thebookdragon217

[thebookdragon217]

Happy Sunday! Still looking for books to read for Women's History Month? Add Wild Beautiful and Free by Sophfronia Scott. BIPOC historical fiction is my jam and this one is recommended by one of my favorite authors. Thanks to @tlcdiversity @amazonpublishing for the gifted copy. QOTD: What are you reading for Women's History Month? 🪻SYNOPSIS🪻 From award-winning author Sophfronia Scott comes the story of one young woman’s bold journey to reclaim her birthright and carve out her own place in a world that tells her she doesn’t belong. Born the daughter of an enslaved woman and a Louisiana plantation owner, Jeannette Bébinn is raised alongside her white half sister—until her father suddenly dies. His vindictive wife refuses twelve-year-old Jeannette her inheritance and sells her into slavery. Now on her own, Jeannette must fight the injustices she faces because of her mixed race. She escapes enslavement and travels from Mississippi to Philadelphia to New York to Ohio, all while searching for purpose, love, and her place in a country torn asunder by the burgeoning Civil War. Everything seems to fall into place when she meets Christian Robichaud Colchester, the white proprietor of Fortitude Mansion, a safe haven for escaped slaves where Jeannette teaches. But despite their instant connection, Jeannette isn’t convinced she belongs in his circle. In a world that tells her she doesn’t fit anywhere, Jeannette must decide what’s more important: bending to the expectations of others or embracing her true self. #WildBeautifulandFree #bookish #bookstagram #SophfroniaScott #20booksbyblackwomen #books #23histficbookswithme #reading #igreads #bookphotos #bookworm #historicalfiction #BlackAuthors #20booksbyblackfolx #fiction #bookrecommendation #literature #bookstagrammer #booklover #booksbooksbooks #readersofIG https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp_Yq0Nr-FC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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"But in reality, as our country is finally coming to understand, that level of wealth had the danger of leading to corruption, leading individuals to believe they can do anything and are exempt from the laws of our nation." Thank you @cocoachapters and @kensingtonbooks for the gifted copies. Check out my stories for a chance to win a copy. That Dangerous Energy by Aya DeLeon was a fast paced, crime novel that dealt with many contemporary and historical themes. I loved that it was female driven spy story that dealt with the climate crisis. DeLeon introduces the characters layer by layer and once the action kicks in, it's non-stop heart thumping until the end. DeLeon's writing is insightful and revelatory. The character development is strong and the fast-paced plot will keep you glued to the pages. The flashbacks to the main protagonist's family history added a nice touch to her personal growth story. I loved that this one was oozing with feminist energy throughout and showed how women can also be complicit in patriarchy and misogyny. It was interesting to see how DeLeon weaves identity and poverty into this story and shows how they affect choices women are forced to make. I highly recommend this one if you're interested in: 💥 Afro-Boricua authors or Afro-Latinx representation/identity 💥 climate crisis and activism 💥intersectional feminism 💥 crime fiction & spy stories 💥 the role of Black women in activist movements 💥 anti-racism work 💥 corruption of power 💥 female driven thrillers & suspense 💥 Brooklyn, NY flavor 💥 fast paced crime fiction with a noir feel #ThatDangerousEnergy #AyaDeLeon #bookrecommendations #bookworm #bookstagram #ReadPuertoRican #tbr #reading #AfroBoricua #books #AfroLatinx #20booksbyblackwomen #feminism #thrillers #noir #activism #climatechange #spystories #murals #Brooklyn #bookstagrammer #fiction #bookphotos #bookstagrampr #read #igreads #ReadCaribbean #crime https://www.instagram.com/p/CpvHUWPLuTQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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"It fired me up how easy it was for boys to slip away and the leave the girl with all the responsibility of carrying the baggage." The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson was absolutely fantastic. Historical fiction is my heart and this one did not disappoint. Johnson's storytelling is masterful and she weaves a story that wraps itself around you and beckons you closer. Both Ruby and Eleanor had unique voices and both their POV's were distinct and strong in presence. I was totally captivated by both their stories and how they eventually came to intersect. Johnson easily became an auto-buy after reading this one. The novel was full of Black history in both Philadelphia and D.C. The story had elements of the Civil Rights beginnings blended in with women's reproductive history before the legalization of abortion. The story takes place in the 1950's when religion and "morality" rule and women are forced to take the blame for men's behavior. Black women have been at the center of these issues and had the harshest policing of their bodies since the very beginning. It wasn't surprising to read how the churches were complicit in forced adoptions and enforcing patriarchal beliefs about unwed women. I really learned a lot about these homes for unwed girls. Johnson's writing style evoked so many emotions in me. Miscarriage and infertility are always hard topics for me to read but Johnson's writing style provided plenty of opportunities to process some of the heaviness. I really appreciated that it discussed classism and colorism among Black elites, as well as, racism. This story illuminates the hypocrisy of religion and how it reinforces misogyny and blames women for the poor behavior of men. It also spotlights how girls are sexualized at a very young age and have their bodies policied and shamed but men can rape, commit pedophilia and groom young girls without repercussions. This is a perfect read for Women's History Month since Johnson brings to the light so much unknown history. Thanks to @simonandschuster and @tlcdiversity for the gifted copy. I know that this will be one of my top reads of the year. #TheHouseofEve #SadeqaJohnson #bookstagram #bookreviews #tbr (at Times Square, New York City) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpl3IecLp8s/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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"They say all old houses have death in them, but what of houses that begin in death?" She is a Hanuting by Trang Thanh Tran was a beautifully written debut. The slow pace built up the tension until it was boiling over. The sense of dread that lasted throughout the story felt lifelike. The descriptive tone made it all the more creepy and horrifying at certain points. I'm not scared of much but bugs and worms creep me out and they made parts of this book terrifying for me. The horror scenes were the stuff of nightmares. This one was a Vietnamese gothic horror tale with heavy themes and social commentary woven into the mani story. The author explores, Vietnamese history, French colonialism in Vietnam, racism, abuse, sexual identity, migration to the U.S, biphobia and themes of belonging. Our main protagonist grapples with what it means to be Vietnamese, especially language proficiency. This is also a coming of age story where Jade is trying to figure out her sexuality while navigating her feelings of abandonment towards her father, who she's forced to spend time with in order to get tuition money. The house as a metaphor for the sins of colonialism was my favorite part. It was literally devouring and bleeding people dry, just as imperialist powers do to marginalized nations. The house was a reminder that no amount of whitewashing of history can get rid of the stains of the truth. The ghosts of the past will always show themselves and expose the truth. The only way to rid ourselves of oppressive systems is to burn them to the ground and start new because those in power never give it up voluntarily. The ghosts of colonized people always come back to speak truth to power. If you love gothic writing, ghosts in haunted houses, slow burn tales and queer coming of age stories, this one is for you. She is a Haunting published is out now in multiple formats. Thanks to @bloomsburypublishing and @coloredpagesblogtours for the gifted copy. #SheisaHaunting #TrangThanhTran #coloredpagestours #bookstagram #bookreviews #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendation #bookish #Vietnam #AsianAuthors #igreads #tbr #horror #horrorgram #gothic #readersofinstagram #bookphotos https://www.instagram.com/p/CpeAHUrrfva/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

