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Skye Falling
A woman who's used to going solo discovers that there's one relationship she can't run away from in this buoyant novel from the Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The Summer We Got Free
Twenty-six and broke, Skye didn't think twice before selling her eggs and happily pocketing the cash. Now approaching forty, Skye moves through life entirely--and unrepentantly--on her own terms, living out of a suitcase and avoiding all manner of serious relationships. Her personal life might be a mess, and no one would be surprised if she died alone in a hotel room, but at least she's free to do as she pleases.
But then a 12-year-old girl shows up during one of Skye's brief visits to her hometown of Philadelphia, and tells Skye that she's "her egg." Skye's life is thrown into sharp relief and she decides that it might be time to actually try to have a meaningful relationship with another human being. Spoiler alert: It's not easy.
Things gets even more complicated when Skye realizes that the woman she tried and failed to pick up the other day is the girl's aunt and now it's awkward.
All the while, her brother is trying to get in touch, her problematic mother is being bewilderingly kind, and the West Philly pool halls and hoagie shops of her youth have been replaced by hipster cafes.
Told in a fresh, lively voice, this novel is a relentlessly clever, deeply moving portrait of a woman and the relationships she thought she could live without.
Twenty-six and broke, Skye didn't think twice before selling her eggs and happily pocketing the cash. Now approaching forty, Skye moves through life entirely--and unrepentantly--on her own terms, living out of a suitcase and avoiding all manner of serious relationships. Her personal life might be a mess, and no one would be surprised if she died alone in a hotel room, but at least she's free to do as she pleases.
But then a 12-year-old girl shows up during one of Skye's brief visits to her hometown of Philadelphia, and tells Skye that she's "her egg." Skye's life is thrown into sharp relief and she decides that it might be time to actually try to have a meaningful relationship with another human being. Spoiler alert: It's not easy.
Things gets even more complicated when Skye realizes that the woman she tried and failed to pick up the other day is the girl's aunt and now it's awkward.
All the while, her brother is trying to get in touch, her problematic mother is being bewilderingly kind, and the West Philly pool halls and hoagie shops of her youth have been replaced by hipster cafes.
Told in a fresh, lively voice, this novel is a relentlessly clever, deeply moving portrait of a woman and the relationships she thought she could live without.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2021
351 people are currently reading
21826 people want to read
About the author
Mia McKenzie
6 books537 followersMia McKenzie is the award-winning author of The Summer We Got Free and the creator of Black Girl Dangerous Media, an independent media and education project that centers queer Black women and girls. She lives with her parenting partner and two children in the Happy Valley of Western Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,380 reviews
June 23, 2021
This was a good read. It took me a little while to get into the book -more on that later- but once I did, I was hooked. My plan was to read half the book tonight but I read all in one sitting since I was enjoying it so much. Because I read a lot of books, I sometimes find myself forgetting certain stories quite quickly. I’m happy to say that this book has the type of feel to it that I believe certain characters and storylines will stay with me for a long time to come.
This is contemporary fiction first and a romance second. I would probably say the split was about 70/30 or so. This book is also first person in the POV of our main character, Skye. Now, this is where I had a bit of a struggle getting into the book. Skye, is not always the easiest character to like and you really experience some mixed feelings for her in the beginning of the book. I noticed in the early reviews that while there were a lot of people that loved the book, there were some people that DNF’d it and I think that might be a reason why. My connection with Skye was very slow going, but as her character grew, my connection to her character grew. Anyway, my long drawn out point is that this is a book to be patient with. If you are unsure while reading, give it more time. This is the perfect example of a book that actually gets better every single chapter that you read.
While it took me a while to bond with Skye, the characters are the heart of this book. The characters are all extremely well written. It doesn’t matter how small of a roll they might have played, they all took up space and felt like fully formed characters. From Skye’s egg donor child to her disabled mother. From a best friend who is a transwoman to the Reverend, this is one of the better casts of characters I have read all year and I know I’m going to miss them.
I found that I enjoyed how many feel good moments that the book had. While this book does talk about racism, some biphobia and transphobia, abuse and neglect, and policing, before I could get too upset over something the book would have these nice warm and even humorous moments to lift you back up. This book had a lovely message about community and how important your made family is. And the relationship between Skye and her egg daughter really got to me emotionally. I did start to tear up a few times but I also smiled -a lot- and even laughed.
In the end, I would recommend this one to contemporary fiction fans. I think people looking for well written characters, especially ones that have growth and a journey to take, will enjoy this one. It does take a little bit to get into this book so be patient with this one. I have a feeling I will remember these character for a long time to come. I hope McKenzie will write more LGBTQ+ fiction as I would love to read it.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
This is contemporary fiction first and a romance second. I would probably say the split was about 70/30 or so. This book is also first person in the POV of our main character, Skye. Now, this is where I had a bit of a struggle getting into the book. Skye, is not always the easiest character to like and you really experience some mixed feelings for her in the beginning of the book. I noticed in the early reviews that while there were a lot of people that loved the book, there were some people that DNF’d it and I think that might be a reason why. My connection with Skye was very slow going, but as her character grew, my connection to her character grew. Anyway, my long drawn out point is that this is a book to be patient with. If you are unsure while reading, give it more time. This is the perfect example of a book that actually gets better every single chapter that you read.
While it took me a while to bond with Skye, the characters are the heart of this book. The characters are all extremely well written. It doesn’t matter how small of a roll they might have played, they all took up space and felt like fully formed characters. From Skye’s egg donor child to her disabled mother. From a best friend who is a transwoman to the Reverend, this is one of the better casts of characters I have read all year and I know I’m going to miss them.
I found that I enjoyed how many feel good moments that the book had. While this book does talk about racism, some biphobia and transphobia, abuse and neglect, and policing, before I could get too upset over something the book would have these nice warm and even humorous moments to lift you back up. This book had a lovely message about community and how important your made family is. And the relationship between Skye and her egg daughter really got to me emotionally. I did start to tear up a few times but I also smiled -a lot- and even laughed.
In the end, I would recommend this one to contemporary fiction fans. I think people looking for well written characters, especially ones that have growth and a journey to take, will enjoy this one. It does take a little bit to get into this book so be patient with this one. I have a feeling I will remember these character for a long time to come. I hope McKenzie will write more LGBTQ+ fiction as I would love to read it.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
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July 19, 2021Skye, a Black queer woman in her late 30s, lives her life unapologetically on her own terms. With her personal life a mess, things get even more complicated when a young girl finds her and says she’s Skye’s "egg daughter." Her life thrown off balance, Skye decides it may finally be time to try to have a meaningful relationship with another person. A real winner of a debut. Don’t miss this one.
