Don’t let the small size fool you. Vinyl Moon by Mahogany L. Browne is powerfully packed with poems, vignettes and prose that weave together Angel’s journey from a traumatic past onto self-discovery. Living with her uncle, Angel forms a closer connection with him, noticing the contrast between him and her mom and learning why he left all those years ago without looking back. She also learns more about her family’s history and her parents’ relationship, noticing its effects on her romantic relationships. Angel realizes she fears growing up to be like her mother.
Ms. G is the teacher everyone needs at least once in their lifetime. Angel quickly feels more comfortable than she could have expected by landing in a place where others can come as they are and share as they please. Ms. G sparks Angel’s interest in literature by recommending work from Toni Morrison, Nora Zeale Hurston, Maya Angelou and more. She then connects this newfound interest to her passion for music, addressing her deep wounds. Reflecting on her parent’s relationship, her relationship with Darius and the direction she wants to go – Angel will confront her traumas and open up to forgiveness and acceptance.
