Scan barcode
nadiamasood's reviews
287 reviews
When the Stammer Came to Stay by Maggie O'Farrell
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
This is a children's book about growing up with a speech disorder.
The story follows two sisters: Bea, who’s neat and organized, and Min, a total chatterbox. But then, out of nowhere, Min starts stammering. O’Farrell takes you right into Min’s head, and it’s so real and heartfelt. You can tell she’s writing from personal experience because everything feels so genuine.
However, this isn’t just a book about stammering. It’s about figuring out who you are when life changes and learning that sometimes it’s okay to take your time to find the right words. I also appreciated how the book emphasizes empathy and support.
The best part for me was Bea and Min’s relationship. Their bond is so sweet! Bea’s unwavering support for Min shows the importance of understanding and patience when a loved one is facing challenges. It’s a gentle reminder that, with love and support, we can navigate even the most unexpected hurdles.
One of the toughest things Min experiences in The Stammer Came to Stay is when people start trying to "help" her. Maggie O’Farrell highlights how these well-meaning interventions often don’t work and can even make things harder for someone navigating a speech disorder.
The story follows two sisters: Bea, who’s neat and organized, and Min, a total chatterbox. But then, out of nowhere, Min starts stammering. O’Farrell takes you right into Min’s head, and it’s so real and heartfelt. You can tell she’s writing from personal experience because everything feels so genuine.
However, this isn’t just a book about stammering. It’s about figuring out who you are when life changes and learning that sometimes it’s okay to take your time to find the right words. I also appreciated how the book emphasizes empathy and support.
The best part for me was Bea and Min’s relationship. Their bond is so sweet! Bea’s unwavering support for Min shows the importance of understanding and patience when a loved one is facing challenges. It’s a gentle reminder that, with love and support, we can navigate even the most unexpected hurdles.
One of the toughest things Min experiences in The Stammer Came to Stay is when people start trying to "help" her. Maggie O’Farrell highlights how these well-meaning interventions often don’t work and can even make things harder for someone navigating a speech disorder.
"If anyone’s listening and they have a stammerer in their life, please don’t try to finish their sentences, please don’t try to second guess what they are going to say or try and supply the words."
Add Cyanide to Taste by Karmen Špiljak
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
Imagine a book that’s like a 5-course meal served with a side of deadly wit and a sprinkle of poison. That’s Add Cyanide to Taste for you. It’s a delightful collection of darkly humorous short stories that are equal parts twisted and entertaining!
I was genuinely intrigued by this book, which promises a collection of dark yet fascinating short stories, all centered around food. And it did not disappoint! The very first story grabbed my attention, setting the tone for a deliciously sinister ride. Each story is unique, making it nearly impossible to pick a favorite.
There’s a tale of deadly business lunches, a mysterious pub that only lost souls can find, two friends reuniting over a treacherous game of spy and journalist, spaghetti carbonara paired with an obsession over punctuation, and a cursed family bakery undone by a lethal cake.
The stories are bite-sized (pun fully intended), making them perfect for sneaking in a quick read while waiting for your own dinner to cook (or burn, depending on your culinary skills).
If you’re into stories that are clever, dark, and just a little sinister, Add Cyanide to Taste will become your new guilty pleasure. It satisfies the appetite for the weird and wonderful—perfect for anyone who likes their fiction served with a side of sinister humor. Bon appétit!
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book does such a great job of helping both children and adults understand disabilities so much better! It’s one of those stories that makes you laugh and learn at the same time.
The story revolves around Aven, a girl born without arms, and the author does a brilliant job of sharing Aven’s experiences in a way that’s informative and approachable.
Aven's friends include Connor, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, and Zion, who is an overweight kid (and a bit of a super-nerd). Together, they form a bond that’s heartwarming, hilarious, and just so real. You’ll find yourself rooting for this trio as they tackle life’s challenges and support each other through thick and thin!
I love how with Connor, readers get a glimpse into what it’s like living with Tourette’s. His character just feels so authentic, and you can’t help but admire his bravery. I would’ve loved to see the story told from Connor’s perspective as well!
I also really appreciate Aven’s relationship with her parents. They’re caring, honest, and supportive without being overbearing.