December 2, 2021
I am a huge fan of narrator Bahni Turpin. Whatever she narrates, I love. Plus, “Skye Falling” sounded like a story that would make me humiliate myself in public by guffawing while walking alone.
Skye is an independent single woman, who owns her own travel agency. When she was 26, and not successful, her bff from summer camp asked if she could have some of her eggs. Needing the cash, she agreed to give her friend her eggs. Fast forward to age 40, a 12-year-old spunky girl enters Skye’s life claiming to be her “egg”. Well Skye forgot all about those eggs. She’s not sure she wants anything to do with her egg-donated child.
Adding to the fun, Skye finds out that the woman raising her “egg” is someone Skye recently tried to pick-up. Her “egg”, Vickie, is relentless in trying to forge a relationship with Skye. Skye is very single and not familiar with adulting around a teen.
The story is cleverly written. I think I would have enjoyed the book; yet Bahni Turpin adds so much to the story, as she narrates Skye perfectly. Skye is a bit “raw” or I’d say “gritty”. The F-bomb is thrown frequently, yet when it comes out of Ms. Turpin’s mouth, it’s not offensive to me. In fact, most of the time I howled in laughter.
This deserves a full 5 stars for hilarity and cleverness. Having you “egg” hunt you down is a clever concept. Skye herself is a cheeky character who I grew to adore….5 stars!! Bahni Turpin definitely gets 5 stars. The audio is fantastic!!
Skye is an independent single woman, who owns her own travel agency. When she was 26, and not successful, her bff from summer camp asked if she could have some of her eggs. Needing the cash, she agreed to give her friend her eggs. Fast forward to age 40, a 12-year-old spunky girl enters Skye’s life claiming to be her “egg”. Well Skye forgot all about those eggs. She’s not sure she wants anything to do with her egg-donated child.
Adding to the fun, Skye finds out that the woman raising her “egg” is someone Skye recently tried to pick-up. Her “egg”, Vickie, is relentless in trying to forge a relationship with Skye. Skye is very single and not familiar with adulting around a teen.
The story is cleverly written. I think I would have enjoyed the book; yet Bahni Turpin adds so much to the story, as she narrates Skye perfectly. Skye is a bit “raw” or I’d say “gritty”. The F-bomb is thrown frequently, yet when it comes out of Ms. Turpin’s mouth, it’s not offensive to me. In fact, most of the time I howled in laughter.
This deserves a full 5 stars for hilarity and cleverness. Having you “egg” hunt you down is a clever concept. Skye herself is a cheeky character who I grew to adore….5 stars!! Bahni Turpin definitely gets 5 stars. The audio is fantastic!!
March 19, 2025
4.5/5
- This book was SO good!! This was a contemporary fiction, but had a mix of romance intertwined within the story which I loved as a romance girlie. This book was soooo funny too! Found myself laughing out loud so many times.
- This would be a great book for a book club because there were so many themes of family, working through trauma & what happens when you don’t, self acceptance, how easy it is to shove our feelings down to dive into work, and on & on & on! Would have loved to discuss this book with a friend.
- Being vulnerable and opening yourself to love - whether that’s familial love, friendship, or romantic love can be so scary and this book truly made us feel exactly what the mmc was feeling. She’s pretty unlikable at the beginning of the book and by the end of the book I found myself loving her! Can’t recommend this book enough!
- This book was SO good!! This was a contemporary fiction, but had a mix of romance intertwined within the story which I loved as a romance girlie. This book was soooo funny too! Found myself laughing out loud so many times.
- This would be a great book for a book club because there were so many themes of family, working through trauma & what happens when you don’t, self acceptance, how easy it is to shove our feelings down to dive into work, and on & on & on! Would have loved to discuss this book with a friend.
- Being vulnerable and opening yourself to love - whether that’s familial love, friendship, or romantic love can be so scary and this book truly made us feel exactly what the mmc was feeling. She’s pretty unlikable at the beginning of the book and by the end of the book I found myself loving her! Can’t recommend this book enough!
July 20, 2021
So obviously if I enjoy a house on a cover I’m definitely going to be all in when there’s AN ENTIRE CITY on the cover. I have to confess I almost passed this one by after glancing at the synopsis and seeing it was going to be about a former egg who shows up in 100% actual human child form to confront the donor. My brain was saying hell to the nah nah and also . . . .
But the FOMO (as always) won out and I put my name on the library list like Good Morning America was actually going to call me in as a guest on the dang show to talk about this or something. It truly is an illness.
Good news is Skye wasn’t just some rando donor – she had done a pal a personal favor for some much needed cash back in the day and the resulting kid found out about it because she discovered the paperwork. Bad news is – Skye is A LOT. If you can’t deal with an unlikeable character and don’t have the patience to wait forever for a redemption arc, this probably isn’t the book for you. I dug it, though. I thought Skye was so realistic and, without spoiling all the things, I really appreciated her willingness to set boundaries without regard to outward appearances. I mean, she was definitely someone who took “you do you” to a different level for a good chunk of the story, but everyone should have a limit of what they are willing to accept/tolerate and not feel guilty about saying no thank you to toxic individuals/situations – even if they are your family. Her voice was a delight as well. I literally “LOL’d” more than once due to the conversational tone of the storytelling and Skye’s dry delivery. Examples . . . .
I almost get hit by a bright yellow bike that’s covered in I Heart Philly stickers. “Watch it!” the cyclist yells at me as he comes to a hard stop a foot away from me in the bike lane. “YOU watch it!” I yell back, because fuck him and his bike.
This is when I realize I’m still wearing my emergency bra and begin to scream internally. Faye looks at the bra and I can see the horror in her eyes, like: WHY ARE YOU WEARING YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S BRASSIERE? “I…wasn’t expecting this to happen today,” I tell her. “It’s okay,” she says. “It’s coming off now anyway.” She reaches around to unhook the bra. Thing is: Grandma’s bra has one hundred and seventeen clasps. Oh, you thought Meemaw was just going to be out here with a regular-ass bra with a regular-ass number of clasps? You thought Gam-Gam was going to risk her titties not staying perfectly still through a four-hour church service? What if she caught the spirit? You thought she was finna risk her bosoms just falling out all over the place while she was praising Jesus? You. Thought. Wrong.
Not to mention . . . .
I forget to comment about this most of the time, but I’m also a sucker for stories where the setting almost becomes a character of its own. And while I’m a Midwestern girl, this brought back plenty of blasts from my pasts. Mainly in the form of . . . .
But hey, at least my only knowledge of Philly isn’t this creep . . . .
