Showing posts with label aging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aging. Show all posts

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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Friday, September 20, 2019

Lords of St. Thomas by Jackson Ellis

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pages: 180 pages
Published: April 2018 

I was contacted directly by Jackson Ellis, the author of this wonderful little gem of a book - Lords of St. Thomas. The book is historical fiction. It is loosely based on actual events and people during the Depression (1930s) in the the small town of St. Thomas, Nevada in the United States. The government has decided to build what we now know as the Hoover Dam. Henry Lord, his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson plan to hold out on selling the family property hoping the project won't take hold. This decision has detrimental effects, and continues to haunt "Little" Henry, the grandson, some 60 years later when the drought has caused Lake Mead to recede and he returns to St. Thomas.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I truly enjoyed this story. I had not heard of St. Thomas or these events until reading this book. The overall tone is sad, but it is a very compelling story. While these events are fiction, they are based in reality. Without giving too much away, many of the tragedies that happened to the fictional characters happened to the real people of this real town. Ellis has done an excellent job researching and writing a story that I, as the reader, quickly dove into. At the end of the book, the author offers suggestions for further readings about the Hoover Dam project and the actual Lords. I really want to go visit the site one day!

Recommendation:  I highly recommend this book. You can grab an e-copy for less than a fancy drink at Starbucks, and I doubt you'll be disappointed in this quick read.

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, July 5, 2019

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella


Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pages: 418 pages
Published: February 2018 

I've read several Sophie Kinsella books, most before I started tracking my reads on goodreads.com. While I was waiting for the newer and seemingly popular I Owe You One to become available at my local library, I downloaded Surprise Me.

This novel is true to Kinsella's writing style in that it is light, funny, and poignant. The main character, Sylvie and her husband, Dan go to the doctor for physicals on their 10-year anniversary (odd choice for an anniversary date, but I digress). They learn that they are in tip-top shape and will probably, barring any catastrophes, live the next six decades together. As a couple they are completely in sync, often finishing one another's thoughts and sentences.

I pass him the bread basket knowing that he’ll take the sourdough, not because he likes it particularly but because he knows I love focaccia. That’s the kind of man Dan is. The kind who lets you have your favorite bread.

However, this longevity news completely throws them both for a loop, and Sylvie decides they needs to spice up their marriage with surprises to keep things new and fresh for the duration. The bulk of the book focuses on Sylvie and Dan's marriage, their life together with their twin daughters, and their circle of friends. However, in the midst of this marriage survival plan, Sylvie learns things about Dan, her mother, and her late father that provide more of a surprise that she bargained for.

At first I didn't think I was going to enjoy the book. Sylvie kind of got on my nerves, but Kinsella did a good job of giving the character depth and growth over the course of the novel. What I had expected was a light and funny novel, and I did get that. But as a bonus, I also got a story that had a bit of a dark side with the main character emerging as a more holistic individual on the other side. I think this quote by one of Sylvie and Dan's neighbors completely sums up the book:

Love is finding one person infinitely fascinating.” John seems lost in thought again—then comes to. “And so…not an achievement, my dear.” He gives me a mild, kind smile. “Rather, a privilege."

Recommendation:  Once again, Kinsella did not disappoint. She is a master storyteller and knows how to effectively inject humor into her work. I would recommend this as a great summer or beach read. Oh, and the Fort Worth Library just released I Owe You One, so I'm adding it to the list!

 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.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves




Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Length: 346 pages
Published: August 2012

This month's book club genre was a beach-themed read. My book club, Richly Read selected On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves. I was really looking forward to reading something light for the summer. 

On the Island is the fictional story of 30-year old Anna Emerson who is hired to tutor 16-year old T.J. Callahan over the summer because he had fell behind in his studies due to his cancer diagnosis. While in remission, his parents plan a summer vacation and fly ahead to a tropical island where Anna and T.J. are to follow a few days later. As luck would have it, Anna and T.J.'s plane crashes and they are shipwrecked on an island somewhere in the Maldives and presumed dead for several years. The crux of the plot is about Anna and T.J.'s struggle for survival and their complicated relationship that develops during the time they're stranded. 

This book could easily be filed as chick lit. It is an easy, fast read. I finished it in about 4 days. This is Graves' first novel, so there are definitely some areas for improvement, but overall the writing is pretty solid. There are not many errors. And she does a good job of conveying the emotions of her characters. I, personally, did not enjoy the plot. I found it to be a little unbelievable. However, the purpose of this book was to escape reality for a bit during the summer, and it did accomplish that. 

