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The Many Dates of Indigo

by Amber D. Samuel, Review 1 of 2023

Not one of my favorite romances, but you may enjoy this if you want a cute story about finding love and defining success on one’s own terms. Indigo is a fun leading lady and her relationships with her siblings and friends were almost more enjoyable to read than her dating pursuits.

The narration was hit or miss so I would potentially recommend the paper book over an audio copy. I had some conflicting feelings about the way addiction was portrayed but overall I thought this was a cute lower stakes read. See the content warnings as there were a few sensitive topics. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this ALC!

Content Warnings: Addiction, Abortion, Alcoholism

Categories: Fiction, Romance

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Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction

This is a collection of 32 distinct and eclectic short stories. If you choose to read it, be aware that it includes science fiction, horror, dystopia, and a lot of triggering content. Several stories were outstanding, most were very good, and a few didn’t feel quite as impactful. I really enjoyed learning about and finding connections to African folklore. This was certainly one of the most challenging and unique collections I read this year.

Overall I’d recommend this collection for anyone interested in African folklore, science or dystopian fiction. If you love short stories, this would be an excellent choice. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this ALC!

Content Warnings: Abuse/Violence (all kinds), Racism, Colonialism

Categories: Short Story Collection, Science Fiction, Anthology

Edited by

Sheree Renée Thomas (Editor)Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki (Editor)Zelda Knight (Editor)

Stories by

Dilman Dila (Contributor)W.C. Dunlap (Contributor)Steven Barnes (Contributor)Joshua Omenga (Contributor)Russell Nichols (Contributor)Nuzo Onoh (Contributor)Franka Zeph (Contributor)Yvette Lisa Ndlovu (Contributor)Wole Talabi (Contributor)Sandra Jackson-Opoku (Contributor)Aline-Mwezi Niyonsenga (Contributor)Alex Jennings (Contributor)Mirette Bahgat (Contributor)Timi Odueso (Contributor)Maurice Broaddus (Contributor)Tlotlo Tsamaase (Contributor)Tobias S. Buckell (Contributor)Somto Ihezue Onyedikachi (Contributor)Tananarive Due (Contributor)Ytasha Womack (Contributor)Oyedotun Damilola Muees (Contributor)Alexis Brooks De Vita (Contributor)Tobi Ogundiran (Contributor)Moustapha Mbacke Diop (Contributor)Akua Lezli Hope (Contributor)Mame Bougouma Diene (Contributor)Woppa Diallo (Contributor)Shingai Njeri Kagunda (Contributor)Ada Nnadị (Contributor)Ivana Akotowaa Ofori (Contributor)Chinelo Onwualu (Contributor)Danian Darrell Jerry (Contributor)Dare Segun Falowo (Contributor)

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The Bodyguard

by Katherine Center, book 28 of 2022

This book is sweet, laugh out loud funny, and a great lower stakes read! I loved that it featured a gender swapped version of the bodyguard trope. It had enough substance, humor, and character development to keep me from wanting to hit the pause button. Felt like, once again, this was written to be adapted into a screenplay and missed some opportunities to be the best book it could be. I’ve felt this way about several books I’ve read lately and I am starting to wonder if this is a “me problem”. That being said, it would make an A+ PG-13 Rom Com and I would definitely watch it. 

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC!

Content Warnings: Cancer, Death of a family member, Domestic Violence  
Categories: Fiction, Romance (not spicy)

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Wired for Love

A Neuroscientist’s Journey Through Romance, Loss, and the Essence of Human Connection

written by Stephanie Cacioppo, book 18 of 2022

Warning: There is a strong potential that this book will make you cry. Dr. Stephanie Cacioppo describes both her scientific and romantic evolution in a way that makes it impossible not to become invested. Cacioppo enriches descriptions of the neurological components of love with personal anecdotes. If you are curious about biology and a romantic this is the book for you! Though not my favorite science book, or my favorite memoir both components were very well done.

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC.

Content Warnings: Illness, Death, Grief 

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The Insect Crisis

by Oliver Milman, book 14 of 2022

I was a bug kid, as in I could often be found collecting and carrying around live bugs that I thought were interesting. I outgrew this as peers made it clear that the hobby was “gross”. Nonetheless, I still have a soft spot for the smaller creatures in our daily lives and this book provided an interesting take on how insects and climate change intersect. I found some parts a bit repetitive but overall I enjoyed learning about the most recent studies and potential implications, especially regarding food production and health. Regardless of your preconceived opinions on bugs, I think this book provides a lot to consider as far as how we as humans influence our shared world.

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC.

Recommended for: anyone interested in the current state of the insect world or climate change.

