Cardyn Brooks's Blog, page 5
December 15, 2024
PGCMLS Local Authors Expo Highlights
Last weekend's Local Author Expo event sponsored by the Prince Goerge's County Memorial Library System offered too much bookish goodness to list it all, but here's a sampling...
[collage of 7 images; 3 on the right & left and 1 down the center: Lofty Stories author Jamila Romero standing behind her display table, Prince George's County Memorial Library System Local Author Expo 2024 poster, Accountability in the Classroom Author Renee Carr next to her daughter behind their table, Fueled from the Heart: a collection of inspirational poems author Samuel R. Jackson holding a copy of his book while standing behind his table, Positive Vibes Kids author Preston Mitchum, Jr. holding one of his books while standing behind his table, Unseen Victories author Juliet Agocha holding 2 of her books while standing behind her table, I Love My People author Kim Singleton holding her book while standing in front of her table]
[collage of 5 images: Digital Assassins author Danielle Spencer seated behind her display table while talking to a reader, The Witching Hour author Jordan Owens standing behind his table, An Angel A Book A Secret spiritual memoir author Pauline Pilote Eby seated behind her table, A Fire at Romanticon author H.L. Brooks seated behind her table while chatting with a reader, Quarter Moon author Preston Ford and Glacial author Chelsea Henderson seated behind their adjacent tables while talking to readers]
H.L. Brooks and I are friends so after the expo we headed to her home for pizza, chocolate cake, and a charming Christmas movie while her husband was at work!
And because I have absolutely no self-restraint when it comes to browsing books at the library, the four on-hold books for me turned into my bringing home many, many more. Gift buying is complete, but not holiday baking. And I have no regrets (even though we haven't bought our tree yet and have barely decorated).
[a collage of 4 images: a supreme pizza in its box, a "New Books" sign next to a horizontal stack of 4 books - The Associated Press Stylebook, Pony Confidential, Foes Friends & Lovers, The Meriwell Legacy - supporting a vertical arrangement of 6 books - Wish I Were Here, If I Stopped Haunting You, Hot Earl Summer, Miranda in Retrograde, What Does It Feel Like?, Mr. Nice Spy; a horizontal stack of 9 books - A Real Body Manual, Fat Girls Dance, Murder in Berkley Square, Authentically Izzy, Deja Brew, My Vampire Plus-One, Karaoke Queen, Bad Seed; title screenshot of "This is CHristmas" official trailer from Sky Cinema]
Whether your winter holiday is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Fatemiyeh, Festivus, something else or you're an abstainer/non-observant, my hope is that this season brings you more peace of mind, good health, and joy.
[collage of 7 images; 3 on the right & left and 1 down the center: Lofty Stories author Jamila Romero standing behind her display table, Prince George's County Memorial Library System Local Author Expo 2024 poster, Accountability in the Classroom Author Renee Carr next to her daughter behind their table, Fueled from the Heart: a collection of inspirational poems author Samuel R. Jackson holding a copy of his book while standing behind his table, Positive Vibes Kids author Preston Mitchum, Jr. holding one of his books while standing behind his table, Unseen Victories author Juliet Agocha holding 2 of her books while standing behind her table, I Love My People author Kim Singleton holding her book while standing in front of her table]
.png)
[collage of 5 images: Digital Assassins author Danielle Spencer seated behind her display table while talking to a reader, The Witching Hour author Jordan Owens standing behind his table, An Angel A Book A Secret spiritual memoir author Pauline Pilote Eby seated behind her table, A Fire at Romanticon author H.L. Brooks seated behind her table while chatting with a reader, Quarter Moon author Preston Ford and Glacial author Chelsea Henderson seated behind their adjacent tables while talking to readers] H.L. Brooks and I are friends so after the expo we headed to her home for pizza, chocolate cake, and a charming Christmas movie while her husband was at work!
And because I have absolutely no self-restraint when it comes to browsing books at the library, the four on-hold books for me turned into my bringing home many, many more. Gift buying is complete, but not holiday baking. And I have no regrets (even though we haven't bought our tree yet and have barely decorated).
.png)
[a collage of 4 images: a supreme pizza in its box, a "New Books" sign next to a horizontal stack of 4 books - The Associated Press Stylebook, Pony Confidential, Foes Friends & Lovers, The Meriwell Legacy - supporting a vertical arrangement of 6 books - Wish I Were Here, If I Stopped Haunting You, Hot Earl Summer, Miranda in Retrograde, What Does It Feel Like?, Mr. Nice Spy; a horizontal stack of 9 books - A Real Body Manual, Fat Girls Dance, Murder in Berkley Square, Authentically Izzy, Deja Brew, My Vampire Plus-One, Karaoke Queen, Bad Seed; title screenshot of "This is CHristmas" official trailer from Sky Cinema] Whether your winter holiday is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Fatemiyeh, Festivus, something else or you're an abstainer/non-observant, my hope is that this season brings you more peace of mind, good health, and joy.
