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Calling My Name
Calling My Name, by debut author Liara Tamani, is a striking, luminous, and literary exploration of family, spirituality, and self—ideal for readers of Jacqueline Woodson, Jandy Nelson, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Sandra Cisneros. This unforgettable novel tells a universal coming-of-age story about Taja Brown, a young African American girl growing up in Houston, Texas.
Liara Tamani’s debut novel deftly and beautifully explores the universal struggles of growing up, battling family expectations, discovering a sense of self, and finding a unique voice and purpose. Taja Brown lives with her parents and older brother and younger sister, in Houston, Texas. Taja has always known what the expectations of her conservative and tightly-knit African American family are—do well in school, go to church every Sunday, no intimacy before marriage. But Taja is trying to keep up with friends as they get their first kisses, first boyfriends, first everythings. And she’s tired of cheering for her athletic younger sister and an older brother who has more freedom just because he’s a boy. Taja dreams of going to college and forging her own relationship with the world and with God, but when she falls in love for the first time, those dreams are suddenly in danger of evaporating.
Told in fifty-four short, episodic, moving, and iridescent chapters, Calling My Name follows Taja on her journey from middle school to high school. Literary and noteworthy, this is a beauty of a novel, a divine and tender enchantment. Calling My Name deftly captures the multifaceted struggle of finding where you belong and why you matter.
Liara Tamani’s debut novel deftly and beautifully explores the universal struggles of growing up, battling family expectations, discovering a sense of self, and finding a unique voice and purpose. Taja Brown lives with her parents and older brother and younger sister, in Houston, Texas. Taja has always known what the expectations of her conservative and tightly-knit African American family are—do well in school, go to church every Sunday, no intimacy before marriage. But Taja is trying to keep up with friends as they get their first kisses, first boyfriends, first everythings. And she’s tired of cheering for her athletic younger sister and an older brother who has more freedom just because he’s a boy. Taja dreams of going to college and forging her own relationship with the world and with God, but when she falls in love for the first time, those dreams are suddenly in danger of evaporating.
Told in fifty-four short, episodic, moving, and iridescent chapters, Calling My Name follows Taja on her journey from middle school to high school. Literary and noteworthy, this is a beauty of a novel, a divine and tender enchantment. Calling My Name deftly captures the multifaceted struggle of finding where you belong and why you matter.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2017
223 people are currently reading
7064 people want to read
About the author
Liara Tamani
5 books292 followersLiara Tamani lives in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the acclaimed young adult novels Calling My Name, All the Things We Never Knew, and What She Missed. Her words have appeared in Time Magazine, NPR, and The New York Times. And her work has been featured by Good Morning America, Buzzfeed, Essence Magazine, Teen Vogue, and more. Before becoming a writer, she attended Harvard Law School and worked as a marketing coordinator for the Houston Rockets & Comets, production assistant for Girlfriends (TV show), home accessories designer, floral designer, and yoga and dance teacher. She holds an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a BA from Duke University.
www.liaratamani.com
www.liaratamani.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
February 16, 2019
Black-A-Thon: Read a book by a black or African author
I have had Calling My Name since the summer of 2017. I got it as an ARC but never read it because I'm a bad person.
I wanted to read it because I thought the cover was beautiful. Anytime I see I black girl or boy on a book cover I add it to my TBR because its so rare. And yet I still kept putting off reading this for some reason. I wish I could say it was worth the wait but it was just okay. I mean I breezed through this and I didn't hate it I just didn't love it. I didn't really feel a connection to the MC Taja, it felt like the author wanted to covet so much ground that I could never just sink into the story. Maybe the finished book is different but it was just rushed.
The book covers Taja's life from middle school to leaving for college. Yaja's parents are super religious, I don't remember if their religion is named but it seemed like Baptist. We follow Taja as she struggles with her own sexual awaken and the religious guilt she deals with. The writing is very flowery and if you follow my reviews you know that flowery prose is NOT my thing. So I had a hard time getting into this book but once I got use to it, it was less annoying.
I'm not gonna recommend this book because I didn't love it but its not a bad book either.
I have had Calling My Name since the summer of 2017. I got it as an ARC but never read it because I'm a bad person.
I wanted to read it because I thought the cover was beautiful. Anytime I see I black girl or boy on a book cover I add it to my TBR because its so rare. And yet I still kept putting off reading this for some reason. I wish I could say it was worth the wait but it was just okay. I mean I breezed through this and I didn't hate it I just didn't love it. I didn't really feel a connection to the MC Taja, it felt like the author wanted to covet so much ground that I could never just sink into the story. Maybe the finished book is different but it was just rushed.
