Category: mood reader

Lightseekers book cover; yellow frayed sections with an african american man's face in the center

Lightseekers by Femi Kayode | Book Review

Lightseekers book cover; yellow frayed sections with an african american man's face in the center

Loveable characters? No
Strong character development? No
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Lightseekers by Femi Kayode

1.0⭐😣| challenging - dark - slow-paced
Book Quote:
‘Surely people can’t believe so much nonsense without at least trying to know where it’s coming from?’ Folake asks with exasperation.

‘People are generally more likely to go with popular opinion than dissent. It’s not unique to Okriki, I answer drily.

Chika kisses his teeth with irritation. ‘But this town takes the cake. Everyone’s on edge. Always ready to believe the worst of each other.’

________________________________________________________________________

Book Review:

Immediately, I had my doubts about this book. Like from the first page. Readers, Phil was not a likeable character in my opinion. And by the end, I still didn’t like him. But that’s just one of my issues with Lightseekers.

The premise is that a crime psychologist(?) is asked to go and get answers the horrific and public killing of three university boys in Lagos community. Phil remains active and committed to his tasks of getting answers but the blatant disregard for the truth, lack of cooperation, stalling techniques and intimidation he faces in this town will make your blood boil.

I would not fully categorize this book as a crime/mystery. Mystery gives the impression that something is being turned over and investigated but Lightseekers felt like a DOA case for 80% of this book. Phil is actively going around looking for answers, yes. But every road block imaginable gets in his way. At a certain point I felt he was sent there on a fools errand when the person who hired him shows up, set on his own plan to deal with those involved with his son’s death by taking matter’s into his own hands.

Because even with the questions and pushing for information Phil does, it never actually gets him anywhere. Through him we and his inquires we learn that there is building religious tension between the Christians and the Muslims in the community. But we also learn that the community has been dealing with a lot of thefts in the area due to the rise of “cults” which really means gangs made up of university students. And all of this is on the back of years of political and civil unrest following the decolonization by the UK in the 60s.

All the players/characters besides Phil know more than they’re saying about this case. And I questioned Phil’s true investigation ability. He put blind trust into a lawyer who was not only related to people threatening him but also defending individuals being charged for the case. He spent most of his time analyzing people’s movements and demeanor but overlooked and was played by two people directly connected to the events that lead up to the boy’s death. Yes, he’s an investigative psychologist but psychologist is in the title. And he wasn’t a good one.

I realized that the author took the real life events of those young male victims as a psychological catalyst point to try to explain the actions of a community what did something horrible. And I didn’t like it.  I was perplex with why we aren’t really getting reasonable answers, conclusions or motives and then I realized that there weren’t any; only speculation. Both in this book and in real life. If studying the socioeconomic, psychological and religious influences of a people so emotionally charged to commit to doing something so heinous, I feel the author should have focused on making a scientific articles rather than this book. 

I feel my words are becoming harsh and cynical with this review. However, my intent is only to express creating an invisible mysterious and omniscient scapegoat who was the mastermind behind the cultural, religious and civil unrest in this story with psychosis the villain in the book was a poor and unethical decision.  The elusive John Paul was a protective barrier created by a young boy being abused and that manifestation continues to exist after he was abandon by his mother and abused in a religious institution. His motives and actions were all stereotyped. And he was used to explain away all the rising tension within this community and the reason the boys were killed. 

With the number of quotes in this book that Phil’s character has regarding his observation of the community and people in Lagos and even in the united States, on manipulation, intimidation and corruption I think even a cult or religious ceremony for those boys deaths would have been a better outcome.  But by making this mentally ill individual–who takes his own life and those of the abusive monk–felt like a write off. And I really didn’t like that the police chief had a character switch in the last 15% of the book with no real reason. Nor the sudden victimization angle of the towns people who were “manipulated” and “influenced” by the fake social media post by John Paul. And I haven’t even touched on the anti-gay law details in this book. That could or could not have had an impact on John Paul who was sexually abused as a child and motivated some of his actions.

But I am not a psychiatrist , just a very passionate reader.  

