Mood Readers Unite. discussion

Black Enough is a star-studded anthology edited by National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi that will delve into the closeted thoughts, hidden experiences, and daily struggles of black teens across the country. From a spectrum of backgrounds—urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants, and more—Black Enough showcases diversity within diversity.

Whether it’s New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds writing about #blackboyjoy or Newberry Honor-winning author Renee Watson talking about black girls at camp in Portland, or emerging author Jay Coles’s story about two cowboys kissing in the south—Black Enough is an essential collection full of captivating coming-of-age stories about what it’s like to be young and black in America.

Introduction - Sad that most minorities beat themselves up for feeling like they don't properly represent their minority

Half a Moon - This story was so sad. I felt bad for both the sisters and understood both their pain. (view spoiler)[I mostly empathized with Raven as she has no support system and seeing Brooke opens a lot of wounds for her. She knows she is being horrible for not protecting Brooke but she is so paralyzed that she can't make herself be the bigger person. I am glad they worked it out but the dad is an asshole and has some apologies to make. (hide spoiler)]

Black Enough - (view spoiler)[I understand the sentiment that Jess has about Cam not caring or not acknowledging racially motivated deaths but I don't subscribe to the idea that if you don't post, you don't care. I know in the case of this story, that was the point. But like if you are an activist in real life and you help your community but you keep your social media as a safe space clearly you care you just choose not to do so online. That's just my opinion though. (hide spoiler)]

Warning: Color May Fade - First off this was very well written. Ryan is the worst friend ever. I wish I could see the actual art. (view spoiler)[and I wish the story was longer so I can get the vindication of seeing Nivia reclaim her art (hide spoiler)]

Ingredients - Another sad one :( (view spoiler)[I want to feed these kid (hide spoiler)]

Oreo - Such a sweet ending.

Samson and the Delilahs - (view spoiler)[My heart after "I want to be a good son. (hide spoiler)]

Stop Playing - I got so angry reading this one. I feel for these girlies

Wild Horses, Wild Hearts - Such a sweet, cute little romance

Woah - Loved the humor in this one and how the characters keep misunderstanding one another

Gravity - The internalized misogyny, poor girl :(

The Trouble with Drowning - Was not expecting that ending yikes.

Kissing Sarah Smart - This was cute but I didn't prefer this writing style. I feel like the author was shoving her message in your face and I prefer a more subtle approach.

Hackathon Summers - This reminded me of the earlier story "Stop Playing" because both stories end up with the main character not (view spoiler)[continuing the romance they started, it makes me kind of sad. (hide spoiler)]

Into the Starlight - I have nothing much to say about this one I liked it and the message on stereotyping.

The Evolution of Nigeria Jones - I was mostly bored reading this one because I didn't really care about the characters but the ending is interesting I would have still been freaking out about the backpack thing.

Elise wrote: "Introduction - Sad that most minorities beat themselves up for feeling like they don't properly represent their minority"

But it's the one thing we all have in common :(