Showing posts with label African. Show all posts
Showing posts with label African. Show all posts

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell






Rating: 5 of 5 stars 
Pages: 304 pages
Published: September 2024

Often on this blog I have written, Not every book is for everybody. If that statement was applicable to only one book I’ve reviewed on this blog, Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell would definitely be that book. What Campbell has done in this dystopian novel is creatively craft a fictional utopia that allows people of color, specifically Black people, to consider ideal beauty, ideal power, ideal wealth, and ideal success without the concept of white being that ideal. The end result is a story that taps into Black consciousness, a love letter of sorts to Black culture.

I’ve seen several reviews that the book is racist. I don’t think that is a fair criticism. I think the book, like any good form of art, makes the audience experience a level of discomfort. If that is not something you enjoy in your entertainment, this book is not for you because not every book is for everybody. The story is also science fiction; emphasis on fiction. No one is wishing any one group of people walk to the nearest body of water never to return. This is simply the fictional plot device the author used to create a vehicle that allows the reader to think deeper and ponder what a literal post-racial America might look like. I didn’t find it hateful. I found it cerebral, thought-provoking; an example of identity. 

The writing is absolutely outstanding. The sentence structure, the use of metaphors, the lyrical prose kept me thoroughly engaged until the satisfying end. I consumed this book in hardback while also listening to the audio (thanks Spotify!). The writing is strong enough to stand on its own, but the narrators on audio acted out a superb performance. While I highly praise this book, it is not perfect. There are some plot holes and ideas that don’t really seem plausible (refer back to the sci-fi part). The concept is lofty, and I think the execution was pretty solid for a debut. 

Recommendation: I truly enjoyed this book, and I appreciated the recommendation from my reading buddy, so much so that I paid to forward to my husband who is listening to the audiobook now. This is a read I’d like to revisit because there’s so much detail to unpack and ponder. I can’t wait to read what Mr. Campbell writes next! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite







Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars 
Pages: 226 pages
Published: July 2019

Can you say dark and twisty? That about sums up my thoughts of My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite. It was the second buddy read with my partner, and oh emm gee! Nigerian sisters Korede and Ayoola are vastly different. Ayoola is younger, trendier, prettier, and luckier in love. Also, she kills her boyfriends, and her older, more logical sister, Korede, literally helps her clean up the mess. Korede also has a steady and stable career at the local hospital where she has a secret crush on a handsome doctor, Tade. However, when he meets the younger and more beautiful Ayoola, he falls quickly for her, igniting Korede’s fears of Tade’s possible early demise. 

The title of this book is intriguing. The staccato-like chapters make for a fast read. The passages are descriptive. And the overall plot seems predictable; however, I would argue that there are some deeper issues going on between Korede, Ayoola, and their early-departed father as well. This book has the perfect combination of mystery, intrigue, comedy, and is psychologically thrilling. I think any reader could finish it in a day or two. I enjoyed the story, but I was not a fan of the ending. 

Recommendation: This is a good book. I would recommend it. Was it the best thing I’ve read in 2021? No, but certainly not the worst either. If you’re looking for a novel to help bump your reading challenge number, this one is a good selection. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Saturday, July 24, 2021

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi





Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars 
Pages: 248 pages
Published: August 2020

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi was the pre-selected read for my in-person book club in July. This book was also a Book of the Month selection last year. However, I did not choose it then. But because book club does what it does best - motivates me to read something I normally wouldn't read on my own, I got an electronic copy from my local library and started the journey in advance of our monthly meeting. And I am glad I did. 

This is a book that begins with the end. The audience knows what is going to happen by the book's title. The story, of course, begins and is centered around its titular character - Vivek Oji - who has died a mysterious death. The remainder of the relatively short book flashes back, and the author crafts a beautifully written tale that circles back to where the book begins. I read this book in a couple of days, and I found that the author has a talent for writing. They* uses effective turns of phrase to illustrate not only the plot but also the emotions of the characters. My major issue with this book was some of the vastly undeveloped points within the overall plot. Emezi also introduced some characters and ideas that were not fully expounded upon (e.g., Vivek's aunt and the relationship with the church). 


