Scan barcode
tuma's reviews
422 reviews
Blood Sisters by Vanessa Lillie
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don't read much mystery/thriller but this one kept me on the edge of my seat! A bit of a slow build up but once it gets going, I couldn't put it down. Stayed up past my bedtime to binge the entire 2nd half because I couldn't sleep without knowing what happened. I did not see the plot twist coming. A big surprise. Important and powerful commentary about native land ownership, role of BIA (bureau of Indian affairs), and the epidemic of missing/murdered native girls and women with little care for finding them by law enforcement.
Mid-Air by Alicia D. Williams
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
Woooow! I loved Genesis Begins Agsin so I had high hopes for this one but my goodness. The way the author is about to write authentically about young ppl and their real issues is stunning!
Packed into a 300+ page novel in verse, Williams explores so many powerful issues and experiences.
- death of a friend + grief
- the impact of others' ignorance, bias, & prejudice
- friendship
- struggle to embrace one's true self/self expression
- fear of rejection
- impact of toxic masculinity in young boys
- violence against black boys
- power of a village
- absentee fathers (even for reasons such as work)
- food deserts/scarcity + healing power in gardening
- incarceration of black men
I started reading and couldn't put it down until I finished because I was immediately invested in Isaiah and needed to make sure he would be okay by the end.
Packed into a 300+ page novel in verse, Williams explores so many powerful issues and experiences.
- death of a friend + grief
- the impact of others' ignorance, bias, & prejudice
- friendship
- struggle to embrace one's true self/self expression
- fear of rejection
- impact of toxic masculinity in young boys
- violence against black boys
- power of a village
- absentee fathers (even for reasons such as work)
- food deserts/scarcity + healing power in gardening
- incarceration of black men
I started reading and couldn't put it down until I finished because I was immediately invested in Isaiah and needed to make sure he would be okay by the end.
Ella by Diane Richards
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don't know much about Ella Fitzgerald and don't believe i even know her music but I really enjoyed this story of her life. The writing is very accessible so I flew through it. But it also felt like I was reading a YA book instead of adult. And I'm not sure if it's because story is told in teen Ella's POV but that threw me off for a bit. This might be better marketed as a YA book. Overall, I'm now more interested is exploring Ella's music having read her inspiring story.
More importantly, Ella's story explores so many issues facing Black people, especially young woman during the 1930s. Touching on issues of poverty, lack of economic/career advancement and opportunity, vulnerability to sexual assault and violence, the treatment at "Training Schools" for Black girls in trouble with the law was horrifying.
I wonder what ever happened with Ella's family though, especially her little sister Francie?
More importantly, Ella's story explores so many issues facing Black people, especially young woman during the 1930s. Touching on issues of poverty, lack of economic/career advancement and opportunity, vulnerability to sexual assault and violence, the treatment at "Training Schools" for Black girls in trouble with the law was horrifying.
I wonder what ever happened with Ella's family though, especially her little sister Francie?
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Audiobook might not have been best format for me. It took forever to get through and it was hard to follow Coates thoughts.
Love Is A War Song by Danica Nava
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This 2nd books by Danica Nava is as lovely and charming as her debut. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Avery and Lucas. The storyline was interesting and explores important themes of identity, family, community, following your passion. I enjoyed watching Avery grow, determine who she wanted to be and what she wanted to do with life. Secondary characters are great and add depth to the story as well. Only downside is that the pacing felt a little too fast. I would have liked to see slower development of Avery's relationship with Lucas and with her mom & grandmother.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction
Age 16 by Rosena Fung
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.
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
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
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
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
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!