Isaac's Song by Daniel Black

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 313 pages
Published: January 2025

I read Isaac's Song by Dr. Daniel Black with one of my virtual book clubs that focuses on selections from the Black and African diaspora. I had heard glowing reviews of the author's companion book, Don't Cry for Me, when it was published three years earlier but had read neither. At just over 300 pages, I decided to join the club in reading this latest work and discussing it later as a group.

This poignant and evocative narrative explores themes of race, identity, heritage and the complexities of familial relationships. The titular character is in a period of conflict having learned of his estranged father's death. Through Isaac's conversations with his therapist and introspection of his upbringing, Black is able to weave a tale that illustrates the struggles and triumphs of the Black experience, specifically in this case, through the lens of a challenging father-son relationship. 

Overall, I found Isaac's Song to stand out for its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking ability. The characters showed phenomenal growth, and the culture backdrop made this fiction work also educational. This was my first (but not last!) read by Dr. Black, and I find his contribution to contemporary literature to be significant. 

Recommendation: I was fully engaged in this story even though much of it was not directly relatable to me, which further proves the author's gift to write a thorough piece of literature that captivates a far-reaching audience. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to reach the companion. 

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.

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The Bookshop Sisterhood by Michelle Lindo-Rice

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Pages: 359 pages
Published: July 202

Full confession, sometimes I do judge a book by its cover, and I found the cover of The Bookshop Sisterhood by Michelle Lindo-Rice to be completely regal. In the opening of this contemporary women's fiction novel, we meet four long-time girlfriends who are on the verge of opening the bookstore of their dreams. But before the literary haven they've planned for the community can open, each character encounters a crisis that independently seems insurmountable. When they realize they are stronger together, the result is an engaging read about the power of women, community, friendships, and books! 

While I may have judged the book by its cover, I found the premise promising. The story was equally interesting, heartwarming, and emotional. The group of four was diverse, and I loved how each character was distinct. Through her lyrical prose and well-developed characters, Lindo-Rice brought me into her world, and I soon found myself wanting to be part of the fictional sisterhood portrayed in her novel. My only critique is I think the book could have been a bit shorter with some strategic editing. 

Recommendation: Overall, I found The Bookshop Sisterhood to be a delightful and uplifting read that resonated with me as a contemporary woman who adores all things literary. I recommend this book as the perfect choice for someone looking for a feel-good story. 

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.

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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.

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In a League of Her Own by Kaia Alderson

Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Pages: 352 pages
Published: August 2024

In a League of Her Own is my second read by author Kaia Alderson. I really enjoyed Sister in Arms, and highly anticipated her sophomoric, historical fiction novel. In this story, we learn about Effa Manley, a Black business-minded woman who wanted more for herself than to be someone’s wife or mother. In this, I could relate. The book synopsis teases that she becomes a pivotal figure in the male-dominated industry of baseball and, to date, the only woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Effa Manley the person seems larger than life, but this dramatized retelling of her life fell short for me. 

While the writing is solid, the structure of the novel didn’t flow very well, and I think the reader should have walked away with an appreciation of Manley’s glass-breaking efforts. However, she was presented in a disappointing way. The relationship with her husband was odd, and I’m not sure what value it added to this story. The main character seemed a little self-absorbed and more focused on her name, pride, and reputation than the good of the community. 

I also thought the book would be more focused on her career in the baseball industry, but two-thirds of the story focused on her career in fashion and local civil rights. So, the title almost seems to be a misnomer. Additionally, because the author took so many liberties with the story, additional research is required to determine which parts are fictional and which are historical. 

Recommendation: I did enjoy picking up on some of the cross-over characters from Sisters in Arms, and I do want to know more about Manley’s real life, but perhaps because my expectations were high, this one was a bit of a letdown for me. I think if you know what you’re getting before reading this, it could be a more enjoyable read. I am hopeful this review helps with that. 

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.