But the FOMO (as always) won out and I put my name on the library list like Good Morning America was actually going to call me in as a guest on the dang show to talk about this or something. It truly is an illness.
Good news is Skye wasn’t just some rando donor – she had done a pal a personal favor for some much needed cash back in the day and the resulting kid found out about it because she discovered the paperwork. Bad news is – Skye is A LOT. If you can’t deal with an unlikeable character and don’t have the patience to wait forever for a redemption arc, this probably isn’t the book for you. I dug it, though. I thought Skye was so realistic and, without spoiling all the things, I really appreciated her willingness to set boundaries without regard to outward appearances. I mean, she was definitely someone who took “you do you” to a different level for a good chunk of the story, but everyone should have a limit of what they are willing to accept/tolerate and not feel guilty about saying no thank you to toxic individuals/situations – even if they are your family. Her voice was a delight as well. I literally “LOL’d” more than once due to the conversational tone of the storytelling and Skye’s dry delivery. Examples . . . .
I almost get hit by a bright yellow bike that’s covered in I Heart Philly stickers. “Watch it!” the cyclist yells at me as he comes to a hard stop a foot away from me in the bike lane. “YOU watch it!” I yell back, because fuck him and his bike.
This is when I realize I’m still wearing my emergency bra and begin to scream internally. Faye looks at the bra and I can see the horror in her eyes, like: WHY ARE YOU WEARING YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S BRASSIERE? “I…wasn’t expecting this to happen today,” I tell her. “It’s okay,” she says. “It’s coming off now anyway.” She reaches around to unhook the bra. Thing is: Grandma’s bra has one hundred and seventeen clasps. Oh, you thought Meemaw was just going to be out here with a regular-ass bra with a regular-ass number of clasps? You thought Gam-Gam was going to risk her titties not staying perfectly still through a four-hour church service? What if she caught the spirit? You thought she was finna risk her bosoms just falling out all over the place while she was praising Jesus? You. Thought. Wrong.
Not to mention . . . .
I forget to comment about this most of the time, but I’m also a sucker for stories where the setting almost becomes a character of its own. And while I’m a Midwestern girl, this brought back plenty of blasts from my pasts. Mainly in the form of . . . .
But hey, at least my only knowledge of Philly isn’t this creep . . . .
May 30, 2021
I really enjoyed my first book by Mia McKenzie!
To start this off I feel a little too white to be able to give this a comprehensive review but I'll do my best!
This book follows Skye Ellison, a black queer woman in her late 30s who splits her time in West Philadelphia for a couple weeks at a time, and wherever she is traveling with the vacation planning company she owns. She doesn't have a lot of close friendships as she doesn't let people close to her, so she drops them easily. One day when she is back in Philly she meets a twelve year old named Vicky who informs Skye that she is the product of when Skye donated some of her eggs several years ago. And this prompts Skye to want to get to know Vicky, and in turn Vicky's Aunt Faye, with whom she lives.
This was a great book with a lot of powerful messages to give about race relations in America and urban cities, gentrification, and police presence. But also it dives into relationships, family, and memory being an unreliable source at times.
This book really shines in the characters. Skye is a wonderfully messy and nuanced protagonist. Skye has been really hurt in her upbringing and a betrayal, so she keeps everyone at arms length away, but after meeting Vicky she wants to start bringing people in. Faye and Vicky are wonderful too. I loved her. Skye was so funny and has an interesting perspective on everything she comes across. But you can also tell how much she feels everything. I really love characters who are softies with a tough exterior and you get that in spades with Skye. Faye seems to have lived such an interesting life, and was a really great foil to Skye's character. And Vicky felt so real I wanted to get to know her!
This book had some really great side characters too. Viva, Skye's one long lasting friendship, was such a wonderful and dynamic voice in the book. I really love her loyalty to Skye, and how she isn't afraid to call Skye out when she needs too. Also I loved how well she was represented as a transwoman- it was part of her but not all of her, I really dig her character. Kaye's neighbor Reverend Seymour and Skye's brother Slade are also really interesting and I liked how they pushed Skye.
This book shines in the wonderful characters it presents and that helps really give the culture and dynamic of West Philly. You can feel everything so vividly, and that makes the message about gentrification in this book really shine.
What I didn't fall in love with in this book honestly was the romantic relationship. I adore both Skye and Faye as characters but I don't love them in a relationship. I can tell how much they do care about each other and have formed their own family unit with Vicky, and I liked that but I don't know if their personalities work in a relationship. Also everything went really fast once they did start. Additionally, with Skye's job of being away so often that isn't a lasting scenario. That might just be my perspective though.
Also a more minor criticism, I personally would have liked some resolution with Tasha and Skye's falling out. I'm not saying they need to be besties again, I just wish they would sit down and discuss things like adults- this might have really cemented Skye's maturity towards bonding with people.
I really did enjoy this book. The characters are fantastic and you can feel the culture of Philly in the writing. And for how serious the book's topics are, it never feels OVERLY heavy and is very funny. 4.25/5
Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To start this off I feel a little too white to be able to give this a comprehensive review but I'll do my best!
This book follows Skye Ellison, a black queer woman in her late 30s who splits her time in West Philadelphia for a couple weeks at a time, and wherever she is traveling with the vacation planning company she owns. She doesn't have a lot of close friendships as she doesn't let people close to her, so she drops them easily. One day when she is back in Philly she meets a twelve year old named Vicky who informs Skye that she is the product of when Skye donated some of her eggs several years ago. And this prompts Skye to want to get to know Vicky, and in turn Vicky's Aunt Faye, with whom she lives.
This was a great book with a lot of powerful messages to give about race relations in America and urban cities, gentrification, and police presence. But also it dives into relationships, family, and memory being an unreliable source at times.
This book really shines in the characters. Skye is a wonderfully messy and nuanced protagonist. Skye has been really hurt in her upbringing and a betrayal, so she keeps everyone at arms length away, but after meeting Vicky she wants to start bringing people in. Faye and Vicky are wonderful too. I loved her. Skye was so funny and has an interesting perspective on everything she comes across. But you can also tell how much she feels everything. I really love characters who are softies with a tough exterior and you get that in spades with Skye. Faye seems to have lived such an interesting life, and was a really great foil to Skye's character. And Vicky felt so real I wanted to get to know her!
This book had some really great side characters too. Viva, Skye's one long lasting friendship, was such a wonderful and dynamic voice in the book. I really love her loyalty to Skye, and how she isn't afraid to call Skye out when she needs too. Also I loved how well she was represented as a transwoman- it was part of her but not all of her, I really dig her character. Kaye's neighbor Reverend Seymour and Skye's brother Slade are also really interesting and I liked how they pushed Skye.
