Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Published By:

Release Date: 2017

Genre: Fiction

Format: Paperback

Length: 385 pages

Synopsis

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life.

When she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now? Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life unfolds—revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love—Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress.

But as Evelyn’s story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

Review

Thankful for the The Readers Hub book club because this book had been sitting on my shelf for close to three years and I hadn’t picked it up! (for whatever reason best known to me). We read it as our book of the month of March and I totally enjoyed it! 

March was a very slow reading month for me with work stress and falling physically ill, so this was the only book I finished, but boy it was like reading 50 books in one! I loved Evelyn’s character, the love between Harry and Evelyn, the development of all the major and minor characters, the subtle but profound lessons dished out by Evelyn, the few shocking plot twists (we don’t do spoilers here, not to worry) and the chronological arrangement of the book. I also loved and appreciated the writing style of the book; straightforward and easy to understand! Such a page turner!

While I loved the book in huge parts, I had a few reservations though but I captured those in my review on my YouTube channel. Watch my full review on this lovely book by clicking on the video below:

Book Review: Behind Her Eyes

Title: Behind Her Eyes

Author: Sarah Pinborough

Published By: HarperCollins Publishers and Flatiron Books

Release Date: 2017

Genre: Psychological thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary romance

Format: Hardback

Length: 320 pages

Synopsis

Louise is a single mom, a secretary, stuck in a modern-day rut. On a rare night out, she meets a man in a bar and sparks fly. Though he leaves after they kiss, she’s thrilled she finally connected with someone.

When Louise arrives at work on Monday, she meets her new boss, David. The man from the bar. The very married man from the bar…who says the kiss was a terrible mistake but who still can’t keep his eyes off Louise.

And then Louise bumps into Adele, who’s new to town and in need of a friend, but she also just happens to be married to David. David and Adele look like the picture-perfect husband and wife, but then why is David so controlling, and why is Adele so scared of him?

As Louise is drawn into David and Adele’s orbit, she uncovers more puzzling questions than answers. The only thing that is crystal clear is that something in this marriage is very, very wrong, but Louise can’t guess how wrong―and how far a person might go to protect their marriage’s secrets.

-goodreads

Review

THIS BOOK… SPEECHLESS!!

Just here, you know, WONDERING WHAT ON EARTH I HAVE READ!!!!🤯😱

Do you know how twisted your mind has to be to come up with a plot like the one in this book??

I listened to this book on scribs and it was beautifully narrated and performed. I sat with my mouth open for like 2 mins after listening to the last chapter because WHATTTT?!🤯😱😰🥴 (I had to keep on rewinding some things in the last few chapters make e be like say I no mad, because this book is a proper mind f*ck)

I watched the Netlix adaptation immediately I was done reading and loved it! I thought that the producers did a fantastic job of bringing the books to life. I had a few reservations with the casting and some parts of the series, but I loved it, generally.

Watch my full review on this lovely book by clicking on the video below:

Book Review: The Mountains Sing

Title: The Mountains Sing

Author: Nguyen Phan Que Mai

Published By: Oneworld Publications

Release Date: 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: Hardback

Length: 339 pages

Synopsis

With the epic sweep of Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko or Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing and the lyrical beauty of Vaddey Ratner’s In the Shadow of the BanyanThe Mountains Sing tells an enveloping, multigenerational tale of the Trần family, set against the backdrop of the Việt Nam War. Trần Diệu Lan, who was born in 1920, was forced to flee her family farm with her six children during the Land Reform as the Communist government rose in the North. Years later in Hà Nội, her young granddaughter, Hương, comes of age as her parents and uncles head off down the Hồ Chí Minh Trail to fight in a conflict that tore not just her beloved country, but her family apart.

Vivid, gripping, and steeped in the language and traditions of Việt Nam, The Mountains Sing brings to life the human costs of this conflict from the point of view of the Vietnamese people themselves, while showing us the true power of kindness and hope.

Review

Wow. Wow. Wow.

Beautiful.

This was a lovely, heartbreaking historical fiction book. Totally enjoyed! It was an emotional rollercoaster indeed. Such a beautiful read and beautiful story.

Watch my full review on this lovely book by clicking on the video below 👇🏽

Book Review : The Death of Vivek Oji

Title: The Death of Vivek Oji

Author: Akwaeke Emezi

Published By: Kachifo Limited under its Farafina Imprint

Release Date: 2020

Genre: Fiction, Coming-of-age

Format: Paperback

Length: 263 pages

Synopsis

They burned down the market on the day Vivek Oji died.

One afternoon, a mother opens her front door to find the length of her son’s body stretched out on the veranda, swaddled in akwete material, his head on her welcome mat. The Death of Vivek Oji transports us to the day of Vivek’s birth, the day his grandmother Ahunna died. It is the story of an overprotective mother and a distant father, and the heart-wrenching tale of one family’s struggle to understand their child, just as Vivek learns to recognize himself.

Teeming with unforgettable characters whose lives have been shaped by Vivek’s gentle and enigmatic spirit, it shares with us a Nigerian childhood that challenges expectations. This novel, and its celebration of the innocence and optimism of youth will touch all those who embrace it.