The pain was still too personal, the information too new. Juju wanted to hold it, cup it in her hands a while longer before she uncurled her fingers to expose it to others.


I think this book had a good premise, it wasn't fully thought out. Just shy of 250 pages, Emezi certainly had more space to flesh out some of the concepts. Because this book is about identity and being given the space to be who you are, you would think they would have done the same in crafting the story. 

Recommendation: This may not be popular opinion, but I think, sometimes, creators can fixate on an issue that is prevalent in current culture thinking it will automatically be a success by the very nature of the topic. However, as an avid reader and part-time writer, the craft still has to be solid to merit success. I am lukewarm about this book. I wouldn't say I don't recommend this book, but I wouldn't necessarily highly recommend it either. However, I would read another book by this author.  

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful. 

*Akwaeke Emezi uses the pronouns they/them/theirs.

Saturday, February 29, 2020

The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare



Rating: 5+ of 5 stars
Pages: 384 pages
Published: February 2020

Oh! How I fell in love with Adunni, the main character in The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare. This emotionally wrought story is about a 14-year old child whose mother has died and her father sells her (his only daughter) to a dirty, old polygamist in a rural town in Nigeria. All Adunni wants is an education so that she may one day become a teacher and have a voice in her own life and circumstances. Afraid of becoming impregnated by the polygamist "husband" and the abusive sister-wife, she runs away only to be thrust into another abusive human trafficking situation.

I know the plot sounds dire, and it is, but there are elements of hope and redemption. Adunni is a heroine. She is courageous. She is the perfect protagonist to read about any time, but this read was especially inspiring to read during Women's History Month. The novel featured several strong female characters. As an author, Dare did an excellent job with this debut, painting vivid imagery without being too graphic. I enjoyed that she wrote in the voice of a young person who was struggling to learn English. It made the book feel more authentic.

This book gave me all the feels and left me pondering about what lie ahead for Adunni. It also made me think about how truly fortunate I am to have grown up in a place where education is readily available to boys and girls alike. I truly have no complaints about this book. It was executed very well and well worth the read.

Recommendation: I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.



Saturday, February 22, 2020

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi



Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 544 pages
Published: March 2018

So, I began my last review: I don't even like ghost stories or the paranormal ... And I will begin this review in much the same way. I don't even like fantasy novels, but I absolutely devoured Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. I began reading this book while most of the U.S. was engrossed in the annual Super Bowl. This book was way more captivating than the football championship game! This novel is the first in a series.

The story begins with the protagonist, Zelie, who is living in dire times where her people have lost their magic, and they are essentially being racially profiled by the authoritative figures of Orisha. Through happenstance Zelie meets Amari, the princess of Orisha and learns that there is a way to recapture the magic her people once lost. The two form an unlikely bond, and together, we are taken on a wild ride as they attempt to reclaim what was once lost.

The thing I enjoyed most about this book is that even though it falls in the young adult genre, it focuses on some very important topics through symbolism. The oppression exhibited by the characters who held authority was easy to envision and relate to as a person of color in the United States. The magic clearly was a metaphor for power - power lost, abuse of power, and power reclaimed. The overall symbolism was noted in Adeyemi's author's notes at the end of the book. I think it's quite beautiful how she took real-life tragedy and pain and created something so vivid through her prose and imagery in this book. I got to hear her speak about her writing at the 2019 North Texas Teen Book Festival in Irving, Texas. What's she's done here is simply astounding.

I struggled with a few minor things. There was a full cast of characters. It was a little challenging to nail down which ones would be most germane to the story as I began reading, so I took some notes as I read the first third of the book. I also struggled with the overabundant use of phrases like "for skies sake" and "what in gods name." Other than those two personal hang-ups, I really have no other criticisms.