The mystery element involves Aven’s family history and a quirky theme park. However, it didn’t grab me as much as the friendships did. Also, the adoption angle could’ve been handled with a bit more depth.
Overall, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is an inspiring, laugh-out-loud, and eye-opening read. If you’re looking for a story that celebrates diversity and friendship while also teaching you something new, this one’s a must-read. The audiobook is fantastic, by the way.
The story revolves around Aven, a girl born without arms, and the author does a brilliant job of sharing Aven’s experiences in a way that’s informative and approachable.
Aven's friends include Connor, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, and Zion, who is an overweight kid (and a bit of a super-nerd). Together, they form a bond that’s heartwarming, hilarious, and just so real. You’ll find yourself rooting for this trio as they tackle life’s challenges and support each other through thick and thin!
I love how with Connor, readers get a glimpse into what it’s like living with Tourette’s. His character just feels so authentic, and you can’t help but admire his bravery. I would’ve loved to see the story told from Connor’s perspective as well!
I also really appreciate Aven’s relationship with her parents. They’re caring, honest, and supportive without being overbearing.
The mystery element involves Aven’s family history and a quirky theme park. However, it didn’t grab me as much as the friendships did. Also, the adoption angle could’ve been handled with a bit more depth.
Overall, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is an inspiring, laugh-out-loud, and eye-opening read. If you’re looking for a story that celebrates diversity and friendship while also teaching you something new, this one’s a must-read. The audiobook is fantastic, by the way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martín
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Don’t you think graphic novels about middle-grade years are the best? Mexikid tells the story of Pedro (kid #7 out of 9 siblings), who finds himself crammed into a Winnebago with his big, chaotic family as they head to Mexico to pick up their Abuelito and bring him back to California.
The book is a mix of hilarious, heartwarming, and occasionally heavy moments. Martín gives us little snapshots of what it was like growing up in a big migrant family during the 70s. From laugh-out-loud sibling antics to a couple of more serious, coming-of-age moments, the tone stays light and full of heart.
I like how this novel is sprinkled with references to the 70s pop culture. These little throwbacks add so much charm and will have you grinning, especially if you’re a fan of retro pop culture. It’s like a time capsule wrapped up in a heartfelt story about family, identity, and growing up.
The illustrations are bright, expressive, and packed with personality.
Whether you’re here for the retro nostalgia, the big family drama, or just a fun road-trip story, you'll enjoy Mexikid. It’s funny and heartfelt. Highly recommended for fans of graphic memoirs!
The book is a mix of hilarious, heartwarming, and occasionally heavy moments. Martín gives us little snapshots of what it was like growing up in a big migrant family during the 70s. From laugh-out-loud sibling antics to a couple of more serious, coming-of-age moments, the tone stays light and full of heart.
I like how this novel is sprinkled with references to the 70s pop culture. These little throwbacks add so much charm and will have you grinning, especially if you’re a fan of retro pop culture. It’s like a time capsule wrapped up in a heartfelt story about family, identity, and growing up.
The illustrations are bright, expressive, and packed with personality.
Whether you’re here for the retro nostalgia, the big family drama, or just a fun road-trip story, you'll enjoy Mexikid. It’s funny and heartfelt. Highly recommended for fans of graphic memoirs!
That's Not My Name by Megan Lally
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This was such a crazy ride! This dark and twisty YA thriller starts off strong and hooks you right in. Sure, the writing is quite YA-ish, and there are a couple of minor plot holes, but I honestly didn’t mind them at all. I was so gripped by the story that I stayed up late reading it.
Okay, so the police in this story are pretty much incompetent. But I suppose it works because most small-town cops are probably like that, what with a lack of resources and everything. And the teens breaking into a police station and taking matters into their own hands is a bit OTT, but I was here for the thrill and chaos and HAD to keep reading!
The dual-perspective approach works so well. I think it added so much depth to the story and made the twists hit even harder. Speaking of twists... THAT ENDING! I did NOT see it coming, and I’m still thinking about it. Also, that epilogue...
If you want a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller, read this book. It’s an easy, thrilling read that kept me guessing the whole time. Highly recommend!
