Book Review: The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl

Book Title: The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
Author: Issa Rae
Format: Audiobooks

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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Recently, I was added to a Facebook book club group. The chosen book was The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. Having always longed to be a member of a book club, I was excited to start the book right away. I decided to purchase the audiobook version of the book via Audible, and I must say that I wasn't disappointed. The humor that is found in Issa Rae's YouTube Series and HBO Series has been translated in the text of her book.

The themes of the book are family, self-esteem, coming of age, struggle for acceptance, and life lessons. I think that what I enjoyed the most about the book is that the audiobook is read by Issa Rae, so you hear her quirkiness throughout the text. I found myself chuckling out loud numerous times, which contributes to the book being very relatable.

Even though I would not categorize this book as an inspiring autobiography, I would share that it provides enlightenment about her life and how she arrived to be such a fantastic storyteller. This book is a quick read and enjoyable. I enjoyed the flow of the book and was not bored at all. So I did give it a 5 out of 5.

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Borrowing Books

Last year was the last year that I lend someone a book from my collection. My books never come back to me. Oh the stories that I have. 

During graduate school, I once allowed a “friend” to borrow a book that I bought when I first visited Washington, D. C. when I was in elementary school. This book was sentimental to me. The blue cover was perfect. I cannot remember the name of the book, but I remember the content. The book was a slave narrative written in slave dialect. The book also provided the standard English version, too. She ended up becoming angry with I didn’t do what she wanted me to do. I wish that I knew what the name of the book was to repurchase it. As you can see, I’m still bothered my this book missing from my collection. 

When I was dating people, I would let them borrow my books. Then, when it ended, I would have to harass or be immensely petty to get my books back. Sometimes, I’ve been like it is what it is. Then, I just replace the book. However, 2018 is the beginning of a different era. When someone asks to borrow a book, my answer is no. I will share where to purchase the book. I will recommend the library. I will hare my insight about the book. I will not be lending any books to anyone. 

Books are important sentiments to me. I often remember where I bought a book and why. Books are my therapy. Their very presence makes me happy. So, in 2018, you cannot borrow my book. If I lose a friend over saying no to a request for a book, then so be it.

Books are better friends anyways. They don’t complain. They go with me wherever I desire. They take my mind off things and help me to learn so much. They never leave when they don’t like something I’ve said or done. So, I’m going to be good. 

How do you feel about borrowing books? What was the title of the last book that you let someone borrow? 

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Reading in 2018

I know you are probably wondering why I haven’t posted any book reviews or blog posts. It’s not because I haven’t been resting because I have been devouring books. The demands of being a mother, working full time, finishing my dissertation, and living my best life have distracted me from maintaining my blog.  

Book review posts are coming soon. I’ve read some pretty amazing books that I need to review. So stay tuned to my discussion of them. 

The most exciting thing for me has been finding free books at libraries. I’ve been racking up on random books. As you know, I just love the presence of books, so I really don’t have a true focus when I snatch up free books. 

What books are you currently reading? What would you like to see in a blog post? Let’s chat. Leave your comments. 

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page. Add me on Goodreads, too. 

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Book Review: The First Gospel by Darryl Nyznyk

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Book Title: The First Gospel
Author: Darryl Nyznyk
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The First Gospel was the second book that I read by Darryl Nyznyk. (See my review of The Condor Song.)

I was attracted to the book because of the cover.  I was intrigued to discover how the cover related to the actual text.

The First Gospel is a historical fiction novel that keeps you enthralled until the very end.  The main character, Matt Carter, is thrown into a religious fight that leaves him wondering if he will live to see the next day.

Matt Carter's family owned a parchment that was key to the religious fight. Matt becomes aware of the deadly fight, when a former professor, Samuel Rosen sends Matt a letter before he is killed. After the death of Samuel Rosen, the religious fight intensifies with death after death.

As I read The First Gospel, I was reminded of The Divinci Code.  Darryl Nyznyk creates in an amazing plot that makes me, at times, wished that I read faster. I really enjoyed reading this book and connecting with the characters.  The unusual twists and turns kept me reading the book to discover how it would end.  If you are into historical fiction, this book is a must-read.


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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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7 Authors Attend My Dream Book Conference

I love books, and I cannot lie.

If I were given the opportunity to organize a book conference with any of my favorite authors, I would be in "book heaven."  Being surrounded by books make me feel safe and warm.  Therefore, if I could plan the perfect book conference, I would have some of my favorite authors to be on the panel.

The location for my meeting would be the American Library in Paris, France. I love the history of the American Library in Paris.  Initially, the American Library in Paris was created to provide books to the members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I.  Now, The American Library in Paris has expanded to be one of the largest English-lending libraries in Europe. Plus, the library provides a view of the Eiffel Tower, which is on my bucket list.  I have images of the Eiffel Tower throughout my house, as a visual reminder that one day I will go to Paris. Just imagining being surrounded by first editions and being able to view the Eiffel Tower, I get goosebumps.