Recommendation: I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I think I just might have to read the subsequent books in the series. I don't even like fantasy stories ... and maybe I still don't. Maybe what I really appreciate is good writing. If you decide to pick up a book by Tomi Adeyemi, that's exactly what you'll get - excellent writing.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.



Wednesday, January 1, 2020

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo



Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 400 pages
Published: May 2019

I must say I picked a good first book to complete in 2020. With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo is as young adult novel that centers around Emoni who is a teenage mom living with her abuela (grandmother). She is a naturally talented chef and as she approaches the end of her senior year in high school, she's at a crossroads in deciding what the future holds for her.

This story was so real - the content, the language, the emotion. The author did an excellent job of illustrating real world scenarios in a relatable way. She did not take shortcuts or rely on stereotypes or tropes with any of the characters. I appreciated that the story featured a young woman of color but it wasn't necessarily a "Black book" or a "Latina book." The main character could have been any ethnicity, and I enjoy books positioned like that the best. It was a bit of a coming of age novel, not in that it covered an extended period of time but because of the growth the main character experienced. There wasn't an explicit physical challenge for Emoni to overcome but rather an internal conflict to resolve.

While this contemporary book is categorized as young adult fiction, I don't feel it's limited to that demographic. The book has a wide range of appeal, and the writing is solid. I found myself wondering about Emoni's future long after my library loan was over. If selecting this book for your pre-teen or teenager, make sure they are mature enough to handle the content. There are topics of teen pregnancy, and the author uses curse words, albeit in an effect manner. (I'd rate the book PG-13.) Having said that, the topic is surely to make teens consider what being sexually active means and what consequences can come with that.

Recommendation:  I highly recommend this book. It is always available on Hoopla. If you have access to that service, why don't you download an electronic copy today?

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Friday, December 20, 2019

Africaville by Jeffrey Colvin


Category: Adult fiction
Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 384 pages
Published: December 2019 


Structured as a triptych, Africaville chronicles the lives of three generations of the Sebolt family—Kath Ella, her son Omar/Etienne, and her grandson Warner—whose lives unfold against the tumultuous events of the twentieth century from the Great Depression of the 1930s, through the social protests of the 1960s to the economic upheavals in the 1980s.

A century earlier, Kath Ella’s ancestors established a new home in Nova Scotia. Like her ancestors, Kath Ella’s life is shaped by hardship—she struggles to conceive and to provide for her family during the long, bitter Canadian winters. She must also contend with the locals’ lingering suspicions about the dark-skinned “outsiders” who live in their midst.

Kath Ella’s fierce love for her son, Omar, cannot help her overcome the racial prejudices that linger in this remote, tight-knit place. As he grows up, the rebellious Omar refutes the past and decides to break from the family, threatening to upend all that Kath Ella and her people have tried to build. Over the decades, each successive generation drifts further from Africaville, yet they take a piece of this indelible place with them as they make their way to Montreal, Vermont, and beyond, to the deep South of America.

As it explores notions of identity, passing, cross-racial relationships, the importance of place, and the meaning of home, Africaville tells the larger story of the black experience in parts of Canada and the United States. Vibrant and lyrical, filled with colorful details, and told in a powerful, haunting voice, this extraordinary novel—as atmospheric and steeped in history as The Known World, Barracoon, The Underground Railroad, and The Twelve Tribes of Hattie—is a landmark work from a sure-to-be major literary talent.


Africaville by Jeffrey Colvin is a fictional, generational story that centers on the Sebolt and Platt families. Over the course of nearly 400 pages, the author takes us on a journey of this black family and their struggles with race, gender and other societal issues. The result is a detailed and creative novel based on historical facts that were well researched by the author. 

My reading journey with this book started slowly. It was a little difficult for me to get into at first; however, I did find the storylines of Kath Ella, her son Omar/Etienne, and her grandson Warner to be engaging. I think the author did an excellent job of capturing the feel of the various time periods presented in the novel. I also appreciated his ability to vividly describe scenes without overwhelming the reader with dialogue.

