"The Other Wes Moore" by Wes Moore is about two black men who have the same name, lived in Baltimore, but whose lives took very different paths. The author, Wes Moore, graduated from college, became a Rhodes Scholar and delivered a speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The other Wes Moore became a drug dealer and later was sentenced to life in prison for his participation in the robbery and killing of a police officer.
What is intriguing about this real life story is the exploration of how both Wes Moore's grew up in similar circumstances: single mothers, poor neighborhoods, disinterest in school, and brushes with crime. But, their lives turned out very different. The book raises the age old debate about whether individuals' lives are shaped by genetics or environment or both.
The book reflects on choices that both men faced growing up and how they dealt with these choices, second chances and expectations. Both Wes Moore's are faced with choices about education. The author Wes Moore's mother sends him to a private school to escape the crime-ridden and underachieving public schools in the Bronx where the family relocated after Moore's father dies. However, he does not like the school and doesn't fit in. "I was becoming to 'rich' for the kids from the neighborhood and too 'poor' for the kids at school. I had forgotten how to act naturally, thinking way too much in each situation and getting tangled in the contradictions between my two worlds." Eventually he is kicked out of the private school for poor grades and misconduct. In a drastic move, his mother sends him away to a military school in Pennsylvania to save him from the streets. Meanwhile, the other Wes Moore, drops out of school, becomes a teenage father and starts selling drugs -- following in his older brother's footsteps despite his brother's effort to keep him out of the "drug game." Wes rationalizes his decision to become a drug dealer, stating "This game didn't require studying or exams. It didn't require a degree or vocational skills. All he needed was ambition. And guts. ... And an ability to live with constant fear."
The story alternates between each man's life and the choices presented to them and the consequences each one experiences as a result of his decisions. Another major theme of the book is second chances. Wes decides that he wants to do something more with his life than sell drugs. He enters the Job Corps, gets his GED, and learns carpentry skills. However, when he returns to his old neighborhood and is unable to find a job as a carpenter and is forced to bounce from one low-paying job to another, Wes reverts back to selling drugs. Another choice -- bad decision.
At the military school, Wes eventually embraces his new environment and is mentored by others who expose him to opportunities he probably would not have encountered in his old neighborhood in the Bronx. He graduates from high school, interns with the Mayor of Baltimore, graduates college and becomes a Rhodes Scholar. The other Wes gets involved in a robbery with his brother and two other men, gets arrested, convicted and is sentenced to life in prison.
With each page, you wonder about the influence of a person's environment on his or her future. Would Wes have graduated from college and became successful if he stayed in the Bronx? How much of who we are is determined by our choices and personal responsibility. There are many people who grow up in poverty and experience traumatic events, but overcome those adversities to become "successful" and don't end up in prison. While the other Wes may not have had as many opportunities, he did have a choice to not engage in criminal activity.
In addition to the debate of personal responsibility v. environment, there is also the question about expectations. Wes poses the question if they are "products of our expectations." Wes states "we will do what others expect of us. If they expect us to graduate, we will graduate. If they expect us to get a job, we will get a job. If they expect us to go to jail, then that's where we will end up too. At some point you lose control."
This is a very sad perspective on life which must be challenged and changed. Everyone should set high expectations for themselves and strive to be the best person they can be. No one should be "controlled' by another person's low expectations for them. Sometimes, the only thing limiting a person's possibilities in life are his or her own expectations.
While the book takes a very limited view of these lofty social problems within the context of two men's lives, it sparks the reader to want to get involved to make a difference. The book is short on content (only 180 pages), but contains a vast resource guide of organizations aimed at working with youth.
I would recommend this book, particularly for young black males. Like another book, "The Pact" (by Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt), it is an inspiring and important book that may change a teen's life.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Review -- "The Girl Who Fell From The Sky"
The debut novel by Heidi Durrow explores issues of race and culture as she tells the story of Rachel who goes to live with her paternal grandmother after her mother and two siblings tragically fall to their death from atop of the Chicago housing project where they lived.
Rachel is biracial and bi-cultural: her Danish mother is white and her American father is black. However, Rachel does not know she is black until she comes to live with her black grandmother in Portland, Oregon, and everyone around her defines who she should be. Rachel reflects on her first day at school: "I am light-skinned-ed. That's what the other kids say. And I talk white. I think new things when they say this," and "I learn that black people don't have blue eyes. I learn that I am black. I have blue eyes. I put all of these facts into the new girl."
