October 4, 2008
Categories: reading . . Author: classybookdiva . Comments: Leave a comment
#17 of 50 – Words of Silk
Yes, I read a romance novel. I thought I should try something different. I don’t usually read romance novels, but after reading Like Water…, I assumed I’d like another one as well.
This was an ok book, but I have definitely read better. I know Sandra Brown is usually on the bestseller lists (right?), and I thought I’d enjoy this one, but it began to get pretty ‘stale’ and predictable. It was also unrealistic to me. Then again, I guess romance novels are usually unrealistic, right?
It was about this woman who meets a man on an elevator during a blackout, he makes her feel ‘safe,’ and they have a fleeting (a few hours) romantic hookup. Months later, the woman discovers she’s pregnant. The man finds her (really now) and moves in with her, although she is miles and miles away from him. This really sounds like a fantasy, doesn’t it? The rest of the book deals with their spontaneous relationship. In my opinion, the novel gets bogged down with the main character’s (I forget her name) constant memory of the night that she met this man. Over and over again, she remembers the romantic night they spent together. Tedious. It really made me wonder why people love these novels so much. I also came away from the book wondering if women really believed in this sort of thing. How many men are really going to hunt down a woman who they’ve known for less than a day? This man was just too good to be true. I don’t want to tell too much about what happened, in case you want to read the book. Have fun, maybe it’s your cup of tea, but I don’t think I’ll be reading too many books by this author in the future.
Like Water for Chocolate
Okay, I finished this book weeks ago, but I’m just getting back to the blog. I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus. Please accept my apologies :o)
Some who know me personally know that I have been extremely busy lately.
I really loved this book and throughout was cheering for Tia, or was it Tita? I really did not like her mother. Again, the writing was top notch—what a different style. It’s not every book that truly feels like ‘literature,’ so kudos to the author. Everyone may not appreciate this book, but bookworms and romantics are sure to love this offering. I’m not a lover of romance novels, but this is close, I guess.
Oh, and if you like to cook, or if you just like food, the book caters to that interest as well. Each chapter is linked to a recipe/Tia’s love for food. I’m sure there was some type of symbolic tie-in with the recipes and what was going on in Tia’s life, but I was trying to get through the book and didn’t really have time to stop and analyze everything. I know it made me hungry.
I’m looking for the movie now. I don’t want to buy it, so I’m hoping I can borrow it from the library. I hope it’s in English. Don’t feel like reading the lines, if you know what I mean.
#16 of 50 – Like Water for Chocolate
I took a break from Rev. Black. We all know what he’s up to. I decided instead, to read this book I’ve been thinking about for a while. The author has a very different writing style from the books I’ve read recently. It’s obvious that she really thought about this novel, which is infused with recipes and remedies. It’s quite an adventure. I haven’t quite finished it, but I’m sure I will finish reading this love story tonight. Wonderful book, I’m trying to get the movie. I’m not sure if I’ve seen it before or not. I have seen the movie, Simply Irresistible, which is similar, and I think it may have been inspired by this novel.
A few brief comments I have about this book: “Really wild and crazy things happening!”
“Makes you hungry for love and a taste of Mexico.”
“Love it!”
“Fantastic use of language and imagery”
“Creativity at its best”
“How did she (author) ever think of this?”
“Don’t mess with true love!”
“Mama Elena…..*!@%#$@$#$ @$#$#%#%#$# #$#%$^!&&^ *$”
“Go Tita!”
http://mrguerrero.wordpress.com/2008/05/02/like-water-for-chocolate/
#15 of 50 – Love and Lies
Just gets better and better. I’ll be back.
