Reading in Process

[readinginprocess]

When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors & Asha Bandele

Synopsis:

A poetic and powerful memoir about what it means to be a Black woman in America―and the co-founding of a movement that demands justice for all in the land of the free.

Raised by a single mother in an impoverished neighborhood in Los Angeles, Patrisse Khan-Cullors experienced firsthand the prejudice and persecution Black Americans endure at the hands of law enforcement. For Patrisse, the most vulnerable people in the country are Black people. Deliberately and ruthlessly targeted by a criminal justice system serving a white privilege agenda, Black people are subjected to unjustifiable racial profiling and police brutality. In 2013, when Trayvon Martin’s killer went free, Patrisse’s outrage led her to co-found Black Lives Matter with Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi.

Condemned as terrorists and as a threat to America, these loving women founded a hashtag that birthed the movement to demand accountability from the authorities who continually turn a blind eye to the injustices inflicted upon people of Black and Brown skin.

Championing human rights in the face of violent racism, Patrisse is a survivor. She transformed her personal pain into political power, giving voice to a people suffering inequality and a movement fueled by her strength and love to tell the country―and the world―that Black Lives Matter.

When They Call You a Terrorist is Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele’s reflection on humanity. It is an empowering account of survival, strength and resilience and a call to action to change the culture that declares innocent Black life expendable.

Note: 4.5/5 

Review:

In this memoir, Patrisse Khan-Cullors recalls her life as a Black Queer woman and her family’s struggles that led to the Black Lives Matter Movement. She tells the reader how racism was a part of her youth, how it shaped her. Her experience with racism starts when she sees her brother Monte being searched against a wall for just spending time outside with his friends.

She also notices a considerable difference with White people when she goes to have dinner at one of her school friends’ houses who is white. There, she discovers that her friend’s family eats together around a dinner table, talking about everyone’s day when in her family, her mother has to work two to three jobs from sunrise to sunset to make ends meet.

In this book, you will discover how it feels to grow up being African-American in the United States and how the police go to violence instead of healing. As a white person, I’ve learned so much from this book, I’ve always known I was privileged to have been born white in Europe, this memoir made me realize how much.

By reading this book, you will learn how the police forces will deny someone medication when they have mental health issues. How they are beating up and encouraging sexual assaults on prisoners. How they are torturing prisoners and their families. How they are making prisoners disappear for a while, or how they’re tearing up family. Basically, you will discover how hard police forces are trying to strip the Black community of its humanity.

This book is an excellent example of a read to better educate yourself on how to be an ally of the Black community and be an anti-racist. No matter how hard the police try to silence the African-American community, BLACK LIVES MATTER, AND POLICE BRUTALITY AND DISCRIMINATION HAVE TO STOP!

Amazon link

[readinginprocess]

In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

Synopsis:

It is November 25, 1960, and three beautiful sisters have been found near their wrecked Jeep at the bottom of a 150-foot cliff on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. The official state newspaper reports their deaths as accidental. It does not mention that a fourth sister lives. Nor does it explain that the sisters were among the leading opponents of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo’s dictatorship. It doesn’t have to. Everybody knows of Las Mariposas–the Butterflies.

In this extraordinary novel, the voices of all four sisters–Minerva, Patria, María Teresa, and the survivor, Dedé–speak across the decades to tell their own stories, from secret crushes to gunrunning, and to describe the everyday horrors of life under Trujillo’s rule. Through the art and magic of Julia Alvarez’s imagination, the martyred Butterflies live again in this novel of courage and love, and the human costs of political oppression.

Note: 5/5

Review:

This novel is inspired by the real lives of the Mirabal Sisters1, often nicknames Las Mariposas (the Butterflies), which it romanticizes. They fought and led a revolutionary movement against then Dominican dictator General Rafael Trujillo. Throughout this novel, you can feel the political awakening of young women becoming adults. You see the four sisters experiencing the same love troubles, the same school troubles anyone else would have. You also see how their lives and their families’ lives become oppressed and endangered due to their rebellion.