The book covers Taja's life from middle school to leaving for college. Yaja's parents are super religious, I don't remember if their religion is named but it seemed like Baptist. We follow Taja as she struggles with her own sexual awaken and the religious guilt she deals with. The writing is very flowery and if you follow my reviews you know that flowery prose is NOT my thing. So I had a hard time getting into this book but once I got use to it, it was less annoying.
I'm not gonna recommend this book because I didn't love it but its not a bad book either.
October 12, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This was a YA contemporary story about a teenage girl called Taja.
Taja was such a normal sort of girl with the normal sort of girl worries. I felt really sorry for her and the way she felt left out compared to her brother and sister, and the way she wasn’t prepared for her first period. She was also subject to a lot of peer pressure.
The storyline in this was about Taja growing up, and her worries over God and sins. Her parents kept warning her how premarital sex was a sin, once she had got her first boyfriend, and even made her sign a purity pledge. Taja wanted to be like everyone else though, whilst dealing with the guilt of maybe going too far and sinning.
The ending to this was okay, and I was pleased that Taja got a fairly happy ending.
6.5 out of 10
This was a YA contemporary story about a teenage girl called Taja.
Taja was such a normal sort of girl with the normal sort of girl worries. I felt really sorry for her and the way she felt left out compared to her brother and sister, and the way she wasn’t prepared for her first period. She was also subject to a lot of peer pressure.
The storyline in this was about Taja growing up, and her worries over God and sins. Her parents kept warning her how premarital sex was a sin, once she had got her first boyfriend, and even made her sign a purity pledge. Taja wanted to be like everyone else though, whilst dealing with the guilt of maybe going too far and sinning.
The ending to this was okay, and I was pleased that Taja got a fairly happy ending.
6.5 out of 10
October 22, 2017
02/15/2017:
African American girl. Growing up IN Houston, Texas?! GIMMIE.
10/22/2017:
Eh..... Real review to come.
African American girl. Growing up IN Houston, Texas?! GIMMIE.
10/22/2017:
Eh..... Real review to come.
April 9, 2017
This is a quietly beautiful book. It's lyrical, soft and easy. It's a story that spans time with only light theme within it. There's no urgency and what kept me reading was the beautiful writing. While not in verse it had a similar feel to it.
It has a theme of the MC being in a religious family and feeling those pressures to always be good.
If I were to complain it would be that I wish it had expanded on this more. But that is largely because of my own beliefs and way I was raised. I do not believe in organized religion but I am spiritual. Nature is my church. ;)
The book also takes place in the 90's and early 2000's (I believe). I was a 90's kid so I connected with some of that. While it's very different than my life was, I still really connected with it. And that really speaks loudly that this is a really good story.
The debate was whether I'll pass this to my 12 year old and I've decided to wait. The suggested age is 14+ and that sounds right. I WILL be saving it for her though as I think it's a great story to see in the life of a family different from ours and reading other people's stories, who are different, is important to have a wider view of the world.
It has a theme of the MC being in a religious family and feeling those pressures to always be good.
If I were to complain it would be that I wish it had expanded on this more. But that is largely because of my own beliefs and way I was raised. I do not believe in organized religion but I am spiritual. Nature is my church. ;)
The book also takes place in the 90's and early 2000's (I believe). I was a 90's kid so I connected with some of that. While it's very different than my life was, I still really connected with it. And that really speaks loudly that this is a really good story.
The debate was whether I'll pass this to my 12 year old and I've decided to wait. The suggested age is 14+ and that sounds right. I WILL be saving it for her though as I think it's a great story to see in the life of a family different from ours and reading other people's stories, who are different, is important to have a wider view of the world.
April 25, 2018
A beautiful little book told in vignettes, I enjoyed reading this one.
February 27, 2018
"I’m busy noticing I’m alive."
I think this book went over my head at the speed of freaking light. ⚡️
💨 *WOOOOOOOSH* 💨
Oh, what’s that?? This whole book, it seems.
Reason for that I think is the writing style.
Maybe I’m just too dumb but there was something off regarding the writing style. I can’t pinpoint the reasons why it didn’t resonate with me but it…just…didn’t. 🤷🏻♀️
Because of it, I felt detached from the characters and their adventures; everything was slightly confusing and foggy. It was like the writing style created an insurmountable barrier between me and the protagonist :/ and if I don’t connect with the characters, the story loses its power and its impact and, thus, I don’t enjoy it at its fullest.
And yet, objectively speaking, I can see how gorgeously written this book was. Every sentence was so…well-crafted? and detailed? poetic and gorgeous? Really, objectively this writing style is a treat™️ but subjectively I didn't mash with it.
So maybe I really am dumb… 🤔
As for the plot itself…
This is what I think when I talk about coming-of-age stories.
The reader gets to follow Taja’s life from when she was a middle grader to when she starts her new adventure in college.
We follow her struggles; we are faced with her doubts; we think alongside her about religion and what it means to be a Christian, to have faith and to question this faith.
