Reviews - Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow

276 reviews for:

Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow

Damilare Kuku

3.71 AVERAGE

fellengmreads's review

4.0

emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

masters_library's review

4.0

emotional reflective 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: Complicated

This book has changed me a way I can’t explain, in a good way, I have a better understanding of life for African women, which has just solidified why I love reading and expanding my range of books I read because I love learning and understanding different perspectives more 🩷

Where do I even begin to start with all my thoughts on this book…

The title of this book might say BumBum but trust me this book is about so much more 🍑 The author did not shy away from any of those hard questions.

The author has a brilliant way of writing this story about body dysmorphia but incorporating so many important themes relating to women such as sisterhood, generational trauma, and assault.

The multiple point of views were from women from two different generations. I love reading multiple POV, because there is never just one side to a story and you develop a deeper understanding of each character.

I think what I would’ve liked more from this book is more about the character Laduna. As she is such a complex character and lord knows this woman went through everything. Another character I would loved more on or even a possible POV is Tito. Tito was the first man I have read in Nigerian literature or African literature that I did not get annoyed with or find inappropriate or a predator or wicked, he was kind, respectful, supportive and just a man that other men should aspire to be. I wish there was more of story and more of a side to read about Tito because he was such a loveable character.

There is something to take away from this book for every person no matter their culture or where they are from 🩷

I really enjoyed this book and everything it had to offer. And I have a deeper appreciation and understanding of it after hearing the author give her point of view and discussing the book with her 🥰

thebookworm18's review

3.75

emotional informative reflective tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

bookdragon217's review

4.0

emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

"I wished my body was different. But we must all be stronger than the words people throw at us; otherwise, we never move forward."

Only Big Bumum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku was the perfect escape read. It made me laugh but it also made me reflect on body image, family and the things we think about ourselves in secret. Kuku's first book was a short story collection and this one had the same feel. It has multiple perspectives from multiple family members but you never get confused or lost. The story is dripping with Nigerian culture and language with gives the narrative a very vibrant and lighthearted feel.

Kuku's writing style is one I continue to vibe with especially when I need a break from the heaviness of life. Her writing is always laced with humor that will have you chuckling to yourself and she creates characters that will make you want to tell people about them. She's not afraid to tackle heavy themes and give them a lighthearted feel as opposed to didactic. You always think you know what to expect but Kuku surprises you everything.

What I loved about this one was that it felt unique and contemporary. It tackled the hot topic of plastic surgery and body image but it also delved into womanhood, marriage, family and self-image. If you're looking for a refreshing voice and new storyteller to add to your TBR, then consider picking this one up. Thanks to partners, @harperviabooks and @coloredpagesbt for the gifted copy and opportunity to review this one.

Content Warnings

basic_brittch's review

3.5

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

bookofcinz's review

3.5

adventurous challenging emotional reflective

The title and cover is a bit misleading, at the core, the message is about self-acceptance and beauty standards

Temi is 20 years old and is about to finish university, she’s got one goal to get a big bumbum. Temi grew up in a house where her Mom, Sister and Aunty had a big bumbum so she figured she would grow into hers. Growing up in a society like Nigeria, Temi feels less than, she doesn’t feel like the ideal standard of beauty and just wants to be desired and that can only be done with a big bumbum... The thing is, she does not have enough money to pay for a BBL and she doesn’t know where to start in saving and paying for it.

Added to that, how doES she break the news to her family that she plans on using her inheritance to pay for a BBL? When Temi’s sister finally returns home after leaving five years ago, with no explanation, maybe now is not the time to break the news about her impending surgery…
I enjoyed this one, but I think the title, the cover and the marketing didn’t do this book much justice. For sure an important topic the marketing made it feel very light, and surface level. Aside from that, I wish the book was a bit longer so we could learn more about the characters, I feel like we could have gotten more from them.

This is a great book if you love reading about forgiveness, mother-daughter relationship, family dynamics and beauty standard within Nigeria. The author did a great job with this one.

sweetlp_licia's review against another edition

3.0

I love an excellent Nigerian story, and while I wouldn't say I was utterly disappointed as Damilare's second book... It missed the mark as a great story; we meet Temi, a 20-year-old student who struggles with her lack of a bumbum. Much of Temi's disapproval of her body image results from low self-esteem and the pressure of today's society's image of what a woman should possess for attention. While most African cultures are famous for their voluptuous bum bum, Temi seems to have missed the train. While reading, I thought it was weird that her sister had a curvy body that she lacked. Only to discover a web of secrets that revealed so many other painful memories for the entire family. This story was triggering at some points for me because of the topic of rape. As a teenager, I was a fully developed young woman with large breasts. I was not too fond of the attention men would give to me at such a young age. So I, unlike Temi, wished to have been able to get a breast reduction. So it's very understandable to have the thoughts Temi had in hopes of getting attention, but no one speaks on the journey one suffers when we desire not to be groped or fondled by the unwanted hands of men.