Pages: 311 pages
Published: March 2020
I am going to be direct with my review of this book. I am always honest with my opinion of what I read, but normally I preface it with a soft introduction. I'm not doing that today. I hated this storyline. I absolutely hated it. I probably will not read anything else by this author. I do not think she researched well for this book, even though she assures us she has in her author's note at the beginning of the novel. I think she took pain that is all too familiar to the African American community and trivialized it in an attempt to profit from it.
The story is about a biracial (African American and Caucasian) teen boy who falls for his neighbor, a Caucasian teen girl. Not knowing about the teen crush, the boy's mother starts a bit of a civil war with the girl's father. The result is a series of unfortunate events with heart-wrenching consequences. Fowler is a gifted writer. Her sentence structure is captivating, but the plot of A Good Neighborhood is a horrible story filled with stereotypes and over-characterizations. Additionally, I wasn't a fan of the method of narration she employed.
After I finished reading this book, I wanted to throw it in the trash. I read for entertainment, and this book caused stress, frustration, and anger. I guess that could be considered a win for some - that it evoked such an emotion. But this book is not a winner, in my book.
Recommendation: I purchased this book using one of my Book of the Month club credits. I wish I would have spent the money on something else. I've tried to be direct here, but just in case it's not clear - I do not recommend this book.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
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