Review of ‘Maame’, by Jessica George—Must Read Summary here. What an incredible read.  It was moving on so many levels, but ultimately uplifting.  At the age of 25, Maddie is the primary caregiver for her father, who has advanced Parkinson’s.  Her mother spends long periods of time in her native Ghana—and by long, I mean… Read More Book Review Round-Up: December 2022 The post Book Review Round-Up: December 2022 appeared first on Journalling Joy on Sahar's Blog ..read more

Review of ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’, by Jeanette McCurdy When I first heard of the title of this book, knowing nothing of Jeanette McCurdy, I wondered if it was a little clickbait-y, quite honestly. It absolutely is not.  I myself was quite happy when McCurdy’s mother passed.  And this, I think, sounds pretty bad,… Read More Book Review Round-Up: October 2022 The post Book Review Round-Up: October 2022 appeared first on Journalling Joy on Sahar's Blog ..read more

Review of ‘Stories from the Tenants Downstairs’, by Sidik Fofana—Must Read I believe that fiction is essential in shaping our future for the better (one reason why I review books).  One reason is that it helps us see beyond our privilege, so that we can understand the challenges that face us, collectively, and use said… Read More Book Review Round-Up: August 2022 The post Book Review Round-Up: August 2022 appeared first on Journalling Joy on Sahar's Blog ..read more

Review of ‘Every Summer After’, by Carley Fortune Sam and Charlie live in the house beside Percy’s family’s summer chalet.  The trio meet when they are pre-teens, with Percy and Sam becoming fast friends.  As the years advance, their friendship turns to more.  But then everything falls apart and the two don’t speak for twelve… Read More Book Review Round-Up: May 2022 The post Book Review Round-Up: May 2022 appeared first on Journalling Joy on Sahar's Blog ..read more

Review of ‘Concrete Rose’, by Angie Thomas—Book Club Contender A big part of the anti-racism activism I am involved in requires having a lot of conversations, during which I attempt to answer the same questions again and again (or find resources that will help me answer the questions).  One of the questions I find myself… Read More Book Review Round-Up: February and March 2021, Part 2 of 2 The post Book Review Round-Up: February and March 2021, Part 2 of 2 appeared first on Journalling Joy on Sahar's Blog ..read more

Review of ‘Don’t Stand So Close To Me’, by Eric Walters I have to admit that I am still a little in shock it has been a year since this pandemic has been declared, and quite annoyed at the way we didn’t manage, as a whole, to come together and fight this thing as efficiently… Read More Book Review Round-Up: February and March 2021, Part 1 of 2 The post Book Review Round-Up: February and March 2021, Part 1 of 2 appeared first on Journalling Joy on Sahar's Blog ..read more

About the Author, Sarah Stonich Sarah Stonich been awarded a number of grants, including a Minnesota State Arts Board Fellowship and a Loft McKnight Fellowship.  Her first novel, There Granite Islands, was translated to eight languages and was short-listed for France’s prestigious Grand Prix de lectrices d’Elle.  Her second novel The Ice Chorus has been… Read More Book Review: ‘Fishing!’, by Sarah Stonich The post Book Review: ‘Fishing!’, by Sarah Stonich appeared first on Journalling Joy on Sahar's Blog ..read more

Review of ‘No Fixed Address’, by Susan Nielsen (Must-Read) When I read Nickled and Dimed, I remembered thinking that this book should be turned into a movie, a TV show, and a series of books, and that the story of the struggle of the working poor should be shared in a way that will make… Read More Book Review Round-Up: June 2020 The post Book Review Round-Up: June 2020 appeared first on Journalling Joy on Sahar's Blog ..read more