Book Recommendations: Part Six

 Happy new year and welcome to the sixth instalment of my book recommendations series. I took a bit of a break from my blog during the festive season, but I’m ready to step back to it now with recommendations, ramblings and the occasional review. To kick start 2022, allow me to share three new books to add to your TBR...

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

This incredibly poignant YA thriller had me gripped throughout. The story follows Devon and Chiamaka. Both are the only two Black students at the highly illustrious Niveus Private Academy. Devon is a talented musician who keeps his head down and Chiamaka is a head girl who knows what she wants in life. Both have their secrets that are soon exposed by an anonymous texter known only as Aces. Aces makes sure that Devon and Chiamaka know that neither of them are in control here and that Aces holds all the power over their lives and will do everything to destroy them; no matter how dangerous things get for them. This book truly deserves every single bit of praise it receives. It takes an important look into deep rooted racism whilst also leaving your heart racing with the thriller action that unfolds. It’s Black, it’s Queer and it needs to be on your TBR. (Trigger/Content Warnings: Racism, Homophobia, Outing, Violence, Bullying, Death, Drug mentions) 

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Another amazing read by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The book follows four famous siblings; the grown up children of Mick Riva (a name some may be familiar with...) and centres around their infamous end of summer party. All four siblings are dealing with their own secrets and truths that they are forced to face as the party that night ascends into chaos and, by morning, results in a fire ripping through the mansion. Nina, Jay, Hud and Kit’s lives are about to be changed forever in the space of one night as they confront their realities, each other and secrets from their family’s history. The story jumps between present day (1983) and the years that bring us to this point and I really enjoyed it being set out this way. It allowed for deeper connections and understandings of the characters and allowed the reader to truly delve into the Riva family history. (Trigger/Conent Warnings: Parental death, Dieting, Recreational drug use, Sexual Harassment) 

The Subtweet by Vivek Shraya 

A story of friendship, WOC lifting each other up and the downfalls of social media. Internet famous artist, Rukmini covers a song by Neela Devaki and soon the musicians both meet and form a quick friendship. However, with Rukmini’s rise to stardom happening and feelings of jealousy overcoming Neela; a single tweet shatters a friendship and a career and puts the two women in the middle of a viral internet explosion. This story deeply encapsulates the themes of surviving and thriving in a white world and the lines that people of colour need to cross in order to make it without losing their sense of self and identity. It was a very different book to others I’ve read but I enjoyed the dynamics of the characters and how messy and flawed they appeared. It made their situations seem tangible and it explored topics that you may not always realise are issues, especially if you aren’t a POC. (Trigger/Content Warnings: Racism, Sexism, Toxicity, Social Media Harassment)