Ronnica Reads

Top 5 reads of Q2 2026…definitely all 5 stars. #5starreads #topbooks #diversebooks #diversebooktok #booktok

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • Jun 8

I had a staycation last week, so it feels like we JUST had a Tuesday new release...but here we are again! \ \ Here are the new releases on my radar:\ \ Headlights by CJ Leede\ \ Why it interests me: after Maeve Fly and American Rapture, I am absolutely interested in whatever CJ puts out, and preordered this without knowing anything but the title.\ \ Pool House by Mary HK Choi\ \ Why it interests me: a messy mother and daughter dealing with grief. I still have Yolk on my immediate TBR, but I have high hopes for both.\ \ Obstetrix by Naomi Kritzer\ \ Why it interests me: reproductive justice speculative fiction.\ \ Strangers Behind Closed Doors by Catherine Adel West\ \ Why it interests me: a mystery set in a high-end hotel.\ \ I'll Take the Fire by Leila Slimani\ \ Why it interests me: autobiographical novel featuring a queer Moroccan coming of age. I actually sat down to read it when I realized it was a 3rd book in a series...I will be getting to it though.\ \ The Unmagical Life of Briar Jones by Lex Croucher\ \ Why it interests me: romantasy with dark academia vibes.

June 9th New Releases by Marginalized Authors

8 books

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • Jun 5

[I'm excited to discuss a new book with you all: An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole. This book is in one of my all-time favorite sub-genres: dark academia. I'm a big nerd and I love to read out school (especially in my own free time when I have no such deadlines or stress on myself).\ \ Here is my schedule for discussion:\ \

June 5: Part I, Chapter 1-9 (p.1-96)\ \
June 12: Part I, Chapter 10-18 (p. 97-182)\ \
June 19: Part II (p. 184-296)\ \
June 26: Part III (p. 296+)\ \ \ So, now on to my thoughts on the first section.\ \ I'm so glad that the section (that I had sectioned out on length) ends with the scene in the bookstore, because that scene is the one I best remember from my first read back in January. While we get a hint of the unknown creepiness that lurks in the tattoo in the mirror scene, it was when the backwards E pops back up that I knew we were in for a fun secret.\ \ As this is my 2nd read, I am definitely reading with new eyes (but no spoilers from me for later sections!). On my first read, I remember having some issues with this section that do get cleared up satisfactorily later. So if you're on the fence, I'd recommend keep going.\ \ A couple of themes that stood out to me:\ \ Classism/privilege\ \ While both classism and racism are prominent in this book, I do think it's helpful to address them separately. The classism discussion specifically seems to be around privilege: and how when we have privilege, we are often ignorant to the advantage we have.\ \ Ellory sees this a lot in her classmates who assume she has the same background as them, and when they discover otherwise, see the difference as a burden (scholarship students? ewww).\ \ Racism/tokenism\ \ It is not shocking to any of us that Ellory would encounter racism at such an institution. But there were two specific instances that occur in this first section of the book that I think highlight a nuanced approach and can be particularly enlightening, especially to us white folk.\ \ First, Ellory is absolutely tokenized at the institution. She is also seen first as Black and put into box with racist assumptions. They ask if her parents died of gun violence. They ask her about BLM as if its her movement (while also making clear that they're supportive only for appearance's sake).\ \ I also think we see the all-too common assumption at the dinner party that an accusation of racism is worse than racism. Why do we white people focus on defending ourselves against the accusations instead of considering our words and actions? I surmise it's because we can only be accused of racism and not harmed by it, that we focus on the former.\ \ Curious your thoughts on any of this, or anything else that stood out!\ \ Join for free or login](https://ronnicareads.binderybooks.com/item/S6z8AASBytLrsVbwkYcK/)

June Book Club: An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole, Week 1

