Blessings is a powerful coming of age novel. It’s set in Nigeria and features a boy, Obiefuna, who isn’t living up to the expectations of his4.5 stars
Blessings is a powerful coming of age novel. It’s set in Nigeria and features a boy, Obiefuna, who isn’t living up to the expectations of his father, Anozie. After witnessing an intimate moment between Obiefuna and another boy, Anozie sends Obiefuna to a boarding school. There, Obiefuna struggles to accept who he is while knowing for his safety he must keep it hidden.
The story also follows Obiefuna’s mother and that gives even more depth to his character. In some ways this is a quiet novel as it’s not plot driven, but instead the focus is on Obiefuna and his family. Heartbreaking and unflinchingly honest. Not knowing much about Nigerian history, it was an eye opener for me that when same sex marriages became legal here in the US, it had unintended consequences in Nigeria. The entire book is full of moments that stick with me as the writing really tapped into my emotions. The conversations between adult Obiefuna and his friends were particularly strong.
A young talent which makes me excited to check out future writings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh.
Thank you Doubleday for sending me a free advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion....more
A big thank you to Corina at Random House for giving me the opportunity to read an advance digital copy of Lucky Girl. It's a book that wasn't on my rA big thank you to Corina at Random House for giving me the opportunity to read an advance digital copy of Lucky Girl. It's a book that wasn't on my radar and I'm glad I took a chance on it.
Soila was born and raised in Kenya. Her father died when she was a young girl. Soila's mother was able to turn the money they inherited into a sizable fortune through her business ventures. Soila lives with her mom, grandmother and aunts but has dreams of attending college in America. Her conservative mother is opposed to the idea but eventually gives her consent. The majority of the story takes place in the 1990s and early 2000s in NYC.
I'm impressed with how many subjects the author explored in this story without it feeling heavy-handed. Race is one of the main topics but there's other things going on as well such as parental and cultural expectations, poverty, religion, etc.. So many talking points here that Lucky Girl would be an excellent book club pick.
One of the things I loved about the story is how Soila's friends challenged her beliefs. It's important to have people in your circle who you can learn from because that's how you grow as an individual. Soila as a Black immigrant had a different perspective on what it is like to be Black in America than her friends who grew up in the United States. There were some really interesting discussions in the story.
Highly recommend putting this book on your tbr list as it's worthy of your attention.
Baba Segi is a Nigerian man with 4 wives; Iya Segi, Iya Tope, Iya Femi, and Bolanle. Even with a house already full of children, Baba Segi wants more Baba Segi is a Nigerian man with 4 wives; Iya Segi, Iya Tope, Iya Femi, and Bolanle. Even with a house already full of children, Baba Segi wants more and because Bolanle hasn't gotten pregnant yet, he insists she visit a doctor to find out what's wrong with her. The story alternates between the five characters both in the present and the past and what led them to a polygamous lifestyle.
A fascinating read and I'm so mad at myself that it sat on my tbr shelf for far too long. Wanting to know these women as individuals and not just their identity as a man's wife, is what drove my interest in the story. This isn't a book in which you need to like every character but by the end you do walk away understanding them better. It's apparent the author put so much thought into this story revolving around the subject of polygamy and that resulted in well-developed characters. Do check out the interview with Lola Shoneyin at the end of the book as it provides great insight into the writing process.
A stand out read for me this year. It's heartbreaking at times but there are bits of humor sprinkled along the way. I'm excited to learn Netflix is developing the book into a series. Can't wait to watch it!
Thank you William Morrow for providing me with a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion. ...more
A bit late to the party, but I finally read My Sister, the Serial Killer. I'm aware the opinions of this book are all over the place, and you can counA bit late to the party, but I finally read My Sister, the Serial Killer. I'm aware the opinions of this book are all over the place, and you can count me among the readers who enjoyed the reading experience. I do understand though why it's not everyone's cup of tea. I finished this book a few days ago and the more I think about the characters and the story, the more I appreciate what the author brought to the table. It seems like such a simple story but there are tons of layers to it if you want to do a thorough analyzation. I loved the vibe of the story with the dark humor sprinkled throughout.
