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nuhafariha
Thank you to DoubleDay Books and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available July 14th 2020
When we think of Japan, we are often thinking of a sanitary, clean cut nation; maybe we just think of sushi or the bright and colorful anime world. We don't think about Japan's complicated history, its own internal and external wars and the lingering effects of colonialism. Asako Serizawa's "Inheritors" is a tour de force through modern Japanese history, often drawing on aspects of Japanese culture that we don't see in the mainstream. With a variety of narrative styles, Serizawa's collection of stories is surprisingly cohesive. From a simple tragic tale of a father leaving his family to a heart-wrenching and horrifying account of a true Japanese comfort woman, Serizawa shows the underside of Japan. The realities that Serizawa brings to life should be embraced and acknowledged as a part of history. A well written, emotive collection!
Available July 14th 2020
When we think of Japan, we are often thinking of a sanitary, clean cut nation; maybe we just think of sushi or the bright and colorful anime world. We don't think about Japan's complicated history, its own internal and external wars and the lingering effects of colonialism. Asako Serizawa's "Inheritors" is a tour de force through modern Japanese history, often drawing on aspects of Japanese culture that we don't see in the mainstream. With a variety of narrative styles, Serizawa's collection of stories is surprisingly cohesive. From a simple tragic tale of a father leaving his family to a heart-wrenching and horrifying account of a true Japanese comfort woman, Serizawa shows the underside of Japan. The realities that Serizawa brings to life should be embraced and acknowledged as a part of history. A well written, emotive collection!
Thank you to FSG ad NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available August 4th 2020
I was outside, on a rock in the middle of a babbling brook and reading francine j harris's divine collection "Here is the Sweet Hand". I can't think of a more perfect place for these poems, which felt like peeks of sunlight through the dappled trees. Like the small ant peeking over my zippered lunchbox, harris's poems see the world from a whole new perspective. Echoing with warmth, intelligence and unfrettered black magic, this is a collection that hums and sings through the veins like a new day. Her range goes all the way from discussing opera to rapping over Ty Dolla $ign's signature "Or Nah". We see the immense joy and tears that make the modern black femme experience. "Here is the Sweet Hand" is a collection to return to again and again, seeking and seeing in different lights.
Available August 4th 2020
I was outside, on a rock in the middle of a babbling brook and reading francine j harris's divine collection "Here is the Sweet Hand". I can't think of a more perfect place for these poems, which felt like peeks of sunlight through the dappled trees. Like the small ant peeking over my zippered lunchbox, harris's poems see the world from a whole new perspective. Echoing with warmth, intelligence and unfrettered black magic, this is a collection that hums and sings through the veins like a new day. Her range goes all the way from discussing opera to rapping over Ty Dolla $ign's signature "Or Nah". We see the immense joy and tears that make the modern black femme experience. "Here is the Sweet Hand" is a collection to return to again and again, seeking and seeing in different lights.
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Thank you to Knopf Doubleday Publishing and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available July 28th 2020
It seems like time keeps going and Alexander McCall Smith's novels stand still in their genuine, gentle warmth. Like every McCall Smith classic, it is a novel best read while drinking a pot of fresh hot tea and, in the case of Isabel Dalhousie, a side of shortbread biscuits. While some of the Dalhousie's inner dialogue does show the hallmarks of white Scottish male thought, like the defense of capitalism in medical pharmacy, there is a certain amount of charm belying this tale through the streets of Edinburgh. When a stranger places their estate in Isabel's hands, she feels like there's a mystery afoot. Sidetracked by a devilish potential son in law, a failing delicatessen and a host of personalities, will Dalhousie ever get to the bottom of this mystery? Another enjoyable read.
