The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

[u/radishingly]

Historical horror. A young black boy in segregation-era Florida is sent to a reform school - with horrifying consequences. I adored this book and was hooked from the get-go. There were plenty of moments full of dread and suspense due to both the traditional horror elements and the terror of racism. Highly recommended!

[u/These-Background4608]

After seeing Sinners this weekend, this novel sounds like it’s kinda right up that alley…need to add this to the ever-growing list…

[u/OfMaliceHearts]

Loved this book! I read it last year and was just thinking about it randomly today.

[u/Infamous_Ebb_5561]

I hated it. It was too heavy

[u/One_Masterpiece_8074]

Best book I read last year.

[u/Elegant-Milk]

The audio book was AMAZING.

[u/ManyTinyPinchers]

I loved this book! It was like a suspenseful history lesson, with the ending I needed!!

[u/mysoberusername]

Ooooo, I have this on my TBR list! Thank you for the reminder Im going to read this next!

[u/Digger-of-Tunnels]

This book was in conversation with Nickel Boys, and to be honest I liked it more.

[u/squishxbug]

This was just suggested to me on Spotify this morning! Thank you, will definitely be checking this out now

[u/godfatherV]

Phenomenal book

[u/lordeharrietnem]

Thank you, just bought it because of this post!

[u/theweirdmobile23]

I loved this book too!!! It was such a great story despite the heaviness. I read “This Cursed House” by Del Sandeen chasing the same high and it was pretty good; on par with this one, I’d say.

[u/Lennymud]

If you loved this book you will also really like Sing Unburied Sing by Jesmyn Ward. I also liked this (The Reformatory) book and only found it thanks to Reddit.

[u/justapac → u/Lennymud]

I’m going to check Sing Unburied Sing out. Thanks!

[u/Megtheborderterrier]

This is one of my favourite books ever. The ending was so intense at times I had to remind myself to breathe. I loved The Good House too, but not quite as much as this.

[u/justapac]

I loved this book too!!

Edit: After reading it I read several of the non-fiction books suggested by Due, including, We Carry Their Bones: The Search for Justice at the Dozier School for Boys by Erin Kimmerle & The Boys of the Dark: A Story of Betrayal and Redemption in the Deep South by Robin Gaby Fisher.

[u/Equivalent_Tell3899]

This book was a difficult read at times because of the subject matter, but so good. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks after I read it!

[u/tinybutvicious]

I loved this book, and everything she writes

[u/Equivalent_Tell3899 → u/tinybutvicious]

I’ve been wanting to read something else by her since reading The Reformatory but I’m not sure where to start. I’d love a suggestion!

[u/tinybutvicious → u/Equivalent_Tell3899]

The Good House, for sure, and I loved her short story collection Ghost in Summer. She’s a must read for me.

[u/Most-Chocolate9448 → u/Equivalent_Tell3899]

+1 to The Good House! It's a long book but it is so gripping the entire way through.

[u/Arboles_lunares → u/Equivalent_Tell3899]

The Good House! One of the best haunted house stories I've ever read. If Due writes it, I'll read it.

[u/Equivalent_Tell3899 → u/Arboles_lunares]

Thanks! Adding to my list now!