As they grow older and become more and more active in the revolution against the dictatorship, Julia Alvarez’s skilled writing makes you feel more and more nervous. As in, you know something dramatic is going to happen, which makes you expect it. Yet, it never happens, making you tenser and tenser. Through her story, Julia Alvarez is bringing back the Mariposas to life, their struggles, their fights, and their optimism.

As our time grows darker politically, as part of our society grows more and more oppressed, their stories and optimism for a brighter future, a brighter life, resonate. They endured worse than many people do. They were imprisoned, threatened, harassed, and yet they continued their fight for a better future for their country, never losing their hope.

It is important to recall that they were living in a country where women were not listened to at that time. Most women back then were not educated and taught how to read and write. That was not the case of the Mariposas who attended La Escuela de Imaculada Concepcion, and where their political awakening started.

If you ever doubted the power of a story, those women were just three lives lost in the middle of many others in the Dominican Republic under Trujillo’s dictatorship. Yet, their stories empowered many others to fight for their beliefs. Just for that, I highly recommend this book. The prose and writing skills are just amazing pluses.

1 The murder of the Mirabal Sisters happened on November 25th, 1960. In remembrance to their murder, the United Nations decided in 1999 that November 25th would be the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Amazon link

[readinginprocess]

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

Synopsis:

In this “vital, necessary, and beautiful book” (Michael Eric Dyson), antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility and “allows us to understand racism as a practice not restricted to ‘bad people’ (Claudia Rankine). Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and by behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively.

Note: 4.5/ 5

Review:

As said in the synopsis, this book is vital and should be read. The world we know nowadays was founded by white people, for white people, this is the works of white supremacy. As a matter of fact, if you’re white, you often don’t realize all the things handed, or that come easier to you than it would to a person of color.

You make also say and think that you’re not racist, but this book will teach you that, even then, you can do many things to improve yourself, to be more inclusive and more aware of what your actions and their consequences towards people of color.

Robin DiAngelo works and studies white fragility, and how white people’s actions when they’re called out are problematic and reinforcing the racism and racial inequalities present in our societies. She also highlights how racism doesn’t only come from the Alt-right, but how it is widely spread across the political spectrum. While her book is short, it is only 152 pages, it will make you think and make you work on yourself.

If you’re left bewildered by all the news relating to racism, then I recommend this book. For example, how people of color, mostly African Americans, are being the victims of police violence, or how white people are calling 911 saying they’re feeling threatened by the presence of a POC.

Amazon link

[readinginprocess]

Love in the Time of the Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez

Synopsis:

In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor, Florentino is devastated, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career he whiles away the years in 622 affairs--yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. Her husband dies at last, and Florentino purposefully attends the funeral. Fifty years, nine months, and four days after he first declared his love for Fermina, he will do so again.

Note: 3.5/5

Review:

In this coming-of-age novel, Gabriel Garcia Marquez transports us into the lives of Fermina Daza and Florentino Ariza, showing us their love stories in the South America of the late 19th century-early 20th century.

While the writing is absolutely beautiful, Garcia Marquez can describe places and changes with mastery; the story made me quite conflicted. To give you an idea of the writing quality, here are two quotes from the novel:

"Worldly goods: security, order, happiness, contiguous numbers that, once they were added together, might resemble love, almost be love. But they were not love, and these doubts increased her confusion, because she was also not convinced that love was really what she most needed to live."

"All that was needed was shrewd questioning, first of the patient and then of his mother to conclude once again that the symptoms of love were the same as those of Cholera. The doctor prescribed infusion of linden blossoms to calm the nerves and suggested a change of air so he could find consolation in distance but the man longed for just the opposite, to enjoy his martyrdom."

While there are many examples of Garcia Marquez's talent throughout the novel --he didn't win a Nobel Prize in literature for nothing. Yet, the actions described as "loving" are particularly problematic when they're read with today's perceptions. As a matter of fact, the best example of this is the whole character of Florentino Ariza.

