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The Weight
A powerful coming-of-age novel about a twenty-something Black musician living in predominantly white Portland, Oregon, playing in a rock band on the verge of success while struggling with racism, romance, and the legacy of his strict religious upbringing.
Julian Strickland is seemingly the lone Black man in the hipster dreamland of Portland, Oregon. To his friends, he’s the coolest member of the scene: the soulful drummer from Chicago in an indie rock band that’s just about to break through. But to himself, he’s a sheltered Christian homeschool kid who used to write book reports on Leviticus. A virgin until the night of his marriage, divorced at twenty-four, he’s still in disarray two years later—pretending to fit in, wondering if any of his relationships are real, estranged from his family, and struggling to reconcile his relationship with God.
Then he meets Ida Blair, a Black painter at the start of a promising career. They begin a tentative relationship, and Ida seems to offer Julian relief from his confusion. But suddenly she stops responding to his texts. Things only get worse when Julian’s best friend mysteriously turns on him, his house burns down, and the band considers breaking up on the eve of their most important show yet. It seems the only thing Julian has left—the only thing he’s ever had, really—is the weight he is carrying.
Jeff Boyd’s beguiling first novel is a piercing exploration of faith, racial identity, love, and friendship—woven of acid humor, disarming vulnerability, and unforgettable poignance.
Julian Strickland is seemingly the lone Black man in the hipster dreamland of Portland, Oregon. To his friends, he’s the coolest member of the scene: the soulful drummer from Chicago in an indie rock band that’s just about to break through. But to himself, he’s a sheltered Christian homeschool kid who used to write book reports on Leviticus. A virgin until the night of his marriage, divorced at twenty-four, he’s still in disarray two years later—pretending to fit in, wondering if any of his relationships are real, estranged from his family, and struggling to reconcile his relationship with God.
Then he meets Ida Blair, a Black painter at the start of a promising career. They begin a tentative relationship, and Ida seems to offer Julian relief from his confusion. But suddenly she stops responding to his texts. Things only get worse when Julian’s best friend mysteriously turns on him, his house burns down, and the band considers breaking up on the eve of their most important show yet. It seems the only thing Julian has left—the only thing he’s ever had, really—is the weight he is carrying.
Jeff Boyd’s beguiling first novel is a piercing exploration of faith, racial identity, love, and friendship—woven of acid humor, disarming vulnerability, and unforgettable poignance.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2023
19 people are currently reading
3147 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Boyd
4 books24 followersJeff is the author of The Weight. He is a former Chicago public school teacher and a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He lives in New York with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 11, 2023
I’m not sure how I feel about this. It’s a coming of age story for a man in his mid twenties, but at no point does he ever really come of age; I never witnessed any maturing. Julian’s story is shrouded in white toxicity (from his bandmates, to his neighbors, love interests, even co-workers) which he has acknowledged but doesn’t seem to do anything about…maybe Reggie (a black teenage neighbor) and Ida (a black painter) are his way out.
Overall, the story is solidly written, but I never encountered any “come to Jesus” moments. I couldn’t really connect with any of the characters or what they were going through. I feel like Julian’s problems could have been eliminated had he simply gone back home and just hit the reset button.
Overall, the story is solidly written, but I never encountered any “come to Jesus” moments. I couldn’t really connect with any of the characters or what they were going through. I feel like Julian’s problems could have been eliminated had he simply gone back home and just hit the reset button.
May 7, 2023
Maybe I’m too old for this book. It seems to primarily be about the aimless discontent of living in your 20s..and really..not much happens.
Julian, the MC, hates his job, gets high a lot, plays music occasionally, and pines over a few women leading to some angst with his bandmates. There’s a good deal of inner dialogue about god and guilt due to a repressive childhood, and some incidents of the sort of west coast casual racism delivered in microaggressions often from surprisingly close sources. Occasional macroaggressions of course, but not resulting in violence, at least not of the body. As a Black man existing in a mostly white but fairly inert space, Julian still navigates the kind of violence perpetrated on the psyche and the underlying fear danger can be only one moment and the wrong person away. In this PNW environment though it’s a brand of racism resulting from ignorance more generally than outright vitriol.