This book shines in the wonderful characters it presents and that helps really give the culture and dynamic of West Philly. You can feel everything so vividly, and that makes the message about gentrification in this book really shine.
What I didn't fall in love with in this book honestly was the romantic relationship. I adore both Skye and Faye as characters but I don't love them in a relationship. I can tell how much they do care about each other and have formed their own family unit with Vicky, and I liked that but I don't know if their personalities work in a relationship. Also everything went really fast once they did start. Additionally, with Skye's job of being away so often that isn't a lasting scenario. That might just be my perspective though.
Also a more minor criticism, I personally would have liked some resolution with Tasha and Skye's falling out. I'm not saying they need to be besties again, I just wish they would sit down and discuss things like adults- this might have really cemented Skye's maturity towards bonding with people.
I really did enjoy this book. The characters are fantastic and you can feel the culture of Philly in the writing. And for how serious the book's topics are, it never feels OVERLY heavy and is very funny. 4.25/5
Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2021
DNF @ 36%
The main reason I didn't continue was because of the writing style. The story line was fine if not a bit basic. The characters were unlikeable at times. I didn't hate the book at all but at this point I was pushing myself through it. I'm sure a lot of people will like this it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The main reason I didn't continue was because of the writing style. The story line was fine if not a bit basic. The characters were unlikeable at times. I didn't hate the book at all but at this point I was pushing myself through it. I'm sure a lot of people will like this it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2022
I liked a lot of the themes and messages of Skye Falling, which centers on Skye, a queer Black woman in her late 30s. In particular, I appreciated how Mia McKenzie characterized Skye as someone with a lot of heart and humor as well as issues related to attachment and intimacy given the traumatic elements of her childhood. The novel contains many touching moments and relationships between Skye and the woman in her life, both younger and older. The characters grow in ways that feel like progress without minimizing the messiness of healing from difficult family dynamics.
I give this book three stars just because the writing style itself didn’t sit well with me. I found it forced and difficult to get into, thus obscuring the emotional depth of the novel. Again though, enjoyed this book for its characterization of a fun, complex queer Black woman.
I give this book three stars just because the writing style itself didn’t sit well with me. I found it forced and difficult to get into, thus obscuring the emotional depth of the novel. Again though, enjoyed this book for its characterization of a fun, complex queer Black woman.
June 6, 2021
I really wanted to like this novel but I just could not get onboard with the writing style. The slang and turns of phrases feel forced and prevent the character interactions from having depth.
July 8, 2021
Mia McKenzie's upcoming novel,
Skye Falling
, shows that if you push everyone away, you can’t wonder why you’re lonely.
When Skye was in junior high school she was voted “Most Likely to Be Single.” It’s like even then her classmates knew relationships really weren’t for her.
“And while being voted ‘Most Likely to be Single’ at twelve years old isn’t necessarily an early indicator that one might die alone in a hotel bed many years later, it’s not hard to imagine it as part of the same narrative, right? Not that you’d expect it, but if you heard about it you’d be like: ‘Uh-huh, okay, I can see that.’ So, yeah. Nobody would be super surprised. Is what I’m saying.”
Now, as she nears 40, Skye hasn’t changed much. She keeps her friends, her family at arm’s length and doesn’t do relationships beyond hookups. But when Vicky, a 12-year-old girl, finds Skye and tells her she’s “her egg” (Skye donated her eggs to an infertile friend years ago), Skye starts thinking about whether she should try to have a relationship with this girl. But where to start?
And when she tries to pick up a woman (and fails), only to discover the woman’s connections to Vicky, Skye wonders once and for all whether her plan to push everyone away was the right one. Is she worthy of loving and of being loved?
Skye Falling was an interesting, well-written character study and a look at a woman who thinks she has it all figured out, only to ultimately discover that she really doesn’t. I think we all know—or are—people like that.<
My challenge is that I found Skye fairly unappealing as a character so I had trouble caring about what happened to her. My feelings changed a bit as the book progressed, but it’s always difficult for me to connect with unlikeable characters.
This was an early release through the Book of the Month Club. Skye Falling publishes 6/22.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
When Skye was in junior high school she was voted “Most Likely to Be Single.” It’s like even then her classmates knew relationships really weren’t for her.
“And while being voted ‘Most Likely to be Single’ at twelve years old isn’t necessarily an early indicator that one might die alone in a hotel bed many years later, it’s not hard to imagine it as part of the same narrative, right? Not that you’d expect it, but if you heard about it you’d be like: ‘Uh-huh, okay, I can see that.’ So, yeah. Nobody would be super surprised. Is what I’m saying.”
Now, as she nears 40, Skye hasn’t changed much. She keeps her friends, her family at arm’s length and doesn’t do relationships beyond hookups. But when Vicky, a 12-year-old girl, finds Skye and tells her she’s “her egg” (Skye donated her eggs to an infertile friend years ago), Skye starts thinking about whether she should try to have a relationship with this girl. But where to start?
And when she tries to pick up a woman (and fails), only to discover the woman’s connections to Vicky, Skye wonders once and for all whether her plan to push everyone away was the right one. Is she worthy of loving and of being loved?
Skye Falling was an interesting, well-written character study and a look at a woman who thinks she has it all figured out, only to ultimately discover that she really doesn’t. I think we all know—or are—people like that.<
My challenge is that I found Skye fairly unappealing as a character so I had trouble caring about what happened to her. My feelings changed a bit as the book progressed, but it’s always difficult for me to connect with unlikeable characters.
This was an early release through the Book of the Month Club. Skye Falling publishes 6/22.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
May 4, 2021
I loved this book so much! Skye, a queer Black woman in her late 30s, is constantly traveling around the world, living out of a suitcase, and avoiding setting up a stable life in her hometown of Philadelphia. But when she meets Vicky, a 12 year old girl who is the product of an egg that Skye donated to a friend, Skye finally thinks that there’s something worth sticking around for.
Skye is an amazing main character. She’s messy, complex, makes bad decisions, sometimes “unlikeable,” and totally hilarious. I think that Mia McKenzie did an excellent job at crafting Skye’s development over the course of the story. It’s so rewarding watching her get close with Vicky and Vicky’s aunt Faye. Skye’s internal monologue is so funny, it literally had me laughing out loud at multiple points throughout the book. There is an element of romance in the book, but the focus is way more on Skye’s personal journey with friends, family, and herself.
The sense of place is so strong in this book. The way that Philadelphia and the different neighborhoods and communities were described was so vivid. Something simple like the characters sitting on the front porch during the evening really felt like it came to life. Another element that’s also very present throughout the book is Skye’s memories of the city from her youth and how gentrification is taking away places that meant a lot to her.
