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2treads's reviews
511 reviews
An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Civilization to Independence by Zeinab Badawi
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
What I appreciated the most about this read was the intention of the author to be as true to African history as she could be. Using colllective memory where recorded memory was unavailable or destroyed or twisted.
She traveled to individual countries speaking with persons who were repositories of knowledge and who have made it their work to preserve and spread the actual history of Africa. A history that existed before the 'white' man, was irrevocably altered by colonization, and that has resisted being hidden and rewritten to hide all the cruel scars left by colonizers.
What #AnAfricanHistoryofAfrica gives us, is, I would say, a condensed look at a rich history of a continent that has shared so many similar devastating changes, while maintaining individual cultural characteristics as well as the influences of those who tried to carve her up for their own avarice.
A read to inspire reflections, acknowledgements, and conversations.
She traveled to individual countries speaking with persons who were repositories of knowledge and who have made it their work to preserve and spread the actual history of Africa. A history that existed before the 'white' man, was irrevocably altered by colonization, and that has resisted being hidden and rewritten to hide all the cruel scars left by colonizers.
What #AnAfricanHistoryofAfrica gives us, is, I would say, a condensed look at a rich history of a continent that has shared so many similar devastating changes, while maintaining individual cultural characteristics as well as the influences of those who tried to carve her up for their own avarice.
A read to inspire reflections, acknowledgements, and conversations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Genocide, Racism, Slavery, Murder
Don't Sleep with the Dead by Nghi Vo
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Vo will always draw me in with her stories. There is always magic and a clever twist to the tale that makes it satisfying. The only thing that could have made this better is if it had been longer.
The Year's Best African Speculative Fiction (2023) by Chinaza Eziaghighalaby, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki
dark
medium-paced
3.0
The stories by Hopkinson and Clarke carried this anthology for me. There were some interesting stories by new to me voices that held my attention and have me curious about what else they've written.
Firstborn Girls: A Memoir by Bernice L. McFadden
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
This was gift from McFadden. Chronicling her life from birth to death to life again, amidst women who overcame and withstood odds that could have crushed them, shows where she got her spirit and talent. I'm so glad I read this memoir.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Police brutality, Grief, Pregnancy
Minor: Abortion
The Roommate Risk by Talia Hibbert
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Rosewater by Tade Thompson
mysterious
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? No
3.5
I had a good time with this one, there were times I questioned how the story was being told but as I got deeper in, I realized the interesting way in which Thompson has chosen to convey it. Kaaro is quite the enjoyable character and he really carries the story. His snark and irreverent demeanor just makes me want more.
Blue: In Search of Nature's Rarest Color by Kai Kupferschmidt
informative
medium-paced
This was fascinating. I like books like these where we interrogate and ponder on why certain things are the way they are in nature.
Kingdom of Empty Bellies by Kei Miller
funny
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
It's a great feeling knowing that what makes your favourite author great was present from the start. To see that gift strengthen and deepen is magnificent. Here, Miller traces history, presence, and people who shape perspectives of a community and society. I love how he makes prominent the power and vulnerability of women, their divinity comes through vividly.
Miller's way with form and rhythm in his poetry will always energize and soothe me.
Miller's way with form and rhythm in his poetry will always energize and soothe me.
The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H. Rao
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I enjoyed this retelling. With Meneka at the centre of this story, we get to see her growth from blind devotion to growing realization that there is more to what she knows and believes.
Character growth and development will always keep me invested in a story and if Meneka had never grown as she sees that her lord is flawed, I would have remained annoyed.
Character growth and development will always keep me invested in a story and if Meneka had never grown as she sees that her lord is flawed, I would have remained annoyed.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This isn't what I would classify as enemies to lovers. Not a fan of this storyline either.