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The Family Chao

written by Lan Samantha Chang, book 8 of 2022

This book is a Chinese American family drama and murder mystery set in Wisconsin. I read A LOT but rarely mysteries so my opinion is more on the story overall. I requested it from Netgalley because I’m a sucker for anything set in Wisconsin.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ While I did become invested in the mystery, I felt like the plot lost some momentum by the end. I was also quite unnerved by the dog related subplot and felt like it distracted from the more central points. For me, the most compelling part of the book was the extremely fair criticism of Midwestern attitudes toward “outsiders” and the mental health consequences of not being able to live fully (due to societal or familial pressure). 

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC.

Content Warnings: Emotional Abuse, Mental Health, Racism, Animal Abuse/Neglect 

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Fishing for Birds

by Linda Quennec, Book 7 of 2021

“The only literature worth reading is the kind that comes close to killing you a bit at a time. The kind that tells the truth. Life is a marriage of pain and happiness together they make joy, if you can see it.”

Linda Quennec, Fishing for Birds

I wholeheartedly agree with the quote above and found that in most ways this novel fits the description. Each of the three narrators provide insight into both universal pains felt by all people and the specific pains each woman feels at different phases of life in a way that made me question how I see my own life and the roles others play in it. I would highly recommend this book and don’t want to spoil it for anyone. 

P.S. I want to be Ivy when I grow up

Other thoughts about this book:

Things I love: Everything listed above and… that the book took place only on islands and the unique challenges and supports of being enclosed in a community. I loved the Canadian accent of the narrator and northern culture that was highlighted, it felt familiar and authentic to me (living in Northeast Wisconsin). I loved the historical and natural details and research that went into the writing. 

A few things I didn’t love: Some of the chapters felt a bit unnecessary to me. Though the prose was enjoyable and I enjoyed the description of island life.

Recommended for: Pretty much and person who identifies as a woman. It was an engaging and accessible read that I feel like would speak to different women in different ways at different points in life. Would make a great book club read! 

Content Warnings (may contain spoilers): Adoption, Death of a Spouse, Death, Familial Conflict

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The Rib King

written by Ladee Hubbard, Book 5 of 2021

“All of this requires effort on my part. This effort is called work. And when I work I expect to be paid. Paid? That’s right. Cash.”

Jennie – The Rib King by Ladee Hubbard. 

This book was not at all what I expected in the best way. I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction from African American perspectives but this was a truly unique story. It centers on Mr. Sitwell, a groundskeeper for a wealthy white family who over the course of the first half of the novel, rediscovers some unsettling memories from his past that lead to some unsettling repercussions.

I found myself unable to unplug from the story, needing to find out where the characters would end up. I enjoyed the split structure of the novel. The first and second half are told by two different narrators separated by several years. My one complaint about this was that it felt like it left some key questions unanswered. I’ve seen some reviews compare it to the Academy Award winning film Parasite and I do see some interesting parallels that could make for a great book club discussion. Honestly, I could see a lot of ways this book would make a great book club choice. I’ll be thinking about this one for awhile… 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me an early copy of this audiobook in return for my honest feedback. 

Recommended for: Anyone wanting a new take on historical racial injustice and its intersection with capitalism. Anyone interested in considering the role our biological and chosen families play in our lives and what we owe each other. 

Actions I will take in response to this book:

  • Constantly monitor how the legacy of white supremacy continues to this day and interrupt its modern manifestations. 
  • Pay black women for their work and support black owned businesses.

Content Warnings: Death of a Parent, Violence, Death, Race Violence 

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What Would Frida Do?

written by Arianna Davis, Book 4, 2021

“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.”

Frida Kahlo

I have been a Frida Kahlo fan for a long time. My interest in her began in high school when I studied her life and work in both art and Spanish courses. She’s always been a trailblazer that I’ve loved for her unapologetic authenticity.

Thoughts about on book:

Things I love: This book has tons of lesser known stories and excerpts from her personal correspondence. In some ways my appreciation for Frida grew after reading this and in other ways this brought her back down to earth from the pillar she’s been placed on. This book provides a lovely perspective on how to truly live during difficult times. The cover! I know it’s superficial but the cover is joyful and just makes me happy. 

A few things I didn’t love: I enjoyed the lighthearted biographical nature of this book but I do think others may be disappointed that it’s less of a guide than the title would hint at. Many of the stories and historical facts are repeated multiple times and become annoying with each retelling.

Note: This is my first ARC (advanced reading copy) thank you very much to the publisher for sharing the audiobook with me in exchange for my unbiased opinion. 

Recommended for: Anyone feeling limited by their personal circumstances (illness, heartbreak, etc.). Frida Kahlo was an exceptionally resilient woman and could be a source of inspiration for anyone going through challenging times. 

Actions I will take in response to this book:

  • Continue to reaffirm the contradictory and complex nature of all people. 
  • Foster my own creativity and authenticity. 
  • Celebrate my health and appreciate it! 

Content Warnings: Alcoholism, Abuse, Infidelity, Illness, Vehicle Accident, Depression, Abortion