December 8, 2024
Wicked Parallels
Being other-ed
[Seen Yet Unseen: A Black Woman Crashes the Tech Fraternity by Bari A. Williams hardcover facing forward next to a stack of 7 books from top to bottom: One and Done, The Book Swap, She Who Knows, Lady Eve's Last Con, How to End a Love Story, Stay, There Should Have Been Eight]
Seen Yet Unseen: A Black Woman Crashes the Tech Fraternity by Bari A. Williams non-fiction Blackstone Publishing, May 2024
An introduction, twelve chapters that report and examine, a conclusion, acknowledgments, and extensive notes, together reveal the numerous ways in which excluding Black women from every aspect of the tech industry perpetuates harmful stereotypes (despite feedback supported by legitimate hard data) that are ultimately problematic for everyone, eventually.
Maybe that's the intention.
from Chapter 7: This Is What True Allyship Looks Like Diversity exhaustion is the feeling of being tired of hearing about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and fatigue with doing the work it requires... There's another form of fatigue in which companies are frustrated with the lack of progress with their DEI efforts, no doubt because proper allocation of budget and resources haven't been afforded to those doing the work.
Since the slaughter, forced relocation, involuntary reprogramming attempts of indigenous people at Indian boarding schools, the enslavement of kidnapped Black and African people, and the internment of U.S. citizens of Japanese descent happened over the course of hundreds of years and multiple generations, why do so many people, companies, organizations, and societies expect to eradicate entrenched systemic racism in a few quick years, with ease?
Maybe their stated intentions to do so are mostly PR lip service.
from Chapter 12: We Would've Stayed Had You Done This: How Tech Companies Could Have Made Us Want to Stay Tech executives seemingly think that employee recruitment is a one-time occurrence. It is not... If the goal is to retain Black women, then you have to provide us with an environment that is actually welcoming of us.
Maybe the actual goal is to appear to want to retain Black women at tech companies.
Gatekeeping, maintaining the racist, sexist, classist, elitist, ableist status quo while promoting the idea of a color-blind meritocracy seems to have gained momentum since the publication of this text as a growing list of major companies dismantle their DEI initiatives. Seen Yet Unseen provides accessible strategies for healthy, productive workplace inclusion that benefit everyone. Time will reveal which people, companies, and organizations are genuine in their dedicated motivation for working toward mutually beneficial outcomes.
This author's vulnerable candor in sharing the details of her personal experiences in the tech industry makes this an emotionally intimate read as well as an intellectually rigorous engagement regarding the intersection of workplace, society, and information technology. in many unhealthy, counter-productive ways the brave new world resembles the same old world.
[Seen Yet Unseen: A Black Woman Crashes the Tech Fraternity by Bari A. Williams hardcover facing forward next to a stack of 7 books from top to bottom: One and Done, The Book Swap, She Who Knows, Lady Eve's Last Con, How to End a Love Story, Stay, There Should Have Been Eight] Seen Yet Unseen: A Black Woman Crashes the Tech Fraternity by Bari A. Williams non-fiction Blackstone Publishing, May 2024
An introduction, twelve chapters that report and examine, a conclusion, acknowledgments, and extensive notes, together reveal the numerous ways in which excluding Black women from every aspect of the tech industry perpetuates harmful stereotypes (despite feedback supported by legitimate hard data) that are ultimately problematic for everyone, eventually.
Maybe that's the intention.
from Chapter 7: This Is What True Allyship Looks Like Diversity exhaustion is the feeling of being tired of hearing about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and fatigue with doing the work it requires... There's another form of fatigue in which companies are frustrated with the lack of progress with their DEI efforts, no doubt because proper allocation of budget and resources haven't been afforded to those doing the work.
Since the slaughter, forced relocation, involuntary reprogramming attempts of indigenous people at Indian boarding schools, the enslavement of kidnapped Black and African people, and the internment of U.S. citizens of Japanese descent happened over the course of hundreds of years and multiple generations, why do so many people, companies, organizations, and societies expect to eradicate entrenched systemic racism in a few quick years, with ease?
Maybe their stated intentions to do so are mostly PR lip service.
from Chapter 12: We Would've Stayed Had You Done This: How Tech Companies Could Have Made Us Want to Stay Tech executives seemingly think that employee recruitment is a one-time occurrence. It is not... If the goal is to retain Black women, then you have to provide us with an environment that is actually welcoming of us.
Maybe the actual goal is to appear to want to retain Black women at tech companies.
Gatekeeping, maintaining the racist, sexist, classist, elitist, ableist status quo while promoting the idea of a color-blind meritocracy seems to have gained momentum since the publication of this text as a growing list of major companies dismantle their DEI initiatives. Seen Yet Unseen provides accessible strategies for healthy, productive workplace inclusion that benefit everyone. Time will reveal which people, companies, and organizations are genuine in their dedicated motivation for working toward mutually beneficial outcomes.