Available July 28th 2020
It seems like time keeps going and Alexander McCall Smith's novels stand still in their genuine, gentle warmth. Like every McCall Smith classic, it is a novel best read while drinking a pot of fresh hot tea and, in the case of Isabel Dalhousie, a side of shortbread biscuits. While some of the Dalhousie's inner dialogue does show the hallmarks of white Scottish male thought, like the defense of capitalism in medical pharmacy, there is a certain amount of charm belying this tale through the streets of Edinburgh. When a stranger places their estate in Isabel's hands, she feels like there's a mystery afoot. Sidetracked by a devilish potential son in law, a failing delicatessen and a host of personalities, will Dalhousie ever get to the bottom of this mystery? Another enjoyable read.
Thank you to Knopf Doubleday Publishing and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available July 28th 2020
It seems like time keeps going and Alexander McCall Smith's novels stand still in their genuine, gentle warmth. Like every McCall Smith classic, it is a novel best read while drinking a pot of fresh hot tea and, in the case of Isabel Dalhousie, a side of shortbread biscuits. While some of the Dalhousie's inner dialogue does show the hallmarks of white Scottish male thought, like the defense of capitalism in medical pharmacy, there is a certain amount of charm belying this tale through the streets of Edinburgh. When a stranger places their estate in Isabel's hands, she feels like there's a mystery afoot. Sidetracked by a devilish potential son in law, a failing delicatessen and a host of personalities, will Dalhousie ever get to the bottom of this mystery? Another enjoyable read.
Available July 28th 2020
It seems like time keeps going and Alexander McCall Smith's novels stand still in their genuine, gentle warmth. Like every McCall Smith classic, it is a novel best read while drinking a pot of fresh hot tea and, in the case of Isabel Dalhousie, a side of shortbread biscuits. While some of the Dalhousie's inner dialogue does show the hallmarks of white Scottish male thought, like the defense of capitalism in medical pharmacy, there is a certain amount of charm belying this tale through the streets of Edinburgh. When a stranger places their estate in Isabel's hands, she feels like there's a mystery afoot. Sidetracked by a devilish potential son in law, a failing delicatessen and a host of personalities, will Dalhousie ever get to the bottom of this mystery? Another enjoyable read.
Thank you to Harper Collins Publishing and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available August 4th 2020
A novel within a novel, Alexis Dara's latest novel "You Had Me at Hola" is an intricate rom com with a heart of gold. When Jasmine Lin decides to take on Carmen, her first real break from the world of soap operas, she promises herself one thing - that she won't get carried away with romance yet again. Cue the handsome yet reclusive telenovela heartthrob Ashton, her costar. While things heat up on stage and in their private life, will Ashton and Jasmine be able to handle the stress? Or will the pressure of media and family take over? Seamlessly blending Jasmine and Carmen's narratives, Dara presents with a heartwarming love story, perfect for a summer read.
While there were some things that slightly bothered me about the text - mainly the amount of "sheathing" (?) and the fact that Jasmine forgot that Ashton had given her the coffee cups later on in the book- there were many things that made me surprised and happy. For one, it was great to see a male lead display complex emotions. The character of Vera and the recurring importance of communication in relationships was another selling point. I especially love that no one character is perfect, but they work through their issues together. Overall, Dara conveys positive messages in an engaging, hilarious and empathetic romantic comedy!
Available August 4th 2020
A novel within a novel, Alexis Dara's latest novel "You Had Me at Hola" is an intricate rom com with a heart of gold. When Jasmine Lin decides to take on Carmen, her first real break from the world of soap operas, she promises herself one thing - that she won't get carried away with romance yet again. Cue the handsome yet reclusive telenovela heartthrob Ashton, her costar. While things heat up on stage and in their private life, will Ashton and Jasmine be able to handle the stress? Or will the pressure of media and family take over? Seamlessly blending Jasmine and Carmen's narratives, Dara presents with a heartwarming love story, perfect for a summer read.
While there were some things that slightly bothered me about the text - mainly the amount of "sheathing" (?) and the fact that Jasmine forgot that Ashton had given her the coffee cups later on in the book- there were many things that made me surprised and happy. For one, it was great to see a male lead display complex emotions. The character of Vera and the recurring importance of communication in relationships was another selling point. I especially love that no one character is perfect, but they work through their issues together. Overall, Dara conveys positive messages in an engaging, hilarious and empathetic romantic comedy!
