Blog Tour: I Can Handle Him by Debbie Lum

For the month of July, I think that you will enjoy reading the book, I Can Handle Him by Debbie Lum. A romantic suspense novel, I Can Handle Him, is the perfect choice to add to your reading list for the summer.

If only it hadn’t rained.

Those five opening words in I CAN HANDLE HIM send a few important signals that some readers might miss. This scene sets the stage for Quinn and Tory to be arm-in-arm (showing their closeness), side-stepping puddles, when Quinn notices her frizzed-out hair in her reflection in a downtown storefront (showing her concern for her appearance.) Both of those traits, their closeness and Quinn’s insecurities with her looks, come up later in the book. But there is a deeper meaning in those five opening words. Much later, we find one of our characters back in that same parking lot, after a rain. But this character is side-stepping puddles alone. And she’s not gripping her best-friend’s arm; her hands are fisted in anger. There’s a chance that only serious, clue-hunting readers will pick up on something else too: the very, very important reason why I needed to have puddles of water on that parking lot. If only it hadn’t rained…

Purchase I CAN HANDLE HIM via Amazon.

Questions and Answers with Debbie Lum

1. Where did you grow up /live now? Tampa, Florida and now I split my time between Florida and Texas. As the saying goes, I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could!
2. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? For me it was more of what did I NOT want to be, and that was a doctor, nurse or anything medical. I get dizzy even thinking of medical questions and even fainted at one of my kid’s doctor’s appointments. Interesting though, when I write medical scenes, it doesn’t bother me at all!
3. What is your education/career background? I’m a proud graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa, with a B.A. in Mass Communications.
4. Do you have kids and/or pets?I’m the mother to two impressive young men, one in law school and the other a recent college graduate.
5. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Or what first inspired you to write? Writing was something I had only done for work, writing speeches or press releases, so I never imagined writing anything like a novel. It happened by accident as a way to get a story idea out of my head. After much research (and work), I’m now the author of five novels!
6. Where/When do you best like to write? I’ve written three books in Virginia, and two in Texas, and those two in Texas were written in two different locations. So apparently it doesn’t matter to me where I write!
7. Do you have any interesting writing habits or superstitions? After I get a story idea in my head, I begin a “scribble book.” My scribble books are simple spiral-bound notebooks where I capture all of my ideas. The scribble books are so handy when you need to go back to check on something you researched or want to change a character’s name and need to remember the first names that had come to mind.
8. When you are struggling to write/have writer’s block, what are some ways that help you find your creative muse again? Flying on an airplane! That is where I do most of my story conceptualizing.
9. What do you think makes a good story? Characters that make you wish you were them (and characters that make you thankful you are NOT them too!)
10. What inspired your story? I wanted to write a story about two best friends at a turning point in their lives and the decisions they make.
11. How does a new story idea come to you? Is it an event that sparks the plot or a character speaking to you? Story ideas come to me when I am flying, or when I’m on the treadmill listening to music. I let my mind wander and there is a sweet-spot in daydreams where stories are born.
12. Is there a message/theme in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Believe in your friends, even when others around you are wanting you to question your friendship. Make your own decisions.
13. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? How fun the research part would be! You begin by researching “X”  but during that research you uncover “Y and Z”
14. On a Friday night, what are you most likely to be doing? My husband and I are creatures of habit, and we started getting barbecue to go from a local barbecue restaurant on Friday nights. Now, we’d much rather get our to go barbecue than go out to any restaurant on Friday nights!
15. What do you like to do when you are not writing? Talk to my kids! I have been fortunate to have raised two young men who are big communicators. They love to tell me about their days (in law school and college) and I love to listen.
16. Who are some of your favorite authors?Since I’m not a reader, I don’t have any favorites! I’m going to need to add “reading” as one of my New Year’s Resolutions and ask my fans for suggestions!
17. Do you have a bucket list? What are some of the things on it?I have travelled from Russia to Italy to Turkey but I have never been to Australia or the orient. Add that to the list!
18. What person(s) has/have helped you the most in your career?When I first began writing, I had kept it a secret. But one friend, Jill, pulled it out of me. She’s one of those friends who probes a little deeper, and then follows up with support and questions. She’s turned into my number one beta reader and is the first one I’ll tell when I am writing a new novel. She also sees the first draft. I appreciate her enthusiasm...it helps me through the not-so-enthusiastic times! 
19. What’s the best writing advice you have ever received? Put your best foot forward. That was good advice from another friend and beta reader, Keri.