And, gosh, I loved it.
Since we go alongside her in this journey of self-discovery, we have the chance to see and live her character arc, her development. And DAMN, in the end I was so proud of her. She's grown so much and she's become this wonderfully independent, wise girl... 😢 I'm so proud of my baby.
The thing that I did not particularly enjoy, though, was the fact that the relationship between Taja and her parents is…rocky. I would have loved a more open relation; a relation in which there’s a chance to talk, discuss and engage in a conversation so to find solutions. Instead her parents were so laser-focused on religion that Taja knew if she were to express her doubts, she'd get a sermon as an answer so she just kept quiet.
She’s faced with all these changes (both physical and mental) that dictate the passing from child to teenager and she faces all this alone. Both parents and friends don’t really help her and are just around to joke and as secondary (and maybe slightly two-dimensional) characters. And this really is a pity.
I appreciated the way Taja’s relatable and numerous problems were handled. Relationships, loving one’s self, hating one’s self, friendship, religion, sex. Everything was touched and dealt with. Everything was real and incredibly relatable.
Overall, I thoroughly appreciated this book and I would recommend. 😌
It's a sweet coming-of-age story with a very peculiar yet (if you're not me) stunning writing style.
"Tonight, as you watch television or listen to the radio or read a magazine, pay attention to what you hear and see, pay attention to what people are telling you to treasure."
I think this book went over my head at the speed of freaking light. ⚡️
💨 *WOOOOOOOSH* 💨
Oh, what’s that?? This whole book, it seems.
Reason for that I think is the writing style.
Maybe I’m just too dumb but there was something off regarding the writing style. I can’t pinpoint the reasons why it didn’t resonate with me but it…just…didn’t. 🤷🏻♀️
Because of it, I felt detached from the characters and their adventures; everything was slightly confusing and foggy. It was like the writing style created an insurmountable barrier between me and the protagonist :/ and if I don’t connect with the characters, the story loses its power and its impact and, thus, I don’t enjoy it at its fullest.
And yet, objectively speaking, I can see how gorgeously written this book was. Every sentence was so…well-crafted? and detailed? poetic and gorgeous? Really, objectively this writing style is a treat™️ but subjectively I didn't mash with it.
So maybe I really am dumb… 🤔
As for the plot itself…
This is what I think when I talk about coming-of-age stories.
The reader gets to follow Taja’s life from when she was a middle grader to when she starts her new adventure in college.
We follow her struggles; we are faced with her doubts; we think alongside her about religion and what it means to be a Christian, to have faith and to question this faith.
And, gosh, I loved it.
Since we go alongside her in this journey of self-discovery, we have the chance to see and live her character arc, her development. And DAMN, in the end I was so proud of her. She's grown so much and she's become this wonderfully independent, wise girl... 😢 I'm so proud of my baby.
The thing that I did not particularly enjoy, though, was the fact that the relationship between Taja and her parents is…rocky. I would have loved a more open relation; a relation in which there’s a chance to talk, discuss and engage in a conversation so to find solutions. Instead her parents were so laser-focused on religion that Taja knew if she were to express her doubts, she'd get a sermon as an answer so she just kept quiet.
She’s faced with all these changes (both physical and mental) that dictate the passing from child to teenager and she faces all this alone. Both parents and friends don’t really help her and are just around to joke and as secondary (and maybe slightly two-dimensional) characters. And this really is a pity.
I appreciated the way Taja’s relatable and numerous problems were handled. Relationships, loving one’s self, hating one’s self, friendship, religion, sex. Everything was touched and dealt with. Everything was real and incredibly relatable.
Overall, I thoroughly appreciated this book and I would recommend. 😌
It's a sweet coming-of-age story with a very peculiar yet (if you're not me) stunning writing style.
"Tonight, as you watch television or listen to the radio or read a magazine, pay attention to what you hear and see, pay attention to what people are telling you to treasure."
January 9, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from Harper Collins Canada for an honest review. This story is told by Taja, from middle grade to high school, as she searches for who she really is and what she really believes. The book seems to take place around the early 90’s but we are never told this. Taja’s African American parents live their life around their faith and want to instil that in their children’s lives. The parents do have a different set of rules for their son vs their daughters which causes conflict and frustration in Taja. As Taja grows older she begins to have some questions about her faith and how it works in her everyday life. A lot of the time Taja had no one to confide in as she struggled through these teenage years and I found myself sad for her. Overall though she finds out who she really is and is ready and excited for the next chapter in her life as she heads to college. I think Taja is going to turn out to be a pretty remarkable person as she goes on her journey. This book told a very nice story about moving through adolescence.
October 18, 2018
The rating applies to the book as a whole, if I were to pick it apart I would probably rate it lower which is a shame.