If you are one of the few people who has not read this book, I say give it a shot. It's a quick read so it's a bit of a low risk, high reward type book....more
I love it when a book somehow manages to exceed your expectations. The book cover, which I really like by the way, kinda gave me the impressi4.5 stars
I love it when a book somehow manages to exceed your expectations. The book cover, which I really like by the way, kinda gave me the impression this would be a cute YA read. And it did have some cute moments, but I was blown away by the depth of the story. Race, family, friendship, belonging, poverty, love, just to name a few things explored in the story, this book offers so much to the reader.
Fifteen year old Amandla and her white mother live in Sugar Town, a South African shanty town. Amandla's father has been gone since before she was born. Her mother has a vision he'll come back if Amandla wears a blue dress. Yeah, Amandla's mom is a bit strange. She also is tightlipped about her past. One day, Amandla finds a big sum of money in her mother's purse and that leads her digging around to find out more info about her mom. And what she will uncover is a family secret or two among other things.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot as it was a fascinating read watching everything unfold. The South Africa setting gave the author material to work with and it really enhanced the story. There was something about Amandla's spirit that just struck a chord with me. One of my favorite YA fictional characters from the last few years and if Malla Nunn decides to write a book featuring one of Amandla's friends, I'll be first in line to read it.
I won a copy of this book from BookishFirst and the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion....more
Heartbreaking and beautiful. I've read the author's other book, Hum If You Don't Know the Words and with both books she does an excellent job at weaviHeartbreaking and beautiful. I've read the author's other book, Hum If You Don't Know the Words and with both books she does an excellent job at weaving historical facts into a story with complex characters dealing with heavy issues. While I enjoyed both books, I think this one is slightly better. If you haven't read anything by this author before, I strongly recommend giving her a try.
This is the story of three women living in post-Apartheid South Africa in the 1990s. Seventeen-year-old Zodwa has grown up living in poverty and her dreams of escaping it might not come true as she is now pregnant. On the surface, Ruth might appear to have it all, with her good looks and money, but she is feeling like her world is crashing down on her right before her eyes. Delilah, a disgraced former nun, is devastated when she hears news about someone who is very important to her. Their lives are somehow going to be linked to one another but you will have to read the book to find out how.
The story switches back and forth between the women and I can't single out a favorite because they each had an important story to tell. There were good emotional moments with each character. I don't want to give too much away about the book but I do think the setting of South Africa during this time period really enhanced the story as there was certainly a lot going on in that country in the 1990s. Highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction and/or stories featuring strong female characters.
This was the last book I got to read for the First to Read program now that it's ending. I'm so thankful I got the opportunity to read and review over 100 books during the time I participated. I was introduced to many authors including this one so I'm sad to see it go.
I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
Growing up in war-torn Somalia, Abdi Nor Iftin narrowly escaped death more than a few times. Watching American movies provided a source of comfort to Growing up in war-torn Somalia, Abdi Nor Iftin narrowly escaped death more than a few times. Watching American movies provided a source of comfort to him and it's how he was able to learn English. But in 2006, Islamic extremists come to power and Western culture influences are not only banned but could have deadly consequences for Abdi. With the help of strangers who have been captivated by Abdi sharing his experiences on NPR and the Internet, he is able to flee to Kenya and eventually finds his way to America via the visa lottery. But does the land of the free meet Abdi's expectations?
I feel like whatever I write in this review won't do this book justice. I really hope this book finds an audience because Abdi's life story is incredible and one worth reading. I read memoirs frequently, including ones that take place in war-torn countries, and I would place this book among the very best I have read in the genre. It took me on a roller coaster of emotions. His descriptions of his life growing up are heartbreaking but through it all his spirit somehow remains unbreakable. I can't say enough good things about this book and it's one I highly recommend!