Finding Joy: Embracing the Simple Pleasures with Willow and Chase

Daily writing prompt
Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.
View all responses

One thing that brings joy to my life is sitting with my kids. Also known as Willow and Chase, my miniature dachshunds. As a multifaceted crafter, reader, and creative person, I did not anticipate that life would make everyday tasks more daunting or difficult. I have lost a lot of motivation and inspiration when it comes to crafting or trying to write.

I mainly stick to book reviews for books that I get from the library or have recently purchased because it keeps me busy. But most importantly, it keeps me out of my own world and wrapped up in someone else’s.

My baby Willow
My baby Willow

However, my kids have been the constant element in my life that allows me to be present, laugh, feel joy, want to smile, and continue on despite the difficult hurdles that have manifested over the years. That’s with family, friends, emotionally, and physically regarding my disability.

Sitting with Willow and Chase, watching their playful antics and feeling their unconditional love, brings a sense of peace and contentment that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether we’re cuddled up on the couch or exploring the outdoors together, their presence fills my heart with warmth and joy.

My gentle man, Chase
My gentle man Chase

In their simple yet profound way, they remind me of the beauty and simplicity of life, grounding me in the present moment and helping me find solace amidst life’s challenges.

As I navigate the ups and downs of life, Willow and Chase are my steadfast companions, offering unwavering love and support. They teach me the importance of cherishing the small moments, finding joy in the everyday, and embracing the love that surrounds me.

In their presence, I am reminded that happiness can be found in the simplest of gestures, like a wagging tail or a loving nuzzle. They are my source of comfort, my source of laughter, and my greatest blessings.

~Gia.

Review of Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart: A Heartfelt and Hilarious Romance Novel

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Synopsis: The end of my marriage was the beginning of my happily ever after.
What happens when you hear your husband putting dents in your mattress with another woman?
Leave and never look back!
Easier said than done when you’re a stay-at-home mom, share two kids with the no-good cheater, and have a savings account that laughs in your face on the daily.

I want out and agree to an outrageous separation agreement to avoid a showdown in court with a man standing on his wallet, waiting for me to fall. The mission is next to impossible, but I would rather attempt a full split on a hibachi grill after a Brazilian wax than stay in a marriage I should’ve ended years ago.
Morgan, my best friend, offers a gorgeous townhouse her family owns to get me back on my feet. Eight months rent-free equals one step closer to Divorced AF.
I didn’t expect moms gone wild at my divorce party, but one fruity cocktail led to me staying out past my bedtime and the steamiest dream with a man straight from fantasies.
Every kiss, every caress, made me feel worshipped. Adored.
When Morgan offered this Georgetown home, she failed to mention it belongs to her younger brother, one of DC’s most eligible bachelors. He’s very fine, not a dream, and back early from time away in London.
Now, we’re staring at each other, dumbfounded and turned on.
Ella Gets the D is a standalone divorce romantic comedy perfect for lovers of cinnamon roll heroes, a tired mom getting her groove back, tacos, and lots of spice (we kick the door wide open). This isn’t your fluffy rom-com. Somebody might catch a case.

Book Review:

Now out in the world, Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart is a funny, fresh, emotional, heart-felt, realistic, engrossing story of a 30-something wife and mother who is forced to uproot her and her children’s lives after discovering her husband cheating on her in their home. The narrative captures the struggles and triumphs of Ella Greene, who represents countless women dedicated to their families, often at the expense of their own needs and aspirations. This book is a refreshing dive into the journey of self-rediscovery and empowerment, resonating deeply with readers through its relatable characters and scenarios.

Ella’s character is a testament to many women who prioritize their families above all else, neglecting their own needs, goals, and feelings. Her journey begins with the painful yet liberating separation from her egotistic, rude, and misogynistic soon-to-be-ex-husband Charles. As Ella navigates the turbulent waters of separation and single motherhood, she embodies the strength and resilience that many women can identify with, despite their personal circumstances.

Although I am not a mother of human children, I am familiar with the pressure of having to provide, manage, and take care of family members, often losing myself in the process. Being younger than Ella’s character and closer in age to the male lead in this book, Julian, I found myself relating to different aspects of their lives. However, it is Ella who stands out as the character that readers will connect with the most. Her authenticity, vulnerability, and strength are portrayed so vividly that it’s hard not to root for her at every turn.