"Gathering air feels not unlike sipping it from a straw. Which is to say sometimes the hardest part about surviving is remembering to breathe." Brother, Sister, Mother, Explorer by Jamie Figueroa was January's pick for #ReadPuertoRican book club. This was a unique story about a sister trying to get her brother to agree to keep living after their mother has died and she is haunted by the secrets of their family. The story takes place over the course of a weekend through flashbacks and brilliant speculative writing. This is a ghost story unlike any I've read before. The atmospheric and poetic writing were perfect for the slow reveal of events. The sense of dread never left while reading. I felt in the pit of stomach that something terrible was coming but I couldn't step away from the page. The way Figueroa kept peeling away layer after layer until the heart of the story lay bare was captivating. This one left me with my heart aching and a face full of tears at the magnitude of grief that these pages contained. Where this novel excelled was in the exploration of deep themes. The white gaze is dissected throughout the majority of the novel. The characters are Indigenous performers and Figueroa sheds light on the racism of tourism and the pervasiveness of the white gaze. It makes me reflect on the question of who gets to tell their stories and who deems these stories valid? She explores the idea of family, community and mutual aid as vital to survival to Indigenous groups. She also reminds us that unresolved trauma isn't living and that we can't force someone else to want to stay alive either. Sometimes, we have to sever the ties to toxic relationships in order to heal and stop revisiting with the ghosts of the past. The theme of silence is prevalent in the ways that it complicates and destroys mother-daughter relationships. What seems like protection can result in competition . In addition, guilt can become the avenue that shapes futures. Overall, this was a stunning debut and a unique reading experience. I'm anxiously awaiting more from Figueroa, a boricua voice to keep your eye on. If speculative fiction and literary prose is your jam, this is a must read. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpZJ8H5uz3X/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

