Hello fellow readers. Happy New Year!

After a brief hiatus, I'm back with a summary of my favourite reads from last year, some of which you would have heard about before from reviews on the podcast, but there are some new mentions here too. I also ponder about what makes a 5 star read (as I didn't have many last year!) but listen on for some of my favourite reads of 2025.

Are we making reading goals this year? Listen to hear mine and do write in to let me know if you're making any reading goals for 2026.

Happy reading!

Hello lovely readers! It's been a while since we've caught up....what can we say...life's been lifing. How are you getting on with your reading? Have you read any amazing books over the summer or you're just doubling down on your TBR pile?

In this episode recorded over summer, Olamide and I delve into the question of what makes a good summer book- yes you guessed right, we both have different preferences! This is a really bumber episode. We talk about Jenny Han's To All The Boys I've Ever Loved, why Olamide likes Fiona Gibson's 'The Woman Who got Her Spark Back', Love Letters to A serial Killer (Spoiler alert- we did not like!), T L Swans Mile High Series and so many others.

As always, you can join the conversation on our socials @busyblackmumsdoread on Instagram. Don't forget to write to us and share your recommendations at [email protected].

Happy Reading!

In this episode, Aziza dives into the captivating world of "The Summer I Turned Pretty," exploring the emotional depth of Jenny Han's beloved book series and its adaptation into a Netflix series. Join Aziza as she shares her personal journey with the characters Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah, and discusses the differences between the book's intricate love triangle and the series' portrayal. Whether you're a fan of the books or the show, this episode offers a heartfelt analysis of how each medium captures the essence of young love and coming-of-age. Tune in for a thoughtful comparison that will resonate with readers and viewers alike.Books in the series:

Book 1- The Summer I turned Pretty

Book 2- It's Not Summer Without You

Book 3- We'll Always Have Summer

Follow us on @busyblackmumsdoread on Instagram for more book reviews and tell us what you're reading. We love to hear from you!

Hey everyone! After a bit of a break, Ola and I are finally back, catching up on all things books—especially the struggle of reading slumps and the magic of finding the right book at the right time. In this episode, we dive headfirst into Red Rising by Pierce Brown, which absolutely blew our minds. We break down its intense caste system, unpack the character development, and dig into the deeper philosophical themes that make this dystopian world so compelling. Plus, you know we had to compare it to The Hunger Games—because how could we not? And of course, we wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the second half of the episode, we shift gears and chat about Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert—a book that had us laughing, swooning, and reflecting all at once. We explore the dynamics between the characters, the humor that keeps the story fresh, and the way it tackles interracial relationships and stereotypes in romance novels. It’s all about finding that balance between being entertained and getting something deeper out of a book, and we had so much fun unpacking it all.

So, grab your favourite drink, settle in, and let’s talk books!

Have you ever picked up a book and felt like it took over your life? That’s exactly what happened with Binding 13 and Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh. In this 2 in one episode, Azeeza shares her thoughts on book bingeing, swoony romance, intense character arcs, and what makes Johnny Kavanagh the ultimate book boyfriend. With reflections on Irish culture, audiobook experiences, and tough-but-important themes like domestic violence (check your triggers before reading this series as it does delve into some heavy themes), this episode is an ode to books that make you feel everything.

Don't forget to like and subscribe and follow us on @busyblackmumsdoread or send us comments/questions and even feedback (we love to hear about what you're reading!) at [email protected].

Happy reading!

If you've been following booktok or bookstagram, you would have been hard pressed to have missed the phenomenon sweeping the internet in the form of Callie Hart's Spicy Romantasy- Quicksilver. Hear what Azeeza thought about the book everyone has been talking about (and why they've been talking about it!).

Don't forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you'll never miss an episode. Happy reading!

Azeeza is back this month with a review of Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin, an autobiography of the world renowned ballet dancer's rise to fame from an impoverished background, growing up in a Commune in China. A perfect rags to riches story chronicling life under Chairman Mao's communist regime, if you like non-fiction, this is worth giving a spin.

As always, do like, subscribe and share the podcast with other Mamas you'd like to share in the joy of reading. You can also follow live updates on what I'm reading on Instagram @busyblackmumsdoread.

Happy reading!

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*

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.

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!