What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith with Mark Reiter

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 256 pages
Published: December 2006

I was tasked with reading What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith with Mark Reiter for a management course I am currently enrolled in for work. According to the book's synopsis, the author is a highly sought-after executive coach, and in this book he shares some of his consultative advice in helping managers climb the corporate ladder well. In chapter one, Goldsmith says, "My job is to make them (e.g., managers) see that the skills and habits that have taken them this far might not be the right skills to take them further." 

The book is mainly centered around these 21 habits that we can be guilty of when communicating with corporate teams and how to retrain your brain to avoid these pitfalls. The author then implores the reader to pick a few habits to work on improving. In the final chapters, he posits that you can use the following tactics to help change for the better: giving and receiving feedback, apologizing, telling the world (advertising), listening, thanking, following up, and practicing feedforward. If this seems like a lot, it's because it is. The author packs a ton of information into the book that is logical and common yet valuable. However, this is one of my criticisms of the book as well. I am not sure how you can recall all of these details and put them into practice after reading the book and also do your job. The book is a fairly insignificant investment, but I do think a reader wanting to put this advice in action would need also invest in some type of external support system or accountability partner to stay the continual improvement course. 

The other, larger issue I had with this book is it seemed targeted to men who are in the corporate arena; like Fortune 500-types. It was a stretch to apply some of these ideas to my blue-collar management job. Some of the examples he uses seem to be a little overdramatized, and I'm not sure anyone acting as he describes in the 2020s would last very long anywhere. Having said that, I think if you take the information at face value, apply what you can, and have an accountability partner to help you keep a pulse on if you're improving, the book could be helpful. 

Recommendation: This was required, not leisure, reading for me, and that's never really a ton of fun. I think today the book would be better written in an easily digestible series. I don't feel strongly one way or another on my recommendation of this book as there are literally hundreds of communication and management books in the marketplace that can help one grow and improve. So, my final note, if you have the attitude and aptitude to change ... you will! 

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 Dream of You by Jo Saxton

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 240 pages
Published: January 2018

I first met professional author and speaker, Jo Saxton, at a women’s conference hosted by a local church. When my favorite online ministry, Proverbs 31 decided to facilitate an online Bible study in the fall based on Saxton’s book, The Dream of You: Let Go of Broken Identities and Live the Life You Were Made For, I hurriedly registered to participate. 

In this short book, Saxton has offered concise yet powerful information on how to see yourself differently, specifically focusing on how God sees you. Each chapter begins with a thoughtful, heartfelt letter to the reader from Saxton and is then followed with practical applications based on Biblical principles. The non-fiction book is somewhat autobiographical in that Saxton bears her soul by sharing some of her most vulnerable moments with the audience. Additionally, the piece is targeted toward Christian women; however, as with most motivational literature, anyone can benefit from the overarching themes and message. 

Saxton’s writing style is educational and simultaneously conversational. Many of the ideas she presents are done in such a way that any reader can relate and understand. Having heard her speak and following her on Instagram, I would say she has a bubbly personality and that definitely comes through in her writing. 

Recommendation: Overall, I would say that Saxton has a way with words and is a Biblical scholar. I would recommend this book to any of my friends seeking to rid themselves of negative self-talk and improve on self-perspective and reflection. This book is a must 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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The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 304 pages
Published: July 2020

The Beauty in Breaking by Dr. Michele Harper is a beautifully written memoir in which the emergency room doctor shares tales of her life growing up in an abusive home, being educated at Harvard, and her subsequent career in the medical field. I chose this book as one of my July Book of the Month selections. 

Each chapter in this book focuses on a patient or patients that Harper encountered in her career. While protecting confidentiality, she shares the ailment that brought them into the hospital and her treatment plan. That probably doesn't sound any different than what you could watch on a medical drama on TV; however, Harper also digs deeper beyond the diagnosing the patient's illness but learning more about their brokenness. In some cases, she is able to help them beyond a prescription or referral. And then, she shares how sometimes she never knows what happens to a patient once they leave her facility, or in more dire cases, the patient dies. Each story is unique, and Harper approaches each vignette with care and respect. If she heals the way she writes, she is probably an excellent doctor. 

Her overarching message is that we are all broken in some way - physically, emotionally, spiritually, economically. But like a broken piece of pottery, the cracks are what allow the light to shine through. Harper did an exceptional job sharing her life's work and story. The memoir is wonderfully written, and I am simply in awe that someone with such a demanding career was able to make time to also write such a succinct piece of non-fiction. 