I am so happy for the Harper Collins Union and glad that folx are back to doing the work they love. Everyone deserves a living wage. Today I bring you the latest installment of the Zoe Washington Series, On Air With Zoe Washington by Janae Marks just in time for #MiddleGradeMarch. This one published 2/14 and I am excited to see what Zoe is up to as a young teen. Thank you @theshelfstuff for the gifted copy. This latest installment features: 🧁A podcast that voices social justice issues 🧁Black Girl Magic 🧁A recently released father 🧁 A foodie story 🧁A fierce, female MC using her voice QOTD: What's a MG or YA book that you always recommend? 🧁SYNOPSIS🧁 An empowering and big-hearted sequel to the bestselling and critically acclaimed From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks! Two years ago, Zoe Washington helped clear Marcus' name for a crime he didn't commit. Now her birth father has finally been released from prison and to an outpouring of community support, so everything should be perfect. When Marcus reveals his dream of opening his own restaurant, Zoe becomes determined to help him achieve it--with her as his pastry chef of course. However, starting a new place is much more difficult than it looks, and Marcus is having a harder time re-entering society than anyone expected. Set on finding a solution, Zoe starts a podcast to bring light to the exonerees' experiences and fundraise for their restaurant. After all, Zoe knows full well the power of using her voice. But with waning public interest in their story, will anyone still be listening? #OnAirWithZoeWashington #books #JanaeMarks #middlegrademarch #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #tbr #reading #20booksbyblackfolx #IGReads #booksbooksbooks #read #20booksbyblackwomen #bookworm #podcast #socialjustice #bookish #fiction #literature #HarperKids #series #bookish #bookmail #libros #newborns #bookphotography #BHM https://www.instagram.com/p/CpRPsfBL69I/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Happy Pub Day to @thrillerchick! I am so excited to be reading this one with #emilybookedupbookclub! Thank you to @_mira_books_ for the gifted copy! QOTD: What's your comfort read? Thrillers are my guilty pleasure and I'm screaming on the inside about It's One of Us. I'm always excited to read a new thriller and J.T. Ellison is a favorite author in this genre. Her stories keep you glued to the pages and racing to get to the end. The premise of this one is unique for a thriller and it's bound to take you through all the emotions. The main topic is an emotional one. I love when authors tackle heavy themes in thriller books. If you haven't read a J.T. Ellison book yet, then run and go grab this one. 🧱SYNOPSIS🧱 Everybody lies. Even the ones you think you know best of all . . .   Olivia Bender designs exquisite home interiors that satisfy the most demanding clients. But her own deepest desire can’t be fulfilled by marble counters or the perfect rug. She desperately  wants to be a mother. Fertility treatments and IVF keep failing. And just when she feels she’s at her lowest point, the police deliver shocking news to Olivia and her husband, Park.   DNA results show that the prime suspect in a murder investigation is Park’s son. Olivia is relieved, knowing this is a mistake. Despite their desire, the Benders don’t have any children. Then comes the confession. Many years ago, Park donated sperm to a clinic. He has no idea how many times it was sold—or how many children he has sired.   As the murder investigation goes deeper, more terrible truths come to light. With every revelation, Olivia must face the unthinkable. The man she married has fathered a killer. But can she hold that against him when she keeps such dark secrets of her own?   This twisting, emotionally layered thriller explores the lies we tell to keep a marriage together--or break each other apart . . . #ItsOneofUs #JTEllison #bookclub #bookstagram #thrillers #infertility #tbr #emilybookedupbookclub #book #reading #books #bookstagrammer #igreads #bookphotos #bookworm #fiction #literature #marriage #secret #bookmail #booksbooksbooks #read #readersofinstagram #thrillergram https://www.instagram.com/p/CpOezWcLBxr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

