Round two of Maddy’s reviews! This week it’s literary books mini reviews. We’ve got some contemporary, some dark academia, realistic fiction (ish) and non fiction! I couldn’t think of a genre to fit them all so hopefully literary counts?

Literary Books Mini Reviews

If you’d like to read my last edition of Maddy’s Mini Reviews, then click here (it was fantasy edition)! Honestly the books I’ve reviewed below are some that I’d hoped I would have the time to write a full review – they deserve the love! But writing mini reviews has definitely made blogging more enjoyable, so I guess there’s always a pro to a con!

Queenie By Candice Carty – Williams

Whilst I love the themes presented in this book (mental health, being a WOC, sexual/ verbal abuse, cultural stigma and in general racism), I did at find found the book being a bit rocky and a lil disjointed. I honestly do love that Queenie is such a bold and loud book, with a complex main character and great humour. It’s balanced well with the topics expressed in the book. I will say that I did find a few generalisations/stereotypes for Black people within this book, I’d recommend reading up on own voices reviews! Overall, 3.5 stars.

Pride By Ibi Zoboi

A Pride and Prejudice retelling with every character starring being of colour? Count me in. I honestly loved the audiobook of this one, Elizabeth Acevedo is a new favourite (review of The Poet X here)! I promised myself I’d write a full review, and tbh, if I find the time – I might still! It’s not exactly P&P, as I felt the “hatred” towards Darius wasn’t justified. However, this book did have a fluffy vibe – perfect to get out of a slump. I found that there was a storyline wanting to stick to P&P and then a storyline trying to become more then that. Even if it didn’t really have that charm and cuteness the original Pride and Prejudice has, I still enjoyed this one a lot! A 3 or 4 star?

We Should All Be Feminists By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Non fiction and essays is a genre I’d never usually pick up. But I really wanted a quick audiobook to listen as I do household chores I procrastinated on the whole week. Hearing a strong, independent woman passionately talk in my ear about feminism whilst I clean was honestly so motivating and I’d 10/10 recommend! It’s kind of an introductory abut intersectional feminism/feminism, I found out some facts which had me stopping with a duster in hand, thinking wtf? Bold and eloquent, a 5/5 with no doubt.

If We Were Villains By M.L. Rio

I fell into the hype of dark academia and I’m not mad at all. This book has everything I love, messed up characters, a close knit found family, murder mystery and dealing with maturing. I’m not obsessed with Shakespeare, but I appreciate a lot of his works and I love how this was integrated in this book! Cleverly written with a gripping plot and twists, I binged this book! I did kinda see one plot twist coming, but that’s really because of minor spoilers from the hype. Definitely one of those books where you reread and think omgsh I can’t believe I missed that hint to a plot twist. 5/5, maybe a full review when I reread!

Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

After loving We Should All Be Feminist, I knew that my next procrastinated chore would have to be when I could listen to this audiobook! This didn’t impact me as much as that book which is why it’s a 4 star. But I do love how concise and interesting this was. Certain etiquetes about Nigerian women I had no clue they “had” to follow, and pointing out things in childhood that makes girls believe they can’t- this book had me reflecting on my experiences as a woman and how that will vary in different countries. I loved how she talked about marriage and raising a child, I’d recommend to anyone, regardless if you’re at that stage or not.

Literary books mini reviews is now a wrap, definitely a mix of genres and styles, but fun to review nevertheless. I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments, or even through my bookstagram and twitter, Seriously do as I live for bookish discussions!