I liked the sort of "Boyhood" layout of the story as we follow Tara from girlhood to the brink of adulthood. It was also nice to have a novel feature faith/religion without the normal dismissiveness you read about, or that obvious character rebellion/disbandment of it without any contextual layers.
The writing style for some reason I couldn't quite connect with. No clue why - it was quite lyrical in places which is something I normally love but I don't know - it's like the writing style distracted me from the story?
As I said, overall I liked the book even though I didn't really warm to the main character or the voice. What it did have, and I rate, is a relatable story told in a compact yet expansive way.
I liked the sort of "Boyhood" layout of the story as we follow Tara from girlhood to the brink of adulthood. It was also nice to have a novel feature faith/religion without the normal dismissiveness you read about, or that obvious character rebellion/disbandment of it without any contextual layers.
The writing style for some reason I couldn't quite connect with. No clue why - it was quite lyrical in places which is something I normally love but I don't know - it's like the writing style distracted me from the story?
As I said, overall I liked the book even though I didn't really warm to the main character or the voice. What it did have, and I rate, is a relatable story told in a compact yet expansive way.
April 1, 2019
This novel addresses the challenges of exploring sexuality while growing up in a strictly religious family. Additionally, it covers the struggles between belonging to an organized religion and finding one's own understanding of spirituality. As you can see, these are some heavy topics for a young adult novel, but the author handles them in a way that is honest and direct. The language is a cut above typical young adult fiction, so there were many passages that I felt would be worth exploring in discussion.
I think readers who have broken away from a strictly religious upbringing and those who grew up in the 90s (the setting for this novel) will find it easy to identify with the main character. If you're in one of those two categories, you might find this to be a rewarding read.
I think readers who have broken away from a strictly religious upbringing and those who grew up in the 90s (the setting for this novel) will find it easy to identify with the main character. If you're in one of those two categories, you might find this to be a rewarding read.
January 24, 2018
This book is a character-driven story about a black girl growing up and dealing with all the problems adolescence offers (and we all know it's a lot of problems). I have to admit that the main reason I picked this up was because of the cover, I think it's so BEAUTIFUL. However, the writing just wasn't for me. I really appreciate some little moments of it, but I got to like page 120 and all the side characters were flat and underdeveloped. Page 120, and I had NO idea as to how any of the characters looked, which was so ??? weird?
The only description we got with her family were part of longer thought dumps, like when she's thinking about the thing she loves and says she likes lying on her dad's belly. I don't know, I just didn't find her compelling. In every situation, she just felt the opposite of whatever was being presented if that makes sense? She's told about an opinion - she feels the opposite way. Her character's main personality was being different than everyone else. This just wasn't for me. But I did like the writing! It's good writing.
I should also mention that when I read character based books, I need to feel some sort of connection to the characters. I don't need them to be likable but I do have to get some sort of attachment to keep going, because there's no other plot. And she just wasn't that compelling. I also felt so disconnected every time she brought up her religion. I understand that it's just her life, she doesn't know any other way of living (I grew up in a religious household too - but a different religion). So whenever she mentioned Sunday church I just couldn't relate and so it further distanced me for the characters. It was as if she was telling me I couldn't understand her. So!! Yeah. I didn't really like this. But that's okay. I know some people will, and that's enough.
The only description we got with her family were part of longer thought dumps, like when she's thinking about the thing she loves and says she likes lying on her dad's belly. I don't know, I just didn't find her compelling. In every situation, she just felt the opposite of whatever was being presented if that makes sense? She's told about an opinion - she feels the opposite way. Her character's main personality was being different than everyone else. This just wasn't for me. But I did like the writing! It's good writing.
I should also mention that when I read character based books, I need to feel some sort of connection to the characters. I don't need them to be likable but I do have to get some sort of attachment to keep going, because there's no other plot. And she just wasn't that compelling. I also felt so disconnected every time she brought up her religion. I understand that it's just her life, she doesn't know any other way of living (I grew up in a religious household too - but a different religion). So whenever she mentioned Sunday church I just couldn't relate and so it further distanced me for the characters. It was as if she was telling me I couldn't understand her. So!! Yeah. I didn't really like this. But that's okay. I know some people will, and that's enough.
April 9, 2019
The plot did not exactly interest me in the beginning, but it is definitely compelling to watch the character develop and grow. The author did not just state the age of the character, but you can find clues of which stage win life she is at. Cool book, I would recommend it to people who would like to witness an intense change of a character throughout a book.
October 13, 2017
Imagine yourself as a young girl, unsure of herself, and trying desperately to find your footing in a world where the messages are mixed (at best), and wrong (at worst). That’s where we first meet Taja.
As she navigates the social spectrum—from middle and on through high school—she’s forced to answer questions about who she wants to be: her parents expect her to remain steeped in God. He is to be her eternal guide where all decisions of the heart, head, and body are concerned.
