It pains me to say I have no idea what I just read. This book of poetry went way over my head. To be fair, I don’t do well with abstract poetry! UnforIt pains me to say I have no idea what I just read. This book of poetry went way over my head. To be fair, I don’t do well with abstract poetry! Unfortunately, this book was much too impressionistic for me. ⠀ However, if abstract poetry is your thing, I’m sure you’re going to love this book. I want to love it! I honestly do! But I just don’t get it. ⠀...more
5/5 stars for Top Billin': Stories of Laughter, Lessons, and Triumph by Bill Bellamy. I really enjoyed this book. It was laidback, witty and entertain5/5 stars for Top Billin': Stories of Laughter, Lessons, and Triumph by Bill Bellamy. I really enjoyed this book. It was laidback, witty and entertaining. ⠀ * Most celebrity books contains stories I’ve already heard before either from social media or TMZ. But, Bill’s stories were new to me. There were no recycled stories told. I enjoyed reading everything for the first time. ⠀ * Each chapter was concisely written. Light-hearted, yet he didn’t shy away from heavily weighted topics. I found the delivery very soothing. ⠀ * His comedic flair was perfectly executed! ⠀ * He shared a lot about his MTV days. What’s interesting is that I totally forgot Bill was once a VJ on MTV. I vaguely remember him from the channel. I remember him most for is his role in one of my all time favorite movies Love Jones. ⠀ * I enjoyed learning how at an early age, he was very intentional about creating a clean cut Bill Bellamy brand. ⠀ * The ratchet part of the book was learning that Bill’s wife Kristen was friends with his then girlfriend Julie. Kristen made her move on Bill after hearing Julie continuously talk about Bill! (Ladies, let this be a lesson, keep your stories about your men to yourselves. These girls ain’t loyal lol). ⠀ * Learning how his brother passed away blew my mind. I totally understand why Bill will never drink soda again. Definitely the saddest moment for me. ⠀ * Before reading this book I wasn’t a big Bill Bellamy supporter. I didn’t dislike him. I just didn’t think much about him. He kind of blended in with the sea of lesser known actors and comedians. He didn’t stand out. But after reading this book, I think I’m now a supporter. This book separated him from the pack. I even paid more attention to his role in the 2001 movie ...more
**spoiler alert** I just completed the audiobook I Am Debra Lee by former CEO of BET Debra Lee. Pub date is March 7th. I really enjoyed learning about**spoiler alert** I just completed the audiobook I Am Debra Lee by former CEO of BET Debra Lee. Pub date is March 7th. I really enjoyed learning about Debra’s story. ⠀ Here’s some of my thoughts: ⠀ • I didn’t know much about Debra Lee before listening to the audiobook. I learned a lot. Great personal/professional life balance in the book. ⠀ • Debra did a great job of expressing the emotions she experienced on her rise to the top of BET. I loved hearing her thoughts as she made decisions as an attorney, and as a CEO. ⠀ • Some celebrities she shares stories about are: ⠀ - Nelly: The shade is real. Nelly might wanna read this himself lol. ⠀ - Chris Brown: I now know why Chris Brown didn’t perform in BET’s tribute to Michael Jackson days after Michael’s untimely demise. #RIPmichael ⠀ - Aretha Franklin: Debra showed Aretha a lot of respect. Yet, at the same time she sprinkled that respect with small doses of shade, all in the same story. ⠀ - Oprah: According to Debra, Oprah should have done her homework before she stepped into the television network ring with Debra Lee. OWN may be about peace, love and happiness. But BET is all about dat dolla, dolla bill y’all. ⠀ • I was surprised to learn that BET had a policy that stated they were never allowed to show, or state anything negative about Beyoncé . It was a rule created for fear of the Beyhive’s powerful retaliation. ⠀ • I think Debra was very authentic & forthcoming with her story. Even admitting that she had an affair with Bob Johnson founder of BET. She was also forthcoming with Bob’s story revealing that Bob once lied and told his staff he had cancer. ⠀ • Sadly, l learned about the 2020 passing of Debra’s son Quinn in this book. In the Epilogue she briefly touches on her pain. Listening to this portion touched my heart. I could hear the grief and tears in voice. ⠀ • If you’re into memoirs I recommend this one. ⠀ * Her story is all about Black Girl Power. ⠀ • I recommend reading the hard copy over listening to the audiobook. Although, the book is read by Debra Lee, which I like, her narration is very dry. ⠀ Thanks Legacy Lit Books & Libro.fm for gifting me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review....more
Dancing With My Skeletons is a heartfelt, bold and brilliantly written memoir by author J. Renee. ⠀ I’ve read a lot of memoirs. However, it is rare to sDancing With My Skeletons is a heartfelt, bold and brilliantly written memoir by author J. Renee. ⠀ I’ve read a lot of memoirs. However, it is rare to see an author as transparent as J. Renee is in this book. While most of us discretely bury our skeletons in our closets with the hopes of them never again seeing the light of day, J. Renee courageously dances with her skeletons for everyone to see. There is something very empowering about a woman owning her truth. And that is what I love most about this book. ⠀ This memoir is very well crafted. The stories are rich and delivered with perfect execution. ⠀ I would best describe this memoir as a collection of short stories about the author’s relationships, entanglements and experiences with men. ⠀ As a woman, I found many of her stories relatable. What repeatedly crossed my mind while in the throes of this journey was, “Guurrl…You went through that too?!” One incident in particular that stands out to me, is that we’ve both unexpectedly experienced the passing of the love of our lives. I felt her pain as she shared this story. Sadly, it is a pain I know all too well. ⠀ Once I completed the book, I couldn’t help thinking how liberating it had to be to share her deepest secrets with the world. In my opinion, publishing this memoir is an act of bravery. And I must admit, it made for very juicy reading! ⠀ Thank you J. Renee for gifting me this copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the journey....more