#13 of 50 – The Best Kept Secret
Has Curtis met his match? If you’ve been reading the previous novels about him, you probably hope so. In this novel, we meet Curtis again. This time, he’s married to Charlotte, one of his former mistresses. This time, Curtis is trying hard to be faithful. Still, the drama continues. Charlotte has a few tricks and a hidden agenda. She just might do to Curtis what he’s done to other women. Once again, Roby brings us a novel of lies, deceit, adultery. So much happens in this book you’ll just have to read it and try to keep up! I don’t want to give away anything, but again, a verrry interesting read.
#12 of 50 – Too Much of a Good Thing – Kimberla Roby
The Reverend is back! After reading about Curtis Black and his action, you may never look at ministers the same way again. Curtis is back, with a second wife, Mariah, who is clueless to Curtis’s true ways. Supposedly a changed man, Curtis is still weak when it comes to the flesh, if you know what I mean, and still hasn’t stopped sleeping around with his exes. Wow, Curtis, you sound familiar.
It’s amazing to me how these characters mirror people you actually know. Take for instance, Curtis, the player we recognize, who marries the clueless homebody who loves him way too much for reality’s sake. Although Mariah tries as hard as she can to please Curtis, this isn’t enough for him. This ‘playa’ minister almost ruins the life of someone just trying to make it in life. Isn’t that a shame?
Back to the book though – this was another interesting book by a fantastic author. A quick summer read. I digested it in 1 or 2 days, I think. And then, on to the next one.
#11 of 50 – Casting the First Stone
Finally, I get introduced to the Reverend Curtis Black, the minister with more skeletons in his closet than the congregation! Curtis Black is the married minister with a weakness for the flesh and a greed for money and power. Rev. Black’s ways threaten to ruin his church and his career. He’s also losing his family and his life is spinning out of control. Crazy things happen in this book, as in all the books about Rev. Black, and unfortunately, they are not that unbelievable. There are thousands of cheating married men out there who do things that are even more ignorant than what Curtis is doing. Just pray that you don’t end up with one.
#10 of 50 – A Taste of Reality
As soon as I finished One in a Million, I started reading this one. It’s amazing how these novels just seem to ‘fit’ into what’s happening in my world or the world around me. This one is about Anise, another sister who is dealing with a broken marriage. She’s also dealing with workplace discrimination, which is the crux of the novel. In the novel, we meet her crazy husband, who has race and color issues, which contribute to the dissolution of the marriage. Race and color issues are discussed pretty extensively in the novel, which was a surprise for me. I was surprised to see that Anise focused more of her time on the workplace discrimination issue than her impending divorce. While it was great to see a woman focus on her career, I’m not sure if that was entirely believable. Then again, it is fiction, and it’s a matter of opinion, of course. On to another Kimberla Roby book. I’m finally meeting the Reverend Curtis Black. I am just getting around to Casting the First Stone, another Roby book.
#9 of 50 – One in a Million
After I read Changing Faces (I was sorry to see it end), I had to read One in a Million, by Kim Roby. In fact, I started on it as soon as I finished Changing Faces and I finished it in a few hours. I’m not going to tell you what hour that was :o)
This novel was about a woman who hits the lotto, and doesn’t have a chance to tell her husband the news before he announces that he is going to leave her for his mistress. Of course, when he finds out, he tries to woo, worm, and wiggle his way back into her life, or at least into the money. This husband really made me sick–the nerve of this man. The craziness she endures with her family after winning the money is something else she has to deal with, and it’s fun reading about it. Like Roby’s other novels, this one has its twists and turns. Another winner.
Thanks to the author, for another fabulous reading experience.
#8 of 50 – Changing Faces
I was hooked from the start. This is the first novel that I can remember reading by Kimberla Lawson Roby. I’ve always meant to read her books, and now I must say that I cannot wait to read the rest of them, especially the ones about the infamous Rev. Curtis Black.
Changing Faces tells the stories of 3 women – Taylor, Whitney, and Charisse – who are friends, with lives that are alike in some ways, and different in others. They all struggle with one thing for sure—relationships, with their families, and significant others. Roby tells a wonderful story, with a surprising ‘she did what’ at the end.
