Zahara

  For quite some time, I've been on the hunt for a book that covered Black/African art and art history and I stumbled upon this particular book. Overall, I thought the book was decent, but it wasn't quite what I was looking for. This book mostly focuses on Black models from different eras in history. However, the author does sprinkle in and mention some often-forgotten Black artists towards the end of the book. I also liked that she provided a list of resources for further reading regarding Black art history. 

  Black Women in Sequence provides an academic and critical analysis of how black women have been depicted in sequential art. Overall, I thought the author did a fantastic job of analyzing the history of how black women have been portrayed in comics, etc.  However, I felt that the book was lacking in some regards and didn't cover as much as it could have. Despite that, I would recommend this book because it does provide great insight.

  After I finished reading this novel, I walked away for the most part enjoying it. However, it definitely could've been better and more fleshed out in some areas.  I enjoyed the lore and the world-building. The main couple Armstrong Knight and Kya made you want to root for them. I didn't care for the book being in third person I think it should've been in first person instead. I also wasn't too big on the constant huge time skips peppered throughout the novel. I felt the author did more telling instead of showing. 

  Soul of the Deep is the sequel novel to Skin of the Sea in Natasha Bowen's Orisha Mermaid series. I really enjoyed the first novel, and I couldn't wait to read the sequel, and while I did overall enjoy this novel, it wasn't as good as the first one. I felt like most of the plot twists were fairly obvious and not really all too surprising. The cat-and-mouse and will they or won't they romance between Simi and Adekola was starting to wear thin. However, I'm glad that they did get together as it was possible for them to do so now that Kola was an orisha and not human.  I think that this novel served as a good juxtaposition to the first one and it was good to see familiar faces once again. In the end, I did like this novel it was a good read. I just preferred the action/adventure elements of the first novel more over the second's warring kingdoms scenario.  I do recommend this novel because it nicely ties up leftover plot threads from the first novel and presented...

  I've had this novel on my want-to-read list for a while, and now that I've had the chance to read it, it's time to share my thoughts. The story is set during the mid-1400s in West Africa during the Portuguese slave trade which predates the Atlantic Slave Trade. The author did a fantastic job of weaving West African mythology and culture i.e. the Orishas and Yoruba influences with African spirituality. The main heroine of this story is Simidele a Mami Wata (mermaid) who goes on a journey to right a wrong that she's caused, and along the way, she's joined by others, and she slowly recovers her past memories of when she was human.   This is the first book in a long time that I was engrossed in and did not want to put down. I was even able to correctly guess some of the things that would happen which was rewarding. The beginning of the novel started out slow and was a bit of an information dump, but after getting through the beginning rough patch of the first few chap...

  As I've mentioned before, I like the Star Trek Kelvin Timeline, and the premise of this particular novel interested me enough to check it out. Oh boy, where do I even begin with this one...to keep it simple the novel didn't live up to expectations.  This novel had to be reworked because, for the longest time, it was shelved. I think the novel started out strong however, it ultimately ended up meandering in the middle. Uhura is one of my favorite characters and she unfortunately was sidelined in the story and it was frustrating. Nextly, I felt the novel skewed into soap-opera territory.  Honestly, I don't recommend this novel. I did not feel satisfied after I finished reading it.

  Uhura is my favorite character from the Original Star Trek series and as I was searching for novels and other media where she was the central core focus, I came upon this novel. I thought the premise was interesting a deadly plague called ADF Syndrome is wreaking havoc on the planet of Eeiauo and a song that Uhura learned from one of the planet's inhabitants who's also her friend was the key to mediating the disease. However, don't let the title fool you this novel is a classic example of a bait and switch. Uhura is not the main focus of this novel she's a supporting character who ultimately ends up taking a backseat to Dr. Evan Wilson. Needless to say, I was disappointed. The book became a chore for me to read through and I didn't like the characterization of Uhura in this novel compared to the other pocket novel in this series that I've read. The twist towards the end was meh overall to me and it left a bad taste in my mouth.  I personally would not recommen...