This author's vulnerable candor in sharing the details of her personal experiences in the tech industry makes this an emotionally intimate read as well as an intellectually rigorous engagement regarding the intersection of workplace, society, and information technology. in many unhealthy, counter-productive ways the brave new world resembles the same old world.
November 22, 2024
Seeing Beneath the Surface
Current reads that offer real and imagined dangers
[two hardcover books: Seen Yet Unseen: A Black Woman Crashes the Tech Fraternity by Bari A. Williams, There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh]
[front cover of a hardcover book: Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism by Safiya Umoja Noble]
Algorithms of Oppression:How Search Engines Reinforce Racism by Safiya Umoja Noble non-fiction information technology NYU Press, 2018
This wonk-erful text is compelling and accessible for non-wonks. The information provided is also disturbing.
On page 29 the author declares her intentions: ...In the ensuing chapters, I continue to probe results that generated by Google on a variety of keyword combinations relating to racial and gender identity as a way of engaging a commonsense understanding of how power works... By seeing and discussing these intersectional power relations, we have a significant opportunity to transform the consciousness embedded in artificial intelligence, since it is in fact, in part, a product of our own collective creation.
And later on page 33: I intend to meaningfully articulate the ways that commercialization is the source of power that drives the consumption of Black women's and girls' representative identity on the web.
Algorithms of Oppression does more than identify the problem; it suggests practical solutions.
Overall intentions summarized at the end of chapter four: In addition to public policy, we can conceptualize the design of indexes of the web that might be managed by librarians and information institutions and workers to radically shift our ability to contextualize information. This could lead to significantly greater transparency, rather than continuing to make the neoliberal capitalist project of commercial search opaque.
Chapter five, "The Future of Knowledge in the Public" makes the argument that currently representation in commercially driven search engines strips context from groups of people who are routinely marginalized and dominated by systemic discrimination, to their further detriment.
The final words of the epilogue issue a call to action: In short, we must fight to suspend the circulation of racist and sexist material that is used to erode our civil and human rights. I hope this book provides some steps toward doing so.
It does.
Acknowledgements, an introduction, six succinct chapters that blend hard science with intention and human connection, a conclusion, epilogue, notes, references, index, and professional tidbits about the author make Algorithms of Oppression a fascinating, enlightening read.
Enjoy the author's Time 100 conversation here: https://time.com/5901379/prince-harry-meghan-markle-tristan-harris-safiya-noble/
[two hardcover books: Seen Yet Unseen: A Black Woman Crashes the Tech Fraternity by Bari A. Williams, There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh] 
[front cover of a hardcover book: Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism by Safiya Umoja Noble] Algorithms of Oppression:How Search Engines Reinforce Racism by Safiya Umoja Noble non-fiction information technology NYU Press, 2018
This wonk-erful text is compelling and accessible for non-wonks. The information provided is also disturbing.
On page 29 the author declares her intentions: ...In the ensuing chapters, I continue to probe results that generated by Google on a variety of keyword combinations relating to racial and gender identity as a way of engaging a commonsense understanding of how power works... By seeing and discussing these intersectional power relations, we have a significant opportunity to transform the consciousness embedded in artificial intelligence, since it is in fact, in part, a product of our own collective creation.
And later on page 33: I intend to meaningfully articulate the ways that commercialization is the source of power that drives the consumption of Black women's and girls' representative identity on the web.
Algorithms of Oppression does more than identify the problem; it suggests practical solutions.
Overall intentions summarized at the end of chapter four: In addition to public policy, we can conceptualize the design of indexes of the web that might be managed by librarians and information institutions and workers to radically shift our ability to contextualize information. This could lead to significantly greater transparency, rather than continuing to make the neoliberal capitalist project of commercial search opaque.
Chapter five, "The Future of Knowledge in the Public" makes the argument that currently representation in commercially driven search engines strips context from groups of people who are routinely marginalized and dominated by systemic discrimination, to their further detriment.
The final words of the epilogue issue a call to action: In short, we must fight to suspend the circulation of racist and sexist material that is used to erode our civil and human rights. I hope this book provides some steps toward doing so.
It does.
Acknowledgements, an introduction, six succinct chapters that blend hard science with intention and human connection, a conclusion, epilogue, notes, references, index, and professional tidbits about the author make Algorithms of Oppression a fascinating, enlightening read.
Enjoy the author's Time 100 conversation here: https://time.com/5901379/prince-harry-meghan-markle-tristan-harris-safiya-noble/
November 15, 2024
Timely Rereads + Current Ones Too
Currently reading fiction and nonfiction, alternating one J. California Cooper short story with one or two Jessica Valenti chapters.
