Own Voice

The Knockout by Sajni Patel

January 26, 2021 milelongtbr 5 Comments

The Knockout by Sajni Patel is out today and I couldn’t be more excited to share this book with you guys!

I was so thrilled to read this book for multiple reasons (that cover, for starters) after rediscovering my love for YA novels last year.

I’ve never tried my hand at Muay Thai personally, though I was lucky enough to be a spectator in a few fights while in Thailand and have a lot of respect for the sport. I also have a heavy bag for home workouts and my own pink gloves.

The Knockout by Sajni Patel reminds me of going to Muay Thai tournaments in Thailand! Such an exciting sport!

I went into this book with high hopes and the

Synopsis:

The Knockout is about Kareena, an Indian-American Muay Thai fighter and high school student.

She’s tough, but she has a lot on her plate between balancing school, her sport, and helping at home with her chronically ill father and hardworking mother. And trying to fit in when she doesn’t feel a part of either the local Indian community or cliques at her American High School.

She doesn’t even have time to think about boys- but then she starts tutoring Amit Patel- a “ perfect Indian boy” and her crush.

Then she gets an opportunity to go to the US Muay Thai Open – and possibly a chance at the Olympics.

Getting there won’t be easy. There is money to raise and she has to keep her head down to avoid distractions to focus on her training. But maybe getting there and growing up mean opening up and taking risks- things Kareena is not used to doing.

Analysis:

One of the first things that stand out is that Kareena Thakkar is such a relatable and loveable heroine. She’s honest and funny, and though she fights hard there’s a lot of insecurity and uncertainty going on internally.

She worries about what others think and about living up to expectations. She has a small circle and is afraid to let others in- keeping the two biggest things in her life a secret to almost everyone.

Though she’s one of the top Muai Thai fighers in the country she’s afraid to be known as a fighter. It’s not feminine enough and not Indian enough for anyone to understand.

Kareena is lucky to have supportive parents, but things at home are far from perfect. Her father has serious ongoing health problems and her mother works two jobs to help pay the medical bills. No one but her closest friend knows to offer support.

Then Amit Patel, a boy in her class who Kareena has definitely noticed, but never interacted with enters the picture. It’s not quite insta-love – but the two definitely enjoy getting to know each other as they spend time together while she tutors him.

As it becomes clear they like each other as more than friends Amit tries to get Kareena to let her guard down. She eventually lets him in, and though things are far from perfect between them it ends up being another important part of a solid support system for Kareena.

The pair really support each other’s ambitions and help each other, they’re definitely a couple you’ll root for. Unfortunately, Amit’s parents need some convincing. When she reveals her ambitions as Muay Thai fighter, they don’t approve and think she’ll be a bad influence on their son.

This really leaves the door open for a conversation about gender roles in sports and in Indian culture. Author Sajni Patel wove these important topics into the story very well. Readers will also learn a lot about both Indian culture and Muai Thai- it’s clear the author did her research into the sport.

The pacing in the novel is one of my few criticisms, as well as things possibly being tied up too neatly. That doesn’t take away at all from this being an enjoyable read.

Takeaway:

This is such a delightful read!

Whether you’re into sports, coming of age stories, strong female leads, or YA love stories you’re sure to find lots to love in The Knockout! I give this great Own Voice coming of age story four stars!

Read it because it’s cute and fun. Read it because it takes a jab at important issues.

Just read it!

Many thanks to Flux Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy!

Black Buck Book Review

January 18, 2021 milelongtbr 11 Comments

What to say about Black Buck?

I read this book a few weeks ago and I’ve been sitting on my thoughts before writing a review.

It was obvious immediately that I LOVED the book, but there is simply so much to unpack with this book amidst a cast of rich characters and a rollercoaster of a plot.

Summary:

At 22 years old Darren is working at an NYC Starbucks. Formerly the Valedictorian of his prestigious high school he’s now lacking ambition and direction and is happy hanging with his girlfriend in the upstairs apartment of his mother’s home.

