A beautiful mix of history, personal essay, and musings about a state most probably overlook. I love this type of focused writing. As someone who also lives in a state that most don't pay much attention to (Kentucky) this really hit home for me.

Title: Blessings and Disasters
Author: Alexis Okeowo
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Blessings and Disasters" by Alexis Okeowo

My Insight:

'Blessing and Disaster' was well delivered by this author, especially if you are interested in the' history of understanding the intricate layers of the resilience of its people' in Alabama. Now, if you did not live in the South, I know this will be an eye-opener for you, reading how this author gives us a clear picture of this painful history of how one grew up and was shaped into who they are now. This story may be a little hard to read, given its history of the slave trade, civil war, and racism, but if you can get through it, it will be a compelling and unforgettable read. All that's left to say is that it's history, whether we like it or not, of what happened as Alexis Okeowo, who lived through it, growing up there.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Henry Holt and Co. for my ARC copy.

I'll have to admit: before going into this book, as someone who is culturally northeastern American, I knew very little about Alabama. I was interested in what Okeowo had to say and the research they did, and I was blown away by what I was reading throughout this brief book. So much research combined with personal histories, as well as little biographies of ordinary people from local Black and Creek communities were scattered throughout these pages--I felt like I learned a lot from them and their ancestors, what they went through. From religion to the Alabama Constitution, this is a special little book that resonates and dispels some stereotypes about Alabama for sure while contextualizing in the grand scheme of American history and experimentation.

Alexis Okeowo is a journalist, children of Nigerian immigrants, and Alabamian. From the publisher's description, I expected this to be a defense of a misunderstood state, but it reads a lot more like "sure, Alabama has a violent, racist past, has and continues to treat women, tribal people and minorities poorly, but for some reason I like it."

The book is a combination of history about Alabama's past and a personal memoir of the author's relationship to her home state. I found the history well researched and fascinating, even though I was at least somewhat familiar with much of the history of the slave trade, civil war, and subsequent institutional racism. But a lot of the book falls between history and memoir when Okeowo interviews black women about their own histories. These I found mostly overlong and unnecessary to the main themes of the book. For example, there is an extended period around the halfway point of the book where Okeowe describes, in detail, the dating and marriage stories of two women she is interviewing. This would have been more compelling had the stories connected more fully with Alabama's treatment of black women. I didn't feel that much of this was unique to Alabama.

Even though I found this book flawed, I appreciate the need for all of us to hear from minority voices about their American experience. Many thanks to Henry Holt and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I don't know if I would have picked this up if not for hearing about it from Annie B. Jones at The Bookshelf. Okeowo is a journalist and this book is a mixture of historical investigation and memoir. As an Alabamian, Okeowo has a unique perspective sharing about what Alabama is (and why) and how perceptions and stereotypes are truthful, helpful, and hurtful -- and how her personal experiences reflect these ideas. Overall, the book might have benefited from some tight editing but overall, it was interesting and brought up many feelings about Alabama and our country as a whole. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy and opportunity to share my thoughts.

A dynamic showcase of talent and exploration of identity. This author transports you into the raw realness that captivates and connects.

Alexis Okeowo's "Blessings and Disasters" is a remarkable blend of memoir, history, and reportage that offers a fresh perspective on one of America's most misunderstood states. Growing up as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants in Montgomery, Alabama, Okeowo masterfully weaves her family's story with the broader narrative of Alabama's tumultuous past and present.

Okeowo's exploration of Alabama's history, from the forced removal of the Creek Nation to the present-day legislative battles, is both enlightening and deeply moving. She deftly navigates the complexities of a state that exists at the border of blessing and disaster, showing how people can love their home while still acknowledging its sins.

What sets this book apart is Okeowo's ability to defy stereotypes and present a nuanced view of Alabama. Her intimate memoir and journalistic triumph shed light on lesser-known histories and examine why Alabama has been the stage for some of the most extreme results of the American experiment1.

"Blessings and Disasters" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricate layers of American history and the resilience of its people. Okeowo's powerful storytelling and insightful analysis make this book a true gem.

I could have read an entire book just on the people Alexis Okeowo profiled. The beginning was difficult for me to get into because there is a bevy of history. The book is less of a memoir and more of an undertaking about Alabama, much discussed for its racism and not the humanity that Okeowo writes about.

I did not expect to find myself so moved, so deeply, by this highly personal travelogue. As a southerner myself who has been up north for half his life now, this was DEEPLY moving.

I found this to be an enjoyable read. As I read the stories, I could feel my emotions begin to churn, and began to envision the scene that was being described. It was a breath of fresh air to see that someone who was able to defy stereotypes that were thrust upon her, and and overcome them. Stereotypes that were based on what they saw, and not her character/ who she was as a person. Alexis Okeowo honestly acknowledged the painful history of where she grew up and helped shape her into who is he is today.
First and foremost, thank you to the author for sharing her reality and experiences with me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC copy.

This book was okay, I actually found it hard to believe. Alabama has a reputation, and it was hard to believe these stories. I think it was interesting to learn about other cultures nonetheless!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!