Thank you to Harper Collins Publishing and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available August 4th 2020
A novel within a novel, Alexis Dara's latest novel "You Had Me at Hola" is an intricate rom com with a heart of gold. When Jasmine Lin decides to take on Carmen, her first real break from the world of soap operas, she promises herself one thing - that she won't get carried away with romance yet again. Cue the handsome yet reclusive telenovela heartthrob Ashton, her costar. While things heat up on stage and in their private life, will Ashton and Jasmine be able to handle the stress? Or will the pressure of media and family take over? Seamlessly blending Jasmine and Carmen's narratives, Dara presents with a heartwarming love story, perfect for a summer read.
While there were some things that slightly bothered me about the text - mainly the amount of "sheathing" (?) and the fact that Jasmine forgot that Ashton had given her the coffee cups later on in the book- there were many things that made me surprised and happy. For one, it was great to see a male lead display complex emotions. The character of Vera and the recurring importance of communication in relationships was another selling point. I especially love that no one character is perfect, but they work through their issues together. Overall, Dara conveys positive messages in an engaging, hilarious and empathetic romantic comedy!
Don't for
Available August 4th 2020
A novel within a novel, Alexis Dara's latest novel "You Had Me at Hola" is an intricate rom com with a heart of gold. When Jasmine Lin decides to take on Carmen, her first real break from the world of soap operas, she promises herself one thing - that she won't get carried away with romance yet again. Cue the handsome yet reclusive telenovela heartthrob Ashton, her costar. While things heat up on stage and in their private life, will Ashton and Jasmine be able to handle the stress? Or will the pressure of media and family take over? Seamlessly blending Jasmine and Carmen's narratives, Dara presents with a heartwarming love story, perfect for a summer read.
While there were some things that slightly bothered me about the text - mainly the amount of "sheathing" (?) and the fact that Jasmine forgot that Ashton had given her the coffee cups later on in the book- there were many things that made me surprised and happy. For one, it was great to see a male lead display complex emotions. The character of Vera and the recurring importance of communication in relationships was another selling point. I especially love that no one character is perfect, but they work through their issues together. Overall, Dara conveys positive messages in an engaging, hilarious and empathetic romantic comedy!
Don't for
Thank you to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available August 25th 2020
Japanese noir fiction is a brand of its own and Seishi Yokomizo is its respected master as he proves in The Inugami Curse. Set against the gorgeous lakes and forests of Nasu, Japan, this is one hell of a murder mystery. When Sahei Inugami passes away, he leaves his vast inheritance to Tamayo and gives her three months to marry one of his three grandsons. As grief and murder follows the cursed Inugami clan, it is up to the affable and witty Detective Kindaichi to solve the crime. Along the way, we learn more about Sahei's storied past, the half he managed to keep out of national papers. What I enjoyed the most is the understated manner of writing. It is genteel, yet gruesome, yet impactful. Every single clue means something and as the story slowly unveils itself, you find yourself falling deeper into its spell.
Available August 25th 2020
Japanese noir fiction is a brand of its own and Seishi Yokomizo is its respected master as he proves in The Inugami Curse. Set against the gorgeous lakes and forests of Nasu, Japan, this is one hell of a murder mystery. When Sahei Inugami passes away, he leaves his vast inheritance to Tamayo and gives her three months to marry one of his three grandsons. As grief and murder follows the cursed Inugami clan, it is up to the affable and witty Detective Kindaichi to solve the crime. Along the way, we learn more about Sahei's storied past, the half he managed to keep out of national papers. What I enjoyed the most is the understated manner of writing. It is genteel, yet gruesome, yet impactful. Every single clue means something and as the story slowly unveils itself, you find yourself falling deeper into its spell.