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Invisible Generals by Doug Melville

Invisible Generals: Rediscovering Family Legacy, and a Quest to Honor America's First Black Generals

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Duration: 6:35:00
Published: November 2023

I first learned of Invisible Generals when I heard the author, Doug Melville, discussing the book on "The Daily Show." Then, a day or so later, I heard him talking about the story of his grandfather and great-grandfather - the U.S. Air Force's first Black American generals - on "The Breakfast Club" radio show. I was really intrigued by what he had to say and how the movie "Red Tails" did not properly give these two trailblazers credit. I had a Audible credit to burn, so I purchased a copy. (It didn't hurt that Melville has a nice speaking voice and narrated the audiobook.) I also shared the book's synopsis with my husband, who's a retired U.S. Army veteran, and he started listening with me. We both thoroughly enjoyed this accurate re-telling.

And that's basically the story of how I came to know and learn about Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. and Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., a father and son who helped integrate the U.S. military and were pivotal in founding the Tuskegee Airmen. 

Like most stories from this time period, the Davis' were each met with their own struggles and challenges to pave the way in a world that viewed them as less than simply because the color of their skin. Melville gives some background on how his great-grandfather persevered, but the bulk of the book focuses on Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., who overcame insurmountable obstacles - physical, mental, and racial - to begin a career at West Point, while being shut-out by his white peers, and then to build an outstanding military career throughout several decades and leave a lasting legacy. I think the thing that makes this book inspirational as well as educational is that both generals and their families operated in grace even when grace was not reciprocated. My favorite line from Melville's book is when he mentions that Davis, Jr. and his wife always believed in leading with joy. That's powerful, especially during a time when you could say there wasn't much fairness or happiness. I am not related to this family, but I am proud of the accomplishments that were made as if they were my own. This was a story that had to be told, and I'm thankful the author invested the time and worked diligently to get the book published. 

I truly enjoyed the way this story was presented. It was easy to follow, even in audio format, well-written, and it was a joy to listen to Melville because his passion for his ancestors permeates throughout the story. He is doing an excellent job of honoring their legacy in his own, albeit, civilian way. 

Recommendation: I highly recommend listening or traditionally reading this story. It's inspiring, impressive, and simply wonderful to learn about people who achieved greatness and paved the way for many of us 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.

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All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 341 pages
Published: June 2023

Listen. I slept on Razorblade Tears, and didn't pick up a copy until several years after publication. So, when I heard about S.A. Cosby's newest book, All the Sinners Bleed, I took myself right on up to Barnes & Noble and got a hardback copy. And, boy, am I glad I did! I love the way Cosby writes. I like the way he weaves themes of social justice, race relations and morality into his stories. I enjoyed the grittiness of the plot that sucks you in from chapter one and is hard pressed to let go upon completion. He is a storyteller in every sense of the word. So, let me try to tell you a little about this story. 

This novel features the first Black sheriff, Titus Crown, in a small Virginia town who finds he has a serial killer in the community a year into his tenure. The inciting event ocurrs early on in the novel and the bulk of the book surrounds Titus trying to unravel the mystery and locate the killer(s). Cosby definitely writes a thought-provoking, fast-paced, suspense-filled novel. My only critique is that the ending fell a little flat because I would have liked to know more about the antagonist and their motivations for doing what they did. Additionally, being a proponent of Black love, I was a little disappointed in what happened with the protagonist and his girlfriend. Having said that, it was totally realistic what happened and how it unfolded. I'm thankful for Cosby writing Darlene as the heroine of her own story. (Asking for a friend - Can we get a spinoff, Mr. Cosby?)

Recommendation: Overall, I enjoyed this story and found it to be a good read. I would rank Razorblade Tears above this one, but still a strong piece of fiction, indeed! 

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.

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Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 336 pages
Published: July 2021

In July 2021, S.A. Cosby’s Razorblade Tears was published. Sometime near its publication, the book must have been added to Book of the Month’s monthly selection. However, something else must have caught my eye that month because I did not choose this book. Then, in July of 2022, President Obama listed the book on his annual reading list, and I still did not snag a copy from any of my favorite places. Then, at the end of the month Amazon offered a $5 discount on digital books, and I guess that five bucks was the push that motivated me to grab a copy. But still, I didn’t start reading the novel until the end of August. Upon completing it, I am wondering: Why did I wait so long?! 