[one trade paperback book - Homemade Love by J. California Cooper and one hardcover book - Abortion: Our Bodies, Their Lies, and the Truths We Use to Win by Jessica Valenti]
[zoomed in closeup of The Strong Black Woman by Marita Golden]
The Strong Black Woman, How a Myth Endangers the Physical and Mental Health of Black Women by Marita Golden Non-fiction Mango Publishing, October 12, 2021 https://maritagolden.com/
Our TWWBF2021 interview here: https://youtu.be/dQ5lIMx66Vo
With a mix of surgical precision, lyrical phrasing, keen observations, testimonies, and profound insights from the author, experts in assorted fields of study, and a broad spectrum of other Black women, The Strong Black Woman challenges and deconstructs pervasive stereotypes superimposed upon them to reveal the inherently valuable and complicated humanity of Black women as worthy of consciously choosing to prioritize their own physical, medical, mental, and spiritual health.
Fat. Ugly. Loud. Angry. Wrong. Crazy. Lazy. Jezebel. Bitch.
In “We Wear the Mask" the first of twelve thought-provoking chapters, the author writes: All life begins with, is defined by, even ends with a story. The stories and myths we create and repeat become sacred… But stories are elastic, and require revision over time or they risk becoming brittle, dissolving into crumbs that leave us famished rather than fed.
What false and distorted and incomplete narratives have been constructed about Black women—by whom and for what purpose? The Strong Black Woman delves into the historical, cultural, sociopolitical, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to this entrenched myth of the invincible, indefatigable defender of and provider for her family, her community, her culture, and any/everyone who needs her.
“Both Sides Now" outlines the ultimate goal of reconfiguring the myth to reflect a healthier objective:
The New Age Strong Black Woman gives herself permission to say no and make it a one-word sentence and makes self-care a regular part of her life.
Black women tell their own stories in their own words in “Through the Fire” and a creative filter is applied to the reminiscing of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Fanny Lou Hamer, and Patrisse Cullors in “The Reimagined History of My Heart" that acknowledges and examines the emotional vulnerabilities of these civil rights and social justice icons.
“The Story of My Body" translates words as weapons and shields while the physical body functions as repository, target, chalice, temple, fortress, home.
“Me Too" discusses sexual assault and the traumas it generates in the moment and over time.*
Colorism, prioritizing superficial traits, physical and emotional weight as cumbersome burdens for the body, mind, and spirit to carry are dismantled in “Fear Loathing Love: Our Bodies Inside Out" and “Falling: Days of Dying, Rage and Redemption” addresses the simultaneous pandemics of Coronavirus and racism as opportunities for transformation.
“Another Mourning in America” spotlights the aftermath of the public murders of Black people by racists, and the epidemic of mass killings in the United States.
The final two chapters of “Say My Name” and “Healing Stories" offer suggestions and strategies for expecting recognition as a unique individual and unearthing the core truths of one's multifaceted, complex identity.
The Strong Black Woman packs considerable intellectual and emotional substance into a relatively short and accessible text that entices readers to take note of other books mentioned and to revisit and ruminate on various passages. Threads of advocacy for normalizing consistent, easy access to the services of medical and mental health professionals run throughout the text. Written during the spring and summer seasons of 2020, and with Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and other prominent Black women who are promoting the importance of self-care, the release of this book is serendipitously timed.
The Write Women Book Fest is pleased and thankful to have been granted access to an ARC in preparation for our upcoming chat with the author for #TWWBF2021 #CelebratingLove, to be available for viewing during the first week of October. https://www.thewritewomenbookfest.org/
*Survivors of sexual assault may want to skip our skim this section if details of others’ ordeals trigger painful responses that negatively impact their healing process.
[one trade paperback book - Homemade Love by J. California Cooper and one hardcover book - Abortion: Our Bodies, Their Lies, and the Truths We Use to Win by Jessica Valenti] 
[zoomed in closeup of The Strong Black Woman by Marita Golden]The Strong Black Woman, How a Myth Endangers the Physical and Mental Health of Black Women by Marita Golden Non-fiction Mango Publishing, October 12, 2021 https://maritagolden.com/
Our TWWBF2021 interview here: https://youtu.be/dQ5lIMx66Vo
With a mix of surgical precision, lyrical phrasing, keen observations, testimonies, and profound insights from the author, experts in assorted fields of study, and a broad spectrum of other Black women, The Strong Black Woman challenges and deconstructs pervasive stereotypes superimposed upon them to reveal the inherently valuable and complicated humanity of Black women as worthy of consciously choosing to prioritize their own physical, medical, mental, and spiritual health.
Fat. Ugly. Loud. Angry. Wrong. Crazy. Lazy. Jezebel. Bitch.
In “We Wear the Mask" the first of twelve thought-provoking chapters, the author writes: All life begins with, is defined by, even ends with a story. The stories and myths we create and repeat become sacred… But stories are elastic, and require revision over time or they risk becoming brittle, dissolving into crumbs that leave us famished rather than fed.
What false and distorted and incomplete narratives have been constructed about Black women—by whom and for what purpose? The Strong Black Woman delves into the historical, cultural, sociopolitical, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to this entrenched myth of the invincible, indefatigable defender of and provider for her family, her community, her culture, and any/everyone who needs her.
