Reviewer: @lifewithtishaj (Instagram)
This was a fun journey of self-discovery through the South African bush, peppered with Afrikaans slang and moments of humour. Alex often speaks her mind, without thinking through the impact thereof often coming across as harsh. Upon the prodding of a tourist, she takes a (calculated) risk but as a result, loses her job and has to return to her parents home, where we meet her successful siblings, horrible brother-in-law and sweet friend, Saskia. Alex gets her dream job at Yamihle and she has to manage the consequences of her actions, but in the process growing significantly reacting more maturely which is admirable. The climax beings it all to a head and is resolved in manner that leaves you hopeful, eager to learn what happens next with the characters you have come to like.
This story has it all, romance, drama, self-discovery, espionage (of a sort), complex family dynamics, blackmail and cute scenes. It was fun to read a book with mannerisms that we have heard in our daily settings as well as celebrates the beauty of South Africa, which is plentiful. I did not like Alex at the beginning of the story, finding her somewhat selfish and childish and I enjoyed having my opinion change as I read further. My favourite character was Legend who was unpredictable, a little crazy and most importantly, fair. I wanted to see more of him and what was teased at, in the last few chapters.
Pick this up for an easy read about a journey of self-growth set in the gorgeous South African bush, that will leave you wanting to go on a safari yourself.
@bookishly_koi (Instagram)
Okay, this is probably one of the best @authoranahuang books I’ve ever read. It just had everything I adore in this “dark romance”, and I’m honestly a little obsessed.
Ayana is the definition of a strong, independent woman, and I adored her. What stood out most was how open she was when it came to communication, especially with Vuk. Any time there was tension or awkwardness between her and Vuk she tackled it head-on. She was brave in how she confronted him and honest in expressing her feelings. Yes, she had moments where she struggled to stand up for herself in other areas of her life. But when it came to Vuk, I liked that she was willing to challenge him and she didn’t shy away from difficult conversations.
Vuk, on the other hand, is the deadly silent type. Given that he doesn’t speak after a traumatic incident where he was nearly killed and lost his brother, he chooses his words very carefully. He mostly uses ASL or deep broody stares to communicate, so when he does use his voice, you know it matters. I loved that he wasn’t just this alpha male to throw a credit card at a situation to try to solve it. Yes, he does have money and is super successful in business but he is still morally grey and will kill for justice.
The romance in this is a highlight. I adored that Vuk Markovic didn’t just love Ayana… he yearned for her. He was wholly and completely besotted, obsessed and so devoted to her that you could feel his aching heart as he pined for Ayana. It’s like he’s obsessed to the point that thinking about her makes him feel pain. Honestly I just I love how the two of them were just drawn together!
Overall, I adored this and recommend it to anyone who loves a dark broody scary billionaire who will do anything for his girl!
Reviewer: @just_reading_no_thandolwethu (Instagram)
Genre: Non-fiction (self-help). I would put this one in a category I would like to term “new age self-help) because I feel that it is written for a time such as this one. I would like to think that even people that are not that into non-fiction would enjoy this book.
Number of pages: 275 pages
Pace: I felt that the first half of the book was fast paced whereas the second half was slow paced. I appreciate that the first half was fast because had it been the other way around, I probably would have not finished the book.
Rating: 4/5 stars C+.
About this book: This book seeks to help you get out of your own way by providing you with 10 easy steps on how to discover what is getting in the way of your progress, how to deal with past trauma, how to be more self-aware, how to learn from the past, how to improve the present and how to live your most authentic life.
Who should read this book: I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone that would like to change their lives. More so people that feel intimidated by big changes or doing the big things as I believe that this book is about focusing on changing yourself, your thinking letting go of past traumas, self-care, self-love and living your life on your terms by just simply getting out of your way (head).
What I liked:
- The note to the reader saying “take what works for you” not everything will work for everyone so do and take only that which will work, and that which you are comfortable with.