Thank you First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views considered are my honest opinion. ...more
Clemantine Wamariya was six years old when her life changed forever. In 1994, she and her fifteen-year-old sister, Claire, were forced to leave their Clemantine Wamariya was six years old when her life changed forever. In 1994, she and her fifteen-year-old sister, Claire, were forced to leave their family behind and flee their home country as the Rwanda massacre raged on. They spent the next six years as refugees in multiple African countries until they were able to come to America. Clemantine was given a home with an affluent white family and she attended a private school, got involved in extra curricular activities and eventually went on to study at Yale. Meanwhile her sister worked long and hard to provide for her three children. This is the heartbreaking but remarkable story of two young girls forced to figure out how to survive on their own.
I am so glad the author chose to share her story with the world as the Rwanda genocide is not something that should ever be forgotten. The book is raw and honest and incredibly manages to be tragic and uplifting at the same time. The courage of both Clemantine and Claire is amazing as they constantly were facing life and death situations. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys nonfiction books or who are interested in learning more about the Rwanda genocide and the devastating effects it had on innocent lives.
Thank you to First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion....more
In 1978, Air Rhodesia Flight RH825 was the first airliner to be shot at by a Russian surface-to-air guided missile. Five months later, the same type oIn 1978, Air Rhodesia Flight RH825 was the first airliner to be shot at by a Russian surface-to-air guided missile. Five months later, the same type of missile made contact with Air Rhodesia Flight RH827 and everyone on board perished. This book examines both disasters and the role they played in shaping Zimbabwe.
While I have read other books about air disasters, I'll admit I wasn't familiar with the Rhodesia flights prior to reading this book. This might be due to the fact both disasters happened almost 40 years ago and also because they didn't get the same media attention on an international level. I was completely shocked and terrified to learn the details, particularly what happened to those who survived the initial crash landing on the first flight. With interviews with some of the survivors and family members of those who perished, the author is able to paint a terrifying but vivid picture of what exactly happened. My only slight criticism is at times the information presented about the political environment at the time could be a little dry. However, it was necessary in order to truly understand what led to these acts of terrorism. Overall, I definitely recommend giving this book a chance especially if have an interest in aviation books.
I won a free copy of this ebook in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion....more
Alice Shipley was shocked when her college roommate, Lucy Mason, arrived in Morocco. The two haven't spoken in over a year, but maybe becoming close wAlice Shipley was shocked when her college roommate, Lucy Mason, arrived in Morocco. The two haven't spoken in over a year, but maybe becoming close with Lucy again is just what Alice needs to get back on track. She hasn't adjusted well to life in the city of Tangier and her marriage to John isn't exactly picture perfect. But the more time the two women spend together, Alice feels like Lucy is controlling. It's the same problem she had with Lucy in college. When Alice's husband, John, goes missing, Alice can't help but questioning everything including her own sanity.
This book held my interest enough that I ended up reading it in one day. What I thought the book did really well was switching back and forth between the women's perspectives and also slowly revealing what happened in college. And I loved Morocco as a backdrop for the action. The only problem was this book had such a The Talented Mr. Ripley vibe to it that it just didn't feel all that unique. With that said though, the characters in Tangerine are intriguing enough that I couldn't help but be entertained.
I won a free download of this book from HarperCollins but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion....more
Before setting off to fight for his country of Germany in World War 1, Johann Blumenthal gives his son Paul a beautiful music box. Paul treasures thisBefore setting off to fight for his country of Germany in World War 1, Johann Blumenthal gives his son Paul a beautiful music box. Paul treasures this item as he grows into a young man who runs the jewelry store his family has owned for years. But because the Blumenthal family is Jewish, the family business and their lives will be changed forever as the Nazis come into power. This is a story of what people are willing to sacrifice in the name of love and their dreams.
