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The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova.

Plot: Orquidea Divina Montoya is about to die and she invites her family to her house at Four Rivers to receive their inheritance. Her family arrives and they are met with strangeness which begins their journey of discovery about themselves, Orquidea, and their history. This journey leads them to Ecuador where Orquidea’s secrets are exposed. Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Magical Realism. Rating: 18+ because of the overt sexual scenes. Thoughts: This was my first introduction to this author and I am now a fan. I LOVED this book because of its strong use of imagery and the many themes that … Continue reading The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova.

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In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

Genre: Memoir, Horror Themes explored: Domestic Violence, LGBTQIA issues. Plot: Using the analogy of a house, Carmen explores the topic of domestic violence in lesbian relationships. She writes about her experience dating and living with an abusive partner. She writes in detail as she describes each experience of abuse that she went through. She writes that the purpose of writing this memoir was to pull the covers off and to show that abuse occurs in these kinds of relationships. What I liked about the book: I loved the main theme of the book because it effectively removed the myth that … Continue reading In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

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I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez

Genre: Contemporary Young Fiction with a splash of suspense! Plot: Olga is considered the perfect Mexican daughter. She doesn’t stray too far from home, does what she is told, and has the job that her parents aspire for her. But secrets come unraveling when Olga is involved in a fatal accident,and Julia, her younger sister tries to learn more about her late sister and what made her tick. Themes explored: secrets, trauma, suicide, rape, mental health, immigration, education, socio-economic disparities, homophobia, LGBTQIA issues, teen life, favoritism in the home and homelessness.  Ideas that really resonated:a) The concept of having two … Continue reading I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez

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Duke: Prince Of Hearts by Kiru Taye

I am going to preface this review by letting y’all know that this is a dark romance. This is not a story of two goody two shoes finding love and happiness but rather a story of individuals who should be viewed as society’s bane finding love. This reads like a Romeo and Juliet story for Africans with a happier ending. That said, let’s begin. Carla, is the spoiled daughter of the head of one of the major Mafia families in the city, and she is used to getting whatever she wants. One day, she meets Duke at the club and … Continue reading Duke: Prince Of Hearts by Kiru Taye

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The Death Of Vivek OJi By Akwaeke Emezi

“WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR A FAMILY TO LOSE A CHILD THEY NEVER REALLY KNEW” Yes, I am doing another review of a book by Akwaeke Emezi. Generally, when I love an author, I tend to read all their works to see how they’ve progressed, if they’ve kept the same rhythm or if something has changed. I will admit that I preferred ‘Freshwater’ to this book. But, let’s talk about it: Vivek Oji is a product of an interracial marriage and was born on the same day that his grandmother died. He was given the middle name – Nnemdi which … Continue reading The Death Of Vivek OJi By Akwaeke Emezi

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Training Gia by Nana Prah

In ‘Training Gia’, we are introduced to Gia Baxter who is having some problems at her workplace. She deals with her work problems by diving into food. Her sister realizes that something is off with her and enrolls her in Lamar Pearson’s gym to enable her regain her confidence. While working out with Lamar (a UFC champion by the way), sparks start flying and they get into a “…ship”. The question becomes what will happen when the six weeks are over? Will Lamar ever reveal his secret and what will be the impact of this secret on them? And really … Continue reading Training Gia by Nana Prah

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Fatherhood

Fatherhood is a Netflix movie starring Kevin Hart, Melody Hurd, and other easily recognizable actors and actresses. Plot: Matthew Logelin (Kevin Hart) is left a widower when his wife unexpectedly dies leaving him to raise a new baby alone. We watch as Matthew juggles career, life, love and other decisions as he tries to raise Maddie (Melody Hurd) in a way that will make his wife proud. We also watch as Matthew transitions from a somewhat irresponsible man during his marriage to a responsible father who isn’t scared of putting his daughter first. This is a feel good movie that … Continue reading Fatherhood

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Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi

“All Freshwater comes out of the Python” Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi In ‘Freshwater’, we are introduced to Ada. Ada is no regular human but rather she is an Ogbanje, that is a human that is born to die or born with a spirit form that is out of alignment with the order of birth and death. The book describes Ada’s birth as something that was forced. And we see the impact of this forced birth through out her life, as she goes through several traumatic events that leads to her splintering and having multiple personalities. “This is how you break … Continue reading Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi

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White Ivy by Susie Yang

In ‘White Ivy’, we are introduced to Ivy Lin who has always wanted to belong to the upper echelon of Boston society and is willing to do whatever it takes to get there. She decided at a young age, that getting into a relationship with Gideon Speyer and possibly marrying him will get her there. Unknown to her, Gideon has a secret which she finds out at the end of the book, and it is up to our imagination to determine if she still goes on with it or not. The conniving rags to riches story isn’t a new one. … Continue reading White Ivy by Susie Yang

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Something in between by Melissa De La Cruz

Jasmine De La Santos, finds out that she’s undocumented as she’s about to graduate from High School. This was a surprise because she always assumed that she was American, and now, she has to deal with seeing all her hardwork, and her plans to attend a particular university dissipate. As her family, prepares to return to the Philippines, Jasmine prepares to fight back. With the help of her friends, and loved ones, some connections, and the emotional support of her school, a change occurs. There are so many themes that are explored in this book but the ones that will … Continue reading Something in between by Melissa De La Cruz