MM Reviews: Chocolate

Title: Chocolate
Author: Indigo
Type: Original fiction
Rating: R

There are stories centered on characters who struggle with inner turmoil, and there are stories that expose a character's Achilles' heel, having the reader bear witness to their most intimate hardships. In Indigo's Chocolate, you'll find both and much, much more.

Written in only dialogue, Chocolate follows the story of Millie, a girl who constantly deals with the people in her life telling her what to do with her appearance, how to talk, and what she should think. Some words are harsh, the majority of which will leave you wondering how Millie keeps her cool.

Chocolate gives you insight into the life of a young woman of color and how unfair beauty ideals attempt to gradually diminish her self-esteem and self-worth. It gives readers a glimpse of what many black women go through when dealing with society and, sadly, their own family and friends; from being told they need to alter their eye color and 'tame' their hair, to being asked to change their personalities or who they are to be better accepted or considered beautiful.

With her unique way of storytelling and powerful message, Indigo will leave you wanting not only to comfort Millie, but to really reconsider those harmful standards that are placed on women: those that attempt to dictate how they should look and act, or limit what they can do, say and think. Indigo's Chocolate offers you a chance to experienceday-to-day interactions from a different point of view and begs you to challenge modern-day racism, sexism, and everyday prejudice.

Though Chocolate may, in parts, seem abrasive, it is well worth the read. Both beautifully and effectively written, it's a piece people of all colors, genders and creeds should take a look at.

Special thanks to Audrey T. and Fandango for editing.