I feel like it’s also been the cause of my reading slumps lately. I’m all excited and pumped about reading this book and it doesn’t meet my expectations. I have so many backlist books and books I own that I want to read. Most of these ARCS I did enjoy and I was excited to share with you guys. I can’t wait to create more content.
ARC #1 Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust (Release date July 7th 2020)
This book is a Sleeping Beauty with the concept of a poisonous girl in a garden from “Rappaccini’s Daughter” and mythology. When I first picked up Girl Serpent Thorn I wasn’t invested in the characters, even at the end I’m not really caring about picking up the next book. I’m not in love with this in anyway it wasn’t terrible because I read the whole thing.
I liked the themes of the book finding your purpose and loving yourself among others. This was also the first book I picked up from this author. Honestly reading this it seemed like every other typical fantasy love triangle story. There’s BI rep in this book the main character Soraya as well as Azad. I like how they discuss not labeling and not but sure of their sexuality, just how it’s pretty much okay not know exactly who you are. There were very few things I liked about this book but it’s for someone out there just not me.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️
https://bookshop.org/books/girl-serpent-thorn-9781250196149/9781250196149
ARC #2 Historically Inaccurate by Shay Bravo (Release date September 29th, 2020)
This book was unique in the fact that the story was set in a History club in a college. I think that’s a different perspective and just a unique twist to the story. I didn’t like the “hazing” aspect. I enjoyed reading from the perspective of Soledad who’s mom was deported. Seeing what they go through in a daily life and the struggles of trying to keep your family together at such great distances. I loved reading about the close relationship between Carlos and Soledad. Soledad’s character really reminds of myself in some ways with her fiery attitude. This book had some slow parts but the story was very interesting. Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️
https://bookshop.org/books/historically-inaccurate/9781989365373
ARC #3 This is My America by Kim Johnson (Release date July 28th, 2020)
I’m so happy I got the opportunity as a young black women to read this book. I was able to relate to this in a lot of ways. This is a story that you don’t read about often. People being wrongly imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit. Tracy as a young girl in high school is trying to find a way to prove her father’s innocence, and defend her family. I loved reading about Tracy she was such a strong fearless character she was passionate about speaking out about injustices against black people.
Tracy is torn between her family and relationships and has to make so many crucial decisions. This book talks a lot about family values, experiencing extreme racism, growing up with a parent incarcerated, as well as privilege and influence . So many young adults and teens should read this book. It’s so important that we stress the importance of Black Lives Matter.
There’s so many black men falsely accused and imprisoned because of crimes they didn’t commit and that don’t receive a fair trial. There’s so much betrayal, secrets and suspense in this book, it kept me on the edge of my seat. I wasn’t able to put this book down or put my attention to anything else. I can’t wait to get a finished copy of this. Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
https://bookshop.org/books/this-is-my-america/9780593118764
ARC #4 It is Wood, It is Stone by Gabriella Burnham (Release date July 28th, 2020)
This is an LGBTQ contemporary romance, this was a quick read that I actually really enjoyed. I was unaware that this book was heavily romance based when I was approved for it. The book follows 3 women through São Paulo. The story follows Linda who’s spending a year in Brazil while her husband teaches university. She’s coming to terms of whether or not she should leave her husband as well as looking back at the choices she’s made up to that point. Marta the maid and Celia. There’s relationship struggles, lesbian relations, family drama and struggling with not knowing who you are. I’m glad the ending turned out the way that it did, i was glad the things were resolved. I recommend this if you’re interested in LGBTQ contemporary romance. I loved that this book took place in Brazil, even though they came from the U.S. It put a unique twist on the story. Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
https://bookshop.org/books/it-is-wood-it-is-stone/9781984855831
ARC #5 The Black Kids Christina Hammonds Reed (Release date August 4th, 2020)
Black Lotus Reads 
I’m glad I’m not the only one who didn’t like Girl, Serpent, Thorn! I hope this month is full of brilliant books for you 🙂
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I really don’t know what made everyone so crazy over that book. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one!! Thank you so much, you as well!!!
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I need to read This Is My America! I’m glad it was a 5 star read for you. I know it’s going to be amazing.
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I really hope you enjoy it, it was amazing 💕
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