What a weird read. It starts out with rants of a man with low self-esteem and impression of himself. It ends with his attempt to move into an upper soWhat a weird read. It starts out with rants of a man with low self-esteem and impression of himself. It ends with his attempt to move into an upper social society with old friends from school who have made successes of their lives. There were many times I had to re-read sentences to make sure I knew what the main character was complaining about.
Quotes:
I am a spiteful man. I am an unattractive man. I believe my liver is diseased.
But yet I am firmly persuaded that a great deal of consciousness, every sort of consciousness, in fact, is a disease.
Consumption is a queer disease, it is not like fever....more
A complete page turner. This book left me in awe of man's humanity. Luther Gordy's parents were grossly beaten and lynched before his eyes when he wasA complete page turner. This book left me in awe of man's humanity. Luther Gordy's parents were grossly beaten and lynched before his eyes when he was nine years old. This horror has followed him into adulthood. His despise of white people has his family, sister Thelma and grandfather Gramps, worried he will get himself killed. Next, comes WWII that inducts Luther into the war. He refuses to go and fight for a country that hates him and lynched his parents. Thelma finds out how much capacity she has to love.
A deal is struck with a white Hungarian lawyer for Luther to enlist and he will find a way to bring the case to trail. This is where the book gets interesting. When you are the wrong kinda of white and were does American begins. Johan Simek soon finds out. The cruelty of humans to one another never cease to amaze me. An excellent read.
Quotes:
He wondered how it was that Negroes learned to be invisible like that.
How odd to feel herself doomed by something she could not even recall.
He said, 'It means you and me are one step below the mick's and one step above the niggers.'
"You come up here in your fancy suit, pretendin' you're a white man. You ain't no white man. You just look like one."
You make sure your decency, your humanity, is the very last thing you give up. Because without it, I don't think the rest matters much.
They were married two months later. And he hit her for the first time two weeks after that.
For a moment, Thelma was content simply to watch the waking day unfurl itself from darkness.
"Maybe," said Quick. "But sometimes, there ain't a whole lot of difference between crazy and brave."...more
This is a well deserved read about Black Women who have shaped America by their determination, courage, and integrities. May their voices ring out forThis is a well deserved read about Black Women who have shaped America by their determination, courage, and integrities. May their voices ring out forever.
1. Sojourner Truth 2. Biddy Mason 3. Harriet Tubman 3. Ida B. Wells-Barnett 4. Mary McLeod Bethune 5. Ella Josephine Baker 6. Dorothy Irene Height 7. Rosa Parks 8. Fannie Lou Hamer 9. Shirley Chisholm
Quote:
We understood that as it pertains to the pursuit of racial justice, freedom means so much more than freedom from slavery.
Before long, word spread through Mayesville that Samuel and Patsy McLeod had themselves a child who was blessed with the reading and writing gift.
Dorothy once said, "Black women are the backbone of every institution, but sometimes they are not recognized as even being there, even in the civil rights movement."
Once, a white politician came to Brooklyn College to speak to the students. In his speech he said, "Black people will advance someday, but black people are always going to need white people leading them." ...more
A smooth read with dialogue that can leave you breathless. Ken Swift is a dangerous man all by himself. He is a triple threat when partnered with his A smooth read with dialogue that can leave you breathless. Ken Swift is a dangerous man all by himself. He is a triple threat when partnered with his Ghanaian friend who is pugilistic. They work for San Bernardino who is ruthless. Business is slow.
It is at this junction of his life when his daughter, Margaux, reappeared demanding fifty thousand dollars. The story gets more interesting from there. His girlfriend, Rachel Redman, wants more of a commitment. His ex-wife, Jimi Lee, wants to make sure her daughter is okay. Ken Swift is torn between old feelings for Jimi Lee and new arousing feelings for Rachel Redman. What should a Black Man do? Next, San Bernardino has a new assignment for Ken Swift and Jake Ellis to collect a debt. Who will live and who will die is anyone's guess?
Quote:
Last time I saw her she was a beautiful shade of brown and had dark, wavy hair. But, she'd scrubbed away her melanin, her skin now that of an untanned white woman.
"You don't have to date a black man or be pretty to have sex with a black man."
