The Blackwoods

The Blackwoods

Author	Brandy Colbert
Publisher	Balzer + Bray
Publication date	October 3, 2023
ISBN	9780063091597

The Blackwoods is a 2023 young adult novel by Brandy Colbert. The novel is told through three alternative perspectives, starting in 1942 with the rise of Hollywood film star Blossom Blackwood to the present day, following Blackwood's death and her family's subsequent grieving process and their relationship with Blossom's success, especially after a decades-long secret is revealed.

Reception

The Blackwoods received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews,[1] Publishers Weekly,[2] and Shelf Awareness.[3]

Kirkus Reviews referred to The Blackwoods as "a striking testament to the bonds of family and a perceptive study in how events can echo throughout generations". They further praised how "Colbert expertly juggles each protagonist’s POV, rendering them with distinct tones and rhythmic prose that complements the characters’ individual situations".[1] Publishers Weekly and Shelf Awareness's Natasha Harris shared the sentiment.[2][3]

Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Shelf Awareness all also highlighted Colbert's strength in navigating difficult topics, including racism, sexual harassment, sexism, and addiction.[1][2][3]

Booklist and School Library Journal also reviewed the novel.[4][5]

Awards and honors

The Blackwoods is a Junior Library Guild book.[6] In 2023, Kirkus Reviews named The Blackwoods one of the best young adult books of the year.[7]

References

1. "The Blackwoods". Kirkus Reviews. July 26, 2023. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
2. "The Blackwoods". Publishers Weekly. August 3, 2023. Archived from the original on September 3, 2023. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
3. Harris, Natasha (October 13, 2023). "The Blackwoods". Shelf Awareness. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
4. "The Blackwoods". Booklist. September 1, 2023. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
5. Glass, Alison (December 1, 2023). "The Blackwoods". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
6. "The Blackwoods". Junior Library Guild. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
7. Simeon, Laura (December 10, 2023). "Best of 2023: Our Favorite YA and Teen Books". Kirkus Reviews. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.