Unfortunately for her parents, Taja’s growing interest in all things “worldly” makes those boundaries tough to respect—especially when they seem to be invisible where her older brother is concerned.
Damon, Taja’s brother is able to takes every advantage of the opportunities he’s given—both socially and sexually. No one looks for him to abide by any set of rules because, as Taja’s father put it, it’s just “different” where boys are concerned.
Needless to say, having grown up with a similar message, I hated it for Taja. There should be no difference! The very fact Taja’s parents and church allowed one to exist made it more confusing for her in the long run.
But, I digress.
It’s obvious the author has a love for the writings of many a black author: Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, etc., because much of the prose within Calling My Name has a similar poetic voice.
As one whose enjoyed many of the works of the aforementioned, it’s a voice I could really appreciate.
That said, there were times when less could certainly have been more.
The second half of this book more than made up for its slow beginning, and I found myself infinitely more invested in Taja as she began to truly gain confidence in the type of young woman she wanted to be: one built upon terms she felt befit her goals.
Overall, a wonderfully insightful read about what it means to live and love by your own rules.
As she navigates the social spectrum—from middle and on through high school—she’s forced to answer questions about who she wants to be: her parents expect her to remain steeped in God. He is to be her eternal guide where all decisions of the heart, head, and body are concerned.
Unfortunately for her parents, Taja’s growing interest in all things “worldly” makes those boundaries tough to respect—especially when they seem to be invisible where her older brother is concerned.
Damon, Taja’s brother is able to takes every advantage of the opportunities he’s given—both socially and sexually. No one looks for him to abide by any set of rules because, as Taja’s father put it, it’s just “different” where boys are concerned.
Needless to say, having grown up with a similar message, I hated it for Taja. There should be no difference! The very fact Taja’s parents and church allowed one to exist made it more confusing for her in the long run.
But, I digress.
It’s obvious the author has a love for the writings of many a black author: Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, etc., because much of the prose within Calling My Name has a similar poetic voice.
As one whose enjoyed many of the works of the aforementioned, it’s a voice I could really appreciate.
That said, there were times when less could certainly have been more.
The second half of this book more than made up for its slow beginning, and I found myself infinitely more invested in Taja as she began to truly gain confidence in the type of young woman she wanted to be: one built upon terms she felt befit her goals.
Overall, a wonderfully insightful read about what it means to live and love by your own rules.
Read
August 24, 2017This book, set in a recognizable past (my guess is the 90s based on the name checks on things), follows Taja Brown from her middle school through the end of her high school days. It's told through vignettes, in a way that is really unique and engaging, with gorgeous prose to accompany the story.
Readers looking for stories about religious teens, coming of age as a black girl, and/or the tensions and challenges that can exist between teens and their parents will enjoy this a lot.
Totally appropriate for younger through older teen readers. Would definitely appeal to fans of brown girl dreaming and would be a great book to pair up with The House on Mango Street.
Readers looking for stories about religious teens, coming of age as a black girl, and/or the tensions and challenges that can exist between teens and their parents will enjoy this a lot.
Totally appropriate for younger through older teen readers. Would definitely appeal to fans of brown girl dreaming and would be a great book to pair up with The House on Mango Street.
September 15, 2018
I loved this book! The writing style was so lyrical, poetic. It drew me in from the first sentence. At times it felt a bit disjointed, like snippets of Taja's life as opposed to a full story but I still enjoyed it. I related so much to Taja. I grew up in a household where church and religion was very important. Navigating growing up, hormones and religious expectations really hit home for me. It was the best coming of age story I read in a long time.
November 4, 2017
Beautifully written. A girl growing up in this world and challenges she faces and things that we all go through. Enjoyed this book 📖
September 3, 2019
Calling My Name truly attracted me at the bookstore because of its' beautiful cover though I knew not to judge a book by its' cover so I looked over the premise. The premise itself was interesting but questionable at first. I loved seeing a coming of age story about a black teen on the store shelves, but can a girl's middle and high school years be thoroughly explored in fifty-three chapters. Eh, I was willing to take the risk, but the answer is a firm no!
This a character-driven story, so I was not expecting an over the moon plot. However, I was expecting more than was given. It felt like the story moved from one place to another without providing the chance for me to grow with Taja through this journey. A more consistent/ thorough plot would've helped me actually care about Taja. The constant moving from event to the next made things murky and non-sensical. Some events like the signing of the purity pledge(sexist!) could've added the much-needed tension if Taja would have fought back instead of being submissive. Others like the introduction of Andre made it too easy to predict what would come next. Some like her brother being sad about barely getting into college are kind-of pointless in the grand scheme of things.
Lastly, I am not a fan of Liara Tamani's writing style. It is a little flowery poetic for my taste.