Recommendation: While the topics are heavy, the prose is written in such a way that allows the reader to draw from it easily. I highly recommend The Beauty in Breaking. 

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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Free Cyntoia by Cyntoia Brown-Long

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pages: 319 pages
Published: October 2019

I first learned about Cyntoia Brown (as she was known then) when celebrities started sharing her story and documentary on social media. When she was released from prison, I celebrated with her and her family. And when she published her memoir, I knew I had to read it. (Thanks to the Fort Worth Public Library for the digital borrow.)

Going in, I thought that I would learn about what a difficult childhood Cyntoia had, how she came from a broken home with no stability or parental support. Serves me right for making assumptions and applying stereotypes! That is not what I learned as I read her story. In my opinion, she had a good foundation but made some poor, and ultimately detrimental, life choices. During the first third of her autobiography, I was so frustrated with and mad at her. By the middle of the book, my heart began to soften, and by the end of the book I was absolutely enamored by the transformation she had made. Essentially, just as I changed my mindset in reading her book, she changed hers over the course of nearly two decades.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Cyntoia Brown-Long (as she is now known). I appreciated the journey she took me on as a reader, and I am grateful for her being vulnerable and sharing her story in this way. It is not a pretty one, but it is a beautiful illustration of God's grace and mercy.

Recommendation: This is an interesting true account of a young life, and how our criminal system impacted it. It is non-fiction but definitely a read for mature audiences. Even if you are not a Believer, I think you can appreciate the maturity and personal growth written about in this 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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Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado

Full Title: Because of Bethlehem: Every Day a Christmas, Every Heart a Manger
Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Pages: 196 pages
Published: September 2016 

I purchased a Kindle copy of Because of Bethlehem: Every Day a Christmas, Every Heart a Manger by Max Lucado in order to participate in an online Bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In addition to the book, I was able to take advantage of the supplemental materials included in the study.

This book was a quick read, making it a benefit during one of the more busier times of the year. I found the stories easy to digest, often completing a chapters while waiting in line at the grocery store or on my lunch break at work. As a Christian, I found the themes fairly elementary. Lucado added a lot of personal anecdotes, which made him more relatable to the reader. But if I am honest, I really didn't have any big aha! moments with this book. It was a fun read for the Christmas season that reminded me of things I already knew.

Proverbs 31 Ministries motto goes something like: Your life may be crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. I think this study was a good example of that. It's as light read about an important topic that reminds the reader of the reason for the season.

Recommendation:  I think this book would be a good selection for someone young in their Christian walk or for someone who doesn't have much time to delve deeply into a Bible study.

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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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.

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The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

Rating: 1 of 5 stars
Length: 06:29:00
Narrated by: Tiffany Haddish
Published: December 2017 

The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish represents about six and half hours of my life that I'll never get back. This book was painful to listen to. I didn't find a lot of humor in it but rather a very sad description of the comedienne's life and pursuit for acceptance through success.

I know Haddish is known for her raunchy comedic style, but I felt like she was over the top in this book. In her quest for a laugh, she came off as offensive, cold, and culturally insensitive. Personally, I have been blessed to live a fairly stable life, and I don't wish to question anyone's trauma. However, some of the stories Haddish re-told in this book were simply unbelievable. She lost all credibility with me when she, at 13, tried to seduce her black male doctor after nearly dying from toxic shock syndrome. I was later further offended by her mocking of her mentally disabled boyfriend. And then I found it very sad that she got an abortion because she couldn't raise a child with her abusive boyfriend yet no sooner than she healed up from the procedure she was right back in his bedroom. Her whole life just seemed sad, and my hope is that she has sought some counseling to help deal with these issues, if they are indeed true.

Beyond the content, the book was poorly written. There was way too much foul language and overly explicit scenes described. The final product could still benefit from some heavy editing. Haddish shared at least half a dozen stories of men telling her she's "too beautiful" to do this or "too pretty" to do that. Additionally, many of her sentences ended with "and stuff." It was just a grammatical nightmare.

This book was vastly disappointing for me. I had hoped that Haddish might offer some type of inspiration. Typically, when I read or listen to an autobiography I come away from it liking the person a little more than I did previously. Sadly, with The Last Black Unicorn, I like Haddish a lot less.

