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Black Cake
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
163 posts | 133 read | 5 reading | 71 to read
In this moving debut novel, two estranged siblings must set aside their differences to deal with their mother's death and her hidden past--a journey of discovery that takes them from the Caribbean to London to California and ends with her famous black cake. In present-day California, Eleanor Bennett's death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny: a traditional Caribbean black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. In her message, Eleanor shares a tumultuous story about a headstrong young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. The heartbreaking journey Eleanor unfolds, the secrets she still holds back, and the mystery of a long-lost child, challenge everything the siblings thought they knew about their family, and themselves. Can Byron and Benny reclaim their once-close relationship, piece together Eleanor's true history, and fulfill her final request to "share the black cake when the time is right?" Will their mother's revelations bring them back together or leave them feeling more lost than ever? Charmaine Wilkerson's debut novel is a story of how the inheritance of betrayals, secrets, memories, and even names, can shape relationships and history. Deeply evocative and beautifully written, Black Cake is an extraordinary journey through the life of a family changed forever by the choices of its matriarch.
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review
Becker
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Panpan

I‘m not going to say much because I hate to trash a book, especially when so many other people enjoyed it. But I will say that it was a terrible choice for me. I can hardly believe someone published it. 😵‍💫

Jenken1998 I picked it up and put it down over and over at the bookstore. I left without it. I think I will get it from my library so I don't spend $$ on it. 3w
Becker @Jenken1998 Probably a good idea although I am very much in the minority. I thought it read more like an outline than a finished novel. I hope you enjoy more than I did. 3w
TheLudicReader I also did not enjoy this. It was all tell. 3w
21 likes3 comments
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BookBosomed1
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Sometimes, all I need is reading under the moonlight, sitting by my best buddy, and listening to the wind chimes being tickled by the wind.

ozma.of.oz Oh that sounds delightful! 4w
BookBosomed1 @ozma.of.oz Yes, my peace and calm. 4w
30 likes2 comments
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julieclair
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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This is such a fun idea! My May selections for #TitlesandTunes #IslandVibes are Black Cake and It‘s 5 o‘Clock Somewhere (either version - Jimmy Buffet or Alan Jackson). I don‘t think the book has anything to do with the song, but that song just says “island vacay” to me!
@Cinfhen @BarbaraBB

BarbaraBB I don‘t know the song but I love the title 🍷 1mo
Cinfhen Love your choices ♥️😎Both give me #IslandVibes 🌴 🌴 🌴 1mo
julieclair @BarbaraBB That‘s one of the things that‘s so fun about this challenge… new tunes! 🎶 I‘m so glad y‘all came up with this fun idea! 👏😀 1mo
julieclair @Cinfhen Thanks! This was a perfect prompt to start off with! Who doesn‘t love #IslandVibes?! 🌴🏝️🌴 1mo
Cinfhen Agreed!! It‘s the best way to kick off May 🎶🎊 1mo
27 likes5 comments
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Donna1980
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Bank holiday weekend sorted. Already half way through Black Cake which I put on my TBR pile a while back after it was recommended by the Obamas. Unfollow is my pick for book club this month, after being challenged to pick a non-fiction book. Have read good reviews so hopefully it doesn‘t disappoint.

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Sydneypaige
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Sometimes I get afraid of intergenerational stories because I‘m worried they‘ll be so heavy and pain filled and not paced well. That was not this. There are painful moments (check CW) but overall this book is skillfully engaging and entertaining as it spans times and perspectives. It‘s the story of children learning who their parents really are through an audio recording and unraveling the untruths, finding their way forward. Beautiful!

