Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky Review

Recently, I have had the time to really get back to reading the way I want to. I've been reading various books that I will review here later, but one of the recent stand outs has been Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. I originally saw this book being sold at a table at the Schomburg Center during the Black Comic Book Festival. I was set to buy a copy, but someone grabbed the last copy quick before I could get it. Ever since my goal was to get my hands on a copy and I finally went ahead and picked it up from Brooklyn Public Library. I finished it about two days ago and the ending was so worth the emotional roller coaster and now I cannot wait until the Second book comes out.

For some back story Rick Riordan has partnered with Disney to help various authors of color to start children's book series' based on the folklore from their cultures. The Rick Riordan Presents imprint of Hyperion has quite a few different ethnic and regional cultures represented in various series'. In each book Rick Riordan has written a heartfelt introduction to the author and main character.  In the Introduction he expresses the need to get away from Greek mythology and how this imprint that he has started allows him to enlist authors to do just that.


Kwame Mbalia is a New York Times Bestselling author and former pharmaceutical metrologist. He is also a graduate of Howard University and now resides in North Carolina. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is his first novel written in partnership with Rick Riordan Presents. The second book in the series is due October 6, 2020. I will be patiently waiting (Not really).

In Tristan Strong Mbalia builds a world where mythology of the African Diaspora and from the African continent come to life. Tristan ends up in this world after a character, Gum Baby tries to steal his late best friend's Journal, which happens to be filled with stories of many of the Gods in Alke. You might recognize a few like Anansi, John Henry and a few more (I can't give them all away, that wouldn't be fun). In this world the heroes reside in various parts of the land, but then they find out they must come together to save Alke. The book has a lot more depth than you'd expect from a children's  book underneath it all is a commentary about the relationship between Africa (Alke's mainlands) and the Diaspora (MidPass). Through everything he experiences along the way with the help of the Gods, Gum Baby, Chestnut and Ayana Tristan Strong is able to work through grieving his friend, make new ones and help save Alke. All in all its a good book to read for all ages period.

The Return of Childish Gambino: Donald Glover Presents

As we all know Childish Gambino is the hip hop moniker of Donald Glover, writer, actor, rapper, comedian etc., etc., etc. He has personalities enough to fill his multiple roles and doesn't seem to stop. Known to be a recluse and a stoner that only comes into the public eye when he sees fit makes any type of drop from him an event, an epic moment if you will. This time is no different.

This morning I woke up and opened up Twitter to find that Donald Glover is trending, I thought maybe he might be finally releasing the new season of Atlanta that we've been waiting on for some time. That was not the case at all. Donald Glover has always been a person that works on many things in secret, those things can be hit or miss, either way we are always excited to see what Mr. Glover has in store.

In this instance Glover is kind of a genius. The format that he has released this drop in is actually very valid way to get people to listen to the whole project. Then again if you are a person who usually just listens to various songs on an album listening to one all way through is probably more out of curiosity than desire to hear the whole thing.

Childish Gambino has opened up a web domain DonaldGloverPresents.com. When you go to the website its pretty plain and simple, you get a spread of cover art with the title over it. You press the play button and the album plays through 12 tracks on a loop no fast forward, no titles, no actual control over where it starts. One of my highlights though is his collaboration with Sleeves (I refuse to call Ariana Grande by her name since she stole my name), it truly is a track that I never knew I needed. Everything else on first listen is good, considering you can't really discern who all of the features are and you don't know the titles of the songs its a solid effort. I guess that's really all you can ask for.

Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Hello, I have no Idea how to start, but that's ok. Well, my name is Arrianna Marie Silva and I live in New York, Bushwick Brooklyn to be exact. I lived in North Carolina for a while, but contrary to popular belief I'm from Jamaica, Queens, NY. I'm an avid Mets, Knicks, Giants and Duke fan (Hey there aren't that many good college sports programs in NY I had to outsource). There are many things that I tell people I like so I don't seem so strange, but what really gets my blood pumping? Well it depends.

I am 29 years old and I am one person who can give two shits what people my age are "Supposed" to be into. When people ask what generation I'm a part of, truth is I opted out. Especially since I spent my whole life listening to the "old soul" bit, like that doesn't get old. I like playing my saxophone, curling up with a good book, Comic books, cartoons, funny television shows, telenovelas, anime, nerdy movies, video games and spending quality time with my partner. I am not so complicated.

Yes I am a part of the LGBTQ community, but that's not all that defines me, I mean I'm Afro-Latinx too. This blog is not going to be an outpouring of political ideals, principles or behind the keyboard activism. Trust me I'm pretty active in my community, if I wanna complain I take it to the streets. This is a blog where I will talk about the nerdy shit I've always been passionate about. Just know this is a safe space for expression and sometimes mayhem, nope mostly mayhem. Let the games begin!!!

Some People Really Don't Get It

In the wake of a scary pandemic, there are people who are completely terrified and some people just don't get the reason it is a pandemic. I for one am self quarantined because quite frankly work for a freelancer is very scarce right now, staying in my apartment with my books and my coffee is a better way to wait it out than panicking about it. It's okay if you don't quite get the reason for the craziness, but please be mindful that everyone doesn't have an immune system of steel.

I have seen many different bizarre scenarios from people traveling knowing damn well they shouldn't to the President's physician writing a letter recommending he not get tested because of some dumb reason that isn't worth remembering. I have observed instances of panic and utmost stupidity that seems to running rampant these days right from the comfort of my own home, gotta love the internet. Either way we now know why New York now has the most cases of Coronavirus in the US.

Today in Prospect park there were large groups of people not social distancing. AOC has observed people crowding bars and restaurants not social distancing. People have refused to wash their hands, social distance and gather in crowds all in one go. I have one thing to say to you, you are a disrespectful, inconsiderate piece of shit. All of you fail to realize that Coronavirus is contagious, you could have it and not be showing symptoms unknowingly passing it on to others. I take this time to remind you that this virus is dangerous, people who are immunocompromised, and the elderly are high risk. So even if you are not in the high risk group, please keep in mind people around you are and for their sake if not quarantining please consider social distance. For those who have chosen to do so I commend you cause its hard I know. Those who haven't shame on you.