I want to give all the stars to this book. It was powerful, significant, deeply satirical, and left me with many emotions. The true nature of racism is definitely a cancer. I once read a book that said racism is a system backed by power. The fact that so many people can be lynched (past and even today by the police) without significant repercussions proves that. Well this book shows retaliation can be a mother as the lynched rise up. I like this book gives real names to so many people brutalized. Also, I think the depiction of Trump was spot on and it also relayed my thought of how so many white people fear black people. Keep fearing if you continue to hold hate in your heart. Great book, well written and entertaining.

This is the first of several books I plan to read by Octavia Butler and I enjoyed them. 2 different perspectives, easy to understand, simple and complicated at the same time. Very enjoyable. I was left wanting more story from both.

Jackal is an introspective foray into what being black and female is in America. As a black female, I felt it was relatable. Some people don't want black girl magic to shine. Also the ideology many people have of black people needing to stay within boundaries and not rise above a certain level is very significant. So I get where the author was going. I was on board and invested until the last like 50ish pages, and then I was like what the heck. Got lost and confused with the whole end plot twist. Thought this book was going in another direction, so was disappointed with that confusion.

I liked the incorporation of real history into the book. I have heard of Johnstown, but didn't know anything about a flood. The book was well written, but I did think it dragged on a bit. If the ending was not so confusing, I think it would have been worth the slow lead up. The format was great in each girl got to tell their story. Overall, an OK book and great for a debut. Author was definite writing skill/talent.

Great book about living your relationship on your own terms. Easy quick read.

Balancing Acts details Daniel Lamarre's journey of creativity and defining moments with Cirque De Soleil. As someone who has been to a couple shows, I can say I am thankful the show does go on, because it would be sorely missed. I like he speaks of sticking to your guns with your vision, convincing others, and transformation. I also like he cares about the people. Many companies do not. I do at times think he speaks from a very privileged perspective, but can't fault him for working hard for it. He has definitely had a unique life and rubbed noses with so many wonderful history defining people, not to mention the show itself, that I am in awe. I love the book is very quoteable. I summarize: the fundamental truth is there is a symbiotic relationship between money and creativity, they desperately need each other. So true. And creativity makes you vulnerable. Overall, a good read. Take it is spurts, not all at one time.

If By Choice is an electric array of stories an some where entertaining; however, it was a bit erratic for me and I lost interest. It started with cliffhanger stories, which I don't care for then the one about angels threw me off. It was long and confusing. My favorite was the one about Ivan the Terrible and his wish washy self. Overall, I was glad to be finished with book. I didn't care for it, but it was OK.

Invisible Voices is a short psychological thriller that captures your attention the entire time. It is well written, has good flow, a bit snarky and enjoyable. It makes you want to be kinder to the people that make your coffee.

The Deep follows Stanley as he is literally navigating the waters in the underground world to find his friend. The underground world is written beautifully, is imaginative and gave me very much The Little Mermaid vibes. You can tell the author did a lot of research regarding sea creature and plants. I liked pictures of marine environment were included in the book. The pictures, along with the simple, not too violent plot gave me a more YA feel than adult categorization The book is funny, suspenseful, has interesting characters and a quick, but sad resolution. I enjoyed reading it.


ARC #TheDeep provided by #NetGalley.

Melanin Madness is a dystopian thriller with a unique perspective I have never seen before. Author has quite an imagination and I appreciate that. So plot line is great. This book is labeled adult, but can also be YA because all three characters are young, except all the gore. But I know some older YA individuals that liek that sort of thing. They are characterized well and you empathize with their stories.

Book gives lots of historical facts, past and also future dystopian present. Almost too many, that the plot at times, seems secondary. Lots of shifting back and forth between plot and history, which I did not like also. TIme line all over the place and confusing. It has a few pictures which supports the story as well.

My two big issues with this book is it is left on a cliffhanger, which is not stated up front. One of my biggest hang ups with books. Also it is not proofread well-the worst I have ever seen on this site. Issues with grammar, typos, sentence structure and mixed POVs in the same paragraph. It definitely slowed down my reading and doesn't present a good product. I wonder if this is a draft copy that got sent my mistake. I think this book needs to be removed and reedited.

So I am torn about how to review this book. It is a good story, just execution and end product I do not like. Whenever the sequel comes out, I'm torn about continuing it. But very glad to have read this book.

Abducted by the Alien Mad Scientist was fun, entertaining and kept throwing in interesting tid bits I did not expect. Jasiel was having such a good time, it didn't phase him one bit the nefarious plans the pink alien had for earth. Guess he will be waiting a long time for that ship. Oh, virginity, um...