So, let me tell you about it. Razorblade Tears is a fictional story about a very real emotion - revenge. A black father’s, Ike, son and a white father’s, Buddy Lee, son fall in love and marry each other and then are mysteriously and gruesomely murdered. These two tough-enough fathers who also happen to be ex-convicts team up to solve the crime that the police are moving too slow on. Their love for their sons, regret for judging their sexual identity and experience on the other side of the law fuel their passion to seek, find and create justice for their loved ones. 

Tears ran from his eyes and stung his cheeks. Tears for his son. Tears for his wife. Tears for the little girl they had to raise. Tears for who they were and what they all had lost. Each drop felt like it was slicing his face open like a razorblade.

“Get that what’s normal ain’t up to me. That it don’t f*cking matter who he wanted to wake up next to as long as he was waking up,” Buddy Lee said.”

“No, hate. Folks like to talk about revenge like it’s a righteous thing but it’s just hate in a nicer suit,” Ike said.

A good father, a good man, loves the people that love his children.

This time they didn’t feel so much like razor blades. They felt like the long-awaited answer to a mournful prayer for rain. 

I honestly didn’t think I would enjoy this book because I felt I couldn’t really relate to the plot. However, I was completely wrong. This book evoked a myriad of emotions for me as we all have at least one person in our life we love like this. Additionally, Cosby wrote the story in such a way that the plot moved quickly and the descriptions came to life. I truly felt like I was reading an action movie. There really is no need for this to go to the big screen because the author did such a good job writing it, but I wouldn’t be mad if it was turned into a movie and Denzel Washington played Ike. I’m just sayin!  

Recommendation: This book is dark, but it is good. It is vivid. It is engaging. If you enjoyed The Equalizer movies, you might enjoy this book. It’s a quick read too. Don’t be like me. Don’t delay. Grab a copy for your favorite bookseller or library 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.

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Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 359 pages
Published: April 2022

In all seriousness, I needed someone to take my hand, give me a hug, and tell me everything was going to be OK after reading Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. This book was an emotionally-wrenching read for me. Inspired by actual events pre-Roe v. Wade, fictional character Civil Townsend is fresh out of nursing school with a job at a family clinic to help women with birth control and family planning. She is assigned to help two young girls (11 and 13), and Civil soon learns that the federally-funded clinic and the head nurse who leads it don’t have the community’s hearts interests at heart. 

This novel is intriguing, engaging, and riveting. It includes all of the relevant literary devices, but the most painful part of the book is that it is based in fact of events that happened to real people. And sadly, with the current state of women’s health and reproductive rights, we are doomed to repeat a variation of this embarrassing part of U.S. history. 

Recommendation: I strongly recommend this novel. It’s one of the best works of historical fiction I’ve read in a long time. Read this story and then research the actual facts after you’ve done so. 

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.

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In Every Mirror She's Black by Lola Akinmade Åkerström

Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Pages: 416 pages
Published: September 2021

I had such high hopes for In Every Mirror She's Black by Lola Akinmade Åkerström. I really wanted to like it. A story about three Black women living in Sweden all connected by one wealthy, white Swedish man. Kemi, a successful marketing executive, Brittany a beautiful former model now flight attendant, and Muna a poor refugee whose entire family was killed in her home country. 

The book starts off strong with detailed character development. Even the characters you love to hate (read: Brittany) are emotional-provoking and memorable. The book as a decent pace. I think it was a little slow in parts but not anything that prohibited me from finishing the book. However, the ending was very abrupt, and while I don't have to have a happy ending, I'd like to at least have one. It almost seemed as though the author didn't know where to go or how to end the novel. 

