Many thanks to my friends at @stmartinspress @macmillan.audio  and @librofm for these #gifted copies.  

 

Say hello to my first 5⭐️read of the year!!!

 

Powerful, authentic, tender, and fresh.  George’s debut is a deeply affecting yet lighthearted must read.  

 

In the words of Juliette, “What’s in a name?”  

 

Maddie was called Maame, or woman, at a young age.  Much too young to assume the responsibilities inherit to the term.  And yet,  those stresses landed firmly on her young shoulders.  

 

The juxtaposition in which we find her is intriguing… able to run a household and care for an ailing parent… but socially naïve and deeply immature in comparison to others her age.  

 

With Google as her guide, Maddie seizes an opportunity to strike out on her own resolute on saying yes to new adventures.  Along the way, this late bloomer experiences many firsts, comes to terms with her past,  and gets to know the woman she wants to be.  

 

George completely captivated me with this poignant coming of age story.  I laughed.  I cried.  I *rooted* for Maddie with everything in my being. 

 

With a strong and distinct voice, Maddie came fully alive to me.  She was multifaceted, and her inner dialogue felt deeply resonant.  I was charmed by her awkwardness, and fully dedicated to her through her most vulnerable times.    

 

I loved every aspect of Maddie’s arc… the naiveté,  the mistakes, the successes.  The funny parts.  The sad parts.  But in those sad parts, those moments of devastation… George’s writing really shines.  Not many authors have the chops George has… that ability to unpack heavy, pertinent topics with humor and lightheartedness.  

 

Seeing Maddie’s growth was deeply rewarding and a powerhouse mental health representation.  

 

My first 5⭐️ read of 2022 became a favorite for the entire year.  Even with 11 months left on the 2023 calendar, I have bets that the same could happen with Maame this year.  

 

🎧 I alternated between the physical and audiobook versions and both were engaging.  Narrated by Heather Agyepong, the audiobook brings to life the Ghanaian tone.  But some areas, such as the Google searches, were easier to digest in print.