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libbysbookshelf's Reviews (745)
THE STORY OF ANTIGONE by ALI SMITH
A Smithian retelling of Antigone, told from the point of view of a crow and aimed at children. Absolute perfection. Smith never fails.
#mythmayandbeyond #maymythandbeyond #antigone #alismith #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookrecs #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookreviewersofinstagram
A Smithian retelling of Antigone, told from the point of view of a crow and aimed at children. Absolute perfection. Smith never fails.
#mythmayandbeyond #maymythandbeyond #antigone #alismith #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookrecs #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookreviewersofinstagram
A RAISIN IN THE SUN by LORRAINE HANSBERRY
This is another play that I read to teach and once again, I’m so glad that I did.
It’s about a Black family living on the South Side of Chicago with the rats and roaches. However, this family is about to come into some insurance money, so there’s an end in sight. It’s just up to them how they use this money. Will they buy a new house to escape the roaches? Will they invest in the daughter’s education? Will they buy into a liquor store business? Of course, the audience is assuming that any one of these options is a possibility for a Black family living in the white man’s America…
This play proves that Black families are also susceptible to the siren call of the American Dream, but, without white privilege, it’s going to be even harder to achieve.
With a host of three dimensional characters, it’s easy to see why this play is considered a true classic.
Do you read plays? If so, which ones have you loved? And if not, why not?!
#book #bookstagram #play #lorrainehansberry #araisininthesun #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookrecs #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookreading #bookrec #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookreviews
This is another play that I read to teach and once again, I’m so glad that I did.
It’s about a Black family living on the South Side of Chicago with the rats and roaches. However, this family is about to come into some insurance money, so there’s an end in sight. It’s just up to them how they use this money. Will they buy a new house to escape the roaches? Will they invest in the daughter’s education? Will they buy into a liquor store business? Of course, the audience is assuming that any one of these options is a possibility for a Black family living in the white man’s America…
This play proves that Black families are also susceptible to the siren call of the American Dream, but, without white privilege, it’s going to be even harder to achieve.
With a host of three dimensional characters, it’s easy to see why this play is considered a true classic.
Do you read plays? If so, which ones have you loved? And if not, why not?!
#book #bookstagram #play #lorrainehansberry #araisininthesun #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookrecs #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookreading #bookrec #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookreviews
CONTENT WARNING: EVERYTHING by AKWAEKE EMEZI
I can officially confirm that Emezi can write anything. They have written gorgeous novels, outstanding young adult fiction, a sublime memoir, a fantastic romance, and now: poetry. And it’s good. It’s really good. I knew I’d read it no matter what because it’s Emezi, but I don’t even have to lie to you; the poetry was brilliant. Their use of language and structure is evocative and visceral and palpable.
The themes are those with which you’ll be familiar, if you’re an Emezi stan and, if not, I’ll tell you: they write about sexuality, spirituality, religion, abuse, identity and more.
I’m so glad they write books at a fast rate because I won’t be satisfied until I have all of their words etched on my brain.
#book #poetry #poems #akwaekeemezi #contentwarningeverything #emezi #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreading #bookrelease #bookrec #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram
I can officially confirm that Emezi can write anything. They have written gorgeous novels, outstanding young adult fiction, a sublime memoir, a fantastic romance, and now: poetry. And it’s good. It’s really good. I knew I’d read it no matter what because it’s Emezi, but I don’t even have to lie to you; the poetry was brilliant. Their use of language and structure is evocative and visceral and palpable.
The themes are those with which you’ll be familiar, if you’re an Emezi stan and, if not, I’ll tell you: they write about sexuality, spirituality, religion, abuse, identity and more.
I’m so glad they write books at a fast rate because I won’t be satisfied until I have all of their words etched on my brain.
#book #poetry #poems #akwaekeemezi #contentwarningeverything #emezi #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreading #bookrelease #bookrec #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram
HIS ONLY WIFE by PEACE ADZO MEDIE
I bought this over a year ago, and it was really just because I liked the cover and the sprayed edges. But I’m so glad I opened the cover because the contents were great!
This story is set in Ghana and follows a woman who enters into an arranged marriage with a man who is too busy to attend the wedding ceremony. Instead, he marries her in absentia… already a unique concept as far as I’m concerned.
Add into the mix a young woman who wants to do right by her husband and uses all the housewifely tools her mother has provided her with. But should she be trying to please these man who clearly doesn’t put her first? Or should she focus on herself?
I loved the character development in this novel. The protagonist starts out as a naive girl and it’s quite satisfying, and sometimes frustrating, to watch her learn.
I recommend this book for an easy read that also sends an important message and teaches you about a new culture (unless you’re Ghanaian, then it won’t be that new to you… obviously).
#hisonlywife #peaceadzomedie #book #bookstagram #reecesbookclub #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreading #bookreviewers #bookrec
I bought this over a year ago, and it was really just because I liked the cover and the sprayed edges. But I’m so glad I opened the cover because the contents were great!
