June Group Read: Conjure Women

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

This is where we will be discussing June’s group read, Conjure Women by Afia Atakora. How many of you will be joining the discussion?

[Trudy]

Yay! So excited to read this book. 😁

[Shomeret]

Yay! I have this book. I've been waiting to get the chance to read it.
I'm going to start before June.

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

I’m excited to discuss this one. I’ve been attempting to read it for a while. Lol

[Adiyam]

Hi, I’m new to the group! Does anyone have any website recommendations where I can purchase this book for a reasonable price? I would like to join in on this month book reading. Many thanks.

[Dosha (Bluestocking7)]

You can try paperbackswap.com or used bookstores?

I have had some luck with paper back swap dot com in the past.

[BernieMck]

I read “Conjure Women” last month. It was a good read, you will enjoy it.

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Bernice! Please feel free to pop in and comment if you get the time.

[Darryl]

I will be discussing. Thank you!

[Dosha (Bluestocking7)]

Okay, I’m in! I’ll read Slave Play next month.

[Veronica]

Hey All...

I plan on reading this book in June. I would love to join this group read

[Dosha (Bluestocking7)]

Welcome Veronica. I meant to say I’ll read Conjure Woman next and then read Slave Play in July.

[Danielle Roberts]

I will be joining the discussion

[Charmer (+ Vibes Only)]

It sounds good. I'm in.

[Olivia]

I'm searching for the book now. Looking forward to the discussion.

[Darryl]

My copy from Barnes and noble came this morning. I am so excited!

[Maya]

I hope to have my copy in time for the discussion

[Crys]

Sounds interesting. Can’t wait to read and discuss. Sounds like a good candidate for a medium bodied red 🤔

[Jocelynn]

Does anyone have a good site for an audiobook for this one? I would love to join in on this discussion.

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Local Library and Audible. Unfortunately Scribd doesn’t have it yet.

[Dedria]

It just was published last month by Penguin at $27 so I doubt it would be used or in any firm other than print. Our libraries are closed here so ....

[Charmer (+ Vibes Only)]

Jocelynn wrote: "Does anyone have a good site for an audiobook for this one? I would love to join in on this discussion."

Jocelynn, try Libby it's an app. It's through the library. That's where I'm getting my copy. It's audio. I'm #5 on the waiting list. I hope this helps and that you get a copy.

[Mo]

Cool. The best reason for me to finish the book, right now.

[Sha]

I will be joining the discussion.

[Shomeret]

I finished this book yesterday. It was definitely good. The characters were so truthful.

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

I’m gonna start it Friday evening.

[Trudy]

Starting tonight.

[Dosha (Bluestocking7)]

I've been reading both and enjoying them.

[Trudy]

I got to about 20%. No quite sure what to think of this story yet.

[Trudy]

One of the reviewers compared this book to THE HEALING by Jonathan Odell. I read that book quite awhile ago and since I gave it 4.5 stars, I obviously enjoyed it. Unfortunately, though, I don’t remember much about it. Anyone agree?

[Trudy]

Trudy wrote: "I got to about 20%. No quite sure what to think of this story yet."

32%. I. Know what to think now....I’m hooked! This is very good! 😁

[Trudy]

33%. Ironic (view spoiler)[we’re reading about an illness which could take down a strong grown man. Makes me feel this episode even more.<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Trudy wrote: "One of the reviewers compared this book to THE HEALING by Jonathan Odell. I read that book quite awhile ago and since I gave it 4.5 stars, I obviously enjoyed it. Unfortunately, though, I don’t rem..."

Same Trudy! I’ve also read this and rated it high, but can’t really remember the story.

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

**The Discussion has started. There may be spoilers**.

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

I’ve completed part one and so far I’m fully engaged. I don’t know how I feel about the flip flopping between different time periods, but it’s not confusing....yet. Lol

Do you feel this is a coming of age story for Rue?

What about Bruh Abel? Is he a symbol of the new “modern” times?

