Afleveringen
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In this engaging conversation, Azeeza is joined by childhood friend Shakirat Gold Olufadi, as they delve into the themes of Khalid Hosseini's 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. We explore the emotional depth of the characters, the resilience of women in the face of oppression, and the impact of the historical context of the war in Afghanistan on the lives of the characters. We also discuss Shakirat's own journey as a published author and her book, 'Medithrive', which offers guidance for young adults navigating life's challenges.
In this conversation, Shakirat and Azeeza delve into the themes of war, trauma, and resilience. We explore the complex relationships between the female characters, Maryam and Layla, and how their lives are intertwined through shared suffering and survival. A Thousand Splendid Suns is one of those books that will stay with you, long after you've closed the last page.
As always, do let us know your thoughts. If you've read a Thousand splendid suns how did it make you feel? Were you raging like we were?
Remember you can always get in touch @busyblackmumsdoread on Instagram or email [email protected].
Happy reading!
*Please note this review contains spoilers*
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Hello book lovers! I feel like all I've talked about the last 2 weeks are Longlists and literary awards. This is a bonus epidose reviewing the recently revealed Women's Prize for Fiction 2025 longlist. Also, it is publication day for Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's new book 'Dreamcount' and yep, you guessed, she gets a nod. The books in this year's list all look and sound amazing. Listen to the episode to hear my suggestions on prioritising which ones to read first.
Please do also share if you've read any of the books. I love to hear from you.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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The International Booker Prize longlist is out and in this episode, I talk about which of the books I'm really keen to add to my shopping cart and why. This year's longlist is quite an ecclectic mix but two books definitely stand out from the pile for me.
I'm keen to find out if other mums consider these prizes when selected or deciding what to read.
Tell me in the comments if you do or have read any of these books.
Happy reading!
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I don't think there is an articulate enough way to describe the masterpiece that is Tolstoy's 'War and Peace'. At over a thousand pages long, it is not the shortest book ever but boy does it pack a punch. I approached this one with a bit of trepidation and awe really to see how I would feel about tackling the longest audiobook I've ever listened to.
For the second book in this episode, we review this month's book club pick: I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes, which generated some mixed feelings.
As always, drop me a comment to let me know what you're currently reading and as we are in the season of love, give me all your best romance book recs and I'll come back and discuss on the pod.
Happy reading!
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In this episode, I talk about 3 books in 1. It's the book all the booktok girlies have been talking about and has sold millions and millions of copies. Tagged the Harry Potter of our time, Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing (or the Empyrean series) has quite literally taken the world by storm. This is one of my favourite romance books of all time! Listen to the episode to find out why Fourth Wing was my number one of 2024 and why the release of Onyx storm has had the internet in a bit of a frenzy.
As always, like and subscribe and let me know if you would like more video content!
Happy reading.
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Hello and Happy New Year!
In this first episode of 2025, we are talking New Year bookish resolutions and asking what those look like for you. Did you meet your reading goals in 2024? What goals are setting in 2025? Whether you did or not, I hope you have an amazing year of discovering the world through books.
We also reviewed one of booktok's most talked about books from 2024- the Powerless series by Lauren Roberts and wrapping up with a review of the hotly anticipated finale of the Children of Blood & Bone trilogy- Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi.
As always, please like, subscribe and share with your reading buddies and let us know what you think @[email protected].
Happy reading!
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I couldn't let the year go by without sharing some of my favourite books from the year. This was so hard to pick favourites! You'll see a few that have been featured on the podcast made the cut. I'll be back in the New Year encouraging you to pick up more books, read widely and go for that bit of escapism we all crave.
Here is the list as featured in the episode:
Eat, Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
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Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
When Lou Clark agrees to take up work as a carer for the Traynors, little does she know that her life is about to change. In this episode, we discuss Jojo Moyes 2012 bestseller and how it has influenced Azeeza's own thinking about the contentious topic of assisted dying. This is a romance ovel like no other.
If you would like to share your views about this episode and others, you can reach us via email on [email protected]. You can also follow us on Instagram at @busyblackmumsdoread.
Happy reading!
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Azeeza returns from a sabbatical, reading popular fantasy romance series A Court Of Thorns & Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J Maas. In this episode, we talk tools for holding yourself accountable while getting back into reading, setting reading targets (should we even?) and of course a review of Books 1, 2,3 and 5 of the ACOTAR series (listen to find out what happened to Book 4).
As always, we'd love to know what you're reading or just for you to say hello @[email protected] or follow us on Instagram at @Busyblackmumsdoread.
Happy reading!
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One is a creative, yet modern take on love stories from across the world, the other is a timeless classic read and loved by millions. In this episode, we delve into the world of love and all it's intricacies in Bolu Babalola's 2020 bestseller 'Love In Colour'. In the second part of the episode, we review what makes 'The Alchemist' such a special book as well as why and when we think you should read it.
Happy Reading!
