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3.0 ⭐️ October read for my book club. I wasn‘t sure what to expect from this collection of short stories, but it was okay. I‘ve been really into reading a physical book while listening to audio and these were the worst Jamaican accents I‘ve ever heard.
~ H for #AutumnAtoZ
~ Non-theme Read and Orange Prompt for #Scarathlon #TeamSlaughter

3 out of 5

I only read one or two short story collections a year so I‘m definitely no expert - but I really enjoyed these. There is a warmth and tenderness in Arthurs‘ writing as if each protagonist is a friend, each story she has sympathy with. The stories are about Jamaicans interacting with non-Jamaicans, as if trying to find a common thread in their experiences ⬇️

Often tricky to rate a short story collection when you feel differently about the individual stories. My feelings weren‘t super varied on these, but there were hits & misses. Really liked the opener, Light-Skinned Girls and Kelly Rowlands, as well as Island, Bad Behavior, and We Eat Our Daughters. Most of the rest were just not memorable & blended together in my mind. But her writing is strong throughout, would love to see a novel from her. 3/5 ⭐️

Have heard so many good things about this short story collection, and also this cover is just everything! 🙌🏻 🇯🇲 #nowreading

Getting back to it. So far so good

Great collection of short stories centering around Jamaicans and Jamaican immigrants in the US. My fave story was loosely inspired by Rihanna!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Netgalley #woc

Great collection of short stories exploring the meaning of identity. Well written, connected but not redundant, and interesting (although I love short stories, so I could be biased.) looking forward to more by this new author!

Solid collection of stories.

What.. if we built islands around ourselves...

“I don't know why more love stories aren't written about platonic intimacy.”

I loved reading this short story compilation. It was so beautifully written. I had to finish it in one sitting. Read my full review at || https://onthebl.org/2018/10/05/how-to-love-a-jamaican-by-alexia-arthurs/

“I don't know why more love stories aren't written about platonic intimacy.”

Normally, short story collections are not for me. This one was amazingggg though. I found the look into Jamaican culture interesting.

Favorites: We Eat Our Daughters
Shirley From A Small Place

Going to the Halloween Party at Disney World tonight, but since my foots acting up we‘re taking a quick twenty minute reading and icing break.

Really enjoying these short stories.

Only four short stories in and I'm very impressed with this debut. These stories about Jamaicans in America and on the island are vibrantly engaging.

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories, all based around Jamaicans and their experiences with love related things. I also enjoyed the author's writing style and how a lot of the themes were similar but different enough to not feel repetitive.

listening to the pouring rain though the window while reading in the dark, is bringing back my memories of all the nights my sister & I would use flashlights to keep reading after lights out when we went camping ⛺📖🔦

Alexia Arthurs has written a poignant selection of stories that gave me insight into the diversity and nuances of Jamaican culture. Reading this reminded me a bit of the feeling I had while reading Americanah. Its core circles around the tension (sometimes subtle and sometimes clear) of being Jamaican in America, pursuing dreams of degrees and family and exploring identities, filtered through the lens of growing up somewhere else.

What a phenomenal book! The stories are beautifully written. A very strong debut. Can't wait to read more from Arthurs.

I finished my part of dinner and while I wait for the steak, I‘m enjoying this audiobook. The first story is 🔥 and I know I‘ll finish this collection quickly.

I‘ve been diving into this for the past two days. I love a good short story, and it‘s been awhile since I‘ve read from the Jamaican diaspora. Anyone else pick this up Tuesday?

I didn't connect with each story, but there‘s so much heart in most of the vignettes. The theme throughout is of Jamaican men/women living in America for education, or family, or recently returned to the island (and a more subtle sub-theme of mermaids). The way the cultures cross, & how the MCs were judged by both other Jamaicans and Americans were especially fascinating.

Definitely interested in a novel from Arthurs.
She has potential. 🙌🏻

@LibrarianRyan made my day! I received the #RoadTripGiveaway books today and I‘m super excited!! I love YA and these picks look great! Your comments about James Patterson were hilarious lol. Can you believe I made it this far as a mystery/thriller fan without reading him? I‘m going to read this one though. Thanks!! 💚

Really digging this story collection.

“How to have a conversation about the fact that some things, some parts of ourselves, are tied to other, faraway places? These kinds of silences between Cecilia and me felt as though something had been stolen from us. Who was to blame? Her parents? White supremacy? Assimilation? And why did it matter to me that she understood and appreciated our shared heritage?”

Rave reviews a debut collection of stories set in Jamaica and America & a wonderful novel How to Walk Away.Gorgeous covers great word of mouth.Happy 💃🏼