Unfortunately none of this is explored very deeply. Julian’s life blithely meanders along as does the book and any moments hinting of potential tension are quickly deflated. I was waiting for growth and depth, for maturing to develop, for catalysts. Perhaps though that’s the point I seem to be missing. That life just meanders? That some people just remain entrenched? I don’t know. Maybe? If so, I need more meaning than that.
I do look forward, however, to trying future books from the author as the writing was good and the story hinted at wanting to go somewhere. Hopefully plot and tension will be woven more fully into the next one.
Julian, the MC, hates his job, gets high a lot, plays music occasionally, and pines over a few women leading to some angst with his bandmates. There’s a good deal of inner dialogue about god and guilt due to a repressive childhood, and some incidents of the sort of west coast casual racism delivered in microaggressions often from surprisingly close sources. Occasional macroaggressions of course, but not resulting in violence, at least not of the body. As a Black man existing in a mostly white but fairly inert space, Julian still navigates the kind of violence perpetrated on the psyche and the underlying fear danger can be only one moment and the wrong person away. In this PNW environment though it’s a brand of racism resulting from ignorance more generally than outright vitriol.
Unfortunately none of this is explored very deeply. Julian’s life blithely meanders along as does the book and any moments hinting of potential tension are quickly deflated. I was waiting for growth and depth, for maturing to develop, for catalysts. Perhaps though that’s the point I seem to be missing. That life just meanders? That some people just remain entrenched? I don’t know. Maybe? If so, I need more meaning than that.
I do look forward, however, to trying future books from the author as the writing was good and the story hinted at wanting to go somewhere. Hopefully plot and tension will be woven more fully into the next one.
April 29, 2024
REVIEW
Thank you #partner @simonbooks #simonbooksbuddy for my #gifted copy, and @laurensbookvibes for the buddy read!💕
The Weight
Jeff Boyd
The Weight is a compelling coming-of-age debut that follows a twenty-something Black man named Julian. Originally from Chicago, and raised in an ultra-conservative Christian home, Julian is married and divorced by the age of twenty four. Following his divorce, he moves to Portland, Oregon to drum in a rock band, and get out from under the thumb of his sheltered upbringing. But things aren't all gravy in Portland, the "whitest big city in the US," as Julian navigates love, friendship, and religion as a Black man in a white world. Sometimes the weight seems too heavy to carry.
As a born-and-raised Oregonian, who came-of-age in the Portland music scene, it was a no-brainer that I'd read this one. Though as Julian is Black and I am white, my experience coming-of-age here was much different, as Julian faces racism and microaggressions at every turn. And yet I still felt so much familiarity (and sometimes nostalgia) in Julian's story.
Teeming with quintessential Portland hipster culture, and the oh-so-relatable experience of a directionless twenty-something, The Weight's biggest strength is how very realistic it feels: the dialogue, the navigation of friendships amongst immature, self-centered people, and the feelings of loneliness and being untethered. The introspection, the people who come and go, the downward spiral resulting from bad decisions, bad luck, and a lack of direction, with the added struggles of being Black in Portland, with a lack of true community — The Weight is a masterful execution of its portrayal of a young Black musician bobbing and weaving through his twenties, and I'd absolutely recommend it for folks who enjoy character driven coming-of-age novels.
🎧 I read along with the audiobook, courtesy of @libby.app and my local library. Narrator JD Jackson really captures the essence of Julian's character and story.
📌 Available now
Thank you #partner @simonbooks #simonbooksbuddy for my #gifted copy, and @laurensbookvibes for the buddy read!💕
The Weight
Jeff Boyd
The Weight is a compelling coming-of-age debut that follows a twenty-something Black man named Julian. Originally from Chicago, and raised in an ultra-conservative Christian home, Julian is married and divorced by the age of twenty four. Following his divorce, he moves to Portland, Oregon to drum in a rock band, and get out from under the thumb of his sheltered upbringing. But things aren't all gravy in Portland, the "whitest big city in the US," as Julian navigates love, friendship, and religion as a Black man in a white world. Sometimes the weight seems too heavy to carry.
As a born-and-raised Oregonian, who came-of-age in the Portland music scene, it was a no-brainer that I'd read this one. Though as Julian is Black and I am white, my experience coming-of-age here was much different, as Julian faces racism and microaggressions at every turn. And yet I still felt so much familiarity (and sometimes nostalgia) in Julian's story.
