June 8 is National Best Friends Day, and here at Books Forward, we’ve got the best friends around! Our Books Forward Friends support the ever-expanding network of fellow book lovers and changemakers. And we’re highlighting some of our BFFs with reviews they’ve recently shared on social media!
@caseythereader
The Lies of the Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi 
“In the City of Lies, they cut out your tongue when you turn thirteen, to appease the terrifying Ajungo Empire and make sure it continues sending water. So Tutu goes to his oba and makes a deal: she provides water for his mother, and in exchange he will travel out into the desert and bring back water for the city. … The book reads like a folktale and is full of compelling characters, edge of your seat action and deep emotion.”
See the full review here.
@ladybug_shirls
The Black Queen by Jumata Emill 
“Wow. This book goes hard and is really about WAY more than homecoming. I really enjoyed this one and it’s twisty and deep. What a great combination.”
See the full review here.
@thesebooksaremyfriends
The Portraitist by Susanne Dunlap
“Adelaide did not have an easy life. Married to a total dirt bag of a man, she ends up separating from him and moving home with her father so she can get established as an artist. She takes lessons and eventually begins to gather her own students and provide them with lessons. I liked reading about how she took in other women and how they became a family of sorts. I loved that she fell in love again and despite not being able to marry until much much later, the two had a happy life together.”
See the full review here.
@thecozygreenlibrary
Secrets of the Moon by Andrew Osiow 
“Secrets of the Moon was a fascinating very well-written book filled with both the familiar and lesser well known facts about the moon that will leave the reader in awe of our nightly celestial orb.”
See the full review here.
@bookapotamus
Photo Finished by Christin Brecher 
“This one’s got all the cozy vibes, with a charming cast of characters. It’s got a satisfying mystery – mixed with a bit of romance – all the rich people behaving badly, and a fun look at the life of a photographer.”
See the full review here.
Interested in becoming a BFF? Sign up here!
A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.
Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.