7 likes1 stack add
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JillR
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

A book I feel I should really have loved, as this is normally my type of book; a family saga spanning years, with mysteries and secrets at its heart only told when Byron and Benny‘s mother dies, leaving them a recording of her life story. Yet something was holding me back from completely falling for it and I‘m not sure why…

TheLudicReader It‘s all tell. That‘s the reason I never succumbed to its potential charms. Too choppy. You never got to settle in with any of the characters, really. That‘s why this book didn‘t really land for me. Impressive debut, though. 2mo
46 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

This book is a remarkable debut novel! With short chapters from multiple perspectives and varying timelines, a story about family, love, sacrifice, and secrets emerges. It‘s an unique look at racism in the Caribbean, as well as a raw dive into grief and sorrow for things lost and for the hurdles life places in the way. A five star read for me. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead #ABookAboutSecrets #52BookClub23

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Sargar114
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

A story of secrets, of identity, of heritage, and of love. Thoroughly enjoyed. Read for #literarycrew

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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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It is time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion! I posted 8 questions under the spoiler - you can find these in my feed, the book‘s feed, or searching the hashtags.

Any other thoughts to share? Thanks for joining in for another great month of reading!

Librarybelle If you have not already let me know about next month‘s book and would like me to add you to the tag list, just let me know! 2mo
Cinfhen Thanks, Jess 😘 I‘m skipping next month 2mo
Librarybelle Sounds good, @Cinfhen ! 2mo
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mcctrish I got a great deal on next months book, I‘m so happy not to be reading a library book 😂 and having to return it before our chats 2mo
AllDebooks I ran out of time to read, avoiding discussion as I really want to read it. 2mo
Jerdencon I‘m next on the library list for next months book so hoping it gets here soon. 2mo
PurpleyPumpkin Gaahh I‘m about halfway through this month‘s pick! Really enjoying it so far. I‘ll be sure to read the discussions once I finish. 👍🏽 Looking forward to reading next month‘s pick! 2mo
Librarybelle So glad you‘ll be joining in next month, @mcctrish @Jerdencon @PurpleyPumpkin ! And for those waiting for the library copy, hope it comes soon! 2mo
Librarybelle @AllDebooks @PurpleyPumpkin I‘m avoiding the discussions too as I finish it up! 2mo
julieclair I ordered a copy from eBay, hoping it would arrive before I left town for a week. Of course that didn‘t happen. It will be waiting for me when I get home tomorrow. I will join the discussion once I have read it. 2mo
SamAnne Sadly wasn‘t able to get this from my library in time… 2mo
Librarybelle @julieclair @SamAnne No worries! Feel free to join in whenever you can! 2mo
LaraReads I‘m still only halfway through! 🙈 2mo
kspenmoll Tough week - sick cat, tendinitis ( me), husband still recovering from surgery, work issues. I will try to catch up. Loved this book! 2mo
Librarybelle No worries, @LaraReads ! 2mo
Librarybelle Oh no, @kspenmoll ! I hope things get better soon! ❤️ 2mo
Julsmarshall I loved it! Took a minute to get into it but the characters and family drama were amazing! It has been on my #TBR for so long, thanks for push to get me to read it :) 2mo
51 likes17 comments
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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8. What was your favorite part of the story? Favorite location and time period? The character who interested you the most? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

mcctrish I loved learning about the history of the Black Cake. What a crazy thing to carry over within colonialism?! 2mo
CBee I really loved the relationship between Covey and Bunny when they were kids - before her dad screwed it all up 😡 2mo
Sargar114 I really enjoyed when the three kids finally got together and started meeting all the people in Covey‘s life. 2mo
Sargar114 Bunny was interesting to me. I liked how she took the “loss” of Covey and used her life to honor her “memory” 2mo
9 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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7. Forgiveness is a major theme: Eleanor struggles to forgive herself, Marble to forgive her parents, Benny to forgive her family, Byron to forgive Lin. Do you find any of the characters' actions in the book to be unforgivable? Why or why not? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

mcctrish The dad! He‘s an unforgivable piece of shit 2mo
Deblovestoread Yep the dad. I felt it was unnecessary to include him towards the end of the story. 2mo
CBee Absolutely the dad. None of it would‘ve happened had he not felt like he needed to “sell” Covey to that monster. Ugh 😩 2mo
Sargar114 Agree with everyone, the dad was reprehensible 2mo
7 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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6. “The thing about identity. There's your family history, there's how you see yourself, then there's what other see in you.“ Do you find this statement to be true for the characters in the novel? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