Don't forget to send us your comments and feedback on [email protected] or @busyblackmumsdoread on Instagram.
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We continue our discussion on all things Japanese culture (thanks to our Shogun obsession). We also answer our first audience question on getting your child to read and what's worked for us in this space.
Olamide and I also give our thoughts on our current reads and what we're looking forward to reading.
If there are any books you would like for us to discuss, or any questions you would like to ask, please get in touch with us @busyblackmumsdoread on Instagram or email us at busyblackmumsdoread'gmail.com
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Olamide and I take a trip down memory lane with Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, a book I've been wanting to read for ages. As usual, we come to different conclusions about how we felt about this timeless British classic (which if you're an avid listener of the podcast will come as no surprise!).
We also touched on Olamide's recommendation- James Clavell's Shogun, which is now a major production on FX.
This is part 1 of the episode, so make sure to listen to part 2, for what other books we've been reading (and squabbling about) as well as what we're looking forward to reading next.
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Ever felt like you needed to get on top of your finances but were unsure where to even start? Well, we may have the book for you! In this episode, Azeeza is joined by Career Coach and financial management geek Lola Yunus, to discuss Ken and Mary Okoroafor's (Creators of The Humble Penny Blog) Sunday times Bestseller "Financial Joy, Banish debt, Grow your money and become debt free in 10 weeks".
A surprisingly informative book packed with advice and tips for managing your finances (don't roll your eyes, we've all gotta do it!).
Azeeza and Lola talk about their own personal money stories and explore their money personas and how this manifests in how they interact with money. Nothing is taboo here, even the contentious issue of whether or not a couple should have a joint account or not. This is one episode you don't want to miss because it is packed with everything from personal finance to managing your finances as a couple and a family.
If you have any questions for us or something you would like us to cover, or indeed book recommendations, email us at [email protected].
Follow us on Instagram @busyblackmumsdoread.
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As April was Personal development/Self help month on the podcast, Azeeza is joined by wealth Manager and Personal Stylist Chinye Amadi Emina to review Carol Dweck's famous piece of work- Mindset.We explore the interplay between the Growth and Fixed Mindsets and how these play out in day to day life and in our relationships.We also talk Yoga and its benefits...yep!Who said Personal development had to be boring eh?
Want to read along with us? May is classics month and we are currently reading:
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen Things Fall Apart by Chinua AchebeGot some questions for us? Email us at [email protected] or follow us on Instagram @busyblackmumsdoread.
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We seem to have our knickers in a twist with these 2 books! In this episode, Olamide and I review 2 completely different books across 2 genres.
The Wife Upstairs by Freida McFadden was our March pick, to fit with our 'suspense' theme. Was it suspenseful? And is this one of our recommended reads? Listen to find out!
One Day by David Nicholls was meant to be a feel good, romantic palette cleanser for two busy mums who just wanted an easy enough read. If only wishes were horses eh? This book had us divided and very much in our feels.
If you would like to join us on our reading journey, why not read along with us? The theme for April was Personal Development. Current reads include: Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck and Financial Joy by Ken and Mary Okoroafor.
You can follow us on Instagram @busyblackmumsdoread for more book recommendations.
For feedback and suggestions, contact us at [email protected]
Happy reading!
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Two great books in this episode, both historical fiction. China Room by Sunjeev Sahota is a story about a young girl married to a man she doesn't know. It explores generational trauma, racism and tradition.Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is truly a book in its own league. Following the story of an aspiring Chemist whose dreams of becoming a well respected Scientist is thwarted at every turn.Azeeza discusses her favourite and not so favourite things about both books and why you should add them to your to be read pile.For more reviews and content, follow us @Busyblackmumsdoreadpodcast or email us [email protected].
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Azeeza is joined for the first time by certified bookworm and childhood friend Olamide. In this episode, we discuss 'Wahala' a debut novel by author Nikki May. We explore the characters and how much we felt we connected (or not) to each of the women. We also share tips about reading and the pros and cons of audiobooks as well as our next book recommendations.
Don't forget to let us know what you think and send us feedback or topics at [email protected]. There are also more book reviews and recommendations on our Instagram page. Follow us @busyblackmumsdoread -
In this mini episode, I talk about a book I read in February 'Maame' by Jessica George. A deeply moving story that I didn't want to put down! There are some books that stay with you long after you've finished reading them. This is one of them.
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In this first ever episode of BBMDR, Azeeza talks reading across different platforms (and why you should give it a go). In this first episode, I was quite keen to explore some of the struggles us mums have which stop us from prioritising our passion for reading and how we can get round this.
I also discuss what I thought about the first book I read this year, Alice Walker's classic 'The Color Purple' and 'A Spell of Good Things' by Nigerian author Ayobami Adebayo.
Don't forget to write and tell me what you're currently reading or books you would like for us to discuss.
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow @busyblackmumsdoread on Instagram.
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Busy Black Mums Do Read Podcast Trailer