It's a snowy night in NYC and it's the perfect weather for a gothic story. The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Choksi published 2/14 and would make a great choice for lovers of adult fairy tales, dark romance and gothic writing. Thanks to @williammorrowbooks and @bibliolifestyle for the gifted copy. QOTD: What booknis keeping you company tonight? 🌼 Synopsis 🌼 A sumptuous, gothic-infused story about a marriage that is unraveled by dark secrets, a friendship cursed to end in tragedy, and the danger of believing in fairy tales—the breathtaking adult debut from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi. Once upon a time, a man who believed in fairy tales married a beautiful, mysterious woman named Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada. He was a scholar of myths. She was heiress to a fortune. They exchanged gifts and stories and believed they would live happily ever after—and in exchange for her love, Indigo extracted a promise: that her bridegroom would never pry into her past. But when Indigo learns that her estranged aunt is dying and the couple is forced to return to her childhood home, the House of Dreams, the bridegroom will soon find himself unable to resist. For within the crumbling manor’s extravagant rooms and musty halls, there lurks the shadow of another girl: Azure, Indigo’s dearest childhood friend who suddenly disappeared. As the house slowly reveals his wife’s secrets, the bridegroom will be forced to choose between reality and fantasy, even if doing so threatens to destroy their marriage . . . or their lives. Combining the lush, haunting atmosphere of Mexican Gothic with the dreamy enchantment of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Last Tale of the Flower Bride is a spellbinding and darkly romantic page-turner about love and lies, secrets and betrayal, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. #TheLastTaleoftheFlowerBride #tbr #RoshaniChokshi #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #igreads #reading #bookphotos #bookrecommendation #20booksbyasianwomen #bookish #books #bookworm #bibliolifestyle #AsianAuthors #darkromance #read #gothic #literature #fiction #fairytale https://www.instagram.com/p/CpMaOAOAu9D/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