Review

This book is HEAVY!

I don’t know why it has taken me this long to put up a review of this book but hey, life happens.

I read this some months ago and I had some thoughts on it. I shared in my review on my YouTube channel (which I recorded 4 score years ago btw but did not put up for whatever reason known to me🙄 )I have now put up the review.

I enjoyed it and finished in a couple of sittings. I loved that the book is set in eastern Nigeria with Nigerians deep-set in traditional beliefs and cultures as the major characters. The dominant themes explored in the book were also issues that need to be discussed in the Nigerian society, but in my opinion, we’re not ready for that yet. But hey, this literary piece is out there and that counts for something

Watch my full review on this lovely book by clicking on the video below:

Book Review: The Gifts of Imperfection

Title: The Gifts of Imperfection

Author: Brené Brown

Published By: Penguin Random House, UK

Release Date: 2010, 2020

Genre: Non-fiction, self-help

Format: Paperback

Length: 167 pages

Synopsis

New York Times best-selling author and professor Brené Brown offers a powerful and inspiring book that explores how to cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to embrace your imperfections and to recognize that you are enough.

Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we’d no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, What if I can’t keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn’t everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?

In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown, PhD, a leading expert on shame, authenticity and belonging, shares what she’s learned from a decade of research on the power of Wholehearted Living–a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.

In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough, and to go to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.

-goodreads

Review

Oldie but goodie. 

I’m thankful for books that speak to you in moments where you really really need the words. The words may not be novel, but when they come in the form you need at that moment in your life, then it’s pretty special. THIS is one of those books. 

I literally finished this book in two sittings and learned so much from it. Even though it was first published in 2010, the wisdom and lessons in it are timeless.

I first heard about this book in a room on clubhouse which was full of book lovers from around the world. This was one of the recommendations someone gave when everyone was sharing their struggles with dealing with perfectionism, analysis paralysis  imposter syndrome and the likes.

I’ve learned valuable lessons in different aspects of life including on courage and compassion, living an authentic life, embracing imperfections, avoiding comparison, cultivating a heart of gratitude and tuning into my creativity. 

A lovely read in my books.

Check out other amazing non-fiction book recommendations on my youtube channel!👇🏽

My Hilarious NYSC Camp Experience 😂 |Memoirs of a Lazy Korfa Book Review

Title: Memoirs of a Lazy Korfa

Author: Tunmise Usikalu

Published By: Sophos Books Ltd.

Release Date: 2020

Genre: Non-fiction, Genre

Format: Paperback

Length: 106 pages

Synopsis

“Though this is only the first day of camp, as at 2:30pm or there about, I am already number 1,246! As if that’s not bad enough, we get matched over to the registration hall to get registered and have it over with and…wait for it…they are registering corper number TWO HUNDRED AND SOMETHING! (I didn’t care to know what the “something” was. It was not important). So here I am sitting on my traveling bag under a tree for shade and wondering what in heavens name I am doing here…”

This journal is a hilarious account of one corp member’s experience of three weeks at a Nigerian National Youth Service (NYSC) orientation camp.

Review

I enjoyed this one! Short, simple and sweet!

I literally finished it in one sitting. I loved how the memoir was real and relatable and straight to the point. No too much shalaye.😂 it brought back nostalgic feelings. It served the purpose it was for and is a good recommendation to come out of a reading slump!

I totally enjoyed my NYSC experience but would definitely NOT go back if I had the chance!

Verdict

A nice 8/10.

Watch my review and my HILARIOUS NYSC Experience by clicking the link below! I share my experience and loads of photos! I enjoyed making this video and had a good laugh!

Book Review: I’m Telling The Truth But I’m Lying

Title: I’m Telling The Truth But I’m Lying

Author: Bassey Ikpi

Published By: Harper Perennial

Release Date: 2019

Genre: Memoir, Non-fiction

Format: Paperback

Length: 248 pages

Synopsis

In this remarkable memoir-in-essays, Basset Ikpi explores her life-as a Nigerian American immigrant, a black woman, a slam poet, a daughter, an artist – through the lens of her mental health and diagnoses of bipolar II and anxiety.

In I’m Telling the Truth but I’m Lying, Bassey Ikpi breaks open our understanding of mental health by giving us intimate access to her own. Exploring shame. Confusion, medication and family in the process, Bassey looks at how mental health impacts every aspect of our lives- how we appear to others. and most important to ourselves – and challenges our preconceptions about what it means to be “normal”. Viscerally raw and honest. The result is an exploration of the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of who we are – and the ways, as honest as we try to be, each of these stories is also a lie.

Review

Whoosh!

Where do I start from?

Hands Down one of the most beautiful books I have ever read in a long while! Such honesty and openness that the author exhibited in penning this work of art.

As a mental health advocate, I loved the book because it highlighted certain conversations that should be had in Nigeria on mental health. Through Bassey Ikpi’s eyes, readers are able to understand what someone who goes through anxiety and bipolar disorder feels.

