November 2 2021

Other Words For Home, by Jasmine Warga

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Other Words for Home, by Jasmine Warga

Title: Other Words For Home
Author: Jasmine Warga
Genre/ issues: Middle grade. Verse novel. Refugee/ migrant issues.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

“Hoping,
I’m starting to think,
might be the bravest thing a person can do.”

Other Words for Home is a breathtaking verse novel for middle grade readers, written with sensitivity, heart, and a beautiful lyricism that carries you from page to page.
Jude loves her family and her best friend in Syria, but when things in her hometown become volatile, she moves with her mother to live with relatives in Cincinnati. It doesn’t feel like home – it’s too fast, too loud, and the language is too different. But she finds hope in unexpected places – her ESL class, her new friends, and the school play that she might try out for. Jude finds her way in a new and unfamiliar place, trying to figure out whether home is where she has come from or where she is now. And as she finds home, she might also find herself.
@jasminewargabooks explores some heavy topics, such as racism, identity and belonging, and this book balances the depth and darkness of these experiences with a light and gentle touch. A beautiful story, beautifully written.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 184/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

October 24 2021

Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds

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Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds

Title: Long Way Down
Author: Jason Reynolds
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. YA fiction. Black lives matter. Generational trauma.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

“Another thing about the Rules
They weren’t meant to be broken.
They were meant for the broken

to follow.”

I thought I’d be prepared for the graphic novel version of Long Way Down by @jasonreynolds83. I read the verse novel last year and was in awe of the strength and sensitivity of the storytelling. Add the graphic illustrations by @novgorodoff, and it’s a whole added level of punch.
Will is 15. His older brother has just been shot, and the Rules say that it’s Will’s duty to get revenge. To find the man who killed Shawn and shoot him. He takes the gun from his brother’s hiding place, and gets in the elevator, pressing the button for the lobby with a plan laid out.
But as the lift descends, the doors open on each floor of the building, admitting people from Will’s past who definitely shouldn’t be there, and who all provide another perspective on the Rules.
Reynolds’ poetry is stunning, sparse and powerful, and Novgorodoff’s watercolour artwork drives this tragedy of generational trauma and gang violence home even deeper. If you’ve not read this book, I’d highly recommend it. So incredibly good, words don’t seem to do it justice.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 180/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

June 30 2021

Are you there, Buddha? by Pip Harry

Are you there, Buddha?

Are you there, Buddha? by Pip Harry

Title: Are you there, Buddha?
Author: Pip Harry
Genre/ issues: Middle grade. Verse novels. Coming of age.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

Happy book birthday to the wonderful Are You There, Buddha? by the very talented Pip Harry. The second I saw this book I was transported back to my early teens, reminded of the impact that Judy Blume’s novel had on me, and I was thrilled to discover that the title was no coincidence. The verse novel introduces us to Bee, whose mother left to find herself in an ashram in India, and whose stepmother gives her a copy of Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret, in her ongoing attempts to connect with her. Bee reluctantly admits that it’s not a completely terrible book, and starts talking to Buddha in an attempt to feel connected with her mother, and begs for her first period to not arrive. Bee is a talented swimmer, and whilst she doesn’t have a close group of friends at school, her BFF Leon is a surfer, a fellow member of the swim team, and the hottest guy in year 8.
We follow Bee through starting high school, navigating a swim season, dealing with family changes, and her experiences with puberty hitting whether she’s ready for it or not, against the backdrop of bush fires, smoke haze and water restrictions. It’s beautifully written, insightfully capturing the voice of a unique, engaging and resilient main character who I quickly loved and cared about. Whilst it’s a beautiful homage to Blume’s timeless novel, Are You There, Buddha? is an important and powerful novel all of its own. A must-read for middle-grade and YA readers who could do with some reassurance that their experiences of navigating family, friends, and their changing bodies are completely normal, as well as adults who could do with the reminder of just what our young people are dealing with. A joyous, sweet and emotional book that is one of my favourites of the year so far.
Content notes (and spoilers): contains description of parental pressure and abuse of a side character, and description of the process of figuring out how tampons work. Neither are extended or explicit, and are presented with a gentle and insightful sensitivity and honesty to support readers and Bee through these experiences. It’s out today- get yourself a copy!

