tuma's reviews
417 reviews

The Making of Yolanda La Bruja by Lorraine Avila

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challenging emotional inspiring reflective 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

4.0

Overall, a great book!
Representation: Dominican American, Bronxites, Deafness 

Explores a LOT of themes - education, mental health, incarceration/prison, school shooting, racism, grief/loss, spirituality/brujaria, politics, protest, Covid-19. (It was ALMOST tooo many things thrown into one novel, some things mentioned only in passing.) But the characters were dynamic and real. I loved Yolanda so much, despite all her flaws. Actually, made her even more lovable. Her best friend, boyfriend, dad, mom, grandma -- all of them were awesome. Recommend this for most people who enjoy contemporary YA and for teens and educators. Even though it drags a bit in some places, still worth it. 

Disclaimer: I read a physical uncorrected arc. Maybe final version has some edits. 
Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilisation from the Past by Firas Alkhateeb

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Did not finish book.
Was reading for a class. Might come back to it.
Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo

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emotional 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

4.25

Ahhhh, it took me months to finish the |e-arc but so worth it. While it was a little challenging keeping track of all the characters, each one was unique in their stories, talents, and pasts. The way it all came together at the end was magical as well. Recommend if you enjoy magical realism and character-centered literature. 
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Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

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dark informative reflective 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

4.25

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

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

3.25

Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser

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emotional funny lighthearted relaxing 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

5.0

I've been meaning to read this for a long time. I love graphic novels and as a Bronxites, I always support my people. I impulsely borrowed ebook from Libby and read in one sitting. Loved it so much. Super relatable as a New Yorker and I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the women's touching friendship. I couldn't stop smiling at the end. 🥰
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Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-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

4.0

Refreshing and unique portrayal of sisterly relationship that isn't at all pretty but they hold one another down. Raw representation of Eating Disorders (CW). Ending is sweet and realistic. Eyes were stinging just a bit while smiling at the family's progress. Recommend. 
Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick: Stories from the Harlem Renaissance by Zora Neale Hurston

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emotional informative inspiring 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

3.75

It's been a LONG time since I've read Hurston and I really enjoyed this reintroduction into her writing style. I really love the authentic voice Hurston gives to Southern Black folks during early 19th century. The dialect once you get used to it, drops you right into that time period and the people feel as real as you and me. 
Girl Gurl Grrrl: On Womanhood and Belonging in the Age of Black Girl Magic by Kenya Hunt

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informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

Thoughtful and insightful essays. I enjoyed and found almost of them interested. A few resonated more deeply than others because of my current life season and experiences. I would recommend. 😊
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After the Rain by Nnedi Okorafor

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dark mysterious reflective fast-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

Art was compelling. Fascinating storyline. Powerful themes of African spirituality, identity, and redemption.