Trey's Reviews

A phenomenal collection of short stories packing a punch that left me breathless. These could only come from the experience of being Black and living in the heart and soul of New Orleans. Flash fiction that burns for a single page and leaves an indelible impression. Longer narratives that dive deep into the lives of the characters and the sights and sounds of the city. Maurice Carlos Ruffin is an extraordinary storyteller! —Trey

Set in Nigeria, this beautiful and heartbreaking exploration of sexuality and gender identity is a story of family secrets, love, and grief. Vivek Oji is dead, found wrapped in cloth on his mother's doorstep. How this came to be is a riveting tale that Emezi tells with simple, evocative, profound prose. A rich, emotionally rewarding read, I found this difficult to put down. - Trey

Josie Morrow is Girl One of the nine Homestead girls, all conceived without male DNA. An arson fire destroyed their experimental commune when they were still young children, and the girls and their mothers scattered far and wide. Now 23, Josie embarks on a desperate journey to find her missing mother. She connects with other Homestead girls, and together they discover their hidden powers. Secrets and lies unravel one after another as the truth finally emerges. An exciting sci-fi/mystery thriller! — Trey

I laughed out loud throughout this insightful, heartwarming coming-of-age story. Mary Jane is a sheltered 14-year-old girl living in 1975 suburban Baltimore. Her black-and-white life transforms into a riotous rainbow of color during a special summer. She becomes the nanny for 5-year-old Izzy in a family full of love and chaos completely unlike her own. Exposed to sex, drugs, and rock and roll, Mary Jane begins discovering who she wants to be. A great summer read! — Trey

A compelling novel about being Black, a woman, a singer, and a performer in the music industry of the early ’70s. A story about the fallout of becoming a racial lightning rod. Opal and Nev are an unlikely pair, busy creating unexpected music. Opal is always pushing further, creating a provocative, extravagant show. The oral history format provides insightful perspectives through- out this slow-burn read. It’s entertaining and fun but also a serious exploration of issues of race and racism, both then and now. — Trey

Beautiful, descriptive writing brings this remarkable story to life. Evocative images of a landscape experiencing a climate crisis. A broken country in the aftermath of a coup. Ren, an old woman living wild on a mountain. Lieutenant Zoë Harkness, a battle-hardened soldier on a mission. Daniel, the impressionable young medic. Their three stories intertwine with the shimmering magic of the mythical rain heron. This is a subtle and yet stunning fable. The poetic prose echoes long after finishing the final page. —Trey

This book is part of our Spring Reading Challenge. Read more here.

In this bold, provocative debut novel, the stories of two immigrants from war-torn Pakistan and Iraq converge in San Francisco. Anvar and Satwa/Azza followed very different paths to get here. Now they struggle to make sense of their Islamic identity in modern America. Syed Masood is a gifted storyteller who writes with clarity, irreverence, and delightful wit. His characters come to life as they grapple with questions of religion, love, and family. This is a great story, delivered with exceptional skill. —Trey

Young adults have a unique perspective on the experience and reality of immigration. Their stories come to life in this remarkable anthology. My eyes were opened to insights new to me as each unique voice told a different story. The diverse group of talented authors evoked a range of emotions that lingered. Each story imparted a valuable lesson, leaving a distinct impression on me. This is a rich and rewarding book, well suited for YA and adults readers alike. — Trey

A wild and creative twist on the superhero trope. Who inflicts more damage on society, superheroes or the supervillains they fight? Anna is a hench, a temp worker for low-level supervillains. After becoming a victim of superhero mayhem, she uses her data-analysis skills to fight back. What ensues is a battle royale, with twists and turns aplenty. This is a fun, cinematic novel set in a comic book universe, unlike anything else you've ever read.  
— Trey

Planning to visit a black hole? This is your indispensable travel guide. Astrophysicist Janna Levin floats with you at the event horizon, explaining your options before you take the plunge. This is a well-written, accessible exploration of the current science of black holes. It will stretch your mind. Here’s a bit of her practical advice: Aim for a bigger black hole if you want to survive a fall into it long enough to reflect on your experience as it’s happening! — Trey