Book Review - Maame by Jessica George

 

Maddie's life in London isn't the life she wants to have. Her mother who spends most of her time in Ghana is overbearing and she barely sees her brother. Maddie is the primary caretaker for her aging father who has Parkinson's. At work, her boss is demanding and Maddie is tired of being the only Black person in every meeting.

When Maddie's mother returns from Ghana to help care for her father, Maddie is excited. She plans to move out and start living and enjoying her independence. Maddie feels that she is a late bloomer and hasn't experienced everything life has to offer. So, she creates a list of important "firsts", she wants to conquer. She decides to get an apartment with roommates instead of living at home with her father. She starts saying "yes" to things she would normally not have time for and fights for more recognition at work. As Maddie's life starts to pick up, a tragedy occurs and it forces Maddie to consider her life, friends, and family.

I thought the book was a highly entertaining and a funny read. It was fun reading some of Maddie's first time experiences and seeing how relatable it was. I enjoyed reading how Maddie navigates the different relationships and how she did it with grace and humor. The text messages were a fun addition to the book and hilarious funny at times. I look forward to reading more books  by the author.