This story is set in Ghana and follows a woman who enters into an arranged marriage with a man who is too busy to attend the wedding ceremony. Instead, he marries her in absentia… already a unique concept as far as I’m concerned.
Add into the mix a young woman who wants to do right by her husband and uses all the housewifely tools her mother has provided her with. But should she be trying to please these man who clearly doesn’t put her first? Or should she focus on herself?
I loved the character development in this novel. The protagonist starts out as a naive girl and it’s quite satisfying, and sometimes frustrating, to watch her learn.
I recommend this book for an easy read that also sends an important message and teaches you about a new culture (unless you’re Ghanaian, then it won’t be that new to you… obviously).
#hisonlywife #peaceadzomedie #book #bookstagram #reecesbookclub #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreading #bookreviewers #bookrec
OUTLINE by RACHEL CUSK
Sometimes in my stories, I write about the fact that I’m an English tutor. Also, recently I went to Greece for a two week getaway. Well, the other day I got a message from @lauragalit telling me that I am living the life of the protagonist in Cusk’s Outline. I had no idea that this book (that I’ve been meaning to read) is about a woman working as a teaching in Athens. As soon as Laura pointed it out to me, I picked it up and devoured it.
This book will now and forever been in my top favourite books of all time. And it’s part one of a trilogy so you can imagine how excited I am right now.
Absolutely blown away by the structure and the execution of this. It’s set over the course of nine conversations and each conversation is a chapter that reveals a lot about the side characters and a little about the main character. I am in awe of this stunning literary feat.
#rachelcusk #outlinerachelcusk #book #bookstagram #books #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreading #bookrelease #bookreaders #bookrec #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram
Sometimes in my stories, I write about the fact that I’m an English tutor. Also, recently I went to Greece for a two week getaway. Well, the other day I got a message from @lauragalit telling me that I am living the life of the protagonist in Cusk’s Outline. I had no idea that this book (that I’ve been meaning to read) is about a woman working as a teaching in Athens. As soon as Laura pointed it out to me, I picked it up and devoured it.
This book will now and forever been in my top favourite books of all time. And it’s part one of a trilogy so you can imagine how excited I am right now.
Absolutely blown away by the structure and the execution of this. It’s set over the course of nine conversations and each conversation is a chapter that reveals a lot about the side characters and a little about the main character. I am in awe of this stunning literary feat.
#rachelcusk #outlinerachelcusk #book #bookstagram #books #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreading #bookrelease #bookreaders #bookrec #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram
THE SWIMMERS by JULIE OTSUKA
Wish I’d got on better with this little book but I found it too repetitive. Although I know it was done purposefully, the effect didn’t quite work out for me.
I think for some people, this will be a lovely reading experience, but it was not the one for me.
#book #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammers #bookreader #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram
Wish I’d got on better with this little book but I found it too repetitive. Although I know it was done purposefully, the effect didn’t quite work out for me.
I think for some people, this will be a lovely reading experience, but it was not the one for me.
#book #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammers #bookreader #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram
FRAGILE MONSTERS by CATHERINE MENON
A historical novel about Malaysia and the theme of mirroring and repetition within a family.
I enjoyed the fact that a lot of characters had done bad things throughout their lives in an effort to survive and find happiness. I enjoyed that, despite this, I still loved them.
The setting and the description were brilliant. Some of the storytelling was a little unclear — perhaps this was deliberate, but I did feel a bit confused at times.
A good, solid read overall.
#book #bookstagram #bookreview #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreaders #bookrec #bookreviewers #booklover #bookphotography #fragilemonsters
A historical novel about Malaysia and the theme of mirroring and repetition within a family.
I enjoyed the fact that a lot of characters had done bad things throughout their lives in an effort to survive and find happiness. I enjoyed that, despite this, I still loved them.
The setting and the description were brilliant. Some of the storytelling was a little unclear — perhaps this was deliberate, but I did feel a bit confused at times.
A good, solid read overall.
#book #bookstagram #bookreview #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreaders #bookrec #bookreviewers #booklover #bookphotography #fragilemonsters
WALKING ON COWRIE SHELLS by NANA NKWETI
I will focus this review on the follow short stories, which I absolutely adored:
- It Takes a Village Some Say
- Rain Check at MomoCon
- Schoolyard Cannibal
- Night Becomes Us
It’s easy to see why Nkweti choose short stories as her medium; she has so many voices within her; so many stories to tell. Each one was so different from the next and each character was fully realised on the page. What a fantastic ability this writer has.
I think, for this reason, I didn’t get on well with all of the stories. But there really is something for everyone in here.
The writer is Cameroonian-American and there is a big African influence in her writing, which I particularly loved. And she captures a side of America that only Africans seem to be able to.
Thanks @theindigopress and @jordtaylorjones for this beautiful ad pr book.
Would love to read more reviews on this so I need more of you to go out and buy it asap!