mcctrish Totally and it‘s why gibb‘s death rocked Eleanor so strongly, because there was no one left who KNEW her. It‘s why Benny felt so devastated when she thought her parents didn‘t accept HER. It‘s why Byron was so mad at Benny for deserting them 2mo
Sargar114 @mcctrish agreed! I also think it‘s why Eleanor felt comfortable enough to reach out to Bunny finally. It‘s also why she left the recording for her children and the breadcrumbs to discover their heritage. 2mo
mcctrish Absolutely @Sargar114 2mo
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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5. Why do you think Bert and Eleanor disagreed with Benny's life choices? Do you think they were wrong to be so hard on her? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Addison_Reads I'm not sure if ignorance or fear made them not approve, but like so many things in this book, there needed to be a heartfelt discussion between them and it never happened. Both parents cared and in their own way made sure their daughter was okay, but so much could have been fixed with a conversation. 2mo
Jerdencon I think they had their own expectations of their kids (like most parents) and felt that since they had sacrificed so much they had say but it was just a case of so much missing communication. 2mo
mcctrish I don‘t think they didn‘t approve, I think they needed a minute to process. Benny reacted ( storming off) thinking they disapproved. But did the parents wait too long thinking she‘d come back when she‘s cooled off? Yes. The mom did reach out but the dad dying put a kibosh on that relationship turning around 2mo
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Deblovestoread I agree with @mcctrish that her parents had one chance to show the right reaction and when that didn't happen she left. But they also should have gotten their act together much quicker 2mo
CBee I hated this because I feel like Benny was too quick to run off and not give them a chance to ruminate and let things settle. She could‘ve left, stayed away for a few days, then come back. I just feel like that was such a missed opportunity that cost them 8 years 🙁 2mo
mcctrish @CBee such a missed opportunity is right! And it impacted all of their relationships with each other 💔 2mo
CBee @mcctrish I liked Benny but I hated the choice she made 🙁 2mo
Sargar114 Agree with @mcctrish @CBee @Deblovestoread that was a big announcement and they needed time to process. Benny was young and reacted rashly and immature. Unfortunately she paid for her stubbornness and unwillingness to communicate. It seems listening to her mom‘s recording helped her with that and then she opened up to Byron (and Marble really) 2mo
Sargar114 Also: I kinda loved her dad keeping the records of his time in New York so she learned he was trying to keep tabs on her. 2mo
mcctrish @Sargar114 me too!!!! 2mo
7 likes10 comments
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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4. Discuss Benny and Byron's relationship. Why was it complicated? How had they grown apart after being so close? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Addison_Reads Just like their mother, the siblings grew apart because of secrets and things left unsaid between the two of them. 2mo
mcctrish All the secrets drove a wedge between them. 2mo
Sargar114 Agree, the secrets and the lack of communication drove them apart (as it usually does) 2mo
7 likes3 comments
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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3. Eleanor wanted Mr. Mitch, Benny, and Byron to listen to the voice message she left behind when all together. Why do you think she specifically made this request? What would have been different if Benny and Byron had listened to everything separately? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Addison_Reads I think she wanted the kids together again and it was her way of ensuring that. They needed each other in order to get through the tape and process what they were hearing. 2mo
Jerdencon @Addison_Reads I agree - they needed to be in the same space to experience it. 2mo
mcctrish The secrets and choices that came out in the recording explained some of the choices that were made while Benny and Byron grew up. Benny and Byron harboured some grievances vs each other and their parents ( and had secrets they were ashamed to share too) so it helped give permission to everyone to figure themselves and each other 2mo
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Deblovestoread It gave them something in common to help find there way back to each other. I always tell my kids that when we are gone they will only have each other and it matters 2mo
CBee She did it to bring them together again. And so that they could find their sister together. 2mo
Sargar114 I agree it was an effort to reunite her family. If they listened to it separately, I doubt to get back together as quickly. 2mo
7 likes6 comments
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
This post contains spoilers
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2. Secrets are a huge part of the novel. Why do you think Eleanor kept her story from her children for so long and only shared it posthumously? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Addison_Reads I think fear was a big part in her keeping her secrets, but also after so many years of not telling it probably became harder to just tell them all the truth. 2mo
mcctrish @Addison_Reads I agree, she was afraid for herself and all of her friends and family who would be considered collaborators in her disappearance 2mo
Deblovestoread I agree about fear but I also think the longer you hold on to a secret the right time never presents itself. 2mo
CBee I agree - considering she was wanted for murder at one point, she was terrified of being blamed for a crime she didn‘t commit. I tried to put myself in her shoes and I honestly don‘t know if I could keep that huge of a secret 😳 2mo
Sargar114 Agreed. Her developing life was built on fear of the Henry‘s and she spent the bulk of her life running and hiding that like @Addison_Reads it may have almost been a habit. She also mentioned how Gibbs sacrificed his life to be with her and to keep her secrets as well so it was not just to protect her family but in loyalty to her husband. 2mo
7 likes5 comments
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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1. Eleanor Bennett leaves behind a voice recording for her children, disclosing the story of her life. What was the most surprising part of her past for you? The saddest? The most interesting? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Jerdencon I think the saddest was how she could never share her true story with her children - how she had to keep that all hidden and ultimately how it shaped all their lives. 2mo
Addison_Reads For me the saddest part is that it all started with her father basically forcing her into a marriage because of his own debts. The most surprising/interesting part of all her secrets was her assuming her friend's identity when she wakes up in the hospital after the accident. 2mo
mcctrish Her freaking father was the WORST! But I was sad she never found her mother. Her mother‘s story was so sad, basically just disappearing and no one knowing what happened for decades kind of mirrored her own in that she had to disappear too so no one would come after her 2mo
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Deblovestoread The saddest for me was her forced marriage. And the most surprising was not telling her story before she died... although then there wouldn't be a plot lol 2mo
Sargar114 Agree with @Addison_Reads @Deblovestoread the forced marriage and her father was the saddest part to me. Her never finding her mother was also sad, but almost okay since the resolution indicated she had every intention of sending for Covey but suffered an accident before that could happen so Covey wasn‘t just abandoned. 2mo
Sargar114 Also thought while sad she lost her friend, how fortunate she was at that opportunity and it truly felt that she honored her friends memory by making the most of her life. 2mo
7 likes6 comments
review
TheLudicReader
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Mehso-so

