Wednesday's Child

Random musings about the life and times of Elaine Adu-Poku

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Finished Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington and I’m glad I did it on audio. It goes far beyond Scandal and really reframes how you see her career and choices. Also unlocked memories of #TGIT and the golden era of Twitter. 4⭐️ Thoughtful, layered, and worth your time.

Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington: More Than Olivia Pope

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Romp by Ada Barumé Review: Not Quite the Bonkbuster, But Still a Fun Ride

I picked up Romp by Ada Barumé because I needed a reset. I had been deep in a non-fiction bubble and wanted something lighter as the seasons shifted and the days are inevitably getting lighter. Something a bit playful. A bit indulgent. ROMP a funny, energetic, and often sexual entertainment or situation: The newspaper headline was “Bishop Caught In Sex…

Romp by Ada Barumé Review: Not Quite the Bonkbuster, But Still a Fun Ride

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Just finished Sister of Mine and it hit in a very specific way. As a Ghanaian British reader, the Accra scenes felt real. The heat, the chaos, that feeling of familiarity and distance at the same time. Also do you agree with my casting choices? 4.5 stars. #netgalley #popsugar #blackauthors #ghana #sisterofmine #marieclaireamuah #books #fiction

Sister of Mine by Marie-Claire Amuah | A Ghanaian British Perspective on Identity and Family

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Not all 5 star ratings are created equal. I said what I said. Because why are we rating fiction, non-fiction, and memoirs like they’re doing the same job? They’re not. ⭐ Fiction is about feeling ⭐ Non-fiction is about learning ⭐ Memoirs are about truth and storytelling

My Book Rating System Explained (Fiction, Non-Fiction and Memoirs)

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Wednesday's Child turned 13 today!

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Took me a minute, but I finally reviewed Boys Come First by Aaron Foley. Black. Gay. Detroit. Messy. Loud. Unapologetic. Like eavesdropping on the group chat your man swears he’s not in. 5 stars, no crumbs left. Read it here 👉 #BookReview #BlackAndQueer #BoysComeFirst #ReadBlackAuth

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A Journey Through Storytelling: Roots and Legends - Book Review

Roots and Legends: Folktales from African Culture is a vibrant, enchanting blend of African and African American folklore that will captivate readers of all ages. As someone who grew up with Anansi’s clever escapades and the mischievous tales of Brer Rabbit, I was delighted to discover even more of the rich oral traditions that this collection offers. Each story begins with a thoughtful…

A Journey Through Storytelling: Roots and Legends - Book Review

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A Revolutionary Classic Reborn – Ama Ata Aidoo’s Our Sister Killjoy Still Speaks Truth to Power - Book Review

Just finished Ama Ata Aidoo’s Our Sister Killjoy (Faber Editions 2025) via @NetGalley—this Ghanaian classic still speaks truth to power! A must-read for #BlackHistoryMonth on migration, feminism & identity. Read my thoughts here. 📖✨ #AfricanLiterature #NetGalley

Some books resonate across generations, their themes refusing to be silenced. Ama Ata Aidoo’s Our Sister Killjoy, first published in 1977 and now reissued by Faber Editions in 2025, is one such novel. A searing critique of European imperialism, alienation, and the disillusionment of African intellectuals abroad, this book remains as urgent and thought-provoking as ever. For those who revel in…

A Revolutionary Classic Reborn – Ama Ata Aidoo’s Our Sister Killjoy Still Speaks Truth to Power - Book Review

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A Love Letter to Black Chicago: A Review of Energy Never Dies by Ayana Contreras - Book Review

🚨 Black History Month Read! 🚨 Energy Never Dies by Ayana Contreras is a love letter to Black Chicago—its music, creativity & cultural legacy. But does it miss a beat by overlooking House Music? 🤔🏙️🎶 Read my 4⭐ review & celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth! 👇🏾 #BlackChicago #BookReview

Chicago. A city of rhythm, resilience, and undeniable influence in shaping Black culture. Yet, despite its significant contributions, it is often overshadowed by the artistic legacies of New York and Los Angeles. Energy Never Dies: Afro-Optimism and Creativity in Chicago by Ayana Contreras is a powerful rebuttal to this neglect—an evocative and insightful celebration of the city’s creative and…

A Love Letter to Black Chicago: A Review of Energy Never Dies by Ayana Contreras - Book Review

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Banana Republic: Unpeeling the Layers of Capitalism and Racism – Book Review

