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Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 02:46 pm: | 
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It's so quiet over here. I've been on deadlines and am trying to catch up from being gone for BEA, but just wanted to ask...
What is everyone reading?
-Tee |
NeeCee
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 02:49 pm: |
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Dating Games
R M Johnson
Pretty good read so far. |
Snake Girl
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 03:51 pm: |
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Gender Talk: THe Struggle for Women's Equality in African American Communities
by Johnnetta B. Cole and Beverly Sheftall
It's excellent and I'll be done in the next half an hour.
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akaivyleaf
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 04:06 pm: |
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I've found my groove... I'm reading Atlanta Live by Carmen Green and I'll be done with it tonight, then I'm tackling Spiral and Maybe You Never Cry Again by Bernie Mac.
Just finished up a book last night, if only I could get caught up on writing the reviews. |
yukio
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 09:33 pm: |
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I'm reading two books by Wilson Harris: Carnival and Palace of the Peacock. Then I'm suppose to read Elizabeth Nunez's Bruised Hibiscus, but I'm not sure. And finally, for the month of June, I'll reread(complete) Dambudzo Marechera's Black Sunlight: Different, difficult read. Nunez's book is kinda long, so I'm not sure if i'll have the patience to read it, but i will start it....i have many books that i've started and have yet to complete....I prefer under 200 pagers....but i'm babbling! |
GG
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 10:08 pm: |
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I'm reading Harlem Redux by Persia Walker. So far it's good and holding my attention. I picked it up last year and put it down, for what reason I don't know. Guess it was a mood thing. Before Harlem Redux, I read Grace by Elizabeth Nunez..another really good book. |
Linda
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 10:28 pm: |
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Just finished Chaka - Through the Fire, an autobiography of Chaka Kahn and A Gathering of Old Men, by Ernest J. Gaines. |
K
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 04:26 am: |
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Perpetually behind- Rails Under My Back. |
akaivyleaf
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 07:15 am: |
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rails under my back is on my list but its a BAB and I'm not planning on going to the beach any time soon so...
Let me know how it is K. |
Rita
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 08:20 am: |
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I'm reading the Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen Carter. This book is definetly a slow read. |
Anita
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 09:24 am: |
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The Road South- Shelly Stewart with Nathan Hale, Jr.
Dry- Augusten Burroughs |
CMS217
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 11:06 am: |
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Just finished Second Sunday by Andrea Bowen. It was a fun read just like her first book Church Folk,I am starting to read Drinking Coffee Elsewhere and the Night Before Thirty. Read the first chapter of Diary of A Groupie by Omarr Tyree I am not a big fan of his but my patrons love him. |
Yukio
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 12:06 pm: |
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CMS217:
Please, let me know what you think about Drinking Coffee Elsewhere....i've heard interesting things about the book!
Actually, if anyone has read it please share comments.... especially Cynique! |
Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 12:22 pm: |
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I am fulfilling my book club obligation by reading this month's selection, "Gonna Lay Down My Burdens," a coming of age novel which I am not particularly enjoying. The characters are all caricatures, a cast of people whose silliness the author exploits, in her lame attempt to inject humor into the improbable proceedings. This is not a book I'd read voluntarily. (Not so much the author's fault as it is mine because, as of late, my reading taste yearns for the extraordinary.) |
NeeCee
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 12:35 pm: |
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Cynique,
Your comments about Gonna Lay Down My Burdens makes me want to create a new thread. It will be called Preferred Writing Styles.
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Snake Girl
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 03:00 pm: |
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Hi Yukio,
I loved "Drinking Coffee Elsewhere" (and forgive me for not being able to resist mentioning this)...but I've come to know Z.Z. after I was chosen to be in an anthology with her ("Politically Inspired" which comes out in October)... AFTER...having read quite a lot of her work.
I promise you...you will not be disappointed with "Drinking Coffee". She's truly a thoughtful, gifted--but miraculously simple, no-frills type of author. Her writing is grounded and yet the scope of it really favors risks and what I adore is the offering of honest characterizations (like little bigoted black girls) in places where you wouldn't expect to find them.
There's always a sudden observation revealed in her stories...and her writing reminds me, in some ways, of the way in which YOU write, because it's very measured and CLINICAL.
As I've said before--in the canon of new women's literary fiction--Berniece McFadden, A.J. Verdelle, Zadie Smith and Z.Z. Packer are the most formidable figures. Wanda Coleman is not "new", but she certainly is in that canon as well, because she's just recently becoming known.
And I was proud to be chosen (along with Z.Z.) as the only other Black in our upcoming anthology--which also features Pulitzer Nominees Dave Eggers and Charles Baxter. **All proceeds from the book will go to the Unicef Iraqi Children's Fund, so I pray people will support our efforts.