The most challenging aspect of the book for me was the abrupt changes in perspective and flashbacks in time. Sometimes it took me a couple of paragraphs to re-orient myself then I'd have to go back and reread passages to get a fuller understanding. I forged ahead because of my commitment to provide a thorough review. However, if this book was one that I had picked up for leisure reading, I probably would have given up on it, which would have been a shame because the overall story was compelling. I wonder how different the novel might have been if it was divided and each generation of Sebolts/Platts had his or her own novel.

Recommendation:  This is a valiant debut novel, and I think the author has a promising future in creative writing. I'd recommend this read when you have time to really delve into it.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.



Jeffrey Colvin served in the United States Marine Corps and is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Harvard University, and Columbia University, where he received an MFA in fiction. His work has appeared in Narrative, Hot Metal Bridge, Painted Bride Quarterly, Rain Taxi Review of Books, The Millions, The Brooklyn Rail, and elsewhere. He is a member of the National Book Critics Circle and is an assistant editor at Narrative magazine. He lives in New York City.
Connect with Jeffrey: 
December 13: Kahakai Kitchen
December 18: Amy’s Book-et List
December 20: A Page Before Bedtime <--- You are here.

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Monday, September 2, 2019

Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim


Title: Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves 
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 272 pages
Published: October 2018 

I don't know what took me so long to get and read Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves by Glory Edim. This book is a compilation of essays written by some of the most prominent and prolific African American female authors. From the moment I read the introduction by editor Glory Edim, who founded the Well-Read Black Girl national book club, I felt like I'd come home.

I'd like to think of myself as a well-read Black girl. I have always read. Now that I am post-graduate and post-teaching, most of my free time is just that - mine. So, I read a book about every 7-9 days. I participate in book clubs. The knowledge gained from reading is invaluable. The escape from reality when engaged in a fictional story is cheaper than any vacation (not that I'm opposed to taking a vacation). Reading is, simply, magical. I am a voracious reader, consuming any and all forms of books, magazines, poems, essays, etc. So, when I first heard about Well-Read Black Girl and its founding book club, I knew I wanted to read it. It wasn't until nearly a year after its publication that I was able to snag a copy from Amazon - on sale no less! While I may have been a little late to the party, I am very glad I invested in my own copy (rather than borrowing from the Library, although I strongly advocate supporting one's local Library) because I know I will revisit this jewel again in the future and re-read some of the essays.

This book was written by Black women for Black women, but that is not to say that others could not benefit from it. It is empowering. The prose is beautiful. The stories are heartfelt, and the talent is bursting off the pages and out of the spine of this collective masterpiece. As you might guess some stories resonated with me more than others, but overall I am so thankful for this body of work that has provided representation for a little well-read Black girl like me, and hopefully, for a whole new generation of readers (and writers) to come!

Recommendation:  Readers write and writers read. If you identify as either, this book is for you. It is targeted to the titular demographic, but wisdom can be gained by any reader. Don't delay like I did, pick up a copy today!

 Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.


Wednesday, May 8, 2019

What We Lose: A Novel by Zinzi Clemmons

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 213 pages
Published: July 2017 

At its core, What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons is a story about grief, depression, and healing. In this short fictional novel, Clemmons presents a story centered around Thandi, born of a South African mother and black American father, who loses her mom to cancer. The plot is Thandi working her way through this loss. She also explores seemingly unrelated themes of femininity, race, sexuality, and identity.

Clemmons has received rave reviews on her debut novel. I'm not as impressed. While there were some touching passages that resonated with me, I found the book to be very disjointed and lacking fluidity. Maybe she was trying to illustrate the emotional elements of grief through her writing. I found it very cumbersome. At times I could not tell if she was writing fiction or non-fiction. She references real life events and scientific studies like the book is a work of non-fiction, but then she has Thandi's story, which is somewhat fictional, sitting on top of the book. I say "somewhat" because she, the author, has admitted to borrowing experiences from her relationship with her own mother and using them in the novel. I know authors do this - you write what you know. I truly believe this gives the stories depth. However, in my humble opinion, Clemmons did not execute this well. I found myself re-reading passages to understand if the events she was writing about were regarding a real life person, like Nelson Mandela or Barack Obama or if she was referring to the fictional character, Thandi.

