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 my 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 resolution.

For the Popsugar challenge this fulfils A book about a POC experiencing joy and not trauma

Zainab Takes New York by Ayesha Harruna Attah is an engaging read that blends self-discovery, cultural exploration, and the chaos of life in a big city. Zainab is a young Ghanaian woman living in New York, navigating her internship while preparing for postgraduate studies. Her story is a relatable journey of finding her identity and balancing her ambitions with the complexities of her relationships.

My choosing this book was definitely a case of judging a book by its cover as I’m a sucker for a book with a Black woman with an afro as she could really be me.

One of the novel’s strengths is its authentic portrayal of Ghanaian culture and the lives of Ghanaians in the Bronx. As someone of Ghanaian descent, I appreciated the nods to our heritage, from the food references to the sense of community. It added depth and authenticity, making Zainab’s experiences feel personal and grounded.

The friendships Zainab develops in New York are another highlight. They offer moments of warmth and challenge, pushing her to confront her own fears and desires. However, while these relationships are meaningful, I felt some were underexplored, leaving me wanting more depth and resolution in their dynamics.

The pacing of the story occasionally felt uneven, with some plot points resolving too quickly, which detracted slightly from the overall impact. Despite this, Zainab’s journey of self-discovery and growth keeps the reader engaged, making it a worthwhile read.

Zainab Takes New York is a charming story that explores the intersection of identity, ambition, and belonging. While it didn’t completely hit the mark for me, it’s a relatable and culturally rich novel that many readers will enjoy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Headline books for this ARC. I have rated this book 3.5 but this has been rounded up to 4.

You can get your own copy of Zainab takes New York from your usual retailers