Sadly, this book was just okay for me. I felt like I was being told everything and it jumped around so much I never felt attached to any of the characters or even as though I knew them. Should be an interesting book club discussion tonight, though. (Although I have already been told we will not be having any black cake.)

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Julsmarshall
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

This magnificent and beautifully written family story spans decades and is full of love, betrayal, and mystery. The adult children of a complicated woman must come to terms with their inheritance on many levels: history, race, food, secrets and, ultimately, redemption. I loved so much about this book and it‘s unique perspective and I highly recommend it! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #Pantone2023 @Clwojick #IcedMango #SummerSon

Clwojick Great matches! 2mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo
50 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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My reading buddy is not being very helpful this morning 🤣

AmyG A book holder! Very very useful 2mo
squirrelbrain Look at that gorgeous face! ❤️ 2mo
JamieArc My pup does the exact same thing 😂 2mo
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batsy That face! ❤️ 2mo
dabbe Dat face! “Mama, please adore only me.“ ❣️🐾❣️ 2mo
dylanisreading Being extremely cute though! 2mo
ShelleyBooksie I just wanna book that snoot ♡♡♡ 2mo
Julsmarshall Thanks all! She is a very cute and helpful book buddy @AmyG @squirrelbrain @JamieArc @batsy @dabbe @dylanisreading! She would love the boop, @ShelleyBooksie 😊 2mo
69 likes1 stack add8 comments
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kspenmoll
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