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 101/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

May 11 2021

The She Book, by Tanya Markul

The She Book

The She Book, by Tanya Markul

Title: The She Book
Author: Tanya Markul
Genre/ issues: Poetry. Feminism.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

I read The She Book by @tanyamarkul this afternoon whilst waiting to present at an online meeting (which I almost missed because technical difficulties of course kick in at the most inconvenient times!) I don’t quite remember how I came to get this – I know I added it to a recent online order because someone had recommended it somewhere. Maybe in my Feminist Bookclub group? I’m not sure. I’m also not sure that reading this in one sitting was the ideal way to consume it, because it feels like a “read a page at a time and ponder on what it means for your life” kind of book. Affirmations. Prayers. Reassurances that you’re broken, but your brokenness is completely ok. Some of them moved me deeply. Some of them didn’t hit home for Today Tamara, but I know that Past Tamara would have appreciated reading them, or Future Tamara may need to. Regardless, it felt like a lovely way to end a day where I read poetry by the wonderful @kirli.saunders and the inimitable Maya Angelou. Women, huh?

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 57/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

May 11 2021

And Still I Rise, by Maya Angelou

And Still I Rise

And Still I Rise, by Maya Angelou

Title: And Still I Rise
Author: Maya Angelou
Genre/ issues: Poetry. Race. Identity.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

I’ve always loved Maya Angelou’s poetry, and I picked up this edition of And Still I Rise at @diabolikbooks the other day. This adorable little set-up under the stairs was the perfect place to sit and read it today. So much powerful poetry – some I was familiar with, but a surprising number I’d not read or heard before, which was a great surprise!
I love the spaces @curtinuniversity have designed for students to read, relax and study around campus. This is one of my favourites – especially when a handsome man pops in to take you to lunch after he’s finished teaching classes for the morning!

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 56/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

May 11 2021

Kindred, by Kirli Saunders

Kindred

Kindred, by Kirli Saunders

Title: Kindred
Author: Kirli Saunders
Genre/ issues: Poetry. Family. Indigenous stories.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

It feels appropriate to have finished this stunning collection by Gunai woman @kirli.saunders sitting here in this beautiful artwork garden, Mardarburdar Alignment II by David Jones on Nyungar Land at @curtinuniversity. The sun, wind and water were the perfect reminder of the importance of country and connection to underpin the powerful poetry offered up in Kindred. There were moments in this collection that I felt like I was intruding on a story that wasn’t mine to hear – eavesdropping on a stolen conversation between lovers. There were moments where I felt fully seen, reminded of my own strength as a woman who nurtures and gives to those around me. And there were moments I feel privileged to have been witness to – the sharing of the generational trauma that was inflicted upon Australia’s Indigenous people, and continues to be carried out today, and the incredible strength and joy in the connection between family, community and culture that Kirli honours and celebrates. I’m incredibly moved by this collection of poetry, and am very proud of the sensitivity and strength shown in its writing by a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing this with the world, Kirli. It’s a privilege to add this to my story.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 55/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

May 8 2021

The Black Flamingo, by Dean Atta

The Black Flamingo

The Black Flamingo, by Dean Atta

Title: The Black Flamingo
Author: Dean Atta
Genre/ issues: YA. Verse novel. Queer fiction. Trans identity.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

I’ve had this book on my TBR for a while. I’m not quite sure what made me toss it in my suitcase whilst frantically packing the other night, but I’m very glad I did! The Black Flamingo is a fantastic verse novel by @deanatta. At its core, it’s about identify – how other people see us, how we see ourselves, and how we shape and define our relationship with both of these viewpoints. Mike is biracial, queer, raised by a single mother and ignored by an absent father, and throughout the course of 19 years in the narrative we see him question his own interests and the way that these are seen by those around him. From barbie dolls to flamingo toys to beards and feather boas, Mike’s relationships with his family and friends evolve, as does how he presents himself to the world, in his desire to feel proud and fierce and free. There were a number of moments through this poetic gem that brought me to tears, and I’ll be proudly adding this one to my bookshelf rather than adding it to my donations pile. I should have listened earlier when people told me I needed to read it- lesson learned, I guess!