Here is how you can connect with Debbie Lum:

Website: https://www.debbielum.com/

Blog tour landing page: https://www.debbielum.com/blog-tour.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordebbielum/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Debbie_K_Lum

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14613663.Debbie_K_Lum

YouTube Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhxe1aQvAeE

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/debbie_lum/

Blog Tour: Saving Each Other by Stacy Mitchell

Buy the Book

May is Family Support Month and I think that I have the perfect book for you to read: Saving Each Other.  Recently published, Saving Each Other is a must-read for the summer. This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, and Saving Each Other should definitely be in your beach bag or travel bag. 

About the Book: 
Two hearts, two souls. Devastated by loss, united through destiny. 

The rules: Communicate only through text messages and never reveal our real names or other personal details. 

My name is Ean Montgomery. After the drunk driving accident that killed my wife, son, and unborn daughter, I was forced to see a grief counselor. In an unconventional move, she gave me a private cell phone and the first initial of the name of a woman who had been widowed by the same accident. I had no intention of ever texting her but with all hope and the will to live gone, I found myself quickly slipping down the rabbit hole. Desperate, lonely, and unbelievably sad, I reached out to her and she became my everything. 

Buy the Book

My name is Dani Adams. I was married to my college sweetheart, the love of my life. Together we were raising our four-year-old daughter and running a successful business. Then the accident happened and life as I knew it ended in the blink of an eye. I didn’t want to answer his text but I was barely hanging on by a thread and he was in tremendous pain, so I replied. And once again, my world was forever changed. 

Over the course of a year, through texting alone, we bond. Friendship blossoms into something deeper. We were never supposed to meet, but fate had other plans, and in this world of loss and despair, something amazing began to grow… But can the passion we’ve found sustain itself with the deep, soul-twisting pain that never seems to fade? 

Excerpt from from Saving Each Other

The place D and I have been forced to go for counseling is called “OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center” and is about a half an hour away from my home. My mom insisted on driving me. And while she hasn’t read anything about the accident, she spent the entire ride, before my first session, alternating between trying to force me to read the articles flooding the Internet and trying to persuade me to attend the court proceedings. I’m not going to read what some scumbag has to say about my family and I’ve made everyone promise they won’t either. I’m also definitelynot going to the trial. The minute I see the man who murdered my family, I’ll lose my shit and that wouldn’t be good for anyone,especially me.

“OUR HOUSE” usually holds group sessions, but because our sessions are court-mandated and high profile, D and I were able to meet separately with our counselor, Elizabeth Macintyre, on a one-to-one basis.

Since we’re both barely hanging on by a thread, Beth did something very extreme and veryrisky. She came up with the idea that connecting us with one another could help us get through the grieving process. Her thinking was that since we’re both going through the same thing, we could potentially help each other. She explained to us—that to her—this was worth the potential loss of her license.

She gave us each a new cell phone that contained only each other’s new phone numbers along with the first letter of our first names. She wanted us to have a dedicated line to one another and her only stipulations were that we only communicate through text message and never reveal our real names or other personal details. This I agreed to because I had absolutely no intention of evercontacting her.

Except today. Today I have to. So I turn on my phone and type:

D, this is E.

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. I don’t see how it’s going to change anything but I can’t stand this anymore. I’m at my breaking point. I’m in constant pain. It feels like a huge band is crushing my chest and getting tighter every day.All I do is cry!Everybody’s been trying really hard to help get me through this, I know that. I just don’t have it in me to give a shit.

I lost it with my mom yesterday. Said things no son should ever say to his mother. All she did was ask me to move in with her, and I lost it. It got so bad that she ran out of the house crying with a very mad Riley on her heels. Sure she’s asked me before, but that’s no excuse. My dad laid into me, took Po, and left. I’m now truly alone; being sucked into an inescapable vortex of grief.I’m so lost.

They haven’t been by yet today and I hope they don’t come by at all; this way I can die in peace. I’m falling down the rabbit hole very quickly and that’s why I needto contact D, the only other person who could possibly understand what I’m going through.

So I continue.

I wasn’t planning on contacting you, but here I am. I’m sure you feel the same way since you haven’t reached out to me and I don’t blame you if you don’t respond. It’s been almost a month since my world ended, and let’s just say, unfortunately, suicide isn’t an option. Even though I really wish it were.