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Book Review: ‘Jamaal the IT Guy’ by Kasha Thompson – A Delightful Mix of Romance, Humor, and Techy Shenanigans

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Synopsis: Some Workplace Crushes Make You Want To Clock In On Your Day Off.
Winnie Chambers finds herself three months deep into a job she despises at a company she adores. Enduring a boss who oscillates between passive aggressive and outright rude, she feels more like a glorified errand runner than the executive assistant she was hired to be. Her only solace lies in her interactions with the fine IT guy, who she relies on to help with her perpetually malfunctioning laptop.

Jamaal Singleton’s workdays follow a routine: staff meeting at ten, lunch with his work bestie, Risha at noon, and afternoons spent in his cubicle finishing up projects. But since Winnie Chambers arrived, Jamaal’s predictable work routine has been turned on its head. He now spends his days hoping she encounters an IT issue that requires his assistance, strategically wandering the office for a chance to catch a glimpse of her. He fantasizes about her smiling in his direction or confessing her feelings for him on a random Tuesday. At night, Jamaal finds himself drafting list of pros and cons about asking Winnie out on a date and the likelihood of success.

Both Winnie and Jamaal arrive at work each day with the same thought in mind … a chance encounter in the elevators that leads to locked eyes and a passionate make-out session between the second and eighth floors. While they navigate their careers, they also must grapple with how to win over the other’s heart.

Happy Release Day, Jamaal the IT Guy!

Book Review:

The classic British show The IT Crowd has always been a favorite of mine, particularly the character Moss, who, along with the actor, lives rent-free in my head 24/7. In the same vein, Jamaal the IT Guy delivers elements of the quirky nerd male lead, witty banter, guffawing secondhand embarrassment, romance, steamy scenes, and humor. However, it doesn’t quite align with how I imagined it in my head. Instead, readers get a crushes to lovers contemporary story of Black Love set in the tech-world.

What I really liked about this novella was the fact that Winnie and Jamaal have nearly the same amount of page/story space. This balanced perspective allows readers to gain insight into both of their goals, dirty inner thoughts, and their roles within the Codability company they both work at. Speaking of their place of work, I appreciated how their tech company was set up like a wide campus/office layout. I have never been to a big tech company, but I imagine that’s how they’re laid out too. Something Jamaal says to Winnie that I thought was a real think piece was in reference to the office layout:

“You do know that’s the goal with the company. For staff to always be working but not realize it because of the amenities. Everything is right here on campus, so you never have to leave. It’s more than just convenience. It’s created this way by design. Because they know employees will put in more hours and rarely access the extra perks during workdays. And since everyone is a salary worker, it’s essentially free labor after five o’clock.”

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The Deep by Rivers Solomon: A Captivating Exploration of Identity and Memory

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The Deep by Rivers Solomon, with Daveed Diggs, William Hutson and James Snipes

Synopsis: The water-breathing descendants of African slave women tossed overboard have built their own underwater society—and must reclaim the memories of their past to shape their future in this brilliantly imaginative novella inspired by the Hugo Award nominated song “The Deep” from Daveed Diggs’ rap group Clipping.

Yetu holds the memories for her people—water-dwelling descendants of pregnant African slave women thrown overboard by slave owners—who live idyllic lives in the deep. Their past, too traumatic to be remembered regularly, is forgotten by everyone, save one—the historian. This demanding role has been bestowed on Yetu.
Yetu remembers for everyone, and the memories, painful and wonderful, traumatic and terrible and miraculous, are destroying her. And so, she flees to the surface, escaping the memories, the expectations, and the responsibilities—and discovers a world her people left behind long ago.
Yetu will learn more than she ever expected to about her own past—and about the future of her people. If they are all to survive, they’ll need to reclaim the memories, reclaim their identity—and own who they really are.
Inspired by a song produced by the rap group Clipping for the This American Life episode “We Are In The Future,” The Deep is vividly original and uniquely affecting.

