Feb '21 GR: Confessions in B Flat

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

This is where we will be discussing February’s group read Confessions in B Flat by Donna Hill.


The year is 1963. In Harlem, the epicenter of Black culture, the fight for equality has never been stronger. The time is now. Enough is enough. Yet even within its ranks, a different kind of battle rages. Love thy neighbor? Or rise up against your oppressors?

Jason Tanner has just arrived in New York to help spread the message of his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., of passive resistance, while beat poet Anita Hopkins believes the teachings of Malcolm X with all her heart: that the way to true freedom is “by any means necessary.” When Jason sees Anita perform her poetry at the iconic B-Flat lounge, he’s transfixed. And Anita has never met anyone who can match her wit for wit like this…

One movement, two warring ideologies—can love be enough to unite them?

Confessions in B-Flat is a celebration of the hard-won victories of those who came before us, and a stark reminder of just how far we still have to go.

How many of you will be joining the discussion?





Reading Schedule:

Chapters 1 - 5: Discussions will begin on 2/14
Chapters 6 - 12: Discussions will begin on 2/21
Chapters 13 - Epilogue: Discussions will begin on 2/28

[Destiny]

I'll try to join the discussion. My library has copies, but they aren't showing up on the site at the moment.

[reneeNaDaCherry]

i plan to participate in the group discussion. i'm downloading the book now from my local library.

[Carmaleeta]

I will be participating in the group discussions.

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Sorry for the delay, I just got my book in the mail.

Reading Schedule:

Chapters 1 - 5: Discussions will begin on 2/14
Chapters 6 - 12: Discussions will begin on 2/21
Chapters 13 - Epilogue: Discussions will begin on 2/28

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Chapters 1 - 5 Discussion starts here.....
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So........I'm not really feeling this book. It's not what I was expecting at all. And overall it doesn't feel like it took place in the 60s. I know we are still early into the reading.....maybe it will get better for me.


Who else is reading? What are you thoughts?

[reneeNaDaCherry]

I'm listening to the audible version and it is entertaining. Just hearing the narrator's tone change to sound like Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Abernathy, or other characters in the story hold my interest. Anywho, I love history/historical fiction books. So far, so good to me.

[Stephanie]

Just got the book from the library today. Going to get into it and join the discussion.

[MJ]

The library finally got the audiobook on Libby for me today. Hooray! Planning to participate soon!

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

I’m gonna get back to it this weekend! I’m sure it will pick up for me.

[Carmaleeta]

I've so far only read the five chapters, and it is introducing the two characters Anita and Jason. I am enjoying the style of writing and it brings back memories for me of going to the record store, getting mix tapes, having a phone available only at the house.
I'm sure the remaining part of the book will pick up. It will be interesting how the two of them manage to get along even though their opinions are completely different.

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Joy wrote: "Hi Lulu-When will the March book be announced? Depending on popularity I might have a long library reserve line."

Ahh! I'm gonna send a poll out here shortly. Thank you for the reminder. Time has just been getting away from me.

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Alright. I’ve just finished Chapter 12, still reading. Lol. Ok...so the story isn’t bad. Lol. I don’t know what I was expecting, but this is a love story with the civil rights movement as the background. This makes things so much better now. Lol

I do love Jason, but Anita is a bit too flighty for my taste....maybe it’s her age? Her upbringing in the north?

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Ok. I’m done with the reading.

I wanna try something new. Just a free for all discussion. No set questions, just our thoughts and questions. I only ask that you use the spoiler tag if you will be sharing spoilers.

Sooooo......thoughts?! Lol

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Joy wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

That’s true! But then the story ends. Lol

[Carmaleeta]

To begin with, I gave this book three stars. The reason is because their marketing department or publisher lead me to believe it would be a story of two people's philosophical choices between Malcom X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Confessions in B-Flat is a celebration of the hard-won victories of those who came before us, and a stark reminder of just how far we still have to go."

If they had told the truth I would have given the book 5 stars because it was a wonderful love story. And I also read that the author was a romance novelist.

I enjoyed the pictures and sources of information for both Malcom X and Dr. King. I also liked how the author gave the philosophy for both leaders.

Anita fell in the trap of trying to protect their love ones (Jason) by withholding information. It is always better to be honest and truthful.

Some of the stories told by each parent about what had happened in the past is very eye opening. I especially liked the one about the collard greens. The awkwardness for Jason and his parents was so awful; but to have to endure the trauma for three years is unbelievable. Mr. Whitey got what he deserved!

It is also interesting how Anita changed into an adorable housewife despite her rebellious attitude. I dropped my book when Jason came into the house to a shirt ironed by Anita. And she was very content to be a stay-at-home mom. I wonder if this had been 20 years in the future would Anita have had the same attitude.

Finally, I liked how the parents were able to be friends and help out during the rough situation.

So the book really deserved 5 stars but I hate being mislead.

[MJ]

Spoilers present:

I am confused by Jason's military enlistment in contrast to his allegiance to nonviolence. That didn't make sense to me.

Also Anita's willingness to quiet her voice and stay home once she became a mom didn't feel authentic to her personality.

Can anyone make sense of these transitions?

[Lulu, The Book Reader who could.]

Joy raises a good point that maybe Jason was trying to follow in his father’s footsteps by enlisting in the army. My thought was that maybe he joined to secure an income so that he could marry Anita and build a home with her.

MLK, Jr. was so vehemently against the war though.....Jason’s actions are still a bit confusing for me.


I think Anita was just bored in the beginning. Lol. Perhaps looking for her purpose. I think becoming a mother gave her what she was missing.

[reneeNaDaCherry]

I agree with Lulu. As I read it, it seemed Jason joined the military because he wanted to marry Anita. As her husband, Jason wanted to be able to provide for Anita. Plus his military benefits would enable him to purchase a home and be the provider once the couple started a family. I'm not too sure Anita thought that far into the future because she wanted to jump start the relationship by moving him in with her.