If a white woman was the nigger of the world, it made me wonder what a black woman was in the world, if not the universe.
Jack Ellis knew all of my crimes, but not all of my sins.
Unusual read. A society in England breeds clones and raises them to be donors for the larger society to prevent massive diseases such as cancer, kidneUnusual read. A society in England breeds clones and raises them to be donors for the larger society to prevent massive diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, heart problems, and other serious aliments. These clones are raised in schools all over England. Kathy H., Ruth K. , and Tommy D. were raised at Hailsham. Hailsham was one of the better schools. Their lives were regulated by age. Friendships did occur sometimes only briefly. Who you were copied from obsessed some of the students into fantasies of their other life. Mystery and rumors circulating about the "Gallary" and what the school did with the art work of the students kept the reader engaged. The mystic of Madame was an interesting twist. Overall a good read.
Quotes:
It's like walking past a mirror you've walked past every day of your life, and suddenly it shows you something else, something troubling and strange.
BUT I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT MY TAPE, Songs After Dark by Judy Bridgewater.
But the fact was, I suppose, there were powerful tides tugging us apart by then, and it only needed something like that to finish the task....more
Good points about writing for business. Excellent reminders on the do's and don'ts for writing in general. Direct is more useful than generalization. Good points about writing for business. Excellent reminders on the do's and don'ts for writing in general. Direct is more useful than generalization.
Quotes:
"He maneuvered the hydrogen hydroxide control valve to the open position." Some folks actually write like that. Why not, "He turned the water on"?
Delete every unnecessary word.
Remember: When you imply, you make an idea fly. When you infer, you can't be sure.
Excellent wisdom from African-American mothers around the global. This was an inspiration and a joy to read. I felt as though these African-American mExcellent wisdom from African-American mothers around the global. This was an inspiration and a joy to read. I felt as though these African-American mothers were speaking to me. The vast knowledge and experience that encompasses this book is worth a lifetime of lectures and speculations.
Quotes:
My own momma done better than she could and my momma's momma, she done better then she could. And everybody's momma one better than anybody had any right to expect she would. And that's the truth! JUNE JORDAN, daughter of Mildred Maud Fisher Jordan, Activist, author, and professor. From her address at Williams College: "Don't You Talk About My Momma!"
We were to become young ladies-poised, modest, accomplished, educated, and graceful, prepared to take our places in the world. SHIRLEY CHISHOLM, daughter of Ruby Seale St. Hill. Former congresswoman and first woman to run for president of the United States. From Epic Lives.
My mom never told me I couldn't do anything, and I guess that's why I've done a lot of things. DEBBYE TURNER, daughter of Gussie Turner. Miss American 1990. From Essence, January 1990.
She taught me to care, to dream, and to be prepared to work from dawn until dusk (and beyond) for the things which are important to me. She is part of all that I do. JESSYE NORMAN, daughter of Janie King Norman. Opera diva. From Ebony, May 1993.
She tried hard to make her little girl - so full of hatred and confusion - see white people not so much as what they were but in terms of their potential. She did not want me to think of the guns hidden in drawers or the weeping black woman who had come screaming to our door for help, but of a future world of harmony and equality. I didn't know what she was talking about. ANGELA DAVIS, daughter of Sallye E. Davis. Activist and professor. From her book An Autobiography.
Momma always felt if you kept your mouth shut, you wouldn't get no flies in it. WILLIE MAE WRIGHT, daughter of Jennie Cartwright, born "American, Southern, female, and black." From her auto biography, Willie Mae.
People who talk a lot are bound to lie sooner or later. You can learn a lot more by listening than talking. DR. MARY L. SMITH, daughter of Byneter Levi. President, Kentucky State University. ...more
I am in awe of the story, writing, appeal, culture, courage of this author and this book. I had no idea there was such a group called "The Nigerwives"I am in awe of the story, writing, appeal, culture, courage of this author and this book. I had no idea there was such a group called "The Nigerwives". Foreign women who marry Nigerian men and opted to live in Nigeria. They live more wealthier than most Africans. But the isolation and constant judgement will drive a person insane.