Okay, so the police in this story are pretty much incompetent. But I suppose it works because most small-town cops are probably like that, what with a lack of resources and everything. And the teens breaking into a police station and taking matters into their own hands is a bit OTT, but I was here for the thrill and chaos and HAD to keep reading!
The dual-perspective approach works so well. I think it added so much depth to the story and made the twists hit even harder. Speaking of twists... THAT ENDING! I did NOT see it coming, and I’m still thinking about it. Also, that epilogue...
If you want a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller, read this book. It’s an easy, thrilling read that kept me guessing the whole time. Highly recommend!
Casters and Crowns by Elizabeth Lowham
Casters and Crowns is a delightful read that hits all the right notes for a fantasy lover. It’s the perfect blend of magic, romance, and adventure. Highly recommended!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a random pick from the library, and it’s surprisingly SO good! First of all, it’s a standalone so major plus points! It’s a YA romantasy with a unique magic system and a fun twist on a Sleeping Beauty-style curse.
Reasons why I loved this book:
Reasons why I loved this book:
- Epistolary format ... love letters delivered by birds!
- She falls first, he falls harder
- Slow burn, no explicit scenes
- Anxiety rep
- Fascinating magic system/curse
- Sibling bond
- Green flag MMC
- Antics of the MMC's twin younger brothers
- Character arc of the FMC
- A satisfying HEA ending
We all get it wrong, so perhaps the answer is simply mercy. Mercy for others, and mercy for ourselves. Besides that, walking forward is an ongoing path that doesn’t end at a mistake. There’s time to mend what can be mended, to improve at the next opportunity. You’re strong enough for that.
Casters and Crowns is a delightful read that hits all the right notes for a fantasy lover. It’s the perfect blend of magic, romance, and adventure. Highly recommended!
Hidden Fires by Sairish Hussain
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
What an incredible story of family, healing, hope, and resilience!
Set in Bradford in 2017 (around the time of the Grenfell Tower fire), this book tells the story of the relationship between an 80-year-old grandfather and his 16-year-old granddaughter. Both are quietly struggling with their problems while trying to maintain a facade that everything is fine.
I absolutely love how these two generations overcome their cultural and personal differences to rebuild their bond and rediscover the strength of family. It’s a journey filled with both heartache and hope. The author delves into the PTSD of someone who witnessed and lost loved ones during the horrifying events of the India-Pakistan partition in 1947, the loneliness of old age, and the challenges of dementia. The grandfather’s struggle to hold his life together while silently dealing with aging and memory loss is heartbreaking.
Then there’s his teenage granddaughter, whose father is a workaholic and burnt out from caring for his chronically ill wife. Not wanting to burden her parents further, she hides the fact that she’s being fat-shamed and bullied at school and is self-harming as a result.
What makes this book truly special is how the author handles such heavy themes with warmth and care. Hussain infuses love and even laughter into the tensest moments. The bond and love that develops between the grandfather and granddaughter is so precious! I also appreciate how the book beautifully illustrates how Eastern family values adapt and thrive in a Western setting, making it both poignant and relatable.
The writing is beautiful, the character growth is well-written, and the ending is satisfying.
Hidden Fire is perfect for readers who are looking for stories that amplify voices from underrepresented communities. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates stories about overcoming personal tragedies and finding hope amidst adversity.
Set in Bradford in 2017 (around the time of the Grenfell Tower fire), this book tells the story of the relationship between an 80-year-old grandfather and his 16-year-old granddaughter. Both are quietly struggling with their problems while trying to maintain a facade that everything is fine.
I absolutely love how these two generations overcome their cultural and personal differences to rebuild their bond and rediscover the strength of family. It’s a journey filled with both heartache and hope. The author delves into the PTSD of someone who witnessed and lost loved ones during the horrifying events of the India-Pakistan partition in 1947, the loneliness of old age, and the challenges of dementia. The grandfather’s struggle to hold his life together while silently dealing with aging and memory loss is heartbreaking.
Then there’s his teenage granddaughter, whose father is a workaholic and burnt out from caring for his chronically ill wife. Not wanting to burden her parents further, she hides the fact that she’s being fat-shamed and bullied at school and is self-harming as a result.