Teeming with quintessential Portland hipster culture, and the oh-so-relatable experience of a directionless twenty-something, The Weight's biggest strength is how very realistic it feels: the dialogue, the navigation of friendships amongst immature, self-centered people, and the feelings of loneliness and being untethered. The introspection, the people who come and go, the downward spiral resulting from bad decisions, bad luck, and a lack of direction, with the added struggles of being Black in Portland, with a lack of true community — The Weight is a masterful execution of its portrayal of a young Black musician bobbing and weaving through his twenties, and I'd absolutely recommend it for folks who enjoy character driven coming-of-age novels.
🎧 I read along with the audiobook, courtesy of @libby.app and my local library. Narrator JD Jackson really captures the essence of Julian's character and story.
📌 Available now
February 28, 2023
A black man in a white man’s world. This was a compelling read that follows Julian, his friends, and Julian’s personal baggage. Julian was raised a sheltered Christian, married, and divorced at an early age, and is currently a drummer in an all-white band, living in a white city. This chronicle of Julian’s journey is thoughtfully written and at times, made me fear for his life, but mostly made me root for Julian to find his way in life and be successful. An enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more from Jeff Boyd. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of this book.
August 19, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
this book sorta made me feel I was watching an A24 film. it is beautifully written, tender, vulnerable, and poetic. I enjoyed following the MC, Julian’s journey. I felt for him and understood his woes. I loved the main character and the writing but I left the story feeling slightly underwhelmed. The story and and character seemed to not have a profound arc. It sorta meandered, which perhaps was intentional. I would love to read a sequel to this story to continue to follow this characters journey.
this book sorta made me feel I was watching an A24 film. it is beautifully written, tender, vulnerable, and poetic. I enjoyed following the MC, Julian’s journey. I felt for him and understood his woes. I loved the main character and the writing but I left the story feeling slightly underwhelmed. The story and and character seemed to not have a profound arc. It sorta meandered, which perhaps was intentional. I would love to read a sequel to this story to continue to follow this characters journey.
November 19, 2023
I enjoy books like this, and I really liked this one. However I felt the character development was a bit lacking, the protagonist meandered about and did not 'come of age' if you will. It was an entertaining read but probably misclassified a bit.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the copy to review.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the copy to review.
December 11, 2023
I am giving this one a 3 due to solid writing. The story itself had me invested but then it just stayed the same. The MC did not grow or really change. Is this because the author is setting up for a second book? Possibly? I was not satisfied with the ending and expected more. I am hoping that he continues Julian’s story so we can find out if he repairs his relationship with God, his parents and most importantly-himself.
March 15, 2023
This is presented as a “coming-of-age” novel, but I am not certain that is the correct category for a 26-year-old divorced man who is trying to figure out life. I guess ... maybe.
Julian Strickland is pretty much the only Black man in Portland, working for a sales company and playing drums in a band. His credit cards verge on being maxed out, and he is behind on his rent. Even so, he never seems to be short when it comes to buying drinks or drugs.
Maybe more than anything, this seems to be a story of being wronged and then thinking that accepting the pain is the same as granting forgiveness. Perhaps in real life there are some instances where there should be no reconciliation and no forgiveness. (Or maybe forgiveness can be granted, but that does not mean that everything is again just fine.)
All in all, I fear that Julian really has not changed at all over the course of this novel. He is not a better person. He is not a worse person. He simply remains adrift.
Julian Strickland is pretty much the only Black man in Portland, working for a sales company and playing drums in a band. His credit cards verge on being maxed out, and he is behind on his rent. Even so, he never seems to be short when it comes to buying drinks or drugs.
Maybe more than anything, this seems to be a story of being wronged and then thinking that accepting the pain is the same as granting forgiveness. Perhaps in real life there are some instances where there should be no reconciliation and no forgiveness. (Or maybe forgiveness can be granted, but that does not mean that everything is again just fine.)
All in all, I fear that Julian really has not changed at all over the course of this novel. He is not a better person. He is not a worse person. He simply remains adrift.
March 14, 2023
I have conflicting feelings about this book. On the one hand, the story of a lone black man in a band during the hipster era, having to deal with his conservative Christian upbringing and early marriage and divorce whilst facing subtle racism from everyone he knows is a compelling read. But the storylines don't draw you in and feel directionless most of the time. By the end of the story, I don't even know how much of the situations the protagonist gets into change the outcome.