- I loved that I got to learn things I didn’t know. Like that Netflix started as a postal service where they mailed you the movie and you mailed it back once done.
- I always appreciate books with trigger warnings and disclaimers.
- The quotes in between the chapters were a great add.
- I liked that the author promotes celebrating yourself at each task. This I found to be different from most self-help books I’ve read.
- I liked that the author prompts you to visualise the pros and cons, and that can really help make decision making that much easier.
- The explanation of the Snowball effect on page 186. As someone that has heard about the snowball effect, I was fascinated to understand what it really entails, and I realised that I had never really taken the time to understand the concept.
- I loved the closing remarks. I love books that after reading motivate me to forge forward and get to work or doing whatever it is I set out to do.
What I did not like:
- The second half or at least the last quarter wasn’t as punchy as the first 3 quarters.
Quotes I liked from the book:
- “But trusting in the plan you have put in place regardless of the low moments means you will soon laugh in places where you have previously cried.”
- “No person is just one thing, and while those closest to you may always see you as a singular type of person, you can still surprise people with your multifaceted
- personality.”
- “Let me fall if I must fall. The one I am becoming will catch me.”
Take-outs from the book:
When you are planning out your day remember to plan breaks. This is something I have never thought about, but I see its importance and I believe it’s something we should speak about me.
Keep your things to yourself at least until they are already rolling, and you’ve seen some success. People will always give you advise from how they relate to the situation or how they think it will impact them. So, to protect your dreams, keep them to yourself.
Reviewer: @__jhordynmurray__(Instagram)
Hope you are Satisfied by Tania Malik is a vibrant and darky comic novel set in 1990s Dubai , a city on the cusp of transformation and political upheaval. The story follows Riya who is a 25 year old Indian migrant working for a company called Discover Arabia , which is a modest tour company catering to Western tourists. Riya is caught between her family’s expectations back home as well as her uncertain future whilst navigating a life of temporary pleasures and precarious survival in a city that offers opportunity and entrapment. This novel delves into themes of identity, belonging and the complexities of the migrant experience. Riya’s journey is one of self- discovery and resilience , as she navigates the challenges of being an outsider in a foreign land. I really enjoyed the friendship dynamic and how it also showcased itself , that even when you are a place where you can feel super alone , you can have a band of people in your corner , and that proved even more true towards the end of the novel , when Riya made those decisions not only to care for her family but also to make sure Grace was safe and protected , she put her friends life before her own , which is admirable. I also really liked the use of imagery in certain instances to describe how the characters were feeling towards one another , the relationship between Freddy and Riya felt very heavy and as if they just had so much to say to one another , and yet no words were ever spoken , and that contrasted quite a bit with the connection she had with the American Soldier which was easy and instant. This book was short and quick to read , I highly recommend it.
marshallreads (Instagram)
4⭐️
A delightful blend of dark humor and sharp wit. The story follows Kitty Collins as she navigates a world filled with satire and social commentary, tackling serious themes with a comedic twist. While the plot is engaging and the characters are well-developed, some moments may feel a bit over the top. Overall, it’s a fun read that keeps you entertained from start to finish!
The narrative is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists that keep readers on their toes. Kitty Collins is a relatable and chaotic protagonist, making her journey both entertaining and thought-provoking. The supporting characters add depth and humor, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Katy Brent masterfully intertwines dark comedy with serious themes, addressing issues like misogyny and male violence in a way that is both impactful and humorous. The satirical elements provide a fresh perspective on societal norms, making readers reflect while they laugh.
At times, the plot may feel a bit predictable or far-fetched, which could detract from the overall tension. Some readers might find the graphic details exaggerated for shock value, but this aligns with the book’s dark comedic tone.
The story is a captivating read that balances humor with serious undertones, making it a worthwhile addition to the Kitty Collins series. Fans of dark comedies and thrillers will likely enjoy this book, and it leaves readers eager for more from this author.