What makes this book truly special is how the author handles such heavy themes with warmth and care. Hussain infuses love and even laughter into the tensest moments. The bond and love that develops between the grandfather and granddaughter is so precious! I also appreciate how the book beautifully illustrates how Eastern family values adapt and thrive in a Western setting, making it both poignant and relatable.
The writing is beautiful, the character growth is well-written, and the ending is satisfying.
Hidden Fire is perfect for readers who are looking for stories that amplify voices from underrepresented communities. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates stories about overcoming personal tragedies and finding hope amidst adversity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Chronic illness, Violence, and Dementia
Moderate: Body shaming
Blood of the kami by Baptiste Pinson Wu
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Okay, first off, can we talk about that book cover? It’s so pretty and totally justifies the vibe of this epic YA fantasy. The story takes you into a world inspired by Japanese mythology, packed with mythical creatures and humans clashing in an adventure you won’t want to put down!
Baptiste Pinson Wu weaves an intricate story that blends magic, culture, action, and emotions. I am impressed with the well-written worldbuilding! It just makes the whole setting feel real. Wu brings Japanese mythology to life with all the Shinto rituals, historical touches, and a super colorful cast of kami and yōkai. It is incredibly detailed, immersive, and just really well done.
There are a LOT of characters in this book, most of whom were completely unfamiliar to me at first. It took some time to figure them all out, and I was worried I’d get confused or mix them up. But as the story progressed, I found myself totally immersed and swept up in the adventure!
The battle scenes are intense and vivid. There’s no romance in Blood of the Kami, but the way friendships are portrayed is absolutely beautiful! The story focuses on the primary themes of adventure and personal growth.
The characters in this book are so lovable! Ren is such a sweet, innocent young man, and I absolutely LOVED the humor throughout the story. Chapter 6 has to be my favorite. I couldn’t get enough of the banter between Ren and the priestess Hotaru as they tried to figure out more about Suzume’s Kami. And don’t even get me started on Pon-Pon! By the time I was 70% into the book, I didn’t want the story to end!
I would recommend this book to readers who love mythological and culturally rich settings. If you’re into Japanese mythology, you’re going to love this. It’s packed with magic, action, and all the epic vibes. This book is perfect for readers who want an adventure with immersive, nonstop action.
Thank you, Baptiste Pinson Wu, for the chance to read Blood of the Kami ahead of its release.
Baptiste Pinson Wu weaves an intricate story that blends magic, culture, action, and emotions. I am impressed with the well-written worldbuilding! It just makes the whole setting feel real. Wu brings Japanese mythology to life with all the Shinto rituals, historical touches, and a super colorful cast of kami and yōkai. It is incredibly detailed, immersive, and just really well done.
There are a LOT of characters in this book, most of whom were completely unfamiliar to me at first. It took some time to figure them all out, and I was worried I’d get confused or mix them up. But as the story progressed, I found myself totally immersed and swept up in the adventure!
The battle scenes are intense and vivid. There’s no romance in Blood of the Kami, but the way friendships are portrayed is absolutely beautiful! The story focuses on the primary themes of adventure and personal growth.
The characters in this book are so lovable! Ren is such a sweet, innocent young man, and I absolutely LOVED the humor throughout the story. Chapter 6 has to be my favorite. I couldn’t get enough of the banter between Ren and the priestess Hotaru as they tried to figure out more about Suzume’s Kami. And don’t even get me started on Pon-Pon! By the time I was 70% into the book, I didn’t want the story to end!
I would recommend this book to readers who love mythological and culturally rich settings. If you’re into Japanese mythology, you’re going to love this. It’s packed with magic, action, and all the epic vibes. This book is perfect for readers who want an adventure with immersive, nonstop action.
Thank you, Baptiste Pinson Wu, for the chance to read Blood of the Kami ahead of its release.
A Maiden's Prayer: A Family Story Set in 1970s Sri Lanka by Srianthi Perera
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What a charming story! We experience life in 1970s Sri Lanka through the innocent eyes of Tamara, a teenage girl. Much of the story revolves around her wealthy maternal uncle, Berty, an engineer with a lucrative job in Saudi Arabia. His sisters (and other meddling relatives) make it their life mission to find him a wife, and their matchmaking shenanigans add humor to the narrative.