“Both Sides Now" outlines the ultimate goal of reconfiguring the myth to reflect a healthier objective:
The New Age Strong Black Woman gives herself permission to say no and make it a one-word sentence and makes self-care a regular part of her life.
Black women tell their own stories in their own words in “Through the Fire” and a creative filter is applied to the reminiscing of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Fanny Lou Hamer, and Patrisse Cullors in “The Reimagined History of My Heart" that acknowledges and examines the emotional vulnerabilities of these civil rights and social justice icons.
“The Story of My Body" translates words as weapons and shields while the physical body functions as repository, target, chalice, temple, fortress, home.
“Me Too" discusses sexual assault and the traumas it generates in the moment and over time.*
Colorism, prioritizing superficial traits, physical and emotional weight as cumbersome burdens for the body, mind, and spirit to carry are dismantled in “Fear Loathing Love: Our Bodies Inside Out" and “Falling: Days of Dying, Rage and Redemption” addresses the simultaneous pandemics of Coronavirus and racism as opportunities for transformation.
“Another Mourning in America” spotlights the aftermath of the public murders of Black people by racists, and the epidemic of mass killings in the United States.
The final two chapters of “Say My Name” and “Healing Stories" offer suggestions and strategies for expecting recognition as a unique individual and unearthing the core truths of one's multifaceted, complex identity.
The Strong Black Woman packs considerable intellectual and emotional substance into a relatively short and accessible text that entices readers to take note of other books mentioned and to revisit and ruminate on various passages. Threads of advocacy for normalizing consistent, easy access to the services of medical and mental health professionals run throughout the text. Written during the spring and summer seasons of 2020, and with Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and other prominent Black women who are promoting the importance of self-care, the release of this book is serendipitously timed.
The Write Women Book Fest is pleased and thankful to have been granted access to an ARC in preparation for our upcoming chat with the author for #TWWBF2021 #CelebratingLove, to be available for viewing during the first week of October. https://www.thewritewomenbookfest.org/
*Survivors of sexual assault may want to skip our skim this section if details of others’ ordeals trigger painful responses that negatively impact their healing process.
November 9, 2024
Grieving for What Could Have Been
Continuing to celebrate Black love, Black joy, Black triumphs over adversity, Black friendship, family, community is one of my coping strategies for processing anxiety. Here are three satisfying reads for encouragement and pleasure.
[front cover art of a trade paperback book: profile view of two adults embracing; only the bottom half of a woman's face is visible]
Courage to Love Again by Kimberly Brown
contemporary romance with Christian elements
Black Odyssey Media, April 2024
Content advisory: fertility struggles, death of a child, grief, anxiety, depression, suicide ideation
[two books: Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon standing spine-up next to Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi]
Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi contemporary romance Harper Collins, July 2024
Note: The first review was written before Tuesday, November 5, 2025 and the other two were written after that.
[front cover art of a trade paperback book: profile view of two adults embracing; only the bottom half of a woman's face is visible] Courage to Love Again by Kimberly Brown
contemporary romance with Christian elements
Black Odyssey Media, April 2024
After a series of devastating losses, Pasha Sinclaire is grieving, anxious, and depressed. Enter Callum Ellis, successful entrepreneur and seeming guardian angel. Years of emotional abuse and the undercutting of her sense of self-worth make it hard for Pasha to believe Callum is as decent as he appears to be. She’ll need to continue working on healing herself before she can trust again. Forever friends, family by blood and by choice help her navigate this bumpy path back to her true self.
Light-hearted moments weave throughout heavy themes on loss and trauma along with occasional profanity and numerous references to spiritual beliefs, creating a familiar real-life vibe.
From chapter ten: Sometimes, heartbreak is a setup for a hell of a breakthrough.Content advisory: fertility struggles, death of a child, grief, anxiety, depression, suicide ideation
[two books: Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon standing spine-up next to Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi] Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi contemporary romance Harper Collins, July 2024
This clever spin on a love triangle explores the tension between emotional risk, reward, and the consequences of speaking one’s truth versus staying safe and quiet. It’s also funny, sexy, and seamlessly integrates many of the most demanding elements of modern life while providing sharp commentary on the impacts of social media.
Location. Location. Location.
Themes of place and time weave throughout this love story that’s both whimsical and substantial. Sibling dynamics, assorted expressions of grief, and feeling stretched too thin between one’s obligations and desires make Pardon My Frenchie unapologetically delightful, insightful reading.Note: The first review was written before Tuesday, November 5, 2025 and the other two were written after that.
November 3, 2024
Decisions, Decisions...
These characters are forced to choose who to trust to work with them to achieve the best interests of their personal and professional ambitions.
