ARC, 393 pages
Release Date: January 8, 2019Published by: Balzer + Bray
Read from: January 2-6, 2019AnthologySource: Edelweiss (I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss and the Publisher in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)TW:For fans of: Contemporary, Romance, Anthologies, YABlack Enough is a star-studded anthology edited by National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi that will delve into the closeted thoughts, hidden experiences, and daily struggles of black teens across the country. From a spectrum of backgrounds—urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants, and more—Black Enough showcases diversity within diversity.
Whether it’s New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds writing about #blackboyjoy or Newbery Honor-winning author Renee Watson talking about black girls at camp in Portland, or emerging author Jay Coles’s story about two cowboys kissing in the south—Black Enough is an essential collection full of captivating coming-of-age stories about what it’s like to be young and black in America.
*MY THOUGHTS*
When I heard about this new anthology coming out, I was so excited. There’s not many anthologies out there, and one that depicts stories of a younger me?! Yeah, before this one it was non-existent.
This anthology is full of so many types of stories, from black nerds to black boy joy, its all in here. And its the best thing that’s happened this year. I love how the stories are all different but still boils down to the same subject. It’s an amazing group of diverse stories, presented by an amazing group of authors.
As with all anthologies, I liked some more than the others. For instance, Nic Stone’s story is my favorite! And Varin Johnson and Lamar Giles also had stories that were EXACTLY what I needed as a fluffy, black led contemporary romance. I also really the fantasy story from Rita Williams-Garcia. It started out weird, but the the ending of it had me like “WHOA!” (See what I did there? lol) There were others I really enjoyed too, like Justina Ireland’s and Justin Reynolds’.
There were others I didn’t enjoy as much, but I still liked them. They were just different than what I usually like. But with an anthology, that’s bound to happen. This book is still most definitely one of the best books I’ve read. Representation matters, y’all.
This book is going to be so great to display on my shelves. Both at home and my library. The cover is striking and the words on the inside are even more powerful. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to get this in their hands. Definitely a book that all people need to read.
Overall, I give this
