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.
Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake
Delilah Green Doesn't Care is a debut romance novel by Ashley Herring Blake, and the first in a series. It’s queer romantic comedy with a lovable protagonist, Delilah, who is returning to her hometown for the wedding of her estranged stepsister, Astrid.
Book Review: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez is a book you will find a lot of love for on Bookstagram, and I understand why. It’s a witty banter, instant attraction, easy to read romance story.
Dilla Time by Dan Charnas
Dilla Time by Dan Charnas chronicles the life and impact of J Dilla, James DeWitt Yancey, who even if you do not recognize his name, you have likely listened to music that has been influenced by his style as a producer.
The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings
The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings gave a view of womanhood and motherhood through the eyes of a dystopian and magical world, told from a character who is at critical juncture in her life.
More Than You’ll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez
More Than You’ll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez was an interesting dual-timeline crime mystery, told from dual POVs. The first is a woman at the center of a two-husband double life, Lore, and the second is a true crime blogger, Cassie.
We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story by Simu Liu
This year has given us celebrity memoir gold and We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story by Simu Liu is no exception. I loved it so much!
Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan
Hook Shot is another fantastic read from Kennedy Ryan with a couple that is fun to root for. The way she writes is so deep; it’s the current day love story AND each character’s personal growth that helps them be ready for love.
Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan was my first read in her backlist and it won’t be my last. After reading an advanced copy of her upcoming novel, Before I Let Go, I knew her writing was for me
Jackal by Erin E. Adams
Jackal by Erin E. Adams is a book I have been eagerly awaiting. The cover is attention grabbing, the book description is tense, and I love a debut author – especially in thrillers.
All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham
All the Dangerous Things is Stacy Willingham’s second thriller, and it came in as a strong follow-up, with a grim storyline. In it we meet Isabelle, whose son, Mason, was kidnapped from his bedroom a year prior.
Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi
Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi is an excellent choice for readers who love character-driven novels that center estranged sibling relationships. The plot is the supporting character in this one and the main story is told through the relationship between sisters Jayne and June.
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
It’s no secret that I love Tiffany D. Jackson and have been eagerly waiting for her latest book, The Weight of Blood, to release. It did not disappoint! It has her classic YA horror style and, of course, a systemic issue in the spotlight.
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan is a book that gets so close to the heart that it borderline hurts, in the best possible way.
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola is a witty and heartwarming romance novel that was absolutely FUN to read.
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.