This was an incredible historical fiction novel. I have read many books taking place right up to and during World War 2 but was not very familiar with role of Jewish soldiers fighting for Germany in World War 1. I thought the story of Paul and Clara was fascinating and what they were willing to do in order to fulfill Clara's dream. I loved the role of the music box in the story and how it spanned generations. Knowing how history played out it made for tense reading at times but in my opinion it is a book well worth reading because it accurately shows the tough decisions people had to make during that time period. I definitely recommend to anyone who has an interest in historical fiction....more
After working as a literary publicist in London and dating a famous television personality, Rosie Richardson decides she is sick of the glitz and glamAfter working as a literary publicist in London and dating a famous television personality, Rosie Richardson decides she is sick of the glitz and glamour and superficial people. She uproots her life and moves to Africa where she runs a refugee camp. With a massive food shortage and more and more refugees entering the camp, Rosie returns back to the celebrity community for help. This is the debut novel of Helen Fielding, author of the Bridget Jones series.
I so wanted to like this book but I just could never figure out what it was trying to be. Parts of it read like a typical chick lit novel and the other parts showed a serious side, tackling the issue of famine in Africa. For whatever reason the combining of the two different styles just didn't work for me. While I was interested in Rosie's work in Africa at first, by the last 100 pages, I just wanted the book to be over. I think this is a case of a book starting off with good intentions and a deep meaning but falling short in execution. I say pass on this book even if you are a fan of Fielding's other novels.
Terrible circumstances bring two people together in this story that takes place in 1970s Johannesburg. Robin Conrad is a ten year old white girl who iTerrible circumstances bring two people together in this story that takes place in 1970s Johannesburg. Robin Conrad is a ten year old white girl who is sent to live with her aunt after her parents are murdered. Beauty Mbali, a Xhosa woman, is raising her kids in a rural village when she finds out her oldest daughter is missing after the Soweto Uprising. On a mission to find her daughter, Beauty ends up being hired to take care of Robin which allows her to continue to seek out information on her daughter. This is a story about grief, racism, and how people who on the surface might have nothing in common can become a family.
What I loved most about this book is that it took the setting of South Africa during apartheid, mixed in tragic events with the main characters experiencing loss and grief, and yet it still managed to be a beautiful book despite the heavy topics. I liked the back and forth perspectives of Robin and Beauty.
My criticism of the book is that sometimes it felt like Robin would act in ways that didn't seem realistic. I thought the author went to the well a few too many times when having Robin say or do something cute or in some cases horrible. The climax of the book was a little far-fetched. Overall though, this was a good read that kept me interested the entire time and provided a history lesson on the real life Soweto Uprising.
I received a free advance digital copy from the First to Read Program. I was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinions. ...more
A beautiful but tragic story set in the 1950s about a young woman who returns to her home in Kenya and realizes everything has changed in her absence.A beautiful but tragic story set in the 1950s about a young woman who returns to her home in Kenya and realizes everything has changed in her absence. After the death of her mother, Rachel is sent to live in England with her grandparents while her father remains in Kenya on their family's farm. Upon returning, not only have things changed on the farm but also throughout the country as the Mau Mau attempt to overthrow the white settlers. This is a story of a young woman discovering how to stay true to her belief system even when it might be in conflict with those she loves.
Prior to reading this book, I knew very little about the conflict in Kenya in the 1950s but this book made me more interested in the topic. The sign of a good historical novel for me is when after completing the book I am eager in finding out more about the events it was based on. And because the author gave such beautiful descriptions of the country, it makes me want to visit Kenya as well.
Initially, I was unsure whether this book could sustain my interest. Thankfully, I found this to be a real gem of a book and I would definitely recommend to anyone that is looking to maybe branch out of their reading comfort zone and try something a bit different. The author conveys thoughts and emotions in such a realistic way and I am looking forward to checking out her previous novel.
I received an ARC of this book and this review contains my fair and honest opinions....more