The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient African Teachings in the Ways of Relationships by Sobonfu Some

Given to me by a coworker at the beginning of my divorce, The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient African Teachings in the Ways of Relationships by Sobonfu Some was a very interesting book.  Dealing with various aspects of relationships, Some introduces rituals from her village, as well as the theories and methodology surrounding these rituals.  Many of the rituals I could not see myself actually practicing, but the symbolic nature of these rituals I could actually see myself incorporating into my life. 

How to Make People Like You in 90 seconds or less by Nicholas Boothman

I bought How to Make People Like You in 90 seconds or less by Nicholas Boothman years ago, after Judge Banks suggested that I read it when he found out I was interested in becoming an attorney. I met him around my junior year at Jackson State University. He helped me get an summer job at Phelps and Dunbar as a file clerk.  I am now happy to say that I finished it today.  Much of what Boothman proposes is common sense. However, I do like that his approach includes scientific research to accommodate his theories and beliefs. I was especially drawn to the diagram regarding eye movement when you interact with others.  

Thrifty Book Shopping

Since I had some time to myself on yesterday, I went book shopping. However, I didn't go shopping at Barnes and Nobles, I headed to Goodwill and the Salvation Army. Since my mother introduced thrifty book shopping, I have been addicted every since. Spending only $7, I am excited about adding the new books to my overwhelming and large library. The John Grisham books are for my mother. She collects his books. Here are a list of books I discovered:

• Cordina's Crown Jewel by Nora Roberts
• Memory in Death by Nora Roberts writing as J. D. Robb
• How to Think like a CEO: The 22 Vital Traits You Need to Be the Person on Top by D. A. Benton
• The Rainmaker by John Grisham
• The Broker by John Grisham
• No Excuses: Closing the Racial Gap in Learning by Abigail Thernstrom and Stephan Thernstrom 
• Uncommon Sense: Creating Business Excellence in Your Organization by Stephen George

Hope on a Tightrope: Words & Wisdom by Cornel West

Having heard about Cornel West and following him on Twitter, I was interested in reading his latest book, Hope on a Tightrope: Words & Wisdom. Being the first book to read by him, Hope on a Tightrope, is broken into various chapters, which focus on specific topics.  West identifies problem(s) in the United States, regarding each topic, especially as it affects the African-American community, presents his philosophy about the topic, and suggests numerous solutions to solve the problem(s).  Remembering that philosophy is a relative subject, I was able to take my own beliefs and compare/contrast them to his. Often times, my beliefs do not coincide with his, but I can see his logic behind his philosophy. Being a very thought-provoking book, book clubs, focusing on philosophical books, may want to consider this book because of the potential of very good discussions. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I would definitely consider reading it again.

Two Books... One Author: "Billy" and "Holly" by Albert French

Following The Prissy Book Snob's blog, I ended up reading "Holly" by Albert French because the library didn't have "Billy" by Albert French. When I reached the climax of this story, I never would have imagined it in a million years.  Yet, the way "Holly" ends is a mixture of happiness and sadness. I shed tears of both, all at the same time. Somehow though, I couldn't wrap my head around the exact significance and message French was trying to get to, but once I reached the ending, I completely understood and appreciated it. French is an amazing author, whose vivid ability to write puts its reader in a trance and makes the reader forget their own reality. Looking at the cover of "Billy," the cover does not prelude to what the story could possibly be about.  This story was just as descriptive and hypnotizing as "Holly." Yet, the ending as a shrill reality that you know even though this book is fiction, this story is probably someone's relative story in the Deep South. Both are a must read for any avid reader, who appreciates a descriptive writing tone and unpredictable plot.

First Book of #2011: Phillis Wheatley Poems on various subjects, religious and moral

What a powerful way to begin my reading lists for 2011! Reading Phillis Wheatley poetry was so interesting. I read it on my iPad through the kindle application. This book of poetry was also my first book completed on my iPad.  What a monumental day! I am just dumbfounded that she was a slave and that she wrote these poems during the 1700s.  However, my psychobiographical background forces me to be intrigued by the numerous poems, which are laced with death themes. I was intrigued by the many poems, which were poems to people who had experienced death.  The poem dedicated to the five year old girl who dies was very touching. Overall, this poetry drew me back into the world of literary criticism so fast that I could not help but give this book five stars!