Queenie is working on it: Roman

Queenie

by Candice Carty-Williams, Henriette Zeltner-Shane (Translator)

»Brillant, aktuell, witzig, herzzerreißend.« Jojo Moyes



Queenie Jenkins, die charmant-chaotische Hauptfigur aus Candice Carty-Williams' gefeiertem Bestseller, ist zurück, und zwar entschlossener und liebenswerter denn je!


Queenie ist Schwarz, hat jamaikanische Wurzeln und lebt in Südlondon. Sie ist Journalistin beim The Good Sis-Magazin und hat seit einem Jahr Spaß mit Vin, auch wenn er noch immer kein Label auf ihre Quasi-Beziehung kleben will. Nur scheint die Zeit in jeder Hinsicht gegen sie zu laufen, ob es um ihre Fruchtbarkeit geht, eine gesettelte Beziehung oder die Gesundheit ihres Großvaters. Queenie ist verwirrt, frustriert, verängstigt ... aber sie arbeitet dran.


Die preisgekrönte Autorin Candice Carty-Williams kehrt mit einem smarten, unglaublich lebendigen und urkomischen neuen Buch zurück, das ein erhellendes Licht auf die Realitäten des modernen Frauseins wirft. Eine düster-komische und bissig subversive Betrachtung des Lebens.


»Ein Muss für alle, die sich für Sex, Selbstfindung und beste Freundschaften interessieren, die uns durch alles hindurchhelfen.« Candace Bushnell, Autorin von »Sex and the City«



»Urkomisch, fesselnd, ehrlich. Ich habe es geliebt.« Dolly Alderton

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Romance, Adult Fiction, Race, Humor

471 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2026

About the author

Candice Carty-Williams was born in 1989, the result of an affair between a Jamaican cab driver who barely speaks and a Jamaican-Indian dyslexic receptionist who speaks more than anyone else in the world. She studied Media at Sussex because her sixth form teachers said that she wasn’t clever enough to do English, but she showed them all by first working at the Guardian Guide and then moving into publishing at 23.

Carty-Williams has worked on marketing literary fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels ever since; her first highlight was interviewing David Cronenberg and telling him that if she were a white man she’d like to look like him. In response he called her a ‘delightful person’. In 2016, she created and launched the Guardian and 4th Estate BAME Short Story Prize, a prize that aims to find, champion and celebrate black, Asian and minority ethnic writers. She also contributes regularly to Refinery29 and i-D.

Reviews

[emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

go queenie go! you're doing amazing sweetie

(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)

[Emily May · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really love the character of Queenie, which is why I feel a bit bad about this rating. Like I'm insulting Queenie herself. She is a funny, klutzy and lovable character and even now, seven years after the first book, I just want her to find happiness.

But I did not love this book. I do not think this was a worthy sequel to Queenie. The story just lacked some pizazz; I felt like it was floundering, unsure where to go next. It genuinely seemed like the author wanted to continue Queen's story but had no idea how it should go.

Queenie is in her thirties now, but she seems to be in almost exactly the same place we found her at the beginning of the first book. Another strange choice is how a relationship that was obviously very meaningful to Queenie happened all off page. We are told about its impact, but didn't get to see it happen so I never fully appreciated the weight of it.

A big part of this book is Queenie's research on fertility, and especially how Black women are treated in fertility clinics. She ends up going on a fat loss journey to qualify for NHS IVF, bemoaning the fact she has lost 1.5 stone in 2 months (28 pounds— way above recommended healthy weight loss) making this far more Bridget Jones’s Diary-esque than the first book ever was.

In many ways, this felt like going back in time; regressing. Queenie is still stuck in 2019, and I can't say she experienced much growth over the course of this book. I'm starting to think this author may be a one-hit wonder for me.

[Shawnaci Schroeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
No one can ever make me stop loving Queenie! Her messy decisions and constant spiraling made this feel like an adult coming of age story. Really hope this is made into a movie!

[Liana Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 ⭐️ I have definitely made a mistake by not reading the first book Queenie before starting this one, which follows a much older Queenie as she navigates relationships, fertility, career. Queenie's internal struggles are relatable and feel very real. Professionally, she is a successful Black woman; she has the influence and status and professional success that makes her feel secure. But Queenie carries a lot of internal uncertainty when it comes to family, marriage and children. Her family, particularly her mother, can't stop asking her when she'll settle down... but Queenie doesn't know as her romantic life is chaotic and somewhat in crisis. She doesn't actually know if she actually wants kids but she goes to the doctor who tells her that her reproductive window is closing. Queenie is only 33, how dare the doctor!! So Queenie begins her infertility journey and it's a trip!