After impressing a CEO customer by selling him a coffee other than his usual order, he gives Darren an opportunity to join the sales team at his startup. Darren hesitantly accepts – and takes us along on his journey of being hazed at the company for his first week’s initiation, his experience of being the only Black salesperson in the company, and all the ways making this jump impact his life.

It’s a wild ride, to say the least as Darren, or “Buck,” goes from barista to salesman to advocate for other people of color wanting to get ahead in business. But what is the cost of his advancement? Will he lose sight of the values he held and the people he loves?

In Black Buck, readers who get something out of this book are urged to buy a copy for a friend.

Is debut author Mateo Askaripour having his salesman narrator tell us this as a clever ploy to sell more books?

Maybe, but it’s worth the read so I want to give you the chance to read and see for yourself exactly what the story is about.

Keep reading for details on how to get your own copy of Black Buck!

Analysis:

If there’s one thing I love in a book it’s juxtapositions, and Black Buck hit the nail on the head in this regard.

The book is largely about everyday life and yet takes us on a number of twists and turns of fate that are anything but mundane.

There are moments that will make you laugh out loud and ones that feel like a punch of the gut- bringing you through every range of emotion. I love books that do this and do it well, and the scope of this story certainly makes this possible,

There’s satire on corporate America alongside social commentary about gentrification, class, and privilege.

Additionally, all the characters in this book are so vibrant. From Darrens’ girlfriend Soraya to his mother and coworkers everyone is well-developed and could easily have a book of their own.

“Buck” especially is complex, honest, and raw and I love the way Askaripour used the narration style- and even the occasional breaking of the fifth wall. While risky, it absolutely works in this case and I’m glad he made this choice in style.

The writing was excellent and the story was extremely fast-paced, making this a compelling read.

Audio Review:

I absolutely loved listening to the audiobook of Black Buck.

The narrator, Zeno Robinson, did a fantastic job bringing the character of Darren to life. He brought such great energy and rawness to the story, and I highly recommend purchasing the audiobook of Black Buck.

Many thanks to Libro.fm and Blackstone Publishing for the ALC.

Final Thoughts:

This is definitely a book to send to the top of your TBR!

Whether you enjoy satire, literary fiction, or are looking for Own Voice stories and books with important and timely themes, Black Buck is the book for you.

Black Buck is easily a five-star read and I recommend it for everyone!

If you want a copy of your own, read the following instructions and let me know the last book you gifted or leant to a friend in the comments!

I’ll pick a winner on 31 January 2020 and contact you at the email provided in your comment.

November 2020: Books I Read

December 5, 2020 milelongtbr 27 Comments

Hi, friends!

Another month in the books! I’m glad to say November was one of my best reading months of the year! How was reading for you this past month?

In November I read 12 books, which Is awesome for me, especially as there are a couple of thick ones among them.

While I deviated from my original Nonfiction November TBR, half of the titles I read were nonfiction. I’m beyond pleased with that number!

I enjoyed all the books I read this month- some more than others- so I have them all listed here broken into two groups. There are books I loved and books I enjoyed.

Let’s jump in to my November 2020 reads!

LOVED!!

1. Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything

First off, let’s look at this fun read!

Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything – from driving on the highway to beans. Yes, beans. Especially Willow Bean, the woman she finds her husband sleeping with and eventually leaves her for.

This book is laugh-out-loud funny, relatable, and inspiring all at once and manages to be both fun and thought-provoking.

I especially loved Agatha’s character arc and growth. She may be an unlikely heroine, but you’ll find yourself rooting for her by the end of the book. (Think Eleanor Oliphant, Bernadette Fox)

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.

2. Becoming

For one reason or another I hadn’t read this book despite seeing nothing but glowing reviews for it. I decided this was the perfect book to start off Nonfiction November with- and I’m so glad I did!

I loved hearing Michelle’s account of her life. From growing up in Chicago to her life in the White House and her struggles as a woman. Despite her notoriety, her story is relatable and the warmth she brings to it through her narration makes it so comforting. That’s why we love her so much, after all.

