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bookedupandbusy's reviews
152 reviews
The Son of the House by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia
4.0
Set in Nigeria, Nwabulu and Julie are kidnapped and decide to share their life stories with one another whilst tied up in a room together.
Quite simply, I loved this book. I didn’t really know what to expect, but ended up enjoying it. The book is told in three parts, Nwabulu’s story, Julie’s story and the ending. Both women are completely different in age, class and upbringing but I liked how the author was able to indirectly illustrate similarities between the two. Displaying themes of motherhood, shame, family expectations and what one will do for survival, this story was impactful and emotional, I literally had tears in my eyes reading one scene.
The story starts with a bang, Nwabulu’s story is fast paced and thrilling, however I did find the second half to be slow, yet more intriguing as it is filled with lies, deceit and unethical characters. I would have liked more context on the kidnappings as it was this that initially grabbed my attention but overall I really enjoyed this.
Quite simply, I loved this book. I didn’t really know what to expect, but ended up enjoying it. The book is told in three parts, Nwabulu’s story, Julie’s story and the ending. Both women are completely different in age, class and upbringing but I liked how the author was able to indirectly illustrate similarities between the two. Displaying themes of motherhood, shame, family expectations and what one will do for survival, this story was impactful and emotional, I literally had tears in my eyes reading one scene.
The story starts with a bang, Nwabulu’s story is fast paced and thrilling, however I did find the second half to be slow, yet more intriguing as it is filled with lies, deceit and unethical characters. I would have liked more context on the kidnappings as it was this that initially grabbed my attention but overall I really enjoyed this.
People Person by Candice Carty-Williams
3.0
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for entertainment
⭐️⭐️⭐️ for plot and writing
Set in London, Cyril is a man with 5 children from 4 different women. He does not have a relationship with any of his children, until one day he decides to get his children together so they can meet each other.
I have a love hate relationship for this book:
I love a book set in London. It’s relatable and the South/South East London dialogue always does it for me. I found Cyril’s character to be written very well. Unfortunately, I know many men like Cyril and it was this that made his character relatable. I loved the fact that the story was highly entertaining and the way the siblings bounced off one another was funny and very fast paced. Telling a story from the point of view of ‘half siblings’ was a fresh angle for me and for this, I would rate the book 5/5.
Now here is why I would give the book 3/5: The plot was unbelievable, dramatic and exaggerated (I did many eye rolls whilst reading
⭐️⭐️⭐️ for plot and writing
Set in London, Cyril is a man with 5 children from 4 different women. He does not have a relationship with any of his children, until one day he decides to get his children together so they can meet each other.
I have a love hate relationship for this book:
I love a book set in London. It’s relatable and the South/South East London dialogue always does it for me. I found Cyril’s character to be written very well. Unfortunately, I know many men like Cyril and it was this that made his character relatable. I loved the fact that the story was highly entertaining and the way the siblings bounced off one another was funny and very fast paced. Telling a story from the point of view of ‘half siblings’ was a fresh angle for me and for this, I would rate the book 5/5.
Now here is why I would give the book 3/5: The plot was unbelievable, dramatic and exaggerated (I did many eye rolls whilst reading
Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner
3.0
The story centers around two women, Helen and Rachel, who find their lives entangled when they meet at a prenatal class, but can you really trust new friends?
This one is a slow burn. 3/4 of the book is getting to know each character and the last 1/4 of the book is a plot twist that is not really explosive. I would place this book in the crime genre and not really in the psychological thriller genre as described. The book did not need to be over 400 pages long. It had so much potential to be much better than it was. I even spotted one or two errors in the book!
This one is a slow burn. 3/4 of the book is getting to know each character and the last 1/4 of the book is a plot twist that is not really explosive. I would place this book in the crime genre and not really in the psychological thriller genre as described. The book did not need to be over 400 pages long. It had so much potential to be much better than it was. I even spotted one or two errors in the book!
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
5.0
Such a heartbreaking read. I found this book very educational as the story is inspired by some historical tragic medical events concerning black people. The story is heavily based on the healthcare system in America around 1973. Very disturbing yet enlightening. I will be reading more from this author.
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
5.0
childhood stories told by comedian Trevor Noah from his time in South Africa, growing up as a mixed race boy during Apartheid. Born to a black mother and white father, interracial relations during Apartheid were punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Comical, educational, enlightening and inspiring, this book is a well written and fantastic memoir by Trevor Noah who is a genius.
I have read many stories of Apartheid from the views of black and white people but to read a mixed race person’s experience during this era was so needed. Trevor highlights the difficulties African families endured during Apartheid but the focal point is his life journey as a mixed race boy to adulthood which consisted of Trevor hiding in the house for the first few years of his life due to his race.
Trevor is very charismatic so his stories are very very funny coupled with the fact the narrative is very chatty and conversational, made the book a light and easy read but this does not take away from the hardship and physical abuse endured by both him and his mother, which at most times were very sad. His mother is the true hero of this book!
Trevor is a hustler - he knew how to make money living in poor conditions. There are a few business lessons in the book.