This is Nicole's story as a Nigerwife. She is from Jamaican descendent and was raised in the UK. She is light skin amongst dark skin people which is an advantage in this country. Her life with her husband Tonye was a happy one at first. Until, the family demands of a patriarchal family gets between their marriage and it becomes unmanageable. She has a brief affair and afterwards comes up missing. Claudine her aunt who raised her in the UK comes to Lagos, Nigeria to look for Nicole and what she finds shocks her. Excellent read.
Quotes:
Being happy for someone was too much to ask in their family, so they had to peck it apart at every opportunity, going on about Nigeria as if Jamaica didn't have any poverty or corruption.
You have to get on with things, or things will get on without you.
"WHERE'VE YOU been these past three days, Claud?" Penny demanded. "I thought Boko Haram had gotten you too. I've been watching the news thinking any minute now, they'll show your face. Claudine Roberts from Lewisham, kidnapped in Nigeria! Mummy said she's not paying your ransom, by the way."
"You haven't lied to anyone?' asked Yohanna. "Are you delusional?"
Ada Morgan and Matlida Patterson are threw toghether after tradgey events. In the year they lived toghether wih Ada's infant daughter, Annis, they groAda Morgan and Matlida Patterson are threw toghether after tradgey events. In the year they lived toghether wih Ada's infant daughter, Annis, they grow to learn confidence, self-reliance, skills never before used, and how to keep secrets.
Ada Morgan's father, Virgil Morgan, is mean hearted, spiteful, and white. Matlida's father a sharecropper who wants better for his family. Matlida and her family is colored. The time is 1923 to 1924 in Natchez, Mississippi in a section called the Trace along a swamp. Matlida knows about a murder and bootlegging which can get her killed if others knew. Ada only wants a friend. A very good read. The ending is fairy-tale because of the time and location in which the story is set. Nonetheless it is worth reading.
Quote:
"I think I saved your sorry ass and you ain't said spit about that is what I think."
But for every kindness, there was a coldness. As if the one required the other.
Her mother, in contrast, had learned to take joy in a warm slice of strawberry pie or a cooling breeze visting the porch on a hot day.
"Ain't but one jackass out there, and he's driving the wagon," Matilda said, emptying the basket of cucumbers Teensy had sent from the garden.
She belonged to the Trace in the way a child belongs to a callous parent.
"By doing it. Because it had to be done. Maybe you ought to take a turn doing some of the things you think I just know aobut."...more
These are short stories depicting the lives of Jean and her daughters, Claudia, Sandy, Maxine, Dee, and Yolanda. Jean was stoic and gave all she had tThese are short stories depicting the lives of Jean and her daughters, Claudia, Sandy, Maxine, Dee, and Yolanda. Jean was stoic and gave all she had to her daughters when it came to the basic necessities of life. They had a roof over their heads, electricity, food (although not the best), heat, and running water. She could not give comfort or express love at the most opportune times. This is where the girls found love outside their home and the stories that ensued.
Claudia became addicted to pain pills. She has a daughter named JayLynn. With the addiction she lost her nursing license and her marriage. JayLynn as a child thought she needed to find a way to fix her mother from her depression. After many conversations from her cousin, Zaria, who is Dee’s daughter, she finally realizes that Claudia has to fix herself. The process it takes for JayLynn to get to this stage are the humorous, serious, and unbelievable tales of some of these short stories.
Dee is a crackhead. Zaria, her daughter, does not want to end up like her mother. She becomes a mother at sixteen. She becomes self-reliant at seventeen and becomes a subject of interest to Ameer at twenty-three. Ameer is thirty years old and works at a Ford assembly plant. He only smokes weed a couple times a month. He is not moving on to harder drugs. Smoking weed does not make you an addict or crackhead.
Sheila loves Damon. They were high school sweethearts. Now Damon has caught a case from selling drugs and Sheila is trying to prove her love or move on to someone more stable. Is it time for Sheila or Damon to grow up? The short stories will leave you the reader to answer the question.
Quotes:
You have learned how to close the door on her crying when you leave - for work, the library, dinner with other friends - without looking back.
As if she had a better chance of winning without him jumping in and helping her fight.
“You were behind closed doors with another woman’s husband. Be real with yourself.”