The book is written from the first person perspective of Rachel, but the story alternates with views from Brick, a boy who mistakenly thought Rachel's brother was a bird when he "fell from the sky." Brick travels from Chicago to Portland to relay a message to Rachel from her father who has abandoned her after the tragedy. The reader gets a glimpse into the mind of Rachel's mother, Nella, through the writings in her diary, which shed some light on what drove her to the roof to commit an unspeakable act for a mother. There is also the perspective of Laronne, a black woman who is Nella's boss, who is notified about the family tragedy. Durrow presents well developed perspectives from Rachel, Nella and Brick, however, Laronne's character is one-dimensional, flat and not developed. In fact, it detracts more than it adds to the story.
Rachel endures a painful journey as she struggles for self-identity. It is a journey that apparently neither her mother or father had prepared her for nor could they handle themselves. For example Rachel's mother Nella writes in her diary of Rachel's father Roger, "Roger was never black. He was charming and fun and handsome," "When he said but you cannot be pregnant, we cannot get maried, and when I said why not he said cause you are white and I am not. I did not know that was a problem."
However, Rachel learns that race is a problem, and the black girl with the blue eyes does not fit neatly into any group. She has no friends as the black girls don't like her and tell her she acts like she is white. The white kids see her as black. Boys see her as "exotic" including a white boyfriend who calls her his "mocha" girlfriend and states "you're different anyway, you know? It's like you're black but not really black." Her loneliness and isolation often leads her to confuse love with sex, and her grandmother warns her to leave the men alone as "they don't know what you're worth." She also tries to hang onto her Danish culture by remembering snippets of the language. However, she laments "I don't want being Danish to be something that I can put on and take off." Throughout the book, Rachel strives to be a "whole" person made up of her separate and distinct parts.
Durrow's writing is eloquent with great dialogue. The characters often speak in few words, but convey deep meaning and understanding of the issues they grapple with in their daily lives as they navigate the minefield of race in America.
Everyone seems to have a plan for her future, but as Rachel brilliantly states in those dreams, "there's a low sky." The book ends with Rachel's realization that "I'm not the color of my skin. I'm a story. One with a past and a future unwritten."
The message of the book transcends race, culture and gender. The lesson for everyone is do not let others define you, but strive to be the person you want to be.
Rachel is biracial and bi-cultural: her Danish mother is white and her American father is black. However, Rachel does not know she is black until she comes to live with her black grandmother in Portland, Oregon, and everyone around her defines who she should be. Rachel reflects on her first day at school: "I am light-skinned-ed. That's what the other kids say. And I talk white. I think new things when they say this," and "I learn that black people don't have blue eyes. I learn that I am black. I have blue eyes. I put all of these facts into the new girl."
The book is written from the first person perspective of Rachel, but the story alternates with views from Brick, a boy who mistakenly thought Rachel's brother was a bird when he "fell from the sky." Brick travels from Chicago to Portland to relay a message to Rachel from her father who has abandoned her after the tragedy. The reader gets a glimpse into the mind of Rachel's mother, Nella, through the writings in her diary, which shed some light on what drove her to the roof to commit an unspeakable act for a mother. There is also the perspective of Laronne, a black woman who is Nella's boss, who is notified about the family tragedy. Durrow presents well developed perspectives from Rachel, Nella and Brick, however, Laronne's character is one-dimensional, flat and not developed. In fact, it detracts more than it adds to the story.
Rachel endures a painful journey as she struggles for self-identity. It is a journey that apparently neither her mother or father had prepared her for nor could they handle themselves. For example Rachel's mother Nella writes in her diary of Rachel's father Roger, "Roger was never black. He was charming and fun and handsome," "When he said but you cannot be pregnant, we cannot get maried, and when I said why not he said cause you are white and I am not. I did not know that was a problem."
However, Rachel learns that race is a problem, and the black girl with the blue eyes does not fit neatly into any group. She has no friends as the black girls don't like her and tell her she acts like she is white. The white kids see her as black. Boys see her as "exotic" including a white boyfriend who calls her his "mocha" girlfriend and states "you're different anyway, you know? It's like you're black but not really black." Her loneliness and isolation often leads her to confuse love with sex, and her grandmother warns her to leave the men alone as "they don't know what you're worth." She also tries to hang onto her Danish culture by remembering snippets of the language. However, she laments "I don't want being Danish to be something that I can put on and take off." Throughout the book, Rachel strives to be a "whole" person made up of her separate and distinct parts.