  The Original Star Trek series is one of my favorites and Nyota Uhura is my favorite character in the original series cast, so naturally, I was eager to read a novel that centered around her. This novel in particular, I found to be a mixed bag there were things that I liked and disliked. I enjoyed how Uhura got to showcase more of her singing abilities and musicality because unfortunately, with the show being a product of its time Uhura's parts were constantly cut, and she didn't get to show her true full potential as a character. Next, up, I know the book is only 15 chapters long, but I felt that Uhura's and Guy Maslin's romance was rushed, and not so surprising he has a deadly illness that he ends up succumbing to in the end.  I must admit some of the writing did not age well. I think the initial dilemma presented within the novel was interesting and I liked how music and singing were at the heart and center of the story.  Overall, I would recommend this novel becaus...

  Michael Jackson is truly a once-in-a-lifetime talent and entertainer who's in a league of his own. Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson provides great insight into the King of Pop's artistry, musicality, and creative process. Michael was a pioneer, visionary, master of his craft, and a perfectionist. The book was well-researched and had great tidbits of information that only enhanced the reading experience. I personally learned quite a few things that I didn't know. It was amazing to go on a journey to read about how Michael Jackson's artistry evolved over the years within his illustrious career.  I do recommend this book it's a page-turner.

  It's Veganuary, and I would like to keep this review short and sweet. In May 2021, I decided to make a lifestyle change and I started transitioning to a more vegan/plant-based diet to improve my health. So naturally, when you have to cook for yourself, you need new recipes that you can add to your repertoire, and that's exactly what this book does. I'm a simple girl and I like recipes that are simple and easy to do. I don't mind that most of the recipes in the book don't contain exact measures because I like to season my foods to taste anyways. I also liked how the book was organized into different sections. Mrs. Tabitha Brown is truly an inspiration and she has a great personality.  I would highly recommend getting this book. It's a true delight. 

  During the 2010s, is when I got into Star Trek, and it was in part due to the Kelvin Timeline films. I enjoy Spuhura, and naturally, I wanted to read about the build-up to their relationship because in the films they're already together as a couple. Ultimately, this ended up leading me to get the first novel of the Starfleet Academy series set in the Kelvin Timeline. The plot of the novel is a serial killer from long ago has returned, and the main heroes of the story get caught in his crosshairs; essentially the novel is a murder mystery. +Positives The initial premise of the novel was interesting, it hooks you in. Uhura getting to showcase her xenolinguistics prowess. Getting to see more of the main casts' time at the academy.  -Negatives Uhura gets sidelined about halfway through the book which was disappointing. The resolution towards the end of the novel wasn't satisfying.  Sometimes the multi-point-of-view switching was annoying.  Overall, I found the novel de...

  Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this novel. Diamond Doris details the life and jewel heists of Doris Payne a notorious jewel thief. I'm still waiting for the motion picture of her story to be brought to life. Moreover, it was fascinating to read about her upbringing, and how she was able to get away with stealing things for decades.  I highly recommend this book Doris Payne is an interesting individual that should be read about. 

  I first came across this book through a Publisher's Weekly newsletter in my e-mail. The premise to me seemed interesting a modern take on the classic Romeo and Juliet story except in the form of a hip hopera. However, I was disappointed because the novel failed to live up to my expectations and squandered its promising potential.  Instalove stories are a hard sell and Jherzie the main heroine of the book falls for Zeppelin her love interest way too fast. The novel also suffers from too many cliches. Cinny the main villain of the story is a petty jealous girl. Lastly, it was a waste to only show the events leading up to the hip hopera.  Readers didn't get the chance to actually experience the polished finalized version of the show all the way through; just mainly only the rehearsals.  Aside from the book's cover being pretty I can't say that I would necessarily recommend this novel to anyone. However, if you enjoy musical theater, mushy instalove, and mystery then y...