I have related to Queenie's character a lot, especially in the aspect of infertility and love/relationships. So much uncertainty, so very limited options. The struggles were real! I feel like many women will find themselves in her character. I need to go back and read the first book to adequately comment on Queenies character. So I will cycle back to this review after I get through book 1.



Many thanks to NetGalley, Galley Books and the author, Candice Carty-Williams for an early ARC.

Publication date: September 8, 2026

[Laura Lovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

THERE’S NEVER A BORING DAY WITH QUEENIE

In Queenie is working on it Queenie Jenkins faces new chaos. A complicated situationship and past love. A wakeup call about her fertility. Workplace complexities and the struggles of housing in South London. Queenie is older and messier and trying to work it all out.

My little self-destructive Queenie is back and more OTT than before.

As I started the book and was reading, I had to keep taking plenty of pregnant pauses because I wanted to slap the stupidity out of sis!
My girl is now 33 and I am not saying she should know it all, but she should damn well know better! I thought great this girl is going to give me 400 pages of her absolute delulu shenanigans and I don’t know how much I’ll be able to stomach it.

But like the first book, you can’t help but love and sympathize with our overthinker girlypop and you just keep the pages turning with your fingers crossed that she is going to communicate effectively and stop hiding and running from her truth.

This book is
➽ Raw,
➽ Honest,
➽ Messy
➽ Chaotic

I feel we all have a friend like Queenie or maybe some of us can admit we are a bit (or a lot) like Queenie. Either way I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and to Ms. Carty-Williams i am not opposed to reading more about Queenie in her 40s, 50s and so forth. 😉

If you want a emotional but also laugh out loud honest contemporary book filled with friendships, love, adulthood, fertility and unresolved traumas then its imperative you pick up QUEENIE

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for a sequel for 6 LONG YEARS! 😭

The big question is can such a highly anticipated sequel ever live up to the original? And the answer is: A BIG FAT YES! 🙌🏽

I can’t tell you how happy I am to return to Queenie’s life. I’ve read the first book countless times, and know the story back to front, and I can safely say that ‘Queenie is working on it’ delivers ALL the same vibes. Candice Carty-Williams brings us another razor-sharp, hilarious, and poignant story that perfectly depicts the realities of a modern day woman 💖

I laughed, I cried, and was totally captivated by the Queen herself - Queenie Jenkins - as she confronts her biggest challenges yet. Queenie Jenkins is working on it…

Queenie, now 33, and as self-destructive as ever, but she is a character you can't help rooting for...She is SO relatable and, as always, made me feel so SEEN!

Like the first book, she is trying to hold it all together. Work, love life, friendships, and her crazy family. But the older, not necessarily wiser, Queenie, has new challenges to deal with: a racing biological clock, workplace issues, rising house market prices, and of course, trying to keep it together after her heart has been smashed to smithereens. This story is raw, messy, slightly chaotic, and I was here for ALL of it.

I am such a big fan of Candice’s writing style. The narrative flows so effortlessly, as if you were having a conversation with a good friend. Every scene and interaction feels so honest and realistic. Emotion floods every page. You can literally FEEL the love, heartache, joy, and anxiety. But what I love most about Candice’s writing is she makes you feel like you don’t have to have it all together, and let’s face it: few of us do. There is something so comforting about being reminded of this simple fact.

Furthermore, I love that we get to see the world from Queenie’s POV. Her inner dialogue gives us a deeper understanding of the turmoil and growth she experiences with her mental health struggles. She is definitely still represented as a flawed character, but this book focuses more on her path to healing and figuring things out, leaving us on more stable ground (hopefully 🤞🏼).

“Never forget: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” 🌅

It was so soothing and heartwarming being back with Queenie’s friendship group; Kyazike in particular. I think everyone could do with a friend like her. She played a big role in the first book so I was glad to see her back in action. I love that as well as bringing so much joy and fun to Queenie’s life, she also holds her accountable and stops her from backsliding into destructive thought patterns. And I have to say, I am so here for the group chat 💬🤭

There’s no doubt Queenie has a fantastic support system. On top of her amazing friends, her family play a huge role in her daily life and they are so very entertaining. I absolutely adore reading the scenes of them all together, I can feel the love and warmth radiating from them. Also, it was incredibly heartwarming to see Queenie and her mum’s relationship mended - if you’ve read the first book, you’ll know it was rocky, to say the very least, but over the years they have come to a place of understanding. Grandma still remains a favourite of mine. That woman speaks the truth.