[Trudy]

I’m only at 34%, but I have definite feelings about Bruh Abel. (view spoiler)[ To me he appears to be a charlatan who is feeding people’s fears and taking advantage of their generosity. I was so shocked and appalled when he baptized Ru against her will. Even after all of that trickery, Bean did not really get completely submerged so I’m assuming he was not really baptized. I wonder if the people were able to see this.
Although, it doesn’t appear to make a difference either way because the town has ostracized both Bean and Ru regardless of whether they were baptized or not.<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Bobby]

Trudy wrote: "I’m only at 34%, but I have definite feelings about Bruh Abel. To me he appears to be a charlatan who is feeding people’s fears and taking advantage of their generosity. I was so shocked and appall..."

"34%" ? I take it you're reading on Kindle? ;-D

Which I'm only just discovering the beauty of...

[Trudy]

Bobby wrote: "Trudy wrote: "I’m only at 34%, but I have definite feelings about Bruh Abel. To me he appears to be a charlatan who is feeding people’s fears and taking advantage of their generosity. I was so shoc..."

Yes. I have a Paperwhite and the kindle app on my devices. Glad you’re enjoying.

[Trudy]

Sorry, guys. Just realised when I posted my comment this morning I should have used the spoiler notation. I fixed it. Hope I didn’t ruin that part for anyone.

[Trudy]

Just got to Part Three. I LOVE THIS BOOK!

[Trudy]

Afia on the birth of Conjure Women
(No worries No spoilers)
https://youtu.be/s-9UcUvS1hA

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Trudy!!! This is a really good book! I just finished part two. (view spoiler)[ There is so much going on! This is so beautifully written! I don’t even mind the shift in timeline because it all flows so nicely!!

Bruh Abel came back to town drunk and now Rue has to save him and the town that’s turned its back on her?! It’s clear that Rue is in love with Jonah, I wonder if he feels the same. I am curious as to what they are writing Varina about (or did I miss that already?) Who/what is Rue visiting in the church? (hide spoiler)]

[Dosha (Bluestocking7)]

I’m looking forward to getting back to it. I’m still trying to figure out Bruh man.

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Bruh man!! Lol!!!!

[Trudy]

Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "I’m looking forward to getting back to it. I’m still trying to figure out Bruh man."

Okay, Dosha. You know you messed me up with the “Bruh Man”.
I laugh every time I see it. 😂😄

[Trudy]

Lulu wrote: "Trudy!!! This is a really good book! I just finished part two. There is so much going on! This is so beautifully written! I don’t even mind the shift in timeline because it all flows so nicely!!
..."

I KNOW....I just started searching for articles about Afia Atakora. I wanted to know more about the young woman who created this amazing piece her first time out.
End of Part Two. (view spoiler)[Sad realization for Rue that Jonah will never love her. And Sarah....she came to Rue for help and then completely turned on her! Varina is still a mystery to me too. So, deciding to make Bean ill for a short time seems very risky to me. I just keep thinking...what if he dies? They will really hate her then.<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Trudy]

42%. Wait a minute! What’s “Bruh Man” up to ??????(view spoiler)[ Coming over unannounced and bringing vegetables! Hmmm<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Dosha (Bluestocking7)]

I agree Trudy, He’s driving me and Ru crazy. He’s up to something. I’m almost to part two and it seems there is a struggle for power going on between the two of them.

[Trudy]

Page 192. Bruh Abel’s mother(view spoiler)[She sold him! Dang, that was rough! I believe it was because his eyes reminded her of the master. Then his being trained, paraded around, and then used as an instrument to diminish other black people. Well, I certainly understand him better now. Whew! <\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Trudy]

51%. Varina was their pacer. (view spoiler)[Really something how the slave girls’ life events were connected to Varina. Their ages were connected to her birthday. Also, it broke my heart when Rue discoverd the doll, which looked like her, was not for her. Sigh! However, it must have given those slave girls a little satisfaction to experience menstruation without her. Even though they were now “ Elevated in value by the promise of their multitudes.”
The waist beads were a lovely gift from mother to daughter. I was annoyed when Varina insisted Rue make her some. <\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]