I wasn't sure how I felt about this book as I was reading it, but I am so glad I stuck with it and finished. I cried so hard at the end.

LeRoi Jones/Amiri Baraka's classic work on the history of the blues is a powerful look at not just blues music, but the history of music in relation to race, as a method of tracing the development of culture and people. By examining music in relation to the historical progression from slavery up to civil rights, the author argues that self-identification as an African-American and/or American (as opposed to a displaced/enslaved African)--and a feeling of connection and cultural grounding in America vs. Africa--is directly tied to the development of music over these last centuries. It's the sort of nuanced look at history and development which, to be blunt, isn't offered in schools but should be. Examining race, politics, music, identity, and psychology as they are all tied up together in a progression of time, Baraka paints a fascinating history that's well worth reading even now. Readers who are less familiar with blues music and different performers may find the very last section a bit more detailed than they'd prefer (in relation to intricacies of music and the blues and specific performers), but up through that point, the book is incredibly accessible to any reader who cares to move through history with a talented writer and thinker. Absolutely recommended.

The style with which Chapman pulled this book off is incredible. The different voices, points of view, and overall project is a masterclass in bringing a variety of characters alive through voice and showing their characters progress on the page. In too many books, every POV character sounds the same, but Chapman managed to make the different characters utterly different while also making it feel effortless. I also don't want to imply there are too many POVs--honestly, there's just the right amount for exactly what he pulled off. So, again, writing-wise, this book is incredible. But, all that said...I think a reader's response here is largely going to come down to concept. If you read about the concept--a form of possession taking hold of people as they fall down internet/mass media rabbit holes, and then tearing families apart--and feel like it's a fascinating one you want to fall into, you'll probably love this book. For me personally, I admit that the concept put me off, if anything--I love Chapman's work, so I wanted to read it, but if it had been written by anyone else, I probably would have passed. I read for escapism, and people being changed by internet rabbit holes--however drastically--just felt a little too close to reality right now. In any case, I think because of this, parts of the middle of the book dragged for me, even as I could appreciate what Chapman was doing it and the nuance of the story. So, would I recommend this? If you're interested in the story concept, or if you're a writer wanting to get a masterclass in writing different characters in POV, this is a fantastic book to pick up. If you're just thinking about trying Chapman for the first time and less sure of the concept, then I might suggest starting with one of his other works...

What a story of resilience. He went blind, fell into a Great Depression but found happiness and light through painting.

Jack wasn't nice

As one who makes miniatures, I knew I had to read this book. It focuses on a dollhouse maker, her life, and the hidden histories illustrated within the houses. So much imagination. It was an excellent read and would appeal to non-dollhouse lovers, too.

It was really good with all the dragons.

I liked the fiction storyline better rather than just facts.

I liked all the animals

Filled with lore, mystery, legend, adventure, and friendship--not to mention found family--Greenteeth is such a wonderful journey to fall into, I read it in just a few sittings. O'Neill's writing is nothing less than magical, and the settings and worlds she brings to life here make the fantasy of the world mesh with what we know to be reality in a really wonderful fashion. I didn't expect half the twists here, and I loved every minute of the adventure. Absolutely recommended.