Comments (35)

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Nov 13, 2023
"A reflective contemporary novel that explores the Big Questions related to religion, science, and family. My favorite book I read this year!" - Hannah M.
Jun 20, 2023hmarshall46 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This novel is one of the best books I've read so far this year. Very focused on character, it reads almost like a memoir. It's a deep look at family dynamics, religion, science, and racism. It tackles a lot of the BIG questions with grace.…
Jun 07, 2023
Yaa Gyasi examines and presents survival in this poignant blend of Literary and Psychological fiction. The writing is lyrical yet spare and though the story moves nonlinearly, the read is incredibly smooth.
Feb 12, 2023MyeshaTM rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote: “I only wanted Nana, she said, and now I only have you…I was hurt by what she said, but I understood what she meant. I understood and I forgave. I only wanted Nana, too, but I only had my mother.”~Gifty & her mother This…
Jan 05, 2023kelseygood11 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
As probably most readers, Homegoing was one my favorite books I read in the past 5 years so I came to this book with high expectations. These are two very different books in terms of structure and storytelling but to Gyasi works the same…
Aug 12, 2022512cadcock_0 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I loved homegoing and decided to try transcendent kingdom too. Didn’t think it was quite on that same level but it also explores similar territories of the African American experience of racism and inherited trauma. The mother in the book…
Jun 28, 2022mamacloud rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A believable depiction of the struggle and resilience of humanity. I would read this again.
Mar 30, 2022posie12 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Another good story by this author. I understand the mother's close bond with her church, I don't see her mother being without some close friends in her situation. I can understand the daughter's resentment of her mother. I like the…
Mar 29, 2022mclarjh rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Fair writing; unlikable characters; dull; juvenile.
Nov 09, 2021shuraleff rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This is a deeply introspective trip into loss, mother-daughter relationship, religion, the immigrant experience, racial differences, science, and other subjects. Tough topics to handle by any author. Gyais' first novel, "Homecoming", may…
Oct 24, 2021peacebenow rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
An extremely well woven story about a Ghana family who grapples w/ immigration to Alabama, poverty, racism, religion, drug addiction, depression, education, sports, growing up, family... Such a timely story. While reading I feel like Ms…
May 13, 2021claragaston rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
LARGE PRINT UNDER SWAN
Apr 21, 2021Keeper_of_the_Book_Hoard rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
A moving and personal story that explores question of immigrant identity, disillusionment with (evangelical) religion, addiction, and mental illness. The story brought together a lot off different threads in an interesting way, and was…
Apr 14, 2021IndyPL_LindsayH rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Gifty is a woman with a purpose. She wants to find the cure for addiction and works tirelessly day and night to research it. Her brother succumbed to his addictions when he was a teenager and his death changed her family forever. Her…
Mar 26, 2021
Gifty is a graduate student at Stanford Medical School, using her research to answer questions that have long left holes in her life. Her brother overdosed after developing an opioid addiction, and her mother was left bed-ridden with…
Feb 11, 2021Hillsboro_RobP rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A deeply personal look into the life of a 2nd generation Ghanian immigrant in the united states, her relationship with her mother, her brother's addiction, and God. An aching and heartfelt exploration of identity, mental health,…
Feb 03, 2021JCLLisaA rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This is the first book by Gyasi I've read, but I'm eager now to read her debut novel. Transcendent Kingdom is smartly and compassionately written, a beautiful look into complicated, complex feelings and relationships. I like the parallel…
Feb 02, 2021VaughanPLRachelP rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is such a powerful, personal novel. In Yaa Gyasi's second novel, Gifty is a neuroscience PhD student reflecting on how her science education is (or isn't) at odds with her religious upbringing, and how her childhood trauma informed…
Jan 19, 2021EljayJohnson rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Gifty, who we meet as a doctoral candidate in a rigorous science discipline, was a pious and devout evangelical Christian as a child - as she puts it: "I spoke in tongues. The whole thing." She was raised in Alabama, the child of Ghanian…
Jan 11, 2021KatTheGreat rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Gyasi is a skilled and beautiful writer. Her work feels deeply personal, and her narrative style is easy to immerse yourself in. Transcendent Kingdom examines the intersection faith and science, and how they play out in terms of mental…
Jan 02, 2021
Review in The Week
Dec 26, 2020
wash post rec
JCLS_Ashland_Kristin
Dec 26, 2020JCLS_Ashland_Kristin rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Beautiful, layered look at a family of immigrants from Ghana. The family's faith traditions are Pentecostal and suffers from mental illness and addiction, and the lead character is working on a PhD in neuro chemistry. Lots of big ideas…
Dec 17, 2020sgcf rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This is a soul searching, introspective story as the protagonist grapples with her evangelical roots, her longing to recognize a God, and her neuroscience research work for her PhD. Gyasi deftly explores these themes as well as…
Dec 11, 2020JCLJenV rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A novel seeking to find understanding about life’s mysteries. I love how the main character processed her spiritual journey from childhood to adulthood.