4.5?? “Troubled Waters" is a powerful narrative that intertwines the lives of a granddaughter and grandmother, exploring their struggles with racial and environmental justice across generations.

Heglar’s meticulous background research (and thoughtfully added personal experiences) made this book fit a branch of historical fiction I love. As a climate scientist, I often find themes of climate change and climate justice hard to successfully portray in a story without it feeling a topic thrown in sans purpose to the overall narrative. That is not the case here; the clear but often overlooked connections between climate and society provided profound depth to Corrine’s story. While I personally would have loved more insight into characters Cameron and Yvonne, and the industries that shaped their fates, the novel stands strong without it. I appreciated how "Troubled Waters" linked topics of generational trauma, grief, activism, family, and healing, showcasing the enduring strength and resilience of Black women against a backdrop of societal and environmental turmoil.

Joniece Abbott-Pratt’s narration brings the characters to life with incredible personality and vibrancy, I loved her storytelling.

Thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins Focus, Mary Annaïse Heglar, and Joniece Abbott-Pratt for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.audiobook giveaway published-202433 s1 comment Katie B1,430 3,091

4.5 stars

Troubled Waters is a book worth reading. The author drew inspiration from her family and background to create this story. It’s really what gave the characters so much depth. Raw and heartbreaking but if you look hard enough you’ll see some light amongst the darkness. There are some beautiful moments that left me a puddle of tears.

In 2013, Corrine’s brother, Cameron, died while working on an oil boat on the Mississippi River. A year later and continuing her education at predominantly white Oberlin College, she is passionate about environmental causes and wants to hold the oil industry accountable for both her brother’s death and the continued destruction of the planet. Corrine’s activism will put her at odds with her grandmother, Cora who as a child in the 1950s was one of the first Black students to be integrated into a Nashville school. Cora’s son and Corrine’s uncle, Harold, plays the role of peacekeeper trying to keep his family together.

The story alternates between the 3 family members and you get key moments of their past as well as what’s going on the year or so after the death of Cameron. Cora’s story hit me the hardest as she really had the weight of the world on her shoulders as a little girl. It’s understandable why she never wanted to discuss her childhood. As you read about her experiences as a Black girl in an all white school, your heart breaks both for Cora the child and Cora the adult who carried all that with her. She’s the driving force in this novel that really brings everything together.

Don’t sleep on this one. It’s a powerful read.

Thank you Harper Muse for sending me a free advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.arc environment fiction ...more26 s Tris509 30

this tale spans decades exploring the history of two generations of black women in southern USA: grandmother cora, the sole black student in her elementary school, facing systemic racism as a literal 5-to-7-year-old in the 50s; and granddaughter corrine, raising awareness on climate change after losing her brother in an oil barge accident in 2013. we also get the occasional chapters from harold, cora's son and corrine's uncle.

personally i connected more with corrine, being of similar age and disposition, but i also felt for young cora and the older cora who learns to accept her past and acknowledge how the times have changed since. the past timeline felt a bit disconnected at first but it all ties up well as we get to know the relationships within the family. i thought the heaviness of the themes was balanced by the heartwarming love and care shown between the three.

this is an important work of fiction drawing inspiration from very real events. thank you to the author for writing this and kindly allowing me to read an advanced copy through netgalley. 2024 contemporary netgalley8 s Lit_Vibrations (Sammesha D.)232 20

When you’re involved in something that’s bigger than yourself it can be hard to get others to see the bigger picture or for them to understand why you’re going so hard for what you believe in.

After the loss of her brother aboard an oil boat on the Mississippi River, Corrine awakened to the realities of climate change and its perpetrators. A year of grief and depression leaves Corrine trapped in a lonely cycle of mourning her brother and the progression of global warming. She convinces herself in order to save her future she has to ensure her brother’s life meant something. Even if that means jeopardizing her safety to do the impossible. In a brave attempt to honor her brother Corrine peels back the scabs of her family wounds that rattle Grandma Cora to the core.

This was a rather interesting read the author provided a mix of everything in this one. We’re given some historical context and generational trauma with Cora’s backstory of school desegregation during her childhood. Corrine gives a bit of magical realism with her premonitions of catastrophic events or seeing the ghosts of those affected during those events. The author also made relevant references to past events the oil spill, Hurricane Katrina, the Great Flood of 1927, Eric Garner, and Trayvon Martin.

Throughout the book I could tell Corrine was passionate about making everyone aware of global warming. But she failed to make the impact she intended because she acted out of emotion and didn’t think her actions through. But I loved the support she received from her family and those around her. Although they didn’t agree with the stance she wanted to make everyone still backed her decision.

Overall, I thought the book was okay as it tackled many themes throughout and loved that it was based on the authors family history. My only downside is the loss in focus when one theme is presented to the next. But the book is very well-written and something many will enjoy. Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours , & @harpermuse for my gifted copy??7 s WellReadAndRatchet35 10


“In this intimate portrait of two generations, a granddaughter and a grandmother come to terms with what it means to be family, Black women, and alive in a world on fire.”

Reflection: By the time I finished the last line, I was ugly crying so much that my dog came over to make sure I was okay. I honestly didn’t expect this book would affect me so much emotionally but it did. As a Southern girl that moved to Northeast Ohio I could relate so much to Corrine. Grandma Cora and Uncle Harold were reminiscent of my own family members. I felt so at home in this book. One thing I didn’t expect were some of the turns. I remember heading into part two thinking “what genre is this again?” I had to refer back to synopsis because it seemed to be setting up for an environmental thriller, at times there were supernatural elements, and we also got a taste of historical fiction. I didn’t know how this book was going to go and that’s where a lost interest a bit. But as I got to part three, my interest and emotions were pulled right back in. As we approached the big event, I was on edge wondering how it all would play out. I understood both sides of the argument. The strong sense of family and family traditions were my favorite parts of this book. So if you’re looking for a beautiful story about an imperfect family coupled with activism, and climate this book is for you.

Rating: 4.25??/ 5

Favorite Quote: “Watching Grandma wince, it occurred to Corinne that Black women—celebrated the world over for their extraordinary ability to bend and bend and bend—can, in fact, break. Into a million little shards. And no one would come to put them back together again.”

Thanks to Harper Muse Books and Hear Our Voices Tours for my gifted copy!5 s1 comment Shelby (allthebooksalltheways)767 122

REVIEW

Thank you #partner @harpermusebooks for my #gifted copy.
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