Book Review:

Among the selection of books I read a few months ago for the Trans Rights Readathon, I picked up “The Deep.” It had been on my TBR for a while, but I just didn’t get around to reading it. However, I am so glad that I finally did. Before diving into the review, I want to mention some trigger warnings for the book. Readers interested in this book should note that the themes include suicide attempt, suicidal ideations, violence, pregnancy, depictions of death, dying, and slavery.

Diving into the depths of “The Deep” by Rivers Solomon, I was swept away by a tide of emotions, captivated by its profound exploration of identity and memory. Solomon’s work is a tour de force of speculative fiction, immersing readers in a world where the echoes of the past reverberate through the present. At its heart lies the enigmatic figure of Yetu, burdened with the weight of her people’s history, yet yearning for liberation.

Yetu’s character evolves significantly throughout the story. By spending time away from her people and stranded in a shallow pond near the surface among human beings, she experiences life disconnected from the memories of her ancestors and the accompanying painful emotions. During this time, Yetu begins to connect with her own emotions. However, she also realizes that she misses those memories and understands the risk she has imposed on her people by leaving them alone with the remembering pod.

Continue reading →

Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza by Mosab Abu Toha

My Book Thoughts:

“Things You May Find Hidden In My Ear” unfolds as a soul-stirring debut poetry novel, inviting readers into the rich tapestry of Mosab Abu Toha’s life—from the innocence of childhood to the profound moments of fatherhood. Each poem is a testament to purity, honesty, and a vivid portrayal of life, creating a surreal experience, especially when viewed through the lens of his younger self.

Abu Toha’s verses play with lightness and curiosity, seamlessly intertwining with the weight of life’s challenges within his family and the broader community. The poems act as windows into the struggles faced by loved ones and even strangers, depicting the stark realities of death, close encounters with mortality, and the chilling memories of four violent militant attacks in Gaza. Through these words, the resilience of the Palestinian people resonates, capturing hearts with its enduring strength.

Engaging with this emotionally charged and reflective book, readers embark on a journey of profound intensity. Abu Toha’s powerful verses, rich with detail and information, create an immersive experience. Personally, navigating through the book became a deeply moving and challenging expedition. Over the past two months, we’ve been amplifying the voices and stories of the illegal occupation of Palestine, shedding light on the suffering in Gaza and the West Bank. Witnessing the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship, alongside the lives of innocent civilians, has left an indelible mark on our collective conscience.

In the pages of “Things You May Find Hidden In My Ear,” the poet not only captures the historical resilience of the Palestinian people but also brings the reader into a poignant conversation within the present. Published in April 2022, the book gains a haunting timeliness as many of the places mentioned in the selected poems and the interview (with the author at the end of the book) have been destroyed in the last sixty days. Abu Toha’s past experiences come alive, resonating with the current state of affairs in Gaza, adding an extra layer of emotional weight to the reader’s experience.

Reading the vivid accounts of past devastation while simultaneously witnessing the ongoing destruction is a heart-wrenching paradox. It’s as if time itself is caught in a cruel loop, a recurring nightmare that refuses to end. The author’s portrayal of events becomes even more powerful, transcending the pages of the book and resonating with the urgent reality of the present moment. The reader is left grappling with the profound question of how such atrocities persist without substantial intervention.

In “Things You May Find Hidden In My Ear,” Mosab Abu Toha doesn’t just share his personal journey; he invites readers to bear witness to the ongoing struggles of a people and a region entangled in a relentless cycle of hardship. The book serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unrelenting adversity, urging us to confront uncomfortable truths and prompting a call to action that transcends the confines of its pages.

About the author:

Mosab Abu Toha is the winner of a 2022 Palestine Book Award and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Poetry.
He is a Palestinian poet, scholar, and librarian who was born in Gaza and has spent his life there. He is the founder of the Edward Said Library, Gaza’s first English-language library. Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear is his debut book of poems. It won a 2022 Palestine Book Award and was named a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Poetry.
In 2019-2020, Abu Toha was a Visiting Poet in the Department of Comparative Literature at Harvard University. Abu Toha is a columnist for Arrowsmith Press, and his writings from Gaza have also appeared in The Nation and Literary Hub. His poems have been published in Poetry, The Nation, The New York Review of Books, the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day, and Poetry Daily, among others.