There will be certain people who will have a profound effect or influence on you and Nichelle Nichols did for many people. I must say that Nichelle is a phenomenal woman and it was a pleasure to read her autobiography.  I learned many things such as the prosperous black town of Robbins, Illinois where she grew up, and how she could have starred in the television series Mannix as the secretary Peggy Fair but it was blocked by Gene Roddenberry from happening. She also opened up about her romantic relationship with Gene and the microaggressions she faced on the Star Trek set during the 1960s. I was saddened at the lack of opportunities for her to show off her dancing and singing talents. However, she revealed that she did do a lot of stage plays and theatre work which I found fascinating.  I found her career and life journey to be inspiring. I also enjoyed learning about her work with NASA as well. I believe that Nichelle Nichols accomplished many great things in her lifetime and...

  This was a book that I wanted to read for quite some time and I recently just finished it. I must say that it was a fun wild ride. The book jumps back and forth between two time periods the 1920s, or more specifically 1925, and the present-day 2015.  The main heroine taking centerstage during the 1925 portion set during the Jazz Age in Chicago is Honoree Dalcour a chorus girl who works at Ms. Hatties a black-and-tan jazz club. This historical fiction novel was a thrill to read. The cast of characters in the novel are full of personality and distinguishable characteristics. Even the twists and turns presented in the novel were interesting, entertaining, and an overall welcomed surprise. I highly recommend this novel.

  Summary: Picture this--you're a photojournalist on assignment in the Bahamas fulfilling your job duties and enjoying the tropical scenery. However, unbeknownst to you, your camera ends up capturing something quite scandalous. The next that you know your life as you know it is completely upended in more ways than one. That's the situation that the main heroine of the novel Kennedy Wade finds herself in.   The premise of the novel instantly hooks and draws you in. Kennedy Wade is a great lead character who you want to root for and throughout the novel you come to fear for her safety and wellbeing. The novel is a real page-turner I found the book hard to put down.  The novel also touches upon and provides some good social commentary in regards to the media, people in powerful positions, and politics. I enjoyed the novel overall. The only aspect that I felt was a bit of a letdown was the ending. I didn't feel as if the ending provided a satisfactory conclusion. ...

  Magic Knight Rayearth is considered to be one of CLAMP's classic works and this 25th-anniversary boxset rendition of the epic manga contains all three volumes of part one in addition to an art book.  The story chronicles the journey of three middle school Japanese girls-Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu who are summoned to the mystical world of Cephiro as Magic Knights in order to save it. During their journey, they come across both allies and foes. CLAMP's artwork is gorgeous and the twist of the story was cleverly enacted. This boxset is a must-have for any manga collection. Rating: 5/5 stars

  Hollywood Black is a triumphant read. The book takes the reader on a journey throughout Black Hollywood, and while there has been much progress since the days of old. There's still so much more work to be done.  I appreciated the author pointing out the shortcomings and stereotypes when it comes specifically to black narratives in Hollywood. The photos that were selected to accompany the entries were a great addition and one of the many highlights of the book.   It's important that black film history be preserved and not lost to time. This book is a great entry point for anyone interested in Hollywood's black film history and black film talents. Rating: 5/5 stars 

  A Phoenix First Must Burn Sixteen Stories of Black Girl Magic, Resistance, and Hope Synopsis: A Phoenix First Must Burn is an enthralling anthology series that features sixteen talented authors who pen a diverse array of short stories with black women at the heart of each story told. Review: It can not be said enough, there are so many untold stories and untapped potential that are waiting to be explored.   When it comes to narratives or characters of African ancestry and heritage, they usually fall into one of these categories: drugs, racism/oppression, gangs, or slavery. Any why yes, it's important to showcase black triumph, perseverance, and overcoming adversity, it's also important to showcase black joy, creativity, and to see black characters and narratives positively represented in sci-fi, fantasy, etc. I am proud to say that this anthology book does exactly that. I could easily see these wonderful short stories developed into either animated shorts or a televisi...

  Fate of Flames Book One in the EFFIGIES series . Sarah Raughley. Cover designed by Karina Granda.© 2016. Simon Pulse. Simon & Schuster, New York. Author Sarah Raughley descends on to the scene with the first installment of her thrilling debut YA novel series: Fate of Flames . Readers are taken along on a journey with four cosmic-powered leading ladies across a world filled with danger, terror, and intrigue.