1 book

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • Jun 1

June 2nd is my 8th wedding anniversary. But that's old news...here are some NEW books to be excited about!\ \ Bookstore Girls by Kei Aono 4/5 stars\ \ Put this on your TBR if you love heart-warming stories of found family or stories set in a bookstore.\ \ Meeting New People by Daniel M. Lavery 3.25/5 stars\ \ Put this on your TBR if you enjoy stories with gossip and older protagonists...especially ones that may be the problem.\ \ The Heart of the Nhaga by Lee Young-Do 3/5 stars\ \ Put this on your TBR if you enjoy fantasy from a non-western lens. Fantasy and I are still in fight so it wasn't particularly for me, but I'm thankful we have this finally translated from Korean.\ \ And ones that I'm excited to get my hands on:\ \ Muneca by Cynthia Gomez\ \ Why it interests me: gothic and queer, yes please.\ \ Sublimation by Isabel J. Kim\ \ Why it interests me: a speculative fiction take on an immigration story. I was happy to see that it was an Aardvark Book Club pick for this month.\ \ They All Fall in Love at the End by Haili Blassingame\ \ Why it interests me: messy young queer people.\ \ Mad Eden by Morgan Thomas\ \ Why it interests me: it's been praised for beautiful prose, and is said to "challenge us to confront and reinvent questions of language, sex, prejudice, identity, and the shifting scales of morality."\ \ Jellyfish Problem by Tessa Yang\ \ Why it interests me: it sounds strange (a jellyfish that changes people?). I'm in.\ \ There's Only One Sin in Hollywood by Rasheed Newson\ \ Why it interests me: another gay, Black historical fiction book from the author of My Government Means to Kill Me.\ \ The Secret World of Briar Rose by Cindy Pham\ \ Why it interests me: I've followed Cindy's process to get here on social media and am so excited to see it out in the world. This is queer sleeping beauty retelling.

June 2nd New Releases by Marginalized Authors

10 books

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • May 25

Another week of a strong slate of new releases! Here are books that are on my radar (and I think should. be on yours, too):\ \ Babylon, South Dakota by Tom Lin\ \ Why it interests me: I especially appreciate stories with Chinese immigrants in the American West. I think this may also have a speculative nature.\ \ House of Margins by Tlotlo Tsamaase\ \ Why it interests me: a haunted house story set in Africa. A missing author after being invited to a writing retreat. Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy books set at author/artist retreats?\ \ Dead Weight by Hildur Knútsdóttir\ \ Why it interests me: Hildur's previous work, The Night Guest, was one of the first horror books I read and was at the beginning of my realization that horror often has the theme work that I love. This one is translated from Icelandic and described as "gruesomely cathartic."\ \ Pretend You're Dead and I Carry You by Julián Delgado Lopera\ \ Why it interests me: a literary fiction book with queer characters by a Colombian American author.\ \ The Redemption Center is Closed on Sundays by Andrea Hairston\ \ Why it interests me: this looks like science fiction in horror skin.\ \ No God but Us by Bobuq Sayed\ \ Why it interests me: our main character participates in Istanbul Pride, and appears to explore Turkiye's growing authoritarianism and queer freedom.

May 26th New Releases by Marginalized Authors

7 books

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • May 22

Now for the full book discussion. Reading the last of this book made me so angry. Even though this is the 3rd time I've read this book, the "school" just seems so incredibly cruel. What was the point? It just seems like torture to make these mothers "parent" dolls for a year and then take away the doll too.\ \ The last line hurts me in the same way that the ending of 1984 does.\ \ Let's take a final look at our identified themes:\ \ Us vs. Them\ \ I think that the dolls highlight this theme. Are they human? Are they treated better than those that are? I'll admit I chuckled when someone said to "believe women" when they were talking about the accusations of the doll.\ \ The Expectations on Mothers\ \ It's abundantly clear that nothing short of absolute perfection is okay. This same message is found in our culture, if less overt. Just take a look at the Mother's Day advertising, so many lifting up sacrificial motherhood as the standard.\ \ Misogyny in a Patriarchal Society\ \ If a woman is just a mother, she isn't a person. She only exists to serve others and deserves nothing in return.\ \ What did you think of the book?\ \ Join for free or login

May Book Club: The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan, Week 4

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • May 15

Here are some of my thoughts on Chapters 10-14 (p. 165-241) of The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan.\ \ This section feels weaker to me. I don't fully understand the inclusion of the interactions with the fathers and what it adds. Still, let's review the themes I've noticed.\ \ Us vs. Them\ \ I feel like the interactions with Tucker provide some clarity here. In a way, he sets himself apart from the other parents through his "wokeness" and they seem differently because he makes these distinctions.\ \ The Expectations on Mothers\ \ It made me so angry when it's brought up that a mother should have all their needs fulfilled through being a mother. Of course it's not true, but I've also never met a mother who didn't feel guilt when they had needs that weren't met through motherhood, as we should be ashamed to be full people. Perhaps this isn't as overt in our society as in the book's but it's definitely there.\ \ Misogyny in a Patriarchal Society\ \ I think this is most emphasized in the differences between the fathers' and mothers' training, down to the fathers not having to claim to be narcissists.\ \ Additionally, we see Frida come to terms with the way Harriet will be seen by men as she grows up. And of course, there's the lesbophobia...can't have women being fulfilled apart from men and motherhood!\ \ Additional Questions for Discussion\ \ Did the fathers section make more sense to you than it did to me? I'm hoping someone can help me understand why it was included.\ \ Join for free or login