Wrapping up this reflection on “Things You May Find Hidden In My Ear,” I sincerely hope that amidst the emotional journey these words have taken you on, you’ve found something uplifting and thought-provoking. Literature has a unique power to bridge gaps, fostering understanding and empathy.

Let’s carry with us the importance of continuing to read, share, and amplify the voices and stories of the Palestinian people. It is through these narratives that we can truly grasp the gravity of the injustices and challenges they face daily. By staying informed and engaged, we contribute to a collective dialogue that transcends borders and brings attention to the urgent need for change.

Thank you for taking the time to explore these reflections with me. Your commitment to learning and understanding plays a vital role in fostering awareness and compassion.

Until the next post,

Gia.

Book Review: Falling in Love on Sweetwater Lane

“You wear a suit of armor to protect yourself from getting hurt…when was the last time you were in love with someone?”

Falling in Love on Sweetwater Lane by Belle Calhoune

Tittle: Falling in Love on Sweetwater Lane

Author: Belle Calhoune

Release Date: February 21, 2023

Mistletoe, Maine Series Book 3

Will a big-city veterinarian give this small town—and the single dad who’s caught her heart—a chance?

Veterinarian Harlow Jones knew returning to small-town life, even temporarily, would be a disaster. She just never guessed it would start that way—with her car skidding off the road outside Mistletoe, Maine. And while her rescuer is both charming and handsome, Harlow isn’t about to get involved with a local. She’s in town for one reason only—to pay off her vet school bills—and then she’s back to her real life in Seattle. Nick Keegan knows all about unexpected, life-altering detours. He lost his wife in the blink of an eye, and he’s spent the years since being the best single dad he can be. He’s also learned not to take anything for granted, so when sparks start to fly with Harlow, Nick is all in. He senses Harlow feels it too, but she insists romance isn’t on her agenda. He’ll have to pull out all the stops to show her that love is worth changing the best-laid plans.

Book Review

Set in the small town of Mistletoe in Maine, Falling in Love on Sweetwater Lane is a quintessential romantic book that is perfect for a nice, relaxing summer read. The story follows the life of Harlow Jones, a veterinarian from Seattle who had a rough experience growing up in a small town. Harlow meets Nick, a ruggedly handsome, completely down-to-earth, and wholesome single father, in a tense and unexpected rescue on her first day in town. Although Harlow is closed off romantically, she can’t seem to help herself from being pulled in by Nick’s charm and ease. The same can be said for Nick, who is immediately drawn to Harlow’s beauty and charming personality.

Nick has come to terms with the loss of his first love, wife, and mother of his son. He is open to the idea of being romantically involved with Harlow and taking the next step with her without any hesitation or questions. As the two slowly begin to get to know each other, Harlow is adjusting to the small town of Mistletoe against her better judgment, and readers get to see an authentic relationship and bond form between these two lovable characters.

This is Belle Calhoune’s first book that I have read, and although it is a standalone in a series, I’m really eager to see the romantic stories and beginnings of the other couple pairings of Nick’s brother and his best friend. While reading Falling in Love on Sweetwater Lane, I could vividly picture the story unfolding in a movie, setting kind of like a Hallmark movie very clearly.

As a fur-baby mom, I was really invested in Harlow’s character and her life as a veterinarian. I loved the elements of the dogs mentioned in the book and Harlow’s work as a veterinarian in this story. It was apparent that Mistletoe really needed her input and guidance when it came to the animal community in the town, and I loved how everyone was immediately welcoming of her. And as a distinguished black, female veterinarian? Chef’s kiss.

My similarities to Harlow don’t end with her love for animals and dogs; I, too, am a fraternal twin who has an aversion to relationships and the overwhelming feeling of being tied down to one place — in her case, it’s Mistletoe — for too long. But like Harlow, maybe that’s something I can overcome, right?