3. A Promised Land

Again, I feel like I’d be the least likely person to pick up this book- anything over 400 pages is a commitment for me and I don’t especially gravitate towards political nonfiction.

Still, I couldn’t resist picking up the 700page first volume of 44’s account of his time in office- or the opportunity to hear him tell his own story on audio.

President Obama is wordy- he’s the first to admit it, but I love the way he speaks and writes as he explains so many of his decisions and struggles during his tenure as president.

This is an intimate look into the office as well as how a man balances family with one of the most demanding jobs on earth. Highly worth the read and I can’t recommend the audio enough.

4. Hood Feminism

This powerful collection of essays is a call to action t enure Intersectional Feminism isn’t just a catchphrase but a movement that makes feminism inclusive for all. I love this book for showing certain topics in a different light that some may not have considered and for taking the time to explain how things are feminist issues.

Hood Feminism should be required reading for those who consider themselves feminists- and everyone else- to see why feminism for all is so important.

5. The Midnight Library

Sometimes I’m wary of super-hyped books, but I just knew that The Midnight Library was going to be a five-star read for me.

In Haig’s latest, he imagines a place between life in death- a library filled with books of other lives we might have lived if we’d made different choices.

This is a introspective and emotional read- I had tears in my eyes a few times in the early chapters, but as the main character Nora is dealing with the loss of a pet it may have been a little close to home for me.

This is definitely a standout book for me- the end didn’t quite deliver the emotional punch I was expecting- possibly because I seemed to be realizing much of what was happening a step or two ahead of Nora- but that didn’t stop me from appreciating it in the least.

Definitely pick this book up and see for yourself what the buzz is all about!

6. Wow, No Thank You

Wow, No Thank You is a hilarious collection of essays on a wide range of subjects from her personal struggles to things all of us are sure to relate to. I love her deadpan sense of humor and observational wit.

This is my first time reading Irby but I definitely plan on reading her earlier books next time I’m in need of a good laugh!

7. Don’t Overthink It

I am prone to overthink everything, including my overthinking, especially in these times.

@annebogel had great practical advice on the subject and offeres many ways to streamline small decisions we make daily that can lead us to feel overwhelmed and indecisive.

I will definitely read through this book again to come up with a plan to put some of the ideas in action.

Anne narrates the audio version, which is perfect because many of us know her voice from her podcasts.

Overall I highly recommend this one if you have a tendency to overthink things and would like to save yourself that energy.

8. Apple: (Skin to the Core)

Apple (skin to the core) is a moving memoir in verse by Eric Gansworth, is “a member of Eel clan, enrolled Onondaga, born and raised at the Tuscarora Nation.”

The verse is haunting and well-crafted but for me the real beauty came in the name and structure of the book. Gansworth reclaimed a racial slur used against him and drew a number of parallels to The Beatles and their music, albums and history, which he explains at the end.

I listened to this as an audiobook and while I enjoyed hearing the author narrate, there is other content to consider as well. Gansworth is a visual artist as well as a writer, so be sure to check out the accompanying artwork which is included in the print edition.

Many thanks to Libro.fm and Dreamscape Media, LLC for the ALC.

9. Hunger

Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist stands as one of my all-time favorite nonfiction reads. With that in mind I was excited to read this book, which explores her relationship with her body and food.

This book is moving and gives a look into a life and how those with larger bodies than are socially accepted are often mistreated. As always, the writing here is concise and compelling and I’m glad I read it.

Enjoyed!!

10. The Cul-de-Sac War

First of the books I liked is this fun enemies to lovers romance with lots of pranks as these neighbors try to one-up each other.

I really enjoyed the characters and their antics, as well as how the eventually see past their misconceptions.

All the elements going on in the story really added to the experience. There was more character growth than I expected and it made for a well-rounded read.

I listened to the audiobook and thought Kate Rudd was a good choice as a narrator and I highly recommend the audio format for this book. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advance copy.