"I understood a little better why Mami's rhythm never seemed all the way right in America, why she could love this place I'd never seen as fiercely as I love Chicago. There are different magics to these lands, and maybe there's nothing worse than being separated from the magic you love best." Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon by Julian Randall was a magical tale filled with magic, monsters, family, and Dominican history. It was fast paced and jumped right into the action from the start. I loved how it tackled Dominican history, especially the era of Trujillo and it was full of Dominican folklore. I love a good ciguapa and cucitos story and this one did not disappoint. This was also an ode to Dominican revolutionaries. I caught the subtle nod to the Mirabal sisters aka The Mariposas and the celebration of Dominican women as community leaders and keepers of the history. It was a reminder that love of family keeps the homeland alive in the heart. It also explains why immigrant communities will always be tethered to their native soils. It was also nice to see Pilar, a middle schooler recognize how tourism can mirror colonialism I. The ways that it erases people and their histories with oppression. I was extra happy to see the Afro-Latinx representation. The gorgeous cover made me smile. Even though this was the second book in the series, it is easy to follow and never gets confusing. If you love Latinx stories that are full of fantasy, family and folklore, here's some recommendations to read after this series: 🧿 Sal & Gabby Break the Universe series- Carlos Hernandez 🧿 The Storm Runner series- J.C. Cervantes 🧿 Charlie Hernandez Mythic Collection series- Ryan Calejo 🧿 The Witchlings series- Claribel Ortega Thanks to @henryholt and @hearourvoices for the gifted copy and opportunity to be on tour for this one. Julian Randall is an author I'm excited to read more from in the future. I hope to see this series in more classrooms and libraries soon. #PilarRamirezandtheCurseofZenon #JulianRandall #HearOurVoicesTours #bookrecommendation #bookreview #bookstagram #IGreads #bookworm #Dominican #fantasy #middle grade #bookstagrammer #latinxbooks #afrolatina https://www.instagram.com/p/CpI4Q8jP2qH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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"You need to realize that 'family first' doesn't mean at the expense of everything else. It means that we all look out for one another, support one another, and respect one another because the love we feel for each other is first in our hearts." A Proposal They Can't Refuse By Natalie Caña was this month's #ReadPuertoRican book club pick and it was a hit. This one took me through all the emotions. I laughed out loud, nodded in agreement to the things that hit close to home and cried at some emotional parts. Never did I think I would be bawling over whiskey. I live for the longing and the tension and the burning fires between Kamilah and Liam were intense. Rom-coms are definitely my favorite in the romance world and Caña gave me a story I will forever be in love with. She gave us loads of tropes that weren't cheesy, fantastic writing and characters that win your heart over. The Puerto Rican representation was EVERYTHING! From the food, to depiction of family, to specific aspects of culture and all the refranes, it was pure perfection. Caña was unapologetic in the ways she wrote for boricuas and placing this story in a historically Puerto Rican Humboldt Park, Chicago and making it so authentic was bliss. Featuring an introvert as the male love interest made my heart smile so big because it reminded me of the dynamic with my husband. There's just so much to love about this one. If you love stories with themes of gentrification, grief, mental health, family, cultural pride, communication and love then this one is for you. I'm excited for Caña's next installment of The Vega Family series. I'm not ready to let go of them just yet. Foodie love stories are easily winning me over every time. Shout to Natalie Caña for joining us for an amazing book club chat! I'm forever a fan now! #AProposalTheyCantRefuse #books #NatalieCana #bookrecommendation #bookstagram #bookstagrampr #tbr #reading #ReadPuertoRican #boricua #bookworm #bookstagrammer #read #igreads #PuertoRico #Chicago #PR #Foodie #romance #romcom #fiction #bookreview #murals #bookplates #latinxromance #romcom #latinx #latinxbooks #BIPOCBookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CpB1dcOrS58/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

The Last Mile published in mass market paperback Januaru 24th. Check this one out if you're into: 💥Indiana Jones vibes 💥A superstitious setting 💥Family secrets 💥A search for a killer 💥Romantic thrillers Thanks to @kensingtonbooks @btc_books @katmartinauthor for the gifted copy. QOTD: What's one of your favorite thrillers or suspense books? #TheLastMile #KatMartin #bestseller #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #tbr #bookphotography #reading #books #bookish #bookworm #romance #suspense #thrillers #massmarketpaperback #igreads #paperbacks #bookinfluencer #BloodTies #TheLogans #read https://www.instagram.com/p/Co6PQZsLJx_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

"dear god, I'll never understand how some people meet a drowning person & offer INSPIRATIONAL advice instead of offering a hand or rope" I'm celebrating love today with this heartwarming collection. Promise of Gold/Promises de Oro by José Olivarez publishes today and I need you all to run and gift yourself his words. This collection has me pausing, breathing a little clearer, drawing emojis in the pages, texting screenshots, thinking about ways to dismantle systems, clinging to memories and remembering the ancestors. I am also being reminded that it's OK to not be OK and self-care is alos letting others love me when I need to heal. This one is perfect for today because love is one of the prominent themes and explored in so many poems: in the ways we care for each other and ourselves, the way we use our voices to advocate, the ways that men love through actions and less words, the ways that love shapes communities and so many other aspects. Olivarez's collection also captures themes of immigration, racism, love, family, masculinity, friendship, the pandemic, mental health and grief. The format takes you on an exploration, transforms you and gives you a nice big abrazo at the end. Olivarez wore his heart on his sleeve and the emotions just bleed through. For me the bilingual format was golden. I read through it first in English and then flipped it over and read in Spanish. Palabras hit different in español. I love you doesn't melt my soul the way te amo does. Olivarez is a word magician and his prose will cast a spell on you. Thank you @henryholtbooks for the gifted copy. #PromisesOfGold #JoseOlivarez #tbr #poetry #bookstagram #bookreview #bookphotography #latinxpoets #Mexican #bookstagrammer #books #reading #latinxbookstagram #latinx #love #HappyValentinesDay #poets #IGreads #bookrecommendation #murals #art #PromesasDeOro #libro https://www.instagram.com/p/Coqwav_LKrz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