Recommendation: This book left me wanting more. I think the author is talented, and I think I would try another book of hers, but this wasn't the one for me. If someone makes it a movie, maybe that will be more compelling. 

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.

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The Perishing by Natasha Deón

Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Pages: 304 pages
Published: November 2021

I snagged The Perishing by Natasha Deón in my monthly Book of the Month box. The book is described as speculative fiction and focuses on a young Black woman named Lou who wakes up, as a young girl, with no recollection of who she is or how she ended up in 1930s Los Angeles. The story follows her as she is put into foster care, graduates from high school and becomes the first Black female journalist at the Los Angeles Times. From there, the book takes an interesting turn as we, the readers, follow Lou's journey. Ultimately, we learn that she may be an immortal as she continues to investigate who she is and why she exists.  

I selected this book with a reading buddy. It is not something I would have read on my own, but I did enjoy reading and discussing it with someone else. Having finished the book, I am 100% sure I do not fully understand speculative fiction or what it is, but I can't say that I didn't enjoy this read. It was interesting and honed in on some important societal issues of the time. 

Recommendation: I would recommend this book when you have time to read slowly and have thoughtful reflection. 

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.

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Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 287 pages
Published: June 1979

So, I read Kindred by Octavia E. Butler with my new beau who wanted to connect with me through one of my favorite pastimes … reading. 😍 This historical, science fiction novel - the first of its type written by a Black woman - is about a young woman, Dana, who in present day, is a married 26-year old in the year 1976. However, she unexplainably and involuntarily travels back to the antebellum south via a Quantum Leap-esque time-warp to oversee a young white boy who is connected to her, and then just as mysteriously travels back to present-day. She never knows when it’s going to happen or how long she will remain in either time period. 

Because of the topical nature of the book there were many passages that were difficult to read and envision. As with most stories like this, there were extreme acts of evil but also fleeting moments of compassion. The insecurity the protagonist felt in vacillating between the two worlds was easily imagined by the reader and also gave an idea of how enslaved people may have felt when being forced to interact with cruel and spontaneously hateful slave owners. 

This is an interesting take on historical fiction with an unexpected science fiction twist. It’s creative, well-written and should be read. Science fiction is not my genre of choice, but Kindred is one of my favorite books.  

Recommendation: I recommend this book to anyone. It’s a fast and heart-wrenching read. I think mature teenagers and adults alike can appreciate this writing. Let us continue to learn about history in a myriad of ways lest we repeat it, OK? 

Trigger warnings: descriptive physical violence, rape

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.

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The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 336 pages
Published: February 2021

The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson is a literary fiction debut by Chicago native, Nancy Johnson. In this novel, she takes us back to 2008 on the heels on Obama's presidential election where her protagonist, Ruth Tuttle, an engineer and her equally successful husband, Xavier are living a comfortable middle class life in Chicago, Illinois. They've been married just long enough for Xavier to start getting excited about expanding their family. What he doesn't know is what is holding his beloved wife back. She was forced to give up a child she bore when she was a senior in high school. As secrets often do, this one finds its way out into the light and threatens Ruth and Xavier's bond. To qualm her anxieties about the decision she was pushed into nearly a decade prior and in hopes of reconciling with Xavier, Ruth goes back home to Indiana. While there, she befriends a young boy, Midnight, and their lives intertwine as she searches for answers. 

This story was equal parts literary and mystery as the reader follows Ruth on her path to learn about the son she gave up and how it affected the grandmother who raised her and older brother who felt responsible for protecting her. The story alternates between the third person perspectives of Ruth and Midnight that provide pieces of information that ultimately bring the story full circle in the end. With the novel set in the not too distant past, I think it made it more interesting to read with the awareness of present-day situations, such as race relations and economic positions. Overall, I found the novel to be a bit predictable with a satisfying conclusion. I would have liked the author to develop Xavier's character a bit more by including him more in the middle of the book (not just the beginning and short ending). 

Recommendation: Falling into the same generation as the protagonist and understanding her academic and professional aspirations, I found this book very relatable. However, I think it is a worthwhile read for anyone looking for something to devour over the weekend. 

