The Girl with the Louding Voice

The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré is a coming-of-age story set in Nigeria. 

Adunni is fourteen. She lives in the village of Ikati. Her mother made her father promise to keep Adunni in school when she died. Her mother said that the more education you had the better your louding voice, your ability to speak up for yourself. 

Now her father has taken her out of school. There is no money to pay the fees. He cannot pay the rent for them and her two brothers. His solution is to marry Adunni to a man who can afford a good bride price. Adunni has no desire to get married. Her true love is learning. 

Any further details would necessarily include spoilers. Daré has written a heartwarming story set in a country rich and alive, but with a huge wealth gap. Though she has an arduous journey, Adunni is a beautiful character who could be many girls in Nigeria. She is always hopeful and that is what allows her to get where she wants to be. Read this wonderful story. 

Daré, Abi. (2020). The Girl With The Louding Voice. New York: Dutton.

Into the Light (Out of the Dark #2)

Into the Light by David Weber and Chris Kennedy is the sequel to Out of the Dark - a military science fiction about Earth being invaded and the rebuilding after the war. 

After the war with the Shongairi, Earth must rebuild. Many need the basics - food and shelter - after the loss of so many cities around the globe. A new government must be set up partly to allocate resources and to protect people from those taking advantage of the chaos. The technology that the Shongairi brought will make rebuilding faster than it would have been after a human war. 

The characters who lead the fighting in the first book must pivot to what their skills can be used for now. Dave Dvorak, Governor Howell, Abu Bakr and others will do what they have to do to make sure the Earth is never again in such a vulnerable position. 

Weber created a military science fiction plot that highlights the strength of humans to never give up. The aliens who have a very different sort of logic had no idea what they were in for! This is a great read for scifi fans.

Weber, David & Chris Kennedy. (2020). Into the Light. New York: Tor.

You Just Need to Lose Weight and 19 Other Myths About Fat People

You Just Need to Lose Weight and 19 Other Myths About Fat People by the brilliant Aubrey Gordon is a book for everyone to read.

We live in a world of social and systematic anti-fat bias. In this book Gordon debunks the ideas that have helped to create this body of myths.

Broken into easy to digest bits that make up the false logic that our institutions base their policies on, this book will make you think about your biases. From using the BMI as a measure of health (it was a survey of the people in Norway and was never meant to be diagnostic or related to health - until insurance companies started using it to raise rates), to the idea that skinny is healthier, this breakdown of how we got here is easy to read and eye opening. 

Also check out Aubrey Gordon's podcast, Maintenance Phase, for a very entertaining listen while you learn a ton.

Gordon, Aubrey. (2023). You Just Need to Lose Weight and 19 Other Myths About Fat People. Boston: Beacon.

The Mountain in the Sea

In The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler a new sentient species is discovered – on Earth. 

A previously unencountered species of octopus seems to have a language. Video from an unmanned sub show what appears to be both a culture and a language – normally octopuses do not form family groups, so knowledge is not passed down (a requirement for both culture and language). 

Marine biologist Ha Nguyen is flying to the archipelago of Con Dao. The islands were recently purchased by the megacorp DIANIMA and all who were living the were relocated to the mainland. 

When Dr Nguyen arrives, she is greeted by the world’s most advanced AI person and a security specialist that would give monsters nightmares. 

Nayler has written a fascinating story of intelligent life and consciousness. This is a great book.

Nayler. Ray. (2022). The Mountain in the Sea. New York: MCD.

Tiny but Mighty: Kitten Lady’s Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines

Tiny but Mighty: Kitten Lady’s Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines by Hannah Shaw is the ultimate kitten rescue book. 

Filled with step-by-step advice for helping the tiniest kittens, this is the only book you will need. It is a must-have for anyone who might find themself with a little one to save. 

This book is helpful and have the most precious photos. 

Shaw, Hannah. (2019). Tiny but Mighty: Kitten Lady’s Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines. New York: Plume.