I definitely recommend people check this book out! It has a lot of heart and a lot of humor while touching on serious issues that impact the Black and queer communities.
Thank you to the publisher for providing and advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Skye is an amazing main character. She’s messy, complex, makes bad decisions, sometimes “unlikeable,” and totally hilarious. I think that Mia McKenzie did an excellent job at crafting Skye’s development over the course of the story. It’s so rewarding watching her get close with Vicky and Vicky’s aunt Faye. Skye’s internal monologue is so funny, it literally had me laughing out loud at multiple points throughout the book. There is an element of romance in the book, but the focus is way more on Skye’s personal journey with friends, family, and herself.
The sense of place is so strong in this book. The way that Philadelphia and the different neighborhoods and communities were described was so vivid. Something simple like the characters sitting on the front porch during the evening really felt like it came to life. Another element that’s also very present throughout the book is Skye’s memories of the city from her youth and how gentrification is taking away places that meant a lot to her.
I definitely recommend people check this book out! It has a lot of heart and a lot of humor while touching on serious issues that impact the Black and queer communities.
Thank you to the publisher for providing and advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2025
Probably says something somewhat unflattering about me that I found Skye to be somewhat relatable in her emotional immaturity, learning to show up for people is hard when it hasn't been modeled for you.
I liked the fact that Skye was in her late 30s and that she wasn't just a mess, she was a professionally fairly successful woman with a business of her own.
I enjoyed most of this book but by the time the ending rolled around I was ready for it to be over.
I liked the fact that Skye was in her late 30s and that she wasn't just a mess, she was a professionally fairly successful woman with a business of her own.
I enjoyed most of this book but by the time the ending rolled around I was ready for it to be over.
January 13, 2023
I feel that if this was focused more on the social justice issues (gentrification, police brutality, etc) I would have enjoyed it more. The romance was lacking and reeked of insta-love. Skye is an unlikeable character and all of the other characters are more interesting. I did like the growth that Skye shows, and I enjoyed the themes explored, but I felt that the exploration was shallow in the wake of trying to force the romantic relationship.
All in all, had potential, but tried to do too much.
I also listened to the audiobook (love anything Bahni Turpin narrates). Based on reviews about the writing style in the physical book, I think I wouldn’t have been able to read it. The humor also didn’t really work for me.
There are other books that focus on these themes that do it better.
All in all, had potential, but tried to do too much.
I also listened to the audiobook (love anything Bahni Turpin narrates). Based on reviews about the writing style in the physical book, I think I wouldn’t have been able to read it. The humor also didn’t really work for me.
There are other books that focus on these themes that do it better.
June 19, 2021
Skye lives a messy life. She's inconsiderate, a commitment-phobe, and not "nice". However, when she visits her hometown, she meets a little girl that challenges her mess and makes her rethink her skeletons.
I absolutely love this book. Not only does Mia McKenzie illustrates the love of her (and my) hometown, Philadelphia, with colorful descriptions of its slang, neighborhoods, and even the skyline at night, she depicts a woman influx. Skye's never clean, but underneath the "strong" veneer, she yearns to change, even if she gets the yearning wrong sometimes. Some readers may slate her as unlikable. But, she's one of the few unlikable characters that charms you with her scorching wit and charm. She's queer, black, and nutty. But, never did I wish to abandon her story.
Alongside, Skye, the main character, McKenzie writes a strong cast of supporting characters. Vicky, her donated "egg-child", is whip-smart, observant, and a tornado in a little body. She meets Skye's match at every turn. Viva, her best friend, is a lovely transwoman, with a personality, not built on pain, but strength, a mind of her own, and motherly love. Faye, Vicky's aunt and love interest, is warm with a story of her own. McKenzie also shows how Skye's family contributes the portrait lain before us as readers. No one's "boring" or cliché. They add, not hinder, the story.
As with any Mia McKenzie work, you read how topics of the day garner attention as background entities: gentrification, police brutality, racism, homophobia, the church, etc., If anything, these topics create additional flavor to a story with bite.
I highly recommend this tale. Queer stories that express pain, outside of one's sexuality, deserve space and favor.
5/5
I absolutely love this book. Not only does Mia McKenzie illustrates the love of her (and my) hometown, Philadelphia, with colorful descriptions of its slang, neighborhoods, and even the skyline at night, she depicts a woman influx. Skye's never clean, but underneath the "strong" veneer, she yearns to change, even if she gets the yearning wrong sometimes. Some readers may slate her as unlikable. But, she's one of the few unlikable characters that charms you with her scorching wit and charm. She's queer, black, and nutty. But, never did I wish to abandon her story.
Alongside, Skye, the main character, McKenzie writes a strong cast of supporting characters. Vicky, her donated "egg-child", is whip-smart, observant, and a tornado in a little body. She meets Skye's match at every turn. Viva, her best friend, is a lovely transwoman, with a personality, not built on pain, but strength, a mind of her own, and motherly love. Faye, Vicky's aunt and love interest, is warm with a story of her own. McKenzie also shows how Skye's family contributes the portrait lain before us as readers. No one's "boring" or cliché. They add, not hinder, the story.
As with any Mia McKenzie work, you read how topics of the day garner attention as background entities: gentrification, police brutality, racism, homophobia, the church, etc., If anything, these topics create additional flavor to a story with bite.
I highly recommend this tale. Queer stories that express pain, outside of one's sexuality, deserve space and favor.
5/5
July 20, 2021
Getting through this was difficult, there was very little to hold my interest, and the writing was very disjointed with too many attempts at being funny that fell flat. I finished it, only to make sure I could fairly review it and give this book the benefit of the doubt.
What could have been a great storyline and plot based on a single, unattached woman terrified of commitment, who unwittingly meets a 12 year old child she helped bring into the world via egg donation in her early 20s, was completely derailed by a very narrow-minded, and at times offensive and racist narrative that was consistently (and forcefully) pushed in every single chapter of this book.
While I don't expect to like every lead character in a book, I was hoping Skye's character would have some redemption or relatability by the end of the book. Not so. The most likeable character, Vicky, was unfortunately also overshadowed and stunted in her potential development by the dominating anger and political undertones of book.
The reviews led me to believe the writing would be humorous and poignant, and for me, this was not the case at all. Questioning if quality writing is no longer rated by content and mastery, or just rated based on how many social justice buzzwords we can throw on a page. So many great books manage to tell stories of people of color, LGBTQ stories, and stories of family trauma and redemption with thoughtfully interweaved concepts, thought provoking questions, and meaningful dialogue. This book did none of that, instead being crude, choppy, and forcing the writer's opinions on nearly every page, most often at the cost of being irrelevant to the storyline.