Daughter In Exile by Bisi Adjapon is one of many 2023 releases I am looking forward to. I enjoy contemporary fiction full of emotion so I'm eager to find out what this one has in store for me. This one published 1/31 and I'm already hearing great things about it. Thank you to @harperviabooks and @bibliolifestyle for the gifted copy. QOTD: What's a book you're looking forward to reading this year? 🇬🇭 SYNOPSIS 🇬🇭 The acclaimed author of The Teller of Secrets returns with a gut-wrenching but heartwarming story about a young Ghanaian woman's struggle to make a life in the U.S., and the challenges she must overcome. Lola is twenty-one, and her life in Senegal couldn't be better. An aspiring writer and university graduate, she has a great job, a vibrant social life, and a future filled with possibility. But fate disrupts her world when she falls for Armand, an American Marine stationed at the U.S. Embassy. Her mother, a high court judge in Ghana, disapproves of her choice, but nothing will stop Lola from boarding a plane for Armand and America. That fateful flight is only the beginning of an extraordinary journey, for she has traded her carefree life for the perilous existence of an undocumented immigrant. Lola encounters adversity that would crush a less determined woman. Her fate hangs on whether she'll grow in courage to forge a life different from the one she'd imagined, whether she'll succeed in putting herself and her family together again. Daughter in Exile is a hope-filled story about mother love and what defines us all. #DaughterInExile #BisiAdjapon #tbr #books #bookstagram #bookphotos #reading #IGreads #bookstagrammer #20booksbyblackwomen #Ghana #literature #fiction #murals #bookish #bookworm #booklover #Africanlit #BIPOCBookstagram #bookstoread #readersofinstagram #explorebooks #booksbooksbooks #bookinfluencer #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackAuthors https://www.instagram.com/p/CogAhq5LREz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

February #ReadPuertoRican book club is celebrating love. Join us 2/22 8 pm EST when we chat with author @nataliecanawrites al things romance and food. Link to the book club is in my bio. QOTD: What's your favorite latinx romance? 🇵🇷 SYNOPSIS 🇵🇷 Natalie Caña turns up the heat, humor and heart in this debut rom-com about a Puerto Rican chef and an Irish American whiskey distiller forced into a fake engagement by their scheming octogenarian grandfathers. Kamilah Vega is desperate to convince her family to update their Puerto Rican restaurant and enter it into the Fall Foodie Tour. With the gentrification of their Chicago neighborhood, it's the only way to save the place. The fly in her mofongo--her blackmailing abuelo says if she wants to change anything in his restaurant, she'll have to marry the one man she can't stand: his best friend's grandson. Liam Kane spent a decade working to turn his family's distillery into a contender. Now he and his grandfather are on the verge of winning a national competition. Then Granda hits him with a one-two punch: he has cancer and he has his heart set on seeing Liam married before it's too late. And Granda knows just the girl...Kamilah Vega. If they refuse, their grandfathers will sell the building that houses both their businesses. With their futures on the line, Kamilah and Liam plan to outfox the devious duo, faking an engagement until they both get what they want. But soon, they find themselves tangled up in more than either of them bargained for. #AProposalTheyCantRefuse #books #NatalieCana #ReadPuertoRican #tbr #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookclub #bookphotography #read #reading #boricua #IGreads #fiction #ReadCaribbean #romance #latinx #latinxromance #latinxbookstagram #literature #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #PuertoRico (at Bushwick) https://www.instagram.com/p/Coa_PiWrKIw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