I push aside my tears but not my pain; it refuses to leave. I take a deep breath and keep typing.

I’m dying. With each second that passes, I keep dying more and more. I never leave my house, I just sit near the door waiting for their return. So yeah, I’m contacting you. Are you going through the same thing? Why did this have to happen? How am I ever supposed to move on or whatever the hell that even means.

Through my agony I type the plea that just might save my life.

I know I said I don’t blame you if you don’t respond, but at the same time, I really need you to text me back. I’m scared, sad, lonely, and extremely desperate.

About the Author:

Stacy Mitchell was born and raised in Los Angeles, and lived in the South Bay for 20 years before moving to the Conejo Valley. She lives with her husband of 29 years and is the mom of two grown sons. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, hiking in the Santa Monica mountains or enjoying a glass of cabernet.

Connect with Stacy: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savingeachother/ 
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sixmitchells/saving-each-other/ 

Fifteen Random Facts About Stacy:

I’m not a picky eater…most of the time. I hate coconut but I love macaroons. I hate salmon but love lox. And, unlike Ean, mushrooms are one of my favorite foods. I prefer candy over chocolate, cake over pie and frozen yogurt over ice cream. I hate water, unless I’m really thirsty, and hate sweet drinks. Especially when it has fake sugar in it…shudder.

I am completely ambidextrous but was only able to carry my kids with my right arm.

I can read a full-length hardcover novel in five hours, but if you hand me the same book in paperback, it takes me five days.

I couldn’t watch the new Will and Grace until I saw all eight seasons of the old one. So I’ve been on a five-month binge. Same goes with books. If I see a book that looks interesting, and it’s part of a series, I always have to start at the beginning—even if it’s a standalone. 

I absolutely hate biographical movies. I loved the Titanic until the boat hit the iceberg. It ruined the whole story. What’s the point in seeing one if you know how it ends?

I hate walking on sidewalk, love walking on dirt. I can hike for three miles and love every minute of it, but if you put me on the street, I’m complaining after only three blocks. And don’t get me started on running! I don’t see the allure, after three yards I’m in a snit.

I believe in ghosts and want to develop my sixth sense so I can talk to them. BN Toler’s Where One Goes, is one of my all-time favorite books. 

Karma is my religion. How people treat you is their karma. How you react is yours. Going back to BN Toler, I like To Have It All, as much, if not more than Where One Goes. 

My favorite room in my house is my bedroom. If I could live there 24/7, I would.

I run fast and far from a spider and a bee, but can hold a snake or a mouse with no problem. 

I'm a night person, I'd rather stay up late and sleep in the day. The only way I like to see the sunrise is if I've been up all night. But when I do have to wake up early, it usually takes me a good hour to find myself. My friends call it aimless wandering or the Stacy shuffle.

I’m a city girl through and through. I couldn’t live anywhere that shuts down early. I usually don’t eat dinner until 9:00pm.

Markets soothe me; I never bring a list. It’s much more fun to just wander up and down each aisle. Whenever I go to the market to get a couple of things, it ends up being more and I always end up going from a hand held basket to a cart.

I’m incredibly spontaneous. I hate scheduling things, and when I do, I usually don’t make it. I was also born two-weeks late and have never changed. My friends call it Stacy time and usually pad our meeting time.

My favorite type of restaurant is a hole in the wall. I love traveling, and when I do, those types of restaurants are usually what I search for. There’s nothing worse that eating at a chain restaurant when an amazing family owned restaurant is just around the corner. That’s why I include real restaurants in my books.

Blogtour: One Pedal at a Time by CJ Golden

Book Title: One Pedal at a Time: A Novice Caregiver and Her Cyclist Husband Face Their New Normal with Courage, Tenacity, and Abundant Love
Publisher: Eronel Publishing
Date: February 14, 2018
Categories: Nonfiction; Women's Interest; Caregiver
Author's Website: https://www.cjgolden.com/

About the Book:

My participation in this BlogTour is perfect since May is Family Support Month and Older Americans Month. I am excited to participate in the BlogTour for CJ Golden's new book: One Pedal at a Time: A Novice Caregiver and Her Cyclist Husband Face Their New Normal with Courage, Tenacity, and Abundant Love.