I recommend for every Nigerian, mental health advocate, Nigerians with mental health issues and everyone dealing with Biplolar II and/or anxiety (whether or not you know what it’s called).

I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing Bassey Ikpi and loved every second of it!From her book to mental health issues to Bassey’s journey with Bipolar II and Anxiety to Motherhood and mental health awareness in Nigeria, we had an amazing time discussing the book!

Watch the full book review and my interview with Bassey Ikpi by clicking the links below:

JUN-LY BOOK HAUL (OR THE BOOKS I BOUGHT AND RECEIVED IN JUNE AND JULY)

Hi guys!

SO I’ve been on a social media/youtube break for a couple of weeks; taking time to just refresh and rest. I am excited to be back bringing you book-ish content!

Today, I share the books I bought and received in the months of June and July or as I call it, my JUNLY Book Haul!

Enjoy!

Book Review: The Farm and Other Stories

Title: The Farm and Other Stories

Author: Adesuwa Iluobe

Published By: First published by the author under a pseudonym, Satayaa

Release Date: 2017

Genre: Fiction

Format: Paperback

Length: 174 pages

Synopsis

In a rustic part of Nigeria, an unusual farm records uncommon success and productivity in its operations. Separated from her loved ones, Moremi is flung into an unfamiliar world that is highly expectant of her. Amidst fatal changes, bizarre alliances, the quest for wealth and love, she finds an unlikely friend in Ugonna. Together they must do their part to ensure the continued success of the Farm. With each choice they make, their lives unfold before them until they stumble upon a shattering revelation that unsettles what little balance there is at the Farm.

Review

We selected this book as our read at The Readers’ Hub Book Club for the month of June 2020. The author of the book is a member of our book club so we were honoured to have read her book and reviewed same in her presence.

The book is divided into four stories with “The Farm” being the major story. Without giving too much away, the Farm gives an in-depth expose into baby making factory which poses as a typical farm to outsiders. The story delves into the lives of women who have found themselves, by different means, in a baby making factory in eastern Nigeria. Some of these women are held against their will, raped continuously by members of a gang and are obligated to bear children which are in turn sold to affluent members of the society.

The other stories in the book tell gripping and heart-wrenching stories of love birds torn apart in the most disastrous of circumstances common in Northern Nigeria and young women who are given away as child brides and made to bear children even though they are as young as 12.

This book is truly one of a kind. I do not think I have read anything quite like it.

I honestly did not know what to expect when I picked up this book because I had not read anything else by the author. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. I loved the way the author used fictional stories to explore and shine a light on really deep societal themes and issues that plague Nigeria as a whole from baby factories to child brides and the effect of having children at really young ages to insecurity, death and the negative impacts of terrorism in Northern Nigeria.

In my opinion, the book is a great attempt at personalising the accounts of victims of some of these heinous and life-changing activities happening around us in every day life. As human beings, it is easy to hear some of these issues on the local news or look at certain individuals as mere statistics, but often times than not, we fail to understand deeply, and cannot even begin to relate to the negative impact these activities have on human beings living in these areas in Nigeria. This book is one of such exposes into the ordinary lives of those we often classify as statistics.

The writing style of the author was simple. and easy to understand. While most of the book was told in. the third person narrative, one of the. stories was told in the first person narrative, giving it a much more personal feel. And the plot twists??? Whoosh! I loved the plot twists in The Farm (which had me screaming “ewwwooo” at some point, because I”m randomly. extra like that). I commend the author for a job well done on that.

Although I felt the end of The Farm was a little rushed and I would have preferred the other stories to have been longer (for purely selfish reasons), I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It. was a huge eye-opener for me and I enjoyed discussing it at our book club meet for the month of May 2020. I recommend!

Verdict

A strong 8/10 from me.

P.S. I spoke about The Farm and Other Stories in my “Maypril” wrap up. Watch below:

My WEIRD Reading Habits

I think I have the some of the weirdest reading habits known to humanity. *laughing at myself and crying happily in satisfaction*

I jumped on The Reading Habits Tag on Booktube and tagged myself in it since I was not tagged by anyone. I however made sure I tagged quite a number of my booktube friends so they could answer the questions.

I had a great time filming and answering questions on my reading habits. It’s a lovely way for other booktubers and book lovers to get to know you better. The questions I answered from the tag are:

  1. Do you have a certain place at home for reading?
  2. Bookmark or random piece of paper?
  3. Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter/ a certain amount of pages?
  4. Do you eat or drink while reading?
  5. Multitasking: Music or TV while reading?
  6. One book at a time or several at once?
  7. Reading at home or everywhere?
  8. Reading out lout or silently in your head?
  9. Do you read ahead or even skip pages?
  10. Breaking the spine or keeping it new?
  11. Do you write in your book?
  12. When do you find yourself reading? Morning, afternoon, evening, whenever you get the chance or all the time?
  13. What is your best setting to read in?
  14. What form do you prefer? Audiobook, E-book or physical book?
  15. Do you have a unique habit when you read?

So if you have ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of all these books I read, then by all means, enjoy the video below: