October 13, 2009

September 30, 2009

Share with us the books read in September:

(62) Daughters of the Stone by Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa

(63) Ruined by Lynn Nottage

(64) Caged Innocence by A. P. Ri'chard

(65) Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson

(66) Big Machine by Victor LaValle

(67) Lime Tree Can't Bear Orange by Amanda Smyth

(68) Bite Marks: A Vampire Testament by Terence Taylor

(69) The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

(70) The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

(71) Before I Forget by Leonard Pitts, Jr.

(72) Ruins by Achy Obejas

What was your favorite and why?

Hmm...I have three for somewhat differing reasons:

Ruined - A heart-wrenching drama about the plight of women in war-torn Congo; limited options force many into prostitution; rape and other ungodly atrocities ruin their likelihood for marriage, motherhood, and maturity. I hope to see the play one day; I regret I didn't take the time to see it this year.

Before I Forget - Perhaps I had low expectations for this novel because its premise didn't really pull me in. A friend's review and prodding encouraged me to check it out and I'm glad I did - what a surprise. It was filled with purpose, promise, and substance to keep readers engaged until the very end. Well defined characters with its pulse on modern issues and social topics from today's urban familial challenges.

Ruins - I'm still working my waythrough it and will finish it by month's end; a very insightful novel set in the early 1990's Cuba and told from a disillusioned revolutionary's perspective; it depicts the despair, poverty, and idiotic bureaucratic/failed political climate that sparked the mass migration (boat people) to the US.

What was your least favorite and why?

Big Machine - although regaled by the critics, I just didn't "get" why it is deemed so "great." It was a major disappointment for me. I wanted to abandon it so many times, but kept going based on the rave reviews that kept pouring in. I thought maybe there would be an enlightening twist at the end which would have made my effort to finish worth the pain and time of plowing through it....NOT! There's even a hint of a sequel/continuation...best believe I won't be picking it up.

Planned reading list for October:

Not sure how many I'll get through, but this is the list of candidates:

• Rebel Yell by Alice Randall
• The Other Lands (Acacia, Book 2) by David Anthony Durham (in progress)
• The Calligrapher's Daughter by Eugenia Kim (in progress)
• Day After Night by Anita Diamant (Vine Voice review book)
• The Invisible Mountain by Carolina DeRobertis
• Our Lady of the Night by Mayra Santos-Febres
• I Do Not Come to You By Chance by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani
• Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell
• The Well and the Mine by Gin Phillips
• The Grass Is Singing by Doris Lessing
• In The Falling Snow by Caryl Phillips
• Picking Bone From Ash by Marie Matsuki Mockett
• The Murder of King Tut: The Plot to Kill the Child King - A Nonfiction Thriller by James Patterson

August 8, 2009

Book Club Meeting Highlights:

Thanks to everyone who braved the downpour, fought the tourists for parking, and tolerated the delays and interruptions of our wait staff to join the discussion for Children of the Waters by Carleen Brice. It was so great to see everyone looking looking absolutely beautiful! I'll remember to bring my camera one day to capture our essence digitally.

This year is almost over and we have yet to have an "outstanding" read -- this book was a quick and easy read for the group with a lot of issues and themes for discussion. I think it was a classic case where the discussion about the book (and the issues presented therein) was better than the book itself.

We discussed the relationships (mother-son, sister-sister, Billie-Nick, etc.) and the racial issues presented in the story: challenges and responsibilities of parents to biracial children, societal and historical views on race, cultural challenges, religion/faith, etc.

We used the publisher provided reading group guide as fodder for our discussion, along with moderator provided questions. Because the topics were so timely, nearly everyone had comments, examples, or thoughts to share. A few other group comments:

• Poor character development: Most wanted to know more about Nick and Billie's six-year relationship, Nick's familial relationship (and what made him tick, his viewpoints), but acquiesced agreeing that he wasn't a primary character in the novel. Others wanted to more about Trish and Tommy as a couple and individuals.
• The group seemed unanimous regarding parents informing children they are adopted. Most seemed to think the truth would eventually be revealed.
• Some aspects and situations in the book were unrealistic or a bit too "convenient" for some members; but they went along with it for the sake of the story.

Individual Ratings & Thoughts:

Group Average Rating: 3.4

Next Meeting:

September 12: The Good House by Tananarive Due

Share with us the books you read during the month.

An Elergy for Easterly

A collection of short stories that glimpses into the challenges that Zimbabweans face in the Mugabe regime, AIDS epidemic, a failing economy (it's really mind-boggling - a half million for a loaf of bread), and the struggles balancing tradition and the modern world. I found it very enlightening as I didn't know much about Zimbabwe or this author. She writes very well and the stories are at times brutally honest and offers diverse views into their culture, mindset, and lifestyle.

After such a long wait, I found the writing and plot lines stale and dated; there were some long-winded passages that I just skimmed over to get through the book.

July 11, 2009

Book Club Meeting Highlights:

While The Shack fed our spirits, Ms. Nikki outdid herself with a wonderful smorgasbord featuring some pigs-in-a-blanket that Stacey really enjoyed. :-) She really shouldn’t have, but she did, and it made things really special for our 8th Anniversary. We loved the intimate setting of the club house too! Thanks Nikki for taking the extra effort - we love and appreciate you so much for it!

We had two guests, Nicole and Jeannie, who contributed and shared just like the old heads. Jeannie has indicated she wants to join the group and of course, we’re delighted in her choice. I need to circle back with Nicole via Q to learn her thoughts and intentions. I also followed up with Nikki’s leasing manager who expressed interest, (no doubt after hearing us have so much fun), but have not heard back from her yet.

This was a great discussion -- there was a lot of fodder for discussion and in our 90 minute window, we hit a lot of the major issues and ventured down some tangental areas too. As usual, you really need to come to the meeting for the full experience, but here’s an attempt at recapturing the highlights:

• The book seemed to support the relationship aspect that individuals need to have with God and negated religious doctrines and dogma; both of these aspects appealed to the members of the group.
• Nikki honed in further on the “fatherly” references: She thought it made sense, since there is an absence of fathers in the family, so most modern religions place emphasis on the importance and emphasis for God as a father-figure.
• Nikki also liked the endearing term of Papa for God, it emphasized empathy; and loved the letter in the mailbox invitation.
• Everyone liked the diversity of the Holy Trinity (African/American, Hebrew, Asian). We discussed my issues with the “mammy” image for God.
• Stacy commented how sometimes P.K.’s (Preacher’s Kids) are tormented and torn; Mack was a P.K. which could have contributed to his wavering faith and issues with his relationship with God. She cited an example - the mantra - the “truth shall set you free” - yet when young Mack told an elder about his father abusing his mother - he is tied to a tree and beaten unmercifully by his father.
• We talked about “free will” affecting everyone in both good and bad ways. We discussed if the world has (or if anything has changed) since the crucifixion.
• Maedean liked the “expectations vs expectancy” discussion in the book, I liked the section regarding “judgement;” Maedean also noted the lesson regarding Mack’s inability to walk on water without Jesus being there with him.
• We empathized with Mack with the abduction of Missy; thanks to Steve Harvey, we understand the need that men have a need to “protect” their families.
• Another theme that we spent quite a bit of time on is the one relating to all things work toward God’s purpose and we must do things according to His will. It may not make sense to us, we may not understand, but we’re to hold fast that it will become clearer in time.
• Seante’ admittedly skimmed through some of the book, because the conversations with the Holy Trinity were a little too in depth for her and gave her a headache. She liked the whole idea of meeting with God and having some of your questions answered, as well as the premise that you have to learn to forgive in order to work through heartache, grief, and anger.
• Several members quoted their favorite passages and answered Nikki’s question: If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
• Stacey questioned the end, post Mack’s coma -- did it really happen and we discussed key events: Elousia changing form when taking Mack to find Missy, etc. God will be there for you on time in the form that you need him/her.
• There was so much more discussed and as you can deduce, the book was well received by the majority of the group. Join us next time...

Individual Ratings & Thoughts:

Group Average Rating: 3.9

• Nikki 4.5
• Guest - Nicole 4
• Guest - Jeannie 3.5
• Maedean 5
• Quentella (Q) 4
• Tanya 4
• Marilyn 5
• Stacey P. 4.45
• Seante 2.5
• Phyllis 2

Melinda, Ms. Gloria, Elaine, Ms. Jennifer, and others -- we missed you, but chime in on the eGroup with your comments and ratings.

Next Meeting:

August 8: Children of the Waters by Carleen Brice.

June 30, 2009

Share with us the books you read during the month.

(Christian Fiction/Spiritualism) - This highly praised book was simply not my cup of tea. I had no problem with some of the messages: the search within one's self for answers, quiet time needed to spend with God, etc. However, it was the writing that was terrible, imo. It was not an enjoyable reading experience for me and the later -- as mentioned before, the later half of the book was a chore to get through. I persevered hoping to discover what the appeal was/is about...and honestly was disappointed -- obviously I'm in the minority -- based on the over 3,000 Amazon ratings.

• Children of the Waters - Carleen Brice
  

• Everything is Now - Michelle Cliff
  
• Wisdom's Daughter - India Edghill
• Drift - Victoria Patterson
• Ruins - Achy Obejas
• Serena - Ron Rash

• Between the Assassinations - Aravind Adiga (Vine Voice Review Book)
  

• In Other Rooms, Other Wonders - Daniyal Murrnuddin
• Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal - Christopher Moore
• An Elegy for Easterly - Petina Gappah
• Filter House - Nisi Shawl
• Six Suspects - Vikas Swarup
• Child 44 - Tom Rob Smith
• A Visible Darkness - Michael Greorio
• Rooftops of Tehran - Mahbod Seraji
• The City and The City - China Meiville
• Atlas of the Unknowns - Tania James
  

June 14, 2009

Book Club Meeting Highlights:

A special thanks to Elaine for moderating our discussion for Steve Harvey's Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Life, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment. She drove from Titusville to be with us Saturday and it was so good to see her!

• Elaine rated it a 2.5. She enjoyed the comedy, but felt like she was reading a long article instead of a novel. She thought some of the "suggestions" were not good, particularly the list of what makes a good father and others. Some parts were a good "reminder" for her; and she thought of past relationships when reading the book.
  
• Tanya thought the book was painful to read. She, along with Q, is not a Steve Harvey fan and didn't care for the delivery and packaging of Steve's message. Her rating is a 2.
• Q's rating is a 2.5; she felt he was targeting a specific audience (and certain types of women) and really couldn't synch with a lot of the advice and suggestions Steve provided in the book. She thought maybe it could "help" some women, but she was not overly impressed with the content or message.
• Maedean was parked at a 2.5 and cited Steve's two failed marriages (which he really didn't mention in the book) to question his credibility on relationships.
• Roderick thought the book was a good "start;" it would serve as a solid base to dispel the mystique about male thought processes. He rated it a 3.
• Juliet cited redundancy and admitted she skimmed through some parts to get through it; 2 is her score.
• Ms. Gloria reflected on her 70 years of wisdom and nearly 50 years of marriage shared a lot with the group. What Harvey penned was nothing new for her and she agreed with most of what was presented in the book, especially the aspect about women controlling and influencing a lot of what goes on in the relationship.
  
• I rated it a 3 because I thought the book provided valuable information for some women who never learned the lessons at home and from the standpoint of it being a MAN reminding women to set expectations, boundaries, goals for themselves and their relationships; act with dignity and integrity, not to sell themselves short, etc.
  
• Nikki, Melinda, Ms. Jennifer,and Mr. Henry, Seante', and others -- we missed you, but chime in on the eGroup with your comments and ratings.
  

May 30, 2009

May was lost to me as a reading month -- Work was extremely demanding, Mom and Jewels ( the Wonder Yorkie) visited so my free time evaporated. I managed to squeeze in 3.5 books (hoping to finish The Angel's Game by tomorrow for a May completion -- it's soooo good that I don't want to rush it -- it's one to be savored, so it may be bumped to June.)

Share with us the books you read during the month.

• Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man - Steve Harvey
• The Shack - William Young
  

• Judas Kiss - J. T. Ellison
  
• Everything is Now - Michelle Cliff
  
• The Thing Around Your Neck - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  
• I Am Not Sidney Poitier - Percival Everett
  
• Wisdom's Daughter - India Edghill

• Wife of the Gods - Kwei Quartey (Vine Voice Review Book)
  

• Lover Man - Geneva Holliday
  
• Drift - Victoria Patterson
  
• Quakertown - Lee Martin
  
• In Other Rooms, Other Wonders - Daniyal Murrnuddin
• Shadow Valley - Steven Barnes
  

April 30, 2009

Share with us the books you read during the month.

I wouldn't recommend reading these titles sequentially like I did -- the subject matter and theme (historical fiction, racial tension, societal attitudes of the era, etc) may be too heavy to process back-to-back.

Rush Home Road

A wonderfully imagined and executed story - it has a serious "Oprah Book Club" vibe and really pulls on the heartstrings with historical references (Blacks in Canada, Underground Railroad, etc.) -- I really liked those parts.

It was a bit tragic at times; I didn't think the protagonist could catch a break! Nonetheless I really enjoyed the story and plan to pick up the author's other works. I liked her writing style and character voices.

Mudbound

Set in post-WWII Mississippi and told in alternating voices of a white woman and two young veterans (one black, one white) returning from Europe, both changed men. The story and characters are familiar, but I thought their voices were authentic, characters were rich and realistic, and storytelling was well done.

Beulah Hill

Murder mystery in Depression-era Vermont that sparks racial tensions in a small town. The author is top-notch in moving the story and creating wonderful characters that the reader will love and love to hate. Interesting twist on who actually committed the murder...had me guessing till the end.

Thumper wrote an enthusiastic review for this novel too: http://aalbc.com/reviews/beulah_hill.htm

What was your least favorite book? Why?