Freed or hidden, most people’s truths ate them alive....more
Lawdy....Lawd...help me !!! This book reminds me so much of my family and upbringing. The setting begins in 1912 in Stanton, Kansas and ends seven yeaLawdy....Lawd...help me !!! This book reminds me so much of my family and upbringing. The setting begins in 1912 in Stanton, Kansas and ends seven years later in 1919 in Chicago. The Williams family lead by the matriarch of Aunt Hager follows her grandson James Rogers, who went by the name of Sandy for his blond and kinky hair, from the time he was ten years old until seventeen. We learn about the poor and wealthy Blacks of that time. From those who stood with Booker T. Washington who wanted the Negro to rise based on his labor of his hands to those who admired W.E. DuBois who thought it was time for Colored folkes to take their rightful place as intellectuals and equals.
Aunt Tempy, Aunt Hager daughter, left the Bapist church of poor Blacks and went into the wealthier and higher status Colored Episcopalian church because this membership did not speak or associate with the lower class. Tempy did not visit her own mother.
This book was authentic with the dialectic of the time, honesty regarding skin tones and how hard one had to work to earn five cents. Aunt Hager had three daughters, a grandson, and good for nothing son-in-law Jimboy who taught his son Sandy about intergity. The contradictions, honesty, and humor thru difficult times defines the era and the people. A great read.
Quotes:
"Huh! That ain't nothin'! He's been gone before this an' he ain't wrote, ain't he? Here you is woryin' 'bout a letter from that good-for-nothing husband o' your'n an' there's ma house settin' up without a porch to its name!
"That's Elvira boy, ain't it-that yaller-headed young-one was here playin' with Sandy?" Sister Whiteside had her mouth full of onions and beans as she asked the question.
The old man warmed to his tale. "Dey called me de'stud nigger'! Yes, dey did! On 'count o' de kind o' slavery-time work I was doin' - I were breedin' babies fo' to sell!"...more
What a surprise read. In same respects this book is sad. There is so much death and deception in this read. In other ways, there is so much family lovWhat a surprise read. In same respects this book is sad. There is so much death and deception in this read. In other ways, there is so much family love. The love between Amanda and Max that is unspoken but always there. The love Pippa's family has for her. They followed her to Portsea from Melbourne to make sure she was safe.
Gabe and Pippa's marriage starts off as fantasy that appeared to sustain most adversities. It ends in a nightmare with the deaths of Amanda, Max, and a suicidal cliff. I liked the way the chapters are written wtih headings of before and after relating to the character that is speaking. I enjoyed this book. It is a differt type of story to be told.
Quotes:
As Mum always says, "Family is thicker than water."
How funny to think that someone actually needing their job could have such an effect.
It was astonishing how much your life could change between your front door and getting into the car.
He is the very image of someone who has just been caught in a lie....more
I am in awe of this read. I did not think it was going to be a good book. I was wrong. It was a complete page turner. The characters are real and relaI am in awe of this read. I did not think it was going to be a good book. I was wrong. It was a complete page turner. The characters are real and relatable. There is Mukesh who is grieving over the death of his wife Naina. Naina loved to read and has given this gift to her granddaughter Priya. Mukesh becomes a reader to connect with Priya who is shy and finds a commuity within the Harrow Road Library in Wembley.
Aleisha does not like to read and only is taking the summer job at the library to please her brother Aiden. She finds a list of books to read when needed, recommends them to Mukesh, reads the books herself to have a conversation with Mukesh, reads to her mother for comfort, and finds maturity within herself. This is a book of lovable characters and a enjoyable read.
Quotes:
She didn't want it, she needed it.
She might have been his bossy daughter, but she could be kind too.
The city had been so large, so vast and lonely sometimes, finding lists was like finding tiny moments of human connection, where she could prove that the silent strangers who walked past her, avoiding eye contact, were people too.
They were so alke in so many ways, but the two boys had different pasts and different futures-Mukesh always knew he'd have opportuities, but Umang......Umang didn't.
This is the last of a three part series which starts with Legend. I must confess I like this book the must. It has a lot of action and movement. The rThis is the last of a three part series which starts with Legend. I must confess I like this book the must. It has a lot of action and movement. The reader sees the raw feelings of the Patriots, Colonies, and Republic. Day loses his short-term memory and forgets June and the year they spent fighting to keep the Republic together. Anden grows more firmly into a leader. A very good read. Marie Lu was wise to make this the last book of the series. There is nowhere else for this story to grow. All missions were accomplished.