For more about this author, you can visit www.kimroby.com.
#7 of 50 – Always True to You in My Fashion
Okay, I’m reading them pretty quickly now (trying to catch up) and I’m forgetting what I’ve read already. I hope I don’t forget to record any :o)
Loved this book. All about Randall Hollis and the tangled web he has woven while pursuing 3 women simultaneously. All of the women experience their drama, their ups and downs with Randall, who unfortunately, represents a segment of the African-American male population. Funny thing, I was reading this and felt as if I knew Randall personally. Funny how they can really seem to be all the same. More later.
#6 of 50—Jonah’s Gourd Vine
I finished this weeks ago, but forgot to add it to the blog. Life’s very busy right now, but I’m still reading. Fantastic reading! Lots of imagery, symbolism, all the great literary elements we expect from Hurston.
I’ll add more later.
What’s in a name? Reading Challenge
I just saw a reference to this challenge on several lists, and I thought I’d add my 2 cents.
I know I’ve read at least one that fit the categories–The Color Purple. Not sure about the rest. At some point during my 50 books reading challenge, I hope to have read these, which are also part of my participation in the “What’s in a Name?” Reading Challenge.
The ‘name’ challenge runs from January-December 2008.
Dates: January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008
The Challenge: Choose one book from each of the following categories.
1. A book with a color in its title. The Color Purple (done!)
2. A book with an animal in its title. Mules and Men
3. A book with a first name in its title. The Diary of Anne Frank (maybe)
4. A book with a place in its title. Elijah of Buxton
5. A book with a weather event in its title. Heat Seekers (maybe, if I can find it)
6. A book with a plant in its title. Jonah’s Gourd Vine (Reading this now. Wow! This is pretty easy.)
–You may overlap books with other challenges, but please don’t use the same book for more than one category. (For example, you can use The Red Pony for either a “color” book or an “animal” book, but not for both.)
More information at http://wordsbyannie.blogspot.com/2008/01/up-for-challenge-sticky-post.html. I tried to add this on my blogroll, but can’t remember how to do it. Does anyone know how to do this?
i’m getting behind
I should be on at least book 10 by now, shouldn’t I? That last book, coupled with life’s events, sort of pushed me back. I just started my 6th? book, and I’m almost finished. It’s Jonah’s Gourd Vine by Hurston, an extremely gifted storyteller and folklorist. I’m moving along in this one quickly. I hate to put it down. As a matter of fact, I am going to read a few pages now.
i hope that i have finished this book by the time you are reading this post. this is one that i’m glad did not get away from me. i’ve always loved hurston’s work, but am just getting around to some of the novels.
#5 of 50 – Love the One You’re With
This one took me a while to finish. I think this is one of those that was more hype than necessary. It was OK, or a maybe a little more than ok. Definitely chick lit. Since I don’t usually pick up chick lit, I thought I’d give it a try.
It’s about a married woman who bumps into her ex, or as some would say, the one who got away. Well, in this case, he needed to get away, and stay away, like some of our exes, you know? They play the cat-and-mouse games, with her on the verge of cheating on her husband, or just plain leaving him.
I was getting kind of bored with this watered down drama. I just wanted the woman to come to her senses, and stop communicating with this fool. Or, go ahead and do what she wanted to, follow her ‘heart’ feelings and lose her husband.
While reading, I couldn’t help thinking that if this were a sista-drama, there would have been real drama, and real laughs—something to keep it going.
Like some of the other stories, I’ve read recently, I could relate to some of the things that happened though. There are always people in these stories who are like people we know. I have also been around married or engaged people who say that they have these “What if” feelings. Part of the commitment is leaving this behind. In my opinion, you should marry the one you love, and if you’re not quite sure, just wait, and the right one will definitely come along. If you’re like the character in this book, make sure you have closure with that previous relationship, if in fact, that is what you want. It really isn’t fair to have your spouse thinking that you’re so in love with them, when you still have feelings and cravings for another. I guess some people are like an old friend of mine, who said, “If you can’t be with the one you love, just [settle].” LOL or something like that.