Straight from the beginning, Florentino Ariza's "love story" with Fermina Daza starts with him stalking her, waiting for her, and observing her outside her house. The stalking of Fermina Daza never ceases throughout the length of the book. Then, as soon as Fermina Daza's husband, Dr. Juvenal Urbino, dies, Florentino Ariza goes to her house to renew his vow of eternal love. Later in the book, he told her he had remained a virgin for her.

Yet, while she was living a happy married life, he definitely didn't stay a virgin. First, he lost his virginity when he was raped by a woman. After the rape, he developed feelings of love for that woman, even though he never learned for sure who she was. A similar situation happens with a woman falling in love with her rapist later in the book.

To continue on the topic of rape in the book, we can also read a moment when Florentino Ariza raped on his housekeeper and then sent her away as she fell pregnant from the rape. While his niece of fifteen years old was in his care, he committed statutory rape; he was already in his sixties or seventies. He literally made her "fall for him" by letting her indulge in whatever she desired so he could "make love to her."

While I understand that, when the book was written, the topics of rape were not discussed like they are nowadays, it still feels like Garcia Marquez is romanticizing rape in this novel. So, while I was enjoying the author's writing skills, I was also disturbed by how rapes and stalking women were glorified.

Amazon link

If you've read the book, what was your opinion?

[readinginprocess]

Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

Synopsis:

Millie Quint is devastated when she discovers that her sort-of-best friend/sort-of-girlfriend has been kissing someone else. Heartbroken and ready for a change of pace, Millie decides to apply for scholarships to boarding schools . . . the farther from Houston the better.

Soon, Millie is accepted into one of the world's most exclusive schools, located in the rolling highlands of Scotland. Here, the country is dreamy and green; the school is covered in ivy, and the students think her American-ness is adorable.

The only problem: Mille's roommate Flora is a total princess.

She's also an actual princess. Of Scotland.

At first, the girls can't stand each other, but before Millie knows it, she has another sort-of-best-friend/sort-of-girlfriend. Princess Flora could be a new chapter in her love life, but Millie knows the chances of happily-ever-afters are slim . . . after all, real life isn't a fairy tale . . . or is it?

Note: 4/5

Review:

In this second novel of the Royals series, the main differences of settings come from the change of characters. The main character is no longer Daisy Winters from Floride, but Amelia (Millie) Quint from Texas. The second main character is no longer Prince Sebastian of Scotland or his best mate Miles, it is now Princess Flora of Scotland. While the story is still set in Scotland, Rachel Hawkins takes us to the Highlands rather than stay in Edinburgh. Just like the first Royals novel, it is light-hearted, easy-going, and easy to read.

The novel's writing is very close to the first one from the series. I enjoyed how, even if you haven't read Prince Charming, you will be able to fully enjoy Her Royal Highness. It starts with Millie, who goes to Scotland and attends one of the most prestigious High School, where she ends up becoming Princess Flora's roommate. And it is safe to say, they did not get along in the beginning.

It is a widespread enemy-to-lover story we observe in this novel. It is also a typical Royal love story, Royal meets Commoner and falls in love, then fights the system to be with them. In this case, we have a lesbian Royal love story, and I'm here for it! I want to thanks Rachel Hawkins for finally giving us this type of novel!

If you're bisexual or lesbian and were tired of reading those types of stories as they are always straight, this one is for you! I also enjoy how she created both a bisexual character and a lesbian character, and they are supported (for the most part) by their entourage.

Amazon link

[readinginprocess]

American Royals (#I) by Katharine McGee

Synopsis: 

Two princesses vying for the ultimate crown. Two girls vying for the prince's heart. This is the story of the American royals. When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne. Like most royal families, the Washingtons have an heir and a spare. A future monarch and a backup battery. Each child knows exactly what is expected of them. But these aren't just any royals. They're American. As Princess Beatrice gets closer to becoming America's first queen regnant, the duty she has embraced her entire life suddenly feels stifling. Nobody cares about the spare except when she's breaking the rules, so Princess Samantha doesn't care much about anything, either . . . except the one boy who is distinctly off-limits to her. And then there's Samantha's twin, Prince Jefferson. If he'd been born a generation earlier, he would have stood first in line for the throne, but the new laws of succession make him third. Most of America adores their devastatingly handsome prince . . . but two very different girls are vying to capture his heart.

