Tuma's Recent Reads (May 2022)

May might have been my best reading month so far this year! Partly due to spending Spring Break as a hermit. But I'm super proud of myself anyhow!

1. Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn

Dropped into Jamaica, felt super authentic with beautiful descriptions of setting and dialect. Themes around colorism and poverty. Message: Life is cruelest to poor women of color. 

2. Inheritance: A Visual Poem by Elizabeth Acevedo

Queen Acevedo can do no wrong! This was a beautiful text with a powerful message. 

3. If They Come for Us, Poems by Fatimah Asghar

Wow, these poems pack a punch in simple, short lines. Offers insight into some of the complexities of being Pakistani. Of being Muslim. Of being the product of history way before your time. Of being an orphaned, without ties, unmoored. Of learning the things a mother or father should have taught you from an Auntie who may or may not be a blood-relative. This collection is profound and complex. Read it.

4. The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley (audiobook)

First five star read of the year. This changed my view on what a contemporary YA/New Adult Thriller/Mystery could be. Daunis was an incredible character. So compelling. I wish I could know her. Whenever I thought everything was about to wrap up soon, a new plot twist would have my jaw dropping and my foot pressing gas harder before I realized and slowed down (oops). 

5. A Thousand Beginnings and Ending, edited by Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman

Really fun and unique collection! All the stories were special and really interesting to read, but I had a few faves. I loved how creative the retellings were and learning about different cultures' most popular myths and legends. 

6. Huda F Are You by Huda Fahmy (library loan)

This title had me screaming! 😂 I got such a kick out of this play on the author's name that I kept repeating the title to myself. Giggling every time. (Sue me, I'm childish.) I had a lot of fun reading Huda F Are You. It was a quick, light read. Almost too quick. I felt like I wanted more of something, but not sure what? Maybe a central story line/plot?  Regardless, I wish I had this book when I was in high school.

7. Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn (ebook library loan)

I'm still shaking my head at Yinka weeks later. Actually, Yinka reminds me a lot of Femi (lead of Fool of Your Beauty, my current read).

Have you read any of these? Let's chat!