Quote:
I clear my throat loud enough for him to hear, then shoot him a cranky look even though he's blind as a rock.
I'll give him that - he knows exactly what my weakness are and he's going to try to use them to his advantage.
This is the second book of a three part series. It was much better than the first book, Legend. There was more conflict between the Rebpulic vs PatrioThis is the second book of a three part series. It was much better than the first book, Legend. There was more conflict between the Rebpulic vs Patriots. Also, the Colonies was part of the action in this series. June and Day are bound to save the Republic. There are traitors amongest them. But, who can they trust or can they trust each other? Trust is an important element in any relationship. A good read.
Quotes:
What exactly are the differences between Anden and his father?
Emergency. I crumple the note in my hand. What does she think is an emergency? Isn't everything an emergency right now?
Day simles bitterly when I don't respond right away.
This is was an okay read. It was quick and interesting. There was alot of action. The basic premise is the Republic versus Colonies. The city of Los AThis is was an okay read. It was quick and interesting. There was alot of action. The basic premise is the Republic versus Colonies. The city of Los Angles has become a battleground of division. The weathy who lives inside the city and the poor who live on the outer regions. Within the division is the plague that devastates the poor. Day is a rebel who causes chaos to the Republic with sabotage and diversion. June is a prodigy of the Republic. There paths will cross when Day is accused of killing her brother, Metias. June will soon find out the the Republic has many secrets. This is the first book of a three book series.
Quote:
She'd needed my help so much in those early years that I sometimes forget just how much I rely on her now.
The words echo empty and uncertain in my mind.
Kaede raises an eyebrow. "You're suicidal. You know how impossible this sounds?"
I believe this book was written to be politically motivated. It has all the sterotypes one would expect for the subject matter. Devon Davenport is sixI believe this book was written to be politically motivated. It has all the sterotypes one would expect for the subject matter. Devon Davenport is sixteen years old and has given birth on her bathroom floor. She dumped the baby in a trash dumpster behind her home.
Devon is a good teenager who was in denial of being pregnant or giving birth. She was a star soccer player, a honor student, and a fantastic baby sitter. The exceptations on her were way too high. This was a well written book. I believe others can learn from this read.
Quote:
The perfect shot or the perfect save.
"But, Devon," she says softly, "everybody already knows."
When had she started this nail-biting habit? It needs to end....more
I am in awe of E. Lynn Harris writing. It will blow you away on how simple but elegant it is and how you can relate to the characters. Brady Blesoe isI am in awe of E. Lynn Harris writing. It will blow you away on how simple but elegant it is and how you can relate to the characters. Brady Blesoe is a running back destined for the NFL with a very supportive single mother with secrets she is hidding.
When all her secrets are revealed concerning his birth and father, Brady must learn to be a man. It was rough for both of them in the beginning. He finally grew up and passed the test. With a host of friends like Delmar, Kellis, Sylvester, Basil Hendersen, and Maybelline Jean LaRue. May-Jean for short. Brady and his mother, Carmyn's, built a family.
Quotes:
It's funny how life can go from shit to sugar in a split second.
Just because we're both black doesn't mean we have to be friends.
I was disappointed when I found out Zander was straight and acted gay only because it helped him bed more women.
"To call her ho would be showing disrespect for women who work hard at being a ho, but in many ways she can't help herself."...more
I will pat my self on the back for finishing this book. I am not a sci-fi reader and this book did not interest me much. I read it to finish a challenI will pat my self on the back for finishing this book. I am not a sci-fi reader and this book did not interest me much. I read it to finish a challenge. It sounded better read out loud.
All I can tell anybody about the story or the plot is that their was alot of killing and horror. There was a company, Sword Entrerprises, who wanted to own everything and this company killed anybody getting in its way. An ok-read.
Quote:
"A smidgeon of intuition and a stroke of luck and it came together. "
Sword Enterprises scientists afforded Big Black a holy reverence one might reserve for an oracle rather than a high-powered computer.
Resources, peons, the lives of your friends, your less gifted relatives....expendable in the pursuit of true power....more
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