Monthly Archive: June 2020

Book Review - Hello Universe

Review – Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada KellyΒ 

Hello, Universe is a compelling narrative that tackles a multitude of themes. It’s a book that will leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re in the mood for a story that celebrates diversity, friendship, and the magical twists of fate, this book should be next on your reading list

Review – Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

“Hell is the absence of the people you long for”. Station Eleven shows us a world crippled by a virus and the survivors who remain in the aftermath. This is a perceptive and astute retelling of humanity struggle to come to terms with this loss and the future they have to create. A tremendous book. May’s Book of the Month.

Review – The First Lie byΒ A. J. Park

The premise can be ridiculous but a book will still engage me if other elements make it work. However if I don’t ‘get’ the characters and the plot goes from interesting to inexplicable to what the hell, then there’s very little to find appealing. The First Lie lost me early on the story and it never really recovered from there.

Review – Binti by by Nnedi Okorafor

Call it Science Fiction or Fantasy, either way you will revel in this Africanfuturism novella. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor will take you on a journey to the future where tradition and technology blend and war looms. This short read is intense and covers so much in terms of family, acceptance, dreams, independence and communication. Enjoy.

Review – The Impossible Boy by Ben Brooks

“Adults always pretend the things they do are terribly complicated and unknowable. For the most part, they’re walking into rooms and pressing buttons of one sort or another.” Best friendsOleg and Emma are clever, they have us sussed. They do something incredible and create an Impossible Boy. Reading about what happens next will be the highlight of your day. The crazy shenanigans that ensue are random and satisfying. The tender, sweet way that family and tough real life issues are discussed and portrayed is marvellous.

Review – Becoming by Michelle Obama

Becoming surprised me with the scope it covered and the detail that it went into. It was a lovely window into the life of a public figure that I initally thought that I didn’t need to know more about. Thankfully I was proved wrong. Michelle Obama writes well with warmth, humour and purpose. The honesty and clarity was refreshing. It’s a great read, expertly read by the author which gave an added depth. Recommended.

reakfast at bronzefield - banner

Review – Breakfast at Bronzefield by Sophie Campbell

A first person of colour account of incarceration in the largest female prison in England. It will make you think beyond the stereotypes and the inflammatory headlines to the real issues facing inmates. Sophie Campbell has given us an insight into all the issues we thought we knew and provided new food for thought. An honest portrayal of her experience inside.