 Recommendation: If you're looking for a light read with some conflict but not too much heaviness, this may just be the book for you! Visit your local library and borrow a copy today. Thank you to the Fort Worth Central Library for this loan. 

 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, October 6, 2017

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HERO BY PHIL PRICE

Genre: Biography / African American Leaders
Date of Publication: November 20, 2017

  Synopsis

On April 7, 1984, T. J. Patterson became the first African American elected to the Lubbock City Council, winning handily over his four opponents. It was a position he would go on to hold for more than twenty years, and his natural leadership would lead him to state and national recognition.

 Patterson grew up during a time of American social unrest, protest, and upheaval, and he recounts memorable instances of segregation and integration in West Texas. As a two-year-old, he survived polio when African Americans were excluded from "whites only" hospitals. When he attempted to enroll at Texas Tech after graduating from all-black Bishop College, he was not allowed even to enter the administration building--the president would speak with him only outside, and then only to say Patterson could not be enrolled. Two years later, his aunt would become the first African American to attend Texas Tech.

 Patterson spent his whole adult life as a grassroots activist, and as a city councilman he understood how important it was to work in solid partnership with representatives from the predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods of the city. Over the years, Patterson took every opportunity to join African American and Hispanic forces, but with a few exceptions, the traditional geographic divide of the minority population limited his efforts--and yet Patterson never gave up. His brave public marches to homes of known drug dealers brought attention to their undesirable activities. Patterson also supported city investment in Lubbock history and culture, plus new development activity, from annexation to paved roads to water mains to fire stations. During his long career he truly was an equal-opportunity hero for all of Lubbock's citizens.

 My Review:
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Equal Opportunity Hero: T.J. Patterson's Service to West Texas by Phil Price is a poignant story about Thomas James "T.J." Patterson and his lifetime of service to the United States and his legacy as the first African American city council member in Lubbock, Texas. I truly believe we all have a story to tell, no matter how seemingly ordinary, but the life Mr. Patterson led and the story the author relayed was simply extraordinary. 

Price did an excellent job of retelling the historical events that occurred during Patterson's lifetime by laying the foundation of a dynamic national landscape and weaving the local, personal stories as Patterson experienced them. It was as if Patterson's life in Lubbock was a microcosm of what was going on in the United States at large. No stranger to adversity, Patterson survived polio as a toddler when African Americans were denied proper treatment in "whites only" hospitals. This was somewhat of a portent of what was to come in his life - many challenges of social unrest and injustice that Patterson was able to overcome. 

 As the book opens, we quickly learn that Mr. Patterson is an igniter, fanning the flames of justice, belonging, and community. He was passionate about issues of safety, education, and economic development in Lubbock. He was also a true patriot, serving his country in the Vietnam War. This dedication led him to accomplish many great things in addition to serving on the city council. In the book's foreword, penned by Patterson, we learn about that his teacher impressed upon him at an early age the importance of making a positive contribution to society by bringing "kindlin" to the fire. 

I enjoyed Price's varied storytelling style. With biographies, it can be easy to fall into a rhythm of telling a story in chronological order; however, the author shared vignettes of Patterson's life thematically. He didn't get bogged down in the what but rather illustrated the why, making the book much more engaging for the reader. I think he was able to accomplish this because of his long-standing friendship with Patterson. Their long-term friendship clearly has resulted in a meaningful memorialization of Mr. Patterson's life. 

It's amazing how much the U.S. culture has changed over one lifetime. In reading this memoir, I am reminded of my uncle who is just a bit younger than Mr. Patterson. When my uncle was born in south Texas, African American babies were not allowed in the nursery. They were kept in the room with the mother at the foot of the bed. My uncle now works as an administrator at Texas Tech University. It's amazing how ordinary people are a part of extraordinary changes. And what's more is, if we have come so far over Mr. Patterson's lifetime, just think how much further we could go in yours or mine? 

Recommendation: This book is a perfect example of an individual's passion that sparked societal growth. It's not always a straight line, but the end result is a fact-based, creatively-written story about a man who was a catalyst for forward, positive change and progress. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Price's book today! 

Until next time ... Read on!
 Buy Now 
 About the Author
Phil Price has been friends with T. J. Patterson for more than twenty years. Now retired, Price was President and CEO of a marketing and design agency. Over the years he has served the Lubbock Independent School District, the Lubbock Better Business Bureau, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, and other city agencies. He lives in Lubbock USA, with his wife, Victoria. 



