About Me

2006 Books Completed

Tavis Smiley: Covenant
In your face facts about the state of Black America and your personal responsibility. Troubling at times due to the weighty subject matter and sad statistics, this informative book will definitely make you think and will hopefully motivate you to action.
Nella Larsen: Passing
Wonderfully intriguing novel about the lures as well as dangers of "passing" for white. Required reading for class.
Charles Chesnutt: The Marrow of Tradition
Fictional account of the Wilmington, NC, riots. Required reading for class.
Thom.as Di.xon: Sins of the Father
Melodramatic novel written by a early 20th century member of the Kl.an. Required reading for class. Interesting perspective. Apparently, the reason so many sla.ve owners slept with sl.aves was that black females sexuality is so strong that these poor men were powerless to resist it. (If that ain't the biggest heap of ....)
The Devil Wears Prada
This was an okay read. It was interesting enough to pass the time on the airplane and in airports. Maybe I'll see the movie; maybe I won't. No biggie. Why only 2 stars? I wouldn't seek out other books by this author, which is my measuring stick of how a book rates. (**)
Barack Obama: Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
Very interesting read. I loved his candidness as he discussed his journey to self-discovery. He also possesses the ability to put hard-to-wrap-your-mind-around-thoughts into simple words. As a nice bonus, there was a lot of Kenyan history that I never knew and thoroughly enjoyed learning. (****)
O the Oprah Magazine: Live Your Best Life: A Treasury of Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration from O, The Oprah Magazine
Great read. Inspiring pieces to fit every aspect of your life. Personal favorites? Barack Obama interview and all of Martha Beck's articles. (****)
Edwidge Danticat: The Dew Breaker
Wonderful read. Heavy subject matter. Various stories brilliantly tied together. (****)
David E. Talbert: Love on the Dotted Line : A Novel
Okay, I didn't actually complete this. I just stopped reading it once I got to the "pre-prenuptial contract." It was painful to read. The story seemed rushed, the characters were not developed, the dialogue was not believable. (*)
Grown Folk's Business
(***)
Zane: Afterburn
(***)
John Grisham: The Broker
Stuck at the airport. Had to find something cheap to read longer than a magazine. (**)
Arthur Golden: Memoirs of a Geisha
Mr. Golden is a phenomenal storyteller. One of the most entertaining reads in a long time. (****)