There are various book subscription services out there to cater for a range of tastes, but which one should you choose?
One of the latest is Heady Mix, which focuses on diversity: it’s a bi-monthly subscription book box showcasing emerging writers from underrepresented groups.
The aim is to bring different and diverse books to readers, allowing them to read something that will challenge them and make an impression. Each collection is carefully chosen around a theme: debut collection Loud Silence featured writers from the D/deaf community, Afrofuturism, their second collection showcased writers from Africa, while the current collection, Feminist Fairytales redefines ‘happily ever after’ with female writers from all over the world.
I was delighted to receive the Afrofuturism collection. This is a new genre to me, so it’s fantastic to be introduced to it through work that has been so thoughtfully chosen. The subscription box contains three books: two novels and a short story collection curated and published by Heady Mix, with an introduction from their founder, Justina Cruickshank.
Afrofuturism collection
Wikipedia defines Afrofuturism as …”a cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science, and philosophy of history that explores the developing intersection of African Diaspora culture with technology.”
In her introduction, Cruickshank outlines the challenges of curating this collection, before sharing twelve stories from African writers that explore our perceptions of Africa through magic-realism, fantasy and science-fiction.
David Mogo, Godhunter, by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
This debut novel is described as Godpunk. Set in Lagos, it tells the story of demigod and godhunter David Mogo, who has to capture two powerful gods after thousands fall to earth and chaos ensues.
Nigerian myths are woven into the narrative alongside intricate world building that draws the reader into this urban fantasy. For design fans, it also has a beautiful embossed cover with eye-catching details.
Find out more on Goodreads and Amazon
Triangulum, by Masande Ntshanga
A young girl is haunted by the disappearance of her mother during the demise of the enforced segregation of South Africa’s apartheid era homeland system. When she is visited by a strange apparition, she’s convinced it’s a sign from her mother and linked to the abduction of several local girls. With her closest friends, she sets out to discover the truth.
This book is part mystery, part science-fiction, part history and deals with complex themes of bereavement, sexuality and growing up.
Find out more on Goodreads and Amazon
I’m excited to work my way through all three books and discover more about the genre. Triangulum in particular sounds fascinating. Thanks to Heady Mix for gifting me the Afrofuturism collection – I look forward to seeing what subjects are explored next!
Check out the Heady Mix subscription box online, it would make a fabulous Christmas present for your favourite book lover.
Please note: although I received a complimentary collection, all opinions here are my own.