In this book, CJ Golden provides a glimpse into the often silent world of being a caregiver for a loved one. Sharing her journey as the caregiver for her husband, Golden shares the reality, which includes both the ups and downs, of being the primary caregiver to her husband, Joe.  I admire how Golden is not afraid to paint a very transparent picture of her journey caring for Joe, who suffered from cancer and several strokes. Based on this book, I believe that the love story between Golden and Joe is one that exceeds the meaning of the wedding vows in sickness and in health. For caregivers, who often feel like they are alone in their journey of being the "go-to person" for their loved ones, Golden's book, One Pedal at a Time, proves that caregivers' experiences are not isolated. Based on this book, I understand the unspoken struggles of my mother and her siblings as they juggled their own lives and took care of my grandmother. Watching my mother demonstrate the unselfish nature of a caregiver, I appreciate Golden's desire to share her story with the world and to inspire other caregivers.

Who would enjoy this book?

I believe that people, who are caring for a loved one, would definitely appreciate reading One Pedal at a Time. Also, I think that people, who are not caring for a loved one but know of someone who is, could benefit from reading this book because it presents a glimpse into the caregiver's reality and could help them in understanding how to be a real friend to a caregiver. 

Connect with the Author

Connect with CJ Golden via social media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cjgoldenauthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/cjgoldenauthor   

Author Questions and Answers

Parts of your book are a series of emails that you sent to friends and family during the time of Joe’s hospitalization and recovery. What made you realize that you needed to share it with the world in a book?

Oh, my, that sounds a tad frightening, doesn’t it – sharing it with the world?  But all that I had learned and shared through my writing was being read and embraced by my readers. They were with Joe and me every step of the way and, knowing they were there and caring kept me going. It felt so good to have them all in my world as I went through this very personal tumultuous time. One Pedal at a Time grew out of their comments and, quite honestly, requests that I put my writings in a book for others to benefit from. My journey was similar to so many others’ and, therefore, the lessons I had brought to light were helpful to them. We need to know we are not alone in our circumstances; especially times of duress.

You have studied and practiced Taoist principles, how were you able to use these as you became an unexpected caregiver for your husband? 

Quite honestly, I did not recognize those principles specifically as they carried me through my caregiver journey. It was only when Joe was stronger and life as it had been was peeking through the clouds, that I sat and thought about the Tao. The principles that I had followed – and do throughout my life – are Tzu-jan, which means that “stuff happens”. Life takes the twists and turns it is supposed to take and we cannot undo that. 

Then Wu Wei comes in and we are taught we must acknowledge that which has happened for, without doing so, we cannot work our way through to the other side. Basically, in today’s terminology, I suspect that all would be explained as “You can’t change or ignore what has happened - so deal with it!” 

Tao also teaches us Te, that reminds us we are each unique with our own set of skills. Those skills are what we put in to play when we need to, well, “deal with stuff.” Along with our skillsets, we also have weaknesses that need to be acknowledged and dealt with. Either we can try to strengthen those weaknesses or, if that cannot be, we must never put ourselves down for them. In my case, my strengths took over while those skills I did not have, I recognized had to be delegated to someone else. In this manner I continued to learn and do the best I could possibly do for Joe.

Your book is not only a book about caregiving, but a true love story. Please explain the importance of sharing that aspect of your book as part of Joe’s (and your) recovery. 

I do believe most everyone enjoys a good love story, but I did not set out to write that as the mainstay of the book. It evolved, much as our journey evolved. To not share that part of our relationship with others would have been to leave out, I believe, the most uplifting part of our story.

There are so many out there caring for loved ones; spouses, parents, children, friends. The job is difficult, painful and can cause rifts in relationships. I think it is important to show them that, with the right attitude (I’m sorry if that sounds pedantic, and Pollyannaish) feelings of remorse can be turned into a stronger love as, together, caregiver and patient work through their trials - with an attitude of understand and caring.

The quote that stays with us comes from a plaque that hangs on the wall at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston:“You get bitter or you get better. It’s that simple. Take what has been dealt to you and allow it to make you a stronger person, or allow it to tear you down. The choice is yours. Choose wisely.” 

Joe and I chose to become stronger people – individually and as a couple and a “team.” I’ve since had many people share with me that their caregiver journey has created a stronger loving bond between them and their patient. 

Our love story is real – there was no way I could not share it.

In your email section of the book, your tone is very positive, was there a point where you felt hopeless or angry? How do you handle those kinds of feelings when your closest friend and confidante can’t help you with them?

