January Reading Round Up
At some point I started reading. I don’t mean as a child I mean I REALLY started READING! I read multiple books and would share laughter with a friend until one day we both decided to read “around the world” in a book challenge. PLOT TWIST we failed BUT we would later decide to start a bookstagram and call ourselves DA Lit Mamas. Our goal has always been to read what you love and encourage other adults to read! While child literacy is important as well we just personally feel that some adults need a little encouragement. I usually can get 2 books in a month and D’Linda averages around 12 so we have a variety to recommend each month. So that’s the backstory!
Here is this month’s reading wrap up for me!
So here is the thing all of these were pretty good! Also, I know … I know… what’s up with theatre book? Well I have a upcoming project I am working on and it never really hurts to refresh and reconnect to you why! (I have heard that a lot lately) You can always read my reviews as a finish on either Storygraph or Goodreads.
Red at the Bone, by Jacqueline Woodson
Rated 3.5
Platform: Audiobook
I didn’t hate it. But I found myself not fully submerged. It was hard to follow since we hear from multiple characters at different points in their lives. I’m not sure if it was because I was expecting something else. The actual writing was beautiful; the author gave me so much imagery. I valued both of those qualities. The words on the page truly were a dance I enjoyed hearing, but I wasn’t sure what the end outcome would be.
A great short read that I found refreshing to kick off my year. I would read from this author again. As I said, I think that the words were beautiful and very well done.
Amari and the Night Brothers, by B.B Alston
Rated 4.5
Platform: Audiobook + Physical
I listened to this on audio with my mini human in the car on a 16-hour ride. We made the first half of our journey to our location and then did the second half of the book on our journey coming home!
Many have told me this would be a great book because I am a huge fan of magic and fantasy, plus having the bonus of the main character being black. I thought this was an amazing uplifting book for my daughter to see herself represented in a world she loves.
There are some parts in this book that are a little predictable. However, I’m not sure if that is mostly because I am an adult that grew up during the Harry Potter era. I found myself guessing what would happen and, in some cases, being right. I will say, though, that even though points were predictable, it still felt like a really good book.
I often asked, “wait, how old are these characters?” I also loved listening to it as much as when we would pick it up and read a few pages together. The author does a great job of building the world and bringing you in. Making you excited about this new step into fantasy. I could see so many spinoff stories happening from the series. So many things that I still want to be answered.
I can’t wait for the second book!
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty, by Akwaeke Emezi
Rated 4
Platform: Audio
**spoiler alert** Messy messy messsyyyy!!
This book was good; I was here for the drama for sure. I do feel like the beginning half of the book did feel like it moved a bit faster than the ending for me. To me, the second half of the book was a lot slower. I did like the drama of the story. I loved the immediate pulling in at the introduction of like we’re right out the gate, and we hook it up in the bathroom! I was hooked, and then I felt like I was trailing on and trudging through during the book's second half.
I’m not sure if the LGBTQ plus references in the book were there, and it was just supposed to seem normal and natural, like this is everyday life. I 100% think that this is something that is a part of my everyday life where it’s just normal. However, it felt like it was just added in there For at least one of the characters without giving too much away. The other character, OK, I almost want to explore that a little bit more.
I will still give it a four-star rating because it is good. There’s no denying that. However, the ending for me just didn’t hit. I feel like I’ve had this for the last few books I’ve read and 2023. The ending has just not been hitting me. The beginning is enticing. I’m excited, but by the end, I’m like, whomp whomp…
The layers, though, that this woman has to unpack and unravel with herself. The whole time I was like, where is the therapy? Then, later on, they mentioned that she was planning on scheduling an appointment with her therapist. I agree with that. As soon as I saw that part, I yelled out absolutely; you need it!
The first two guys she goes through, I was like, oh friends, this is messy. I did not realize how much more mess our main character was going to get herself into. It rounded nicely; however, just WOW! Pick up the book; you won’t be disappointed. Some of us read it faster than others because we were just constantly like, what else is going to happen like I said, for me, the second half felt a little slower.
Theatre for Community, Conflict & Dialogue - The Hope is Vital Training Manual, by Michael Rohd
Rated 5
Platform: Physical
Used as a guide for Theatre of the Oppressed. It has theatre games ranging from warmups to deeper work. There is a reference to Boal’s work and distinct differences as well. Rohd does a great job of giving you just enough backstory before leading into the art of the games. The variations are great for each game!
I had this book in college and needed it for a project that I am currently doing great to refresh and feel some nostalgia while reading.
This is s great guide and resource!
Have you read any of these books or are they added to your TBR list? What a way to kick of January!