For years Trevor was his own company and didn’t fit into any group, he learnt to find joy within himself (reading the bible, playing games etc).
Trevor’s mother is badass, she stood against the apartheid government, chose to have her son and she lived the way SHE wanted and not how the government wanted her to live.
Comical, educational, enlightening and inspiring, this book is a well written and fantastic memoir by Trevor Noah who is a genius.
I have read many stories of Apartheid from the views of black and white people but to read a mixed race person’s experience during this era was so needed. Trevor highlights the difficulties African families endured during Apartheid but the focal point is his life journey as a mixed race boy to adulthood which consisted of Trevor hiding in the house for the first few years of his life due to his race.
Trevor is very charismatic so his stories are very very funny coupled with the fact the narrative is very chatty and conversational, made the book a light and easy read but this does not take away from the hardship and physical abuse endured by both him and his mother, which at most times were very sad. His mother is the true hero of this book!
Trevor is a hustler - he knew how to make money living in poor conditions. There are a few business lessons in the book.
For years Trevor was his own company and didn’t fit into any group, he learnt to find joy within himself (reading the bible, playing games etc).
Trevor’s mother is badass, she stood against the apartheid government, chose to have her son and she lived the way SHE wanted and not how the government wanted her to live.
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
3.0
One lapse in judgement lands a mother in a government reform program which she must complete to regain the custody of her child.
‘Every mother has a bad day’.
Imagine the State fitting cameras into your home to watch how you parent, Big Brother style. I love books on motherhood but being a mother myself, I found this book extremely triggering. The crimes the mothers were accused of were some of the things I do on a daily basis, however it worked well for the premise of the story, especially because it is a dystopian novel. The story is very dark and quite disturbing in places.
Frida has separated from her husband, she is not the ‘perfect’ daughter of her Chinese immigrant parents (failure in marriage, not having a great job) and she is struggling to raise her daughter. I think the author wanted the reader to dislike the protagonist, if so, great writing because I did not find Frida likeable, I wanted her to be stronger and defend herself more.
The first half of the book poses many questions, questions I had to really consider myself. It is fast paced and highly engaging, however I found the second half dragged and the story could have been much shorter. The idea behind this book will make an AMAZING TV adaptation.
Strong themes of judgement, control, neglect and good/bad parenting.
‘Every mother has a bad day’.
Imagine the State fitting cameras into your home to watch how you parent, Big Brother style. I love books on motherhood but being a mother myself, I found this book extremely triggering. The crimes the mothers were accused of were some of the things I do on a daily basis, however it worked well for the premise of the story, especially because it is a dystopian novel. The story is very dark and quite disturbing in places.
Frida has separated from her husband, she is not the ‘perfect’ daughter of her Chinese immigrant parents (failure in marriage, not having a great job) and she is struggling to raise her daughter. I think the author wanted the reader to dislike the protagonist, if so, great writing because I did not find Frida likeable, I wanted her to be stronger and defend herself more.
The first half of the book poses many questions, questions I had to really consider myself. It is fast paced and highly engaging, however I found the second half dragged and the story could have been much shorter. The idea behind this book will make an AMAZING TV adaptation.
Strong themes of judgement, control, neglect and good/bad parenting.
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
5.0
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I purchased this book to see what the hype was about (I had FOMO) and it did not disappoint - believe the hype.
This is a DEEP and impactful story. The chapters are in first person and alternate between Josiah and Yasmen who are divorced, co-parenting and running a business together. Their emotions are raw and transparent as we learn why they divorced and how their divorce and grief has affected one another and their children.
I am not usually a romance fan, however I was blown away by this second chance romance with real life challenges. Kennedy’s writing is just stunning. At first I wanted to know more about Yasmen & Josiah’s past, however that became irrelevant as this was a story solely focusing on their present and their future with the possibility of another chance at love.
I love how Kennedy wrote Aunt Byrd’s character. Even though she had sadly passed, her memories were kept alive by all characters, she had a strong presence in the book for someone who didn’t ‘exist’.
I also loved how therapy is presented in an inspirational and positive light, as we see the benefits of therapy sessions for some of the characters.
This is a DEEP and impactful story. The chapters are in first person and alternate between Josiah and Yasmen who are divorced, co-parenting and running a business together. Their emotions are raw and transparent as we learn why they divorced and how their divorce and grief has affected one another and their children.
I am not usually a romance fan, however I was blown away by this second chance romance with real life challenges. Kennedy’s writing is just stunning. At first I wanted to know more about Yasmen & Josiah’s past, however that became irrelevant as this was a story solely focusing on their present and their future with the possibility of another chance at love.
I love how Kennedy wrote Aunt Byrd’s character. Even though she had sadly passed, her memories were kept alive by all characters, she had a strong presence in the book for someone who didn’t ‘exist’.
I also loved how therapy is presented in an inspirational and positive light, as we see the benefits of therapy sessions for some of the characters.
The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor
4.0
4.5\5
Written in 1982, the characters are timeless. This is a masterpiece and I will even go as far as saying that Gloria Naylor is one of many female black authors who has paved the way for writers today. It’s classic books such as this where I can see reminiscences of the writing in today’s fictional books.
