KJ
I needed a cleanse from a book hangover I've had for a few weeks and so I picked up this book in hopes an anthology would get me over the hangover. It did that and so much more. Even though this book was published two years ago it is more relevant now than ever. The stories were all entertaining, thought provoking and well written. I enjoyed every single one of them. However, it wasn't just the stories themselves that grabbed me but the message behind them and the whole purpose of this book: we need more diverse books. Give it a read even if you just need a book cleanse, you won't regret it.
Every person needs to read this book or at least watch the Netflix special. The book entails more of course but both get the point across. We're facing a climate crisis and need to act quickly. Sir Attenborough has bore witness to many magical natural wonders and unfortunately the destruction of many of those wonders. This book is not only an eyeopener but a fascinating account of Sir Attenborough's life. Also if your fan you'll definitely read this in his voice, it's awesome.
A beautiful story not only about being autistic but being different in a world that craves “norms” and shuns those who break molds. A short book but well worth the read. The story focuses on young Addie trying to get her town to erect a monument in honor of the women wrongly executed for witchcraft. The story is told through her eyes and gives the reader a little more understanding of what an autistic person faces on a day-to-day basis. Good read for children and adults.
This book made me cry. Though it focuses on a little girl and her brother's quest to get a star named after their mother, it's actually deeper than that. The underlining theme of this book is abuse and what toll it takes not only the parent who is abused but the kids themselves. For an average eleven year old this book is just an adventure story about a bunch of kids trying to get a star named . However, if the child or someone they know this going through what these children went through this book will hopefully help them understand or at least acknowledge what is going on. Onjali Q. Raúf writes beautifully and takes great care in writing about sensitive topics.
I actually don't have words to describe this book but near perfect comes to mind. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and once I picked it up I didn't put it down. This book was the cause of my months long book hangover.
Set in a fictional world where women have very little rights and can't even step outside their homes without a male escort. At the age of 16, girls are cut to see if they are “pure” i.e. bleed red. If they don't they are killed or worse. Unfortunately for the protagonist Deka, she doesn't bleed red and with it her true story begins. I can't say much more for fear of spoilers but this book is a must read for any fantasy nerd, feminist or basically anyone who wants adventure, sisterhood and just something different.
I thoroughly enjoyed Namina Forna's writing style. Her inclusion of her African heritage in this book is fabulous. As someone who has lived in South Africa her whole life I loved seeing names of and references to African culture. I cannot wait for the other two books in this trilogy. Literally I cannot wait and it breaks my heart knowing the first book hasn't even been published yet.
Namina Forna is an author to watch!!!