This book made me, as the reader, feel invited, and it allowed me to fall in love with this quaint, close-knit town just like she was as the story progressed. I found that Harlow’s character went through a sort of metamorphosis when she moved to the town as she grappled with her past and trauma with old towns when it came to her family and how she tried to navigate this new life she was building for herself, this new love interest, as well as the issues with her mother (spoiler-free here).

An element of the book that I really liked, which might be related to the author on a personal level, was the nods to movie classics and black-and-white films. Does that count as another bias? I’m not sure 🤔. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Falling in Love on Sweetwater Lane.

If cozy romances in small towns with dogs are your kind of story, then this book is something you should consider reading this summer. It is a heartwarming story of love, growth, and acceptance that will surely touch your heart.

About Belle Calhoune

Publisher’s Weekly Best Selling Author Belle Calhoune was born and raised in Massachusetts, one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library fed her hunger for books, particularly romance novels and mysteries.

A member of the RWA (Romance Writers of America) Honor Roll, Belle has written over 40 books.

Her novel, An Alaskan Christmas, has been made into a television movie by Brain Power Studios, featured on UPtv in October of 2019.

Thanks for reading!

How Do You Measure Achievement?

Photo by Luke Webb on Pexels.com

I wish I had the answer key for this one. I’m sure many of use do. Being an adult is hard. As children, there were so many things we couldn’t wait to do when we got older. Somehow, we all just believed that because we we too young there weren’t going to be any barriers or people who would stand in our way. No more “Nos”. No more goals blocked. The world would be open to us. I definitely remembered this feeling while I was in college. Away from my family and hometown. In a new city with new people and free to do what I wanted. But that wasn’t always the case; it was just a new city with different barriers and different faces to block my goals.

There were peers who used me to get their scripts and films into production and edited because I was too kind and naive to be friendly in the unfamiliar setting ( I was a transfer student). And there were professors who played favorites when it came to my final senior film project–that was needed for graduation.

They allowed peers from the class to leave my crew the week before my production dates to be extras on someone else’s set. While I was left with a skeleton crew, lost a ton of money and actors who weren’t sure they would be available for when ever I rescheduled the shoot.

That experience still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. And it made me not want to be involved with film production or anything that was related to it for a really long time. In a few months, it’ll be ten years since I experienced that traumatic event. The wound isn’t as fresh but the scarred tissue is sensitive to the touch.

While not on the same tier as that when it comes to this blog, I found I had lost my joy when it came to the reviews I was doing. I’ve always had the ability to find interest in reading material when it came to school. When I felt the urge to catch-up on reading for fun, I was inspired to create this space.

I was convinced that having this blog, I would be able to read so many great things, feel like I was a part of community and talk with readers who loved to read just as much as me. But the more attention my blog got and the more material gifted or offered to me started to make reading feel like a chore or work. I feel into the longest reading slump after that. It wasn’t until I joined BokTok that I realized I’ve been a mood reader this whole time! lol It’s part of the reason I stopped with my review posts.

In fact, this has been my first blog post in years and I have to admit that it has been the first real solid thing I have “written” in some time. Admitting that makes me feel strange. I never thought I would lose that part of myself, but I did. This space I created here was not only to explore writing reviews for books and shows. It was meant to be a space to peel back layers and express myself; however awkward or embarrassing it might be.

There have been so many changes in my life: physically, mentally and emotionally. I wish there were easier words to convey all of those changes but the list is too long and the emotions behind them are too great, too raw.

I guess this is my first post since my hiatus to convince myself and anyone else who happens to find it that achievements are only measurable by the specific goals you set for yourself. If we get “lost in the sauce,” over the achievements of others we might compare ourselves to then we will never be happy. We will never feel we have accomplished anything, ever.

When in reality, we have accomplished so much. And when we are able to tick off the smaller things on our lists on our bad days, our accomplishments are twice-fold.

I decided in January of this year that I would aim to post reviews here as often as I felt like through out the year. But not to hold myself to the standard of other bloggers or reviewers because I am reading again! And more than anything, I really don’t want to lose the joy it brings me again.

I am happy to be back.

Happy Monday and Happy Reading.

Gia.