Durrow's writing is eloquent with great dialogue. The characters often speak in few words, but convey deep meaning and understanding of the issues they grapple with in their daily lives as they navigate the minefield of race in America.
Everyone seems to have a plan for her future, but as Rachel brilliantly states in those dreams, "there's a low sky." The book ends with Rachel's realization that "I'm not the color of my skin. I'm a story. One with a past and a future unwritten."
The message of the book transcends race, culture and gender. The lesson for everyone is do not let others define you, but strive to be the person you want to be.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
"Have Mercy" now available on Kindle!!!
Just want to share some exciting news -- my novel, "Have Mercy" is now available on Kindle!! There are still a few hard copies of the book available for sale on Amazon.com and other book sellers, but it is now widely available for e-readers on Kindle.
After buying a Kindle a few months ago, and having people ask me whether my book was available on Kindle, I started thinking that maybe I should take that leap to digital publishing. I went to Amazon's website and explored how to make my book available on Kindle. Surprising the process was very easy with just a few steps. What was more challenging was transferring my book from floppy disk (yes, it was on a floppy) to a flash drive. The computer I now have, like many new computers, does not have a floppy drive. Thanks to the local FedEx Kinkos, I was able to use its computer to transfer my book into the 21st century digital age!
Within 24 hours my book was available for sale on Kindle. For those who have not read the book yet and have a Kindle, I encourage you to check it out. Here's a brief synopsis:
"Sherice Watson is an assistant district attorney who struggles with the dilemma of prosecuting Anika Brown, a 14-year-old girl, for murder. Sherice is a "rising star" in the office as she has prosecuted numerous homicides and has never lost a case. Anika is a shy, timid girl whose young life has been filled with violence, abandonment and disappointment. As the case unfolds, Sherice realizes that 'equal justice for all' is sometimes elusive."
Hope you enjoy "Have Mercy" and thanks for your support!!
Tina
After buying a Kindle a few months ago, and having people ask me whether my book was available on Kindle, I started thinking that maybe I should take that leap to digital publishing. I went to Amazon's website and explored how to make my book available on Kindle. Surprising the process was very easy with just a few steps. What was more challenging was transferring my book from floppy disk (yes, it was on a floppy) to a flash drive. The computer I now have, like many new computers, does not have a floppy drive. Thanks to the local FedEx Kinkos, I was able to use its computer to transfer my book into the 21st century digital age!
Within 24 hours my book was available for sale on Kindle. For those who have not read the book yet and have a Kindle, I encourage you to check it out. Here's a brief synopsis:
"Sherice Watson is an assistant district attorney who struggles with the dilemma of prosecuting Anika Brown, a 14-year-old girl, for murder. Sherice is a "rising star" in the office as she has prosecuted numerous homicides and has never lost a case. Anika is a shy, timid girl whose young life has been filled with violence, abandonment and disappointment. As the case unfolds, Sherice realizes that 'equal justice for all' is sometimes elusive."
Hope you enjoy "Have Mercy" and thanks for your support!!
Tina
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Review -- "Till You Hear From Me"
I just finished reading the latest novel by Pearl Cleage titled "Till you hear from me," and I really enjoyed the book. The novel takes place in the backdrop of the 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama, and weaves together fact and fiction to create an intriguing storyline which explores the tension between the established civil rights leaders and the election of the country's first black president, and how the Republicans grapple with this historic event.
The protagonist, Ida B. Dunbar, is a young woman who worked on President Obama's election campaign and is anxiously awaiting a phone call from the White House to offer her a permanent job on the President's staff. However, this once in a lifetime job opportunity appears to be slipping away, and she mistakenly believes it's because of her father's outspoken words against the President during the Jeremiah Wright "controversy." Dunbar's father, Reverend Doctor Horace A. Dunbar, is a civil rights icon and larger-than-life pastor in the West End neighborhood of Atlanta, which is the setting of this novel like several of Ms. Cleage's past books.