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 50/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

January 4 2021

#2020ReadingChallenge wrap up

2020 books readBuckle in, readers, this is going to be a long one!

I started 2020 with the ambitious goal of reading 52 books throughout the year. but ended up more than doubling that. I read some incredible books – in fact, there’s almost nothing on here that I wouldn’t recommend to someone. There were indeed some stand-outs, and I’ve compiled my top 5 books in a few different categories, as well as a top 5 and top 20 books overall – because it was hard to narrow it down! I’ve really enjoyed challenging myself to read new things this year – I read more non-fiction than I normally do, I got back into reading comics again, and most of my books were written by own voices and/or BIPOC authors, and feature diverse and authentic representation of characters and experiences.

My stats:
📚 Total books read: 111
📚 New-to-me authors: 68
📚 Books featuring significant diverse content/ characters: 84
📚 Books by diverse authors: 73
📚 Rereads: 7
📚 Non-fiction: 11
📚 Comics/ graphics: 36
📚 Picture books: 13
📚 Audiobooks: 16
📚 Main genres: Contemporary (46), Fantasy (31), Sci-fi (27)
📚 Most recommended books: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans
📚 Most purchased book: Euphoria Kids.

I focused a lot this year on #diversifyingmybookshelf – consciously reading books by authors of colour, and featuring BIPOC characters that were authentically represented. I’ve always read queer literature pretty extensively, and one of my increasing focuses as the year went on was the representation of mental health and disability in my reading, particularly in YA books. I’ve enjoyed some of these #ownvoices reads most of all, and will be seeking out more fiction that presents these types of issues and characters in authentic and meaningful ways.

2020 was a good reading year for me, and I was surprised to see that I’d read more contemporary than anything else – I think of myself as a sci-fi/fantasy girl! I’m using TheStorygraph to track my #2021readingchallenge, so I’m interested to see how those stats come out at the end of this year – the above info is taken from my highly unscientific excel spreadsheet dump, after I realised that GoodReads wasn’t going to give me the goods.

Top 5 books

Top Books Overall

I’ve been debating how to present my top 10 list of reads from 2020, and figured out that whilst I can do a top 5 easily, narrowing the next 5 down was considerably more difficult. So, here are my top 5 reads of last year, along with a top 20.

Every single book in my top 5 I will read again, and have recommended to multiple people. I’ve also purchased multiple copies of them to give as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and “just because” gifts throughout the year.

In no particular order:

  • The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
  • The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
  • The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria “V.E.” Schwab
  • Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans
  • The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin
top 20 booksThe rest of my top 20 are all excellent reads, and all for different reasons. Some made me laugh. Some made me cry. They all made me think, and feel a whole lot of feelz. They all made me proud to be a reader, and inspired me more to strive to be a writer. At least half of them could have made it into my top 5 if one of the aforementioned authors had done a less-than-perfect job on their books. So here are 6-20 on my top 20, in no particular order:
  • How it feels to float, by Helena Fox
  • Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Alire Saenz
  • Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann
  • The Strangeworlds travel agency by LD Lapinski
  • Children of blood and bone by Tomi Adeyemi
  • Long way down by Jason Reynolds
  • The poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
  • Anxious people by Fredrik Backman
  • Future Girl by Asphyxia
  • They both die at the end by Adam Silvera
  • Snow, glass, apples, by Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran
  • Wonder Woman rebirth by Greg Rucka
  • Catch and kill by Ronan Farrow
  • Black enough: stories of being young and black in America, Ed by Ibi Zoboi
  • Peta Lyre’s rating normal by Anna Whateley

