Much Ado About Nada - Uzma Jalaluddin

I absolutely adored Uzma Jalaluddin's last book - Hana Khan Carries On. I couldn't wait to read her newest novel - Much Ado About Nada - and I loved it just as much. 

From the publisher:  "A sparkling second-chance romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion." Perfect!

Nada Seyd is still living with her parents and brothers in the Golden Crescent neighbourhood of Toronto, Canada. Her mother is bemoaning Nada's single status at the ripe old age of 28. Her bestie, Haleema, convinces her to attend a "giant annual Muslim conference downtown, where Nada can finally meet Haleema's fiancé." She reluctantly agrees to go...and what she didn't want to happen....does. She meets up (again) with Baz...

Jalaluddin has created a wonderful lead in Nada. I loved her inner dialogue, her friendships and her family. Now, the book is told in a now and then timeframe. I have to say, I was surprised and a bit disappointed by young Nada. The past chapters end on some cliffhangers, which only had me staying up late to find out what's next. And as the past and present get closer and closer, everything falls into place. Did not see that coming!

The supporting cast is just as endearing. (I had a soft spot for Nada's younger brother) Most of these players have their own struggles, issues, changes and revelations as well. I cared about each and everyone of them. Except for that one guy....you'll know who I mean!

South Asian/Muslim culture plays a large part in Much Ado About Nada. Parental expectations, traditions and moreis woven into the narrative. 

And yes, last, but not least - romance and the sometimes rocky road to love are the driving forces behind Much Ado About Nada. Loved every bit of this book. Uzma Jalaluddin is such a talented storyteller. An easy five stars. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Much Ado About Nada.  @harpercollinsca 

I received a review copy of this title from the publisher. This in no way influences my opinions. 

Better the Blood - Michael Bennett - Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue

Better the Blood is the first book in a new series from Michael Bennett.

Hana Westerman is a Detective Senior Sergeant with the Auckland Criminal Investigation Bureau. She receives an anonymous video that leads to the discovery of a secret room - and the dead man inside that room. When there's another murder, Hana realizes they may be linked. And that there's a larger plan at work here...

Bennett has penned a good police procedural featuring a likable, believable protagonist in Hana. I did have issues with her daughter and her actions.

It was the exploration of the culture of, and the injustices done to the Māori people that grabbed my attention. And saddened me more than I can say. For me, this was the larger part of the book, with the current day crime taking a backseat to the historical crimes. Better the Blood is a bit of a slow burn, with some points being referenced many times.

I did choose to listen to Better the Blood. I've often said that I become more immersed in a book when I listen and that was certainly the case with this book. The narrators - Miriama McDowell and Richard Te Are were excellent. Both of them captured the tone of the book's plotting with their voices. Both of them speak the Māori language and the tone of the book is enhanced with that facet. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Better the Blood.

Do Something for Nothing - Joshua Coombes

Joshua Coombes' new book, Do Something for Nothing: Seeing Beneath the Surface of Homelessness through the Simple Act of a Haircut, has just released. 

Preconceptions. We're all guilty of it to some degree I think. I've worked in a setting where I did serve the downtrodden, the poor, the mentally ill and the homeless. The best tools I used were common courtesies - looking at someone directly, saying hello with a smile. "When you’re on the fringes of society, being noticed can mean everything."

Joshua Coombes had some additional tools in his backpack - his hairstyling tools. He has travelled across many countries, seeking out the homeless and offering them a haircut, a conversation, a chance to be seen and heard - and friendship. This simple gesture has become - #DoSomethingForNothing -a movement that encourages people to connect their skills and time to those who need it.

In the book, we see a 'before' picture of someone living rough and then we meet the person, hear their story, their hopes, regrets, love, loss, joy and more. And at the end of the essay, a second photo with the haircut. The smiles at seeing such a change are priceless. Such a simple gesture boosts someone's mood, what they think of themselves - and what society thinks of them. And while the haircuts are of value, it is Coombes' interest, caring and friendship that are of greater value.

Hopefully, you can take inspiration from Coombes and this book to really 'see' someone, to hear them, to question what you could do for nothing... whatever that might be.

"Joshua Coombes is a British hairstylist and founder of #DoSomethingForNothing—a movement encouraging people to connect their skills and time to those who need it. When Coombes launched the project in 2015, his intention was to positively impact people’s lives by offering free haircuts to those experiencing homelessness. By posting transformative images on Instagram, his platform continues to grow as he amplifies the stories of many that go unheard. Coombes’s mission caught the attention of media outlets in Europe and has rippled worldwide. Coverage includes appearing in National Geographic’s new series The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman, released on Netflix internationally. Today, Coombes continues his efforts in new countries, humanizing this issue globally. He currently resides in London, UK. Do Something for Nothing is his latest work."