afrokristie's reviews
82 reviews

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

3.5

this was a cute cozy fall book. i enjoyed jeanie's personality and her inner thoughts. i feel we didn't really need the mystery because the tension led to nothing, the way it wrapped up seemed so sudden like the author hadn't planned it out and got tired of writing the plot line then decided to just end it. otherwise, it was a nice quick read and i look forward to reading the rest of the series. 

The Deep Blue Between by Ayesha Harruna Attah

emotional 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

4.0

I really enjoyed the book. I am one of those who believe in the special connection between twin that goes beyond the physical or reasoning. Their story was well told and i appreciate that they mentioned slavery without being too brutal, especially as this is written mostly in the voice of their kid selves. i liked Hassana and her conviction, vitoria annoyed me sometimes because she almost wanted to give up without trying. I like the sode characters they introduced and the style of narration. I will read more from the author. I also appreciate the view on religion, not one is the right one, but whichever belief keeps us going is right for us. 

The Best Short Stories 2021: The O. Henry Prize Winners by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

challenging emotional reflective sad 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? Yes

3.75

I like the stories that Chimamanda chose for this edition, although the theme of grief is heavy in most of the stories. this made it harder to go through because I was not dealing with grief. 

Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.25

i think this is one of my favourite stories in the series. i like how it's told in two timelines that then join to complete the story. prince caspian you will always be young Ben Barnes!I also liked learning the history of Narnia and how we got to this Age after the children left. I also love the visuals descrobing the wood spirits coming to life and dancing woth Lucy, so precious! Lewis Caroll kimda popped off with this one! 

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

adventurous challenging mysterious tense 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? No

3.75

this took me a while to get into because i went in expecting a typical science fiction. about a third ways in i finally realised what was happening and by the middle i was sold. the letters are beautiful love poems and ended up being my favourite part of the book. 

The Smart Money Tribe: An African Woman's Guide to Making Bank by Arese Ugwu

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

I like how it blends a fiction story with financial tips. its very relevant to millenial and gen Z readers. i related most to Tami and loved her personality and lessons. definitely would recommend it to all of my friends as we are starting our financial journeys. 

Girls on Film by Zoey Dean

funny lighthearted relaxing 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

3.75

Sam ended up being ny favourite character. it gives gossip girl and the OC vibes. would be a fun CW show. Reminds me of the Ashleys series

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

dark reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.5

this was an amazing read. I was unable to put it down except to sleep. it made me think about the life i have, the people in my life and how comforting it is to be around other humans. I felt proud of MC for going through this nightmare and staying strong till her last moment. I'm glad I read this book. 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The Other One by Tessa Hadley

reflective sad medium-paced

3.75

I really enjoyed this short story. The MC's fascination with the older woman as a twosted way to connect with her late dad was uncomfortable but ber curiosity and grief made me understand and empathise with her. I enjoy the writing style.