What could have been a great storyline and plot based on a single, unattached woman terrified of commitment, who unwittingly meets a 12 year old child she helped bring into the world via egg donation in her early 20s, was completely derailed by a very narrow-minded, and at times offensive and racist narrative that was consistently (and forcefully) pushed in every single chapter of this book.
While I don't expect to like every lead character in a book, I was hoping Skye's character would have some redemption or relatability by the end of the book. Not so. The most likeable character, Vicky, was unfortunately also overshadowed and stunted in her potential development by the dominating anger and political undertones of book.
The reviews led me to believe the writing would be humorous and poignant, and for me, this was not the case at all. Questioning if quality writing is no longer rated by content and mastery, or just rated based on how many social justice buzzwords we can throw on a page. So many great books manage to tell stories of people of color, LGBTQ stories, and stories of family trauma and redemption with thoughtfully interweaved concepts, thought provoking questions, and meaningful dialogue. This book did none of that, instead being crude, choppy, and forcing the writer's opinions on nearly every page, most often at the cost of being irrelevant to the storyline.
June 25, 2021
Unique look at the complexities of family and race
Skye travels for a living--nearly a nomad at forty--touching down in her hometown of Philadelphia only occasionally and staying at her friend's bed and breakfast. It's on one of those visits home that a twelve-year-old girl approaches Skye and tells her that she's her "egg." Years ago, Skye donated eggs to a friend for money, and now Vicky is here as a result. Skye soon realizes that Vicky's aunt Faye is the woman she tried to pick up in a record store the other day. And, she's starting to come to the understanding that being responsible, even tangentially, for another human means she might have to finally grow up herself.
This book was lovely and took me by surprise: in all the good ways. I loved Skye--her anti-social ways, her awkwardness, and her cynicism. She's a true mess, with a mom and dad who left her hurting and afraid to love or trust--but McKenzie captures Skye's voice so perfectly that it's hard to resist her. This is an honest and emotional book, written in a way of addressing the reader directly. It's different at times and might take some getting used to, but I loved the whole thing.
The story here is so interesting and might sound off-putting: Vicky discovers Faye, who donated her eggs years ago to Vicky's mom. Skye has a crush on Vicky's aunt. In the background, Skye is floundering--she's a great businesswoman but she has a terrible relationship with her brother and her mother, who is ill. She also has tumultuous and dramatic friendships.
The city of Philly is a character in itself here too--it stands vibrant and buoyant in McKenzie's hands, as she pens an ode to the city and its black community. There are excellent and timely discussions of race, including a strong side plot featuring Vicky and Faye's neighbor. But best of all is the existence of Skye, Faye, and Vicky themselves--strong black women finding their way in the world. They completely grow on you as you read this outstanding book.
Overall, this is an excellent read. It's funny, heartfelt, and completely engaging. This authentic cast of characters will steal your heart.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group in return for an unbiased review. 4.5 stars.
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Skye travels for a living--nearly a nomad at forty--touching down in her hometown of Philadelphia only occasionally and staying at her friend's bed and breakfast. It's on one of those visits home that a twelve-year-old girl approaches Skye and tells her that she's her "egg." Years ago, Skye donated eggs to a friend for money, and now Vicky is here as a result. Skye soon realizes that Vicky's aunt Faye is the woman she tried to pick up in a record store the other day. And, she's starting to come to the understanding that being responsible, even tangentially, for another human means she might have to finally grow up herself.
This book was lovely and took me by surprise: in all the good ways. I loved Skye--her anti-social ways, her awkwardness, and her cynicism. She's a true mess, with a mom and dad who left her hurting and afraid to love or trust--but McKenzie captures Skye's voice so perfectly that it's hard to resist her. This is an honest and emotional book, written in a way of addressing the reader directly. It's different at times and might take some getting used to, but I loved the whole thing.
The story here is so interesting and might sound off-putting: Vicky discovers Faye, who donated her eggs years ago to Vicky's mom. Skye has a crush on Vicky's aunt. In the background, Skye is floundering--she's a great businesswoman but she has a terrible relationship with her brother and her mother, who is ill. She also has tumultuous and dramatic friendships.
The city of Philly is a character in itself here too--it stands vibrant and buoyant in McKenzie's hands, as she pens an ode to the city and its black community. There are excellent and timely discussions of race, including a strong side plot featuring Vicky and Faye's neighbor. But best of all is the existence of Skye, Faye, and Vicky themselves--strong black women finding their way in the world. They completely grow on you as you read this outstanding book.
Overall, this is an excellent read. It's funny, heartfelt, and completely engaging. This authentic cast of characters will steal your heart.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group in return for an unbiased review. 4.5 stars.
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June 20, 2021
I'm so glad I picked this one from BOTM! There were a few popular picks and I decided to go with the one that I didn't really know of. I was NOT disappointed.
The premise is so unique and was very satisfied with how the author executed it. There are so many cute & funny one liners. If you like contemporaries you should really give this one a chance! It's sweet, hilarious, and dives deep into many important topics.
The premise is so unique and was very satisfied with how the author executed it. There are so many cute & funny one liners. If you like contemporaries you should really give this one a chance! It's sweet, hilarious, and dives deep into many important topics.
July 9, 2021
Skye Falling felt like meeting up with my friends and sharing our life updates. It's somehow a comfortable read, while also addressing the important topics of Black culture, family dynamics, racism, queerness, gentrification, love, friendships, and police presence. It's loaded, but Mia McKenzie writes Skye in a way that allows you to hear her thoughts in your head and her voice out loud when she's speaking. It feels like you know her and even though I personally do not have the experiences Skye does, or that many who read this novel do, I felt like I was there and being given a perspective I would not know otherwise.
Skye faces things with humor, snark, or by running, but life has caught up to her, tagged her it, and now she's free falling through it. I weirdly loved Skye, in all her messiness she owns it and as she recognizes the messes she's made she begins to face the traumas that have shaped her. Besides Skye, McKenzie gives readers an incredible set of secondary characters. Viva could have her own whole novel, I'd read it in a second, and Vicky is so herself at such a young age that I can't help but want to see her again when she's older. West Philly itself feels like a character too, not just a setting. The streets are alive, the most minor of neighbors plays an important role in highlighting the gentrification of Skye's home, the racism that persists.
Skye Falling is an incredible novel, filled with humor and heart. A bit of a coming of age story, but for a grownup, with an impactful, relevant storyline.
ARC provided.
