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sandraaa_xo's review against another edition
4.0
ARC via NetGalley.
Kuku is such a great author, I loved Nearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad and so, I was so excited to hear she had a new book coming out. This book didn't disappoint. I love that she writes for our parents and elders and the diaspora. I love that through this book we experience and hear sorrow, love, hope, betrayal and so much more in the plot of the Témì's surrounding family.
At first reading this book I wasn't sure what all the wahala was over Témì wanting to do this, not because I think it's no big deal, but I guess because with my generation it seems to be a done thing. However, Kuku puts you into the lives of her immediate family and their toils and troubles to see why such an action could be so distressing to them. I love how she weaved the lives of her mum and aunts into these stories, we met them and then we are taken deeper into their lives and what made them who we are today. This is what I love about reading, humans make sense when you see the sum of who they are, and books allow you to do this, and Kuku does this so effortlessly in her writing. She weaves scenarios and decisions that make you nod and say "yes, I see who you are now." We also dive into Témì and why she wants this done and yes, it's the case of merciless teasing, careless comments and comparison, but it still leaves you feeling sad that such words and actions could cause an individual so much pain that they feel this is the only way to "fix" themselves. The book packs many themes but its central theme is that of beauty.
This book is also funny, that's what I loved about Nearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad - it had so much humour in it. This follows the same suit, amongst grief and hurt, there is humour and love.
Kuku is such a great author, I loved Nearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad and so, I was so excited to hear she had a new book coming out. This book didn't disappoint. I love that she writes for our parents and elders and the diaspora. I love that through this book we experience and hear sorrow, love, hope, betrayal and so much more in the plot of the Témì's surrounding family.
At first reading this book I wasn't sure what all the wahala was over Témì wanting to do this, not because I think it's no big deal, but I guess because with my generation it seems to be a done thing. However, Kuku puts you into the lives of her immediate family and their toils and troubles to see why such an action could be so distressing to them. I love how she weaved the lives of her mum and aunts into these stories, we met them and then we are taken deeper into their lives and what made them who we are today. This is what I love about reading, humans make sense when you see the sum of who they are, and books allow you to do this, and Kuku does this so effortlessly in her writing. She weaves scenarios and decisions that make you nod and say "yes, I see who you are now." We also dive into Témì and why she wants this done and yes, it's the case of merciless teasing, careless comments and comparison, but it still leaves you feeling sad that such words and actions could cause an individual so much pain that they feel this is the only way to "fix" themselves. The book packs many themes but its central theme is that of beauty.
This book is also funny, that's what I loved about Nearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad - it had so much humour in it. This follows the same suit, amongst grief and hurt, there is humour and love.
teresa_a's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
jotheblackbookworm's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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
"Omo, bumbum is scarce."
First & foremost ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + Tax
This may very well be my book of the year.
Temi has felt inadequate since her youth, while all of her friends are filling out, Temi's yansh has remained of humble proportions. Likened to a mopstick, an ironing board, a pancake, is it any wonder that when Temi comes of age she is ready to start the process for her BBL (Brazilian Bum Lift). Temi's revelation to her family is the catalyst to healing, more wahala & home truths.
Told as a multi POV story, Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow is a humourous but poignant story of the sad reality for many women across the globe.
Women's bodies are more often than not judged; undressed with greedy eyes; hyper sexualised; and abused. Damilare highlighted the aforementioned so well in OBBBMT.
I did question at times why this book included so many pov's, as at times I begun to feel that the story of Temi's quest for an BBL was becoming lost. However, the multi pov was absolutely necessary to contextualising the global phenomenon of BBL's.
Despite the heavy underlying themes (DM for TW's), the humour employed throughout complemented this story so well. Having read Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad, I wasn't sure if the humour would hit the same, but it did 😭🙌🏾
In addition the pacing was spectacular, even up until the final 12 pages, where I found myself in tears (induced by laughter). Pastor Tundé was big mad about the Demon of BumBum 😭😭😭
Character development - chef's kiss!
This was a perfect buddy read!
I would highly recommend that:
1. You pre-order this book.
2. Read this as a buddy read
3. Thank me later
Damilare, you are a literary gem & I cannot wait to read more of your work #fangirling
"People’s opinion of you matters when it comes to character and how you present yourself. But their appraisal of your physical attributes is not your problem."
