Saturday, April 21, 2018

Top 3 Books When You Are Looking for Love




Finding love seems to be a growing theme in people’s lives. The options to find love range from speed dating events to dating apps. I vehemently believe that these three books can provide you some insight into your quest for love. 



Anna Karenina was chosen because of the themes of love, faith, infidelity, and marriage. A true classic, Anna Karenina, embodies the reality of relationships and love. Even though the novel is somewhat a tragic love story because of the unlikely transgressions of Anna Karenina and Count Vronsky, many life lessons can be learned and applied. 



An American Marriage challenges the beliefs surrounding the institution of marriage and relationships Roy and Celestial’s marriage is tested when Roy is falsely accused and convicted of rape. Since Roy and Celestial are newly wedded when the event happens, the reality if how hard marriage can be when challenges occur is illustrated in this novel. The novel makes you question your ideology of marriage and love. 


Me Before You proves that love can quietly creep up on you in the most unlikely and uncomfortable situations. In Me Before YouLouisa Clark’s life becomes transformed when she takes a job as a caregiver for Will, who uses a wheelchair to move around. The ending surely surprised me, but the journey was well worth it. This book is the first in a series of three. I've read them all and enjoyed each one. 



Wednesday, April 18, 2018

St. Francis Public Library - Wisconsin

Usually, when I travel, I make a point to find a locally owned bookstore. I’ve always been fascinated by these types of bookstores, and often, I fall in love with their unique charm.




My first day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin resulted in me finding this gem. The librarian shared with ne the schedule for their Friends of the Library Book sale, which happened to be the very next day. 



When I returned the next day, I was amazed at how organized the book sale was. They have a room dedicated to the sale. Organized by categories, the room felt like a mini used bookstore. 




Talking to the volunteer, I learned that she was a former English teacher. She was so excited to see that I purchased some classics. 



I love how books unite people regardless of race, gender, locale, and etc. I shared with her snippets of who I was and where I was from. I learned that she once visited Oxford to decide if she would relocate there after her retirement. However, she ended up retiring in Milwaukee. 



Even in the airport, I was asked several times about how I liked Leo Tolstoy’s book, Anna Karenina. With my highlighter in tow, I felt like I was teaching English again and preparing for a lecture. 

I’ve decided to start visiting libraries when I travel because that’s something that my parents did when we were younger. Visiting St. Francis Library proved to be well-worth the visit. I left happy and filled with joy. 

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Sunday, April 08, 2018

Book Review: The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl




Book Title: The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
Author: Issa Rae
Format: Audiobooks
Purchase the book here.
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.

Have you read this book? Let's talk.

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Tuesday, March 06, 2018

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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Saturday, March 03, 2018

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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Sunday, August 06, 2017

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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Wednesday, July 26, 2017

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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Book Review: Haiku by Hart Larrabee

Recently, I had the privilege of reading Haiku. I was captivated by the symbols, language, and English translation on each page. I enjoyed t...