Black cake is a multi-generational story of heartbreak with touches of joy & whimsy.Eleanor,a legendary swimmer,is forced to flee her island under suspicion of murder.
At its core is the Caribbean Black Cake,whose most vital ingredient is love.After her death,her children receive a legacy in a series of recordings that reveal family secrets.Themes explored: Identity,resilience, forgiveness,risk taking,& the ability to reinvent oneself. Beautiful!

kspenmoll Love of the ocean, swimming & surfing are gifts Eleanor also bequeathed her children, especially her son. 2mo
Librarybelle Great review! I love that your pillow works wonderfully with the book‘s cover! 2mo
batsy Lovely review and photo 🌼🌺🌸 2mo
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CBee
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

I LOVED this. Shorter chapters, so many stories, a lot of characters to keep track of, but it worked well for me and I just love how the author connected it all. Can‘t wait to discuss! #literarycrew #pantone2023 #vanillacream #fieryred @Clwojick @Librarybelle

JamieArc I had the same thoughts about it! 2mo
Amor4Libros Loved this one, too!! 2mo
Librarybelle Hooray!!! 2mo
80 likes3 comments
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JamieArc
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

Set on an unnamed Caribbean island, this story came alive to me as I read it while in St. Lucia and could imagine it here. The short chapters and constantly changing story worked for me. I almost couldn‘t put it down. This story is about so many things, and a lot was packed in to the last 50+ pages. Some editing could have been done. Overall, I really enjoyed being with each of the characters and learning how the story unfolded. #LiteraryCrew

sarahbarnes Beautiful pic! 2mo
AmyG Lovely photo! (edited) 2mo
Librarybelle Gorgeous photo! 2mo
TheLudicReader This is my current read. 2mo
58 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Checkin time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! I‘ve seen some mixed reviews on this one from those who have finished. Any thoughts to share with the group at this point?

Discussion questions will be posted on the 31st!

Jerdencon I‘m 1/2 done - so far it‘s been good. 2mo
SamAnne Still waiting for my library hold… 2mo
JamieArc Stayed up late to finish this yesterday! Review will be coming today 🖤🎂 2mo
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AllDebooks @SamAnne me too 🙄 2mo
julieclair Libby snatched back the book before I could finish... hadn't gotten very far, but I was liking it. I've ordered a used copy from eBay. Hoping it arrives in time, but if not, I'll add my comments late. 2mo
megnews I‘m behind on reading but hope to catch up for discussion 2mo
Addison_Reads I have a used paperback copy of this book I purchased to share with my IRL book club. If anyone still waiting on a library hold in the US would like it I can mail it out tomorrow for you. 2mo
Sargar114 I‘m really enjoying it.almost about halfway through. 2mo
mcctrish I really enjoyed it! Thank you so much for picking it to read ❤️ I LOVE the back story of black cake ( I had no idea) 2mo
mrp27 So far I‘m enjoying what I‘m reading but I‘m not very far into the book. 2mo
Librarybelle So glad you enjoyed it, @mcctrish ! 2mo
Librarybelle @mrp27 Glad you are enjoying what you have read so far! 2mo
Sargar114 @Librarybelle Don‘t worry, it‘s got short chapters so it‘s a bit of a quick read 2mo
CBee @Librarybelle I started yesterday and am LOVING it so far! 2mo
Librarybelle So good to know, @Sargar114 @CBee !! 2mo
LaraReads @Librarybelle I am behind too! 😫 2mo
Librarybelle @LaraReads Glad I‘m not the only one! 2mo
62 likes18 comments
review
amma-keep-reading
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
Pickpick

Whew! What a read.

