June 2022 Book Choice

Our June book choice was the debut novel by author Abi Dare, "The Girl with the Louding Voice"

Here is a selection of the NY Times 2020 book review: 

"Abi Daré’s debut novel, “The Girl With the Louding Voice,” is told in a prose style that will sound unfamiliar to many readers, particularly Western ones. But the effect is as vivid as the sassy, strong-willed narrator’s pidgin. Though occasionally challenging, Adunni’s brave, fresh voice powerfully articulates a resounding anger toward Africa’s toxic patriarchy.

Fourteen-year-old Adunni lives in a Nigerian village with her lay about, alcoholic father and two brothers. The novel opens on the morning her father informs her she is to become the local taxi driver’s third wife in order to support the family. Adunni’s is a poverty-stricken world where girls kneel to their fathers and address them as “Sah” without looking them in the eye, where a paternal summons portends nothing but heartache. The subjugation and sexual objectification of girls and women are recurrent, ably handled themes throughout the novel. Throughout her harrowing coming-of-age journey, told with verve and compassion, Adunni never loses the “louding voice” that makes Daré’s story, and her protagonist, so unforgettable."

Alayna hosted the dinner at her charming home we ate inside then sat outside for the Zoom component 

Voting for our next series of books 2022-2024

 

25 Books were nominated these are the top 14 picks 

With 7 votes each 

- All the Secrets of the World  - Steve Almond 

- Final Revival of Opal & Nev – Dawnie Walton 

- Your House will Pay – Steph Cha 

- The Man with Eight Pairs of Legs – Leslie Kirk Campbell –  short stories 

- You’re leaving When?- Annabelle Gurwitch - pages essays non fiction 

With 6 votes each 

- Miss Eliza’s English Kitchen – Annabel Abbs – 

- Island of Missing Trees – Elif Shafak -

- While Justice Sleeps-  Stacey Abrams - Mystery 

- Faithful – Alice Hoffman 

- Why Fish Don’t Exist- Lulu Miller –  Non Fiction 

- Beautiful Ruins – Jess Walters- 

- Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt 

- Unlikely Animals – Annie Hartnett 

- Lessons in Chemistry – Bonnie Garmus