I think this book would've been better as a trilogy, so I could get to know Taja, her family/dynamics, and evolving friendships more. Realistically, a lot happens between the ages of 11-18; but every part makes the process. Missing the majority of her growth and maturity along with other stages made it hard to understand or care about Taja.
January 27, 2018
This story touched me a lot more than I thought it would. It's a beautifully flowing coming of age story about Taja, a black girl from a religious family. It's written in an almost poetic way, which made the audio book really pleasant.
I loved how the book encompasses so much time, as we are with Taja whilst she grows from middle grade to high school graduation, and with that the topics of the story.
It's in first person perspective, which I thought was really fitting for this book, and was an interesting experience since I haven't seen it much before. It took less getting used to than I thought it would.
Religion was a larger aspect than anticipated, and as someone who grew up in a religious family too, sometimes it came really close to my own experiences. Not necessarily because my family or church work the same way, but I recognised the tone, the search, the struggles in a way I hadn't yet experienced in books.
I do think maybe the book or narrative could have been a bit stronger towards very conservative and/or oppressive ideologies, both regarding religion and more in general.
My feelings about how religion was talked about and experienced are obviously very subjective and personal. More in general, however, I felt like a stronger internal reflection (or something) regarding all the body shaming and remarks and thoughts about physical appearance would have been nice.
There was apart about how it's unfair women are the only ones having to deal with menstruation and everything surrounding that wasn't very trans friendly. There's also a lot of slut shaming and misogyny, but those things are reflected on and addressed, mostly.
Overall, I enjoyed the way this was written and how the story seemed to gently flow over time. And the cover is stunning
I loved how the book encompasses so much time, as we are with Taja whilst she grows from middle grade to high school graduation, and with that the topics of the story.
It's in first person perspective, which I thought was really fitting for this book, and was an interesting experience since I haven't seen it much before. It took less getting used to than I thought it would.
Religion was a larger aspect than anticipated, and as someone who grew up in a religious family too, sometimes it came really close to my own experiences. Not necessarily because my family or church work the same way, but I recognised the tone, the search, the struggles in a way I hadn't yet experienced in books.
I do think maybe the book or narrative could have been a bit stronger towards very conservative and/or oppressive ideologies, both regarding religion and more in general.
My feelings about how religion was talked about and experienced are obviously very subjective and personal. More in general, however, I felt like a stronger internal reflection (or something) regarding all the body shaming and remarks and thoughts about physical appearance would have been nice.
There was apart about how it's unfair women are the only ones having to deal with menstruation and everything surrounding that wasn't very trans friendly. There's also a lot of slut shaming and misogyny, but those things are reflected on and addressed, mostly.
Overall, I enjoyed the way this was written and how the story seemed to gently flow over time. And the cover is stunning
November 29, 2019
I really wanted to like this book, but the writing was so difficult to get into.
September 18, 2023
I really liked this (obviously, hence the rating). It's a coming of age told in episodic vignettes, and it really doesn't have an overarching plot throughline except that it follows Taja from middle to high school. Tamani really explores the conflict between loving God while also bumping up against the rampant sexism and misogyny of the church (#notallchurches). My heart really ached for Taja during specific points, especially as she got closer to Andre.
The only thing I wanted that the story didn't give me was a hint of . The story is told in first-person present tense, so it's believable that Taja wouldn't see it, but I feel like that kind of behavior doesn't usually come out of nowhere. There's a hint of it after the blackout in the post office, but it still didn't quite match up to what came later.
If you're into quiet stories about real teens dealing with real things, check this one out.
REREAD SEPT. 14, 2023
I am reading interlinked short story collections (short story cycles) as part of my sabbatical research. This book is told in episodic vignettes, so it counts.
I cannot believe I said in my original review that this book doesn't have a plot throughline because it absolutely does. The book is about Taja and how she has an experience and understanding of God that doesn't necessarily jibe with what she's taught about God in church and how that understanding bumps up against the incredible double standard of purity culture once she becomes a teenager and has a serious boyfriend.
I still think it's incredibly well written and effective, and my heart absolutely aches for Taja near the book's end. I do wish there were a better grounding in time for each vignette because it's unclear when exactly things are happening and/or how old she is during some of them. My earlier complaint about what I wanted last time still stands. However, I think on reread it's better forecasted, especially because of all of the other conversations Taja has with her brother and father (or that she recaps) throughout.
Some quotes:
Great characters, great exploration of faith, excellent invitation for empathy.
The only thing I wanted that the story didn't give me was a hint of . The story is told in first-person present tense, so it's believable that Taja wouldn't see it, but I feel like that kind of behavior doesn't usually come out of nowhere. There's a hint of it after the blackout in the post office, but it still didn't quite match up to what came later.
If you're into quiet stories about real teens dealing with real things, check this one out.