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.

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Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Pages: 381 pages
Published: January 2021

I am disappointed to report that it took me a long two weeks to complete Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour. A debut novel about a young black man currently working at one of my favorite places but also searching for himself and striving for success as eventually finds himself in a sales role in bumbling New York City.  

The book opens with Darren Vender living in a Bed-Stuy brownstone with his widowed mother surrounded and supported by his close-knit community. A chance encounter with an exectuive from the top floor of the building where Darren works as a Starbucks barista lands him the opportunity of a lifetime at a start-up company run by that executive. From there Darren transforms into Buck, and the story quickly moves from one unrealistic scenario to another ultimately falling flat. 

While I did appreciate the nods to the culture and how music was incorporated in the first half of the book, I didn't really like the premise of a novel as a sales manual. If I wanted to read a sales manual or a motivational book on how to become a salesperson, I would have done just that - not purchased a novel disguised as one. I think the biggest issue for me was the treatment of women in general, but especially women of color, as characters in the book. They were grossly underdeveloped. And the cherry on top was Soraya being depicted as his ever-devoted girlfriend even though Buck treated her and her father so horribly. I'm all about forgiveness, but I just don't see how any real woman could have forgotten his behavior in the first half of the book to the point that she stuck with him in the end. (Note: This isn't a spoiler. If interested, you'd have to read the book to understand where Buck lands at the end to get my point.) 

Recommendation: I like giving debut authors a chance, especially often overlooked authors of color, and I'm glad I gave Askaripour a chance and read his book all the way through, even the acknowledgements. This book was not my cup of tea (or cup of joe), but he promises his next one won't be anything like this one. So, who knows, I might give his next novel a try.

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.

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The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pages: 343 pages
Published: June 2020

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett has won all kinds of awards including Book of the Month's Book of the Year Award for 2020, proving that a few good things came out of that horrible year. Because I am a BFF member, I was fortunate enough to snag my copy for free this January. A story delayed is not a story denied. I can certainly see why Bennett has become a fast favorite author in the world of literary and historical fiction. She is, indeed, a talented writer. 

So, the book is about the identical twin Vignes sisters who are extremely fair in complexion. As young adults, the two women take two very different paths in life - one sister ending up on the east coast with an abusive husband, who happens to have lots of melanin, and she has to take the walk of shame back home to their small town of fair-skinned residents with her dark-skinned child. While the other sister ends up on the west coast married to a white man who has no idea she is Black. The novel turns into somewhat of a coming of age novel that spans the twin's lives and those of their daughters (one very White and one very Black) who, by happenstance, meet each other as young adults. 

I truly enjoy the writing in this book. Bennett does a great job creating imagery, evoking emotions, and telling truths about her characters. In this particular novel, which is her sophomoric piece (The Mothers, her debut), she takes on the heavy topics of colorism, identity, and self-acceptance in a very careful, thought-out way. Specifically, she shares the fictional account, that is very much based in reality, of a Black woman "passing" for White. This practice was often used as a path to opportunities and surely an easier life in segregated America. 

I was heavily invested in this story from page one. I often kept reading past my bedtime to learn more. There has been some buzz about the ending. It seems to me that the expectation was that there be some type of bang-up, action-filled ending. Instead the book, just ended. I don't think every story (whether it be in book or film form) has to have some satisfying conclusion. Like life, sometimes, the story just ... simply ... ends. (As a side note, I think a lot of people felt this way about the movie "The Photograph.") 

Recommendation: This book wasn't about the ending. It was about the journey. Every story does not need a resolved conflict or a happy ending. Sometimes it's just nice to peek into the lives of fictional characters for 300-500 pages and enjoy the literature. And that's exactly what I did. I highly recommend this book for mature teens and young adults (~16-19) as well as older adults looking to lose oneself in a beautifully-crafted story. 

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.

