Aimee

Re-read this book (with my ears). I didn't like the narrators voice at all. However, the story was very compelling and thought provoking.

I have started this review so many times, and stopped as many because there aren't words that can do it justice. I listened to the audio version of this book and I am so grateful Kiese Laymon narrated it. I experienced a whole array of emotions and thought processes while listening to Laymon's book. Although I cannot understand what it's like to be a Black Man living in America, there are other things in his book I can relate to. There were parts of his book that were like a punch to my stomach as stark realization of things I was never able to put into words. Moments where I doubled over in astonishment over his ability to articulate things I had experienced as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and using food to cope and there it was, all of a sudden in words. So beautifully said, so brilliantly stated. I think the reason I am in love with this book is because he tells the truth with such painful insight. This book has truly changed me and how I see myself and my world. Thank you Kiese, for being a bold truth teller! I hope everyone reads this book. It's my all time favorite and I cant wait to read it again and again.

I keep writing and re-writing my review. This book has blown me away. It is so beautifully horrific. Its for sure one of my top 5 favorite books but I won't recommend it to everyone because not everyone can “handle” it. Or maybe I would recommend it with a trigger warning. It's very difficult to read about horrific trauma, even when its fiction. However, Jude's trauma responses, coping mechanisms and thoughts/feelings were very relatable. I think the author did a great job of researching cPTSD for this book. I can't stop thinking about the book and the tragedy of it all.

Phenomenal book! I binged this so hard! The heartfelt character development and insane attention to every detail was exactly what my brain needed. It's a must read!

Listened to the audio version with my 10 year old son. The narrator of this book is absolutely cringey. I had to pause the book more times than I could count to talk to my son to explain that certain comments made in the book were homophobic, sexist (omg so much sexism!!!) and transphobic. I'm giving it one star because we enjoyed learning about the mythology.