He's surrounded by toxic people who he can't or doesn't want to really get rid of which doesn't help with his character development. There are some significant and meaningful parts in the story, like the feeling of Julian being a musician and getting into the zone, like his having to confront his toxic bandmates and relationships but it gets overshadowed by the fact that nothing around him changes for the better. The supporting characters feel a little two-dimensional and the pacing is probably the reason why I couldn't immerse into the story. And Ida, his crush is pretty much a manic pixie dream girl and a fake deep artist with who I felt Julian had the least chemistry within the story yet he pursues her.
I really feel for Julian as a character and the things he has gone through at a young age but throughout the book, he sometimes takes decisions that'll complicate his life further even though you'd think at that point he'd know better.
He's surrounded by toxic people who he can't or doesn't want to really get rid of which doesn't help with his character development. There are some significant and meaningful parts in the story, like the feeling of Julian being a musician and getting into the zone, like his having to confront his toxic bandmates and relationships but it gets overshadowed by the fact that nothing around him changes for the better. The supporting characters feel a little two-dimensional and the pacing is probably the reason why I couldn't immerse into the story. And Ida, his crush is pretty much a manic pixie dream girl and a fake deep artist with who I felt Julian had the least chemistry within the story yet he pursues her.
I really feel for Julian as a character and the things he has gone through at a young age but throughout the book, he sometimes takes decisions that'll complicate his life further even though you'd think at that point he'd know better.
April 19, 2024
In this novel, we follow a young black man named Julian as he struggles to fit into his new environment. He is passionate about music, therefore left his life in Chicago to play drums for an indie rock band in Portland.
This journey of self discovery is insightful as the reader is pulled into Julian’s thoughts on his day to day life. He wrestles with his feelings of disconnectedness and loneliness in a predominantly white city. Although he has friends (bandmates) who somewhat support him, they are also not the best influence as he finds himself in situations were we makes poor decisions. He is a sympathetic character and he struggles to find his way in life- work and relationships. He rebuked his evangelical christian past, which was an influential part of his upbringing and current worldview. I felt this could’ve been explored more. Also, as a young divorced man, we only get glimpses of that in the story. He tried to start up a relationship with a talented artist named Ida but hasn’t really reconciled his feelings he had with another woman that broke his heart. And often times, I felt Julian’s lack of direction maybe spilled over to the theme of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for this digital ARC in exchange for my review.
This journey of self discovery is insightful as the reader is pulled into Julian’s thoughts on his day to day life. He wrestles with his feelings of disconnectedness and loneliness in a predominantly white city. Although he has friends (bandmates) who somewhat support him, they are also not the best influence as he finds himself in situations were we makes poor decisions. He is a sympathetic character and he struggles to find his way in life- work and relationships. He rebuked his evangelical christian past, which was an influential part of his upbringing and current worldview. I felt this could’ve been explored more. Also, as a young divorced man, we only get glimpses of that in the story. He tried to start up a relationship with a talented artist named Ida but hasn’t really reconciled his feelings he had with another woman that broke his heart. And often times, I felt Julian’s lack of direction maybe spilled over to the theme of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for this digital ARC in exchange for my review.
April 11, 2023
VIEWING LIFE AS A MAN OF COLOR
rating: ★★★★
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for granting me a digital review copy through Edelweiss!
Jeff Boyd's novel brings readers Julian Strickland, a Black man who lives in a town mainly surrounded by white people. He maintains many friendships and struggles with relationships, but it's hard when you're a person of color. When he meets Ida Blair, a creative Black woman, his life is in for many turns and twists.
I will admit, this was a bit hard for me to read with certain language being used in the writing, and many of the character's thoughts got me shocked. Many have said this is a coming of age novel, but with certain things that happen in the novel, I really feel like it isn't. Julian is trying to rediscover himself, but I feel like at times he just gives up. There is a lot of pressure he seems to be facing, and it's up to Julian to figure out what he wants to do, and whether it's right or not. Many events impact his life, and it just gets harder for him. If you want a true insightful person of color experience, this is a very strong read to pick up.
rating: ★★★★
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for granting me a digital review copy through Edelweiss!
