Bookworm Banter

Book Review of Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime is a memoir that is equal parts funny, heartbreaking, and eye-opening. The book tells the story of Noah’s childhood in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa, where his very existence was technically illegal because he was born to a Black mother and a white father. Through a series of stories from his life, Noah explores race, poverty, identity, and family, while showing how he navigated a society built on division and discrimination. What I enjoyed most about this book is Noah’s storytelling. He has an incredible ability to make you laugh one moment and then hit you with a serious reality the next. The stories are entertaining on their own, but they also reveal deeper truths about the effects of apartheid and the ways people adapt to difficult circumstances. Rather than presenting history as a collection of facts, Noah shows how political systems affect everyday lives, making the issues feel personal and real. ...

  Review of The Bandit Queens , by Parini Shroff Parini Shroff’s The Bandit Queens is a darkly funny and sharp novel that blends crime, survival, and social commentary. The story follows Geeta, a woman in a small Indian village who is rumored to have killed her abusive husband. She didn’t - but honestly, the rumour ends up being useful, giving her a kind of protection in a society that otherwise offers her none. Things get complicated when other women begin asking her for help in dealing with their own husbands (AKA murdering them), pulling Geeta into a situation that spirals far beyond her control. What makes this book stand out is how it uses humour to deal with serious issues. On the surface, it’s almost absurd—women casually discussing murder like it’s a practical solution—but underneath that is a very real commentary on patriarchy, abuse, and the lack of options available to women. The novel doesn’t glorify violence; instead, it shows how desperation and systemic inequality c...

  Review of First Lie Wins , by Ashley Elston Ashley Elston’s First Lie Wins is the kind of book where you think you understand what’s going on, and then it just laughs in your face. The story follows Evie Porter—except that’s not even her real name - which already tells you everything you need to know about the chaos ahead. She’s basically a professional identity thief working for this mysterious guy called Mr. Smith, and her job is to become someone else, get close to a target, and disappear. Sounds simple. It is not simple. At all. What I loved most is that you are constantly guessing. Like, there is no point where you can sit back and relax because the book will immediately prove you wrong. Every time you think “okay wait I’ve got it,” something shifts and you realise you absolutely do not. The timeline jumps actually work (which is rare because usually that just confuses everyone), and slowly you start piecing together who Evie really is—and it’s SO satisfying when things cl...

  Book Review of Philosopher’s Stone, by J.K Rowling J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is basically the ultimate “your life is boring until suddenly—magic” story. It follows Harry Potter, who goes from being stuck with the literal worst relatives ever to finding out he’s a wizard and getting into Hogwarts. From there, it’s all secret corridors, suspicious teachers, and a mystery involving the Philosopher’s Stone that slowly gets more serious than just “first year chaos.” What starts off feeling fun and magical lowkey turns into something way deeper by the end, courtesy of Dumbledore’s Wisdom Quotes TM . Honestly, the best part is how immersive the world is. Like—moving staircases? Floating candles? A whole feast appearing out of nowhere? Say less. You’re discovering everything with Harry, so it never feels overwhelming, just exciting. And the trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—carry the story so hard. Ron’s chaotic energy, Hermione being the only one with common s...

  Review of House of Salt and Sorrows, by Erin Craig Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows is a gorgeously dark gothic fantasy that completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. Loosely inspired by the “Twelve Dancing Princesses” fairytale, the novel follows Annaleigh Thaumas, once one of twelve sisters living in a crumbling manor by the sea, where death has become an unsettlingly frequent visitor. As more of her sisters die in increasingly suspicious circumstances, Annaleigh begins to unravel the truth behind the strange balls they secretly attend and the eerie forces haunting both the house and her family. From the very beginning, the story feels steeped in mystery, grief, and salt-soaked dread—in the best way possible. What truly makes this book exceptional is its atmosphere. Every page feels heavy with tension: the roaring sea, the decaying halls, the candlelit dances, and the constant sense that something is wrong . Craig’s writing is vivid and immersive, making it easy...

  Review of A Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side , by Agatha Christie Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side is a deceptively quiet mystery that proves once again that the most dangerous crimes don’t always come from obvious villains. Set in the seemingly peaceful village of St. Mary Mead, the novel begins with a murder at a charity fête — polite society, tea cups, and suddenly poison. Miss Marple steps in to untangle a case where gossip, appearances, and old memories are far more revealing than forensic clues. A central theme of the novel is how the past intrudes upon the present. Christie explores how long-buried trauma and guilt can quietly shape people’s actions, even years later. The title itself reflects this idea: a small crack can reveal a devastating truth. Christie’s characters appear calm and respectable on the surface, but beneath that lies obsession, regret, and emotional damage. Miss Marple’s strength is her understanding of human nature — she recognise...