🚨 New Book Review 🚨 I had no idea how harmful banana cultivation was—to the environment and farmers—until I read Banana Republic by Ben Brisbois. 🍌🌍 A deep dive into capitalism, racism & food politics. Read more 👉 #BookReview #NetGalley #FoodJustice #SustainableFarming

I went into Banana Republic by Ben Brisbois expecting an interesting take on science and the environment, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much I’d learn. This book introduced me to the history of South America in a way I’d never explored before. I had no idea how damaging banana cultivation was—not just to the environment, but to the farmers who are trapped in cycles of exploitation. What…

Banana Republic: Unpeeling the Layers of Capitalism and Racism – Book Review

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"Jumping the Shark" and Other Idiom Origins: A Review of Gareth Carrol’s Jumping Sharks and Dropping Mics

Did you know "jumping the shark" started with Fonzie on Happy Days? Or that "mic drop" has roots in hip-hop battles? Gareth Carrol’s Jumping Sharks and Dropping Mics dives into the fascinating origins of modern idioms. One from the vaults #Books

If, like me, you’re a bit of a word nerd and love digging into the quirky corners of language, Gareth Carrol’s Jumping Sharks and Dropping Mics is an absolute treat. This book takes a deep dive into the origins of modern idioms, unpacking their meanings and tracing how they’ve made their way into our everyday conversations. It’s an engaging and insightful read, perfect for anyone curious about…

"Jumping the Shark" and Other Idiom Origins: A Review of Gareth Carrol’s Jumping Sharks and Dropping Mics

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Long Players by Tom Gatti: A Music-Lover's Delight, but Missing a Beat - Book Review

Love music & books? 🎶📚 Long Players by Tom Gatti explores the albums that shaped writers' lives. It inspired me to expand my playlists & TBR pile but left me wanting more depth. Could it work better as a podcast? #LongPlayers #Books

As a fan of both music and literature, Long Players by Tom Gatti immediately piqued my interest. The premise is simple yet captivating: a collection of essays where writers share the one album that has been a touchstone in their lives. For someone like me, who loves exploring the deep connections between art forms, this book promised to be an immersive experience. And to some extent, it…

Long Players by Tom Gatti: A Music-Lover's Delight, but Missing a Beat - Book Review

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Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn - Book Review

“Where is your husband?” is a question that rings familiar to many unmarried women across the African diaspora, especially after university. This common refrain is at the heart of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, and is what initially drew me to this book – despite me being somewhat older than Yinka and still unmarried. From the very first page, I felt immersed in…

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Zainab Takes New York: A Ghanaian Diaspora Tale – Book Review

Happy New Year and all that jazz. I’m pleased to report that I’ve completed my first book of 2025. It had been on my to be read pile on my Kindle for nearly 4 years to met embarrassment – and yes you’ve guessed it, this is my reading equivalent of going back to the gym – NOT ONLY WILL I READ MORE BUT I WILL ALSO DOCUMENT THIS READING. I guess this means I have at least one new year’s…

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Get Rich or Lie Trying by Symeon Brown (Book Review)

Get Rich or Lie Trying: Ambition and Deceit in the New Influencer Economy by Symeon Brown is a fascinating and eye-opening look at the world of social media influencers. Brown, a journalist and author, spent two years researching the industry, interviewing influencers, marketers, and other experts. The result is a book that is both entertaining and disturbing, as it reveals the dark side of the…

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Your Arteries – An Owner’s Manual: A 3-Star Review of William L. Driscoll’s Evidence-Based Guide

Your Arteries – An Owner’s Manual by William L. Driscoll: A Specialist’s Resource for a General Audience Reading Your Arteries – An Owner’s Manual by William L. Driscoll feels like attending a crash course in arterial health—but one designed more for medical students than for casual readers. Built on a foundation of 40 peer-reviewed medical journal articles, this book dives into the mechanics of…

Your Arteries – An Owner’s Manual: A 3-Star Review of William L. Driscoll’s Evidence-Based Guide

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Who knew mermaids could be Black?

New blog post 🚨🚨 Who knew mermaids could be Black? From Ariel to Mami Wata and back to Arieln via Ulysees 31 (and yes that's why sirens are called sirens)

I’m really looking forward to seeing the Disney live action of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey, this May. As someone who is sometimes voiceless I have always felt an affinity with Ariel, however, unlike her I didn’t become mute because I traded in my voice for the love of a Prince (or if you look at the original Hans Christian Andersen version no one cut my tongue off). Anyway, I…

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