While Ida nervously waits for her dream job to materialize into reality, she receives a frantic phone call from a family friend, Miss Iona, who begs her to return to Atlanta because she fears the "Rev" as he is affectionately called has lost his mind when he gives an interview that goes viral on Youtube with him commenting the influx of Hispanics to the church will have them serving "Tacos and Sangria" for communion Sunday. Miss Iona and Ida fear that the Rev's ego is bruised because he and other black leaders feel the first black president has pushed them aside. In fact, Ida and her father have had a falling out and while she is reluctant to return to Atlanta, she does to make amends with the Rev and escape the embarassment that she is not going to get the White House job.
The plot thickens when Ida arrives in Atlanta and Miss Iona urges her to check out a plan by the Republicans to turn black civil rights icons, like the Rev, against the president, which the Republicans feel will erode President Obama's support from the black community. However, while Ida and Miss Iona track down this scheme, the real "dirty trick" is an old fashioned political move by the Republican party to purge the Georgia voter rolls of 100,000 new voters registered during the 2008 election by the Rev and his faithful friend Mr. Eddie. The person hired by the Republicans to carry out the dirty deed is Mr. Eddie's son, Wes, who is also the Rev's godson.
The storyline is intriguing, and although it is fiction, it does have a hint of reality as we all have read the news stories following elections where there have been attempts to disenfranchise black voters and democratic voters. Not just in 2008, where I think everyone was more vigilant than usual, but we all remember the 2000 election and Florida. Not only is the story thought-provoking, but the characters are vivid and entertaining. It is also a very well, written book.
I recommend "Till You Hear From Me" by Pearl Cleage. Mark it on your "to read" list and add Pearl Cleage to your best authors list. (Other novels by Ms. Cleage include "What looks like crazy on an ordinary day," "I wish I had a red dress," "Babylon Sisters," "Some things I thought I'd never do," and "Baby Brother's Blues."
Happy reading,
Tina
The protagonist, Ida B. Dunbar, is a young woman who worked on President Obama's election campaign and is anxiously awaiting a phone call from the White House to offer her a permanent job on the President's staff. However, this once in a lifetime job opportunity appears to be slipping away, and she mistakenly believes it's because of her father's outspoken words against the President during the Jeremiah Wright "controversy." Dunbar's father, Reverend Doctor Horace A. Dunbar, is a civil rights icon and larger-than-life pastor in the West End neighborhood of Atlanta, which is the setting of this novel like several of Ms. Cleage's past books.
While Ida nervously waits for her dream job to materialize into reality, she receives a frantic phone call from a family friend, Miss Iona, who begs her to return to Atlanta because she fears the "Rev" as he is affectionately called has lost his mind when he gives an interview that goes viral on Youtube with him commenting the influx of Hispanics to the church will have them serving "Tacos and Sangria" for communion Sunday. Miss Iona and Ida fear that the Rev's ego is bruised because he and other black leaders feel the first black president has pushed them aside. In fact, Ida and her father have had a falling out and while she is reluctant to return to Atlanta, she does to make amends with the Rev and escape the embarassment that she is not going to get the White House job.
The plot thickens when Ida arrives in Atlanta and Miss Iona urges her to check out a plan by the Republicans to turn black civil rights icons, like the Rev, against the president, which the Republicans feel will erode President Obama's support from the black community. However, while Ida and Miss Iona track down this scheme, the real "dirty trick" is an old fashioned political move by the Republican party to purge the Georgia voter rolls of 100,000 new voters registered during the 2008 election by the Rev and his faithful friend Mr. Eddie. The person hired by the Republicans to carry out the dirty deed is Mr. Eddie's son, Wes, who is also the Rev's godson.
The storyline is intriguing, and although it is fiction, it does have a hint of reality as we all have read the news stories following elections where there have been attempts to disenfranchise black voters and democratic voters. Not just in 2008, where I think everyone was more vigilant than usual, but we all remember the 2000 election and Florida. Not only is the story thought-provoking, but the characters are vivid and entertaining. It is also a very well, written book.
I recommend "Till You Hear From Me" by Pearl Cleage. Mark it on your "to read" list and add Pearl Cleage to your best authors list. (Other novels by Ms. Cleage include "What looks like crazy on an ordinary day," "I wish I had a red dress," "Babylon Sisters," "Some things I thought I'd never do," and "Baby Brother's Blues."
Happy reading,
Tina
Friday, March 25, 2011
Will E-Readers Kill Traditional Books?
