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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
More like 2.5 stars. This book starts off really engaging, but I didn't care about the numerous storylines and POVs after the 1st 50 pages. Too many different storylines run concurrently with some chapters written in first person, while the main character’s chapters were written in the third person. Weird.
I liked the Nigerian english and phrases... I loved the main character's late father (what a man!), and I also liked some of the aunties who had such vibrant & toxic personalities (Jummai & Big Mummy). Temi and Ladun's sisterhood was cute - for once, even though the sisters were sometimes pitted against each other, love prevails in their relationship.
I felt like I was actually in Nigeria while reading - so kudos to the writer for being able to translate Nigeiran-isms thru the pages. But this book had too many characters and POVs and a really confusing writing style, which resulted in poor execution of the overall story. Also felt like I was supposed to learn a moral lesson by the end... which gave this book a YA (genre) feel by the end [???]
I will still read her popular short story collection - Nearly All Men In Lagos Are Mad. Maybe Damilare's writing shines brighter in that SS collection. But she's the GOAT when it comes to vulgar, catchy book titles though. Hilarious.
I liked the Nigerian english and phrases... I loved the main character's late father (what a man!), and I also liked some of the aunties who had such vibrant & toxic personalities (Jummai & Big Mummy). Temi and Ladun's sisterhood was cute - for once, even though the sisters were sometimes pitted against each other, love prevails in their relationship.
I felt like I was actually in Nigeria while reading - so kudos to the writer for being able to translate Nigeiran-isms thru the pages. But this book had too many characters and POVs and a really confusing writing style, which resulted in poor execution of the overall story. Also felt like I was supposed to learn a moral lesson by the end... which gave this book a YA (genre) feel by the end [???]
I will still read her popular short story collection - Nearly All Men In Lagos Are Mad. Maybe Damilare's writing shines brighter in that SS collection. But she's the GOAT when it comes to vulgar, catchy book titles though. Hilarious.
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received this book as an ARC. The story revolves around Temi who wants to get a Brazilian Butt Lift because she is unhappy with her body. The story explores the complex relationship women have with their bodies and how men in Nigeria treat women (which is not great in many instances). The stories explores the complexity of relationship with different generations. The characters are somewhat superficial for me and while parts are interesting, overall I didn't like the story.
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for the eARC.
When the author announced this book on twitter I was very keen on reading it. I enjoyed her debut a lot and I enjoyed this one as well.
Damilare Kuku is a social commentator. There were many things addressed in this book, body dysmorphia being the main topic, but other things such as grief, friendship, sex, etc ( can’t name all of them so as not to spoil it). She’s one of the growing number of Nigerian authors that write books that are not centred around trauma.
I found myself laughing out loud a lot of times.
I loved how the author used ami ohuns for all Yoruba names.
The book was set in Ife which was breath of fresh air. Not every time Lagos
I do wish there were less POVs, at some point it was hard to keep track.
3.5 ⭐️
When the author announced this book on twitter I was very keen on reading it. I enjoyed her debut a lot and I enjoyed this one as well.
Damilare Kuku is a social commentator. There were many things addressed in this book, body dysmorphia being the main topic, but other things such as grief, friendship, sex, etc ( can’t name all of them so as not to spoil it). She’s one of the growing number of Nigerian authors that write books that are not centred around trauma.
I found myself laughing out loud a lot of times.
I loved how the author used ami ohuns for all Yoruba names.
The book was set in Ife which was breath of fresh air. Not every time Lagos
I do wish there were less POVs, at some point it was hard to keep track.
3.5 ⭐️
fast-paced
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.
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
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
"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."
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
funny
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
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
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:
Complicated