Hi all!

In February, I participated in The Demonathon! If you wish to check out my TBR, click here. It was a lot of fun. I did my best to partake in all the additional challenges. A big thank you to Yumi, for all the time and effort she put into this interactive experience. I’ll share all my stats at the end. Also, I wasn’t allowed to leak the prompts in my TBR, because it was considered a spoiler to those still searching for them in the Dark Forest. Finally, you’ll understand why I picked these particular novels. Without further ado, let’s get into my wrap-up!

THE BOOKS

1.) READ A BOOK WITH A DARK COVER – THE MIRACLE SIN BY MARCUS HAWKE

Completed Prompt = 10 Points. 1 Point Per Page Read =  462 Points.

My friend Marcus wrote this book. What a wild, fun ride! Check out my spoiler-free review here. There was so much humour and depth, mixed into a tale that navigated religion and faith. I felt he was extremely respectful of both believers and non-believers. It felt more like an action novel, with horror undertones. However, the creepy parts stayed with me. It was a great reading experience. I am really proud of Marcus. 

I gave it 5/5 stars.

2.) READ A BOOK SET IN THE WINTER OR SNOW – CHECK PLEASE BOOK 2 BY NGOZI UKAZU

Completed Prompt = 10 Points. Written By A POC Author = 5 Points. 1 Point Per Page Read = 302 Points.

I actually enjoyed Volume 2 more than Volume 1. Watching Bitty and Jack’s relationship blossom was so heartwarming. I am not lying when I say I cried at the end. It was the perfect wrap-up to a wonderful series. It dipped a little in the middle and as usual, the hockey lingo went over my head, but overall, it was so adorable. I think it’s incredible that a black woman wrote a beautiful love story between two white boys. She did such an amazing job.

I gave it 4/5 stars.

3.) READ SOMETHING COMFORTING – SEPTEMBER LOVE BY LANG LEAV 

Completed Prompt = 10 Points. Written By A POC Author = 5 Points. 1 Point Per Page Read = 209 Points.

Nothing is more comforting than a poetry book filled with words about love, creativity and life. I really enjoyed Lang Leav’s latest work. She touched on the pandemic; reflecting on what life was like before the world changed forever and how to appreciate what we have. Lang is so adept at capturing relatable experiences. There is bound to be at least one poem that will strike a chord with the reader. It was also quick and easy to get through, which is perfect for a readathon!

I gave it 4/5 stars.

4.) READ A BOOK ABOUT STRANGERS MEETING – MEET CUTE CLUB BY JACK HARBON 

Completed Prompt = 10 Points. Written By A POC Author = 5 Points. 1 Point Per Page Read =  232 Points.

This was such an adorable guy meets guy romance story. I loved how simple, yet heartwarming the ending was. It was definitely a steamy read – prepare to blush! Some people have commented that it’s too cheesy, but I think the author was poking fun at the Mills & Boon style format. We need more black, homosexual authors, writing black, homosexual stories. 

I gave it 4/5 stars.

5.) READ A BOOK THAT HAS BEEN ON YOUR TBR FOR A WHILE – THE HAUNTING OF GILLESPIE HOUSE BY DARCY COATES

Completed Prompt = 10 Points. 1 Point Per Page Read =  129 Points.

Last month, I attended a Darcy Coates online event, where she told fans that The Haunting of Gillespie House was the first novel she had ever written. After reading it, it definitely felt like a debut story. It wasn’t bad by any means, but her writing style was not as strong as her more recent books. I wish it had been a bit longer. It wasn’t as fleshed out as I would’ve hoped, but I liked the scare factor.

I gave it 3/5 stars.

6.) READ A BOOK BY A BLACK AUTHOR – UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK MAN BY EMMANUEL ACHO

Completed Prompt = 10 Points. Written By A POC Author = 5 Points. 1 Point Per Page Read = 200 Points.

I love Emmanuel’s YouTube channel. His debut novel felt like an extension of all his videos. He writes in such a casual, relatable way, that makes you want to sit up and listen. I like that he structured the chapters based on real-life questions he has received from white people. There is an entire section at the end full of fantastic resources to assist you in your anti-racist journey, as well as a more succinct Q&A. You will feel uncomfortable, but that is how we are able to move forward in dismantling systemic racism – working towards true equality. I do want to note, this book centres mainly around racism and inequality in America. However, prejudice exists worldwide and white privilege is everywhere. There is much to gain from this book, no matter where you live.

I gave it 5/5 stars.

7.) SHORT STORY GROUP READ – HUNGRY DAUGHTERS OF STARVING MOTHERS

Completed Prompt = 10 Points. Written By A POC Author = 5 Points. 1 Point Per Page Read = 11 Points.

This was the short story group read, offered by Yumi as part of The Demonathon. It was super creepy, eerie and at times, nauseating. However, I did enjoy it, appreciating the horror mixed in with Asian culture. I wish it had been longer, but as this is a readathon, it was great to blow through a quick read.

I gave it 3/5 stars.

THE CHALLENGES 

1.) Share Your Demon = 5 Points. 

2.) Share Your TBR = 5 Points. 

3.) Participate In The Group Read OR Buddy Read A Book With Another Participant = 5 Points. 

4.) Share A Spooky Story = 5 Points. 

5.) Share A Self Care Photograph = 5 Points. 

I completed all of these challenges. 1,2,4 and 5 were posted on the official X page. 

Total Points Earned: 1,665 

Total Pages Read: 1,545

This was such a fun readathon. I highly recommend it. Let me know how you went, if you participated. 

Thanks so much for reading! Peace & Love xoxo