Black Coffee discussion
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What are you currently reading......
Reading The Lost Treasure of King Juba: The Evidence of Africans in America before Columbus by Frank Joseph and listening to Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves audio book by Art T. Burton
Just read Known and Strange Things by Teju Cole - love his insights on James Baldwin, on poetry and photography. It is really really worth reading.
Also read A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James, which is a penetrating look at the corrupting and terribly destructive effects of American interference in Jamaican politics, and the attack on Bob Marley's life. Sharp observation of human character and development.
Reading The Lost Treasure of King Juba: The Evidence of Africans in America before Columbus by Frank Joseph and listening to The Golem and the Djinni audio book by Helene Wecker.
I am reading Another Country by James Baldwin. It is a fast read, and I'm realizing --of all of his novels --this is one about which I know almost nothing.
Andrew wrote: "Reading The Lost Treasure of King Juba: The Evidence of Africans in America before Columbus by Frank Joseph and listening to The Golem and the Djinni aud..."I'm reading THE GOLEM AND THE JINNI, also. Second reading and I love it!
I haven't been too good at finishing books lately, but at the moment I'm reading the Andrew R. George verse translation of The Epic of Gilgamesh. It's quite excellent, though frustratingly fragmentary. Damn time for smashing and defacing books! Still, it holds up pretty well for its 3800 years.
I started and finished Stephen King's new book, Gwendy's Button Box. I gave it a 3 star. It was almost like a beginner's book. Not nearly up to the standard I would expect. It was once again about children, and was not really a thriller. It's very short, so I am happy that I ordered it from the library.Toni Mariani
Toni wrote: "I started and finished Stephen King's new book, Gwendy's Button Box. I gave it a 3 star. It was almost like a beginner's book. Not nearly up to the standard I would expect. It was once again about ..."I began The New Boy, by the writer of Girl With the Pearl Earring, right after. I will review after.
Never heard of that one, Kisha.I'm reading Lilli de Jong by Janet Benton. I really should get back to writing my own book, Young Thugs-Conversations from the Grave!
Toni Mariani
Mod
Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in SchoolI am learning a lot and this book is extremely easily to read and well written. We have to cultivate economic empowerment in our communities!
One great way is to attend and support activities that we put on and promote. Did you see the invitation to The Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival? www.kuntakinte.orgPlease visit the website.
Also, that weekend, Baltimore Center of the Arts will have their Book Fair. Though I live in Wisconsin, I don't feel rooted in any one place, but I feel like an alien resident in all places. With that expressed, I will travel there to support both. I will bring my collection of works that began this year. Works that are entered for several prizes this award year and next! Please find and follow me at https://www.amazon.com/author/tonimar...
BTW: 2 books are in giveaways this week. My debut work Chained to Love-The Darker side of Slavery, and one of my favorites so far Cry for Me; formerly titled Secret Lovers-Love Undercover! (which i may go back to using)
Hope to see and meet some of you in Maryland!
Keep reading.
Toni Mariani, Author
Arnetha wrote: "Hi, I am currently reading, "The Kitchen House" by Kathleen Grissom."I read that a couple of years ago and liked it
I'm reading too many books at a time so not making enough progress in any of them, but one is The New Jim Crow
I am reading The Cutting Season by Attica Locke and it's really good. Its a slow burn, but you can't help but turn the page and see what is going to happen next.
I am reading The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. So glad I was finally able to get it from the library.
Joy wrote: "I'm reading too many books at a time so not making enough progress in any of them, but one is The New Jim Crow"Likewise, trying to play catch up from a long reading hiatus :-)
Now reading Nyumbani Tales by Charles Saunders and listening to The Phantom of the Earth audio book by Raeden Zen.
Charles Saunders is amazing and a pioneer in African themed sword and sorcery.I'm currently reading American Street by Haitian-American writer Ibi Zoboi. It's a YA novel that deals with immigration issues.
I just finished Rebecca and found it absolutely amazing. Now I'm back to my usual historical romances in the Brides of San Fransisco series, book #3-Cora. This is a cute, clean romance series with just a touch of intrigue and danger.
Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis is a multiple award winning 'apologue' in which 15 dogs are given by the two Greek gods, Hermes and Apollo in a perverse 'Trading Places' kind of bet, the human-like understanding/reason and language. Will this allow the dogs to die happy? Or not? I'm finding it very well written.
Re: Fifteen Dogs, I've heard good things. Let us know what you think when you're done!
Zadignose wrote: "Re: Fifteen Dogs, I've heard good things. Let us know what you think when you're done!"Will do. :-)
Just finished Another Country by James Baldwin Another Country seeks to bring understanding to those who are often most misunderstood. Gay men, black women and adulterous wives, those societies tend to hate the most, the people who are often only understood by one another. I would recommend the book for open minds; it is a passionate novel that vocalizes the agony of being different.
I'm currently reading Cane River by Lalita Tademy.
I've actually read this earlier, but the latest Twitter storm and the incivility and childishness demonstrated at the highest levels of our country remind me and make me want to read again Stephen Carter's CIVILITY.
Zadignose wrote: "Re: Fifteen Dogs, I've heard good things. Let us know what you think when you're done!"Hello Zadignose. I have written a short review, with the likely vain hope of completing the proper review I've started. Here's the short review:
I was tossed between four stars and five, but opted for four because I do not find myself compelled to read it again, despite many parts that were in turn poetical and beautiful, poetical and brutal, poetical and reflective and compelling. I am compelled to write a more 'proper' review, which I have in fact begun, and hope to complete soon despite the restricted time I have to write these days. Until then, I highly recommend it because I enjoyed the question Alexis raises between the acquisition of language and manipulative brutality justified through the use of language.
Cool, thanks. I'll check your revision later too.
I started Some Prefer Nettles by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, a group read with the Japanese Literature GR group. It's excellent and a fast read. I'm also getting back to Another Country.
Carol wrote: "I started Some Prefer Nettles by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, a group read with the Japanese Literature GR group. It's excellent and a fast read. I'm also getting back to [book:..."This is in my 'Want to Read' pile.
I very much liked American Street by Haitian-American author Ibi Zoboi and posted my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm currently reading two books (along side some manga and comics, but I don't think those count). Tides of War by Christie Golden and United as One by Pittacus Lore
Mod
You by Caroline Kepnes
Augustown by Kei Miller
and listening to:
Cane by Jean Toomer ( I had to restart this one, after getting half way through I was questioning what the hell was going on. lol)
Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters
Where'd you go on vacation? I'm thinking about starting You in the next couple of days. Let me know if you like it.
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I'm still in the early stages of You, but so far I'm just thinking....this guy is really crazy. LOL. I would love to discuss it with you.
I did not finish You, it made me squirm. Weird, weird dude.
Jean wrote: "I did not finish You, it made me squirm. Weird, weird dude."That's exactly why I loved it..lol
I'm reading Olio by Tyehimba Jess this year's Pulitzer winner for poetry. Wow.
Lulu wrote: "I just went home to Mississippi and made a stop in Memphis and New Orleans! I had so much fun. LOLI'm still in the early stages of You, but so far I'm just thinking....this guy is really crazy. L..."
I read You. Let me know what you think. How's Underground Airlines so far?
I'm reading Most Wanted, which is turning out better than it started. Interesting plot about a couple that wants kids, are having trouble, and have decided to use a donor. Come to find out, the donor may be the same person that is accused of murder. What would you do if the biological father of your unborn child was a killer?
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I'm still in the early stages of You, but so far I'm just thinking....this guy is re..."
I was not a fan of Underground Airlines..... :-(
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This sounds interesting.
Lulu wrote: "Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "I'm reading Most Wanted, which is turning out better than it started. Interesting plot about a couple that wants kids, are having trouble, and have dec..."It is actually very good, but I had a hard time in the beginning because I am not too crazy about one of the characters.
Lulu wrote: "Shanika wrote: "Lulu wrote: "I just went home to Mississippi and made a stop in Memphis and New Orleans! I had so much fun. LOLI'm still in the early stages of You, but so far I'm just thinking....."
That's not good to hear. I'll definitely have to give it a try.
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Getting deeper into Negro with a Hat: The Rise and Fall of Marcus Garvey and His Dream of Mother Africa, I don't know if I like Colin Grant take on Marcus Garvey....but I'm gonna keep reading.