Another Brooklyn

ANOTHER BROOKLYN

By Jacqueline Woodson

 

Nominations: Carnegie Longlist 2017, Dublin Longlist 2018, National Book Finalist 2016

 

Date Read: August 29, 2020

 

Another Brooklyn is a beautiful novel about the struggles and speedbumps of growing up – not just growing up, but growing up black, where the color of your skin represents all that you are or will ever be. Woodson’s prose reads like a poem, dripping with meaning and intent. I am in love!

 

Woodson describes how friendships can erase family history and expectation and lavish each participant in sweet acceptance. These friendships insulate these girls from the labels that are foisted upon them, from the crusty men lurking in obvious and not-so-obvious places, and from the expectations of horny teenagers, providing courage to resist. That is, until secrets begin to take over and the reality of life seeps into this sweet world.  

 

The labels that Sophie’s dad levels these girls with are horrific and so incredibly limiting. As a white girl, I can say that growing up is hard enough, but I cannot pretend to understand the nuance of their experience being women of color. The friendships they form with each other is enviable and brings me back to the days of high school. 

 

Also being someone obsessed with death, I found the interspersing of different cultures and how they handle death fascinating. Some were a complete surprise. Which led me to think about how the passing of youth and youthful ideals of what your life will look like when you are grown is a kind of death. Especially as you process the mortality of your own parents. 

 

Another Brooklyn is a truly special novel. I could read it again and again!

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