Whew! That’s my first comment on this 784 page 2013 Pulitzer Prize winning novel. The Goldfinch is narrated by Theo Decker who tells the story of an explosion at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC that kills his mother and changes his life forever at the age of 13. He ends up in possession of a […]
Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
Anyone following along with my literary adventures can clearly see I have a type. True, I am purposefully trying to read novels by African women, but I do find myself drawn to novels about the immigrant experience or coming of age. Also, I tend to read women authors more so than men. So, this one […]
Requiem for a Mango Seedling
Tragedy struck today. Came home to see my darling mango seedling tree snapped. It was just a baby. I blame the darn squirrels. Seriously, I hope someone somewhere is having squirrel stew. Oh mango how I do love you Sweet, luscious, succulent, sumptuous goodness Oh King of all fruits How many clothes have I stained […]
We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo
I have bitten the bullet and am now listening to books off my reading list. I’m on the road about an hour to and from work so why not? Plus, several of the books on my reading list are available through my local library, so again why not? I even plan to get a Kindle […]
Chicken Soup for a Cloudy Drizzly Day
It’s my second weekend off in a row. Yay! I woke up early, just because, and got busy with several chores I’ve put off for quite a well. I feel very accomplished today, though it would be nice to have a housekeeper, and a cook, and a gardener, oh and a personal assistant. While I’m […]
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
The Power of One is a novel by South African born Australian author Bryce Courtenay that was first published in 1989, has been translated into many languages and has sold over 8 million copies. It was his first novel, published when he was in his 50s, which only goes to show, it’s never too late. […]
First Harvest
My mother came to visit recently. As expected, she criticized my garden. You have money, eh, to waste on all these containers and plants? If you don’t know what to do with your money you should give it to me. She repeated that a couple times as I excitedly tried to point out the various […]
Good Eats in Brazil
I’m not one for taking pictures of my meals. But I apparently did enough of it in Brazil to make a food post. So here goes. Acaraje – akara, koose A snack of meat – at the stadium sprinkled with farina (gari) Yummy shrimp Fries – with cheese and bacom The corn is boiled before […]
Questioning my Identity
In the wake of Ghana’s disastrous show at World Cup Brazil 2014 I’ve had to ask myself why I even try to clutch on to a Ghanaian identity. Yes, I was born in Ghana, to Ghanaian parents, and hold a Ghanaian passport. No, that does not automatically make me Ghanaian as I have learnt throughout […]
Don't Flush the Toilet Paper & Other Stories
In the hotels and even in some public bathrooms there is a hose next to the toilet that you are supposed to use to clean yourself with. There usually is toilet paper available too but this is to be used to dry yourself off after first using the hose. Then you are supposed to put […]