I made a point of adding something positive to each email I had sent out. I think, retrospectively, I needed to do that to bolster my own torn soul. Of course, I wanted those who cared to find something upbeat in my words. I knew they were with Joe and me in spirit and it needed to share it all – the pain and the positive.

            

As for me feeling hopeless and angry; of course I did. There were days when I had to leave Joe’s side so I could sit in the caregiver lounge and cry.  Or call a friend and rant. Or – forgive me for this admission – take a handful of Ativan in order to continue on. (On those days I had someone driving me home, or I was staying in Joe’s room overnight).

            

My closest friends and confidantes were able to help me – I remember sitting in my living room one morning, absolutely shattered and, after texting two extremely close friends, finding them coming to my home to allow me to babble and blubber on; to cry and scream; and they listened and they held me and I was able to pull myself together and get to the hospital.  

            

But I could not live in the negative and somehow found a way to continue on with hope and optimism. It wasn’t easy. But it was necessary to do so, or I would have not been able to continue caring for Joe. Or myself. 

What are 3 pieces of advice you could give to someone who has just been thrown into the caregiver role?       

Educate yourself about your role: learn about the illness which has struck your loved one; learn about the “cures” and side effects; learn to talk with the medical staff and become a part of their team. Take what I call, a course in Hospital 101. You cannot be a bystander and wear blinders. You’re learning much under fire, but it will help you help your loved one immeasurably.   

Recognize that you must MUST care for yourself. I did not and the result was a woman (me) who was emotionally and physically exhausted, and on the brink of not being capable of caring for Joe in any capacity.  Seek counseling and guidance. Listen to people who tell you to take care of YOU. They are right! 

I love Joseph Campbell’s quote: “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”

The life Joe and I had planned was wonderful for as long as it lasted. Now we live   another life– but still with each other – and we are thankful   for what we once had, and grateful for the life we now have together.

I hear so many caregivers bemoaning the new life that has been handed to them; they want their old life back. But, this, now, is their life. And, as Campbell says, it must be accepted. That is also the Tao – here you are, your path has been altered, find your unique strengths and create a new life.

CJ GOLDEN in her new book, One Pedal at a Time: A Novice Caregiver and Her Cyclist Husband Face Their New Normal with Courage, Tenacity, and Abundant Love (Eronel Publishing, Feb. 2018), recounts her experiences during and after her husband of 25 years suffered numerous cancer-related strokes, and her learning curve as a caregiver. More about CJ at https://www.cjgolden.com/.

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Book Review: In the Heart of Texas by Ginger McKnight-Chavers

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Book Title: In The Heart of Texas
Author: Ginger McKnight-Chavers
Format: Paperback
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

In the Heart of Texas is a story about an actress, Jo Randolph, and her unexpected transition to her hometown, Midland Texas.  Having a desire to be an actress since her childhood, Jo achieves her dream, but she has to pay a cost.

This book was quite entertaining.  Striving to be more than a desperate actress, Jo became entangled in a unique love affair that ultimately costs her a coveted job and a familiar life. Ultimately, as Jo's life falls apart, she partakes in a journey of self-discovery, which transforms her life right before her eyes.

Once Jo's love affair explodes into a media circus, she quickly retreats to her hometown, Midland, Texas.  Having promised herself that she would not return to her hometown, she quickly experiences a culture shock.  Adjusting to the slow pace of Midland, Texas from Hollywood is a very interesting transition for Jo.

While home, Jo is hired as a drama teacher at her former high school.  Being a teacher in Midland was something that Jo never dreamed possible, but after the media circus, it was very necessary for her to survive.  Ironically, Jo reconnects with a former classmate, but her attempt at reconnection was a complete wreck. Returning to Midland, Texas forces Jo to embrace her humble beginnings and start a new chapter filled with renewed hope.

Through Jo's mid-life crisis, the reader is exposed to Jo's often convoluted attitudes and beliefs about her life.  The unexpected events in Jo's life catapult her to appreciate what she has in her life rather than what is missing. Resilience is a theme throughout the text that is significantly illustrated as Jo pushes forward and embraces her new future.




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Currently Reading: I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan

I first started reading I Almost Forgot about You ,  by Terry McMillan, when  I was visiting my parents.  I stopped at Square Books in Oxford, where I as able to meet Terry McMillan, to read the first chapter of the book.  After reading "The Uses of Sorrow" by Mary Oliver at the beginning of the book, I became intrigued.  After reading the first chapter, I decided to finish reading the book.