11. We Met In December

Next up is this darling contemporary romance! This friends to lovers romance set in London is a lot of fun and just as sweet.

These housemates looking to shake up their lives found a deal renting from a friend- with the caveat that they aren’t allowed to date.

Over the course of a year they spend time together as friends- but this rule and a few other things stand in the way of making it more than that.

The book starts at Christmastime and circles back to end there too, so this is a fun light holiday read and was perfect to listen to while decorating to get into the Christmas spirit!

12. All Stirred Up

Finally, we have this Persuasion retelling!

All Stirred Up is a fun read, though not quite the light rom-com I was expecting. There was more focus on familial relationships, delicious food descriptions. But, that only made it an interesting and more complex novel- just like your favorite dish.

The audio version was great- loved the accents- and was an enjoyable way to experience this second chance romance and Austen reimagining.

Many thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

There you have it! All the books in the first group were standouts and highly recommend them!

Have you read any of the books from my November 2020 reading list?

Let me know which ones you’re excited to get your hands on, and what your favorite November 2020 read was!

October Reads: 13 Spooky Books Ranked

November 1, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

It’s hard to believe October is already over. It’s one of my favorite months, both for reading and otherwise. I have been planning my spooky month TBR since May, and while I didn’t get to everything on the list, it was a great reading month overall. October reads are the best.

I think I really read a diverse assortment of books here- everything from classics to thrillers to magical realism and even some sci-fi and horror. Some of these genres are definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I made the choices I did.

There are thirteen books here overall, so let’s jump in and look at the books I loved, the ones I liked, and the ones that ultimately were not for me.

October Reads I Loved

Ring Shout

This book was probably the furthest out of my comfort zone, yet offered the biggest reward. I’ve seen Ring Shout on many must-read lists this year and hope from this review you can see why it earned a spot there. This is my first read from award-winner Clark and I’m eager to check out his earlier works.

You can read my full review of Ring Shout here.

Don’t Look for Me

This one is up there as being one of my favorite reads in one of my favorite genres- thrillers- this year. Don’t Look For me is the story of a woman who disappears. The signs all point to her walking away from or life and family willingly- but did she?

You can read my full review of Don’t Look For Me here.

Rebecca

This was my first time reading this Gothic classic all the way through and I’m so glad I finally did. The book is atmospheric and chilling- the perfect classic read for October. I loved everything Du Maurier achieved in writing this. For those interested in the film adaptations of Rebecca, check out my guide to three different versions here.

Magic Lessons

Pratical Magic is one of my favorite books, so this prequel was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020. It did not disappoint. Magic Lessons is a beautiful story that takes us back to the Salem Witch Trials and the beginning of the Owens line. It’s filled with the magical wisdom and ethereal prose readers have come to love from Hoffman’s books and it’s sure to be loved by old fans as well as those just discovering the series.

October Reads I Really Liked

Sia Martinez and the Moonlight Beginning of Everything

Sia Martinez and the Moonlight Beginning of Everything is a great YA story that has a little something for everyone. It’s a coming of age story, there’s a mystery element, a love story, family drama, a bit of sci-fi and magical realism, and discussion of important topics such as immigration, ICE, and sexual assault.

It’s a great story and perfect to listen on audio.

Safe

Safe is a wild ride. When a missing girl returns home after many years it should be a wonderful reunion. But it quickly becomes clear that everything is not as it seems- who is fooling whom in this wild, mysterious thriller?

My Sister the Serial Killer

I really enjoyed this short, smart novel about a young woman whose younger sister has a nasty habit of killing her boyfriends. I loved the story, characters, and satire- my only complaint here is that I would have liked more.

The Request

Another twisty, edge of your seat thriller, this one featuring old friends bound by a dark secret. I did guess a couple of the surprises, but there were so many and things were changing so fast it’s hard to guess how everything comes together.

Home Before Dark

I loved the latest from Riley Sager and the fun, creepy ghost story set in a haunted house in a small town that we get in Home Before Dark. It was a fast read- I loved the multiple timelines and the book within the book.