I liken the tone and pace of this book to Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot. There seems to be a trend of authors writing their trauma through their books. I suppose this is a tool to heal. I just don't know if it's effective from a creative standpoint.

Recommendation:  This was an interesting read that I finished in about two hours. Obviously, it has resonated with many people. It just wasn't my cup of tea. The one thing I did take from it was: Love your mom while she's still here. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! :-)

 Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Becoming by Michelle Obama




Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Length: 19:03:00
Narrated by: Michelle Obama
Published: November 2018

Unless you live under a rock, you know that this fall Becoming by former First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama, was published and has quickly become (aha, see what I did there?) a bestseller. I pre-ordered the book via Audible earlier this year and began listening as soon as it was available. 

As I was selecting keyword tags for this post, I considered choosing politics. I decided against it because this is a book about the life of Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama. While she does share behind the scenes information about her husband's politics and his successful, consecutive presidential campaigns, the book is her life story. Furthermore, she makes it very clear that she does not enjoy politics nor does she have any political aspirations of her own. During the 2018 mid-term elections, I read an article about Heidi Cruz (wife of Texas Senator Ted Cruz) and how she, at times, feels relegated to simply being the wife of Ted Cruz rather than the educated, professional, individual person she is. I think this happens to many women who are connected with high profile men - once again proving what the Obamas have often said - we are all more alike than we are different. So, if you have not read Becoming and decide to embark on Mrs. Obama's life journey thus far, please read it with an autobiographical lens that happens to include the 44th President of the United States. 

 The book begins with Mrs. Obama's childhood and she works her way chronologically through her formative years, her Princeton and Harvard years, meeting Barack Obama, her struggles conceiving their children, the family's journey to the White House, pretty much through present day. It is her detailed, personal account. While listening to her masterfully read the book, I felt like she was a good friend sharing a phenomenal story. Many of the stories she shared I recalled from the not too distant past, some were new to me, and others offered a different view from the accounts by the news media. 

 The aspect of Mrs. Obama's life that resonated most with me was her constant relationship with the media - traditional and social. In the book, she often mentions being under the never-ending microscope of society by way of the media. This, of course, is what politicians and their families take on in their service to their city, county, state, and country. However, as anyone could imagine, it seemed to weigh on Mrs. Obama at times. A full two years post-office, and just the other day I witnessed one of my Facebook connections refer to Mrs. Obama as an animal. It's sad. It's demoralizing, and it's not right. As Mrs. Obama noted in her book, the "office" of First Lady isn't an official one nor is it a paid position. When the current First Lady said that she is one of the "most bullied" people, her statement was met with laughter and jokes. But I don't really think she was far off the mark. Being in the public eye can be exhausting. We, as private citizens, experience that via social media (some of us to a greater degree if one's messaging is extremely controversial and goes viral). I think our society would be much better served if we all extended some grace and kindness to one another - especially to those who are serving our country in various capacities. 

 While the Mrs. Obama's memoir is just over 19 listening hours, it really didn't seem that long. Mrs. Obama has a great reading voice that helps guide the reader through her life story. There is so much detail, I certainly cannot give a comprehensive review. I can just say this - many First Ladies have written a book about their time in the White House, and this one is historical and worth reading. 

 Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this read, especially the audio version. It was nice hearing Mrs. Obama's inflection and tone as she recounted some interesting and funny stories. It also evoked emotion when she demonstrated her vulnerabilities, making her more relatable to African Americans, women, and, most importantly, Americans. I'm told the hard copy book has a nice inset of photos. So, maybe buy a hard copy and get the audio companion also! 

 Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Friday, November 30, 2018

Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston




Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Length: 193 pages
Published: May 2018

For a little over a year, I've devoted most of my reading time and review space to promotion of new (and often Texas) authors. I made the decision in the last quarter of this year to focus on reading some books on my personal to-be-read list. Barracoon: The Story of the "Last Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston was a find through an Amazon daily deal back in July of this year that I have been meaning to get back to. I took some time over a long weekend to dig in and read this amazing work of non-fiction by Hurston, who is most notably remembered for her work of fiction - Their Eyes were Watching God. 

 Barracoon is a biographical account of the last known surviving and formerly enslaved African, Cudjo Lewis*, his capture and forced voyage in the trans-Atlantic slave trade on the Clotilda - the reported last slave ship to come to the United States from Africa. Barracoon is a Spanish word that translates to "barracks." It is the facility where Africans were held before being sold and transported into slavery. Koosula ended up in Alabama and eventually became a free man at the conclusion of the U.S. Civil War. He lived through capture, forced detainment, slavery, and the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras. At 94, Koosula died in 1935. 

 *[Cudjo was known as Koosula in the motherland, and he seemed overjoyed for Hurston to refer to him by his real name. Therefore, for the remainder of this review, he will be Koosula.]

 Hurston met Koosula at the request of Charlotte Osgood Mason, who funded Hurston's trips to Alabama to interview and write Koosula's story. As it happens with most biographers, Hurston developed a personal yet professional relationship with Koosula giving her an excellent vantage point from which to tell this very important story. I do feel it is important to read many stories and perspectives about slavery, lest we forget our sordid history, and I am thankful Hurston wrote this one.  

As a reader, I could tell how much time and effort Hurston put into this book. I like that she stuck to her guns and demanded that it be published as she had written it - in Koosula's dialect. Unfortunately, this delayed the book's publication for nearly 90 years. However, I can understand her insistence on this. We, as the audience, need to hear Koosula. Writing it any other way would have muted his very emotional story. I appreciated the abundance of direct quotes provided. I could almost hear Koosula speaking, and I definitely could feel his emotion. Koosula was not really black or what we'd call African American today. He was an African forever displaced in this strange land he was forced to call home. His story is a sad one. Even after being freed he, like many African Americans today, and his family were grossly disenfranchised. All six of his children and his wife preceded him in death as a result.  

 While I read this book on my Kindle app, I think I'd like to hear the audio version. I have a feeling an oral re-telling would be an even more powerful vehicle for this story. I am overjoyed that Common has purchased the rights and is making this into a TV movie, and I can't wait to watch it. I gave this book four stars because I felt that there was some unnecessary repetition, and I wished Hurston had given us a little more biographical information on Koosula once he was in the United States. Even so, this short book is information-filled and an important part of American history. 

 Recommendation: This story is a must read. It won't take you long to finish it, so why not pick up a copy today? 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Saturday, June 2, 2018

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd




Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Length: 384 pages
Published: May 2015

In December, my book club - Richly Read - did a gently used book swap, and I scored The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. I had heard good things about the book. I also think it was an Oprah Book Club selection at one point. I was really excited to dig in, but only just got time to start reading it in late May. It was worth the wait! 

The book fits the historical fiction genre, but is essentially a creative biography of the Grimké sisters, specifically Sarah Grimké, and their work to abolish slavery and their fight for women's equality in the United States in the 19th century. Interwoven is an account of a fictional slave character, Hetty "Handful" Grimké, who is given to Sarah on her 11th birthday as a waiting maid of sorts. The book alternates perspectives between Sarah and Handful where the reader learns of their lives and struggles as a woman and a woman slave, respectively. 

It took me a bit to get into this story, but I attribute that to me and not the author. The prose is beautiful and the story is heart-wrenching. By the end I was totally and emotionally invested. Last year I read A Tangled Mercy by Joy Jordan-Lake, which features some of the same real people/literary characters and historical events that are featured in The Invention of Wings. If you haven't already I'd encourage you to read both books, starting with Kidd's book. This book is yet another perspective on a horrible time in U.S. history, but also very important that we remember lest we repeat the same atrocities. Just like the Grimké sisters stood up for justice in a time when it was very unpopular to do so. We still need people of all races and backgrounds to stand up to the continued injustices that permeate our society today. So, while a book steeped in a time where African Americans were only considered 3/5 of a person, we readers can still find value and relevance today. 