Fertility problems are a big topic in this book and I admire Candice for taking on such an important, and difficult subject. Many woman struggle with all kinds of fertility problems, Queenie included. I won’t spoil the storyline, but I liked the focus on Black women's journeys from fertility testing to IVF, and the impact this has on people. Candice wrote about these obstacles in such a realistic way, I genuinely felt the reality of it.

Overall, I had such a good time being immersed in Queenie’s world again. It was so much fun but also really emotional. It isn’t easy to make me laugh out loud whilst still covering topics such as unresolved trauma, but Candice does so with ease. I really hope we get another dose of Queenie in the near future 🙏🏼

4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨

[bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember loving "Queenie" but this follow-up lacks the charm of the first book. The comparisons to "Bridget Jones's Diary" feel extra appropriate here, which is to say, the fatphobia and lack of communication was on full display in a way that felt really exhausting. Queenie goes on a weight loss journey in an attempt to qualify for medical care, but the book never pushes back on that despite the fact that Queenie gets that advice researching a piece about how the medical industry treats Black women, and fatphobia is famously rooted in anti-Black racism and misogynoir. She just accepts that she must lose weight, magically and rapidly does so, and tries to trick readers into thinking she is on a journey of self-love in the process. Exercising and eating healthfully are obviously positive changes that might result in weight loss, but she complains about "only" losing 1.5 stone in two months, which is over 20 pounds!!!! That's over TEN POUNDS A MONTH. That's crazy.

The writing also felt a little clunky in this book. It was very inner monologue/dialogue-heavy, and it felt distracting when the author tried to break it up (like, pausing a stream of conversation with someone reaching for their water bottle or adjusting their hair or whatever). Some parts of the story felt like they took way to long to finally come to a head and then get resolved while others felt like they didn't get enough time on the page. I would have loved to see more of Queenie working on her work projects, for example, and about half as many ruminations over a past relationship we barely see on page. Finally, most side characters felt like one-dimensional caricatures. They all had exactly one, possibly two, attributes that told readers exactly how to feel about them. They felt a little silly, especially when compared to the complex character that is Queenie Jenkins.

All in all, this was a shocking disappointment since I have loved the previous two novels published by this writer. I still look forward to her next release, and will hope for a better experience. I'm giving this an extra star because of a line from Queenie's therapist that really struck me (and since you shouldn't quote from ARCs, I'll paraphrase a bit)--rehearsing for misery and/or preparing for sadness won't make it hurt less if your worst fears come true. Oof. Such a good reminder for us anxiety-ridden girlies.

I read a digital ARC from NetGalley and Gallery Books.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha Jones once said “if you were 25 that would be adorable, but at 32 that’s just stupid” and I’m sorry but Queenie really needs to hear that

[Katie B · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you Gallery Books for the free copy!

4.5 stars

I was thrilled when I heard the news Queenie was coming back in a sequel. The character is now in her 30s and is navigating relationships and work and a biological clock that is ticking. QUEENIE IS WORKING ON IT was a treat to read.

The sequel is a must read if the character has a piece of your heart. We followed her in the first book during a really tough period in her life. Even though fertility issues are a part of this storyline it still feels like a much lighter read. The author captured the essence of Queenie but there’s more hope. It doesn’t feel so much like she’s drowning. She’s in a better place with a support system but like many of us is still trying to figure it all out.

I absolutely loved following Queenie at this new stage in her life. It was like catching up with an old friend. If the author decides to check in with the character when Queenie hits her 40s, I’ll be first in line to read the book.

[Daria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited when I saw there was a sequel to Queenie — a novel that shaped my taste in books forever and got me into reading stories about multi-faceted, complex, imperfect but loveable and relatable women. I remember the first book completely positively and loved Queenie as a character and woman.

Now, seven full years later, Queenie is a caricature of her former self. I love the premise and how she’s still the complex, imperfect but relatable woman but… she just isn’t? She’s just fucking stupid. Maybe I just remember Queenie the first book as much better than it was but I can’t believe this sequel is such a downgrade. It feels like Carty-Williams is infantilising her own protagonist.

