Where do we start?

[Tamara]

Would you like to read a book together? If so, where should we start? I'm thinking about focusing on a classic next month for BHM and feminist nonfiction for WHM in March. What can we read this month?

[Felicity]

Hello Tamara!

I just finished Tayari Jones' Silver Sparrow... I'm seriously considering re-reading it, though. It's a quick read, and last I checked it was on sale for Nook and Kindle for $1.99.

[Sownbrooklyn]

Maybe start with two choices? So that there are options for those of us who want a lighter and or quicker read. Or something heavy and deep like anything by Butler? Or, perhaps one fiction and one non-fiction choice? With separate discussion boards for each?

I'm in either way!

[Tichaona]

I'd like to participate in this challenge. How about a vote on what to read for January? Also, maybe next year, there would be more poetry included?

[Ang]

I like the idea of a lighter read to start, I didn't investigate but are all the books (e-books) on kindle/nook?

[Leonicka]

I'm so excited about this challenge! I suggest picking several book option per month since there are 100 books to read through. Maybe 5 per month and people can read and discuss at their own pace? Just a thought.

[Felicity]

Ang wrote: "I like the idea of a lighter read to start, I didn't investigate but are all the books (e-books) on kindle/nook?"

I know that you can download the Nook app to your computer.

[Kirsti-Jewel]

I'm very excited to participate! I'm part of another book club, and from my experience, it's good to start off on a lighter read so that those who are out of practice from reading, will get back into the habit. I also think choosing 3-5 per month is good so that those who don't want to read a book they have already read will have more of a chance to read something new.

[Gabrielle]

I, too, am excited about this challenge. I like the idea of choosing at least two books per month to read. I am a bit elated that I already own many of these books, but am looking forward to exploring works that I have not yet read. I would love to maybe meet up with other readers at some point during this challenge. Happy reading, ladies!

[onegirl]

I like the idea of several different options each period because once school starts I MAY only get to read one book out of the choices. I'm not sure how this forum works, but I also like the idea of different discussion topics for each book (thanks Wanett!) so those that have read it can comment/discuss. It's the weekend, so hopefully a book selection will be made soon. :)

[Paula]

I'd like to start w/Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow for January and move to Isabel Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns for February. But I'm so excited about this book club, that whatever we select will be fine!

[Keshia]

What if you read a couple of books on the list already? I was thinking of replacing those I've read with ones I want to read. Is that a good idea??

[Rosa]

Hi Tamara! I love the idea of this group! How about just a good story for Jan. - I have Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jonesjust waiting on my attention and also Wench by Dolen Perkins- Valdez. Or we could start the year off wth an African writer like Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimananda Ngozi Adichie. .

[Tamara]

So, I just posted a poll including some of the suggestions here. It will be active for the next five days. I'd really like to read Sister Citizen, since I have the book and have been meaning to read it. Perhaps we can focus on the two books with the most votes.

[Rita]

I am looking forward to discussing Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow.

[Tiffany]

I am so excited and grateful for this book club challenge. Looking forward to what's to come!

[Arlice]

I'm so excited that I'm open to starting with anything on the list. I currently own a few of the titles, some I have not read yet: Song of Solomon, Kindred, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hair Story..., and Sula. An iPad, Nook and Kindle are in my possession, I'm minutes from a library by design, and I'm ready when you ladies are.

[Brown Girl Reading]

This challenge fits right into a few of my reading resolutions, which is to read more novels about and by African-Americans. I do have lots of other goals so for me personally one book a month would be a good pace for me. So what are we reading this month?

[Pamela]

I like your reading suggestions Arlice!!

[Lex]

I'm down with Sister Citizen but whatever is most popular is fine by me.

[Lex]

Tamara wrote: "So, I just posted a poll including some of the suggestions here. It will be active for the next five days. I'd really like to read Sister Citizen, since I have the book and have been meaning to rea..."

I think a poll would be best with the above choices or your choice since you're the group lead/moderator.

[Lexie]

Hello ladies,

Has the group decided on January's book?

Thanks!

[Continualknowledge]

I see that the poll has closed. Are we going to start reading on the 15th of this month and discuss until the 15th of February? Or are we going to do like other groups and have a month to read the book and then discuss the next month. I've started Sister Citizen and can't wait to see what others think.

[Tamara]

Okay, guys. Looks like our winning books are...*drum roll*...Sister Citizen and Silver Sparrow. I think this is pretty good and offers something for fans of both fiction and nonfiction. I am going to open threads dedicated to each of these books. Let's start reading! FYI, I'm going to read Sister Citizen, as I have a copy and it's been on my to-read list for a minute.

[La Dale]

So how is it going to go? Are we reading both at the same time? I can't do that because I am in other book clubs. I guess I just pick one?

[Tamara]

Yep, La Dale. Just pick the one that works for you.

[Paula]

Dear Tamara, Just finished The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis (my mother insisted;)and The Round House by Louise Erdich (powerful). Almost done w/Silver Sparrow and just uploaded Sister Citizen. Thanks for the encouragement to get more serious about reading-can't wait to hear February's choices!