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kspenmoll
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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JamieArc Did you really make black cake? This is my current read (at page 100) and I‘m really enjoying it…curious where the story is going to go. 2mo
Soubhiville What a helpful reading Buddy you have! 2mo
AmyG I miss reading with my cat. What a beauty! 2mo
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ravenlee That‘s a nice bookstand you‘ve got there! 2mo
ShelleyBooksie Poe ❤️🧡💛💚 2mo
dabbe Priceless Poe! ❣️🐾❣️ 2mo
kspenmoll @JamieArc I took that photo off the internet! Thanks for the compliment!A baker I am so not- & Black cake sounds long & complicated. I did look up recipes for it. 2mo
kspenmoll @ravenlee Sturdy, soft, petable bookstand- there is nothing better! 2mo
kspenmoll @AmyG I totally understand. Cats are such devoted, snuggly reading companions.💕💕 2mo
Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 2mo
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Sargar114
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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“He should have know it would come to this.”

#firstlinefridays #literarycrew

Library hold picked up today, already enjoying it.

Librarybelle Hooray!! 2mo
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review
mcctrish
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

Mini trip to Toronto to see 2 plays and our youngest who‘s here going to uni. I loved this book, all the twists as we uncover Covey‘s story, the swimming and surfing, the black cake ( an unexpected example of colonialism), family. it‘s set in 2 time lines, present day and the 50‘s #literarycrew #buddyread

LeahBergen Fun! Enjoy your holiday. 3mo
Sargar114 Just started and already liking it! 2mo
mcctrish Thx @LeahBergen it was a perfect little getaway and we had blue skies the whole time, perfect for walking 2mo
mcctrish @Sargar114 I found I was engaged right away too 2mo
45 likes4 comments
review
Deblovestoread
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this multigenerational debut novel although the ending lost me a bit. Looking forward to the #LiteraryCrew discussion at the end of the month.

Librarybelle Hooray! So glad you liked it! 3mo
Cinfhen I just couldn‘t keep track of all the characters🤷🏼‍♀️ and the name changes - I did audio and was probably too distracted to fully appreciate the various threads 3mo
Cinfhen Im glad you enjoyed😁 3mo
65 likes1 stack add3 comments
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TheLudicReader
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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My teensy March Break #bookhaul. I mean, does it even count?

review
AlizaApp
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

Two estranged siblings reunite after their mother has died, where they are faced with her final bequest: a tape she has left them explaining a painful family secret. The story moves quickly, on multiple timelines, and I enjoyed the different points of view.

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Cinfhen
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Mehso-so

#UnpopularOpinion I just found this book so difficult to follow- multiple timelines, dozens of characters, so many side stories- it was just too messy for me 🤷🏼‍♀️curious to see what the #LiteraryCrew has to say about this one!! This was also on @MallenNC #ALSpine list - sorry I didn‘t love it as much as you did, Melyssa! I enjoyed the author‘s notes & im interested to see what she writes next. #ReadingTheAmericas23 #Jamaica

Megabooks I don‘t remember much about this, but I did read it. 🤔 (edited) 3mo
Librarybelle That‘s a shame! I‘ve not started yet. I‘m very curious now… 3mo
Cinfhen This book has tons of 5 star reviews so I have a feeling it was me @Librarybelle @Megabooks I just wasn‘t fully invested from the start and I did audio which meant I was often spacing out 🤪 3mo
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MallenNC There is a lot going on in this one! I read it in print and think it would have been hard to follow on audio. 3mo
Cinfhen I see now that I own this book on my Kindle too 🤦🏼‍♀️ @MallenNC I probably should have switched to print!! Bummer 3mo
Addison_Reads When I found out at my IRL book club that this author writes "flash fiction" it helped me understand this book more. The short chapters and the way some characters and topics just pop-up without being explored in-depth, I feel are just part of the writing style. 3mo
Cinfhen Interesting @Addison_Reads that does explain the writing style which sometimes felt like bullet fire - her prose was great so im definitely curious to try her next book. 3mo
TrishB I love this one, just shows sometimes just how it clicks. 3mo
Lizpixie 🙌🎉 2mo
85 likes10 comments
review
kellyann28
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

Another February read that also happened to be a January #BookSpin was Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. I LOVED this book! I typically love family dramas and really enjoy seeing this explored in other cultures. This was as good as other readers have said!