All in all, not sure if this is what I’d called literature, just reading. Don’t mean to be harsh on the book, but I guess I expected something with more ‘meat’ to it, since the author is quite popular and a lawyer. I guess that’s why they call it chick lit. Like the book below, it could have been shorter though. Much shorter.
#4 of 50 – Holy Ghost Corner
OK; I have finally finished reading this book by Michele Bowen.
I cannot believe it took me so long, but I guess it was because I was sick last month. I finally wrapped this one up though, over the weekend. If anyone has ever read Bowen’s books, you are familiar with the church drama with Parvell Sykes, Charmayne, and the crew. The book is set in Durham, NC, around that Bible Belt of the South.
It was a great book—could have been less lengthy, but Mrs. Bowen does enjoy description. The text is interspersed with Bible verses and situations here and there, which I appreciated. It made me want to just go grab the Bible. I actually picked up a few nonfiction Biblical texts while reading this.
It’s a shame how much the people in this book remind you of people you know. There were some funny moments, and some downright happy moments, particularly near the end, when Theresa finally gets her man. Although I wouldn’t advise too many people to get married as quickly as she and Lamont did :o), unless maybe you’ve known each other for forever :o) (It is a work of fiction, you know), I was relieved to see the message about true love and holding on to what you believe, even while you are in love.
Baby Doll and Mr. Lacy were great additions to the storyline also, esp. when they get saved at church. That whole church scene was too much of a fiasco, though. I don’t think I’m ready to see anything that crazy in any church.
Those ministers were something to remember. I’m not too sure about them – is that a message for our black ministry? You’ll have to read the book to know what I mean. It makes me afraid to think of what our churches and communities are coming to. Speaking of community, the message about the future of our communities was a necessary touch to the novel – although it could have probably been edited more also–so long. We all need to work on our communities, making sure that working people who may not be rich also have decent places to live and raise their families.
All in all, a great read. By the end of the book, I was glad that I had kept reading the story. I love to read Christian fiction, and about the dramas of Christian women – it is a hard life, sometimes, trying to hold on to your beliefs in this crazy world with sometimes crazy people.
Some people don’t like the book, while others love it. I can understand both ways. If it had been shorter, I think it would have been more effective. Also, some North Carolinians might not care too much for the dialect, since many do not speak in that dialect, even in the Durham area. In some parts of the book, it seemed as if the author was trying too hard to give readers a sense of place.
Pros: biblical, inspirational messages; some authentic black experiences; strong characters – made you feel as if you knew them; same for events—made me wish I could have actually seen Patty get knocked out. Messages of hope and love for Christian women and families, and almost Christian women and families.
Cons: situations were sometimes too unbelievable; too much description sometimes; hip-hop discussion and language seemed forced at times, would likely not seem realistic to that audience; too long—some situations, sentences, words, should have been edited; some attempts at colloquialism seem forced and may be offensive and unrealistic to true North Carolinians; should have referred to the area as Carolina, or something like that, rather than North Carolina, this and North Carolinians that; can sometimes tell when author stepped out of her element (or at least she seemed to), such as with the discussion of the pastor’s hip hop collection.
#3 of 50 – Feathers
“Hope is the thing with feathers.”
Feathers, written by Jacqueline Woodson, was a Newbery honor book. It a great, quick read. As an honor book, I was expecting a bit more. It did have a different storyline than most books written for children and touched on themes of race, religion, and disabilities, without being controversial. The language is remarkable, though – it’s a great example of descriptive or narrative writing for kids, although at times, it seemed that the narrator was mature for her age. Also, I wonder if some kids under 12 would understand its message.
It’s a great book to introduce those themes or situations similar to those presented in the book to children or young adults, and it should give them a good feeling about the future.
