Shirlene's Updates

"Between Friends and Lovers by Shirlene Oboubi

I had heard great things about her debut book On Rotation, so when I saw this offered to be read on Net Galley I jumped at the chance, and I'm glad I did. The writing took a chapter or two to get into because the style is unique. It was like wading into a cool pool and all of a sudden realizing you are warm. Jo has been friends with, and in love with Ezra forever. The night she tries to tell him and he minimizes her feelings, she mets Mal, an author, and decides to try to date him. Mal is a bit intimidated by Ezra once he realizes what neither Jo or Ezra do, that he is in love with Jo.

First, these characters jump off the page. They are deeply nuanced and authentic. I loved Jo, Dr. Jojo, her protectiveness of herself and others, her blunt way of talking, her compassion. And Mal, such a deep man. As a therapist, it was great to see men's mental health taken so seriously, especially black men, because there are so many barriers to treatment and so much stigma. Anxiety, trauma, depression, suicide, and addiction are all treated honestly, openly, and accurately.

This book also so elegantly illuminated the intersections of race and privledge with how the characters were seen and treated in the world, by others, and by themselves.

At first, I thought, " How could Jo like Ezra? He is so vapid and obtuse about so many things, but most notably the differences because of race and privledge between he and Jo." I was like,"This choice is easy, Mal is an amazing man and a great book boyfriend." But Oboubi slowly revealed why they choice may not be so easy and that Ezra may be more than he seemed.

This book was so deft in creating its world and narrative. There were no clichés, no third act contrivences. The way love was shown, and how Jo grew to allow herself to love herself and others so totally, was brilliant. I loved this book. It is a must-read for anyone! 5 stars. Thanks to Net Galley and Quercus books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review."