After all, Unicef saved my life.
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Snake Girl
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 03:07 pm: |
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Toni Morrison's new one.
It's called "LOVE".
And I am so in love with this book that I cannot stop crying.
It comes out in October.
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NeeCee
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 03:18 pm: |
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Snake Girl,
What is this book about? Is it a novel? I really don't read much Toni Morrison, find it too difficult, but I wanted to know what you enjoy about this book LOVE. |
Snake Girl
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 03:32 pm: |
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"Love" is a novel.
It's all about...love.
Authentic love.
And it's a book that every black American woman needs to be TAUGHT in class.
Yes..it is very difficult. But it's a wisdom that nary even the Bible could provide. In fact, I would like to nominate LOVE as a new book of the Bible.
Morrison is unequaled for this century. She is the absolute best. If only the right generation would be born...who could finally really love our people as a people, unconditionally.
Anyway, buy it in October.
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Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 07:51 pm: |
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So ummmm Kola...think I could have that book (Love by Toni Morrison)? ROFL.
-Tee |
Snake Girl
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 08:04 pm: |
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Hi Tee--LOL!! You are so cute.
I wish I could give it to you--but my agent borrowed the galley from newswoman Carole Simpson and we have to FED EX it back to her by Friday. This poor galley has been Fed-Expressed across the nation about 3 times now.
It's so good, though, Tee. GOD...Toni is just the mother of us all.
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Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 08:11 pm: |
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Yukio,
I haven't heard of "Drinking Coffee Elsewhere", but the title is certain intriguing. This is your cue to give me a review.  |
Steve
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 11:19 pm: |
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I just finished "The Heart of Redness" by Zakes Mda, a South African writer whose "Ways of Dying" I read last year. I recently read three by James Alan McPherson, who ZZ Packer cites as an influence along with Stuart Dybek whose "Coast of Chicago" I read some time ago. I believe she studied with McPherson at Iowa. I read his two collections of short stories, "Hue and Cry" and "Elbow Room," his essays, "A Region Not Home: Reflections From Exile," and I just ordered his memoir, "Crabcakes." He has a really touching essay called "Gravitas" about Ralph Ellison and his widow, Fanny. A few of the essays are about Ellison. His short stories are really unique in my experience and some of the reviews I've read of "Drinking Coffee Elsewhere" lead me to believe that they may share a similar approach. I found this list of her favorite books:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/writers/writerdetails.asp?userid=2UI94XSY2Y&cid=10 69496#interview |
Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 10:17 am: |
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Oooh wow, y'all are definitely getting some reading in!! I'm busy reading EMAIL, so I'm behind (AGAIN), but I did start Getting Mother's Body and I'm loving it. I hope to pick it back up this weekend.
I don't remember what I last shared that I was reading, but I did finish up Chicken Soup for the African American Soul which comes out next year and also Eden, which I initially didn't like. I thought it was weird. LOL. I'm glad I kept reading!
The Curse of the Spear & Other Stories
Harvest of Souls Crossover
A Royal Trip
-Tee |
sucker4books
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 11:33 pm: |
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I'm almost through with Loving Donovan - I don't know how I feel about Ms. McFadden's latest - any thoughts? |
Susan
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 12:07 am: |
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Hi, I am reading Blackberries, Blackberries. I enjoyed the author's second book, so decided to give her first book a try.
BTW, Steve, thanks for the book suggestions and the link. Interesting interview.
Susan |
Bayou Lights
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 02:13 pm: |
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Hey, All--
I am reading:
Life of Pi - Yann Martel
The Palace Thief - Ethan Canin
Dogs of Babel - Carolyn Parkhurst
Enjoying all three while I relax on the beach on vacation.
Bayou |
Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 02:27 pm: |
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I finished up Getting Mothers Body! Anyone else read it and want to discuss?
-Tee |
NeeCee
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 08:43 pm: |
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Nope, haven't read Getting Mothers' Body, nope, don't wanna discuss. Ha ha, just kidding. What do you like/dislike about this book, Miz Tee? |
akaivyleaf
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 04:24 pm: |
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How was Chaka, Linda? She intrigues me and I would like to know more about her. Is the book in depth, complete with her thoughts and feelings or is it just a standard autobiography chronicling her career. |
Linda
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 06:04 pm: |
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Hello All
To answer Akaivyleaf's question on Chaka-Through the Fire: It was purely marginal reading--as you say--chronicling her career. Not gritty as I thought it would be. I believe Chaka held back on telling all the goodies to keep us wondering what was really going on in her life or to retain her privacy on many issues. Not what I expected.