32 likes1 stack add
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mcctrish
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Happy International Women‘s Day Littens ❤️❤️❤️

readingjedi That mug is somewhat fabulous 🤣 3mo
mcipher And the mug contents look amazing! 3mo
LeahBergen Love it! 😆 3mo
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mcctrish @readingjedi I have a mug obsession 3mo
mcctrish @mcipher my milk frother brings me joy in the morning ❤️ 3mo
mcctrish @LeahBergen @Sleepswithbooks I mean, it‘s true 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣 3mo
ozma.of.oz Perfect mug is perfect. 3mo
5feet.of.fury Love the mug 3mo
dabbe There should be a shop called “Mug & Nails.“ 💚🖤💚 3mo
mcctrish @dabbe oh I‘d buy so many mugs there while I got my nails done 💅🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 3mo
mcctrish @ozma.of.oz I had to have it 3mo
mcctrish @5feet.of.fury it would be good on a tee too 🤣🤣 3mo
ShelleyBooksie Awesome mug and fancy nails! 3mo
mcctrish @ShelleyBooksie I thought they‘d do a better job of heralding in spring 🤣🤣 3mo
53 likes1 stack add15 comments
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ChantalReads
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

This is a very intricate, and well-written story. All of the loose ends get tied up, so it is satisfying to finish. The non-chronological style of writing can be a tad confusing if you struggle keeping track of smaller details, but it all makes sense at the end. A very good read.

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Cinfhen
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Still packing - thank goodness for audiobooks 💕🙌🏻

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LeslieO
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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TheLudicReader This is our next book club read. I haven't started it yet. 3mo
Eggs Well done 🎂 3mo
LeahBergen Happy Birthday! ❤️📚❤️📚 3mo
LeslieO @LeahBergen Thank you! 3mo
44 likes4 comments
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LitsyEvents
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Repost for @Librarybelle:

New month, new book for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead !

We‘re reading Black Cake this month. Read at your own pace, and I will post periodic check ins throughout the month. Discussion is on the 31st!

All are welcome! Tagging those who have expressed interest; comment below if you would also like to be tagged!

original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2557054

SamAnne I hope to get to this one. 3mo
Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! And, @SamAnne I hope you‘re able to join us! 3mo
43 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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New month, new book for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead !

We‘re reading Black Cake this month. Read at your own pace, and I will post periodic check ins throughout the month. Discussion is on the 31st!

All are welcome! Tagging those who have expressed interest; comment below if you would also like to be tagged!

LaraReads Yay! Super excited! 3mo
Librarybelle @LaraReads So glad!! I‘m really looking forward to it! 3mo
See All 21 Comments
JamieArc Looking forward to this one! 3mo
Julsmarshall Can‘t wait! 3mo
CBee So looking forward to this!! 3mo
Librarybelle I‘m so glad you‘re excited for this! @JamieArc @Julsmarshall @CBee 3mo
julieclair Yay! My hold just came through! 3mo
Bluebird Please add me to the tags! A ‘skip the line‘ offer for a 7 day loan appeared on my Libby today, so I am starting the book now. 😄 3mo
Cinfhen I‘m looking forward to this one !!! 3mo
mrp27 I‘m in! 3mo
ashw21 Loved this book!! 3mo
Librarybelle Hooray, @julieclair @Cinfhen @mrp27 ! So glad you‘re excited for this! 3mo
Librarybelle That‘s awesome, @Bluebird ! I‘ll add you to the list! 3mo
Librarybelle That is so good to know, @ashw21 ! 3mo
Addison_Reads I just read this for my IRL book club. @Librarybelle will you add me to the list? Thank you. 3mo
Librarybelle Of course, @Addison_Reads ! Yay! 3mo
PurpleyPumpkin I‘m in for this one! Just bought the audiobook and will start listening soon. 👍🏽 3mo
mcctrish I just finished this book and I love it!!!! 3mo
Librarybelle @mcctrish So good to hear!! 2mo
60 likes21 comments
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Julsmarshall
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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1. Learning new things, experiencing different perspectives, and retaining my sanity.
2. Several, tagged one the most!
3. Hard question, Trish Dollar I think.

