From the Bookshelf of Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge…

Binti (Binti, #1)

Nnedi Okorafor,

N.K. Jemisin (Foreword)

Start date: February 1, 2021

Finish date: February 28, 2021

Discussion: 2021 Monthly Group Reads

Why we're reading this: February 2021 group read for afrofuturism / africanfuturism
[close] February 2021 group read for afrofuturism / africanfuturism

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2021 Monthly Group Reads

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What Members Thought

Jun 14, 2021 Debbie rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was waiting to start this book until I knew the series was done. It looks like it, so it's safe to dip my toe in, right?

I really loved a lot of things about Binti. I like the culture she comes from, with a closeness and appreciation for the Earth, and a value put on their community because of their talent with the special products they can make. I like the idea of a Harmonizer, and what that could mean for the world. I loved the way math seems to be the magic in this world, and how easily Bin I was waiting to start this book until I knew the series was done. It looks like it, so it's safe to dip my toe in, right?

I really loved a lot of things about Binti. I like the culture she comes from, with a closeness and appreciation for the Earth, and a value put on their community because of their talent with the special products they can make. I like the idea of a Harmonizer, and what that could mean for the world. I loved the way math seems to be the magic in this world, and how easily Binti (and maybe her family?) can slip into seeing the math and patterns underlying difficult situations. I love the enterprising spirit Binti shows in the beginning, but maybe not the "put her in her place" perspectives that her family shows when she expresses her desires. I love that Binti owns her roots when among people who don't know her culture well, and how quickly she makes friends in her year, although not how little we learn about them. I love how quickly Binti thinks on her feet when faced with a threat, and how we readers are equally confused by the situation she finds herself in. I love that this novella is about understanding other cultures, facing your own prejudices (on both sides of the aisle), and finding common ground. And finally, on the last page, I love that there is an element of forgiveness implied - although not from the arenas I thought there would be.

However, there is some very serious violence in this book that doesn't get dealt with well or quickly. At some point, there's one of those Far Side "and then a miracle happens" moments, when Binti immediately understands her enemies, and that pissed me off some. I'm confused by the power of the stinger, which can alter Binti's DNA, but not fix a few scars. I'm annoyed that despite Binti being at the college for a bit, she may not have other friends but her enemy-turned-maybe-friend?

Maybe things will develop in the next book, which I have on hold from the library. I have big hopes for this series, but I don't know if they're warranted. ...more

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Feb 15, 2020 Julie rated it really liked it

Wow! I don’t read much sci-fi but this was amazing! I understand all the accolades; what a remarkable, moving story packed into 96 pages. I look forward to visiting Okorafor’s worlds again soon! This counted for 2 of my challenges, could have counted for even more. #ReadHarder #17 sci/fi novella and #ReadingWomen #7 a book featuring Afrofuturism I highly recommend this book, great on audio. And that cover! #bhm

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Dec 29, 2018 Isabel Jazmín rated it really liked it

Me gustó mucho la protagonista, es una chica con dudas y miedos pero que trata de superarlos y de tomar la mejor decisión, primero para ella y luego para las especies que se encuentra en el camino. La manera en la que debe aceptar sus tradiciones y cómo incorporarlas a la identidad que se va formando fue lo más interesante de la narración

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Jan 20, 2021 Daphne rated it really liked it

Shelves: popsugar-2021

Super short but a great intro intro the genre of Afrofuturism.

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Sep 27, 2025 Jen (NerdifiedJen) rated it liked it

I think the novella length caused problems for me. I felt like I was skimming over the top of the story, rather than really sinking in. This may have been an intentional style choice. If so, it wasn’t for me. I am going to give the rest of the books in this trilogy a try to see if I can connect to them better.

September 2025 Challenge: 15/30

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