Jeff Boyd's novel brings readers Julian Strickland, a Black man who lives in a town mainly surrounded by white people. He maintains many friendships and struggles with relationships, but it's hard when you're a person of color. When he meets Ida Blair, a creative Black woman, his life is in for many turns and twists.
I will admit, this was a bit hard for me to read with certain language being used in the writing, and many of the character's thoughts got me shocked. Many have said this is a coming of age novel, but with certain things that happen in the novel, I really feel like it isn't. Julian is trying to rediscover himself, but I feel like at times he just gives up. There is a lot of pressure he seems to be facing, and it's up to Julian to figure out what he wants to do, and whether it's right or not. Many events impact his life, and it just gets harder for him. If you want a true insightful person of color experience, this is a very strong read to pick up.
March 20, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an early copy of The Weight. Some might be surprised that this is marketed as a “coming of age” novel, but I think for our homeschooled, Evangelical taught, “child bride” Julian, it is.
Julian is a Black 20-something living in the predominantly white city of Portland. He’s a cool drummer of a cool band with a lot of anxiety and life lessons to learn. His musings of the culture and community around him give him a Holden Caulfield vibe. We follow him as he meanders through moments, meeting potential lovers, making friends with a teenage neighbor, jamming out with his band, and finding himself in predicaments that are largely race related.
I thought it was a good insight into a slice of Black culture and what it feels like to be the minority of the group all the time, even if everyone is “open and accepting”.
March 31, 2023
"The Weight" by Jeff Boyd is both a coming-of-age novel (can one still be coming-of-age in his or her mid-20s?) and the story of a black man in a white man's world. It's beautifully written and gives insight into how it is to live as a young black man in a mostly white city, even when that city is more progressive than most. At times, the storyline felt directionless, but I think it's because Julian's life was so directionless. My heart really went out to Julian; it seemed like he was trying so hard to find a place where he could belong. I would have given this debut five stats if the ending hadn't felt so abrupt. It left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Jeff Boyd for the privilege of reading advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Jeff Boyd for the privilege of reading advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 11, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ebook of this novel for review.
So maybe I am just not the right age audience for this book or maybe I wasn't viewing it from the right "coming of age" angle. I did understand Julian being the only 20-something black man living in the majority white area of Portland, Oregon. I picked up on the microaggressions he was going through and the stress and anxiety he has in his life.
For me a "coming of age" novel means an epiphany happens or decisions are made that will help to change the life of the character. This never happened with Julian. He continued to meander through life as the only black man in an all white band, pined for women in the last chapters instead of growing up or settling down, and just kept getting high. He never moved forward or moved up/on. He stayed stagnate it felt like. And I was pushing for Julian to succeed, but he just stayed put.
So maybe I am just not the right age audience for this book or maybe I wasn't viewing it from the right "coming of age" angle. I did understand Julian being the only 20-something black man living in the majority white area of Portland, Oregon. I picked up on the microaggressions he was going through and the stress and anxiety he has in his life.
For me a "coming of age" novel means an epiphany happens or decisions are made that will help to change the life of the character. This never happened with Julian. He continued to meander through life as the only black man in an all white band, pined for women in the last chapters instead of growing up or settling down, and just kept getting high. He never moved forward or moved up/on. He stayed stagnate it felt like. And I was pushing for Julian to succeed, but he just stayed put.
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March 12, 2023Julian is the lone black member in his band, a talented drummer. Raised in a strict Christian family, he marries and divorces young, moving to a predominantly white neighborhood in Portland. Jeff Boyd takes us on Julian’s quest to find answers in his novel. He admires his bandmates but they wear on his nerves. His neighbors respect him yet he still experiences racism. He finds love but on a temporary basis; he spends much time drinking and taking drugs. He works for a religious-sounding boss and hates his job. He has abandoned his parents’ God and is seeking his own, questioning His existence most of the time. He seeks companionship but makes immature choices. All these factors contribute to the weight he carries. Despite a handful of crises, the pace is slow and I found it difficult to stay engaged in Justin’s journey.
May 10, 2024
While I could see that John Boyd is a writer with promise, as this book about a twenty-something guy and his friends and band mates plodding through life wore on, I liked the story less and less. It felt like reading a boring diary, written by someone who isn’t big taking action, and then Ho thinks being reflective is enough. Maybe I’m too old to fully enjoy it, but this kind of drive me nuts towards the end.
