pickâï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸ I had the privilege of hearing Watson speak at Southern Festival of Books. Here, she teaches us the history of Black Portland through three lifelong friends. As they navigate life in general, they speak to micro- and macro-aggressions regarding skin color and body size. An accurate portrayal of female friendship; simultaneously painfully honest and dishonest, with a permeating theme of self-love. Watson‘s a poet at heart and it shows.
I hit up the Southern Festival of Books on Saturday. Loved hearing, and meeting Rachel Khong and Bonnie Jo Campbell. Renee Watson was also incredible, speaking about her first novel for adults (tagged). I would‘ve stayed longer, but we had family visiting from Colorado, so I felt like I could only ditch them for so long. 😂
There‘s so much to unpack in this one. By the end, I really loved it. I loved how Lena found her voice & stood up for herself. I loved the female friendships. But it is a painful book to read about the way society views bodies, standards we have created for our children, the way racism is intertwined with that, & so much more. It‘s a lot, but it‘s worth it. Sidenote: I love this author‘s middle grade books too! So glad to read her adult debut.
In between swimming lessons is the perfect time to start a new book by a favorite author. 🙂
pickFamily, friendship, the many forms of love, betrayal, and triumph. I adored this novel. The short chapters are lyrical to the point of being poetic.
Skin & Bones | 