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kspenmoll
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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1. Learning about different worlds,cultures,ideas. Characters to aspire to,role models.laughing, crying, feeling frustrated.
2.Black Cake
3. The Daughters of Madurai by Rajasree Variyar,historical fiction
The Pyramid (Kurt Wallander Series)
by Henning Mankell, mystery
#wondrouswednesday
Anyone can play!

Eggs Thanks for joining in 💗 3mo
38 likes1 comment
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HeatherBookNerd
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

A pair of estranged siblings come together after their mother‘s death and are surprised to discover that their family history is full of never before told secrets. Great book about family loyalty, identity, and forgiveness. Enjoyed it a lot.

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Julsmarshall
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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My March #BookspinBingo list. Messy, but done :) March will be exciting, I‘ll be starting a new job and celebrating my birthday with a couple of weekend trips. I hope to fit in a good bit of reading too! @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Good luck with all your adventures next month!! 3mo
42 likes1 comment
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LitsyEvents
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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The #literarycrew Buddy read for March is the tagged book. Let @librarybelle know if you are interested in joining in.

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 3mo
30 likes1 comment
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TamTracy
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

I loved the characters, the storyline, and learning about this family‘s journey. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Librarybelle
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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I‘m very excited to say March‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is the tagged book - it‘s been on my tbr list since it was published, and I‘m so glad it was recommended for this year‘s list!

Read at your own pace in March. I will post periodic check ins, with discussion questions posted on the 31st.

Tagging those who have previously expressed interest. All are welcome! If you would like tagged in posts, comment below!

julieclair I‘m excited to read this one, too! 3mo
mcctrish Just put this on hold 👏🏻👏🏻 3mo
See All 17 Comments
Cinfhen I‘m 💯 in!!! 3mo
Deblovestoread I‘m in! 3mo
mrp27 I‘m in! 3mo
Julsmarshall I‘m in! 3mo
CBee I‘d like to join! Got a Kindle deal a few weeks ago and this is the perfect time to read it! Thanks, @Librarybelle 😊 3mo
kspenmoll I plan to join! 3mo
megnews I‘m in. 3mo
Jerdencon Just requested from the library! 3mo
LaraReads I‘m in! It seems like fate that I just got this at the library book sale. Yay! 3mo
Librarybelle Hooray, @Jerdencon ! And, I noticed it in your haul from the book sale, @LaraReads - perfect timing! 😁 3mo
76 likes17 comments
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ChaoticMissAdventures
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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#BlackHistoryMonth recommendations
Day 21 Fiction
I suggest reading the afterwards first. It gives a rich history of race in the Caribbean and how Asian and British cultures have influenced the area. It gives context to this well written and in depth family drama. If you like family stories with betrayal, mysteries, and the pull of family you should read this.

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K.Wielechowski
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

Fantastic!!!
When Eleanor dies, she leaves a recoding for her two children, Byron and Benny, bringing them back together after 9 years apart. The recording reveals family secrets from Eleanor‘s past that shock B and B but allow them to reconnect as they come to terms with who their mother actually was.

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jdiehr
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
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Pickpick

A book, a cat, and socks with books and cats 😄

Finished this family saga last night and totally understand why it was one of the Book of the Year picks.

Multi-generations and lots of secrets.

I appreciated the short chapters and liked how it bounced from past to present but was still easy to keep up with.

Deblovestoread Love the socks and your kitty is beautiful 😻 3mo
dabbe Da cutest kitty matches the bedspread! Gorgeous! 😻 3mo
38 likes2 comments
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Evita
Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
Pickpick

4 out of 5