Coraline

I’ve loved the story of Coraline since the movie was released, but this was my first time reading the Gaiman novel it was based on. I found them to be very close in plot and characters and enjoyed reading the book and the eerie world that the author creates.

Hallowe’en Party

This Poirot novel takes place after a party on Halloween- where a little girl says she’s witnessed a murder and then ends up a murder victim that same night. Fans of Christie’s other works may recognize another character- Ariadne Oliver who also makes an appearance in other books like Elephants Can Remember.

October Reads That Weren’t For Me

Mexican Gothic

This book has been getting a lot of buzz, but I think ultimately it wasn’t a book for me. I really enjoyed Noemí’s character and the creepy atmosphere of the house. Ultimately, though, the pacing of the novel made it hard to get into and I would have liked the book to be a little more developed and for the focus to be more on the scary than the bizarre.

Nancy Drew The Secret of the Old Clock

I really wanted to enjoy Nancy Drew for my first time reading as an adult, but ultimately found the writing stiff and the characters a little too idealistic for my taste. I was having a hard time getting into it, but eventually, it got interesting enough for me to finish. Of course, everything worked out perfectly for everyone. I didn’t hate it, but I’m not in any rush to read more of the series.

Alright, there’s a quick take on each of the books I read in October. Have you read any of these ones?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and your favorite book of Spooky month.

Nonfiction November: 5 Titles on my TBR

October 26, 2020 milelongtbr Leave a Comment

Hi, readers! November is around the corner, meaning it’s time for one of my favorite reading challenges- Nonfiction November.

This is a great way to read out of your comfort zone if nonfiction doesn’t featured on your TBR throughout the year. If you do like to incorporate nonfiction titles, this is a great way to read more of them and branch out to different subgenres.

I feel like nonfiction often gets a bad rap because people think the reading can be dry and boring, but if you choose the right title for you it can be anything but that.

Reading nonfiction offers an opportunity to learn something new. It lets us see something from a new perspective, and gain a deeper understanding of subjects.

From memoirs to true crime, here is a list of five titles on my Nonfiction November TBR to inspire you when in making your own.

Memoirs for Nonfiction November

You Belong: A Call for Connection

First on my list is You Belong, part memoir, part self-development. Sebene Selassie, “Nerdy Black Immigrant Tomboy Buddhist Weirdo” may seem like an outsider, but this book is a deeply personal account of how connected we all are.

This message is needed now more than ever, and Selassie’s experiences and stories work to show us embracing connectivity is an important part of feeling at peace in uncertain times.

Apple

Apple is a unique YA novel in verse, a format I’m loving lately. Gansworth turns a racial slur on its head and uses it to reclaim and reaffirm his identity. This is a great crossover between Nonfiction November and Native American History Month, which also falls in November.

I look forward to reading this lyrical and intimate account from this own-voice author.

Nonfiction November for Animal Lovers

Tales from Beyond the Pawprint

This book will touch the heart of anyone who has ever loved an animal, and is especially soothing to those grieving the loss of a beloved pet.

The book was inspired by Micky Golden Moore’s loss of her own pets and the lack of recourses and understanding she found when dealing with her grief. She used that experience to create the Beyond The Paw Print group. It offers support to those who lose their pet. This book tells the story of 22 group members’ life with their furry friends ― “from first hello through goodbye.” It’s complete with beautiful portraits of the pets and comprehensive lists of resources for those who need them.

I lost one of my cats in May of this year, and am finding comfort in reading the stories in this book. I look forward to finishing it in November.

Nonfiction November for Bibliophiles

Furious Hours

This book tells a fascinating true crime story alongside the narrative of Pulitzer Prize winning author Harper Lee, who researched the case. She planned to write a true crime book about it, inspired by friend Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. It would have been a great follow-up to To Kill a Mockingbird, but never completed the project.

Lee was an enigma in her life. She never published another book and stayed out of the spotlight, so this book has been on the TBRs of those who love American Literature and True Crime alike.

