Fiction, Book recommendations, Book summaries
"Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people – people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book."
-E.B. White
In the month of April I decided to go with two "light" reads. I consider fiction novels to be light because unlike non-fiction books they don't require deep introspection and reflection. I love how I get to flip through the pages and follow the lives of the interesting characters in each novel. This is an introduction to Fiction reviews and posts on this page, what an exciting time!
In this article I will share my thoughts and opinions of the two books that I read in the month of April. In addition, I will rate the books on a scale from 1-5 and give a brief outline of the books. The books that will be discussed include;
The 30th Candle by Angela Makholwa
Excuse me while I ugly cry by Joya Goffney
1. The 30th Candle
I give this book a 5 star rating. It is beautifully written, I found it to be entertaining, relatable and exciting. This is my second read from Angela Makholwa and I must say I love her work. Her books have a common thread among them, they draw you in and the character development is impeccable.
Genres: Modern & contemporary fiction
Number of pages: 310
Read this book if
You are over the age of 25
You are looking for a book that will keep you entertained
Synopsis
Thirtieth Birthdays loom… Skeletons come creeping out of closets…
How will this Birthday end?
Linda has just cast off yet another lover, while Dikeledi can’t seem to pin her fast-talking lawyer down to talk about marriage. Nolwazi has a secret – one she can’t share even with her closest friends, while Sade has found the perfect man, and a new life that will shut out the horrors of her past forever. Or will it …?
Linda, Dikeledi, Nolwazi and Sade are about to discover more than the wisdom that comes with being a year older. After all, they’re young, gifted and black in a booming new South Africa.
The book covers topics such as friendship, betrayal, loyalty, romance, marriage and comparison.
2. Excuse me while I ugly cry
Another 5 star rating from me. It is witty, sweet and beautifully written. I don't usually pick up Young Adult (YA) books, this was my first but I was surprisingly enjoyed it. It felt like a long hug my 18 year old self needed.
Genres: General Fiction
Number of pages: 368
Read this book if
1. You are looking for a light and inspiring book
2. You want to read a book about friendship, self-discovery and young love
Synopsis
This book is filled with juicy secrets and chemistry that leaps off the page, it is a passionate, humorous, and addicting romantic comedy about how we choose to live our lives and what it means to live our truth.
In this book we follow the life of Quinn Jackson who keeps lists of everything - from the days she's ugly cried, to things that she would never admit out loud, "five lies people believe about her" and the worst things about being human. Her lists keep her sane. By writing her fears (as well as embarrassing and cringe-worthy truths) on paper, she never has to face them in real life.
That is, until her journal goes missing . . . An anonymous account posts one of her lists on Instagram for the whole school to see and blackmails her into facing seven of her greatest fears, or else her entire journal will go public. Quinn doesn't know who to trust. Desperate, she teams up with Carter Bennett - the last known person to have her journal and who Quinn loathes - in a race against time to track down the blackmailer. Together, they journey through everything Quinn's been too afraid to face, and along the way, Quinn finds the courage to be honest, to live in the moment, and to fall in love.
A cute light read that is great for unwinding.
The book tackles topics such as friendship, family dynamics, loyalty, young romance, bravery & courage.
A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.
-William Styron