Thank you to Catapult Press and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available October 6th 2020
In her debut book "White Tears/ Brown Scars", Ruby Hamad paints a sharp, cutting critique of white feminism and its complicity in colonialism worldwide. As a follow up to her divisive Guardian article, Hamad addresses each and every minority group, from Australian indigenous women to East Asian and black women in the US to South Asian women in the UK. With this wide focus, Hamad shows how toxic white femininity is truly an issue that spans the globe. While the book does contain historical examples, Hamad spends a considerable amount of time on office place politics as well as defining theory. That being said, at times the book can almost feel too encompassing leading a reader to get lost. The part I enjoyed the most was Hamad's breakdown of contemporary feminist moments like BBQ Becky or AOC's career and relate it to historical and theoretical context. If these were organized into discrete chapters, the book might have flowed just a bit better! Overall, an enjoyable and validating read for women of color and an eye-opening read for white women.
Available October 6th 2020
In her debut book "White Tears/ Brown Scars", Ruby Hamad paints a sharp, cutting critique of white feminism and its complicity in colonialism worldwide. As a follow up to her divisive Guardian article, Hamad addresses each and every minority group, from Australian indigenous women to East Asian and black women in the US to South Asian women in the UK. With this wide focus, Hamad shows how toxic white femininity is truly an issue that spans the globe. While the book does contain historical examples, Hamad spends a considerable amount of time on office place politics as well as defining theory. That being said, at times the book can almost feel too encompassing leading a reader to get lost. The part I enjoyed the most was Hamad's breakdown of contemporary feminist moments like BBQ Becky or AOC's career and relate it to historical and theoretical context. If these were organized into discrete chapters, the book might have flowed just a bit better! Overall, an enjoyable and validating read for women of color and an eye-opening read for white women.
Thank you to Columbia University Press & NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy.
Available August 4th 2020
Set in the aftermath of the American War in Vietnam, "Other Moons" is one of the first English translations of Vietnamese writers. While the editors do discuss the impact of the current geopolitical atmosphere in Vietnam and their limitations on content, this was a diverse collection that is well worth the time.. Romantic stories are not what you would expect from a collection of war stories, but they fit nonetheless. The best part of the collection is the way it catches the pervasiveness of war time trauma. Even for those who are not on the battlefield, the women and children, feel the effects of violence. I applaud the editors for centering these voices & painting a poignant image of postwar Vietnam, one that outsiders rarely get to see.
Available August 4th 2020
Set in the aftermath of the American War in Vietnam, "Other Moons" is one of the first English translations of Vietnamese writers. While the editors do discuss the impact of the current geopolitical atmosphere in Vietnam and their limitations on content, this was a diverse collection that is well worth the time.. Romantic stories are not what you would expect from a collection of war stories, but they fit nonetheless. The best part of the collection is the way it catches the pervasiveness of war time trauma. Even for those who are not on the battlefield, the women and children, feel the effects of violence. I applaud the editors for centering these voices & painting a poignant image of postwar Vietnam, one that outsiders rarely get to see.
Thank you to Random House & NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available August 11 2020
WOW. WOW. WOW. Keeping a close eye to the incredible poetry renaissance in the Chicago and its surrounding areas has been a constant source of joy for me over the last few years & Nate Marshall is one of those incredible emerging poets. Starting with "landless acknowledgements:, Marshall unrepentantly lays claim to his life as a black man from Chicago. By turns heartbreaking & explosive, the poems run together like a pack of hood teenagers on a Friday night. There is tragedy yes, but there is also strength, a great faith in the power of the people.. Finna should be mandatory reading for every high school and college freshman in America RIGHT NOW.
Available August 11 2020
WOW. WOW. WOW. Keeping a close eye to the incredible poetry renaissance in the Chicago and its surrounding areas has been a constant source of joy for me over the last few years & Nate Marshall is one of those incredible emerging poets. Starting with "landless acknowledgements:, Marshall unrepentantly lays claim to his life as a black man from Chicago. By turns heartbreaking & explosive, the poems run together like a pack of hood teenagers on a Friday night. There is tragedy yes, but there is also strength, a great faith in the power of the people.. Finna should be mandatory reading for every high school and college freshman in America RIGHT NOW.