tuma's reviews
417 reviews

Age 16 by Rosena Fung

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emotional informative inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Age 16 by Rosena Fung is a beautiful graphic novel that follows three generations of Chinese woman at age 16. 

In Guangdong, 1954, Mei Laan longs for freedom until her father arranges a marriage for it that isn't what it seems. 

In Hong Kong, 1972, Mei Laan's daughter Lydia loves to dance but struggles with self image due to her mother's harsh criticisms. 

Finally, Toronto, 2000 and Lydia's daughter Rosalind aka Roz is preparing for prom and university while fighting insecurities instilled by her mom and beauty standards regarding her body.

I loved the art and coloring of this book. Each girl's coming of age story is shaded in its own color palette: Roz in purple, Lydia is orange, and Mei Laan is green. 

There's powerful messages around mother/daughter relationships, generational trauma, how we can hurt our children if we don't heal ourselves, identity, and how we become a product of society and history, unless we consciousnessly choose otherwise. 

Finally, I loved how the healing between the women begins on page, reassuring us that's it's not too late and they will each find the healing they deserve, reaffirming their connection and relationship. 💜

Highly recommended Age 16 for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, graphic novels, mother/daughter relationships, and/or looking to learn more about Chinese culture and history during the 1950s to 70s. 
Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi

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emotional funny inspiring slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was such a great story! I loved the lead characters. The exploration of mental health was powerful and insightful. The romance was fiery and lovely. 
The Tournament of Heirs by Amilea Perez

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adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed this debut fantasy adventure based on Mexican legends/folklore. Even though it's about 400 pages, it reads quickly. The story is fascinating and the characters are likeable enough. The characters lack some depth and feel a bit caricature and the plot was a little predictable but it's a fun read and I look forward to Book 2.
The American Queen by Vanessa Miller

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challenging emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was an amazing and powerful read! I learned so much about a fascinating unknown history. I'm so appreciative that Miller wrote this story for us! 
Our Shadows Have Claws: 15 Latin American Monster Stories by Amparo Ortiz, Yamile Saied Méndez

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adventurous dark informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Cool collection overall. Thought most of the stories were interesting. Enjoyed learning about and exploring the different monster stories that exist in the Latinx diaspora. Some stories were more compelling than others. The artwork for each story was a really nice touch!
The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

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funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

No complaints! Loved this book. Great story, exploring important issues. Great characters that I fell in love with. And steamy scenes were 🔥🔥. So glad to have done and read this. ❤️
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell

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mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I'm not sure how to review this. I love the writing. It was beautiful and made me feel like I was in a fever dream. I could easily envision this new world where mostly Black ppl exist and they learn to live outside of the framework of white supremacy. The novels explores some really interesting themes of identity, race, relationship, history, and generational trauma. However, I feel like I just don't "get" the story. What was the point? 

So, they build some kind of machine with a frequency turned to Black pain and it retaliated by killing all white people. Then Charles someone figured out how to heal everyone instead through it.


I felt like I was left hanging at the end with any closure. What happened to Sydney? What happens to Charles and the rest of the Mobile folks. I don't enjoy vague endings like this. Maybe I need to come back to it and ponder on it a bit. 
Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Adiba Jaigirdar

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was such an enjoyable read. I love that it surprised me. Wasn't typical YA romance I was expecting. Had depth and explored some really powerful themes such as lost of a sibling, activism, friendship, following your dreams and more. While it is a love Story as they say, it is also so much more. Tiwa and Syed are great main characters with fun side characters like Julian, Sofia, and the Mayor. 
There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Ruben Reyes Jr.

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emotional informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Wow! This was a really powerful collection of stories about the migrant experience by Salvadoran American writer. The speculative fiction vibes of the stories amplified them even more. It was mindbending and intriguing. I really loved it a lot. 
Out of Office by A.H. Cunningham

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emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Really loved this one! Very Swoon worthy. Nice balance of Hot scenes & Sweet ones. Loved the characters.