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Sis E
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 09:45 am: |
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Hi Everybody,
I picked up Zane's The Heatseekers and I'm almost finished. Wanted to see whatchall was talking bout with Zane's books! I love her use of, well, guess I'll call it "Ebonics" and I like the interplay between characters (ain't read no BIG sex scene yet, though.) The ending is sort of dragged out. |
Sandra
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 05:14 pm: |
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Just finished reading What A Woman's Gotta Do. It's this month's selection in our book club. I thought that book would never end--it was a good read though. It starts off as your typical well written murder mystery then, it zaps back (or was it forward) in another time or another world or another alternate universe --I dunno. It's a mystery to me how the author came up with such a surreal plot and conclusion. It's sort of a cross between "My Soul To Keep" and a Valerie Wesley mystery. |
Crystal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 06:05 pm: |
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I've just started EJD's The Other Woman. Stop laughing Thumper! |
ABM
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 10:09 am: |
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Sandra,
I read and enjoyed What A Woman's Gotta Do (WAWGD). WAWGD had some gaps in plausibility, there were 1 too many climatic scenes (Though there are, of course, situations were the more "climaxes" you have, the merrier. HEHEHE!!!), and the lead character was overly profane and paranoid. But WAWGD heroine was plausibly faulty yet empathetic, its plot was compelling, and its storyline and subject matter were markedly more sophisticated, interesting and enlightening than most of the ubiquitous "you-go-girl" tripe that one grudgedly finds on the market. |
Crystal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 11:36 am: |
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I'm no longer reading The Other Woman. Nuff said.
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Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 12:21 pm: |
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ROFL Crystal...so, does that mean you finished it up or you couldn't get into it? I'm not a big Dickey fan, but I have read 3 of this books...my favorite of those was Between Lovers. There were a few places in the book that I had issues with and I HATED the ending, but overall, I really really enjoyed it and Dickey's writing.
NeeCee, ummm, what I really liked about Getting Mother's Body was the easy writing style and the humor the author injected into the story. Thought it is a sad story and situation, there are lots of laugh out loud moments along side some serious decisions that needed to be made about their lives. The book was also written in first person with each character doing the talking...I loved it! (And would love to discuss if anyone is interested.)
I'm playing catch-up since I've been MIA, but also taking note of what everyone is reading. :-)
-Tee |
Crystal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 02:51 pm: |
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Hey Tee! Girl, I had to put it down. I read about the first 3rd, got fed up and skipped to the end to see what would happen. Didn't like the ending either. This was the 4th book of his I've attempted to read. Finished 2 and dropped 2. I just don't "feel" his characters and this time he spends a lot more time writing as the women and it just didn't ring true for me. One of the main things I don't like about him is his attention to details that don't have anything to do with the story. I mean, who cares if the person is driving and turns off LaBrea onto Washington Bl. The only folks that know what he's talking about are people who live in the area and does the actual name of the street add to the story? No! And he does that a LOT in this one. I look at it as filler. The only good thing in this one is he doesn't do a lot of designer name dropping.
I tried Thumper, really I did.
I just finished The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. I don't think he's an AA writer but I'm not sure. It's set in Botswana. Very good. Someone told me about this series last year and I finally found this first one in the library.
I'm about to jump on the Harry Potter bandwagon. |
NeeCee
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 03:12 pm: |
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About EJD
His references to LA streets is fun for the locals who there (or used to live there), but it may not enlighten people who've never been to the City of Angels. But that's what he likes to do, for whatever reason. I am waiting for him to write another book that doesn't take place in LA. Maybe another NYC or an ATL book.
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Crystal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 03:29 pm: |
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Hi NeeCee. I live in L.A. so I know all those places he refers to. Still irks me though. In one of the ones I read I thought maybe he had been following me around because he described so many of the places I frequented. Same thing in this one. That cheap theatre he describes is one of my favorites. Maybe I should start looking for him when I'm out and about. |
NeeCee
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 03:36 pm: |
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Okay, it sounds like you two might live in the same area or something. Inglewood? He made me want to go check out Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles it was mentioned so much.
I think the businesses might enjoy being mentioned in his books.
Yep, just look for a guy who walks with a little pimp with those long twists on his head. |
Crystal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 04:04 pm: |
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Awww Man! Why'd you have to go and mention Roscoes? I haven't been there in quite a while. Now I want some. But it definitely does not fit in the healthy eating plan I'm SUPPOSED to be following. LOL!
I'm in South L.A. now [no longer to be called South Central L.A. - the city council changed the name because it had such a bad rap] very near Inglewood but that's where we lived when I was in school. |
sisgal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - 02:31 pm: |
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Well guys, I've been in winter wonderland for months now, why??? Because, I got them pretty cheap, on sale, all the books I wanted to read, but couldn't. So here goes:
Cradle and All by James Patterson - Now this was something I apparently missed, and the story line straight from "The Omen", "Seventh Sign", two virgin births, one bearing the savior, the other the devil. I liked it. Not Patterson's best work, but definitely entertaining.