REREAD SEPT. 14, 2023
I am reading interlinked short story collections (short story cycles) as part of my sabbatical research. This book is told in episodic vignettes, so it counts.
I cannot believe I said in my original review that this book doesn't have a plot throughline because it absolutely does. The book is about Taja and how she has an experience and understanding of God that doesn't necessarily jibe with what she's taught about God in church and how that understanding bumps up against the incredible double standard of purity culture once she becomes a teenager and has a serious boyfriend.
I still think it's incredibly well written and effective, and my heart absolutely aches for Taja near the book's end. I do wish there were a better grounding in time for each vignette because it's unclear when exactly things are happening and/or how old she is during some of them. My earlier complaint about what I wanted last time still stands. However, I think on reread it's better forecasted, especially because of all of the other conversations Taja has with her brother and father (or that she recaps) throughout.
Some quotes:
But I'm still young and I haven't gotten to the bottom of the difference between good, sweet, and saved.
She might be able to tell me the secret for thinking a different way without being afraid of going to hell.
My daddy says nobody wants to marry used goods. He says it's like going grocery shopping and realizing someone has already taken a bite of your candy bar, a sip of your milk, a trip of your bacon. When you get to the cash register, would you want to pay? My brother says he wouldn't pay.
Great characters, great exploration of faith, excellent invitation for empathy.
January 8, 2018
Calling My Name is lovely, literary, and lyrical. Liara Timani has crafted an elegant piece of prose that reads like poetry. It is a true coming of age story, beginning when Taja is in grade school and ending just before she heads off to college. In it, Taja questions much and struggles to find the answers that sit right in her heart. What makes this story different is the way it is told. Timani covers about ten years of Taja’s life in under 300 pages. To do that well, she had to make a decision as to which life events she would include. I love her choice. The story is told in vignettes and in looking back at them, the stories Timani told in these vignettes were the events (sometimes big ones, like the death of a grandparent and sometimes little ones, like fishing with her family) that gave her pieces of information that led her to the answers of some of her questions. And the way she began the story with Taja questioning God and ended the story with Taja finding her answers about God . . . Genius.
I read a recommendation for this audiobook which is the reason I chose to read it (actually, listen to it). I am so, so glad I did. The story was beautifully (yet quickly) narrated by Imani Parks. One last thing about Liara Timani - I was shocked to discover that she is a first-time novelist. She writes like she’s been doing this for years. I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next. Final, random note: many clues in the book tell us the story takes place in the past (no cell phones, Cosby show references, Taja is reading the first Harry Potter book right after its release,etc.), which gives it an autobiographical feel. This may give it some adult appeal. It will not detract teens who dislike historical fiction from enjoying it.
I read a recommendation for this audiobook which is the reason I chose to read it (actually, listen to it). I am so, so glad I did. The story was beautifully (yet quickly) narrated by Imani Parks. One last thing about Liara Timani - I was shocked to discover that she is a first-time novelist. She writes like she’s been doing this for years. I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next. Final, random note: many clues in the book tell us the story takes place in the past (no cell phones, Cosby show references, Taja is reading the first Harry Potter book right after its release,etc.), which gives it an autobiographical feel. This may give it some adult appeal. It will not detract teens who dislike historical fiction from enjoying it.
July 23, 2017
a poetic coming of age story that portrays emotions in a viscerally engaging way. Taja's adolescent confusion, curiosity, and conflicted feelings about sex and her religion are captured very well.
that all said, there were some really cringe-worthy microaggressions here and there that put me off
TWs: body/fat-shaming, ableism, transmisia, slut-shaming/misogyny, racism
-the most prevalent microaggressions were body/fat-shaming, and it was kind of hypocritical coming from someone who was insecure about her own appearance and felt like everyone was probably judging her for it. the narrative tried to address oppressive ideologies of attractiveness and value through a teacher who challenged them to look at what ads and society tells us to value and messages that you feel lesser. but that was undermined when the narrative proceeded to describe a girl as manlike and gross for having leg hair on the next page with zero self-critical reflection.
-the r-slur is used multiple times in this one paragraph and it made me super uncomfortable even though it was not directed at about person but rather the protagonist's inner anxiety going on a self hating rant.
-then there was the use of "Chinese eyes" to describe a character. only once but that was a real WTF to me -_-
-the slut-shaming and gendered double standards surrounding sex are addressed in text, though.
that all said, there were some really cringe-worthy microaggressions here and there that put me off
TWs: body/fat-shaming, ableism, transmisia, slut-shaming/misogyny, racism
-the most prevalent microaggressions were body/fat-shaming, and it was kind of hypocritical coming from someone who was insecure about her own appearance and felt like everyone was probably judging her for it. the narrative tried to address oppressive ideologies of attractiveness and value through a teacher who challenged them to look at what ads and society tells us to value and messages that you feel lesser. but that was undermined when the narrative proceeded to describe a girl as manlike and gross for having leg hair on the next page with zero self-critical reflection.
