tuma's reviews
417 reviews

Grounded by S.K. Ali, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi

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emotional funny inspiring 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

3.25

How to Grow Your Small Business: A 6-Step Plan to Help Your Business Take Off by Donald Miller

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informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

Straight forward read with useful information I look forward to implementing and seeing how it works for my small business. 
Light for the World to See: A Thousand Words on Race and Hope by Kwame Alexander

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emotional inspiring fast-paced

4.25

Quick, impactful read. Powerful poetry. Would love to see performed as spoken word piece. 
Poūkahangatus by Tayi Tibble

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challenging reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I'm not a big poetry reader so that explains lower rating. I didn't "get" some of the poems. But I really enjoyed exposure to the experiences of Maori women. And Tibble's way with words definitely packs a punch. It's rare and real. She doesn't censor what needs to be said and I like that. For poetry lovers, I think you'll really like this one. 
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

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emotional hopeful 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

4.5

Highly recommended for EVERY middle school classroom. Teachers important lessons about acceptance and understanding others who may be different from us. Poetry is beautifully written. And Jude is an inspiring character.
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Fresh Ink by Lamar Giles

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challenging inspiring reflective 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

4.0

Every story in this collection was great! I think only one story I didn't enjoy mostly because it was scifi and I think I didn't get it fully. 
The Consequences of Love by Sulaiman Addonia

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informative sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Meh. Felt like it was written by a man who doesn't really understand women. Fiore doesn't feel believable to me as another woman. I spent most of the book rolling my eyes at Naser and her. 😅 But I enjoyed the writing style well enough and learned about how foreigners are treated in Saudi. Overall, not a memorable read but didn't hate it.
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Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz

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informative slow-paced

3.5

Interesting concept and I look forward to implementing this system. The writing style and narrative voice didn't work for me. Mix of dad and frat dude jokes; I'm not a fan. I'm not his intended audience. So I skimmed A LOT to just glean the information I need and peace out. 
So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ

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

3.0

I expected more. Liked the epistolary format. Tries to be an inspiring feminist story but fails for me. Ramatoulaye chooses to accept being abandoned because she "loved Modou. I couldn't make sense of that decision. I admired her friend Aissatou much more. But the juxtaposition of their two stories offers interesting contrast to the choices women face. 
Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices by S.K. Ali, Aisha Saeed

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emotional funny 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

5.0

This was lovely! It's rare for EVERY story in a connection to be a winner but I enjoyed every one.