First & foremost ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + Tax
This may very well be my book of the year.
Temi has felt inadequate since her youth, while all of her friends are filling out, Temi's yansh has remained of humble proportions. Likened to a mopstick, an ironing board, a pancake, is it any wonder that when Temi comes of age she is ready to start the process for her BBL (Brazilian Bum Lift). Temi's revelation to her family is the catalyst to healing, more wahala & home truths.
Told as a multi POV story, Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow is a humourous but poignant story of the sad reality for many women across the globe.
Women's bodies are more often than not judged; undressed with greedy eyes; hyper sexualised; and abused. Damilare highlighted the aforementioned so well in OBBBMT.
I did question at times why this book included so many pov's, as at times I begun to feel that the story of Temi's quest for an BBL was becoming lost. However, the multi pov was absolutely necessary to contextualising the global phenomenon of BBL's.
Despite the heavy underlying themes (DM for TW's), the humour employed throughout complemented this story so well. Having read Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad, I wasn't sure if the humour would hit the same, but it did 😭🙌🏾
In addition the pacing was spectacular, even up until the final 12 pages, where I found myself in tears (induced by laughter). Pastor Tundé was big mad about the Demon of BumBum 😭😭😭
Character development - chef's kiss!
This was a perfect buddy read!
I would highly recommend that:
1. You pre-order this book.
2. Read this as a buddy read
3. Thank me later
Damilare, you are a literary gem & I cannot wait to read more of your work #fangirling
"People’s opinion of you matters when it comes to character and how you present yourself. But their appraisal of your physical attributes is not your problem."
readwithkapz's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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
4.25
angieoverbooked's review against another edition
funny
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Damilare Kuku has secured her spot as one of my new favorite writers.
This story centers around a young woman who announces her plan to get plastic surgery. The reactions from her Nigerian family are dramatic and hilarious. After reading Nearly All The Men in Lagos are Mad, Kuku's short stories collection, I expected this book to be similarly shocking and entertaining. And it was! But Kuku also does a great job at capturing years of body dysmorphia, comparison traps, and the effects of social media images and trends on a young girl's psyche.
There's also a more complex family story that I didn't expect but appreciated. With Temi's announcement as a catalyst, we learn so much about her and the women in her family. Temi's family dynamics and history are told through various perspectives. We begin to understand how all of the women relate to one another. In some ways, it felt like a novel in short stories or connected short stories, which I happen to love. It was an effective way to tell a deeper story and develop the characters.
Yes, this is a book that revolves around a woman's idea that plastic surgery will solve all of her problems. But don't let that make you doubt the incredible storytelling within this premise. I haven't read anything like this, and that's one of my favorite things to experience as a reader. Something fresh and new. I can't wait to see what Kuku does next!
Ratings
Quality of Writing 5/5
Pacing 4/5
Plot Development 5/5
Character Development 5/5
Overall Enjoyability 5/5
This story centers around a young woman who announces her plan to get plastic surgery. The reactions from her Nigerian family are dramatic and hilarious. After reading Nearly All The Men in Lagos are Mad, Kuku's short stories collection, I expected this book to be similarly shocking and entertaining. And it was! But Kuku also does a great job at capturing years of body dysmorphia, comparison traps, and the effects of social media images and trends on a young girl's psyche.
There's also a more complex family story that I didn't expect but appreciated. With Temi's announcement as a catalyst, we learn so much about her and the women in her family. Temi's family dynamics and history are told through various perspectives. We begin to understand how all of the women relate to one another. In some ways, it felt like a novel in short stories or connected short stories, which I happen to love. It was an effective way to tell a deeper story and develop the characters.
Yes, this is a book that revolves around a woman's idea that plastic surgery will solve all of her problems. But don't let that make you doubt the incredible storytelling within this premise. I haven't read anything like this, and that's one of my favorite things to experience as a reader. Something fresh and new. I can't wait to see what Kuku does next!
Ratings
Quality of Writing 5/5
Pacing 4/5
Plot Development 5/5
Character Development 5/5
Overall Enjoyability 5/5
jendella's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.5
chidinma's review
emotional
funny
reflective
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
3.75
ejetheartist's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
3.5
thelazyyscribe's review against another edition
3.5
I guess it's safe to say the author is free from the “one-hit-wonder curse.” I enjoyed this one. Maybe even too much. I found myself laughing a lot, especially as one who’s Nigerian.