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading #bookreaders #bookrec #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #indigopress
I will focus this review on the follow short stories, which I absolutely adored:
- It Takes a Village Some Say
- Rain Check at MomoCon
- Schoolyard Cannibal
- Night Becomes Us
It’s easy to see why Nkweti choose short stories as her medium; she has so many voices within her; so many stories to tell. Each one was so different from the next and each character was fully realised on the page. What a fantastic ability this writer has.
I think, for this reason, I didn’t get on well with all of the stories. But there really is something for everyone in here.
The writer is Cameroonian-American and there is a big African influence in her writing, which I particularly loved. And she captures a side of America that only Africans seem to be able to.
Thanks @theindigopress and @jordtaylorjones for this beautiful ad pr book.
Would love to read more reviews on this so I need more of you to go out and buy it asap!
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading #bookreaders #bookrec #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #indigopress
CATCH THE RABBIT by LANA BASTASIC
I think the quote on the cover put it best when it said: ‘Lewis Carroll meets Elena Ferrante in a Balkanised Wonderland.’
This novel was originally written in Serbo-Croatian and translated into English by the author herself. The language was magnificent; full of similes and metaphors and imagery. The characters were fantastic; full of personality with their mad reactions and actions. This writer is a true treasure.
The novel is narrated by Sara, a Bosnian woman who has left her country and now lives a happy life with her Irish boyfriend. But one day, she gets a call from her wild former best friend, Lejla, and the two go on a literal trip down memory lane from Bosnia to Austria.
Once again, one of my favourite things about translated literature is the discovery and understanding of new cultures. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the author translated this herself.
But I think the thing that I’ll remember about this book for a long time to come is Lejla and Armin; two beautifully crafted characters whose suffering was understated, and whose courage made them magical.
#catchtherabbit #lanabastašić #lanabastasic #books #book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading #bookrec #bookreaders #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #translatedliterature #bosnianliterature
I think the quote on the cover put it best when it said: ‘Lewis Carroll meets Elena Ferrante in a Balkanised Wonderland.’
This novel was originally written in Serbo-Croatian and translated into English by the author herself. The language was magnificent; full of similes and metaphors and imagery. The characters were fantastic; full of personality with their mad reactions and actions. This writer is a true treasure.
The novel is narrated by Sara, a Bosnian woman who has left her country and now lives a happy life with her Irish boyfriend. But one day, she gets a call from her wild former best friend, Lejla, and the two go on a literal trip down memory lane from Bosnia to Austria.
Once again, one of my favourite things about translated literature is the discovery and understanding of new cultures. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the author translated this herself.
But I think the thing that I’ll remember about this book for a long time to come is Lejla and Armin; two beautifully crafted characters whose suffering was understated, and whose courage made them magical.
#catchtherabbit #lanabastašić #lanabastasic #books #book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading #bookrec #bookreaders #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #translatedliterature #bosnianliterature
ARRIVAL by NATALIYA DELEVA
… ‘is an exploration of the ripple effects of domestic abuse’. So says the blurb.
It is formed into small chapters that are more like snapshots or images from different periods of the narrator’s life. Sometimes she is a child living in Bulgaria with her abusive alcoholic father, sometimes she is a young woman trying to make it in a new country with different customs and cultures (I particularly enjoyed the exploration of the way different cultures answer the question: how are you?), and sometimes she is a young mother in therapy, trying to make sense of her past and future.
The effect is a fast paced look at a life filled with sadness and a hope for a better future.
Motherhood is also discussed in this novel, and it felt honest in its presentation of love and fear.
I think there are so many of you out there who will love this. And if you’re concerned about the aspect of domestic violence, just know that the writer handles it very well and it it never gratuitous — she is not attempting to make us all weep, rather she is attempting to give us hope that we can heal; we can arrive.
Thanks to @jordtaylorjones for sending me this beautiful @theindigopress proof. Indigo are fast becoming a new favourite publisher.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading #bookrelease #bookrec #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #arrivalbook #indigopress #nataliyadeleva
… ‘is an exploration of the ripple effects of domestic abuse’. So says the blurb.
It is formed into small chapters that are more like snapshots or images from different periods of the narrator’s life. Sometimes she is a child living in Bulgaria with her abusive alcoholic father, sometimes she is a young woman trying to make it in a new country with different customs and cultures (I particularly enjoyed the exploration of the way different cultures answer the question: how are you?), and sometimes she is a young mother in therapy, trying to make sense of her past and future.
The effect is a fast paced look at a life filled with sadness and a hope for a better future.
Motherhood is also discussed in this novel, and it felt honest in its presentation of love and fear.
I think there are so many of you out there who will love this. And if you’re concerned about the aspect of domestic violence, just know that the writer handles it very well and it it never gratuitous — she is not attempting to make us all weep, rather she is attempting to give us hope that we can heal; we can arrive.
Thanks to @jordtaylorjones for sending me this beautiful @theindigopress proof. Indigo are fast becoming a new favourite publisher.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading #bookrelease #bookrec #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #arrivalbook #indigopress #nataliyadeleva