May Book Club: The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan, Week 3

1 book

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • May 11

As the weather gets warmer, I can't wait to be reading next to a pool. Here are some new releases that come out this week that would be great candidates, wherever you are reading!\ \ Make Me Better by Sarah Gailey\ \ Why it interests me: I'm always down for a new book from Sarah Gailey, especially the weird girl ones. This one seems culty? My preorder is in the mail!\ \ We Dance Upon Demons by Vaishnavi Patel\ \ Why it interests me: contemporary fantasy speaking to reproductive justice.\ \ The Bone Door by Frances White\ \ Why it interests me: It's supposed to be queer and fat positive. It's fantasy but leans horror, so I did decide to put it on hold at my library, though fantasy hasn't been appealing lately.\ \ Coyoteland by Vanessa Hua\ \ Why it interests me: Contemporary fiction exploring hypocrisy in upper class progressive culture.\ \ Electric Shamans at the Festival of the Sun by Monica Ojeda\ \ Why it interests me: Set in the near future at a pseudo-spiritual festival.\ \ A Siege of Owls by Uchenna Awoke\ \ Why it interests me: clifi with magical realism set in rural West Africa.

May 12th New Releases

6 books

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • May 8

Here are some of my thoughts on Chapters 5-9 (p. 73-164) of The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan.\ \ This section made me angry, rightfully so. A continued look on the themes identified last week:\ \ Us vs. Them\ \ We continue to see the mothers compare themselves to one another, which is understandable. It's easier to consider your own faults "not that bad" or excusable, while others' aren't.\ \ The Expectations on Mothers\ \ This really comes to light in this section, with the mothers at the school required to parent their dolls in a particular way (down to the number of seconds a hug should be??!!). There's no doubt that these mothers made mistakes that harmed their children, but it doesn't seem like the formulaic parenting they're forced to do is the answer.\ \ Additionally, it seems like these expectations are one-sided, given how many mothers have been sentenced to this education compared to how many fathers.\ \ And a new theme to consider:\ \ Misogyny in a Patriarchal Society\ \ The misogyny has been there since the beginning: Gust cheating on and leaving Frida, how Frida is talked about. But the scene that stood out to me the most was how the mothers had to keep asking for pads on their period, instead of being provided more than 2 at a time. This seems designed (or at least implying) that their feminine need is a defect that shouldn't be coddled (as if hygiene supplies can coddle someone).\ \ Additional Questions for Discussion\ \ What do you think about Frida's interactions/thoughts of Susanna?\ \ What do you make of Lucretia's experiences?\ \ What role does race play in the school?\ \ Join for free or login

May Book Club: The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan, Week 2

1 book

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • May 4

No author is above critique. But I have noticed the pattern that it’s typically women of color who a

No author is above critique. But I have noticed the pattern that it’s typically women of color who are called out by the masses. #rfkuang #taipeistory #diversebooks #booktok

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • May 4

April Showers bring a May Bouquet of Books

11 books

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • May 1

[How is it May already?\ \ For May, I'm excited to discuss The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan with you and hope that you'll pick it up, too! \ \ Here is my schedule for discussion:\ \