July 3, 2023
Enjoyed the writing but the story ending was unsatisfying. I wanted something different for the MC and it was kinda sad but very real as I know some directionless young men. Mostly I didn't have super strong emotions about the characters. Thinking this will be better on novel #2 I will read his next book.
July 15, 2023
Protagonist has a lot of challenges that were take uninteresting to me.
September 28, 2023
This book kind of fell flat for me. I wish it explored the topics it introduced (faith and religion, race, sex and love) more, and that the main character’s growth was clearer. Overall it was somewhat entertaining but it just didnt do enough for me
March 12, 2025
3.1 ⭐️
April 1, 2023
Julian is a black man living in Portland after leaving Chicago, his marriage, and his religion behind. Uncertain where or what he believes in or wants, he opted for a fresh start, joining a band as a drummer, getting a roommate, and a job he hates but has to have as he lives on credit cards. The book follows him through his low points as he navigates romance, friendships, finances, his job, and his beliefs.
This book is pretty slow and character driven - there’s not much that moves the plot along besides Julian. He can be a hard character to root for as he doesn’t always make great decisions, however he is relatable through his struggles. The book also delves deep into racism in today’s world and what it’s like to be the only black man in a city.
I wasn’t sure what to expect regarding the topic of religion in this book - Julian is raised in an Evangelical household where non-Christian music isn’t allowed and any bad luck is a sign of God’s anger. One of the central tenets of the books is how he reconciles his faith and I’m really glad it was resolved the way it was. As someone who was also raised in a strict religious home, I was hesitant going in - I really appreciated how the author handled the topic.
My only issue is that this book is very very slow paced and not much goes on. It was recommended to me as a comparative of Opal and Nev, however I didn’t draw that connection. While Julian is a musician, it really didn’t feel like that big of a plot point. The band goes on tour but it felt very secondary to everything else.
Overall I enjoyed the book and the lessons, however I think it could benefit from a better comparison book/description.
ARC was provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is pretty slow and character driven - there’s not much that moves the plot along besides Julian. He can be a hard character to root for as he doesn’t always make great decisions, however he is relatable through his struggles. The book also delves deep into racism in today’s world and what it’s like to be the only black man in a city.
I wasn’t sure what to expect regarding the topic of religion in this book - Julian is raised in an Evangelical household where non-Christian music isn’t allowed and any bad luck is a sign of God’s anger. One of the central tenets of the books is how he reconciles his faith and I’m really glad it was resolved the way it was. As someone who was also raised in a strict religious home, I was hesitant going in - I really appreciated how the author handled the topic.
My only issue is that this book is very very slow paced and not much goes on. It was recommended to me as a comparative of Opal and Nev, however I didn’t draw that connection. While Julian is a musician, it really didn’t feel like that big of a plot point. The band goes on tour but it felt very secondary to everything else.
Overall I enjoyed the book and the lessons, however I think it could benefit from a better comparison book/description.
ARC was provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2023
Mr Boyd nailed Portland
April 4, 2023
Sad to say this is not the book it is purported to be. It's a coming of age novel (of a twenty eight year old) of a black-man in Portland OR. So we are talking about a town and neighborhood where the only other person of color is an adopted fourteen year old boy. Julian has grown up in a totally white world and when traveling with his bandmates (all white) he begins to learn more about being black. Not exactly a new idea for a novel.
This is the story of Julian and his five band mates who are all old friends. But the problem of this book is that the writing is pedestrian at best and boring at worst. I wonder, would this book have been published if the author and the lead character was Asian. If this book was written in the 70s or 80s it would have been unique, now it hardly qualifies as a Harlequin romance.
This is the story of Julian and his five band mates who are all old friends. But the problem of this book is that the writing is pedestrian at best and boring at worst. I wonder, would this book have been published if the author and the lead character was Asian. If this book was written in the 70s or 80s it would have been unique, now it hardly qualifies as a Harlequin romance.
February 27, 2023
Rounded up from 4.5- I can’t believe this is a debut novel. Loved the writing, storylines, the pace, characters, and everything.
There’s a part describing what it feels like to be in the zone (for lack of a better term) with band mates on stage in front of a crowd and it was so well done people who have no musical experience whatsoever (me) can feel it humming through them. Gold.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest debut.
