From the Bookshelf of DMPL Book Chat…

Black Cake

Charmaine Wilkerson

Start date: August 23, 2024

Finish date: September 16, 2024

Why we're reading this: Black Cake is East Side Book Discussion's September selection! This book club will be held at East Side L…more
[close] Black Cake is East Side Book Discussion's September selection! This book club will be held at East Side Library on Monday, 9/16 at 2:00 PM. Visit our website or call 515-283-4152 for more details.

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What Members Thought

Jan 08, 2023 Katie McCloney rated it it was amazing

This was a fantastic debut. I loved the characters and the story kept my attention the entire way through. I will definitely watch for more from this author!

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Sep 30, 2025 Phil K rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-fiction

I read this novel for my book club. I was pleasantly surprised how drawn into the story I became.

I won't say much, because I don't want to spoil anything. But it's quite a family saga!

The book may look thick with a lot of pages, but reads very quickly and easily. Perhaps some attention is needed because of the many characters and time-jumps, but I still found this to be a fast and easy read (without being hollow/candy).

Many interesting aspects and lots of drama are included within the pages. ...more

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Jan 07, 2024 Alex rated it really liked it

4.5 ⭐ rounded down. Wow, I really loved this book. The plot was compelling and the societal issues were handled with thoughtfulness.The characters were realistic and I loved how the author wrote about the characters' unique reactions to life-changing situations. I only rounded down because the punches hit hard through the first 75% of the book and by the end, the characters are resolving said conflict and it slogs along. The resolution is important but it just took a while.

The audiobook narrator ...more

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