[3 trade paperback books: Frenemy Fix-Up by Yarah St. John; a couple standing side-by-side in tree pose, The Design of Us by Sajni Patel; a couple lying on the beach, Errands & Espionage by Sam Tschida; an adult holding binoculars up to their face]
[a bookstack of 7 trade paperback books from top to bottom: Curvy Girl Summer, The Friend Zone Experiment, The Ex Vows, Pardon My Frenchie, Charlotte Illes Is Not a Teacher, Morbidly Yours, Good Boy]
Encouragement
[front of a t-shirt with "VOTE" on it; cat silhouette stickers shadow each letter]
Vote for others' healthy, safe, free, peaceful, joyous, thriving future the way you'd want them to vote for yours.
[3 trade paperback books: Frenemy Fix-Up by Yarah St. John; a couple standing side-by-side in tree pose, The Design of Us by Sajni Patel; a couple lying on the beach, Errands & Espionage by Sam Tschida; an adult holding binoculars up to their face] FrenemyFix-Up by Yahrah St. John
Contemporaryromance
Harlequin/afterglowbooks, February 2024
Deadlines.Shay is a small business yogi who works hard to go with the entrepreneurialflow. Colin is a corporate go-getter who thrives under pressure—until thatstress jeopardizes his health. When these former high school classmates whoquickly remember all of the ways they annoy each other work together toestablish Colin’s fundamental work-life balance, both of them recalculate theirexpectations of what and who they want in their lives. Witty banter combinedwith relevant threads on the pressures of modern ambition enrich thisirresistible love story.
The Designof Us by Sajni Patel
New adultcontemporary romance
BerkleyRomance, July 2024
Workplacetechie combatants Bhanu and Sunny become vacation allies in an unexpected twist offate. Their love story examines cultural nuances, anxiety, and being haunted byemotions from relationships past. Bounds of family by blood and by choice alongwith enduring friendships are celebrated with emotional depth and lots oflaughs.
Errands& Espionage by Sam Tschida
Contemporarysuspense w/romantic elements
Forever, August 2024
Whilerecently divorced stay-at-home mom Gabby tries to reclaim her identity beyondwife and mother, her resemblance to someone else sets her on a wild journey of self-discovery. Mayhem ensues.
[a bookstack of 7 trade paperback books from top to bottom: Curvy Girl Summer, The Friend Zone Experiment, The Ex Vows, Pardon My Frenchie, Charlotte Illes Is Not a Teacher, Morbidly Yours, Good Boy] Encouragement
[front of a t-shirt with "VOTE" on it; cat silhouette stickers shadow each letter] Vote for others' healthy, safe, free, peaceful, joyous, thriving future the way you'd want them to vote for yours.
October 27, 2024
Academics in Love
From the Great Lakes to the Northern Lights by boats, planes, trains, mass transit, car service, and on foot, these romances take readers on bumpy journeys to finding love around the world.
[a stack of 3 trade paperback books: Frequent Fliers, Love Requires Chocolate, Second Tide's the Charm]
Second Tide's the Charm by Chandra Blumbergcontemporary romance Canary Street Press, August 2024
Hope and Adrian's future together once seemed guaranteed, until it wasn't. When circumstances force them back into each other's lives will they get closure and move on separately or have they grown enough as individuals to figure out how to build a happily ever after that works for both of them?
Maligned sharks, an assortment of science nerds, meddling friends, family, tourists, and the cut-throat arenas of academia, research grants, and social media add to the high stakes of their love story.
Love Requires Chocolate (Love in Translation #1) by Ravynn K. Stringfieldcontemporary romance Joy Revolution, August 2024
Whitney's to-do list: Ace the Paris exchange student experience. Retrace Josephine Baker's Paris. Learn French. (Maybe that should have been first.)
Falling in love with her grumpy language tutor wasn't on her agenda, but sometimes rolling with improvisation leads to unexpected rewards, along with laughs, emotional revelations, and intimate connections.
Frequent Fliers by Noue Kirwan contemporary romance Canary Street Press, August 2024
Lanie travels back and forth between New York City to London carrying the weight of unrequited love, conflicting family expectations, and cross-cultural friction. A meet-hostile leads to a surprising connection in this layered story about grief and learning how to heal and move forward. Generational, international, and cultural threads weave together to form an engrossing narrative tapestry. It's beautiful, poignant, funny, and super sensual.
An engaging virtual event
[Zoom Workplace waiting room screen with "Cardyn Brooks" for "On Romance: A Conversation with Author Beverly Jenkins and Dr. Carole V. Bell"]
DePaul University respects, appreciates, and adores Ms. Beverly Jenkins as much as the rest of her fans with a lively exchange of thoughts, ideas, and revelations. Also, laughs.
This week's library haul
[a stack of 7 books from top to bottom: Frenemy Fix-Up, The Design of Us, Close Knit, The Duke Has Done It Again, Errands & Espionage, Courage to Love Again, Between Friends & Lovers]
Happy reading!
[a stack of 3 trade paperback books: Frequent Fliers, Love Requires Chocolate, Second Tide's the Charm] Second Tide's the Charm by Chandra Blumbergcontemporary romance Canary Street Press, August 2024
Hope and Adrian's future together once seemed guaranteed, until it wasn't. When circumstances force them back into each other's lives will they get closure and move on separately or have they grown enough as individuals to figure out how to build a happily ever after that works for both of them?