Each chapter follows one of 7 women living on Brewster Place. Their lives are filled with heartbreak, trauma and challenges, but there was also a strong sense of hopefulness. Some of the stories were difficult to read, especially the ones detailing abuse, violence and homophobia. For such a short read, it was impactful and emotional and I loved the diversity of the characters.
I have to say I loved the women of Brewster Place, but it was the men of Brewster Place who could do with their own book, such characters! The men were disappointing!
Written in 1982, the characters are timeless. This is a masterpiece and I will even go as far as saying that Gloria Naylor is one of many female black authors who has paved the way for writers today. It’s classic books such as this where I can see reminiscences of the writing in today’s fictional books.
Each chapter follows one of 7 women living on Brewster Place. Their lives are filled with heartbreak, trauma and challenges, but there was also a strong sense of hopefulness. Some of the stories were difficult to read, especially the ones detailing abuse, violence and homophobia. For such a short read, it was impactful and emotional and I loved the diversity of the characters.
I have to say I loved the women of Brewster Place, but it was the men of Brewster Place who could do with their own book, such characters! The men were disappointing!
Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli
4.0
Damn… this book… when a fictional story is so real and can drag you through the protagonist’s grieving journey, as though it is you experiencing the grief and loss, that is a talented writer right there.
As much as this book is depressing, the rawness of the narrative will keep you reading. I just had to find out what happened and how Eve would cope with her loss and heartbreak.
The story has taught me that family and friends are so important when it comes to loss and grief. Eve’s close-knit Nigerian family and siblings; Nate and Gloria, really shaped Eve’s character and navigated her grief. I appreciated the humorous exchanges and admired the fact that they were still the ‘annoying’ siblings we sometimes have, helping Eve to find a sense of normality again.
I loved the exploration of Eve and her mother-in-law, Aspen’s relationship. Aspen’s behaviour was dreadful, and she did not respect Eve, however (unpopular opinion coming…) there is also a side of me that expressed sympathy for Aspen as a grieving mother – I have mixed feelings about their relationship but I think the author did an amazing job in providing a helicopter view on those left behind, when someone dies by suicide.
An emotional and depressing, yet brilliant read (and I feel bad saying that due to the subject matter).
As much as this book is depressing, the rawness of the narrative will keep you reading. I just had to find out what happened and how Eve would cope with her loss and heartbreak.
The story has taught me that family and friends are so important when it comes to loss and grief. Eve’s close-knit Nigerian family and siblings; Nate and Gloria, really shaped Eve’s character and navigated her grief. I appreciated the humorous exchanges and admired the fact that they were still the ‘annoying’ siblings we sometimes have, helping Eve to find a sense of normality again.
I loved the exploration of Eve and her mother-in-law, Aspen’s relationship. Aspen’s behaviour was dreadful, and she did not respect Eve, however (unpopular opinion coming…) there is also a side of me that expressed sympathy for Aspen as a grieving mother – I have mixed feelings about their relationship but I think the author did an amazing job in providing a helicopter view on those left behind, when someone dies by suicide.
An emotional and depressing, yet brilliant read (and I feel bad saying that due to the subject matter).
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
4.0
4.5/5
‘’Music has no colour’’
Ray’s violin is stolen the night before a major competition. Who the hell took Ray’s violin???
I was interested in this book as the premise is fresh and I have not read anything focusing on a black person in the classical musical world. I learnt so much about different violins and musical pieces. For someone who is not really interested in this, it wasn’t a bore!
The book goes straight in with the theft of the violin and then has flashbacks over the year in the build up to the theft. Each character is capable of the theft, however I guessed quite early on who the culprit was, but this didn’t ruin my reading experience.
Ray’s mum is a mess! She doesn’t support his musical talents and constantly pushes him to get a job and it is Ray’s determination to make it pro in the musical world that really drives the story.
I did find Ray’s racist encounters to be written in a cliche way at times, I can 100% believe that these encounters were inspired by true events, however I would have wanted more depth and maybe for these moments to be written from a fresh angle.
The book is more mystery than thriller, but the suspense and page turning aspect of the novel is there.
‘’Music has no colour’’
Ray’s violin is stolen the night before a major competition. Who the hell took Ray’s violin???
I was interested in this book as the premise is fresh and I have not read anything focusing on a black person in the classical musical world. I learnt so much about different violins and musical pieces. For someone who is not really interested in this, it wasn’t a bore!
The book goes straight in with the theft of the violin and then has flashbacks over the year in the build up to the theft. Each character is capable of the theft, however I guessed quite early on who the culprit was, but this didn’t ruin my reading experience.
Ray’s mum is a mess! She doesn’t support his musical talents and constantly pushes him to get a job and it is Ray’s determination to make it pro in the musical world that really drives the story.
I did find Ray’s racist encounters to be written in a cliche way at times, I can 100% believe that these encounters were inspired by true events, however I would have wanted more depth and maybe for these moments to be written from a fresh angle.
The book is more mystery than thriller, but the suspense and page turning aspect of the novel is there.