Queenie is the coming-of-age story of a millennial woman fighting generational demons, while trying to succeed in her career and relationships. While Queenie has her moments in which I hate her, or really her decisions, she represents what many women are dealing with day-to-day.
After experiencing a break-up and a miscarriage, Queenie has to face her past in order to positively move forward. However, on this journey, so loses herself by resorting to causal sex and neglect of her responsibilities. She decides to break generational taboos by going to therapy and finding strategies that work best for her success.
I enjoyed this book because it is well written. It switches between present and past so seamlessly. It is also current with small nuggets of pop culture, which I love. Also, I could definitely sympathize with some of her character flaws. I completely understand how frightening job security can be, particularly when you find the job of your dreams. I also understood the pressures of being the first in one’s family to do something, whether it is the first to go college or the first to go to therapy. I could also relate to her body dysmorphia-like behaviors. I have personally struggled with not knowing whether or not I was pretty enough or cute enough. It truly does numbers on your psyche but you just have to tell yourself over and over that I am that GIRL!
My only disappoint with Queenie is her preference in men. I have only tried interracial dating once and following that, I knew it was not for me. However, Queenie constantly was treated like shit by these white men and never connected the dots of maybe I shouldn’t date white men. This is not to say a Black man would treat her better, but even when her friend made a comment about her preferences she gave no response. She made some very stupid decisions despite the advice she was given from her friends. My best friend made a similar point recently saying we don’t share our shitty decisions with one another because we know they are stupid.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. It is written by a Black women name Candice (ooh how I wish it was with a K). The cover art alone is noteworthy. While Queenie had her issues, she is definitely a character that you can connect with.