Maligned sharks, an assortment of science nerds, meddling friends, family, tourists, and the cut-throat arenas of academia, research grants, and social media add to the high stakes of their love story.
Love Requires Chocolate (Love in Translation #1) by Ravynn K. Stringfieldcontemporary romance Joy Revolution, August 2024
Whitney's to-do list: Ace the Paris exchange student experience. Retrace Josephine Baker's Paris. Learn French. (Maybe that should have been first.)
Falling in love with her grumpy language tutor wasn't on her agenda, but sometimes rolling with improvisation leads to unexpected rewards, along with laughs, emotional revelations, and intimate connections.
Frequent Fliers by Noue Kirwan contemporary romance Canary Street Press, August 2024
Lanie travels back and forth between New York City to London carrying the weight of unrequited love, conflicting family expectations, and cross-cultural friction. A meet-hostile leads to a surprising connection in this layered story about grief and learning how to heal and move forward. Generational, international, and cultural threads weave together to form an engrossing narrative tapestry. It's beautiful, poignant, funny, and super sensual.
An engaging virtual event
[Zoom Workplace waiting room screen with "Cardyn Brooks" for "On Romance: A Conversation with Author Beverly Jenkins and Dr. Carole V. Bell"] DePaul University respects, appreciates, and adores Ms. Beverly Jenkins as much as the rest of her fans with a lively exchange of thoughts, ideas, and revelations. Also, laughs.
This week's library haul
[a stack of 7 books from top to bottom: Frenemy Fix-Up, The Design of Us, Close Knit, The Duke Has Done It Again, Errands & Espionage, Courage to Love Again, Between Friends & Lovers] Happy reading!
October 19, 2024
Disasters, Second Chances & The Freedom to Read About All Kinds of Real Love
Thanks to the library my TBR bookstack/list never shrinks!
[a stack of 6 books from top to bottom: Second Tide's the Charm, The Next Best Fling, Love Requires Chocolate, Fall into Temptation, A Jungle Bell Mingle, Passions in Death]
[same bookstack as shown above with the addition of Buried Too Deep on the bottom]
[Fall for Him trade paperback book upright next to a stack of 5 books from top to bottom: Frequent Fliers, Second Tide's the Charm, Love Requires Chocolate, Passions in Death, Buried Too Deep]
The Next Best Fling (Librarians in Love #1) by Gabriella Gamez New Adult romance Forever, July 2024
Is getting under someone new the best way to get over someone else?
Librarian Marcela and former NFL player Theo find out when they team up to mislead their families and friends in this mega angsty, laugh-aloud romp that also offers readers emotional complexity, tenderness, an incendiary sexy times.
A Jingle Bell Mingle (Christmas Notch #3) by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone contemporary romance Avon, September 2024
Issac, the former boy band singer and current grieving recluse, and Sunny, person-of-all-trades and current stalled television movie screenwriter end up living together in the aftermath of their second round of a one-night stand. Their love story is hilarious, poignant, and compelling. Throwback cultural references to the 1990s and 2000s mixed in with comparative observations about sexual mores and stigmas between the 1940s to present day make this a thoughtful read as well as an entertaining farewell to this series set in Christmas Notch, Vermont.
Fall for Him by Andie Burke contemporary romance Griffin, September 2024
A meet-disaster, misunderstandings, secrets, grief, a chronic health condition, forbidden longings, complicated family dynamics, work stress... Derek and Dylan's love story combines the vibes of a home renovation show with therapy sessions tossed into the context of a documentary about variations on grief and trauma responses as produced by Shonda Rhimes. Plus, an adorable fur baby, abundant charming awkwardness, compassion, and intense sensuality make Fall for Him irresistible.
Still reading the other books shown above but not reviewed. Happy un-banned reading to all!
[a stack of 6 books from top to bottom: Second Tide's the Charm, The Next Best Fling, Love Requires Chocolate, Fall into Temptation, A Jungle Bell Mingle, Passions in Death] 
[same bookstack as shown above with the addition of Buried Too Deep on the bottom]
[Fall for Him trade paperback book upright next to a stack of 5 books from top to bottom: Frequent Fliers, Second Tide's the Charm, Love Requires Chocolate, Passions in Death, Buried Too Deep]
The Next Best Fling (Librarians in Love #1) by Gabriella Gamez New Adult romance Forever, July 2024
Is getting under someone new the best way to get over someone else?
Librarian Marcela and former NFL player Theo find out when they team up to mislead their families and friends in this mega angsty, laugh-aloud romp that also offers readers emotional complexity, tenderness, an incendiary sexy times.