Queenie has always made questionable decisions, that’s her thing, but they were understandable. In this part, like I said, she’s just stupid and one-dimensional.

The blurb alone has more complexity than the actual 400 page story: Queenie is “suddenly confronted with a racing biological clock when she doesn’t even know if she wants kids” — but all we ever hear in the novel is that she wants kids. She admits at the end that she’s never thought about the actual raising of kids and more about just having them, but she still wants kids. No complexity there.

And we keep being told that Queenie is a feminist and yet she still thinks she’s worthless as a woman and human if she can’t naturally have kids even by the end of the novel. She lets men treat her worse than shit in so so so many ways. She’s a woman in her thirties who wants kids and doesn’t know what ovulation is? Bro. She keeps calling herself a feminist and then proceeds to do and think nothing feminist.

The writing itself was rubbish. It reads like a first draft, if that.

The ending was… idk. The most cliché you could have possible gone? It wasn’t even a ‘girl who’s going to be okay’ cliché that’s still enjoyable, it was just annoying.

Was very excited at first, ended up disappointed and aggravated.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn’t know before you learned it.”

A veryyyy highly anticipated sequel!! 🤩

Queenie was the book that got me back into reading in 2020 and made me feel seen, so I was beyond happy when I heard Queenie was coming back!

Queenie is 33 now and still the self-destructive character you lowkey can’t help rooting for… but girlllll, she is a HOT mess 😂

She’s still trying to juggle it all — work, friendships, her love life, family — while also questioning her journey into motherhood. And of course, this sends her into a spiral because she’s working on it… or is she? 👀 Because that plan to potentially trap a baby daddy??? 😭😭

I just love Candice’s writing. It’s so easy to read and all the interactions feel so realistic, especially the dynamics between friends and family. Every emotion comes through — you can feel the humour, joy, frustration and everything in between.
It was so comforting to be back with Queenie and Kyazike and to witness their friendship again!❤️

I do kindaaaa wish Queenie had shown a little more growth, though, because the way she handled certain situations had me like GIRL, COME ON.
There’s only so much we can do for you!!

I also really liked the exploration of Black women’s journeys to conception through Queenie — from fertility testing to IVF — and how the book touches on the complexities and emotions that come with it.

It was just really nice to be back in Queenie’s world. Chaotic, messy and frustrating as ever 😂

[BookOfCinz Reading Retreat Host · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the time of this book but it really just remains you that while Queenie is a flawed character she really is working on being better.

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s a reason why I don’t usually read past book one in a series and this sophomore edition of Queenie is a prime example. While the first one had me completely smitten as sort of a modern-day Bridget Jones, this one retained zero of the original’s charm. Years have passed and we all were led to believe by the end of book one that Queenie was coming to terms with her relationships with men, her friends and herself . . . but as the title states she’s still “working on it” this go ‘round. And it is TIRESOME. Not only is she still being used by losers when it comes to sex, although she supposedly has a good gig going as a journalist who is going to write an expose on the treatment of Black women when it comes to the medical industry (specifically OBGYN), everything is left at the surface level mainly as a device for Queenie to be told she’s fat (seriously lady you had zero idea you had gained 40 pounds???) or for her to be disappointed that in a month and a half she was only able to lose half that (seriously lady 21 pounds is a dissapointment???) or for said journalism piece having her go through testing that maybe her fertility is below normal which makes her want to fast-track to getting pregnant (seriously lady you definitely DO NOT need a baby – you are a MESS!).

Yeah I didn’t like this at all.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m actually not sure what to say in this review.

I enjoyed it.

There was something very emotive for me about the book opening in a gynae office, but I was reminded of how much the first Queenie novel landed exactly when I needed it in my life, and I hoped for serendipity.

What I’ve learned in recent years is how vital it is as Black women to see our stories (repeatedly), and to know that we are not anomalies. I am not Queenie, but as a single black woman, second gen Caribbean, in my mid-thirties navigating life, love, aching, longing, and my gynaecological health against an anti-black health system and what can feel like a disastrous social and economic landscape for people who look like us (I’m literally too tired to sugar coat), I took a huge amount of value from a story that puts that reality (and its very human, very personal impact) on full display.

