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[close] Books & Musings is a small reading group for those who enjoy bouncing around all genres with a pull toward fiction. The intent is to keep the reading focused on a slightly more positive subject matter (think less true crime, murder, thriller, and violence, with more focus on finding those light(er)-hearted, thought-provoking, semi-upbeat, leaning toward feel-good reads that still bring a bit of curiosity and mystery within the storylines. As a group, we want to open up our individual tastes in books and grow our interest through recommendations we may not have chosen on our own. Book suggestions are welcome and encouraged! We will try to focus on one book per month based on suggestions from members and everyone will be encouraged to read at their own pace throughout the month, but asked to be mindful of spoilers when sharing discussions and quotes they enjoy. Above all, I want us to read new books, have genuinely interested people to discuss our reads with, and have fun doing it!

[close] This year I am determined to not only find, but keep my joy in all that I do! Life can become so mundane, challenging and overwhelming with all that we face from day to day, both internally, and externally. Reading has long been an escape, stress reliever and joy inducing hobby in my life, and I want to share it with you! Keeping Up with the Joy is a social book club that will meet both virtually and IN PERSON, monthly; and is designed to allow space for fellowship, friendship, food and finding the joy in reading and social connection! Each book is unique in genre, but similar in that each title contains the word JOY in some form or fashion. Below is our reading list for the year! January Walking in my Joy: In These Streets by Jenifer Lewis February Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration by Tracey Michae’l Lewis- Giggetts March Possessing the Secrets of Joy by Alice Walker April Small Joys by Elvin James Mensah May The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan June Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbalia July Pride and Joy by Louisa Onome August Feeding the Soul (Because It’s My Business): Finding Our Way to Joy, Love, and Freedom by Tabitha Brown September Joy is My Justice: Reclaim What Is Yours by Tanmeet Sethi October The Girl Who Found Joy by Amy Vansant November The Gravity of Joy: A Story of Being Lost and Found by Angela Gorrell Williams December The Black Joy Project by Kleaver Cruz The group will meet in-person on the first Saturday of each month to discuss the previous months book, and introduce the following months book! Meeting location will likely be a local eatery for food, fellowship and fun as we explore each book together.

[close] All the books I read will be going on here .. Good and bad ......all will be reviewed ! My challenge will begin on 1st January 2017 , and each month /every 3 weeks I will post a book challenge (vote in our poll to decide how often I should post a challenge!). For example - "This months challenge will be to read a book that was written between 1990-1930" and we'll all post our books on here, reviews and all and see what you come up with! All book lovers are completely welcome - please share with others if you wish :)) Please follow this discussion and post your finds based on the challenge. Thank you so much for reading - my aim is to create a book community that can share and also test our limits - take us outside our comfort zone so to speak! Thank you again - be sure to check out the discussion, follow it and comment. First post 1st January ---- BRING ON 2017! (2016 was so crap, 2017 can hardly be much worse can it?!) x

[close] A place to discuss all the unique aspects of Deaf culture as highlighted in the thriller Silent Fear (A novel inspired by true crimes) by Lance & James Morcan. This group can also be an intersection of sorts where Deaf and hearing people can engage and learn from each other.