Beach House another by James Patterson. It was good as well, no black characters though, but an entertaining mystery as well.
2nd Chance by James Patterson. Okay, I like James Patterson novels, especially the ones with black leading characters. This was good, 2nd in the series featuring the womens murder club.
The Short Forever by Stuart Woods. Okay, I'm a fan of the Stone Barrington series, he's like an american James Bond.
Blood Orchid by Stuart Woods. Another one of his series featuring female Chief of Police Holly Barker.
Next on my list will be heading me back home, when I begin to read "Cane River". And next week when I attend the Essence Festival, I will pick up all my new black books. What I'm looking forward to getting:
Bernice McFaddens new book
Solomon Jones new book
Sympathy for the Devil author, oh I forget his name, anyway his new book.
A couple of hardcore street, black authors writing mystery books that Thumper mentioned here as well.
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Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - 06:23 pm: |
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Although I didn't realize it until recently, I've been in a winter wonderland, too. And, how can I not make "The Face" by Dean Koontz my next book. I've just started it, and it promises to be a good summer-night read. Just me, lounging under a fan in my skivies, sipping ice water, deep into a story that holds me in its thrall. Does it get any better? |
Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - 07:55 pm: |
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ROFL y'all. I think I'm in a drought! I'm so tired and just trying to rest up that I'm not really reading anything. I started the new R.M. Johnson book a few nights ago, but was too tired to read. I'm giving myself another few days off and hope to jump into it. I haven't read any of his books and from what I've been told, his earlier books are really good.
Thoughts? Comments? |
Thumper
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - 08:39 pm: |
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Hello All,
Well, my winter wonderland vacation is about to come to an end next week. I feel the batteries recharging and I'm ready to go. I needed that break and highly recommend everyone taking one every now and again. Since I'm done with the Harry Potter books, I'm going to finish up the Fitzgerald novel and a couple more other ones that look real interesting that I got at the BEA. Then I'm going back home and boy are there some humdingers waiting for me when I get back too!
Tee: I read R. M. Johnson's first book, The Harris Men. I liked the first half. The second half was tired and I hated the ending. It made no sense. I've been reluctant to give him a second try, but I think I might. |
Radiah
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 02:35 pm: |
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Hi everyone,
I just finished Between Brothers by C. Kelly Robinson. It was better than I thought it was going to be. I'm now reading his second book No More Mr. Nice Guy. Our book club just finished reading Selah's Bed by Jenoyne Adams. I did not feel that book at all. I thought story was a little confusing. There was too much jumping around between time periods. Has anyone read this? Share your thoughts. I have a week vacation next week so I can catch up on my reading. I have books in boxes and about 40 books on my shelf that I have not read or not finished reading. I need help.
Thumper: I finished R.M Johnson's latest Love Frustration and that was not his best book. There was alot of pointless situations and dumb a**(excuse my French) characters. But please read The Harris Family which is the sequel to The Harris Men. It ties up all the loose ends. I also have his other book Father Found which I haven't read yet but it's supposed to good.
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Radiah
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 03:18 pm: |
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Hi again everyone,
I have a question about BEA. Is it for the general public or do you have to be in the book business? I live in Milwaukee, WI, two hours away from Chicago and would love to attend if possible. |
Thumper
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 05:15 pm: |
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Hello Radiah,
I heard that about The Harris Family. I might consider it. |
Sis E
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 10:49 am: |
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Hi Everybody,
I'm in the middle of Hillary Clinton's Living History. Monica hasn't entered the book yet, and neither have many Black folk. Finished The Heat Seekers; I like Zane's linguistics and her humor. For a change of pace (aka airport reading) I picked up comedian Fannie Flagg's Standing in the Rainbow, an "Americana" epic about a very very white town in Missouri. She's funny. And I broke down and bought J. K. Rowling's newest, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Oh heck, why not. I admit it. I've read all the other ones. |
NeeCee
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 02:49 pm: |
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Radiah,
In reference to your question about the BEA, it's mostly geared toward booksellers, librarians, people who have a high interest in the book business or in the selling and promoting of books. Authors attend and avid readers attend too. I think if you have a passion for books and enjoy being around authors or people in the industry, you'd have a great time in attending the BEA.
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Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 03:46 pm: |
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I'm reading Dating Games by R.M. Johnson and What Becomes of a Broken Hearted by E. Lynn Harris. Been suffering through migraines, so I haven't finished either. :-(
Oh, also Cry Me a River by Ernest Hill. This is the first time I can recall reading more than one book at once.
-Tee |
Radiah
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 09:59 am: |
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NeeCee,
Thanks for the BEA info. |
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