Thanks to Hanover Square Press for the copy of this ARC.

I knew I needed to read this after loving Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black. He is such a fantastic writer, and in Black on Black, he delivers truth, wisdom, experience, and emotion in a collection of essays on Black resilience and brilliance. Daniel covers so many relevant topics: HBCUs and academic standards, beauty standards, the role of the Black church, HIV/AIDS, being closeted as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, integration, and police violence. I really appreciated Daniel's perspective - it's one that I personally need to hear and listen to - and I love the way he brings heartfelt words onto the page to drive home the facts that he also presents. Highly recommend picking up any/all of his works.

3.5 stars.

Thanks so much to Ballantine Books for the copy of this book!

I LOOOVEEEDDD the first half of this novel. I’m a sucker for character-driven literature and was really enjoying Audrey’s story growing up in small-town Illinois and entering the upper middle class in NYC. Her Asian American upbringing took a starring role as she and her white boyfriend, Ben, travel back to her hometown for the holidays. However, Audrey makes some really questionable choices in the second half of the book and her personality takes a bit of a negative turn - and it’s hard when you don’t want to cheer for an MC anymore. Luckily, she did redeem herself a bit in the end and I got back into it, but I really wish she would've made some different choices! It took away from the central narrative of the book for me and I think her actions were used to develop her character's progress when I would've preferred dialogue in that area instead. I LOVED her dad so much and enjoyed watching the character dynamics play out. Overall, I liked but not loved this read.

Read if you:
- like character-driven stories
- have ever been in an interracial relationship
- listened to The Killers in high school
- always feel called to a 'central place' that feels like home

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

I LOVEEEE generational stories of women, especially when it's the "new century, same story" playing out in a family. Three generations of Weyward women (2019, 1942, 1619) relate to the magic of nature, but are seen as weird and are mistreated by men. This book is a combination of historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and magical realism with some mystery thrown in. It's somehow also Emilia Hart's debut?! Incredible. This storyline flows so well through the three characters and their historical POVs and how each generation is learning from and relating to the past. I was absolutely rivited and read 75% in one sitting.

Read if you like:
- multiple timelines
- the book Hester
- stories about the resilience of women
- witch trials / witchy vibes
- plants & bugs

Thanks to Celadon for the ARC and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

I love suburban thrillers and was intrigued by the blurb likening this to Little Fires Everywhere. However, I just really struggle with slow burn thriller/mystery books in general - they just seem to drag for me. This was a unique storyline and I always appreciate an ambiguous ending in this genre. I think if slow burn suburban mysteries are up your alley, you'll enjoy this. Locust Lane is wonderfully narrated by Cassandra Campbell, so audio is a great option for this one!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan audio for the ARC and ALC.

"'Now you understand how people like us work?'
'I believe so.'
'Tell me.'
'You work in horrible conditions and—'
'No! We work in our graves.'"

Cobalt Red is a thoroughly-researched, incredible exposé of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Siddharth Kara is a master journalist and storyteller, taking us into the DRC as he details his personal travels and conversations with miners and their families. These stories are heartbreaking, friends. Why should you care? You use cobalt every day: it's how you charge your phone, your laptop, and maybe even your car. 75% of the world's cobalt comes from the Congo, and while companies are saying it's ethically sourced, Kara reveals what's really happening. Cobalt Red is a must-read - or listen - as it's fantastically narrated by Peter Ganim on audio.

Read if you:
- loved the movie Blood Diamond
- have an electric vehicle, phone, or laptop
- pay attention to the supply chain of your products
- care about human rights

Thanks so much to Minotaur Books for the copy of this book.

Finlay is back again in another fun, bingeable, and easy-to-read mystery. This time, Finlay and Vero are contracted by Feliks to find and kill EasyClean. The setting is mostly a citizen's police academy, which made this one a little more over-the-top than usual since so much shady activity happened right under the nose of the police force. But I was happy with some romantic progess in this book and also a little more of Vero's side of the story (although I definitely could've used more!).

This series is really great for people who just like light & funny mysteries with amateur sleuthing.