top 5 ya

Top 5 YA reads

I read a lot of YA – most than half the books in my 111 total for the year were young adult, and all of them great, so this was hard to narrow down. I didn’t include Euphoria Kids, which was on my top5 best books overall list, and that gave me room for one more on here, which I desperately needed.
I didn’t realise until taking this photo that this collection has a nice spread of issues and characters – queer, neurodivergence, race, mental health, disability – and it probably more fully captures my reading interests than any of my other top5 lists!
In no particular order (well ok – in the order they appear in the photo, but not in any order to assign preference, because they all freaking rock and you should read them all if you haven’t yet):
  •  How it feels to float by Helena Fox
  •  Future girl by Asphyxia
  •  Peta Lyre’s rating normal by Anna Whateley
  •  Children of blood and bone by Tomi Adeyemi
  •  Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
 Reiterating here – read these books. I will say, though, some/ most of them deal with some heavy content at some point. Trigger warnings particularly for mental health issues in HIFTF and PLRN, suicidal ideation in HIFTF, some extreme violence/torture/ racial discrimination in COBAB, dystopian issues around food insecurity in FG, family abandonment in PLRN. I’m not telling you this to discourage you – I just really believe you need to know what you’re getting into sometimes, and if these issues might be particularly triggering for you right now, wait until you’re feeling more able to cope with their fictional representation before you pick up these books. But please, pick them up. Outstanding novels, all.

top 5 poetry

Top 5 Poetry reads

My top 5 poetry reads for 2020 are all verse novels. I love the verse novel form, and I read quite a few last year. My faves, in no particular order, are:
  •  Worse things by @sallymurphyauthor
  •  Long way down by @jasonreynolds83
  •  The poet X by @acevedowrites
  •  Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann
  •  The crossover by @kwamealexander
A couple of these could also have made their way onto some of my other Top 5 lists – Worse Things is an excellent middle grade/ lower secondary novel, and The Poet X is one of the best YA books I’ve read this year. They’re all excellent reads. If you have slightly reluctant readers, or those who struggle to find the time to read a full-length traditional novel, I highly recommend the verse novel format as a way to help bridge that gap for them.
One of the features I love about verse novels is how the form seems to allow us to connect with characters on a deep emotional level, and after reading a few of these earlier in the year I started dabbling in writing in verse for my NaNoWriMo project. I’m really loving it, both as a reader and a writer. If you’ve not read a verse novel before, any of these would be great places to start.

top 5 picture books

Top 5 picture books

My top 5 picture books are all very different. Ranging from sweet easy read-along books suitable for younger children, to something to inspire deeper thought for middle grade readers, to deep and complex examination of capitalism, exploitation of workers, and human rights.
My top 5, in no particular order, are:
  •  How to make a bird, by @megmckinlay and @mattottleyart
  •  Migrants, by Issa Watanabe
  •  Julian at the wedding, by @jesslovedraws
  •  Diamonds, by Armin Greder
  •  Alphabetical Tashi by Anna and Barbara Fienberg
I love picture books. I believe that they offer incredible opportunities to engage with stories for readers of all ages and skill levels. And yet, when it came to including them on my #2020readingchallenge list, I still kind of felt a bit like I was cheating. They don’t take nearly as long as a full-sized prose novel. Could I really justify including a book with no words on a reading list? Turns out, yes. Yes I can. Because the length of time a book takes to consume doesn’t influence its impact. What matters is that you find a world to immerse yourself in that engages you, that entertains, inspires, challenges or comforts you while you read it, and hopefully beyond that. All of these books did that for me, from the nostalgia of Tashi to the inspiration of How to make a bird to the challenge of Diamonds. If you want to read more, but don’t feel like you have time, head into your library and ask them to point you to their collection of picture books for older readers. They aren’t just for little kids until they’re ready to move onto “real” reading. What was your favourite picture book of 2020?

