98th out of 60 books
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13 voters
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Autobiography of a Family Photo
by
Jacqueline Woodson
(Goodreads Author)
In her first adult novel, Woodson--already acclaimed in both the African-American and lesbian and gay worlds for her award-winning short fiction--paints a moving portrait of childhood, family, and community that takes into account both the destruction wrought by war and the darker sides of emotional and sexual tension.
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Community Reviews
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The ending happened a little too quickly and easily, but I still liked it. It felt like a natural cessation. I will have to read this book again, give it a little time to stew in my head before I can give it a real review, but let's just say I really enjoyed it.
Of all the Woodson books I have read, this one I liked least. Though the narrator is a child for most of the book, this is definitely not a children's or young adult book. It is harsh and I don't feel the ray of hope in this book. I need a ray of hope.
Gah. Mostly, I found this novella really disturbing. It all feels very experimental, and while the language is often lyrical and beautiful (which is what I loved most about Woodson's If You Come Softly), the subject matter is just relentless.
I generally love books narrated by young girls, because it's a voice we so rarely get to hear. Had this novel been longer and the characters were flushed out a little more, I would've rated it higher.
Powerful story, powerful prose which slithers softly taking you places you're not sure you want to go. The end is a bit weak, but all in all this is an electric read.
It's been a long time since I read this book, but its one of Jacqueline Woodson's only novels 'adult' novels. Heart-breaking but beautifully written.
That was different than I was expecting. Still very good, but almost like poetry. Probably didn't benefit from being read quickly in one sitting.
The narrator's voice is very strong. It was interesting to get a whole story from this writer, past and future included for each character.
Oof. So, so painful to read. I'll give it three stars because it deserves a little more than two... but oof.
Quick read: 113 pages. Definitely held my interest & makes me want to check out more of Woodson's writings.
Painful to read, but was hard to put down.
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I used to say I’d be a teacher or a lawyer or a hairdresser when I grew up but even as I said these things, I knew what made me happiest was writing.
I wrote on everything and everywhere. I remember my uncle catching me writing my name in graffiti on the side of a building. (It was not pretty for me when my mother found out.) I wrote on paper bags and my shoes and denim binders. I chalked stories a ...more
More about Jacqueline Woodson...
I wrote on everything and everywhere. I remember my uncle catching me writing my name in graffiti on the side of a building. (It was not pretty for me when my mother found out.) I wrote on paper bags and my shoes and denim binders. I chalked stories a ...more
