Learn more about…

Lists

• 

  Queer Layer Cake: Celebrating Pride Month
  

• 

  Immigrant Heritage - Teens
  

  June is Immigrant Heritage Month! Here are a couple of book recommendations that celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity.

Reviews

• 

  The lying life of adults by Ferrante, Elena,

  ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

   My first mind was to DNF but the brash, abrasive, get-what-you-came-for Aunty kept me going. The abbreviated nature of Ferrante's characters is somehow refreshing. But, the whole bracelet debacle and the main characters whiny, insular (typical of teens) attitude was off putting. Worth the read. Loved the ending! 

  Reviewed by LaBae D on May 12, 2023

  Check out this item

• 

  White malice the CIA and the covert… by Williams, A. Susan,

  ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

  Although a bit boring, this expose reminds us of the dark infiltration tactics employed by the CIA during days of African independence.
  
  I thought, maybe, because of the recent publication that Williams would provide new, contemporary cases of CIA maneuvers on the continent. But, it turns out Williams focuses on mid-1900s post colonial era. I did learn new things, but for those who aren't as keen on African history as I am; this may bore you to pieces. Still, this book offers great info and a ready warning of US global motives

  Reviewed by LaBae D on May 12, 2023

  Check out this item

• 

  A man called Ove : a novel by Backman, Fredrik,

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

  This is one of those books that I never really planned to read but (my goodness) you see all over the place. I've heard good things about Backman and although I probably would not read any of his other works, 'A Man Called Ove' came together quite nicely. It was a smooth read like warm soup on a cold night. The characters worked well together and you felt just enough empathy to possibly shed a tear in the end. The one bit that almost castrated me was the embodiment of 'the cat'. As a serious cat mama and lover, it was so hard to believe (disrespectful, even) to illustrate a cat carrying on like that. Even so, this book was surprisingly delightful.

  Reviewed by LaBae D on May 12, 2023

  Check out this item

• 

  There are more beautiful things than Beyoncé by Parker, Morgan,

  ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

  Gosh, I wish I was about to rave about this book of poetry. Seriously, I would love to proselytize its beauty and depth. But, this is the world of poetry and sometimes a poets' mark is over-reached....to me.
  
  I read this book of poetry twice (which should be done in any case). And I thought, if I just let it sit and soak in for a few weeks, a nugget of nostalgia will rise up and I'd grow to love it...it happens. But, nothing. Maybe, it's the pop-culture references that went over my head or, maybe, I'm just not a big enough fan of Beyonce to appreciate the anecdotes.
  
  There are quite a a few great lines to take note of, but as a whole this book of poetry did not grip me as much as that stunning cover did! 

  Reviewed by LaBae D on May 12, 2023

  Check out this item

• 

  The time it snowed in Puerto Rico by McCoy, Sarah,

  ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

  Visited Puerto Rico and quickly realized that I had never read a book based in PR and/or written by a native. Admittedly, this was not a book I would pick up. But, I feel rather bad if I visit a place having not read any of its literature. So, here we are.
  
  I rather enjoyed this one! The characters were finely sliced and situated just so. A coming of age story with a bit of magic. Was quite satisfying when a place/site mentioned in San Juan conjured my own memories of its beauty. It's very clear that the author adores her home country and she did well portraying its beauty.
  
  Would recommend!

  Reviewed by LaBae D on May 12, 2023

  Check out this item

• 

  Crying in H Mart : a memoir by Zauner, Michelle,

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

  Beautifully written. Both disturbing and endearing.

  Reviewed by LaBae D on May 12, 2023

  Check out this item

All Topics