Title: Blackout
Editor: Dhonielle Clayton
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: June 22, 2021
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Summary
As a summer heatwave blankets New York, a blackout throws off everyone’s plans. Even though the city might be thrown into confusion, there are new romances sparking all over the city. There’s new love sparking, old friends finding something new, and even exes finding that everything isn’t over after all.
This is a collection of six different stories from acclaimed YA authors: Angie Thomas, Nicola Yoon, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Ashley Woodfolk, and Dhonielle Clayton. Each story is connected in a different way, giving us a sprawling view of love in New York City. When there’s a blackout. This book is full of Black joy and romance. And sets the stage for summer reads!
Review: Blackout
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! While short story collections can be hit or miss for me, it helped that this included so many of my favorite authors. Each story brings something different to the table. But, I enjoyed how they were all connected, too.
This is a quick read, and it’s one you very well could read in one sitting. I know I almost did! I enjoyed the fact that Tiffany D. Jackson’s story “The Long Walk” bookended the entire collection. It definitely helped in creating transitions and connecting all of the stories. Nic Stone’s “Mask Off” is a second favorite, though. I love how she captured the voice in that story.
Additionally, even though these are short stories, the characters fill the pages. As someone who is a character reader, I appreciated the fact that each story had characters that leapt off the page. They have all this stage of New York, but they aren’t swallowed up by their setting. Likewise, each author plays off each other to create an interwoven story that’s contagious.
What’s also great about this book is the way it presents different paths to love. The presentation of romance has such variety! And probably something for everyone! This is very much a book about love and joy, and that’s just what we need right now. Honestly, this is the perfect time for this book to come out! If you’re making a summer TBR, this book should definitely be on it.
4.5/5 stars