-the r-slur is used multiple times in this one paragraph and it made me super uncomfortable even though it was not directed at about person but rather the protagonist's inner anxiety going on a self hating rant.
-then there was the use of "Chinese eyes" to describe a character. only once but that was a real WTF to me -_-
-the slut-shaming and gendered double standards surrounding sex are addressed in text, though.
August 4, 2017
I received an Advanced Reader Copy at Book Expo 2017.
A beautifully written coming of age story. We follow Taja from middle grade up through high school graduation. We experience all her firsts. We follow her as she tries to figure out who she is and what she believes. I especially loved her spiritual journey as she discovers how she wants to experience God, not just in church but in and around her.
Highly recommend.
A beautifully written coming of age story. We follow Taja from middle grade up through high school graduation. We experience all her firsts. We follow her as she tries to figure out who she is and what she believes. I especially loved her spiritual journey as she discovers how she wants to experience God, not just in church but in and around her.
Highly recommend.
Want to read
March 1, 2017Set in Houston, TX? Where I was born and raised? YES PLEASE!
March 7, 2018
Overall, I enjoyed this book but found certain parts to be overly detailed or slow. I liked some of the cultural references as they reminded me of my own childhood.
February 4, 2021
Trigger Warnings: Religious abuse, bullying, toxic masculinity, sexism, misogyny, cancer and death of a grandparent, racism, prejudice, school fights, slut shaming, sexual activity, gaslighting and manipulation
January 20, 2018
3.5 stars.
This book took me a while to get into. In fact I almost abandoned it about a third of the way through. It is about an African-American teen from a very religious family who is questioning God and trying to figure out who she is. The writing is beautiful with lots of short chapters that are almost vignettes.
This book took me a while to get into. In fact I almost abandoned it about a third of the way through. It is about an African-American teen from a very religious family who is questioning God and trying to figure out who she is. The writing is beautiful with lots of short chapters that are almost vignettes.
March 18, 2018
3.5 RTC to come when I've actually gotten a good nights sleep, I just got back from KB state.
October 22, 2020
It's been a hundred years... since I've finished a book what HAPPENED to me.
Anyway. This book was slow, but I really enjoyed the style of watching Taja's life happen through a series of vignettes. I still felt like I got to know Taja (even though it took a while) and I really enjoyed the way Taja worked through her faith. Not my favorite, but a good read nonetheless.
Anyway. This book was slow, but I really enjoyed the style of watching Taja's life happen through a series of vignettes. I still felt like I got to know Taja (even though it took a while) and I really enjoyed the way Taja worked through her faith. Not my favorite, but a good read nonetheless.
February 13, 2021
This book was okay- it was filled with short, random stories about a young girl's life and growing up into adulthood. I found it to be slightly all over the place, but it was an easy read, and it had some interesting parts. However, I wouldn't say it really had a beginning, middle, or ending point.
February 14, 2019
It is refreshing to read a book about black culture that is not about social justice. Certainly social
justice books play an important role in teen fiction as those titles expose readers to the realities of
this country's inability to address the racism, police violence and inequality in a meaningful way. But it is equally important for readers to learn that the black experience and culture is not just one thing, but many things. And that is what makes this title so great. The story revolves around Taja, a young black woman living in the suburbs of Houston with her tight knit middle-class family. Taja has many of the same concerns as any middle or high school student. Who am I? Where do I fit in? What are my values? What is my relationship with god? Taja’s family, especially her parents, are deeply religious and many of Taja’s inner musings address how her desires conflict with the teachings of her church and family. Some might find some of Taja’s thoughts to be immature but this cheesy romanticism will resonate with many teens. Setting that aside, the writing is quite beautiful. This is a solid debut and a good choice for any collection. The plot includes some sex, but nothing graphic. This will fit on any middle school shelves that include titles like A Fault In Our Stars.
justice books play an important role in teen fiction as those titles expose readers to the realities of
this country's inability to address the racism, police violence and inequality in a meaningful way. But it is equally important for readers to learn that the black experience and culture is not just one thing, but many things. And that is what makes this title so great. The story revolves around Taja, a young black woman living in the suburbs of Houston with her tight knit middle-class family. Taja has many of the same concerns as any middle or high school student. Who am I? Where do I fit in? What are my values? What is my relationship with god? Taja’s family, especially her parents, are deeply religious and many of Taja’s inner musings address how her desires conflict with the teachings of her church and family. Some might find some of Taja’s thoughts to be immature but this cheesy romanticism will resonate with many teens. Setting that aside, the writing is quite beautiful. This is a solid debut and a good choice for any collection. The plot includes some sex, but nothing graphic. This will fit on any middle school shelves that include titles like A Fault In Our Stars.
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