 Recommendation: I enjoyed this book, not because it is an easy read, but because it is an important one. I encourage you to pick up a copy today.  

 Until next time ... Read on!

 Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful. 

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Truevine by Beth Macy




Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Length: 448
Published: October 2017

 Many moons ago, I set up an IFTTT.com recipe where the most popular book-related articles from The New York Times are gathered and delivered to my inbox each week. I am pretty sure I learned about Truevine: Two Brothers, a Kidnapping, and a Mother's Quest: A True Story of the Jim Crow South by Beth Macy through this weekly email. I added the book to my ever-growing TBR (to be read) list, and I finally got the opportunity to dive in May.

Truevine is a historical account about two albino brothers who were essentially kidnapped by a circus manager and forced to work in the circus for many years without pay. All the while their mother searched for them eventually finding them and taking on one of the biggest names in the circus industry. 

Macy did a great job of researching, synthesizing, and presenting the information, not only about George and Willie Muse, but also about life in the circus during this time and the Jim Crow south. I cannot summarize this book accurately in one short blog article. There is a lot of detail that provides a greater picture of what people of color had to endure from the early 1900s through present day. My mother asked me why I wanted to read such a painful book. She is correct. It is a painful book, but it is an important one in that it adds another facet of African American history to my personal knowledge. Moreover, it gives me a greater appreciation for my blessings today. We have yet a long way to go, but we have come so far because others have paid the price. Reading George and Willie's story continues to teach me that. 

 Recommendation: This is one of my favorite non-fiction reads. I would recommend it to students, to adults, to anyone seeking a greater understanding of the sordid history of our country. We must learn it so we dare not repeat it.  

 Until next time ... Read on!

Friday, July 21, 2017

BORN A CRIME: STORIES FROM A SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDHOOD BY TREVOR NOAH

Credit: goodreads.com
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adore Trevor Noah. I appreciate his comedic style. I find him to be intelligent, quick-witted, funny, and I'm not gonna lie, easy on the eyes. When I heard about his memoir, Born A Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood, I immediately added it to my to-be-read list on goodreads.com.

This year, I've vowed to learn how to really listen and pay attention to audiobooks. In addition to my traditional reading, this has quickly helped me get through more reads. I've found that listening whilst on the treadmill is a way to metaphorically kill two birds with one stone. And as any reader knows, the more you can read; the happier you are. So, I thought this book would be a good one for audio.

Noah opens the autobiography with a story that illustrates the relationship between he, someone who seems to struggle and question faith, and his mother, a lifelong and devout Christian. This theme not only sets the stage for what is to come but permeates the entire book.

When I decided to read this, I thought I might get some laughs. Don't get me wrong, there are some funny parts. But since I have listened to the book, I've heard that Noah intended the book to be a tribute to his mom. Now knowing his intention, I would say he did not fail to accomplish the task. It was nice to get to peek into his life. (Isn't that always fun? That's why we are a reality TV society.) But more importantly, learning of his love for his mother and hearing it through his own voice as he narrated the book truly made her the heroine. The stories he shared were heartfelt, and I could tell through his reading that he was very vulnerable in some of the information he shared.

My critique of the book is that it jumps around in time from telling stories about his toddler years to his parents' illegal relationship before he was born to post-high school.  (During apartheid interracial marriage was illegal, therefore, procreation between two different races was very much a crime.) Sometimes the overall story was a little hard to follow since the vignettes were not told in linear format. However, I think he composed the book thematically - sharing stories about his relationships, race relations and apartheid in South Africa, and his struggles with his identity of not really fitting in anywhere.

Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this book, and I would actually recommend it as an audiobook. There are several parts in the book where Noah speaks in various tongues. He always offers translation. I also think him acting out the characters gave the book more depth. After reading this book, I adore Trevor Noah just a little bit more than before.

Until next time ... Read on!
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