Cocktail and currently reading. The tension in this first story and the way my heart hurts let's me know this is going to be a five star read for me. I can never get enough Afro-Boricua stories in my life. Thanks to @counterpointpress for the gifted copy. This one is out 2/7 so be sure to run and grab yourself a copy. QOTD: What's your current read? #WhenTryingToReturnHome #books #JenniferMaritzaMcCauley #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammers #ReadCarribean #ReadPuertoRican #tbr #IGreads #afroboricua #bookish #20booksbyblackwomen #boricua #20booksbyblackfolx #shortstories #bookphotography #foodie #drinks #BIPOCBookstagram #bookworm #readersofinstagram #literature (at Tacombi) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoTSWGVLgx-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

Welcome to February bookstagram! Today was freezing cold and I have a book that you can curl up with while you stay warm. Independence by Chutra Banerjee Divakaruni published January 17th and it's perfect for the #20booksbyasianwomen challenge. Thanks to @williammorrowbooks and @bibliolifestyle for the gifted copy. QOTD: What reading challenges are you trying to complete this year? 🧱 SYNOPSIS 🧱 Set during the partition of British India in 1947, a time when neighbor was pitted against neighbor and families were torn apart, award-winning author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s novel brings to life the sweeping story of three sisters caught up in events beyond their control, their unbreakable bond, and their incredible struggle against powerful odds. India, 1947. In a rural village in Bengal live three sisters, daughters of a well-respected doctor. Priya: intelligent and idealistic, resolved to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a doctor, though society frowns on it. Deepa: the beauty, determined to make a marriage that will bring her family joy and status. Jamini: devout, sharp-eyed, and a talented quiltmaker, with deeper passions than she reveals. Theirs is a home of love and safety, a refuge from the violent events taking shape in the nation. Then their father is killed during a riot, and even their neighbors turn against them, bringing the events of their country closer to home. As Priya determinedly pursues her career goal, Deepa falls deeply in love with a Muslim, causing her to break with her family. And Jamini attempts to hold her family together, even as she secretly longs for her sister’s fiancè When the partition of India is officially decided, a drastic—and dangerous—change is in the air. India is now for Hindus, Pakistan for Muslims. The sisters find themselves separated from one another, each on different paths. They fear for what will happen to not just themselves, but each other. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni outdoes herself with this deeply moving story of sisterhood and friendship, painting an account of India’s independence simultaneously exhilarating and devastating, that will make any reader—new or old—a devoted fan. https://www.instagram.com/p/CoJWMRquvxv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebookdragon217]

"People love the trauma. They adore a chance to tell a Black woman how strong she is. More than that, she represents an out. A way for people to cleanse themselves of their past and come out shiny and new." Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury is out 2/28/2023 and I highly recommend you pre-order or pick up a copy on pub day!. This book is a thick one but I devoured it in two days. Sambury's blending of horror and the supernatural with true crime, suspense and social issues was brilliant. I could not put this one down even when I stayed up late at night and had goosebumps from terror and dread. I was invested in the mystery and ghosts from the first page. Sambury captured my attention with the ways that she wove relevant themes into the horror and mystery. Both protagonists' perspectives showcased how media capitalizes on Black female trauma despite there being an epidemic of forgotten Black girls. The theme of monsters is prevalent throughout, both real and metaphorical. Sambury also touches on grooming, sexual assault, childhood abuse, fatphobia and the scars of other traumatic events that span generations and shape futures. Sambury shows through this book how whitewashed forms of media scream for diverse stories and engage in performative allyship. The writing style is atmospheric and the fast pace will have your heart pounding. The ghosts will have you question what you think you know and you'll be glued to the pages until everything unravels. There are so many spine tingling moments and the moments of terror feel so realistic. If you're looking for a fresh, new style of telling a ghost story with gripping storytelling that will have you on the edge of your seat, then look no further. Someone give Liselle Sambury her flowers because this one is a banger from start to finish. Thanks to @simonteen and @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy. #DeliciousMonsters #LiselleSambury #HearOurVoices #HOV #horror #tbr #bookstagram #bookstagrammers #bookrecommendation #reading #igreads #20booksbyblackwomen #YAbooks #bookphotography #horrorgram #IreadYA #bookish #bookreviews #horrorbooks #fiction #ReadCaribbean #ghoststory #YAlit #bookinfluencer #literature #book https://www.instagram.com/p/CoBLYqBLExk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=