Literally an Ear-FULL

Happy Friday! Today was a good day, as most days have the potential to be. 😉 Every now and then, I encounter something on social media and want to share. The tweet below recently came across my feed, so I decided to pick up the author’s book. Luckily, the audiobook was available at my library and you all….it’s REALLY good so far. It’s been such a long time since I’ve reached for a middle grade series. I forget how stories like #CameronBattleandtheHiddenKingdoms can make you feel. I haven’t finished reading the book yet, but I have a strong feeling that it’s going to be a favorite of mine, as I don’t often laugh out loud and this book is doing just that. It’s inspirational, funny, and heartwarming. It’s also a plus that the audiobook narrator is A+. If you haven’t already, please check out #CameronBattleandtheHiddenKingdoms by Dr. Jamar J. Perry. I don’t think you will regret it. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpWfT4Bu7dw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I should’ve stopped reading, but I continued because of the book length. I’m annoyed with the writing, the storyline, repetition of the word “fat,” and the pure GALL of the author, to charge $10+ for 26 pages!! Thank goodness I checked it out from the library. I do not recommend this book. https://www.instagram.com/p/Colgd12L7oi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

😊 In the key of 'Friends' by Whodini, I will proceed to ask: Challenges! How many us of choose them? Challenges! Ones we can depend on... To challenge and mold us. ************************************* I have some reading challenges I’m committing to and below are the ones on my ‘Reading Challenge” dashboard for 2023. Check out the blog post for more details of how I plan to keep my head on with these challenges. See '2023 Reading Challenges' story highlights. ************************************* Challenge Hashtag | Host ************************************* #10Books10Decades | @reggiereads #12caribbeanbooksin2023 | @rensbookishspace #19Nonfiction | @bookitqueen #20BooksByBlackWomen | @melanatedreader #20BooksByBlackFolx | @melanatedreader #20BooksByAsianWomen | @ktlee.writes #23HistFicBooksWithMe | @blackbiracialandbookish #DiversityAcrossGenres | @reading.and.roaming and @booksonadventures #DecolonizeYourShelf2023 | @blackwalnutbooks #12BooksByAfricanWriters | @pretty_x_bookish https://www.instagram.com/p/CoGyCZ1uBZv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Many thanks to @iskanchipress, João Melo, and @netgalley for an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review. This short story collection evokes laughter, inspiration, and reflection, and cause pause and ponder as one considers conjuring the sheer amount of drive needed to emphatically say #AngolaisWhereverIPlantMyField. ***Link to Full Review in Story Highlight titled ‘R^3’.*** 🏷️🏷️🏷️ #advancedreaderscopy #AngolaisWhereverIPlantMyField #NetGalley #bookreview #booksbyafricanwriters #literaryfiction #humor #africanpostmodernism #shortstories https://www.instagram.com/p/CoEQeYgOpht/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Hubby just touched down from #Naija (Nigeria). 😊 So excited to have him back home and even more excited to have my first batch of @cassavarepublicpress books!! Thank you for the books, love (@oluokunsaheed)! 😘 #WhenTroubleSleeps #EasyMotionTourist #LeyeAdenle #ElnathanJohn #OnAjayiCrowtherStreet #graphicnovels #crimenovel #booksbyafricanwriters #booksbynigerianauthors https://www.instagram.com/p/CnvWE_Dra5L/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Ayiti by Roxane Gay is my 100th book read in 2022 and a 5-star read. I will never forget this book or this moment. I never would’ve thought I’d have the privilege to experience so many stories in the span of 11 months. I may not have enjoyed all the books I’ve read this year, but I’m thankful to experience a brief respite from reality through them. There’s one more month in the year and I’m going to try to fit in a little more. A month without books is like losing all contact with a good friend. I just cannot not do it. I must keep reading. 😊 #qotd What’s been your safe space or activity that you’ve found joy in? https://www.instagram.com/p/Cllrl5Krcjz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It’s rare that I keep note of “teachable moments” from middle grade graphic novels. I absolutely had to share this one that I came across in Crunch by Kayla Miller. It’s okay to do too much, but it’s also better when you can identify when doing too much might be getting the best of you. If you are picking up what I’m putting down, this panel should be a gentle reminder to take it easy. I suggest this for anyone with a youngin in their life that needs to work on time management, this graphic novel hits all the points in encouraging them to be mindful of their time banks. It’s relatable and fun. I’m sure anyone of any age can resonate with the characters created by Kayla Miller in this series. Her graphic novels always provide a takeaway that lingers with you well after reading. #weekendreads #weekendread #graphicnovels #crunch #kaylamillerauthor #middlegradebooks #bookstagram #bookish #readingisfun #foryoungreaders #foryoungreaderseverywhere #timemanagement #gentlereminder #blackbookstagram #booklover #books #readmorebooks https://www.instagram.com/p/Clb9hU4vXdO/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I am 50% into my first read of Disappearing Acts by Terry McMillan and immediately from the first page I had to annotate. So far, this book has me talking back more than I usually do in response and reactions to the characters. As individuals they are complex and together they are even more complicated. Further into my reading, my mind continues to wonder in frustration. - Why are they still dealing with each other? - How does someone work through their emotions in relation to their partners decisions and behavior when those actions consistently impact them both negatively? - After more valleys than peaks, and so many red flags, when does someone finally say they must put themselves first and remove themselves from a relationship? These characters continuously say they love each other and although there are actions to back it up, their inner thoughts expose that it’s more performative than them trying to actually make those actions of ‘love’ a habit. I say all that to say, this weekend read is putting me through it (lol). Frankie and Zora. Father God, Jesus of Nazareth, help them Lord, because this ain’t it #IYKYK My question to you all is, would you give someone a chance to enter your life solely based on the principle of the potential of what the person can be? I’m aware that most of us do end up in relationships (romantic and platonic) and we more often than not start with seeing the potential in someone adding to our lives. When does potential in relationships turn into a liability for you? Chat back! #disappearingacts #terrymcmillan #weekendreads #weekendreading #weekendread #booktomovieadaptation #booktomovie #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #blackbookstagram #readmorebooks #readmore #iykyk #complicatedrelationship https://www.instagram.com/p/ClJ143VvmlM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This playlist is a compilation of the songs that were on heavy rotation during my 2015 vacation in Nigeria. Enjoy and share!! ^_^

Dorobucci - Mavins by DI'JA

Tiwa Savage-Love In Yellow #nowplaying

Sweet Like Shuga Prod By Del'b by MTVShuga

♫We just want to party, we don't mean no harm♫

Me likes that "Dark Horse" ^_^

This song will never get old for me :-)

I LURV this song!!