There’s a part describing what it feels like to be in the zone (for lack of a better term) with band mates on stage in front of a crowd and it was so well done people who have no musical experience whatsoever (me) can feel it humming through them. Gold.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest debut.
April 1, 2023
Julian is adrift and directionless in a sea of white people. Homeschooled in a strict evangelical home, married and divorced before 25, he struggles to find his way. A drummer in a rock and roll band, spends his days at a dead end job and his nights binge drinking and dabbling in all drugs. I enjoyed this first third of the book. But then the work- band-,get bombed at night .. rinse and repeat .. it all became repetitive and I lost interest. I did like the insight of what it is like to often be the only person of color among white folks, but I also was left wondering if Portland really lacked that much diversity. The directionless of the main character rolled over into the story and didn't feel like it really went anywhere. I wanted more growth from the main character. The book was very modern day Catcher in the Rye.. with a lot less angst. It was well written.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy.
April 10, 2023
The Weight by Jeff Boyd is a story of a Black man in a white man's world. It is marketed as a coming-of-age story, but I'm not sure that fully encapsulates Julian's story. He is a twenty-something Black man living in Portland, Oregon, working an administrative job, but has a passion project where he plays drum in a rock band. He came from a strict, religious family in Chicago, he married young and divorced shortly after, and is trying to find his way in life. Dabbling with this and that, he meets a woman who intrigues him, but finds that a series of unfortunate events turn his world on end. "The weight" is a metaphor for all that Julian carries; the expectations of his family, the wants and needs of his friends, finding a career calling, and looking for a connection with women in the Portland scene.
I liked this story, but I expected more. I wanted more of Julian's backstory with his upbringing and his marriage to fully understand him. I felt like the surface was barely scratched and I didn't have a good understanding of what was holding him back in life. The storyline of Ida felt unnecessary. She was there, but she wasn't. There was a lot of potential here, but it didn't come to fruition. I wanted to like this book more than I did.
I liked this story, but I expected more. I wanted more of Julian's backstory with his upbringing and his marriage to fully understand him. I felt like the surface was barely scratched and I didn't have a good understanding of what was holding him back in life. The storyline of Ida felt unnecessary. She was there, but she wasn't. There was a lot of potential here, but it didn't come to fruition. I wanted to like this book more than I did.
March 11, 2023
Julian is a man adrift throughout this novel. He has ended up in Portland as a drummer in a band, and his bandmates are equally aimless, though more privileged. The Weight shares Julian's existence as a Black man in mostly White Portland. It also contains some reflections on what Julian is escaping from--he grew up very religious, was homeschooled, and was married and divorced in his early twenties. I actually wish Julian's past was explored more.
The Weight shares Julian's up-and-down relationships with his bandmates, a possible romance with a woman named Ida, and a friendship with his teenage neighbor. Like its main character, The Weight often felt meandering and directionless, while also affable and compelling.
The Weight shares Julian's up-and-down relationships with his bandmates, a possible romance with a woman named Ida, and a friendship with his teenage neighbor. Like its main character, The Weight often felt meandering and directionless, while also affable and compelling.
April 19, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the copy of The Weight by Jeff Boyd. I love debuts because I get to learn about the author. Boyd is a remarkable author and is able to bring his characters to life. The dialogue and situations felt realistic. Julian is an interesting main character and I really cared about him and was concerned that something terrible was going to happen to him, a Black man in a predominantly white city. This was a quiet, lyrical story of Julian growing into himself. Beautifully written, it will keep you engaged until the end. I can't waitt osee what Boyd writes next! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
March 9, 2023
One of those books in which language takes the quality of water and makes you go down a glorious stream. The story is a good one but the compulsive quality of this book has all to do with that wonderful feeling of being carried away with words. The phrases are caressed and worked not too much and not too little. It’s just enough for perfection.
April 10, 2023
The Weight by Jeff Boyd is a very well-written story of a young Black man adjusting to a new place and, in many ways, a broader world view.
There are so many ways for a reader to get into this story, largely depending on what aspects of fiction appeal to you. In a universalist approach Julian's struggles and problems can reflect the types of things most people go through as they find their way in life. His often center things that are not completely in his control, but even those of us who have never (or rarely in my case) experienced racism, subtle or otherwise, can appreciate and relate to what he is going through.