May 1: Chapter 1-4 (p.1-72)\ \
May 8: Chapters 5-9 (p. 73-164)\ \
May 15: Chapters 10-14 (p. 165-241)\ \
May 22: Chapters 15 - end (p. 242+)\ \ \ So, now on to my thoughts on chapters 1-4!\ \ I've heard some recent critique of the dystopian elements of this book (that we haven't really gotten to yet). But these first chapters remind me why I love this book so much, as the themes are evident from the beginning. \ \ This is my 3rd time reading it, but on my first time reading it, my daughter was just a bit older than Harriet. While my circumstances were different than Frida's, I very much related to what Frida is going through.\ \ Here are a couple of themes I observed:\ \ Us vs. Them\ \ Repeatedly we're reminded that Frida isn't like "those" mothers who harm their children. Class and race separate her from the "those" people who don't deserve to be mothers with an emphasis that it's not typically mothers from her neighborhood under investigation. While Frida isn't white, she is "pale enough" that she will likely be treated better than others who are not.\ \ The Expectations on Mothers\ \ Frida is on trial for her mothering. While I think we would all agree she made a bad decision, it's not hard to see why she was brought to that point. The expectations on mothers is high, but the supports are lacking.\ \ And now that Frida is under investigation, even reasonable and typical behavior will be frowned upon. She must be perfect.\ \ And even fellow mothers are holding each other to these standards. Any weakness or struggle must be hidden, while the front of perfect, sacrificial motherhood is showed to others.\ \ And finally, Frida is holding herself to unreasonably high standards, being her worst critic. This has always been me (even before becoming a mother) to the point where my parents would regularly tell me that they wouldn't punish me for less than perfect grades, because I would punish myself plenty.\ \ Some questions for further discussion:\ \
What stood out to you from these first few chapters?\ \
Did you relate to Frida? Did you find yourself judging her?\ \
What about Gust and Susanna?\ \ \ Join for free or login](https://ronnicareads.binderybooks.com/item/i0ETHxNovBja2fz6eNlS/)

May Book Club: The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan, Week 1

1 book

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • Apr 27

Here are some April 28th new book releases on my radar (and should be on yours!). Though I've asked the publishers for these, I haven't gotten my hands on any of them yet...let me know if you have!\ \ Fat Swim by Emma Copley Eisenberg\ \ Why it interests me: a collection of stories exploring bodies, queerness, size, and more? Okay.\ \ Liar's Dice by Juliet Faithfull\ \ Why it interests me: a coming of age story set in 1970s Brazil.\ \ Dreamt I Found You by Jimin Han\ \ Why it interests me: A retelling of a tragic love story set in the Korean immigrant community. I already have her The Apology on my physical TBR so I'm interested in this one too. \ \ The Original by Priya Parmar\ \ Why it interests me: a novel about Katharine Hepburn, exploring the cost of fame.\ \ Break Room by Miye Lee\ \ Why it interests me: translated from Korean, a gripping and incisive psychological game-show drama.\ \ Molka by Monika Kim\ \ Why it interests me: The Eyes are the Best Part was one of my favorite horror books last year, so when I heard she had a new one coming out, I immediately preordered it.

April 28th Release I Need to Read Right Now

8 books

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • Apr 24

Now for the discussion of the fourth and final section of Good People by Patmeena Sabit (Judgment Day, pages 251-end) as well as the book as a whole. \ \ I think this is what really sold me on the book...we don't get resolution just like we don't in life. In full transparency, I remembered that we found out that it wasn't an honor killing, though on re-reading I realized that was just my interpretation. That said, having the opposite assumption on re-read helped me notice all the times we're clued in to the accusations being groundless.\ \ What was uncomfortable for me (and thus an opportunity to grow) is how easily I was willing to believe it was an honor killing, even though the evidence at most was weak and circumstantial. This playing on stereotype draws attention to Islamophobia in a way that creeps up on you.\ \ What are your thoughts?\ \ Join for free or login

April Book Club: Good People by Patmeena Sabit, Final Discussion

1 book

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • Apr 22

Poll:\ \ What content do you want from Ronnica Reads\ \ I've had this page for a couple of months and I'm still finding my rhythm. I'd love to know what interests you and what more you may want to see from me!\ \ Join for free or login

What do you want from me?

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • Apr 20

Here are some April 21st new book releases on my radar (and should be on yours!). First, the one I had a chance to read already:\ \ Permanence by Sophie Mackintosh 5/5 stars\ \ Put this on your TBR if you love literary speculative fiction. I was thrilled to get an ARC of one of my most anticipated releases, and as much as I've appreciated Sophie's other works, this has been my favorite. Our main character wake up in an alternate world where she gets to live openly with her affair partner. Themes of “what ifs”, regret, and longing are strong, as well as an exploration when each partner has different desires. \ \ Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez 4.25/5 stars\ \ Put this on your TBR if you want to read a love letter to Brooklyn and a time capsule of 2007 (Which does not make this historical fiction...fight me). Our characters are young and MESSY, but there is still a lot of heart.\ \ Odessa by Gabrielle Sher 4.25/5 stars\ \ Put this on your TBR if you appreciate historical folk horror. This one has deep roots in Jewish folklore, and reminds us that European antisemitism was a problem long before the Holocaust.\ \ Honor & Heresy by Max Francis 3/5 stars\ \ Put this on your TBR if you like nerdy fantasy. Unfortunately for me, fantasy hasn't been hitting lately. I heard this billed as dark academia, but it's more dark library than academia (if that makes any sense).\ \ And the one I'm still waiting to get my hands on:\ \ The Photonic Effect by Mike Chen\ \ Why it interests me: a space opera features a galactic civil war...I've been hankering for science fiction.