Skye faces things with humor, snark, or by running, but life has caught up to her, tagged her it, and now she's free falling through it. I weirdly loved Skye, in all her messiness she owns it and as she recognizes the messes she's made she begins to face the traumas that have shaped her. Besides Skye, McKenzie gives readers an incredible set of secondary characters. Viva could have her own whole novel, I'd read it in a second, and Vicky is so herself at such a young age that I can't help but want to see her again when she's older. West Philly itself feels like a character too, not just a setting. The streets are alive, the most minor of neighbors plays an important role in highlighting the gentrification of Skye's home, the racism that persists.
Skye Falling is an incredible novel, filled with humor and heart. A bit of a coming of age story, but for a grownup, with an impactful, relevant storyline.
ARC provided.
February 21, 2022
One of my favorite books of 2022!!! Thank you to my friend Ally for the rec.
This book is SO messy and funny and heartfelt. McKenzie’s writing reminded me of the best parts of Terry McMillan’s. I appreciated all Skye’s flaws and her sticky, uncomfortable relationships with the women in her life. And the exploration of grief and illness amongst Black women! And Vicky is an icon. Simply That Girl. I want more from this author!
This book is SO messy and funny and heartfelt. McKenzie’s writing reminded me of the best parts of Terry McMillan’s. I appreciated all Skye’s flaws and her sticky, uncomfortable relationships with the women in her life. And the exploration of grief and illness amongst Black women! And Vicky is an icon. Simply That Girl. I want more from this author!
June 13, 2021
Disliked. End of story. Waste of my Book of the Month pick…..
February 21, 2025
Skye Falling is one of the funniest novels I’ve ever read. Skye is an endearing mess of a main character whose narration is packed with jokes that had me snorting.
This story also felt so realistic to me. Skye is messy, and even when she’s trying to improve, she makes mistakes. The supporting characters all feel fully realized. And every relationship she’s trying to cultivate is complicated in some way. For example, Skye is still angry that her mother didn’t protect her from her father’s violence when she was a kid—but her mother has had a brain injury and no longer really remembers those times. She resents her brother for trying to get her to see their mother, while he’s hurt Skye would blame him. Vicky is a sweet kid who is also struggling to contain her anger problems. Everything is complicated—but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying to make connections anyway.
This has cemented Mia McKenzie as one my all-time favourite authors. And inexplicably waiting years to pick this up dies have an upside, because now I only have months to wait until her next novel: These Heathens.
Full review at the Lesbrary.
This story also felt so realistic to me. Skye is messy, and even when she’s trying to improve, she makes mistakes. The supporting characters all feel fully realized. And every relationship she’s trying to cultivate is complicated in some way. For example, Skye is still angry that her mother didn’t protect her from her father’s violence when she was a kid—but her mother has had a brain injury and no longer really remembers those times. She resents her brother for trying to get her to see their mother, while he’s hurt Skye would blame him. Vicky is a sweet kid who is also struggling to contain her anger problems. Everything is complicated—but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying to make connections anyway.
This has cemented Mia McKenzie as one my all-time favourite authors. And inexplicably waiting years to pick this up dies have an upside, because now I only have months to wait until her next novel: These Heathens.
Full review at the Lesbrary.
April 28, 2021
I loved everything about this book. Within the first couple pages I was sold. At first glance, Skye is a super unlikeable character, but the character development in this book is phenomenal! Not only do you grow to love her, but you grow to love her because of her flaws, not in spite of them. Skye can be incredibly tactless, but in such an entertaining way (see: spelling bee scene); yet at other times, we get to witness the true depth of her character and how she has been shaped by her past (and present). McKenzie incorporates many real issues into this novel, ranging from infertility to gentrification, none of which felt forced or ingenuine. Also, major major props for the LGBTQ+ representation!!!
I just really appreciated what a unique and new plot this was! Usually when I read a book, I find myself thinking, "Oh, this is kind of similar to [insert another book title here]!" but I couldn't think of anything to compare this book too! It is it's own type of masterpiece and I can't wait to read more from the author!
I just really appreciated what a unique and new plot this was! Usually when I read a book, I find myself thinking, "Oh, this is kind of similar to [insert another book title here]!" but I couldn't think of anything to compare this book too! It is it's own type of masterpiece and I can't wait to read more from the author!
June 24, 2021
Just wasn’t a fan of the writing style tbh
July 31, 2021
This was a quick read that took me forever. I adored the book from go, rooted for the characters and laughed-but it didn't spare my feelings either.
The writing style is straightforward, it's casual, and it acknowledges the audience with regularity. If any of that bothers you, that's fine, but it felt like being in the moment with a storyteller in person. In no way do the reminders to the reader insult, rather they endear and build a connection to the story. I don't think this is always skillfully done, but I do here.
If none of that bothers you, should you read this book? Take a Mhairi McFarlane character, late 30s, kind of a mess of her own making and a lot not, but make her black and queer and from West Philly, well then you have a feel of this book. It's a love story in a million different ways: family, self, city, people, neighborhood. I really loved how McKenzie made a pulsing neighborhood come alive in this book and its built community. There was so much charm to these smaller and larger secondary characters.
I haven't thought about this in years. Or, to be honest, I've only thought about the part where my mother acted a whole-ass lunatic. I haven't thought about her saucy peace offering.
I lean back in my chair and rub my eyes. I think about the ways good and not-so-good times fold together and overlap, the ways memory of stress and one of reparation can sleep like lovers in the
same bed, touching fingertips in the quiet, and I question myself. Why do I pretend it was all bad?
In so many ways this book is joyful and real, and strikes a perfect note. And if I truly knew how to use jawn I so would.
The writing style is straightforward, it's casual, and it acknowledges the audience with regularity. If any of that bothers you, that's fine, but it felt like being in the moment with a storyteller in person. In no way do the reminders to the reader insult, rather they endear and build a connection to the story. I don't think this is always skillfully done, but I do here.
If none of that bothers you, should you read this book? Take a Mhairi McFarlane character, late 30s, kind of a mess of her own making and a lot not, but make her black and queer and from West Philly, well then you have a feel of this book. It's a love story in a million different ways: family, self, city, people, neighborhood. I really loved how McKenzie made a pulsing neighborhood come alive in this book and its built community. There was so much charm to these smaller and larger secondary characters.
I haven't thought about this in years. Or, to be honest, I've only thought about the part where my mother acted a whole-ass lunatic. I haven't thought about her saucy peace offering.
I lean back in my chair and rub my eyes. I think about the ways good and not-so-good times fold together and overlap, the ways memory of stress and one of reparation can sleep like lovers in the
same bed, touching fingertips in the quiet, and I question myself. Why do I pretend it was all bad?
In so many ways this book is joyful and real, and strikes a perfect note. And if I truly knew how to use jawn I so would.
