Welcome to Margin Notes
A blog and newsletter from Ibrah Reads.
Below you’ll find all articles in chronological order.
If you prefer to browse by category or tag, please click on the icons to the right or in any post and it will filter the posts displayed below.
The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa
The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa is a lighthearted romantic comedy that has the charm of a fake dating trope without the frenemies bits.
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham was a solid debut suspense novel that kept me guessing. In it we meet Chloe, whose dad was convicted of murdering six teenage girls during her childhood.
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka was incredibly hard to put down and I kept finding any excuse to keep reading it.
New Book Releases - September 2022
It's a new month with new books - let's find the perfect one for you! Below you will find a curated selection of books that are available this month.
Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe
Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe was a powerful coming-of-age debut that I keep thinking about. It’s set in the southside of Chicago during the late nineties, in the Robert Taylor Homes.
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
Multiple people have told me to read Rock Paper Scissors and I understand why. I followed the false leads and when the big twist happened… I was shocked. I had to recalibrate everything I had read up until that point.
In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn
In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn is for my book friends who love a YA book that breaks your heart and makes you reflect on life.
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson a slow burn novel that blends an intelligence mystery with the protagonist’s personal reflection on her career and life.
The Last Dreamwalker by Rita Woods
The Last Dreamwalker by Rita Woods was an attention-getting blend of family discovery and historical fiction, with a touch of magical realism.
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Crosby
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby was so well-done that I ended up reading a story I would normally not pick up, just to keep consuming the words.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez was a five-star read for me in June and is another YA novel that has the depth of adult literary fiction.
Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black
Don’t Cry for Me by Daniel Black might be my favorite book of the year. I know we have 5 months left to go, but this story was incredibly special.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is a must for anyone who likes psychological thrillers. I read a lot in this genre, and I was hooked by the writing, genuinely surprised by the twist, and finished reading in 24 hours.
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author I will always read and when I saw her book, One True Loves, available on Libby I borrowed it right away. There was so much about this book that felt like familiar TJR and with Julia Whelan narrating, even more so.
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee is one of those books that has a devoted fan-base who amps you up to read the book. When my library hold came in, I was excited to dig in and see what all the fuss is about.
Freak by Jennifer Hillier
In Jennifer Hillier’s second novel, Freak (Creep #2), we resume the storyline of her prior novel, Creep. Let me say now that if you don’t want any spoilers for Creep, do NOT read the publisher’s description of Freak. I’ll keep this review spoiler-free and suggest you read the books as a pair.
The Prisoner by B.A. Paris
The Prisoner by B.A. Paris had my attention from the first page. The book opens with a first-hand account of a woman, Amelie, being abducted and I was immediately intrigued with the way she was processing the information.
Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson was both tense and heartbreaking, which I am coming to find is a specialty of the author. In this novel we meet Claudia, a teenager in Washington D.C. who is trying to find her missing friend, Monday.
Creep by Jennifer Hillier
After reading three of Jennifer Hillier’s recent psychological thrillers, I knew I had to go back and read her first book, Creep. She first published this novel in 2012 and it delivers on mystery, tension, and disturbing events – much like her more current works.
Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
Allegedly is yet another Tiffany D. Jackson book that had my complete attention. In it we meet Mary, a fifteen-year-old girl who is in the care of a state-run home after serving six years in juvenile detention. When she was 9 years old, the 3-month-old baby that her mother was babysitting was murdered … and all signs pointed to Mary.