megtristao's reviews
1101 reviews

This Is Ear Hustle: Unflinching Stories of Everyday Prison Life by Nigel Poor, Earlonne Woods

challenging informative reflective

I am a long-time listener of the Ear Hustle podcast, which certainly influenced my experience with this book. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the audiobook as much as the podcast. Although the narration wasn't bad, the audiobook didn't capture the same life and emotion that comes across in the real-time interviews in the podcast. That being said, I did appreciate how the authors/hosts addressed some things I had always wondered about the podcast. Namely, I like the "slice-of-life" approach of the podcast, but I was often critical of how little they addressed systematic problems with mass incarceration. The audiobook does address how they decided to frame their podcast and why, which I appreciated. After writing this review, I can't tell if podcast listeners will enjoy this book more or less than non-listeners, but I recommend the podcast nonetheless.

Hang the Moon by Alexandria Bellefleur

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Cute romance set in Seattle. Nice little book tourism escape. I have some quibbles with this story but they are spoilers so ...

First, of all, Darcy is kind of a bitchy friend. Really? THAT was her reaction to Annie's big news? She could have been a little more supportive, and we had just learned they never see each other anyway! Sigh. Also, Annie definitely would have had TSA Precheck. Just saying.

Assembly by Natasha Brown

challenging reflective medium-paced

Very quick read featuring the thoughts of a Black woman in London as she prepares to attend her white boyfriend's parents' anniversary party. Lots of commentary about being a Black woman in work and dating, as well as in the U.K. generally (emphasis on effects of colonialism). Had more of a plot that I expected, TBH, but it was still mostly commentary. Quick read!

No Land to Light On by Yara Zgheib

challenging sad tense medium-paced

From the very first pages, I had a feeling this book was going to wreck me. Zgheib's writing is absolutely beautiful; though I was invested in the characters and their histories in Syria before immigrating to the U.S., it was the author's prose that really elevated this one for me. The storytelling didn't quite deliver the emotional wreckage I was expecting, but I’m still glad I read this book.

Thanks to the publisher for a free advance copy of this book.

Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades

emotional hopeful 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

4.5

"Why did we ever believe home could only be one place? When existing in these bodies means holding many worlds within us. At last, we see."

What a gorgeous, gorgeous novel. Told in the choral voice of "brown girls brown girls brown girls" from Queens, this short book follows their lives from childhood to adulthood, including the myriad paths the girls take in between. The book is incredibly specific and widely applicable at the same time. These brown girls represent many distinct cultures (specific foods, traditions and languages are mentioned throughout), yet at the same time, the book so perfectly encapsulates the essence of American girlhood that is their (our) shared experience. As a white reader, I know this book was not written for me, yet I think anyone who has been a girl will find something that speaks to them, and I hope it speaks to brown girls most of all.

I know this is petty but that is NOT how Plan B works, and I just hope girls reading this don't think Plan B can help them after they get a positive pregnancy test. Again, I know this is minor, but sexual health is important! That's all.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free advance copy of this book.

The Promise by Damon Galgut
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

adventurous hopeful 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? No

4.5

What a delightful book with which to end 2021! This middle grade (loose) retelling of Les Mis is set in a Thai-inspired world with fantasy elements. It was really fun to see how the author adapted Les Mis to be children-facing and incorporate Southeast Asian culture. It was also a heck of an argument against mass incarceration. Loved it and would recommend to adults and kids.

The Wild Fox of Yemen: Poems by Threa Almontaser

challenging dark medium-paced

5.0

 Wow. These poems could be incredibly difficult to read (trauma, violence) but I often found myself getting to the end of a poem and immediately re-reading it. This may be because I don't read a lot of poetry and sometimes needed two reads to understand the poem, but it was also because I savored the language and devices. 

How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious reflective 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? No

5.0

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
Did not finish book. Stopped at 39%.

I didn’t dislike this book, but I never found myself excited to listen to it.