When I decided to grab Behind Closed Doors by Kimberla Lawson from my TBR shelf, I was looking for a soothing story that would relax me after a long dWhen I decided to grab Behind Closed Doors by Kimberla Lawson from my TBR shelf, I was looking for a soothing story that would relax me after a long day of work. After completing the book, I’m happy to say, mission accomplished. ⠀ Synopsis: Regina Moore and Karen Jackson, lifelong best friends, are living the kind of life most women only fantasize about. With beautiful homes, fulfilling careers, and two adoring husbands, their joy could not be greater, their worlds could not be richer. But suddenly, shattering truths about the loving men they thought they knew turn happiness into anguish and rage. ⠀ My Thoughts: * I loved the relationship between Regina and Karen. They knew each other so well that they were able to know what the other needed even they were unable to see if for themselves. They had each other’s back and rode for each other like no one else. ⠀ * The character I could relate to most was Regina. I totally understood her deep hurt when she was betrayed by her husband. I was so happy when she got her grove back. ⠀ * Just as in other Kimberla Lawson Roby books, this story has a smooth flow. It’s steady, consistent and subtle. Kimberla gracefully tackles real life issues. ⠀ * It felt like I was reading my friends diary. Very relatable. Not over the top. ⠀ * I look forward to reading more books by Kimberla. She’s the author I turn to when I’m stressed out and in need of a novel to relax my nerves. The flow of her writing provides a great literary escape....more
I finally finished The Book of Jose by Fat Joe. I was on this journey for a month. Much longer than usual. But I must say, I enjoyed every moment. ⠀ HeI finally finished The Book of Jose by Fat Joe. I was on this journey for a month. Much longer than usual. But I must say, I enjoyed every moment. ⠀ Here’s some of my thoughts: ⠀ * 5stars. It’s bold, compelling and highly entertaining. ⠀ * The stories move quickly. Short chapters which I like. ⠀ * I learned a lot about Fat Joe. Stories of his personal and professional life were perfectly balanced. I was surprised to learn of all the hardships and losses he has experienced. There were a few stories that broke my heart. ⠀ * I would have loved for him to share more about his time with Big Pun. ⠀ * The funniest story is one where in which Joe describes how 50 Cent put out an entire Fat Joe diss tape. Not just one diss track…But an entire tape. And to make matters worse, 50 named it Elephant In The Sand.You wanna know how he came up with that name? 50 got his hands on a personal picture of Fat Joe while Joe was on the beach, with his shirt off, and 50 used that picture for the cover of the mixtape. Hence, Elephant In The Sand. Fat Joe was livid. I laughed out loud. ⠀ * The moment I could relate most to Fat Joe was when he said he fears his family will let the wrong people attend his funeral. Basically he said, if you don’t f*#k with him in life, don’t pretend to care and come to his funeral. I can totally relate. I’ve told my family the same thing. I was surprised to find Fat Joe shares my sentiment. I thought I was the only person to give these instructions. ⠀ * I must admit, there is one story that left me feeling like I should have my “hip-hop head” card revoked. I’m almost ashamed to admit this! But, I did not know Fat Joe is on LL Cool J’s song ‘I Shot Ya’. I listen to this song at least 5xs a week. It is in heavy rotation on my playlist. And all this time, I did not realize that is Fat Joe on the track! ⠀ * After reading this book, I’ve come to like Fat Joe even more than I did before. His personality is on full display through and through. ⠀ *This is definitely a must read for fans of Fat Joe and hip-hop....more
You Should Sit Down For This: A Memoir About Life, Wine, & Cookies by Tamera Mowry-Housley is an unfulfilling read that I considered adding to my DNF You Should Sit Down For This: A Memoir About Life, Wine, & Cookies by Tamera Mowry-Housley is an unfulfilling read that I considered adding to my DNF pile on multiple occasions. ⠀ The only reason I completed this book is because it was a quick read. At 178 pages, I was finished before boredom completely took over. ⠀ The title is very fitting. You absolutely should sit down for this. Because if you don’t, you just may doze off in the middle of a chapter. I don’t mean to be harsh. But, it irritates me when I purchase a memoir that offers no new insight into the author. Tamera’s memoir is very cookie cutter. It felt like I was reading a teenager’s journal. Unfortunately, her attempt to go beyond the surface fails miserably. ⠀ Her list of places she’d like to have sex looks like my list of places I’d like read. No joke! I know you’re probably thinking, “Oh wow, she wrote a list of places she’s like to have sex?” Well, yes she does! But believe me, it sounds more suggestive than it actually is. ⠀ Throughout the book she creates make believe movie scenes to help us visualize her story. However, these scenes merely aide in creating a surface level narrative. ⠀ “Tameraisms” are also sprinkled l throughout the book. These are simply regurgitated one line self-help quotes that we’ve all heard before. ⠀ In Chapter nine Tamara states, “I was the girl who stayed home on Friday nights while the pretty sister went out! I tried to remember the last time I was invited to a party and couldn’t.” When I read this statement I thought, “That’s it Tamera! Tell us something we don’t already know. Let your guard down! Dive deeper! Keep it going! But nope! It didn’t happen. ⠀ Then, in the same chapter she shares that she was once called “ugly and goofy” in a fan letter she received while on the show Sister, Sister. As a result, for many years she believed those hurtful names. Again, we see an attempt at vulnerability. But it quickly ends. ⠀ For all the above reasons, I give this book 2 stars. ⠀ FYI, she does not discuss her relationship with Tia at all. She does mention Tia’s name a few times, but that’s it....more
This is a phenomenal book. I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC from Amistad Books in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed every page of it. I aThis is a phenomenal book. I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC from Amistad Books in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed every page of it. I actually like this book more than Jenifer’s first book, The Mother Of Black Hollywood. I gave her 1st book 4 stars. This one is definitely 5 stars. ⠀ In this book Jenifer writes about a wide range of topics. The stories are humorous and touching. She shares each story with no-holds-barred honesty. Each chapter ends with a boldly transparent poem. ⠀ Now that I’ve read this book I have a much better understanding of Jenifer the woman. After digesting the stories in this book, her loud, boisterous personality makes more sense to me. But, I was also able to see a softer side to Jenifer. Her delivery is raw and unforgiving. Everything I would expect from Auntie . ⠀ Walking In My Joy is a good, easy read. If your looking for an engaging book of short stories, I highly recommend this one. It is sure to keep you entertained from the beginning to the end....more
If this book is not on your TBR, add it now! Hands down 5 stars. I am so grateful Michel K. Williams made the foreshadowing decision to write his memoIf this book is not on your TBR, add it now! Hands down 5 stars. I am so grateful Michel K. Williams made the foreshadowing decision to write his memoir. It is heartbreakingly moving, yet uniquely inspiring. I learned so much about him. ⠀ Scenes From My Life is one of the most moving accounts of addiction I’ve ever read. What makes this memoir so utterly gripping is that it reads like a recovery memoir. But sadly, it’s not! After the writing of this book, Michael met his untimely expiration as a result of his addiction. ⠀ What I loved most about reading this book is that it felt like I was hearing Michael’s stories directly from him. Unlike the “memoir” The Beautiful Ones published after the untimely passing of the late great Prince, this book feels complete, and written in Michael’s own words. ⠀ The book starts in Michael’s youth and ends in 2021 at the end of COVID lockdown. He covers significant ground as he writes about his early days as a model, as well as being a background dancer for artists such as Miya, Ginuwine, and Crystal Waters. But one of the most affecting stories is how Michael got the scar across his face, and how that scar ultimately changed his life. Each chapter provides a clear understanding of Michael the creative, and how he battled his demons. I appreciate his deliberate, unselfish and openhearted delivery. ⠀ The final chapters of this memoir is reminiscent of the 1985 book Countering The Conspiracy To Destroy Black Boys by Jawanza Kunjufu. In these chapters Michael writes about his work with children of color, & the foundation he created to help youth caught in an unfair juvenile justice system. In his final years Michael discovered his purpose. Which was standing up against the normalization of dysfunction and trauma in Black communities. ⠀ Knowing how his life ended made reading this memoir a heart wrenching journey. I wish he was here to see the success of this memoir. He would be so proud of his literary impact. ⠀ Thank you Crown Publishing or gifting me a eARC in exchange for an honest review. ⠀ RIP Michael! You are truly missed. ⠀ Pub date 8/23...more
Wow! Talk about a wild journey. The Last Boss of Brighton: Boris "Biba" Nayfeld and the Rise of the Russian Mob in America by Douglas Century is a jawWow! Talk about a wild journey. The Last Boss of Brighton: Boris "Biba" Nayfeld and the Rise of the Russian Mob in America by Douglas Century is a jaw dropping, epic tale of crime, drama and murder. ⠀ This book reads like historical fiction, but it’s not! This is the real life story of Boris “Biba” Nayfeld and the Russian mob underworld. A world I knew nothing about before reading this book. And what I read absolutely blew me away. These men were roofless! In my opinion, the best description for Biba is, a menace to America. ⠀ Reading how Boris came to this country seeking citizenship with the intention of never becoming a law abiding citizen was disturbing. The first time he stepped foot in America, he did so with smuggled diamonds and stamps! His thought when walking into an American grocery store for the first time was, “Wow, I could steal all this f*#king stuff”...more
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