Off The Shelf -- Death of the Author

 I was introduced to Nnedi Okorafor through the Levar Burton Reads podcast, and I was excited to read this novel.  Zelu is at a crossroads in her life.  She has lost her career, her novel has been rejected, and there's drama at her sister's wedding.  Disabled from a childhood accident, frustrated by the overprotectiveness of her Nigerian family, Zelu writes a science fiction novel about robots, AI, and the fall of humanity.  

That summary barely scratches the surface.  This is a story of love, loss, identity, connection, and the power of story.  Zelu is multilayered, complicated, and raw.  Her relationships with her family & other loved ones are wonderfully crafted, poignant, and real.  Her lived experience speaks volumes about the life of a disabled, African American woman and how American and Nigerian societies view both women and people with disabilities.  The interwoven novel only highlights the story.  The perspective of this story was informative, enlightening.  It's a thought provoking novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity to read & review this title.  The opinions here are mine & freely given. 

Off The Shelf -- A Victim at Valentine's

 

This is the fifth title in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series & doesn't disappoint.  The bookstore is the venue for a Valentine's themed matchmaking event.  All is going well, love is in the air until Annie discovers the body of one of the sponsors of the the event.  She & her loved ones are drawn into investigating with the encouragement of Annie's mentor, Detective Caldwell. This book also progresses the story of Annie's investigation of her friend's murder that occurred before the series began.

I continue to enjoy this series.  The mystery was well plotted, though I figured it out before the reveal.  I just like these characters, their relationships, and this setting.  I so wish this bookstore was real.   Definitely read this series.

Thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read & review this title.  The opinions given are solely mine and freely given.