 More Blogs on this Tour: 
10/3 Promo Tangled in Text
10/4 Review Bibliotica
10/5 Promo Missus Gonzo
10/7 Author Interview StoreyBook Reviews
10/8 Promo Texas Book Lover
10/9 Review Hall Ways Blog
10/10 Excerpt Texan Girl Reads
10/11 Review Reading by Moonlight
10/12 Promo Chapter Break Book Blog



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Thursday, September 21, 2017

THE DAY THE ANGELS FELL BY SHAWN SMUCKER

Genre: Psychological Fiction / Christian
Publisher: Revell
Date of Publication: September 5, 2017
Pages: 320
  Synopsis:

Shawn Smucker will capture readers’ imaginations with this masterfully written debut novel that combines elements of mystery and magical realism.

It was the summer of storms, strays, and strangers. The summer that lightning struck the big oak tree in the front yard. The summer his mother died in a tragic accident.

Twelve-year-old Samuel Chambers would do anything to turn back time. Prompted by three strange carnival fortune-tellers and the surfacing of his mysterious and reclusive neighbor, Samuel begins his search for the Tree of Life—the only thing that could possibly bring his mother back. His quest to defeat death entangles him and his best friend, Abra, in an ancient conflict and forces Samuel to grapple with an unwelcome question: could it be possible that death is a gift?




  Book Trailer:



  My Review:
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Who says don't judge a book by its cover? The cover of Shawn Smucker's debut novel is absolutely stunning with a magnificently-told story to match. I must admit that cover art often entices me to crack open a book, and I was certainly glad I dedicated some time to reading this one. 

Reading much more than A Page Before Bedtime, I was immediately drawn in to this engaging book. In it, Smucker introduces the fictional story in present time where a much older protagonist, Sam, is remembering the fateful summer when, as a young boy, his mother died in a freak accident. Riddled with grief and guilt as well as a longing to bring her back, the author takes the reader on a psychological roller coaster that involves part reality and part fantasy. The story vacillates between the past and present times.  
In this novel, Smucker tackles some hefty questions surrounding the theme of death. When someone dies, are they truly gone forever? Is death a destination or part of a journey? And most thought provoking for me, is death necessarily a bad thing? I also liked the secondary theme of happenstance and how one small event can trigger a domino effect of many more seemingly unpleasant happenings. 

Sam, as a young boy, along with his best friend (Abra), come of age in a relatively short period of time due to a very tragic event. There's a battle of good versus evil with Christian and religious overtones. As a reader, you will find yourself anticipating the end to find out if good will indeed conquer all. 

With Smucker's beautifully-written prose and well-developed characters, this novel takes the reader on an emotional journey that evokes excitement and introspection. You'll be thinking about this read long after you close the book. The author certainly has the talent for pulling his audience in and painting vivid pictures that make the fictional story seem all too real.  

Recommendation: This fast-paced book can easily be devoured in a day or two. While there are some violent scenes that can be interpreted as scary, there is also a moral dilemma presented that make this story suitable and educational for young adults to seniors. Pick up your copy today, or better yet enter (below) for a chance to win a free copy!  

Until next time ... Read on!
Please note: This review is based on a nearly-final electronic edition.

 Praise for The Day the Angels Fell
“Neil Gaiman meets Madeleine L’Engle. I read it in two days!” ~~Anne Bogel, Modern Mrs. Darcy
“Shawn Smucker enchants with a deftly woven tale of mystery and magic that will leave you not only spellbound but wanting more.” ~~Billy Coffey, author of There Will Be Stars
  Buy Now:


  About the Author:

Shawn Smucker lives with his wife and six children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Day the Angels Fell is his first novel. 









  Giveaway:

GRAND PRIZE:
Copy of The Day the Angels Fell + Ancient Tree Journal + $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

2nd PRIZE: Copy of the book + leather bracelet charms
3rd PRIZE: Copy of the book + $10 Starbucks Gift cCard

September 17-26, 2017
(U.S. Only)


  More Blogs on this Tour:

9/17
Character Interview
The Page Unbound
9/18
Review
Books and Broomsticks
9/19
Excerpt 1
Chapter Break Book Blog
9/20
Author Interview
Texas Book Lover
9/22
Excerpt 2
Texan Girl Reads
9/23
Review
Forgotten Winds
9/24
Author Interview
The Librarian Talks
9/25
Playlist
StoreyBook Reviews
9/26
Review
Tangled in Text


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