Recommendation:  Life is too short, and there are too many other books. Try something else like We're Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union or Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.

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 New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Length: 13:15:00
Narrated by: Karen Chilton
Published: April 2012

I downloaded the audiobook, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander several months ago on the recommendation of another book lover. One of my online book clubs chose it for the monthly read-along, so I began listening to the book to and from work during the month of February. 

There was a lot to digest in this book. The author takes us on a journey from slavery to present day explaining racial relations in the United States and how they have affected the legal system. Alexander presents the data in a very academic manner. I can envision this book being used as a textbook in criminal justice or psychology courses at the collegiate level. For this reason, I wish I would have purchased a physical or electronic copy so I could have highlighted and referenced some of the statistics and data she shared. 

This book was not read by the author, but the narrator did an excellent job engaging the listener with her smooth tone, using inflection at the most appropriate times.  

Do not be mislead by the title. I think the author intended to be a bit sarcastic. We do not live in a colorblind society, and I don't know that we necessarily should. However, color should not affect justice, and I think that's the point she persuasively makes in this text. I don't know that we will ever get to a place where the U.S. legal system is fair and impartial. Race will play a factor as will financial status. 

There is too much in this book to unpack in a succinct blog review. If you're interested in learning some hard truths, I would recommend this book. Be fair warned: this is not your light, beach read. 

Recommendation: This is a hard read (or listen), but it is an important one. I think it is not only important for the disenfranchised but also for the privileged. I think it could start important conversations and become the impetus for the change so vastly needed in our legal system. 

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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It's Not Supposed to be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Length: 256 pages
Published: November 2018

Anyone who follows my blog writings knows that I participate in many of Proverbs 31 Ministries online Bible studies. The latest study was authored by the organization's president, Lysa TerKeurst. In It's Not Supposed to be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave you Shattered, TerKeurst shares her most vulnerable side with her readers as she dealt with a myriad of crises. And I say "as she dealt with" because she wrote the book, in real time, while she was in the midst of several major life upsets. Because of this I think this is her most emotional, raw, and real work to date. 

TerKeurst is a talented writer, an amazing survivor, and a strong Christ follower. Because I participated in the online Bible study I reaped the benefits of supplemental study materials. However, the book stands alone, and it effective in its own right. I did enjoy hearing and observing the author through the teaching videos, which is why I don't know why she doesn't narrate the audio version of her books. She has a lovely voice, and hearing her tell her story of transformation in her own words and her own voice is a treat.   

As always, TerKeurst reminds us that when we are at our weakest moments is when we should lean into God the most - changing our focus from the problem to our Problem Solver. 

Recommendation: I strongly recommend this book. The perspective, insight, and authenticity make the book a treasure that can be read again and again.

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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Courageous Creative by Jenny Randle

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Length: 160 pages
Published: October 2018

During the Christmas season, Facebook displayed a sponsored advertisement on my feed for Jenny Randle's Courageous Creative book and the companion online 31-day devotional study. I was intrigued, so I purchased a copy from my local Barnes & Noble reseller, signed up for the Facebook group, and eagerly awaited for January 1, 2019 when the study was scheduled to begin. 

Jenny is an Emmy award-winning creative, but moreover, she is a Christian with a genuine heart. (I feel like I really go to know her through the Facebook group, so I am referring to her by her first name in this post.) She loves the Lord, and she loves His people. In her book, she demonstrates how everyone is and can be creative through the guiding of the Holy Spirit (or as she refers to him without the article i.e., Holy Spirit.) 

Jenny has written this book in such a way that it's easy digestible. The daily content is not overwhelming and offers practical applications. Each reading has an accompanying challenge. The challenges are diverse, ranging from reading and writing to more visual tasks like drawing, coloring, and photography. The book even includes some video and voice over prompts. As you might guess from this blog, reading and writing is where I shine, so the challenges outside of those took me a little more time. There are some I still want to go back and perfect. And that's the beauty of this book is that you can pick it up at any time and revisit some of Jenny's nuggets of knowledge as well as prime your creative juices by engaging in the challenges again. 

This was a really fun devotional that allowed me to grow as a Christian and create some beautiful work. I am thankful for Jenny showing me that I was created to create by the Ultimate Creator. 

Recommendation: This book would be a great study for a small group with your church. Whether you participate in this interactive devotional with a group, like I did, or take on the challenges on your own, I am certain you will be motivated and blessed by Jenny's work. She truly is a courageous creative! Visit Jenny online and connect with her on all social media platforms. 

