This book made me feel so many things in such a short span of time. My. Emotions. Are. On. High.


Real Men Knit
by Kwana Jackson

When their foster-turned-adoptive mother suddenly dies, four brothers struggle to keep open the doors of her beloved Harlem knitting shop, while dealing with life and love in Harlem.

Jesse Strong is known for two things: his devotion to his adoptive mom, Mama Joy, and his reputation for breaking hearts in Harlem. When Mama Joy unexpectedly passes away, he and his brothers have different plans on what to do with Strong Knits, their neighborhood knitting store: Jesse wants to keep the store open; his brothers want to shut it down.

Jesse makes an impassioned plea to Kerry Fuller, his childhood friend who has had a crush on him her entire life, to help him figure out how to run the business. Kerry agrees to help him reinvent the store and show him the knitty-gritty of the business, but the more time they spend together, the more the chemistry builds. Kerry, knowing Jesse’s history, doesn’t believe this relationship will exist longer than one can knit one, purl one. But Jesse is determined to prove to her that he can be the man for her—after all, real men knit.


There are some books out there that you dive into and are hyper-aware of the story, of the way your heart is beating, of the sounds happening outside your door. Suddenly, you're halfway done with the novel and all in your feelings. You're so, so, so aware of every little detail both on page and off. That is what my experience with Real Men Knit was like.

I could feel my heart beating in tune with Kwana Jackson's prose.

And suddenly, the story was complete.

And suddenly, I didn't know what to do with myself.

Real Men Knit was as electric as its cover lead me to believe. I think that this type of electricity is not something that will be for everyone, but it was a definite yes for me. Jackson writes in a way that is stubbornly real, hypnotic, and beautifully done. There's a pulse of life to it that feels so hopeful and honest, and readers will find themselves unable to deny this.


From loss, to family, to love, Jackson doesn't skimp out on the real life elements sprinkled into this narration. And the way she ties everything together by the end is so very satisfying. Real Men Knit has the exact type of characters, and relationships, I love to see in fiction and honestly? I couldn't get enough.


Real Men Knit has this quality to it that ties into the slow-burn of its eventual romance. There was a little more emotion than I expected there to be, despite the knowledge--based on the synopsis--that there would be emotions. And for me, there's a build that is gradual and hearty and so rich, and I can't praise that enough.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. Real Men Knit has a great heart to it--and proved to be a thoroughly engaging, and emotional, story. It is absolutely another standout this year and a total must-read.