A Jingle Bell Mingle (Christmas Notch #3) by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone contemporary romance Avon, September 2024
Issac, the former boy band singer and current grieving recluse, and Sunny, person-of-all-trades and current stalled television movie screenwriter end up living together in the aftermath of their second round of a one-night stand. Their love story is hilarious, poignant, and compelling. Throwback cultural references to the 1990s and 2000s mixed in with comparative observations about sexual mores and stigmas between the 1940s to present day make this a thoughtful read as well as an entertaining farewell to this series set in Christmas Notch, Vermont.
Fall for Him by Andie Burke contemporary romance Griffin, September 2024
A meet-disaster, misunderstandings, secrets, grief, a chronic health condition, forbidden longings, complicated family dynamics, work stress... Derek and Dylan's love story combines the vibes of a home renovation show with therapy sessions tossed into the context of a documentary about variations on grief and trauma responses as produced by Shonda Rhimes. Plus, an adorable fur baby, abundant charming awkwardness, compassion, and intense sensuality make Fall for Him irresistible.
Still reading the other books shown above but not reviewed. Happy un-banned reading to all!
October 13, 2024
Real Grown Folks in Love & Friendship
[Front cover of A Fire at Romanticon by H.L. Brooks with a design of a lacy pink thong and scattered flower petals; book held up against the backdrop of a framed black and white photo of the Brooklyn Bridge at night] 
[front cover art for A Vampire of a Certain Age by Maria Vale; a city skyline silhouette with a bat's wings spread above it] 
[three trade paperback books: One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin (spine up), A Fire at Romanticon by H.L. Brooks, Fall: A Detective Harriet Foster Thriller by Tracy Clark] A Fire at Romanticon by H.L. Brooks* contemporary rom-com Write Women Publish, September 2024
Peach Kincaid is struggling. Her marriage, her self-image, her secret project and more feel like they're beyond her control until she takes more than one leap of faith. New look, new location, new friends and new opportunities offer her time and space to step into her most authentic self and claim a life that fulfills her in every way. Lots of laughs, tenderness, steamy adult activities and layered circumstances make A Fire at Romanticon a satisfying read.
*The author is my friend and The Write Women Book Fest event co-host, so yes I'm biased but would offer the same review even if we were strangers.;-)
Fall (Harriet Foster #2) by Tracy Clark mystery thriller fiction Thomas & Mercer, December 2023
This gritty atmospheric mystery blends elements of a police procedural with the stages of grief, political intrigue and riffs on the murky nature of crime and punishment. It's also a celebration of friendship, partnership and chosen family. Not having read book one didn't detract from understanding the main character's backstory or enjoyment of this well-crafted tale.
A Vampire of a Certain Age by Maria Vale* a free supernatural short for the author's newsletter subscribers
Eternal perimenopause is only the first horror revealed in this sly, morbidly humorous super short story that packs a lot insightful observations into a few hundred words of juicy entertainment.
*This author was a featured panelist at TWWBF2023 and is scheduled to do so again at TWWBF2025. Plus, she's a friend in my head (to quote Wendy Williams). None of those facts make this short any less entertaining!
One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin contemporary romance/women's fiction Berkley, June 2024
Natalie and Rob weave in and out of each other's lives as they grow into themselves and eventually recognize the balance each offers the other. Lots of emotional chaos and growing pains mischief occurs.
September 22, 2024
(Barely) Resisting Book Borrowing Temptations
Gorgeous covers matched with intriguing blurbs are my weakness!
[3 new books on a display shelf at a public library branch: Lavash at First Sight by Taleen Voskuni, In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundira, She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor]
[4 new books on 2 shelves of a display at a public library: That Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee, The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava, Troubled Waters by Mary Annaise Heglar, Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulsen & Lydia Wang]
Returned some borrowed items and despite my best intentions not to go beyond the returns counter, the new books display lured me close enough to see these enticing titles, which I managed not to bring home with me! Adding them to the top of my TBR list was my compromise. Still reading through last week's bookstack, ebooks on my phone, tablet, and in my email inbox.
Happy reading!
P.S. After a soul-boosting visit with someone who loves me, that person gave me two books. Then a book on my requests list arrived at the library.:-)
[3 books arranged on a closed piano lid: 365 Days Through Daily Meditation, Zero Proof by Elva Ramirez, No More Secrets by Lucy Score]
[3 new books on a display shelf at a public library branch: Lavash at First Sight by Taleen Voskuni, In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundira, She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor]
[4 new books on 2 shelves of a display at a public library: That Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee, The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava, Troubled Waters by Mary Annaise Heglar, Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulsen & Lydia Wang] Returned some borrowed items and despite my best intentions not to go beyond the returns counter, the new books display lured me close enough to see these enticing titles, which I managed not to bring home with me! Adding them to the top of my TBR list was my compromise. Still reading through last week's bookstack, ebooks on my phone, tablet, and in my email inbox.
Happy reading!
P.S. After a soul-boosting visit with someone who loves me, that person gave me two books. Then a book on my requests list arrived at the library.:-)
[3 books arranged on a closed piano lid: 365 Days Through Daily Meditation, Zero Proof by Elva Ramirez, No More Secrets by Lucy Score]