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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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.

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Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath by Priscilla Shirer

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Length: 127 pages
Published: September 2014

Breathe by Priscilla Shirer is the latest online Bible study program in which I participated with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the past, I've reaped great benefits from 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit by Nicki Koziarz, Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst, Wait and See by Wendy Pope, Listen, Love, Repeat by Karen Ehman, and Seamless by Angie Smith. Prior to reading her book, I'd only heard of Ms. Shirer through her father, who is a paster in the Dallas/Fort Worth area - Tony Evans. The things I had heard about her were very positive, so I was quite excited to dig into this study. And I'm not going to lie, I was happy it was a short one since we are in the midst of the busy holiday season. 

The overall premise of Breathe is we are overly busy. We don't slow down and smell the roses. Shirer posits that God designed us and the world in such a way that we must take time to rest and remember - remember our purpose, remember to love, remember to spend time with Him. She calls this the #SabbathMargin - creating space for God to enter in. She further explains, after six days of creating, He saw that it was good and rested on the seventh day. In doing this, He illustrates the importance of us taking that same time. It may be difficult to carve out an entire Saturday or Sunday. But what if we took a few minutes each day to stop and meditate on His goodness? 

The book is written in a relatable and practical way for both women and men. There are several areas and pages to jot down notes of your own as well as from Shirer's video presentations that can be purchased via LifeWay. I wish there was a little more written content and less questions. Some of the questions tended to be repetitive, and some of them were not relevant to me. However, it was helpful to reflect and commit to some Sabbath practices by memorializing them in writing. 

My biggest takeaway from this book was that people who tend to hoard (things, time, etc.) live with a slave mentality, and "Slaves live from a position of deficiency. Free people live from a place of holy expectation." After completing this study, I have a renewed commitment to thinking, walking, and living in freedom. Rather than hold on to the temporary things of this world, I hope to hold on to things that contribute to my eternal life. I will not always be perfect, but the goal is to be better. And I hope God blesses my progress (and yours too!). 

Recommendation: Priscilla Shirer is a powerful writer and speaker. This short book is packed with motivational messages, and it's the perfect antidote this time of year when we all tend to be more busy than usual. 

The next Proverbs 31 Study is Lysa Terkeurst's It's Not Supposed to be this Way. Sign up for free on the P31 website. 

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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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.

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Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Length: 341 pages
Published: May 2018

After reading journalist John Carreyrou's investigative book, Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup, I do believe truth can be stranger than fiction. How in the world did such a young lady fool so many tenured business people and politicians? This book is an in-depth look at Elizabeth Holmes and her startup, Theranos. The genesis of the book was derived from Carreyrou's October 2015 Wall Street Journal report. 

Simply put this book is investigative journalism at its finest. 

I think the prevailing theme in this book is that we, as a society, have to get back to the facts. The lies and deception have to stop. We are not better off having been persuaded to one person (or group's) way of thinking. Rather, the truth shall set us free. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the way Carreyrou presented this fact-based story. He was very detailed, explaining complex science and medical processes in a way that made it easy for this liberal arts major to understand. Having said that, some of his format caused confusion for me. The way that he interchanged the identification of key players by using their first names and last names made it difficult to follow because there were a lot of players involved. Also, I found the change of perspective midway through the book troublesome. He told the first part of the story in third person, and then when his role was introduced, he abruptly changed to first person. 

Googling "Elizabeth Holmes" will generate a plethora of articles, videos, and photos. Check out the free Way Back Machine to get some insight to the now defunct Theraonos website. I've watched some online videos, and I can certainly see the effectiveness of her persuasive communication skills. She doesn't offer up a whole lot of science, but she uses her words very well. It is easy to see how her charisma and charm won over so many people (especially older men who were ridiculously memorized by her). 

The saddest thing about this whole story is that Holmes had a good idea. Despite knowing the outcome, I found myself pulling for her technology to work. What if she wouldn't have gotten in her own way and succeeded? What if she had listened to the many voices of reason and developed a societal-changing product? She not only robbed her investors, partners, and customers but also society as a whole because tunnel vision and greed resulted in Theranos' demise. Instead, the only thing Holmes succeeded in was proving the old adage true - If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Recommendation: If you want to learn more about this fascinating true story, please check out Bad Blood. This book offers so much more than what you can glean online. 

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