Jess makes eye contact with the girl with the Black Power fist and the septum piercing. A look passes between them. But what is it? Jess can’t quite place it. Recognition? Judgement? She feels vaguely that she should be setting a better example. Suddenly, she’s self-conscious. Her hair pin-straight – they’re on their way to a reception – Josh in a cable knit sweater the color of a macaron.
Chapter 14, Page 194
In a nutshell
When Jess meets Josh at their Ivy League college she dislikes him immediately. Taking him for an entitled white guy, he can’t accept that life might be easier for him and harder for Jess, the only black woman in their class.
After graduating they end up working together at an investment bank and eventually Jess starts to see him in a different light. Before long, their tempestuous friendship turns into a romance which leads Jess to question her identity. Is she willing to compromise who she is for love?
Book Club Notes
My feelings about this book are incredibly mixed. I didn’t enjoy it, yet I wanted to finish it & it kept me engaged. It felt too current and at points trying a little too hard to get in every aspect of the political climate and viral events in America. That being said, I appreciate how the author managed to express two opposing viewpoints so well and ultimately challenge the divisive relationships between people who don’t believe in the same things.
This book is less a story/romance novel and more a conversation about politics, class and bias. It poses the question, Can you love & live with someone who doesn’t understand you or believe the same things?
It’s written in an almost staccato style that reminded me of a tango which played in parallel unison with the messaging.
Read If
You’re interested in how two opposing sides of the American public think.
Rating
Writing – 5/10
Character Development – 2/10
Plot Twist – 0/10
Shareability – 2/10
The Nitty Gritty
A note on our book ratings
Storyline: How good is the storyline? Is it believable and complex or does it make you shake your head in its ridiculousness?
Writing: How well written is the book? Do you find yourself wowed by the writing or unimpressed?
Character Development: Do the characters evolve and grow through the book and are they multi-dimensional?
Plot Twist: Were you able to predict the end, or did the author give you some surprises along the way to keep you on your toes?
Shareability: How likely are you to share the book?