With the growing popularity of e-readers, there is a raging debate about whether electronic books will be the death of traditional hardcover or paperback books. After much resistance, I have finally given in and purchased a Kindle. Before, buying my Kindle, I querried many friends and everyone said they love it. I have to agree, I love my Kindle! However, I still love and buy traditional books.
The pros of the Kindle are that it can hold a lot more books than anyone can in their home. They are also a lot easier to transport, particularly if you move around alot, than lugging those heavy boxes of books. I must admit, I have dumped a few books along the way to lighten my load. The Kindle is also great for traveling. Now, I don't have to limit myself to taking one book on a trip. With the Kindle, I can take several and increase my reading choices. I have also found that many books are cheaper on the Kindle, particularly you can get some new releases that are usually $24.99 hardcover, for about $12.99. Most books on Kindle average about $7.99 to $9.99. You can also find some deals at $2.99. I cannot think of anything bad about the Kindle, except I haven't figured out how to use all the features. But that's my fault.
However, I do miss turning the pages of a good old fashioned book. I also just like the feel of holding a book in my hands, or looking at my collection of books on my book shelves. I think most people feel this way who have purchased e-readers. Also, e-readers are still a bit pricey so not everyone is rushing out to buy one. Therefore, I don't think traditional books will be disappearing anytime soon.
I have to admit, I thought purchasing a Kindle would make me stop buying traditional books. Instead, I find that I am buying MORE books -- books on the Kindle and traditional books from the bookstore. Just the other day, I stopped by the local second-hand bookstore and I bought four books. But hey, I got a great deal -- four books for $15. Now even that's a better deal than the Kindle. I also have a 40% off coupon for Borders, so I'll probably drop by and see what book I can get.
My conclusion is that traditional books will be around for a long time. Books have been able to survive the invention of the television, 24-hour cable news, 1000+ channels of entertainment on cable television, and I suspect, traditional books will survive e-readers too.
The pros of the Kindle are that it can hold a lot more books than anyone can in their home. They are also a lot easier to transport, particularly if you move around alot, than lugging those heavy boxes of books. I must admit, I have dumped a few books along the way to lighten my load. The Kindle is also great for traveling. Now, I don't have to limit myself to taking one book on a trip. With the Kindle, I can take several and increase my reading choices. I have also found that many books are cheaper on the Kindle, particularly you can get some new releases that are usually $24.99 hardcover, for about $12.99. Most books on Kindle average about $7.99 to $9.99. You can also find some deals at $2.99. I cannot think of anything bad about the Kindle, except I haven't figured out how to use all the features. But that's my fault.
However, I do miss turning the pages of a good old fashioned book. I also just like the feel of holding a book in my hands, or looking at my collection of books on my book shelves. I think most people feel this way who have purchased e-readers. Also, e-readers are still a bit pricey so not everyone is rushing out to buy one. Therefore, I don't think traditional books will be disappearing anytime soon.
I have to admit, I thought purchasing a Kindle would make me stop buying traditional books. Instead, I find that I am buying MORE books -- books on the Kindle and traditional books from the bookstore. Just the other day, I stopped by the local second-hand bookstore and I bought four books. But hey, I got a great deal -- four books for $15. Now even that's a better deal than the Kindle. I also have a 40% off coupon for Borders, so I'll probably drop by and see what book I can get.
My conclusion is that traditional books will be around for a long time. Books have been able to survive the invention of the television, 24-hour cable news, 1000+ channels of entertainment on cable television, and I suspect, traditional books will survive e-readers too.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Encouraging Black Boys To Read
A recent report titled "A Call For Change" from the Council of the Great City Schools cited that 12% of 4th grade black boys are proficient in reading compared to 38% of white boys. The New York Time reported the study in a November 9, 2010 article. The article stated that poverty was not the sole reason for the low rate of reading proficiency for black boys. The study found that early childhood parenting practices such as encouraging reading, how we talk to children, and how we encourage them to think and develop a sense of autonomy were key factors.
The statistic is startling: 12% proficiency in reading. That means 88% of black boys are not proficient in reading. This should be a call to action. We must encourage reading, writing, grammer and oral communication skills for both black boys and girls at an early age. We must abandon the ridiculous notion that reading, speaking grammatically correct English and getting good grades equates to "acting white."
