June sure flew by, didn't it? Anyway, now that means that I've completed 12 out of 24 books of Book Riot's 2019 Read Harder Challenge! The tasks I completed this month required me to read a book by an AOC set in or about space and an #ownvoices book set in Mexico or Central America. For the tasks, I selected Binti (Binti #1) by Nnedi Okorafor and North of Happy by Adi Alsaid. Read on to see my mini reviews and what's next for July:
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Binti (Binti #1) by Nnedi Okorafor is a short YA sci-fi novella, but I can't recommend it enough. Nnedi Okorafor is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. There is so much more I'd like to know about Binti's world, but this little glimpse was just about perfect. Plus, this story got me more interested in looking up information on Binti's people the Himba. I have a feeling you'll like Binti if you like Octavia Butler. Now I'll absolutely need to read the rest of the series soon.
I read this novella from June 6 - 7, 2019 and my review is also on Goodreads.
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North of Happy is my second Adi Alsaid book. I'm glad I read it because his writing is pretty fantastic, but I this isn't quite my favorite of the two. Carlos's story just didn't appeal to me as much. I will say though that I don't think I've ever read a novel that so heavily featured food before. My favorite scenes are when Carlos is working in the kitchen, that's for sure. I'm hungry all over again just thinking about this book.
I read this book from June 6 - 7, 2019 and my review is also on Goodreads.
Next Up For July:
I read this book from June 6 - 7, 2019 and my review is also on Goodreads.
Next Up For July:
A book by or about someone that identifies as neurodiverse
My choice: Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde - I've been eyeing this for awhile and it sounds like it could be a lot fun.
An #ownvoices book set in Oceania
My choice: The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera - I was originally planning to read Catching Teller Crow by Ambelin Kwaymullina & Ezekiel Kwaymullina for this task but unfortunately it's now no longer available from my library via interlibrary loan. Now I'll be listening Ihimaera's novel featuring the Maori of New Zealand on Playaway via my library as that's the only format that it's available in. Perhaps I'll even watch the movie adaptation of the book.
Have you read any of these books? Are you participating in the Read Harder Challenge this year, or have you in the past? As always, thanks for visiting my blog and perhaps even commenting down below!
I really enjoyed Binti too, although I didn't like the second book as much. You should read Lagoon, I really loved it!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look into it. Thanks, Tammy.
DeleteI liked North of Happy a little more than you, but I have a thing for grief books. I bought Queens of Geek eons ago, and heard it was great. I should really read it soon.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed, Sam!
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