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.

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Amyn

For the first time in a long time, I’m currently reading one book. I’m also shocked because my rotation is usually a minimum of 3 books. I just started An Image In A Mirror by Ijangolet S. Ogwang. I know nothing about the book, I picked it up when I saw that the author identifies as a Kenyan born Ugandan-South African. Also, it’s a coming of age story that features sisters, I’m a sucker for that dynamic.

 

Tina

The first is, The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin. I am a fan forever of Mz Jemisin and so will always find my way to her works. I have read the short story that this novel is birthed from and was intrigued. This concept of having avatars who embody the spirit of a city and can use the energy to combat an encroaching evil is interesting. The subversion of the Lovecraftian horror was also a huge draw and I am anticipating enjoying how the things he despised will become strengths here.

Secondly, I’m still on Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky. This of the few white male authors I read and enjoy, Tchaikovsky’s Shroud is a science fiction romp through space. I’m still making my way through this brain tickler of a read and all I can say is Adrian is smart. I am enjoying the way he positions these explorers amidst the explored and how when they meet, what each will question and infer.

Lastly, I’m reading Curandera by Irenosen Okojie. I’ve always wanted to read Okojie because the type of surreal and absurd literature that I have heard they do is right up my brain-ways. I’ve only read a few pages and can clearly see that the flow of the prose and story won’t be for everyone, but I am excited to see where this takes me. A story that will look at the spiritual and the four characters around who the past and present will revolve with a touch of mystery is bound to be an interesting read.

 

Joan

I’m currently reading Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde. For context,  I’m a little distracted right now, so reading a collection of essays sounds easier than committing to a whole book.

 

Uchenna

A New New Me by Helen Oyeyemi is about a Polish woman living in Prague who splits into seven different personalities, one for each day of the week. The table of contents is divided by days of the week. I liked Monday, but I’m giving it my best for Tuesday because I’m not hooked.

I’m also reading The Full Picture by Jessica Carmichael. It is a coming-of-age story/romance book, and it’s been going okay so far. I’m looking forward to seeing how everything comes together.

 

Nenye

I love a good themed month, and Short Story September is giving me everything I need right now. I just finished rereading Ama Asantewa Diaka’s Someone Birthed Them Broken. It’s easily one of the most beautiful pieces of prose I’ve come across this year. It explores so many themes I gravitate towards: mother-daughter relationships, friendships, familial wounds, love, sexuality… whew. I cannot wait for the book chat with the author!

I’m also reading one of my most anticipated books of the year, Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’m taking it so slowly (at the time of writing this, I’ve already reread the author’s note three times). I just want to savour the before, because I can feel in my bones that the after is going to be explosive.

On top of that, I’m juggling two other short story collections (because of course I am). This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Díaz was recommended by a really good friend. The narrator is such an asshole, but it’s been an interesting read so far. I’ve also finally started Drinking from Graveyard Wells by Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, which has been sitting on my TBR forever, so it feels good to get to it.

 

Tamar

Savage Blooms(ARC) by S.T Gibson is gothic erotica with some magical elements to it. We’re following Adam and Nicola, besties who travel to Scotland to visit a place that Adam’s grandfather couldn’t stop talking about in stories from his childhood. When his grandfather dies, Adam feels this incredible pull to visit this place, and Nicola is along for the ride. When they arrive, they are met with the mayor’s owner, Eileen, an intriguing woman.
Apparently, numerous eyebrow lifting shenanigans will ensue I’m around 10% in and I have to say that I’m definitely intrigued. S.T Gibson’s writing style is very atmospheric and it draws you into the story effortlessly. And I have to say I’m locked in.

 

Anjola

I’m 45% into The Second Death of Locke by V. L Bovalino and I’m suspecting it will be a 4 or 5-star book. It is a romantic fantasy following a Lady Knight and her mage. It’s set in a world where mages tether to wells(people with power) and draw power from them in order to perform magic. Grey Flynn, our knight, is Kier’s well of power and they’re best friends. Their friendship is so beautiful and the level of devotion, affection and care they have for each other is heartwarming. The writing is just wonderful, I swear I have highlighted so much.
The romantic tension, the yearning, the longing?!? Did I also mention they’re going on a quest and the nation is currently in the middle of war. There’s a lot political conflict in the backdrop of their slow burning love story and watching it unfold is a wonderful experience. I’m excited to finish but I also know I’m going to miss the characters and the world so much.

I’m about 30% into The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Suri and really liking it so far. In this world, some people are reincarnated and have to live the same story over and over in every lifetime. This time, we’re following two incarnates: a lady knight and a witch. They always fall in love, but one is fated to kill the other. It feels like a tragic love story where you already know how it’s supposed to end, but you can’t help hoping things will play out differently. The magic system feels a bit too vague for my liking, but the prose is beautiful, so it kind of makes up for it. At this point, I think I’ll finish it, and I’m guessing it’ll probably be a 3.5 to 4-star read for me.

 

Esther

My current reads are a handful, but I’ll sort through the pile for my two latest choices: Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan and Jezebel by K.R. Meera. The former is a collection of short stories that span five different African countries. I’m currently in Kenya, and I’m already into this author’s style. I hope the momentum lasts. The latter is a translated fiction that is making me recall personification and imagery fondly.

I mean, read this: “…she saw the sky-lying face down, dark and bloated, as if it had drowned in the downpour of the past few days. The lightless sun showed up like the protruding eyeball of the brain-dead.” Call me a sucker for figurative language, but I didn’t take those literary classes for nothing. Also, I can’t tell you anything about this book because I went in blind, and I’m still on page two. But I think it’s going to be worth my time.

 

Sheri

Every now and then, a book comes along that reminds you oh so painfully and beautifully that we are all, in some way, products of our makers. Some people get born into stability; others (as this title keeps reminding me) are birthed broken. And with each story I read, this theme seems most apt.

I’m halfway through and taking my time savouring every story, and somehow each one hits harder than the last. The more I read, the more my likeness for this book grows. It’s sharp, it’s tender, it’s cutting. So yes, Someone Birthed Them Broken by Ama Asantewa Diaka is breaking me beautifully. And I’m here for every second of it.