I almost made it through all the books on my book list this time! Yippee! Here are the reviews.
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland's story is an extraordinary one. From bouncing from one home to another as her mother ended one relationship and started a new one to being the first Black soloist at the American Ballet Theatre in 20 years is just dizzying to read, nevermind live through.
As the front cover suggests She overcame a great deal of adversity with admirable grace. However, as much as I enjoyed and appreciated reading Copeland's story, I did not feel the same way about her writing style. She jumps around in time A LOT. I was often left wondering where certain events occured within events she had previously discussed, but chronologically seemed to come later than a situation introduced pages later. It was distracting and I began to resent it, because it would yank me out of the rhythm and flow of her story.
All of that being said, her story is still one worth reading.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I have never read a book that made me despise both of its main characters the way I despised Nick and Amy, the highly dysfunctional coule at the center of this book. Now, let me be clear, this book was impeccably written. Flynn's attention to detail and intricate story development were amazing. Even my disgust with her main characters is a testament to her genius. I say that because, despite the fact that I had no investment in Nick or Amy as people and was often caught up in a debate with myself over who I disliked more, I was still inexplicably invested in the story. I still wanted and certainly at times felt I needed to know what was going to happen next. What a mesmerizing read!
Americanah by Chimamanda Adichie
What a beautiful book. You could easily finish Americanah in a single weekend, or a single evening if you had the time. It's just that compelling. But, something about it forces you to exercise restraint. The words beg to be drawn out and savored rather than chugged. Adichie bounces between past and present, America and Nigeria seamlessly. By the end of the book you have the sense that you've known Ife and Obinze, the star crossed lovers that drive Americanah, for your entire life. It has been a long time since I have read a book that left me longing for more, and yet completely satisfied at the same time. Do yourself a favor and bump this book to the top of your reading list.