I would like seven authors on the panel.  The panel would be moderated by Oprah Winfrey, of course.  I cannot think of anyone else, who would do such an excellent job of moderating, especially since she is an avid reader.  Winfrey would ask just the right questions. I would be too star struck to ask anything.  I could just see Winfrey with that poised look, that she gets when she is really focused.

1. Richard Wright - Richard Wright would be excellent for multiple reasons. I participated in the 4W's Writing Institute years ago, and Richard Wright was one of the featured writers.  We visited his hometown, Natchez, MS.  We viewed the house, where he burned the curtains.  We crossed the railroad tracks that he mentioned in his book, Black Boy.  We even saw the church, where Wright's mother taught.  I have always enjoyed his work. Plus, he relocated to Paris to escape racism in the United States.
2. W. E. B. DuBois - Next, I would invite W. E. B. DuBois. I have his entire collection of writings. I purchased the last collection from Square Books in Oxford, MS, which is my favorite bookstore when I go home to Water Valley.  His books touch me deeply.  I am fascinated with his thought process, especially in The Soul of Black Folks. I presented research, entitled The Relevancy of The Souls of Black Folk in the 21st Century.  Also, I attended the unveiling of the bronze bust at Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College.  That experience was priceless.  
3. Ernest Hemingway - I dream of going to Paris and visiting all of the locations that Hemingway was known to frequent.  Hemingway is known for donating to the American Library in Paris.  I have had the opportunity to smell a 1st edition book by Hemingway.  The $8,000 price tag stopped the actual purchase, but I am so grateful to Lemuria Bookstore for allowing me to be in the very presence of this book.  Sighs.  When I "make it," my first purchase will be that 1st edition.
4. Mildred D. Taylor - Taylor was from Mississippi, which helped me enjoy her writing. Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry spoke to me on so many levels as a child. Additionally, the main character shared a variation of my name, Cassie.  Being from Mississippi and knowing first hand how racism impacts your life, I devoured each and every book written by Taylor.  I loved all her books. I even shared Taylor's books with my mother, who loves them, as well.  She is such a talented writer.
5. Eudora Welty - Eudora was also a writer from the 4W's Writing Institute.  In Eudora's home, every room has books, and I loved this about her home. My favorite short story by her is A Worn Path.  I used that text often when I taught English at the college level.  I would have my students' watch her interview about A Worn Path.  I like how nonchalant she is about whether the grandson is alive or dead.
6. Toni Morrison - The first book that I read by Morrison was Song of Solomon.  I did it to impress one of my favorite professors. I earned an A in his class because of my paper on this book.  God Help the Child is my favorite book by Morrison. In this text, Morrison emphasizes how parents shape the lives of their children.  If I were to meet Morrison, I discuss how she develops her novels and their plots. I would like to hear first hand her inspiration for Song of Solomon.
7. Jodi Picoult - Small Great Things touched me deeply. I noticed that some of my fellow bookworms were reading Small Great Things because it kept showing up on my Instagram timeline.  Picoult knocked me off my feet with the plot and the realness of her book. She entangled me in the lives of Ruth and Turk.  The amount of research that she did to capture the characters in her book is truly remarkable.  I would like to discuss with her the process for which she wrote the book, especially the point of views for Ruth and Turk.

What do you think about my panel of authors? If you could create a book conference, who would you have on the panel and why? Would you attend my conference? Let's talk.

Check out Eventbrite's Conference Management Page for organizing and hosting your own local events.

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Book Review: Freddie Entangled by Kiru Taye

Book Title: Freddie Entangled

Author: Kiru Taye

Format: eBook

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

After reading Freddie Entangled,  I know that I will be reading the next one in the series, which is entitled Freddie Untangled.  Having only read the first book in the Essien Trilogy, Keeping Secrets, I definitely have to read the other four books before this one. Even though I have not read books 2-5, I was able to follow the plot.  

In this book, Kike, a famous actress, who is often referred to as the Ice Queen, is married to Lekan, the pastor of a mega church.  After an incident that involved someone trying to take her son, Yomi, she decides that a bodyguard is necessary for her and her son. 

Kike contacts the security firm, where Freddie works. Eventually, Freddie is hired to be Kike's personal bodyguard. His partner, Benson, watches the children.  The immediate attraction between Kike and Freddie is intriguing, overpowering, and surprising to me. 

Interestingly enough, the development of the plot to include sub and dom references shocked me. Why I don’t know? I guess I just wasn’t expecting that in this text.  The complexity of Kike and Freddie's interactions, as well as the relationship of Kike and Lekan, draws you into the plot, but also, leaves you feeling somewhat confused.  Both these feelings make you want to continue until the end.   

Being unfamiliar with the sub and dom world, I do not understand everything that Taye was trying to portray, but the psychology student in me couldn't help but notice the psychological and emotional abuse that Lekan was doing to Kike. Lekan has been taken advantage of Like since her youth.  

In my opinion, I finished this book in record time. However, I was so disappointed when I made it to the ending.  I wanted to know what was going to happen between Freddie and Kike, as well has what Lekan “had up his sleeve.”As I wait for Freddie Untangled to debut in May, I know I will be reading the books by Kiru Taye in this series to catch up.  





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