Perera writes with humor and warmth. I appreciated how the story immerses us in Sri Lankan culture, as well as the turbulent period in the country's history marked by food shortages and a soaring cost of living. And through it all is Tamara's coming-of-age story, with rituals and customs that were unfamiliar yet utterly fascinating to me!
While the cultural immersion is delightful, the plot does slow down at times, leaving you wishing for a bit more momentum. I also hoped there was a deeper growth in Tamara's character.
If you're looking to discover new cultures through fiction (with a side of nosy aunties and dramatic family gatherings), this book might be just what you need. A Maiden's Prayer is a charming, leisurely read, perfect for a cozy weekend, ideally with a cup of tea!
Perera writes with humor and warmth. I appreciated how the story immerses us in Sri Lankan culture, as well as the turbulent period in the country's history marked by food shortages and a soaring cost of living. And through it all is Tamara's coming-of-age story, with rituals and customs that were unfamiliar yet utterly fascinating to me!
While the cultural immersion is delightful, the plot does slow down at times, leaving you wishing for a bit more momentum. I also hoped there was a deeper growth in Tamara's character.
If you're looking to discover new cultures through fiction (with a side of nosy aunties and dramatic family gatherings), this book might be just what you need. A Maiden's Prayer is a charming, leisurely read, perfect for a cozy weekend, ideally with a cup of tea!
A Mouth Full of Salt by Reem Gaafar
Reem Gaafar really brings the story to life with her vivid writing, setting such a powerful and intense scene on every page. She dives deep into tough themes like racism, gender-based violence, and oppressive traditions, which hit hard, not just because of how horrific they are, but because these issues are also prevalent in places like India today. It's one of those stories where you can’t really expect a happy ending, and that makes it even more impactful, though undeniably heartbreaking.
If you're curious about Sudanese life, traditions, or how cultural and societal norms shape personal experiences, this book is a must-read. It's also perfect for anyone who loves introspective, emotionally charged literature that digs deep into themes like loss, identity, and resilience.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A Mouth Full of Salt is such a perfect title for this book. It’s based on a Sudanese proverb that refers to the taste left in your mouth after a big loss (probably like when you’ve cried so much you can literally taste the salt). And honestly, that’s exactly what this book feels like. It’s packed with one tragedy after another, but the way it’s written is so vivid and raw that you just can’t look away.
The story begins in this remote village downstream from Karima, where an eight-year-old boy has drowned, and everyone’s out searching for him. It starts slow, giving you a feel for the characters and the rhythm of village life, but once it picked up, I was totally hooked!
The book is split into three parts and follows the lives of three women. It jumps between the late 1980s, the early 1940s when Sudan was under British/Egyptian rule, and the time after independence, mixing in political references to give some background to the village life.
The story begins in this remote village downstream from Karima, where an eight-year-old boy has drowned, and everyone’s out searching for him. It starts slow, giving you a feel for the characters and the rhythm of village life, but once it picked up, I was totally hooked!
The book is split into three parts and follows the lives of three women. It jumps between the late 1980s, the early 1940s when Sudan was under British/Egyptian rule, and the time after independence, mixing in political references to give some background to the village life.
“Arab Sudanese think they’re better than other Africans. They don’t acknowledge their African side; it’s a major problem and a root cause for all the problems. Trying to wade through all that and have people get to know us and our different cultures is important to me.” - Gaafar
Reem Gaafar really brings the story to life with her vivid writing, setting such a powerful and intense scene on every page. She dives deep into tough themes like racism, gender-based violence, and oppressive traditions, which hit hard, not just because of how horrific they are, but because these issues are also prevalent in places like India today. It's one of those stories where you can’t really expect a happy ending, and that makes it even more impactful, though undeniably heartbreaking.
If you're curious about Sudanese life, traditions, or how cultural and societal norms shape personal experiences, this book is a must-read. It's also perfect for anyone who loves introspective, emotionally charged literature that digs deep into themes like loss, identity, and resilience.