It follows the story of Temi, a 20-year-old graduate who, after years of experiencing body-shaming, decides to “renovate her bum bum”. It'll help her find true love and eventually settle down. She reveals this during a family gathering that has in attendance: Her mum, sister, and two aunties. Like most Nigerian families, surgically enhancing one’s bum is frowned upon and almost related to one suffering from a mental illness and that's putting it mildly.
*What worked for me*
-I appreciate that Temi’s character is written from a second-person point of view. It's rare but very much needed. Readers are almost forced to wear Temi’s shoes and I couldn't love the decision more.
-I don't know how, but the title just works. Lol.
*What didn't work for me*
-Following two characters' POVs can be a lot, let alone four different characters. At some point, I started to mix characters and had to reread some chapters. The story becomes easily unmemorable.
-The story touches on heavy topics such as abuse, colourism, and so on, but the humour in the book made it kind of easy to gloss over. I guess it's just the Nigerian way of making light of every situation. A.k.a therapy. As a Nigerian, I'm honestly not mad at it lol, but then again, as a group, we all need actual therapy. So…
In summary, it was such an easy read. I couldn't put it down from the moment I started reading. Precisely how I like my books. Just as Damilare said, “For the ones like me who stare at a mirror all day hoping to fix it all with their eyes. I have broken my mirror, please break yours.”
Thanks to Simon & Schuster via Net Galley for the ARC.
P.S. The author’s note is simply adorable.
It follows the story of Temi, a 20-year-old graduate who, after years of experiencing body-shaming, decides to “renovate her bum bum”. It'll help her find true love and eventually settle down. She reveals this during a family gathering that has in attendance: Her mum, sister, and two aunties. Like most Nigerian families, surgically enhancing one’s bum is frowned upon and almost related to one suffering from a mental illness and that's putting it mildly.
*What worked for me*
-I appreciate that Temi’s character is written from a second-person point of view. It's rare but very much needed. Readers are almost forced to wear Temi’s shoes and I couldn't love the decision more.
-I don't know how, but the title just works. Lol.
*What didn't work for me*
-Following two characters' POVs can be a lot, let alone four different characters. At some point, I started to mix characters and had to reread some chapters. The story becomes easily unmemorable.
-The story touches on heavy topics such as abuse, colourism, and so on, but the humour in the book made it kind of easy to gloss over. I guess it's just the Nigerian way of making light of every situation. A.k.a therapy. As a Nigerian, I'm honestly not mad at it lol, but then again, as a group, we all need actual therapy. So…
In summary, it was such an easy read. I couldn't put it down from the moment I started reading. Precisely how I like my books. Just as Damilare said, “For the ones like me who stare at a mirror all day hoping to fix it all with their eyes. I have broken my mirror, please break yours.”
Thanks to Simon & Schuster via Net Galley for the ARC.
P.S. The author’s note is simply adorable.
niaamore's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Everyday women and our impossible beauty standards, it’s a never ending debate with countless victims.
Temi dreams of getting a BBL and moving to Lagos, Nigeria to find a man who will fall madly in love with her. Her only obstacle is her family and the secrets they hold.
Beauty standards are a tough topic to cover, and I believe this story succeeded in showing the generational effect of society induced insecurities. I didn’t quite enjoy the ending, but I respect the realistic approach.
I was under the impression that this would be a funny feel-good story, but it was much darker, dealing with trauma and assault. I believe it is a great read, but the descriptions might be a bit misleading. Read the content warnings!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for this ARC.
Temi dreams of getting a BBL and moving to Lagos, Nigeria to find a man who will fall madly in love with her. Her only obstacle is her family and the secrets they hold.
Beauty standards are a tough topic to cover, and I believe this story succeeded in showing the generational effect of society induced insecurities. I didn’t quite enjoy the ending, but I respect the realistic approach.
I was under the impression that this would be a funny feel-good story, but it was much darker, dealing with trauma and assault. I believe it is a great read, but the descriptions might be a bit misleading. Read the content warnings!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for this ARC.