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Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Pages: 256 pages
Published: October 2020

Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam is one of of those books where you love it or you hate it. I hated it. It seemed much longer than its 256 pages and ended with no real conclusion of any kind. The book is basically about a white family of 4 who rent an Airbnb for a vacation away from the city. Upon the first few days of their vacation, the Black owners of the home show up unannounced with news that something very strange is going on in the world that has hindered communication with people in New York and news media to electronic devices. From there, many random things happen that, I suppose, are to illustrate the uncertainty of the situation and how people react in a dire situation. The book goes on like this till the end that isn’t really an end. I seriously thought maybe I was missing some pages. 

This was a Book of the Month add-on selection for me. On one-hand I’m disappointed I spent my money on it, but on the other hand, it was only $9.99. So, membership does have its privileges. 

The over-attention to detail - the droning on and on of grocery list items and non-essential sexual activities just didn’t do it for me. The only reason, and I am so serious when I say this, the only reason I continued to the end is for the upcoming Netflix movie that will star my two favorite actors -  Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts. I have a feeling this will be one of the rare cases where the movie will be better than the book - it has to be! 

Recommendation: Save your time and your coins - just wait for the movie. So little time; so many books. Choose something else.  

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.

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Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pages: 264 pages
Published: September 2020

I have had a difficult time pulling together a review for Yaa Gyasi’s sophomore novel, Transcendent Kingdom I absolutely loved Homegoing. I read it twice, which is something I rarely do. (There are simply too many books to read.) Gyasi is a talented writer, a gifted storyteller. However, despite warnings by the publisher, critics and the author herself, I wanted Transcendent Kingdom to be like Homegoing. It was not. The story was told in a stream of consciousness format from Gifty, the main character’s viewpoint of she and her mom healing from a husband and father who deserted them and a son and brother who died of an opioid addiction. As a result of these traumatic events, Gifty has dedicated her education to studying addiction and trying to find a cure to help people overcome it. This is where we find her in the opening of the book - in the midst of her PhD research on the subject. In addition to healing from the loss of her brother, Gifty is also trying to come to terms with her father’s return to Ghana from the United States many years earlier. And she is trying to reconcile her dedication to science while being the daughter of a devout Christian mother.

Even though the page count is a little over 250, the book had so many layers. I found it to be very complex and reflective but also very sad. The book does have some elements of hope but overall it basically focuses on the psychological struggle of a young woman attempting to synthesize the very heavy life experiences she’s faced. 

Recommendation: This is not a book that ties up neatly in the end. It’s one that you have to consider the journey more so than focusing on the ending. While I loved Homegoing much more, Transcendent Kingdom is good in its own right. It is different, but the writing is solid and I would recommend picking it up when you’re in the mood for an in-depth 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.

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Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pages: 387 pages
Published: February 2016

The Fort Worth Library's Stay At Home Book Club prompted me to dig into the fantasy/horror of Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff this summer. Coupled with the recently released series of the same name on HBO, I couldn't pass up this opportunity to read the book even though neither fantasy nor horror is my favorite type of book or movie. 

So, basically this book is told is eight vignettes all set in 1954 on the backdrop of Jim Crow racism in the United States. The inciting story is about a young man, Atticus, who returns from military service in search of his missing father. He partners up with his uncle who is the publisher of The Safe Negro Travel Guide (which is based on the real Negro Motorist Green Book that Black people had to use to find safe shelter and resources while traveling not so freely though these United States of America) and, reluctantly, with his childhood friend (possibly crush) Letitia. On their quest to find Atticus' father they are faced with some dangerous encounters with racists and horrific ones led by Samuel Braithwhite and his son Caleb, who are attempting to secure salvation for their secret tribe, the Order of the Ancient Dawn, that only Atticus can provide. 

I found the first chapter of the book to be attention-getting and engrossing. Being a historical fiction buff, the Jim Crow thematic elements are what kept my interest. At times I wasn't sure what was more nerve-racking, the overt racism or the fantasy and horror elements of each short story. All of the stories are intertwined, and you would need to read the book in order to get a full understanding. My favorite chapter was the one that focused on a secondary character, Ruby who is Letitia's sister.  