However, I couldn’t find light in it. Not right now, just weeks after leaving hospital. Too raw. The ending is beautiful, I enjoyed the narrative arc, I adored the depiction of family (which sparked a beautiful discussion with my mum that I will probably always cherish), and I don’t actually think the purpose of the book is to be a big social commentary (or maybe it is?!), but we consume things as we are and not necessarily as they are. Much as I value this novel and I’m so glad it’s out there, I need some easier (and much less close to home) reading.

I think I’d like to come back and read this next year.

(Sidenote: I was SO excited to read this book. I loved Queenie and I loved People Person and I was full of anticipation and excitement about this novel. It did not disappoint me. It just met me at a weird time).

(Another very random sidenote: finishing the book just after midnight on Monday morning so should I use this as an opportunity to watch the World Cup game I had no intention of watching?!)

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queenie is back! Covering some very current issues, Queenie has grown up somewhat in both her personal and work life, both intertwined with each other. Where the first book was laugh out loud in many places, this book is more emotional. Great read.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

[chasc.taylor_reads · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25 Stars ✨

I just love Queenie and all her flaws 🥹 This had me invested from the first page and was compulsively readable!

[snaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was incredibly frustrating and it felt too long. I appreciate a complex female character and I loved hearing about it all in the first book. Here, although older and now in her 30s, it feels like she has regressed. I'm not sure what therapist she is seeing but it really isn't doing the job. The whole story line about the fertility was incredibly frustrating to listen to - why would you base the entire plot point about fertility from having one half hearted assessment at a private fertility appointment??? This then forms the entire plot of the book?? The weight loss arc also just felt weird - i'm not sure how much it added to plot?

Honestly shoutout to Shvorne Marks who was truly an excellent narrator otherwise I would have given up.

[Trinity Marsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confusing and mismatched, this book brings Queenie back in a much better place, having healed from past romantic traumas and found a safer space at work. It offers a realistic picture of the dynamics within a three-generation Caribbean family settled in south London, while remaining genuinely funny and realistic in its depiction of the daily microaggressions Black women face in both their professional and personal lives.
Unfortunately, the plot completely derails into a bonkers obsession with becoming a single mother. It is a bizarre storyline, made even stranger by her friends enthusiastically supporting the idea. In what world would a Black professional woman living in London actively try to fall pregnant with a stranger's baby? The narrative leans into a tired patriarchal assumption that an overriding biological drive compels all women to mother at all costs, regardless of common sense. Even within the book's own context, it makes no sense. Honestly, without that glaring plotline, this would have been such a feel-good, funny read.

[Nakita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Queenie is not really working on anything, disappointing to see the lack of character progression and development how many years later with only a glimmer of hope on the last page. I felt it was perpetuating stereotypes of black women and women’s perceptions around motherhood.

[Kerri · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

I loved the first book, so when I saw this sequel announced, it was one of the few preorders I made this year. I was excited to see how Queenie was doing.

It was a disappointment to discover that at 33, she was even more hopeless than before, making terrible decisions and had basically not grown or evolved or seemingly learned anything from the events of the previous book.

I'm not saying a 33 year old needs to have everything sorted out in their life, but the decisions she makes here were bizarre, particularly the methods she chose to try and get pregnant, which shitty to say the least. I don't recall her being as frustrating before. She actually has a group chat that she started, to keep her friends filled in her many issues and bad decisions, so they can provide endless support when she makes the same mistake again and again and again.

I don't think the writing was as strong as the the previous book, although it still had moments that reminded me of what I liked.

Overall a disappointing read, although the scenes with her grandparents did resonate with me.

I hope if there is another book, that Queenie has matured a bit and treats people around her quite a lot better, especially her ever loyal friends. 💚

[Ebony Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queenie, ah, still the most loveable disaster. I enjoyed being back in Queenie’s world, but this novel wasn’t as strong as its predecessor, imo. The plot sort of floundered a bit, but the characterization and humour remained very strong and kept me engaged. I laughed, cried a bit, and once again felt comforted in the fact that even in our 30’s, a lot of us just don’t have it figured out. Queenie reminds me that mess can lead to breakthrough, and that people will love you if you just give them the chance to see all the bits of you that you think should remain hidden away.

On the lowest of keys, I want another book in the Queenie-verse. Married? Trying to conceive? Adopting? Writing a novel? The possibilities are kind of endless.

[Alexandra Isaacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a great affection for Queenie and the many chaotic happenings and growth. Carty-Williams captures the moment and mood of early 30s London. Is this my adult Jacqueline Wilson equivalent?

[Merisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Thank you to @gallerybooks and @scoutspressbooks for the gifted copy!

Do you ever have an attachment to a character so much that you would protect them at all costs?

Such is the case with my girl, Queenie.

In this new book, Queenie is now in her 30s and on a path of healing, which we love for her. She’s still flawed (aren’t we all) and she’s still trying to figure things out, and I love her all the more for it.

Here’s what stood out to me:
✨ Queenie’s stream of consciousness—at times, my girl’s inner dialogue was all over the place, but I really liked how it contributed to a deeper understanding of Queenie’s turmoil and her growth on her path to embracing her mental health struggles.

✨ Queenie’s friend group—specifically Kyazike. I think we all could stand to have a friend like her. Not only is she hilarious, but her love of Queenie means that she will support her and hold her accountable when needed.

✨ Queenie’s family dynamics—if you’ve read the first one, you know Queenie’s relationship with her mom was not the best, so it was heartwarming to see them mend that relationship. Additionally, her cousin is one of my favorite characters next to Kyazike. Also real and supportive while not being afraid to check Queenie when needed.

✨Queenie’s struggles with her fertility—no spoilers, but I do appreciate the commentary around the many obstacles Black women face when dealing with their doctors who are dismissive about their fertility issues. While I didn’t agree with some of Queenie’s “solutions,” (don’t worry, Kyazike puts her in her place) I do understand how hearing not so great news about potential pregnancy can cause someone to spiral out and think the worst.

This is a much more grown up story than the first, but equally entertaining! If you like to revisit characters who are just trying to figure things out, this is for you!

[Charnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved catching up with Queenie! To see how far she’s come with her mental health and self esteem was worth it, even though she still has lots of work to do on herself lol. Loved the deeper exploration of Queenie’s relationships with her mom and best friends.

The story pacing was perfect and the writing had me laughing and tearing up. The care the author takes with Queenie comes through the pages.

[Katharina Christenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love queenie jenkins so much!!! Wish I was her or failing that which she was my bestie!!! Hope there is a part 3 coming because I am INVESTED!!!

[Johanna März · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, Queenie is one of the most relatable characters I have ever read about, in terms of being a Black woman navigating life, family dynamics, friendships, relationships, and mental health. It's safe to say: we need more characters like her!

Even though Queenie is going through very difficult things, which was also heavy to bear witness to, reading about this character made me so happy! The author created an insanely raw person in Queenie, who literally feels like a real human being. While I sometimes did not agree with her decisions and self-destructive behavior, I could still find understanding for her.
The messiness of Queenie's life is depicted in a way that shows that the process of learning from mistakes might not always look the same for everyone. There was no sugar-coating about the consequences of Queenie's choices, which I appreciated so much.
I was rooting for this inspiring, funny, and sometimes slightly dramatic woman up until the very last line of the novel.

@Candice Carty-Williams, please write another book because I could not get enough of Queenie <3

[Jessica Woodbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Queenie books are stressful. A lot of this is Carty-Williams doing an excellent job really getting you into the nitty gritty of Queenie's life and not sugar coating it. But it can make reading about Queenie not quite pleasurable. I always feel like I'm trying to manage my anxiety when I'm reading about her.

This started off well and I was enjoying getting to see some of Queenie's maturity and progress while still seeing her make really bad decisions on the regular. But the end did not hold up. Every thread was magically tied together. Everyone in Queenie's life suddenly had so much patience and was willing to find solutions to every problem. It confused me, it felt like the opposite of what the book was doing.

I read the audiobook of the first Queenie book and I did miss it this time around. Carty-Williams gives Queenie such a great voice that you can almost hear her in your head, though.

[cielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

much better than the first one. we thank god

[Sharon M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press for gifting me the sequel to Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

Queenie is now 33, the editorial director for a media network promoting the voices of Black women. A research appointment goes wrong and shows that her fertility may be compromised, even while she's not sure she even wants kids. Everyone around her seems to have found their person and can start a family with ease, and Queenie feels out of sorts and that time is running out on all parts of her life.

It was fun reconnecting with Queenie, although in some ways she hasn't changed too much - like the title says, she's working on it. I loved the family connection here because even when they can drive us crazy, they will want the best for us. And sometimes, we just need to get out of the way.

[Poppy Sookunah · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5