April 21st Release to Add to Your (Too Long) TBR

5 books

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • Apr 17

[Now for the discussion of the third section of Good People by Patmeena Sabit (In the Garden and A Witness from Every Nation, pages 193-249). A quicker section, but what a place to stop! Not as hard for me as this is my 2nd read, but if it was my first read I don't think I could stop here.\ \ I'll admit, I felt a little jealous by the community around the Sharaf family in the immediate aftermath and thought it was quite the contrast to the other neighbors, being afraid of stepping in in any way.\ \ Some additional questions for discussion:\ \

Were you expecting Zorah's death?\ \
What are the lessons that can be learned from the Afghani community?\ \
What stood out in the comparison and contrast the Afghani immigrant and American responses to these events?\ \ \ Join for free or login](https://ronnicareads.binderybooks.com/item/B8p7v1U9VoBScPTkKUhP/)

April Book Club: Good People by Patmeena Sabit, Week 3

1 book

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • Apr 13

Here are some April 14th new book releases on my radar (and should be on yours!). First, the one I had a chance to read already:\ \ Midnight, at the War by Devi S. Laskar 5/5 stars\ \ Put this on your TBR if you want to explore the humanity in war-torn areas alongside personal messiness. An incredibly timely book (Explosions being more newsworthy than the lives of brown people? Tracks).\ \ And the six I'm still waiting to get my hands on (but at least I have the first 2 preordered!):\ \ Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker\ \ Why it interests me: Japanese and gothic are two of my favorite descriptions of a book. But still, I was more excited that this Kylie Lee Baker's adult followup to Bat Eater.\ \ The Killing Spell by Shay Kauwe\ \ Why it interests me: Hawaiian fantasy.\ \ Dear Monica Lewinsky by Julia Langbein\ \ Why it interests me: this seems like a fascinating jumping off point for discussion around misogyny and inappropriate relationships.\ \ Leave Your Mess at Home by Tolani Akinola\ \ Why it interests me: messy 2nd generation Nigerian immigrant sisters.\ \ Cleo Dang Would Rather be Dead by Mai Nguyen\ \ Why it interests me: explores grief.\ \ The Take by Kelly Yang\ \ Why it interests me: speculative fiction exploring aging and power.

April 14th Releases that Should be on your Radar

8 books

Ronnica Reads\ \ Ronnica Fatt\ \ • Apr 10

[Now for the discussion of the second section of Good People by Patmeena Sabit (Things Secret and Open, pages 91-192). I felt like this section really reminded me why I liked this book when I read the ARC in November and why I thought it would make for a great discussion.\ \ That said, I also struggle to talk about this section. Some of you know that I spent my first 39 years in the evangelical church, where I was taught problematic beliefs about Islam. One of the common statements was how Islam is bad for women. I now see the irony of being taught this in a patriarchal institution that also perpetuated to harm women. All that to say, I feel it's important to focus on dismantling the patriarchy I participated in rather than pointing the finger at others. But I will also listen and amplify own voices of women in other patriarchal cultures.\ \ The use of the title really struck me: "Good people, as soon as their daughters know right from left, teach them one thing: That a girl's reputation is like a cloth of pure white. The tiniest fleck of dirt--the tiniest fleck anywhere--and the whole thing is ruined." (p.139)\ \ Sounds familiar.\ \ So for some discussion questions:\ \

How have your thoughts of the Sharaf family changed with the additional commentary?\ \
How do you square the two very different perspectives on how Zorah was parented?\ \
Where do you think the story is going? What prejudices and/0r assumptions are leading you to think that?\ \ \ Join for free or login](https://ronnicareads.binderybooks.com/item/IDjLOOOSDtdEa6DTFklm/)

April Book Club: Good People by Patmeena Sabit, Week 2

1 book