Welcome to On Rotation. It’s a running glimpse into what we (the Curators) are reading at the moment. Whether it’s a new release, a hidden gem, or a long-time favourite we’re finally diving into, this space is where we share what’s on our nightstands (or in our tote bags). Consider it your behind-the-scenes pass into our reading lives; candid reactions, and all.
Tina
“Seventhblade by Tonia Laird (ECW Press) is an indigenous fantasy that tells the tale of a mother set on a path of vengeance. The premise for this drew me in and I love a good fantasy, especially coming from a marginalised author. T’Rayles is a flawed character and as I read, I am seeing how she is coming to many a realization about herself and the world that she has locked herself away from as she hunts down the person responsible. But as always, there are other players on the board who either don’t want her to succeed or are putting plans in place for her to play right into their hands. I am hooked. Did I mention that there is action, colonial tones, and family bonds both strong and fractured?
Heremakhonon by Maryse Conde is Conde’s debut and my 8th novel by her. I am well into the reading of her oeuvre. I am looking to be entertained and to find the heroine feisty and convicted. Still early in the novel, but already I can tell that themes that are present in Conde’s works are here. Following a move, Veronica must now adjust to a life in an unnamed West African country and her new job. What follows is her regaling the reader with her childhood and how her experiences in Guadeloupe and France have affected her worldview.”
Sheri
“So, Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood. Whew, it’s problematic alright. There’s the 15-year age gap between the love interests (she’s 23 and he’s her brother’s 38 year old best friend), and while that usually gives me pause, I surprisingly have very few issues with it here. Maybe I’ve just read worse?
The first 70% of this book was a drag. Truly. But somehow, the final chapters are actually pulling me in. I’m a sucker for pining and these two have got it bad. Also, the audiobook narrators are honestly doing the most. Am I enjoying this now? I think I am. Although I’ve fallen out of love with Ali Hazelwood’s books, I keep coming back. Someone save me from the shackles of mediocre romances. Or don’t. Because apparently, I like it here.”
Esther
“I’m listening to Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis on Libby. As usual, I’m currently shuttling between fictional worlds (No Perfect love by Adesuwa Nwokedi, The Book of Everlasting Things by Aanchal Malhotra, Intruders by Mohale Mashigo), but I want to focus on Fundamentally. My attempt to read through the Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist has me neck-deep in this story.
The main character, Nadia, is an academic who has decided to help rehabilitate ISIS brides in Iraq, while her past hurts buried hurriedly, threaten to up-end her performative peace. She finds Sara, an ISIS bride, worth saving and invests all her energy to do so. Anyway, I look forward to no kids getting harmed in the end.”
Nenye
“Still deep in my poly reader cosplay, currently juggling three books at once. I’m listening to The Summers Between Us by Noreen Nanja on Libro.Fm, tag-teaming The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin via both Everand audio and the paperback, and very slowly making my way through M.L. Wang’s The Sword of Kaigen, and by slowly, I mean I started it two months ago and we are still crawling.
I’m a sucker for a childhood love turned second-chance romance and more than halfway through The Summers Between Us, it’s giving Love and Other Words (Christina Lauren) meets Same Time Next Summer (Annabel Monaghan). The gulf between the protagonists is a cultural divide, and with that, we get a side of emotional turmoil laced with familial wounds—so yes, it’s a full meal. I was such an intense teenager, so I feel very well represented in this one.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is going great, I’m loving the audiobook narrated by the author, it’s so refreshing to listen to a Nigerian book with the words pronounced the way they’re supposed to be. The Sword of Kaigen reminds me of R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War. Not surprising, since they’re both rooted in the Sino-Japanese wars. I loved The Poppy War, so it’s no shock that I’m really enjoying Kaigen. Fingers crossed I finish it this month.”
Anjola
“Gay the Pray Away by Natalie Naudus follows Valerie, a teenager who finds love and begins to discover her queer identity while growing up in a deeply oppressive environment. Her parents have become devoted members of a religious cult rooted in harmful, patriarchal beliefs and practices.
What stands out to me is Valerie’s inquisitiveness and curiosity. Watching her begin to question everything she’s been taught and navigate her journey toward freedom is remarkable. Oh, and did I mention she has a secret girlfriend? The ways they find to communicate despite the risks is seriously so creative and clever.”
Amyn
“I’m 80% into Pam William’s A Trace Of Sun, I don’t like how I’m feeling about this book, some terrible things happen and it feels like these actions are being justified, or maybe I’m just reading too much into it, look out for my full thoughts in the June wrap-up episode of the Something Bookish podcast. Palmetto by Ania Ahlborn is a book I started reading because I was craving a horror/thriller and this author came up in my search, I liked her name so, I went in blind and holy smokes!
I’ve been reading The First Prehistoric Serial Killer by Teresa Solana(translated by Perter Bush) for over a month but that’s because I’ve been savouring what is possibly going to be one of my best reads of 2025. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin is also my rotation because The Indulgent Bibliophile is reading it this month.”
Uchenna
“I’m reading Louisa Onome’s Pride and Joy and I’m thinking of the “Bob hearts Abishola” TV show. I am here for the drama that I’m getting from this book and I can’t wait to see as everything unfolds. I picked up Misophonia by Dana Vowinckel (translated by Adrian Nathan West) because it was my kind of gem, a young girl navigating life, and I’m quite intrigued to see where life takes her and how she’s going to deal with it.
Nnamdi Ehirim is coming to Abuja, so I’m currently on the first story of The Brevity of Beautiful Things, fingers crossed on how it goes. It’s Read Caribbean Month so in honour of that, I’m reading How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones. I’m going into this blind but some of my faves said this was good so again, fingers crossed.”
Tamar
It’s been a slow reading year for me, I’m currently reading Murder Runs in the Family by Tamara Berry. This falls under the humorous-mystery category. Amber is a PI in training and after some turbulence in her life, decides to visit her estranged grandmother who lives in a luxury retirement community. Chaos ensues when a well known member of the community is found dead, and Amber’s grandmother gets the brunt of the blame.
Hijinks ensue with great hilarity, and so far I am invested. Amber’s grandmother is a vibe! Love her energy. We’ll see what else is on deck later. I will be reading something for ‘Read Caribbean’ month. I just need to figure out what that is 🙂
Got a title we must add to our rotation? Drop it below.
