June is officially over and July starts our second half of 2021! Can you believe that we already have completed the first half of the year? Yeah, to be honest, I can’t believe it either. So much has happened since the first half of the year. I graduated from graduate school, finally started working on my research project at the hospital, and applied to medical school! Though it can be so easy to get caught up, the one thing I love to do to bring me back down to Earth is read. This first half, I have LOVED the books I read!
During the beginning part of the year, I didn’t get to read as much because I so busy with school. BUT I still got a chance to finish 11 books during the first half of the year. Check out these mini book reviews to find your next read!
Mini Reviews of the Books I Read:
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalia Harris (3/5) – This was an okay read. I didn’t really LOVE the all of the concepts, but Ms. Harris def gets props for creativity. The story is supposed to be a mystery. Nella, the woman we follow, works at a publishing company and is surprised to find out the company has hired another Black woman. Around the same time, she finds the notes on her desk telling her to “Leavr Wagner now.” I loved the writing, I just have some personal critiques about the concept of the book. Find the summary here.
Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge (4/5) – This book I don’t have the strongest feelings about, but I DID like it. It tells the story of a young girl who is supposed to follow in the footsteps of her mother as a doctor, but deals with some internal struggles throughout the book regarding her identity and purpose that causes her some strife. The book was inspired by the true story of Susan Smith McKinney Steward, the first Black woman doctor in New York State and the third in the country, and her daughter. Find the full summary here.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman (5/5) – Loved everything about this book. From the content to the creativity in the way the story was told, the characters to the rawness of the human experience, it was amazing and I loved every minute of reading. Trigger warning for depression, anxiety, and suicide. Read the summary here.
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley (4/5) – This was a great thriller that wasn’t too scary that I felt like I couldn’t sleep. To be honest, I just can’t read books like that. I read this because I read The Guest List written by Lucy Foley last year and really enjoyed it. If you’re into mysteries, check this out. Here is the link to the summary.
Majesty by Katharine McGee (4/5) – This was a cute YA read. It is actually a sequel to The American Royals which I LOVED! It was giving me Gossip Girl vibes for sure. However, the second book was just okay for me. I loved the first one so much though that I bought it for my best friend to read. Here is the summary.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (5/5) – LOVED IT. I can’t tell you how much I loved this boom. There are some triggers for suicide and depression so please be aware of that. (Literally happens in the first couple of pages.) This book was so thought provoking and relatable. If you are a twenty-something looking for a book with a little introspection, PLEASE go read this. Here is the summary link.
Outlawed by Anna North (3/5) – okay, I have to admit, I really wasn’t the biggest fan of this book. I thought the idea was AMAZING, but I just didn’t connect with it as much as my other book lover friends. That’s okay though. If you are looking for a girl power inspired book, this one is for you! I’ll let you check it out for yourself. Here is the link to the summary.
Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant (4/5) – This was the CUTEST read ever and made me feel like I was in high school again. This is a young adult book, but the protagonist is a writer! I just related some much to a lot of the struggles this main character was feeling throughout the book when it came to her purpose, boys, and all those high school challenges that I’ve tried so hard to forget. Elise also is coming out with another book called “One True Loves” soon so check that out. Here is the link to the summary.
What would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly by Arianna Davis (3.5/5) – This was a cute fun read because I’ve always been interested in learning about our girl Frida. I learned about her in my Spanish courses in college, but this experience was totally different and I really loved learning about Frida’s life stories. We learn about her art, her relationships, and even some of her hidden struggles that don’t get brought to light as much. Arianna did an amazing job with this and I loved hearing her voice throughout the book as well about how Frida has inspired her perspective on life as an Afro-latina. Check out the summary here.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi (4/5) – This was so well written, but definitely not the lightest of reads. I loved the way Gyasi incorporated scientific research and mental health awareness to the piece. It’s something that often is neglected in many communities and Gyasi really showed a lot of different perspectives on how mental health challenges not only impact individuals, but those they are around as well as those that come after them. Check out the summary here.
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala (4/5) – This was a cute and fun read. It was light and easy to read over a weekend. This mystery novel talks about family, the realities of being the daughter/granddaughter of immigrants, and the power of community. I loved it so much and will be look into reading “Homicide and Halo -alo” coming out February 2022.
Want to keep up with what I am reading? Follow me on Goodreads!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Where do you find your book recommendations? Bookstagram, Book of the Month, and Bookshop (supports Indie bookstores)
Q2: How do you find so much time to read? Balance! I give myself a lot of grace. Some months I read five books while others I will only get around to one. Either way, I just try to allow myself the space to engage in a story as authentically as possible.
Q3: Do you only ready paperback books? No, sometimes I listen to books on audible or download them to my kindle app on my iPad.
Q4: Who are some of your favorite “bookstagram” influencers with great book recommendations ?
- @panedellavita – An account run by one of my friends from my writing program at university.
- @turnthepage – My friend JUST started her bookstagram and we do a lot of book sharing so I love hearing her perspectives on books we’ve read.
- @reesesbookclub – I just love how all of the books that are suggested are written by women. Some of my favorite books have been chosen to be part of Reese’s Book Club.
- @bookrecsbymel – Mel reads a lot of interesting reads that I would have never picked up if it weren’t for her reviews. Def a page to check out on Insta!
- @lex_withthe_text – We read A LOT of the same books so anytime I need a new rec, I always check out her page.
- @readingwithmoe – I watch her on youtube and really love the different types of books she reads. She has no particular genre, but always has amazing recs and great conversations on her Youtube.
- @bookofcinz – LOTS of Caribbean book recommendations! From Haiti to Trinidad, love hearing different stories of women from the islands.
Q5. How many books do you want to read this year? 25!
I am so excited to see what quarter 3 of year 2021 is going to bring. I have a habit of always returning to the goals and prayer I wrote down in my journal at the start of the year as we switch into a new quarter. It really helps humble me and stay on track with my intentions, goals, and purpose. I encourage you to do this, because you really have come a long way from January 1, 2021. So much has happened and you have made it through so much. Sometimes you don’t even realize it because you are so focused in the moment, you sometimes miss the blessings that God was offering you during those moments. Anyway, I am proud of you, friend, and hope that this next quarter treats you well.
Are you reading anything exciting? Comment below and let me and our other friends who read the blog know! Always remember, if anything, no matter what today looks like, you are blessed, brilliant, and beautiful.
See you next Monday!
Love these book recs? Check more out here!
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