tuma's reviews
417 reviews

Will by Will Smith, Mark Manson

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informative reflective slow-paced

3.25

Hmmm... Generally it was interesting learning more about Will Smith's life and career. I knew him as actor and have watched a few of his well known films, but I've never cared about celebrity news/gossip much. Where this lost some points for me is totally personally - Will's beliefs and attitudes don't mesh with my own. As he's presented in his own words, he's selfish, stubborn, and made everyone in his life go along only with his own goals and wants. And then in the end, he's confused why Jada wants space and his kids don't trust him. Then he goes through a 180 transformation in the last 20 pages after I've just read 380 pages of him being a giant arse??? Please, give me a break. 😩 Also the writing wasn't that great. It felt too much like trying too hard to sound profound. None of his reflections or insights really strunk me deeply. There was nothing to take away for myself. 🤷🏾‍♀️ So this one is a "not for me" but I think others will enjoy it. So give it a try, especially if you're a fan of Will Smith. 
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Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend by Alys Arden

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

3.0

Fun story and concept. Magicians in Brooklyn, NYC? I'm in! But the pacing felt too fast for me. Too much happening in short time. Not enough build up it time to care about the characters deeply. They felt like caricatures instead of real people. Checking off diversity boxes. 
The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Rachel is sooo annoying, like a caricature. Side characters aren't fleshed out enough. I really enjoyed the Jewish and chronic illness rep and learned a lot. But couldn't get past Rachel's childishness. Maybe I'll come back and skip to end to just see how they end up together 
Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman

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adventurous mysterious slow-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

3.75

This was a solid read! Great fantasy adventure. I enjoyed the developing relationships between all the characters, really great dialogue - mix of witty banter, heartfelt, and outbursts/ arguments. All felt authentic and purposeful. Seelie's character development took much longer than expected. The pace a little slower than I would have liked. At the 80% mark, I wanted things to wrap up already. Maybe too many scenes/tension building in just one book. But it was all really interesting! Don't read much changeling stories so pleasant experience. Raze felt like most developed character to me, enjoyed getting his back story. Wish there was more to Seelie but I guess it also made sense given she's a changeling. Badass how she saves the day! I wanted a bit more closure for the ending but perfect setup for sequel which I will definitely read! 
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Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia E. Butler

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dark emotional informative sad tense 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

5.0

Masterpiece for a reason.
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Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana

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challenging lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I enjoyed these stories alot! As a native new Yorker, totally relatable experiences. Loved full cast. Different voice to match each of the different characters, showing their diversity despite living in the same building. Explores many issues of poverty, education, ageism, family, & more. 
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

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dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

You read this one for the writer's craft. The story is a chilling one of how your past mistakes can come back to haunt you. Literally. But the way Graham takes us on the journey is masterful. Without many words, he can punch your heart. The switch in POV was unique and really interesting. 
A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera

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emotional informative 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

4.5

Okay, this was a really fun read! Highly recommend. I loved the marriage of convenience trope. I liked both romantic leads a lot and the side characters were also fun. The sex scenes were hot and I loved that they were equal partners in the relationships. I enjoyed learning about that time period and how serious issues of race, class, colonialism are addresses. 
The Brave by James Bird

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-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

3.75

The story dragged in some places and it took me a bit to warm up to Collins, but overally I think this was a beautiful story about to face our fears and overcome hardship and sadness in our lives. #MagicalRealism Reminds me of The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus
Bride of the River God by Sarah A. Macklin

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adventurous inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was a fun read! Started off a bit dry/slow. But I think it's because I came in expecting a fantasy but this is more of a myth! It's an origin story. Once I realized that, the simplicity and sparseness of the writing worked really well. I enjoyed following Anene on her arduous journey and rooting her bad-ass self on loudly as she kicked ass and took names. I'm a little embarrassed to meet, but I need Machlin to write a fanfic of her own work 😅. I feel like Anene and Nniro would set the underwater sheets on 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Lmaoo