January 25, 2022
EDIT: A lot of white readers seem to be big mad about the race commentary in this book. All I'm gonna say is a hit dog will holler. Nothing in here was anti-white. Police violence is real. Multilingual people exist. White people microaggress Black folks all the time without a second thought. The N-word is not a slur when Black people say it. All of these things are true and are reflected in this book. If these truths made you uncomfortable as you read this book, it's probably because you recognize bits of yourself in some of the problematic characters here. Take it out on the white supremacist community that raised you, not on this book. ISWIS 🤷🏾♀️
NOW, on to my notes...
WHAT I LIKED:
🔸️Queer love, trans rep, strong friendships, and complicated family relationships.
🔸️Skye is a hot mess of a woman, and I love messy Black women in fiction.
🔸️Her best friend Viva is a trans Puerto Rican woman who loves Skye hard and doesn't hesitate to call her on her shit.
🔸️Skye's mom was a bystander to the abuse Skye suffered from her father and we see Skye wrestle with the realization that parents are only human and sometimes we don't get apologies or clean resolutions for the pain they caused us. We are responsible for our own healing. Love that message.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
🔸️Skye's voice was so inconsistent. I think I would have liked this book a lot more if it were told in third person. I struggled with Skye narrating her own story. Her narrative voice is very sterile/academic, but then every 40 pages or so the author will toss in a "kna'mean" or "that jawn over there" or "nigga is you drunk?". I found these moments really jarring and it just didn't feel authentic given the way Skye was narrating the story.
🔸️About a third of the way in, she starts breaking the fourth wall by addressing the reader as "y'all." A curious choice, and I don't know that it added anything to the story.
🔸️Writing humor is probably one of the hardest things to pull off. The jokes and one-liners felt very cheesy and were a major miss for me.
🔸️Skye does not deserve Faye. Like at all. Her redemption arc was not anywhere near strong enough for me to root for them as a couple. Faye deserves better. She and Vicky were the most interesting characters here. I would have much rather read a story about them in a world where they never met Skye.
NOW, on to my notes...
WHAT I LIKED:
🔸️Queer love, trans rep, strong friendships, and complicated family relationships.
🔸️Skye is a hot mess of a woman, and I love messy Black women in fiction.
🔸️Her best friend Viva is a trans Puerto Rican woman who loves Skye hard and doesn't hesitate to call her on her shit.
🔸️Skye's mom was a bystander to the abuse Skye suffered from her father and we see Skye wrestle with the realization that parents are only human and sometimes we don't get apologies or clean resolutions for the pain they caused us. We are responsible for our own healing. Love that message.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
🔸️Skye's voice was so inconsistent. I think I would have liked this book a lot more if it were told in third person. I struggled with Skye narrating her own story. Her narrative voice is very sterile/academic, but then every 40 pages or so the author will toss in a "kna'mean" or "that jawn over there" or "nigga is you drunk?". I found these moments really jarring and it just didn't feel authentic given the way Skye was narrating the story.
🔸️About a third of the way in, she starts breaking the fourth wall by addressing the reader as "y'all." A curious choice, and I don't know that it added anything to the story.
🔸️Writing humor is probably one of the hardest things to pull off. The jokes and one-liners felt very cheesy and were a major miss for me.
🔸️Skye does not deserve Faye. Like at all. Her redemption arc was not anywhere near strong enough for me to root for them as a couple. Faye deserves better. She and Vicky were the most interesting characters here. I would have much rather read a story about them in a world where they never met Skye.
May 1, 2021
The cultural roots of this book are subtle but intricate. It does a really good job at teaching Black culture and the struggles they face. Skye is also a hilarious character and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times because of her endeavors. Not only is she funny but her character development is fantastic and well-paced. But the best part of this book is that it shows the importance of friends and family. Overall, this is a really sweet story about family and culture that you should consider picking up.
June 16, 2021
There doesn't seem to be a point to this one. There was way to much arguing, I felt like it was written by a 12 year old! Not the best...
January 16, 2022
Was between a 4 and a 5 and while there were some things I would tweak I had so much fun reading this it’s so freaking entertaining and wholesome. Perfect reading experience.
September 2, 2021
4.5
Skye is a black queer woman with trust issues. When a 12 years old tug at her shirt in an art fair to tell her that she was her egg, the egg Skye donated to her friend long ago, things begin changing. For someone who never had the experience of settling and planning for someone Skye decides to stay back for the child. Skye begins to realise that she considers Vicky more than just her egg. She develops a sense of community bonding with her hometown and also does something she avoided for the quarter of her life, fix her friendships and start a relationship.
I must say I loved reading this book. I haven't read many books with black characters and it was nice getting to know the black community stuff. There were instances where I found the author going too out of her way to drive her point, especially in terms of racism. I get what the author was trying to claim but it felt too uncomfortable for me, even as a brown if you ask me. The writer does emphasis upon police brutality and racism. Overall, it was a nice read. I felt too young for certain intimacies in the book. Sometimes, the writing seems as if some kid wrote it. Anyways, In the end, I loved it. Especially how Skye's life changes. I felt pretty bad for her since the book began.
Skye is a black queer woman with trust issues. When a 12 years old tug at her shirt in an art fair to tell her that she was her egg, the egg Skye donated to her friend long ago, things begin changing. For someone who never had the experience of settling and planning for someone Skye decides to stay back for the child. Skye begins to realise that she considers Vicky more than just her egg. She develops a sense of community bonding with her hometown and also does something she avoided for the quarter of her life, fix her friendships and start a relationship.
I must say I loved reading this book. I haven't read many books with black characters and it was nice getting to know the black community stuff. There were instances where I found the author going too out of her way to drive her point, especially in terms of racism. I get what the author was trying to claim but it felt too uncomfortable for me, even as a brown if you ask me. The writer does emphasis upon police brutality and racism. Overall, it was a nice read. I felt too young for certain intimacies in the book. Sometimes, the writing seems as if some kid wrote it. Anyways, In the end, I loved it. Especially how Skye's life changes. I felt pretty bad for her since the book began.
June 12, 2021
I really tried to get into this book. I was intrigued by the synopsis but it just fell flat for me. I didn’t find any of the characters likeable. As one reviewer stated, maybe I am just too white for this book. The main character, Skye, is a 40 year old lesbian with serious issues and an attitude to match. I thought this book would focus on relationship building, romance, some comedy but instead social issues were discussed frequently throughout the 73 pages I made myself read. I read to escape the issues of the world and prefer to avoid books where police, white people and such are referred to in a negative light. I also didn’t like the writing style of the author. This book just wasn’t for me but I’m sure others will find it enjoyable.
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