I don't really know much about Lovecraft or his type of horror writing; however, I think if I did I would have had a greater appreciation for how this author put his spin on it. I enjoyed the book for what it was, but I do think fans of horror would enjoy it more. 

Recommendation: If fantasy and horror float your boat, you might enjoy this book as it has a little more depth by adding the racial element. However, if you're looking for something about racism or the Jim Crow era, choose another book. 

Thanks to the Fort Worth Library for this ebook 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.

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I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pages: 208 pages
Published: May 2018

I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness was recommended to me by the Likewise app that takes personal preferences and serves up books, movies and more that might fit one's tastes. When I read Austin Channing Brown's excerpt on the app about how she got her name, it totally resonated with me. My dad's name is Melvin, and as the first born, my mom wanted my name to mirror his, but Melvina was totally off the table. At the time, my aunt - my mom's sister, was working at a daycare and she off-handedly said to my pregnant mom, "If the baby is a girl, you should name her Melissa. All the Melissa's at my daycare are white." I guess I get my creative side from my mom because she decided the name would be more special with a Y instead of an I. So, that's how I got MELyssa, "Mel" for Melvin and "yssa" to help position me for a bit of an easier life.

Similarly, Channing got her name because her parents knew people would see her name in print and incorrectly assume she was a white male. I'm not sure if this is part of the code switching we, as people of color, do to put ourselves in a more favorable position. But I can certainly see the necessity for it and why my family and Austin's parents went that route. This is just one nugget the author shares about her life growing up Black in a largely white and male dominated world. Her book was published a couple of years ago, it is very relevant right now. In it she shares several tales of growing up in a society where she was muted and had to conform to meet societal expectations to get ahead.

Channing's vignettes are not particularly new. They are different variations of the same song that many Black people face. So, why do we need more books like this? Because everyone has a right to tell their story, and we need to keep learning so we can all do better. This book is not that long, easily digestible, and offers a powerful perspective.

"To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious, is to be in a rage almost all the time."
- James Baldwin

"Perfection is demanded of Blackness before mercy or grace or justice can even be considered."
- Austin Channing Brown

"For only by being truthful about how we got here can we begin to imagine another way."
- Austin Channing Brown

"We demand because our ancestors did. We demand because we believe in our own dignity."
- Austin Channing Brown

Recommendation: If you're seeking to understand the Black experience from a woman's perspective, this is a good selection to add to your TBR list. It is not THE only resource, but as a Black Christian woman working in corporate America, I found it very relatable and her experiences very much similar to my own. As Channing so eloquently said in her book, "Black is not a monolithic. Black is expansive." We do not all think and act alike, but just like any group, some generalizations can be drawn from this little green book.

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.

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Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 432 pages
Published: May 2020

Clap When You Land is my second read by Elizabeth Acevedo. It is written in verse. I read that Acevedo's first book, The Poet X, is also written this way. Her second book, and my first read, With the Fire on High was written in a more traditional way. While the stories are different, the writing is captivating; however, I did enjoy the format of With the Fire on High more.

Acevedo's books are categorized as young adult fiction, but I find that she takes on some heavy topics told through the eyes of teens that any reader can appreciate. Clap When You Land is about two half sisters: Camino who lives in the Dominican Republic and Yahaira who lives in United States. Neither sister knows about the other until a tragic plane crash kills the father they both share and love so dearly. The story is about them learning who they are through their shared connection. Because of the topic, there is grief and sadness, but it's realistic and handled appropriately for the age group of the book's target audience. The book also touches on colorism, sex trafficking, forgiveness and healing.

"The kindness of a stranger, simply because she sees in us something worthy of this small gift."

I truly enjoyed this book. It was a summer read that lifted my heart. When I landed at the last page, I too wanted to clap.

Recommendation: This is a great book for teens or older adults. There are serious topics that are handled very well by this highly skilled and talented writer.

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.

Read More