The Polysyllabic Spree

Finally, we have The Polysyllabic Spree. The subtitle “A Hilarious and True Account of One Man’s Struggle with the Monthly Tide of the Books He’s Bought and the Books He’s Been Meaning to Read” should give you a good idea of why this one has secured a spot on my TBR. It’s essentially an analog book blog, a bookstagram before bookstagram was a thing.

This is sure to be a fun and relatable read for bibliophiles! I can’t wait to read Hornby’s essay collection.

There you have it, friends!

I hope these 8 nonfiction titles have inspired you in deciding what books to read for Nonfiction November.

Be sure to check back next week for a list of my all-time favorite nonfiction titles for more ideas!

What are you reading for Nonfiction November? Do any of these titles make your list?

I’d love to hear what you’re reading.

Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark – a Review

October 23, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

Ring Shout or Hunting Klu Kluxes in the End Times came out earlier this month and I’ve seen nothing but rave reviews pouring in for it.

It’s billed as dark fantasy and horror- and I certainly see elements of both genres present in the story, but for me, it was the speculative fiction element that made me pick up the book.

Keep reading this full review of Ring Shout to see if it lives up to the hype and if it’s a good choice for genre readers or for everyone.

Synopsis:

Essentially, Ring Shout is a genre-bending novella set in the 1920s Deep South that reimagines KKK members as literal monsters from hell.

Here’s a summary from the publisher:

IN AMERICA, DEMONS WEAR WHITE HOODS.

In 1915, The Birth of a Nation cast a spell across America, swelling the Klan’s ranks and drinking deep from the darkest thoughts of white folk. All across the nation they ride, spreading fear and violence among the vulnerable. They plan to bring Hell to Earth. But even Ku Kluxes can die.

Standing in their way is Maryse Boudreaux and her fellow resistance fighters, a foul-mouthed sharpshooter and a Harlem Hellfighter. Armed with blade, bullet, and bomb, they hunt their hunters and send the Klan’s demons straight to Hell. But something awful’s brewing in Macon, and the war on Hell is about to heat up.

Can Maryse stop the Klan before it ends the world?

Analysis:

I’ve said many times that one of the features I appreciate most in a novel is the author’s ability to transcend and jump between genres, and Clark has proven himself a master of this here.

Maryse may just be my favorite heroine of the year. She is a force; hunting down monsters, yet still showing her vulnerability and softness.

This book is harrowing, intense, and profound. There’s a lot of commentary on race, humanity, rage, and hate that’s very relevant in our world today, making it a very important read.

There’s so much going on in the story. It moves fast- it has to fit so much action and world-building in less than 200 pages. My only criticism is that at points it’s a lot to keep up with- though it’s a small problem, and one I admit may be my own fault. My typical reads are usually set in reality and don’t involve this level of world building.

There’s also a significant amount of gore- again, typical given the horror genre- so keep that in mind along with the other content warnings at the end of the article. I point these things out only so that you go in with these things in mind and don’t hold it against the book in reviews on retailers sites. These reviews can prevent a book from getting to the audience who needs to read it, and that’s never a good thing!

Audio Review:

The audio was narrated by Channie Waites, who did a phenomenal job bringing this story to life.

She did different coices for a number of the characters- both human and supernatural, and it definitely added to the tension of this book. The sense of urgency she created to the characters is unparalleled and she did the more tender moments of the book just as well.

This was my first time listening to Waites narrate, but I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more of her projects after this.

Go over to Libro.fm to get a copy of Ring Shout for free with my link and choose a Black-Owned Bookstore to support with your subscription.

Takeaway:

I’ve seen Ring Shout on many must-read lists this year and hope from this review you can see why it earned a spot there. This is my first read from award-winner Clark and I’m eager to check out his earlier works – even if they’re out of my genre comfort zone.

Go ahead and add this five-star read to your TBR- it’s a fast read so there’s no reason not to!

Many thanks to RB Media and NetGalley for the ALC.