mamamijo

Be educated and inspired

Revisado: 11-11-20

Listening to this book is like sitting at the knee of a very wise woman who recounts to you an unfathomable childhood and adolescence marred with pain, trauma, and deception yet somehow emerges as a powerful leader. I learned so much about our incarceration system and why it is so important to dismantle it while also attending to all of the injustices that bring people to it. Be prepared for your heart to both break and then be inspired.

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For Anyone Who's Been Kicked When They're Down

Revisado: 10-26-19

The main character and namesake of this novel, Queenie, dares you to not root for her as she navigates her mid-20's carrying on her back a traumatic upbringing, a slew of racism and mysogeny, and the heartbreak of a failed relationship. Her friends and family alternately make things better and worse, just like in real life, and were so relatable that I often found myself literally laughing out loud. There is definitely some very adult material, so I wouldn't recommend the book for very young or prude audiences, but the content is so rich and the story is so beautifully narrated that I'd highly recommend it to everyone else.

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Not the Romeo and Juliet You Read in High School

Revisado: 02-21-17

I loved Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and somehow I was expecting more of the same. I just couldn't wrap my head around the idea of anything different. And yet this novel is a departure in the most wonderful way. It takes the classic tale and brings new life to it with more character development, more backstory, and twists and turns that you'll never see coming. The performance also adds to the enchantment by giving period speech patterns, accents and cadence. I thoroughly enjoyed this creative spin on prose I thought I couldn't love any more than I already did.

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Unpredictable in the Sweetest Way

Revisado: 11-19-16

I appreciated the many turns this story took, which made it like a scavenger hunt...adventurous, hopeful, disappointing, uplifting. This author takes on important contemporary issues embedded in fiction that draws me in and begs for my attention. And since the storyline is witty and creative enough to go in any direction, I'm captivated until the last word.

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May Inspire You to Forget a Few Things Yourself

Revisado: 10-05-16

I inhaled this book. I don't want to give anything away, so I'm reluctant to write much. All I want to say is that it's an opportunity to hold a mirror up to your life and, if you don't like what you see, change it.

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See the world through a different lens

Revisado: 09-12-16

I was absolutely captivated by this story, which primarily centers around a young Nigerian woman straddling Nigeria and America - complete with the insights and nuances of the different cultures told in a way that is both provocative and hilarious. The characters are richly developed, the story is unexpected, and the narration is far better than what you'd get simply reading the text. Ultimately I felt like I got to experience seeing the world through a different lens, and it's made me only want to read more of this brilliant author and TED Talk thought leader.

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See the world through a different lens

Revisado: 09-12-16

I was absolutely captivated by this story, which primarily centers around a young Nigerian woman straddling Nigeria and America - complete with the insights and nuances of the different cultures told in a way that is both provocative and hilarious. The characters are richly developed, the story is unexpected, and the narration is far better than what you'd get simply reading the text. Ultimately I felt like I got to experience seeing the world through a different lens, and it's made me only want to read more of this brilliant author and TED Talk thought leader.

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A good alternative to Ambien

Revisado: 09-12-16

I absolutely loved A Man Called Ove and was so excited to listen to another book by this author, but I really struggled to get into the story and every time I put it on, I literally fell asleep. It became my crutch to sleep on nights when I couldn't fall asleep on my own. So, if this is a better alternative for you than drugs, I'd recommend it. If not, perhaps it's best to just pass. I ended up returning my copy and haven't regretted it. (I'd say something about the story itself, but even after hours of listening, I don't think I can really comment beyond the generic description provided. At no point did it draw me in.)

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Worth the Wait

Revisado: 05-17-16

I somehow avoided reading this book 30 years ago in high school, and I wonder now how my perspective on our country would have been different, would have shaped who I am today, had I not avoided the assignment. I likely would have found myself working for equity and justice more fervently, with a deeper appreciation for our history of power and privilege, at a much younger age.But at this point, I'm just incredibly grateful to have been treated to this masterpiece at a time in my life when I could fully appreciate it: it was well worth the wait.

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rich and complex, like the best glass of wine you'

Revisado: 09-23-15

The characters were given the opportunity and time to grow, develop, and unfold. I felt myself doing the same during the process of listening to this book. But I must admit that I listened to it very quickly, with every moment that I had because I simply couldn't get enough and had to hear what was coming next. I cried real tears and actually had to step away at points, I would say a sign of a very good book. I've already shared it with some of my closest friends. Definitely worth purchasing.

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