I learned to read at an early age thanks to my older sister who read to me every night at bedtime. I also grew up down the street from a public library where I spent many afternoons checking out books to take home to read. I have a niece who loves to read and we encourage her with gift cards to Barnes&Noble so she can buy books. I have a nephew who does not like to read; instead he loves video games. I still encourage him to read by buying him books to spark his interest.
March 2 was "Read Across America Day" sponsored by the National Education Association. The annual event is an effort to get children to read. Instead of celebrating reading nationwide only one day, or leaving it to the schools to teach our children to read, we as a community must get involved to raise that 12% proficiency rate for black boys.
I can still recall my favorite childhood books: Tiny Toosey's Birthday by Mabel G. LaRue; Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson; Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel; Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak; and The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. I also loved the entire Little House on the Prairie series.
Let's get involved and encourage black children to read, particularly black boys. Volunteer to read at a school; take a child to the public library; or give books as gifts. However the best example is to read: children usually mirror the behavior of adults.
Instead of Read Across America Day, let's make this Read Across America Year! Let me hear your thoughts and also post your favorite books from your childhood.
Happy Reading,
Tina
The statistic is startling: 12% proficiency in reading. That means 88% of black boys are not proficient in reading. This should be a call to action. We must encourage reading, writing, grammer and oral communication skills for both black boys and girls at an early age. We must abandon the ridiculous notion that reading, speaking grammatically correct English and getting good grades equates to "acting white."
I learned to read at an early age thanks to my older sister who read to me every night at bedtime. I also grew up down the street from a public library where I spent many afternoons checking out books to take home to read. I have a niece who loves to read and we encourage her with gift cards to Barnes&Noble so she can buy books. I have a nephew who does not like to read; instead he loves video games. I still encourage him to read by buying him books to spark his interest.
March 2 was "Read Across America Day" sponsored by the National Education Association. The annual event is an effort to get children to read. Instead of celebrating reading nationwide only one day, or leaving it to the schools to teach our children to read, we as a community must get involved to raise that 12% proficiency rate for black boys.
I can still recall my favorite childhood books: Tiny Toosey's Birthday by Mabel G. LaRue; Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson; Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel; Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak; and The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. I also loved the entire Little House on the Prairie series.
Let's get involved and encourage black children to read, particularly black boys. Volunteer to read at a school; take a child to the public library; or give books as gifts. However the best example is to read: children usually mirror the behavior of adults.
Instead of Read Across America Day, let's make this Read Across America Year! Let me hear your thoughts and also post your favorite books from your childhood.
Happy Reading,
Tina
2011 Reading Challenge
I have joined the 2011 Reading Challenge hosted by Goodreads.com. Goodreads is an excellent website devoted to readers. You can sign up and create your own booklist of books you have read, books you are currently reading and books you plan to read. You can also invite and follow your friends and find out new book suggestions.
As part of the Reading Challenge, I have pledged to read 25 books this year. So far, I have only read 3 books. Since this is March, I am averaging one book a month. Thus, I need to step it up and start reading more!
Here are 10 of my proposed books to read this year (not arranged in order to be read):
1. Til you hear from me - Pearl Cleage (currently reading. will post review when completed)
2. The girl who fell from the sky - Heidi Durrow
3. The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot
4. The wake of the wind - J. California Cooper
5. River cross my heart - Breena Clarke
6. Stand the storm - Breena Clarke
7. Tumbling - Diane Mckinney-Whetstone
8. Holy Rollers - Reshonda Tate Billingsley
9. Family - J. California Cooper
10. Singing in the comeback choir - Bebe Moore Campbel
Log onto http://www.goodreads.com/ to see the complete list and join the challenge.
Tina
As part of the Reading Challenge, I have pledged to read 25 books this year. So far, I have only read 3 books. Since this is March, I am averaging one book a month. Thus, I need to step it up and start reading more!
Here are 10 of my proposed books to read this year (not arranged in order to be read):
1. Til you hear from me - Pearl Cleage (currently reading. will post review when completed)
2. The girl who fell from the sky - Heidi Durrow
3. The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot
4. The wake of the wind - J. California Cooper
5. River cross my heart - Breena Clarke
6. Stand the storm - Breena Clarke
7. Tumbling - Diane Mckinney-Whetstone
8. Holy Rollers - Reshonda Tate Billingsley
9. Family - J. California Cooper
10. Singing in the comeback choir - Bebe Moore Campbel
Log onto http://www.goodreads.com/ to see the complete list and join the challenge.
Tina
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