I tend to read with an eye toward the big picture, one of the phrases I grew up with has to do with the personal being political, so I look for bigger meanings in the smaller events. When one of the focal points is race relations, this has the potential to be much larger than just the story of one character. In this novel, I found a lot that, while not new, was expressed very well and made me feel invested in both Julian and the society in which I actually live.
I really dislike when publishers insist on setting up expectations through genre pigeonholing. It isn't that some of the terms used aren't accurate, but that readers understand some of them differently. Coming-of-age is an example, which this book has been called. Many readers understand that to mean what a character confronts while finding their way through life. It doesn't always have to be a 180-degree change, and may be nothing more than finding a path and coming to terms with just one aspect of their journey. Others seem to want a complete, or at least a drastic, change in the character. Additionally, they ignore context and criticize the character for not being as hard working to make the change the reader wants. Forget the character is a drummer in a band and spends a lot of time around alcohol. This almost sounds like the faux-compassion many exhibit when they criticize a poor person for taking a little time or money to do something pleasurable or just fun, as if they shouldn't be allowed to do such things as long as they are struggling. Happiness and even momentary escapes, apparently, are only for those with expendable income.
Just like most people I know in real life, Julian makes both good and bad decisions. I felt like I was given enough insight to understand these decisions, even if I didn't agree with all of them. Guess what? I have made bad decisions and have had friends tell me I was doing so. One thing I didn't have to worry about on top of everything else (except when I visited family on a reservation and went into a nearby "white" town) was being targeted for my skin color. Hypervigilance is exhausting and certainly plays into any decisions a person will make. When the sources of that feeling are at odds, it can be paralyzing.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy spending some time in someone else's shoes doing relatively everyday things. This isn't an action-packed novel, we are accompanying Julian during this one phase of his life. If you enjoy something like this, you will love this book. If you want someone going through troubles to always make the "right" decision and immediately stop activities you deem counterproductive, you might not enjoy it so much.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
There are so many ways for a reader to get into this story, largely depending on what aspects of fiction appeal to you. In a universalist approach Julian's struggles and problems can reflect the types of things most people go through as they find their way in life. His often center things that are not completely in his control, but even those of us who have never (or rarely in my case) experienced racism, subtle or otherwise, can appreciate and relate to what he is going through.
I tend to read with an eye toward the big picture, one of the phrases I grew up with has to do with the personal being political, so I look for bigger meanings in the smaller events. When one of the focal points is race relations, this has the potential to be much larger than just the story of one character. In this novel, I found a lot that, while not new, was expressed very well and made me feel invested in both Julian and the society in which I actually live.
I really dislike when publishers insist on setting up expectations through genre pigeonholing. It isn't that some of the terms used aren't accurate, but that readers understand some of them differently. Coming-of-age is an example, which this book has been called. Many readers understand that to mean what a character confronts while finding their way through life. It doesn't always have to be a 180-degree change, and may be nothing more than finding a path and coming to terms with just one aspect of their journey. Others seem to want a complete, or at least a drastic, change in the character. Additionally, they ignore context and criticize the character for not being as hard working to make the change the reader wants. Forget the character is a drummer in a band and spends a lot of time around alcohol. This almost sounds like the faux-compassion many exhibit when they criticize a poor person for taking a little time or money to do something pleasurable or just fun, as if they shouldn't be allowed to do such things as long as they are struggling. Happiness and even momentary escapes, apparently, are only for those with expendable income.
Just like most people I know in real life, Julian makes both good and bad decisions. I felt like I was given enough insight to understand these decisions, even if I didn't agree with all of them. Guess what? I have made bad decisions and have had friends tell me I was doing so. One thing I didn't have to worry about on top of everything else (except when I visited family on a reservation and went into a nearby "white" town) was being targeted for my skin color. Hypervigilance is exhausting and certainly plays into any decisions a person will make. When the sources of that feeling are at odds, it can be paralyzing.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy spending some time in someone else's shoes doing relatively everyday things. This isn't an action-packed novel, we are accompanying Julian during this one phase of his life. If you enjoy something like this, you will love this book. If you want someone going through troubles to always make the "right" decision and immediately stop activities you deem counterproductive, you might not enjoy it so much.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
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