Review:

Note: 4.5/5

If you enjoy drama, forbidden love stories, and royalty, this book is perfect for you! 

I loved how the narration of the book was not just Nina telling the story of this fictional American royal family, but how the point of view was changing between Beatrice, Samantha, Nina, and Daphne every chapter. I just wished Prince Jefferson or Theodore Eaton could also tell their sides of the story. Instead, they feel like a silent character. 

While I’m all for women to finally have their voices seen as the most important ones, I think this story could have benefitted from the male characters’ intakes. I also really enjoyed how there is a “let’s take down the patriarchy” vibe to the story, but unfortunately, it is down for love, rather than for equality. 

Hopefully, in the second book of this story, we’ll see more of Beatrice fighting to be seen as enough on her own. We stan an independent and fierce woman! The character who annoyed me the most in this story is Daphne, but, I must admit, I loved all the drama she brought into the story. Now, will Nina let her win? I hope not. The answer will be in book #2.

Amazon link

[readinginprocess]

Royals / Prince Charming by Rachel Hawkins

Synopsis: 

Meet Daisy Winters. She's an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair, a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who's nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond. While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince's roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown--and the intriguing Miles--might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself.  

Review:

Note: 3.5/5

This novel is told from Daisy's point of view in a very light-hearted way, which is excellent if you want to read something easy-going to relax. Feeling like you're with her, and even in her shoes, discovering Scotland and getting to know this fictional Scottish royal family.

I enjoyed the lack of description at the beginning of the book --after all, Daisy knows the small town of Perdido by heart having grown up there-- and how description became much more present as soon as she crossed the pond. Even if you've never set foot in Scotland, you'll feel as if you've been there multiple times. And if you've watched Outlander in the past (*1), you'll hear the Scottish accent in your head as you read.

It is a usual enemy-to-lover type of story. It just has an obstacle that isn't so usual. Actually, could I really describe the said obstacle as one? Maybe not. Through all of the craziness that is Daisy's life, she managed to keep her upbeat comments and terrible Dad jokes throughout the whole story, and just for those, this novel is worth reading.

*1: Outlander is a fantastic show to binge! I highly recommend it. Not only for Sam Heughan's physical features, although it is already a pretty good reason to watch the show. The writers did an amazing job with all the links they're making to the History of Scotland, the cast is incredible, their chemistry is on point, and the photography is everything!

Amazon link

[readinginprocess]

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Synopsis:

What happens when America's First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales? When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius—his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There's only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving an Alex-Henry altercation, U.S./British relations take a turn for the worse. Heads of family, state, and other handlers devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between the two rivals. What at first begins as a fake, Instragramable friendship grows deeper, and more dangerous, than either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly unstuffy Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations and begs the question: Can love save the world after all? Where do we find the courage, and the power, to be the people we are meant to be? And how can we learn to let our true colors shine through? Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue proves: true love isn't always diplomatic.

Review:

Note: 4.5/5

I loved it! I completely fell in love with this story. After reading the synopsis on a website, I decided to read it, and it was a great decision to do so. I couldn't put it down, wanting to know what happened! It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it brought me so many emotions. It had been a while since a book had this type of effect on me. It gave me hope that, one day, the world will be fully accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. If you can read the story of Alex and Henry, go and do that now. You won't be able to put the book down; you will screw up your sleeping schedule to read more of it. McQuiston's storytelling capabilities are incredible. She built the characters and all the tiny details with much attention, making it easy to picture it in your mind, and to feel like you're part of it, watching it all happening from above. I also really enjoyed how she used the words, the letters, of other writers and personalities to increase the romanticism of her characters. I hope there will be a sequel to this book at some point. If there is, I won't even read the synopsis; I'll buy it and allow myself to drown in its pages. In the meantime, I'll be patiently waiting for McQuiston's next novel, "One Last Stop."