Conversation with the author
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/html/africanamerican/aa-jacquelineWoodson.html
Another blogger’s opinion:
http://peteredmundlucy7.blogspot.com/2008/02/feathers-by-jacqueline-woodson_25.html
#2 of 50 The Color Purple
Yes, I am just reading this novel. In a way, I’m glad I waited. I don’t know if I would have really felt the essence of this novel if I’d read it earlier.
I was looking for a novel that was an award-winner, and hopefully, a Pulitzer Prize winner. My luck—I found a wonderful novel, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner, that absolutely captured my heart (I know, it sounds like a corny marketing strategy).
I had a few moments while reading that reminded me of Sybil Wilkes of the Tom Joyner morning show while describing another book, “I laughed, I cried, I identified.” That’s the mix of emotions I felt while reading. I know most people cry when reading it because of the way that the women in the book were mistreated, especially Celie, but I also felt like crying just because the writing was so expressive, captivating, phenomenal. I’m very particular about an author’s language, so I was just elated to have this special book in my hands. I’m hooked on Alice Walker now. I have to get the movie and I have to read her book, The Same River Twice, that outlines her personal struggles as she dealt with the sudden popularity pending the releases of the book and the movie.
For anyone who doesn’t know, this story is a powerful story about love and loss. It’s about the pain of African American women, in the past and today. It’s about the African American struggle in the South. Although this book has African American characters and a primarily southern setting, it should appeal to all people of all cultures. If you’re not familiar with African Americans or the issues African Americans have faced, it would be extremely helpful if you read background information on the African and African American experience in America.
Walker was definitely ahead of her time. She’s a perceptive writer who doesn’t hold back and generously educates, uplifts, and acknowledges her audience.
I will never look at God’s color, purple, the same way again.
One of my all-time favorites!
Fantasia at the Tony Awards 2007
#1 of 50+ Gotta Keep on Tryin’
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Okay, here it is! Here’s the first book I finished for my 50 book reading challenge. Gotta Keep on Tryin’ is the sequel to one of my favorite books, Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed you Made, by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant. When I approached this book, I was skeptical, because #1, it’s a sequel, and you know sometimes the sequel can be very disappointing. #2, I read the first book years ago, and I haven’t been able to reread it since I loaned it to someone years ago who loaned it to someone else, and you know the story. Anyway, I was afraid that because I didn’t remember all the details, I’d get lost in the story.
However, I must say that DeBerry and Grant did not disappoint. The continuing story of Pat, Gayle, their friends, and enemies, was brilliantly told. I don’t want to give any spoilers for those who haven’t read this, but I loved this book. After reading, I felt genuinely satisfied and full of hope. The novel made you want more.
As with Tryin’, the authors just have that magic of creating characters that you can connect with. Several of the characters might remind you of someone that you know. It just reminds you of the universality of our experiences.
One thing that really held me to this book was that Pat and Gayle were two sistas with a dream, and they made things happen, with life’s disappointments and struggles along the way. Their relationships and loyalties were tested, but their faith and determination kept them going. This book helped me to believe and inspired me to push toward my goals of writing, of creating. It seemed to come at just the right point in my life. I remember feeling that way at the end of Tryin‘ also.
I only wish that I could see these ladies in person. I’m sure I will someday. They’ll be in my area this month, but I have to work, so I’m not quite sure how I will swing that one. There was a book party in New York that I would have LOVED to hit. I’ve never thought of myself as a groupie before, but I just have to meet them. I would be a book groupie. That’s so me.
50 books reading challenge
In case you haven’t heard, I am embarking on the 50 books reading challenge. Some of you know this, and have asked me, “What is it?” “How do I join?”
To answer your question (I’ll try to keep this somewhat short), this is a personal book challenge that thousands of adults are participating in. You set a goal—it might be 50, 100, 150, 25—whatever works for you, and you blog your progress. I figure I can read at least one book a week, so we’ll see.
