When reviewing a book, I use the CAWPILE method. The CAWPILE system is an acronym for seven key components a reader uses to review in a consistent form.

• Characters
• Atmosphere
• Writing Style
• Plot
• Intrigue
• Logic
• Enjoyment

Each category is rated out of ten. The overall result is then divided by seven, producing a rating between 1 and 10.

• 1.1 – 2.2 = 1 star (not for me)
• 2.3 – 4.5 = 2 stars (didn’t like it)
• 4.6 – 6.9 = 3 stars (it was ok)
• 7 – 8.9 = 4 stars (loved it!)
• 9 – 10 = 5 stars (adored it!)

Now that we have the how out of the way, let’s jump into the review!

Synopsis

This moving novel is inspired by real events that deeply affected the nation, focusing on the story of a Black nurse in Alabama post segregation, who uncovers a serious injustice against her patients. In 1973, Civil Townsend is a recent nursing school graduate that is dedicated to making a positive difference, especially within the African American community in Montgomery, Alabama. She wants to empower women at the local family planning clinic to seize control of their own futures and bodies.

During her first week on the job, she is directed to a rundown one-room shack on a rural dirt road, where she meets her new patients, Erika, 13, and India, 11. The Williams sisters are being pressured to use birth control due to their race and economic status. As Civil navigates her responsibilities, she forges a strong bond with the girls and their family. Their lives are forever changed when she receives distressing news one day, and everything is irrevocably altered.

My Review

Characters: 8/10

I found Civil’s character to be truly unforgettable, not just for her determination, but also for her esteemed position in society at a time when such a status was uncommon. The author skillfully developed the characters in a way that made me feel intimately connected to them, allowing me to anticipate their decisions and reactions with precision. As I delved deeper into the narrative, I was able to vividly envision the emotions of pain, compassion, and anxiety that resonated through the various characters.

Atmosphere: 8/10

Perkins-Valdez skillfully painted vivid pictures of the different settings in the story, using descriptive language to evoke sensory experiences for the reader. Through detailed descriptions of visuals and scents, the author brought the scenes to life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. For example, I could easily envision the family planning clinic, and the homes belonging to characters such as Civil, TJ, and the Williams family. The attention to detail truly enhanced the reader’s imagination and made the story more engaging.

Writing Style: 7/10

I have mixed feelings about the writing style employed in this book. The author chose to incorporate eye dialect in the dialogue to mimic the speech patterns of rural Alabama. This added a sense of authenticity to the story. While I found this aspect of the writing to be commendable, I also found it somewhat challenging to read and understand, as it required more time and effort to decipher. Despite this minor issue, I believe the author succeeded in creating an engaging narrative for readers.

Plot: 7/10

I was initially attracted to this book because of its intriguing plot. I found it refreshing to see the diverse perspectives of characters from different racial backgrounds, social statuses, and levels of education, as these aspects are often portrayed in a limited way. However, I rated this aspect of the book slightly lower because there were certain parts that seemed to drag on and slowed down the overall story progression. Given the weighty subject matter, I believe that the pacing is crucial in order to maintain the reader’s interest and engagement.

Intrigue: 7/10

In the preceding section, I expressed my curiosity about the fate of the characters and the legal aspects of the unfolding situations in the storyline. Despite my keen interest, I encountered challenges with the pacing of the narrative, which occasionally hindered my reading flow. Nevertheless, my intrigue didn’t wavered as I delved into the disturbing reality of these lesser-known atrocities that are seldom discussed in contemporary discourse.

Logic: 7/10

The author competently crafted a detailed world in which the narrative unfolds. While avoiding revealing any spoilers, I found myself pondering the complex dynamics between Civil and Mace. At times, it appeared that their relationship added little to the ultimate resolution of the story. Additionally, I found myself torn between conflicting viewpoints regarding Civil’s involvement in India and Erika’s lives. On one hand, I could empathize with her perspective as a nurse, but on the other, I couldn’t help but feel that her actions sometimes came across as implausible.

Enjoyment: 7/10

I found great pleasure in reading this book, particularly in delving deeper into the details of historical events. While I had some prior knowledge of the Tuskegee Experiments and the sterilization of people of color, the level of detail provided in this book was truly eye-opening. The author’s writing style was captivating and allowed me to form a strong connection with the characters. However, I did not find this book to be extraordinary or breathtaking, hence the 8 out of 10 rating. Despite this, I still believe that it is worth recommending to others, as it sheds light on important negative historical actions and serves as a reminder for us to never repeat them in the future.

In general, I truly liked reading this book. Despite my initial assumption that this book would focus more on race, I actually discovered a lot about class disparities instead. There are many important lessons to take away from this narrative, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with government aid. I encourage you to read more about the Tuskegee Experiments and Relf v. Weinberger, which inspired this story.

You can purchase Take My Hand here.

Find more books by Dolen Perkins-Valdez here.

Have you read Take My Hand? Leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

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