy you got one of those this year Joi! Nice review