top 5 comics

Top 5 Comic/ Graphic reads

2020 was the year of rediscovering my love of comics. I used to read them a bit when I was a kid, but stopped when I was around 12 – I don’t remember why. For the past few years I’ve wanted to get back into reading them, but there always seemed to be such a big barrier to entry and I didn’t know where to start. After a discussion with Jacob, though, I did a bit of research, asked some comic nerd friends for advice, and bit the bullet. I’ve read 36 comics and graphic novels this year, and I’ve loved the diversity of the worlds and characters I’ve discovered. One of Jacob’s friends recommended “anything by Greg Rucka”, and that has proven to be useful advice indeed. My top 5 comic/ graphic reads for 2020 are:

  •  Ms Marvel, vol1
  •  Wonder Woman Rebirth, vol1, by @ruckawriter et al
  •  The old guard, another Rucka masterpiece.
  •  Heartstopper, by Alice Oseman
  •  Lumberjanes, by @gingerhazing et al
If you don’t read comics but would like to, here are my tried and true tips for getting started!
Pick a character from pop culture you like and do some googling. Comic fans somewhere will have debated the best entry point to get into their story!
Have you loved a tv show that’s based on a comic or graphic? Get that! You already know you’ll enjoy the story and characters, no matter how weirdly different they may be in comic form (I’m looking at you, Umbrella Academy).
There are plenty of graphic novels adapted from traditional novels – check to see if there are any made of books you like.
If you find the prospect of a whole comic series daunting, try a shorter arc. I’m currently reading Marvel 1602 and I think it’s be a great comic entry point for MCU fans who want to start reading comics (plus, it’s written by @neilhimself!)
And finally, do some research to find your most helpful local comic store. I’ve loved the service at @kingscomics, and they’ve really helped me develop my comics collection this year. I tend to do most of my inquiries online, because whilst they all seem great in person, I still have some “middle aged woman in a comic store” hang ups when it comes to asking for advice in store. The staff are great, though, and know their stuff.

top 5 middle grade reads

Top 5 middle grade reads

One more top5 for today- my fave middle grade reads of my #2020readingchallenge. Some are solid middle grade books, others are transitional middle grade/ YA – all are excellent reads.
  • George, by @alexginoofficial
  • The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, by @ldlapinski
  • Ghost, by @jasonreynolds83
  • Bindi, by @kirli.saunders and @dubleffler
  • Hollowpox: the hunt for Morrigan Crow, by @digressica
There’s some diversity here. An illustrated verse novel about Indigenous family and community. A black kid finding his place on a track team. A trans girl dealing with coming out to her family and friends. And a couple of cracker middle grade/ YAish fantasy books with fantastic complex characters. I think Hollowpox is the pick of the Morrigan Crow series, for what it’s worth, and I have high hopes for what comes next in the Strangeworlds series. Younger readers can deal with deeper and more complex issues than we give them credit for, especially when those issues are presented with such beautiful, sensitive and thoughtful writing as it is by these authors.
Have you read any of these? What do you think?

top 5 non fiction

Top 5 Non-fiction reads

My top 5 non-fiction for 2020 is an eclectic bunch. I don’t tend to read a lot of non-fiction, so the fact that I had enough for a top 5 was a surprise to me – in fact, 10% of my #2020readingchallenge was non-fiction books.
The best of them for me were:
  •  Stamped from the beginning: a history of racist ideas in America, by @ibramxk (YA version pictured – I listened to the audiobook on Spotify)
  •  Dragon Hoops, by @geneluenyang
  •  Astronauts: Women on the final frontier, by @gtlabsrat and @mariswicks
  •  Living on stolen land, by Ambelin Kwaymullina
  •  Catch and Kill: lies, spies, and a conspiracy to protect predators, by @ronanfarrow
It’s an eclectic mix. A detailed historical examination of racist ideas in the US. A graphic novel memoir of the author’s life in parallel with his portrayal of the championship basketball team at his school. A graphic novel history of women’s involvement in the space program. A verse novel manifesto about the importance of acknowledging Indigenous custodianship of the land. And, finally, and expose on one of the key cases of the #metoo movement. I’ve enjoyed consciously reading a bit more non-fiction this year, and will be looking for more, particularly those in non-prose form. I’ve enjoyed the graphic novel format for non-fiction, and it allows for some deeper reflections on the nature of memory and recreating history on the page.
So, that’s my 2020 in books. At the time of posting this, I’m already about 8 books into my 2021 reading challenge – I’ve not set myself a number target this year, but I am hoping read a similar amount of diverse and interesting stories. I’m starting a reread of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, which I’m really looking forward to, and I’m going to read more middle grade books – it’s an area that I don’t read widely from. I hope you read something great last year – if you didn’t that’s ok too. Start now! If you want any recommendations, hit me up – it’d be an honour to help you find your next favourite read.

