Book Review: Blackout by Dhoneille Clayton

Title: Blackout

Author(s): Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Anthologies, Contemporary, Young Adult

Pages: 256

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook

"Six critically acclaimed, bestselling, award-winning authors bring the glowing warmth and electricity of Black teen love to this interlinked novel of charming, hilarious, and heartwarming stories that shine a bright light through the dark.

A summer heatwave blankets New York City in darkness. But as the city is thrown into confusion, a different kind of electricity sparks...

A first meeting.

Long-time friends.

Bitter exes.

And maybe the beginning of something new.

When the lights go out, people reveal hidden truth. Love blossoms, friendship transforms, and new possibilities take flight."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was fine, I thought I'd try out anthologies, but I don't think they're for me. I was far more interested in the consistent story throughout the book as a whole. I like to get to know my characters and love them before we do follow through with their stories or who they are interested in. Just ok, but not really for me. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Let Me Hear A Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson

Title: Let Me Hear A Rhyme
Author: Tiffany D. Jackson
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Pages: 384
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Year Published: 2019
Format: Audiobook

"Biggie Smalls was right. Things done changed. But that doesn't mean that Quadir and Jarrell are okay letting their best friend Steph's tracks lie forgotten in his bedroom after he's killed- not when his beats could turn any Bed-Stuy corner into a celebration, not after years of having each other's backs. 

Enlisting the help of Steph's younger sister, Jasmine, Quadir and Jarrell come up with a plan to promote Steph's music under a new rap name: The Architect. Soon, everyone in Brooklyn is dancing to Steph's voice. But then his mixtape catches the attention of a hotheaded music rep and- with just hours on the clock- the trio must race to prove Steph's talent from beyond the grave. 

Now, as the pressure- and danger- of keeping their secret grows, Quardir, Jarrell, and Jasmin are forced to confront the truth about what happened to Steph. Only each has something to hide. And with everything riding on Steph's fame, together they need to decide what they stand for before they lose everything they've worked so hard to hold on to- including each other."

My Rating: 4/5

This is a book that has been recommended to viewers frequently by emmmabooks on Youtube and I wasn't too sure if it would be my cup of tea. Needless to say that it is extremely looked over and should have a way larger fan base than it does. This story really comes down to friendship and loyalty that transcends death. What would you do to make your best friends dreams come true, living or dead? I also think that the author did a great job of adding different plot points to keep the story moving (lying to a music exec, finding out who killed Steph, etc). I really enjoyed this book, and it was eye-opening to read about the 90s in Brooklyn. I'm interested in reading more works by the author and hope to get to them soon.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny