Another Brooklyn: A Novel

Because I was born and raised in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn from mid 30s to mid 50s when I left to find the growing me, it was fascinating to have this sacred place so owned by a gifted artist of a different race in a different era, and yet still have memories evoked. Our stories may be different but the human experience of love, friendships, betrayals all resonate.

Ms Sweeney explores the recent economic downturn through the eyes of four siblings squabbling over an inheritance. Each interesting and quite different character is drawn with a great degree of psychological insight and an economy of words. This along with wonderful descriptions of New York City and its upscale suburbs, sparkling dialogue and excellent pacing make this a book which was difficult to put down. I was happy to find that the media hype surrounding this debut novel was well deserved.

Beautifully written, evocative portrait of characters and community. Woodson uses spare, poetic language to immerse the reader in a .vivid landscape of time and place. As in all great fiction, her concrete, specific story illuminates the universal human condition.

In an interview on NPR, Jacqueline said that her mother disapproved of her childhood friends because they were 'worldly.' This word carries a specific meaning to me and so I had to read this woman's writing. I've never met Jacqueline, but we have so much in common.

After finishing "Another Brooklyn" I am so proud that Jacqueline allowed her light to shine.

The story is of a young woman whose childhood was completely foreign to my own upbringing, but kept me hanging on each turn of phrase, periodically rereading to be certain I understood the meaning. Thoughtful, heartbreaking, beautifully crafted. I loved this book.

Bravo, Jacqueline. I'm proud of you.

Excellent. Easy read. Engrossing story of adolescent girls each navigating thes challenging years in her own way. The writing evokes such empathy and connection. Sent it to my daughter who also loved the story.

Overall good book. Relatively easy to read. I felt it ended a bit abruptly, but that's just one opinion. Does a great job of capturing the early sexualization that is forced upon young black girls.

Please return to this neighborhood in another novel! Such wonderful storytelling, such interesting characters. Please tell us more.

Another Brooklyn should be required reading for teacher education programs.

Was disappointed in the book. Thought it would be more about the entire neighborhood not just one black family. I grew there and that was not the way I remember it. But, if I didn't have a preconceived opinion of what I thought it was going to be I might have enjoyed it more.

Beautifully crafted. More, please, Jacqueline! (Note: The fifteen more words required to post this review are not necessary. Please allow those of us willing to take the time to write a review to be authentic.)

Intriguing story of a young Black girl's travels from her father's home in Ohio to her Grandmother's home in South Carolina then on to New York with all the changes in how life changes from one locale to another.