I do not buy as many books as in the past since the majority of my library is in storage.  Therefore, I requested the book from my library.  There were two people ahead of me, so I assumed it would take forever for my chance to read the book.

Today, I checked my email, I became filled with excitement.  I was notified that my hold for I Almost Forgot about You was available.  My library, Central Mississippi Library System, using the Axis 360 application to allow patrons to check out electronic versions of books.  I immediately downloaded the book to my iPad and my iPhone.  Since this is my first time using Axis 360, I quickly learned that the application does not sync between the two devices.  The Axis 360 application only crashed on me twice, which was kind of frustrating. So, I made sure to mark my pages, as I read. I was disappointed that I could not download the ebook version for my Kindle, but I am satisfied with the application.  Ever chance I get, I am trying to read this book.  I have 13 days before I have to return it.  I do not want the book returned before I have finished it.

Have you read I Almost Forgot About You?

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Book Review: Keeping Secrets (The Essien Trilogy #1) by Kiru Taye

Book Title: Keeping Secrets (The Essien Trilogy, #1)
Author: Kiru Taye
Format: eBook
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


I finished reading Keeping Secrets (The Essien Trilogy, #1) by Kiru Taye today.  At first, the story unfolded rather slowly, but I enjoyed the unsuspecting twists and turns throughout the plot, which is full of drama and suspense.  Taye makes you feel intertwined with the characters' feelings and emotions.   I think that I will finish the other books in The Essien Trilogy.


Based on the theme of arranged marriage, this book follows the love story of Ebony and Felix, who happens to be a wealthy financial businessman.  Trying to appease the board members of his organization, Felix agrees to get married and determines that Ebony is a perfect fit. Even though their marriage is only paper, but the relationship quickly transitions to something else, almost beyond their control.

Many life lessons can be taken away from the first book in the trilogy.  If you want your relationship to last, forgiveness is critical.  True love can withstand betrayal, heartaches, and loss.  Secrets are unhealthy for marriage.

I would recommend this book for adults, who are fans of good romance.  Be warned that there are adult scenes, but Taye explains them in a tasteful manner.

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Book Review: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Book Title: Americanah
Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Format: Paperback
Rating 5 out of 5 stars

I have been curious about Chimamanda since I heard her recite her work on Beyonce's Flawless track. During a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I picked up Americanah to read when I saw it on display in the middle isle of the store.  I did not read the synopsis of the book.  I just dived right in to read it.  The first chapter was completed it one sitting.  I could not believe how engulfed I became with Ifemelu and her life.

As I read the text, I immediately felt a connection to Ifemelu.  At times, her life mirrored past experiences from my life.  I enjoyed growing with Ifemelu, as she transitioned from a teenager to a woman, as well as traveling with her to the United States and back to her home country.

Thinking about how Ifemelu struggled to transition from being African to an American intrigued me. Being an African-American born in the United States, I have never considered how difficult it is for any immigrant to adapt to the behaviors and standards of a new country.  Adichie forces the reader to realize how immigrants transition to being an American.   Consequently, Adichie highlights the role that identity plays in the humanity.  Ifemelu's character is significant throughout the text and impacts her relationships with others, as well as her transition from Nigeria to the United States and back to Nigeria.  Additionally, the reality of losing your identity or never having a real identity is illustrated in the text, and I understand how either instance can negatively impact someone's life, especially in the example of Aunty Uju and how she raised her son.

So many themes and life lessons are present throughout the text.  I appreciated the lessons that I learned about race and how Africans perceive it in comparison to African-Americans. I have never actually considered the "Non-Black" perception, but Adichie changed my understanding.  The differences are immense.  Adichie's talent in portraying racism in the United States, England, and Nigeria is sprinkled throughout the text.  Following the lives of Ifemelu and Obinze leaves you considering the hierarchy of race between Africans and African Americans.  Reading the blog posts of Ifemelu, I appreciated the way Adichie drilled important realities that most people do not want to acknowledge. Even the shallowness of the educated Nigerians, who had returned after a hiatus to the United States painted a portrait that is all too familiar.  Sexism is another theme that is portrayed in the text.  From Ifemelu's pursuit of employment to Kimberly's husband,  Adichie highlights the perception of gender roles and how these perceptions impact relationships, especially the relationship between Aunty Uju and The General, as well as between Ifemelu's parents.

