- Cassie G.
- Thursday, June 23, 2022
What better way to continue to broadcast #Blackgirlmagic other than highlighting Blackout, a novel that was written by six Black female authors. Ashley Woodfolk, Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Nicola Yoon and Angie Thomas came together to give us a intertwined love story, connecting characters to each other, but also allowing them to have their own moment all at the same time. Shedding light on this novel, written by these six Black women, during Black History Month is my way of sharing Black Joy and Black Girl Magic!
Blackout, written by Ashley Woodfolk, Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Nicola Yoon and Angie Thomas, takes place in New York City one summer night during a heat wave. The story starts off with The Long Walk by Tiffany D. Jackson who introduces us to Kareem and Tammie. Kareem and Tammie are ex's who have a long history with each other starting from childhood. They both happen to unknowingly apply for the same internship at Apollo Theater. While at the Apollo Theater waiting for the mix-up to be explained, everything goes dark. For those of you reading this, who aren't quite familiar with New York City, it's nickname is "The City that NEVER Sleeps". The City is always lit up with lights, except for the infamous "Blackouts" which happens on this particular night. Kareem and Tammie are stuck with each other, trying to get home all while having to depend on each other despite their current status.
Blackout's second chapter, Mask Off by Nic Stone introduces us to JJ and Tremaine, two teenage boys exploring their sexuality and feelings towards each other. Tremaine has a phobia which unexpectedly brings JJ to his aid once when they were younger and again on this night during the blackout. This story left me with the unsatisfying urge of needing more. I wanted to know what happened with JJ and Tremaine as they left the train station. I wanted to know how that open and honest conversation about their feelings played out in the world.
Next up in Blackout is the story Made to Fit by Ashley Woodfolk introducing us to Nella and Joss. Nella and Joss meet at Althea House which is a senior living facility. Nella visits her grandfather there quite often and he had been telling her about Joss who brings her dog for therapeutic sessions with the seniors. Nella's grandfather assumes the surprising role of match maker between the two girls, who wouldn't have without his help. He comes up with a scheme that allows Nella and Joss an opportunity to work together to solve it, all while getting to know each other personally a little more. Their chemistry between them is something that you feel all while reading it.
All the Great Love Stories... and Dust by Dhonielle Clayton introduces us to bestfriends Lana and Tristan. Lana and Tristan have a bet to find the best book ever written. Their bet lands them in the New York Public Library the night of the blackout. Throughout this story we get to "hear" Lana's thoughts about Tristan and the feelings she has towards him. This story was not my favorite love story in the book, but it did feel surreal reading it and visualizing them roaming the halls of NYPL since it is a place I remember visiting a few times. I think if this was a stand alone, I would have enjoyed it more.
No Sleep Till Brooklyn by Angie Thomas introduces us to Kayla, Tre'Shawn and Micah. It plays out as a love triangle between the three of them, but in the end allows Kayla to choose self love. The story takes place on one of the infamous Double Decker Tour Bus, which so happens to be driven by Tammie's dad. The students are visiting New York from Jackson, Mississippi. They get caught in Downtown Manhattan when the blackout occurs. Tre'Shawn is Kayla's boyfriend but their relationship is going through some things at this moment. Micah is who Kayla is lowkey crushing. Their story plays out as a typical high school relationship. I did enjoy it and was happy that Angie Thomas created a storyline where choosing ones self is represented, especially in a black female character.
Blackout ends with the last love story Seymour and Grace by Nicola Yoon. Seymour is a ride share driver who happens to pick up Grace to take her to the Block Party that all the characters end up at, at the end of the night. Their story takes them on an unexpected adventure. Grace is left trying to figure out if the reason why she wanted to attend the block party originally is good enough to keep her from something new. I truly enjoyed reading it even though it unfolded quickly and was the last story of the book.
In my honest opinion, Blackout is a good read. Anthologies are often tricky for me to read because they tend to bounce from one story style and topic to the next. But since Blackout tied all the stories together in a unique way, it kept me intrigued. I felt like I was reading a movie script and imagining the movie cutting to different scenes. If you are looking for a good romance story, Blackout is definitely worth reading.
The Richland Library #OwnVoices initiative is a space for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) staff members to provide thoughtful and well written book reviews, book lists and blog posts. These posts work to promote authors of marginalized groups and their work about the life experiences of these under-represented groups through their own perspective. The series invites our customers to learn one more way we are continuing the conversation in our community and speaking our voice. Find more resources on race, equity, and inclusion, here.