Some people have chosen to list the books, and possibly offer their reactions to it. Others have chosen to write a bit more about each book, either a summary, or how the book made you feel. I’ll do a mix of both, usually adding media or a glimpse inside the book, whenever possible. If you want to join, feel free, and let me know, so that I can visit your blog, and add a link from my page. I’m not sure if anyone awards prizes, but I’m not doing it for material prizes, just a personal goal.
I just want to push myself to read more adult books. I read children’s books on a daily basis because of my job, but I am trying to catch up on my favorite adult genres – African American, southern, erotic fiction. I have so many books on my personal bookshelves that I haven’t touched since I added them to my shelf. I am also reading more nonfiction books that center on religion, relationships, women’s health, professionalism, and African American studies. You can read whatever types of books you like. If you read with your kids, you can count that if you’d like. You can count comic books, if you like. You’re an adult, so you get to do what you want :o)
Oh yeah, and you do this for a year. I started around April 1, so I expect to be finished around April 1, 2009.
If you want more information, there are several sites online that you can peruse to find out more about these book challenges.
http://www.librarything.com/groups/50bookchallenge
http://community.livejournal.com/50bookchallenge
http://inksplasher.blogspot.com/2007/12/2007-winter-reading-challenge.html
So, if you know me, and you see me reading a book in a place where I don’t normally read a book, you’ll know what’s wrong with me.
Wish me luck!
Why War is Never a Good Idea
I’ve got this book on reserve. Can’t wait to take a look at it. It’s a children’s book, but it’s great for adult reading too.
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  Browse Inside this book
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Excerpt from the book:
Alice Walker endorses Barack Obama « The Brown Sugar Pages
Alice Walker endorses Barack Obama « The Brown Sugar Pages
I’ve recently spotted a few articles re: Walker’s support of Obama. An excerpt of Walker’s views:
We have come a long way, Sisters, and we are up to the challenges of our time. One of which is to build alliances based not on race, ethnicity, color, nationality, sexual preference or gender, but on Truth. Celebrate our journey. Enjoy the miracle we are witnessing. Do not stress over its outcome. Even if Obama becomes president, our country is in such ruin it may well be beyond his power to lead us toward rehabilitation. If he is elected however, we must, individually and collectively, as citizens of the planet, insist on helping him do the best job that can be done; more, we must insist that he demand this of us. It is a blessing that our mothers taught us not to fear hard work. Know, as the Hopi elders declare: The river has its destination. And remember, as poet June Jordan and Sweet Honey in the Rock never tired of telling us: We are the ones we have been waiting for.
*I am reading Walker’s Color Purple for the 1st time – yeah, I know. One of my best friends declares that it is the best book of all time. It is quite a page-turner. I’ll probably be finished by the end of the week, if I can just focus.
Interesting quote from Walker: The trouble with our people is as soon as they got out of slavery they didn’t want to give the white man nothing else. But the fact is, you got to give em something. Either your money, your land, your woman or your ass. She just has a way with words, doesn’t she?
First Book?
This will likely be the first book I blog on. It’s been sitting here for a while, so I need to start and finish!
Ready for a challenge?
As of April 1, 2008, I will begin blogging about my quest to complete the 50-books reading challenge! It’s funny, I’ve promoted reading contests among the kids I work with, but I haven’t participated (as a reader) in any type of reading challenge since Book It, in elementary school.
50 books is a lot in a year, even for a voracious reader like me. I’m always reading children’s literature, for professional reasons, so it will be a welcome challenge for me to tackle 50 adult books, well mostly adult. I will sprinkle a few kids’ books in, here and there.
My quest? To read a diverse selection of books, fiction and hopefully nonfiction, which include novels, poetry, drama, and at least one comic/graphic novel. I’d also like to read a mix of African-American, southern American, and possibly, Latina literature.
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