#TamaraReads #2020readingchallenge 111/111

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

December 29 2020

Bindi by Kirli Saunders and Dub Leffler

Bindi

Bindi, by Kirli Saunders and Dub Leffler

Title: Bindi
Author: Kirli Saunders
Illustrator: Dub Leffler
Genre/ issues: Middle grade. Verse novel. Indigenous relationship to the land and environment. Family. Bushfires.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

What a wonder this book is! Bindi by Kirli Saunders is illustrated by Dub Leffler and it’s as beautiful as you’d expect from his work. In Leffler’s signature muted, detailed style, the illustrations create an embracing sense of the land and community that fill the narrative. And what a narrative it is. An upper-middle grade verse novel, Bindi tells the story of a family and community impacted by the spectre of bushfires.
The use of Gundungwarra language as an inherent part of the way that Bindi sees and talks about her family, traditions and community is a powerful signal as to one of the key concepts of this book – how integral Indigenous culture is to our First Nations people, and by extension, how integral it should be to the way we (non-Indigenous) see and treat the land on which we live. I found this books incredibly moving, and I highly recommend it.
Often books that deal with potentially complex and sensitive subject matter such as this for younger readers can feel heavy-handed, preachy, or overly mature, but there’s a subtlety and sensitively to Kirli’s poetry that balances the serious and the light-hearted so incredibly well. Great for the upper primary readers in your life, right through to adult. A multilayered visual and poetic feast.

#TamaraReads #2020readingchallenge 108/100

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

October 25 2020

Somebody give this heart a pen, by Sophia Thakur

Give this heart a pen

Somebody give this heart a pen, by Sophia Thakur

Title: Somebody give this heart a pen
Author: Sophia Thakur
Genre/ issues: Poetry. Identity. Listening to your inner voice.

I read most of this book last night. I finished it this morning, and then reread a decent chuck of it again. When I was halfway through it last night, I commented to Jacob that it was ok but I felt like it was suffering from being on the page rather than delivered orally, and I don’t deny that this would be exceptionally powerful delivered as a spoke word performance by Sophia Thakur, who is an expert in this art form. But I think, reflecting on it this morning, that I was just struggling to engage with some of the messages because they are deeply relevant to me, and sometimes that’s hard to hear.
This collection of poems charts the journey through love, loss, pain and self-discovery. Poems which deal with embracing your pain, giving yourself permission to speak, listening to your inner voice … they hit hard this weekend, particularly as I’m struggling with the looming sense of imposter syndrome as I face my first NaNoWriMo. I’ve always wanted to write, but there has always been a part of me that has shouted that desire down. I’ve largely listened to that voice, and now, as I give voice to that part of my heart that wants to write, my inner imposter syndrome is flexing its muscles. He’s had more practice at this than I have in listening to my heart, so he’s better at these arguments. But I’m going to write anyway.
So, Someone Give This Heart a Pen. It’s a great collection of poetry by a thoughtful and insightful poet. Sunday morning Tamara highly recommends it, even if Saturday evening Tamara struggled. You really do need to read things at the right time, huh? Check out this short clip of Sophia performing one of the poems from this collection. Beautiful stuff.

#TamaraReads #2020readingchallenge 73/100

Happy reading,

Tamara