Even though the premise of the book is an enduring love story, it is a must-read for everyone.  I do not believe that Americanah caters to a particular type of person because everyone can learn something and identify with various aspects of the text.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  As I read, I could not help but to begin to think of ways to incorporate this text in my World Literature or Composition II college courses.  I can envision teaching an entire semester, using only this book.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie quickly evolved to be one of my favorite writers.  In 2010, I added Purple Hibiscus to my TBR pile based on the recommendation of a fellow book lover. I cannot wait to devour that text like I did "Americanah." Also, I am interested in reading Half of a Yellow Sun, which is about the Nigeria-Biafra war.   Honestly, I would love to meet Adichie and listen to her speak.  She commanded my attention in "Flawless" and Americanah.  I want to hear what else she has to say.




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Blogtour: Love's Great Plan by Regina Puckett

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Love’s Great Plan

SERIES (& Book #) – The Warren Family Series #4

AUTHOR – Regina Puckett

GENRE – Romance

PUBLICATION DATE – 10/23/2015

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) –204 pages/ 49,790 words

PUBLISHER – Punk & Sissy Publications

COVER ARTIST – Mihai Blanaru / Dreamstime.com

May be read as a standalone book

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BOOK SYNOPSIS

As the son of two famous actors, Coty is used to the unfaltering scrutiny of the media. But even though he’s been in and out of the spotlight his entire life, he is totally unprepared for the public’s harsh judgement when he’s forced to kill a teenager in the line of duty.

Amanda is the love of Coty’s life. She wants to stand by his side and weather his current crisis, but he’s determined to create a distance between them in the hope of protecting her. His biggest fear is that, if the media makes a connection between them, the reporters will turn their focus from him and onto her. That would most certainly bring the media to rehash the lurid scandal that had erupted after the attempted rape of his sister by Amanda’s own deceased brother.

Coty has no intention of letting his problems hurt Amanda. He only wants her happiness, and if that means he has to let her go – then so be it.

BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA

AMAZON KINDLE UK –  AMAZON PAPERBACK

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EXCERPT

Amanda’s brain felt as if it were filled with cobwebs. The long hours of working nonstop made everything feel fuzzy and uncertain. “Stop making a mountain out of a molehill. I’m not taking advice from a person who got her information about men and women from dirty magazines and porn. You know as much about love as I do, and that amounts to a big fat zero.” 

She pulled on her ponytail and sighed. “Coty has been so good to me. I don’t want to ruin our friendship by embarrassing him. If I threw myself at him, I would only confuse things. If he wants this to go farther than a friendship, I’m going to let him make the first move. Until then, we’re friends, and if that’s all it is ever going to be between the two of us, I’ll be content. I have never had anyone who cared about me. No one has ever worried about my health, about my safety or wellbeing. Coty does. With him I feel safe and loved. There is never a moment when we are together that I don’t feel cherished and happy. So, if I have to be his friend, then I will be his friend. If I have to watch him fall in love and get married to someone else, then I’ll watch him fall in love and get married. I’ll wish them nothing but the best of everything. I’ve never known love, but this time with Coty has meant everything to me. If it has to last me a lifetime, I’ll cherish each and every memory forever.” 

Barbara didn’t say a thing for several moments before finally sputtering out, “You’re not kidding, are you?” 

Amanda didn’t blink. “No. I’m not kidding. You know my past. No one has ever loved me. No one. I would love to be the person Coty falls in love with, but the truth is I never expected to be here doing what I love to do. I never expected to be here with people I love to be with. I appreciate right now that if I suddenly lost it all, I would have this time to look back on, to remember that at one time in my life I had people who cared about me. I could make that last a lifetime, if I had to.”

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AUTHOR BIO

Regina Puckett has been writing for over forty-five years. She lives in Tennessee with her husband of over forty years. She has two grown daughters and four grandchildren.

She writes sweet romances, horror, inspirational, picture books and poetry. There are several projects in various stages of completion and there are always characters and stories waiting for their chance to finally get out of her head and onto paper.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – FACEBOOK

TWITTER – GOOGLE+ – PINTEREST – GOODREADS

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GIVEAWAY PRIZES

4 ebook copies of Love’s Great Plan gifted from Amazon

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Check out my other blog: Transitioning to Me: Life after Divorce.