Veronica's Annual Reading Challenge 12 + 4

[Veronica]

Books to Read

1.James by Percival Everett
2. Deacon King Kong by James McBride
3. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory MaGuire
4. Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevado 7/11/25
5.Familia by Lauren Rico 6/3/25
6. Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley 03/17/25
7. Clockers by Richard Price
8.The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
9.Colored Television by Danzy Senna 3/02/25
10. Fire Exit by Morgan Talty
11. Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead 9/1/25
12. Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead 10/10/25

Plus 4

1.Shantaram by Gregory Roberts
2. You Like It Darker by Stephen King
3.Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez
4.Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

[Ioana]

At least 3 so far are on my TBR too. I can't wait to read your reviews, I hope they are all great and you enjoy them. Happy reading!

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Veronica wrote: " Books to Read

1.James by Percival Everett
2. Deacon King Kong by James McBride
3. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Grego..."

I cannot believe you haven't read Wicked yet?? I really think you will love it. It is right up your alley!

Good luck with the rest of your choices!!

[Bonnie]

Veronica wrote: " Books to Read

1.James by Percival Everett
2. Deacon King Kong by James McBride
3. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Grego..."

I've only read Wicked- loved it- and just watched the movie.

[Bill, Moderator]

I've read and enjoyed Elizabeth Acevedo's other books and have Family Lore on my shelf as well. I hope to get to it in 2025.

[Alissa]

Great list so far!! I also have not read Wicked yet

[Lea]

Great choices! I have only read Wicked, but I'm hoping to read all of the other books you have listed so far.

[Veronica]

Alondra wrote: "Veronica wrote: " Books to Read

1.James by Percival Everett
2. Deacon King Kong by James McBride
3. [book:Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the Wes..."

I started reading and then I stopped. I need to get back into it

[Veronica]

Thank You everyone. Not finished yet though.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Veronica wrote: "I started reading and then I stopped. I need to get back into it..."

Ahhhh; I see. Once you get past the initial shock of it being a retelling; it gets really good. Elphaba is my fav.

[Veronica]

So far this is final..i think lol

[Jackie]

I still need to read Wicked. Enjoy your list.

[Veronica]

Thank you

[Veronica]

Colored Television by Danzy Senna 3.0


I wasnt a fan of this book. Its about a couple who are both biracial. The MC Jane seems to have issues with being biracial and stared writing on book on "mulattoes" in American. Now this word has been used throughout the book as a current day term. As if people still use this term - mulatto. Mulatto this. Mulatto that. It was driving me insane.

Ultimately Jane as novelist decides to become a screenwriter. Novels is not a thing anymore because people do not want to read - short attention span. And was so naive of Hollywood

She kind of differentiate between mulatto ( half black, half white) and biracial people ( all others) It just disturbs me that being a mulatto is different from other biracial people . I felt she makes it seems they are confused and overwhelmed finding their identity based on American ideology. She's consumed with mulattos and being mulatto.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Veronica wrote: "Colored Television by Danzy Senna 3.0


I wasnt a fan of this book. Its about a couple who are both biracial. The MC Jane seems to have issu..."

Yeah, I'll pass. Yikes

[Veronica]

I say read it. But you may not like this one..

Started Nightcrawling. Now that one is interesting.

I cant wait for Sunrise on the Reaping

[Veronica]

Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley

This book was sooo raw.. You can actually smell the odors of the environment. This is not for the weak of heart. Abandonment, corruption, despair.. But hope, love, and friendship throughout it all.

This would make a great group read.

[Lillie]

Veronica wrote: " Books to Read

1.James by Percival Everett
2. Deacon King Kong by James McBride
3. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Grego..."

So many good books on your list! I'll be reading James with my book club in a couple of months. So excited to get to it. But I wonder if I need to have read Huckleberry Finn first?

Enjoy your list!

[Veronica]

I think I am ready to read James now also. I heard it was really good

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Veronica wrote: "Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley

This book was sooo raw.. You can actually smell the odors of the environment. This is not for the weak of heart. A..."

I added this one instead of Colored Television. Sounds really good.

[Veronica]

Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert 5.0

All I can say this book was amazing. However, please listen to the audiobook. Bob the Drag Queen narrates. You will love it.. You are in for a treat!

[Veronica]

5.0

When you think the games cannot get any worse.

All the favorites show up.. Haymitch was completed shafted and you will understand him more.

This one was my most favorite Hunger Game installation

[Veronica]

book:Familia|126423172] 5.0

OMG I never cried so much over book. The last portion was amazing... This is a must read. I cant even say too much without giving it all away.

And the PR culture. As a native New Yorker and having a brother in law from PR, this book just hit home.. Especially the food.. LOL

GRACE, MERCY, COMPASSION and most of all LOVE filled these pages...

[Alissa]

Veronica wrote: "book:Familia|126423172] 5.0

OMG I never cried so much over book. The last portion was amazing... This is a must read. I cant even say too much without giving it all aw..."

This sounds great! Added to my TBR =)

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Veronica wrote: "book:Familia|126423172] 5.0

OMG I never cried so much over book. The last portion was amazing... This is a must read. I cant even say too much without giving it all aw..."

Added. It does sound good.

[Veronica]

Hello,

I have not been on in awhile. But I have been reading.

1.All the Other Mothers Hate Me
2.Never Flinch - Excellent. A bit eerie because of an actual event.
3.Family Lore] Different.. Tear jerker
4.The Queen's Spade
5.Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show Good read on a group turned cult
6.King of Ashes
7.The Compound
8. Little Rot - Not for the faint of heart..Really explicit.. But excellent
9.El Dorado DriveNext of Kin
10Summer Rental
11. Harlem Shuffle - Book 1 Must read both books
12. Crook Manifesto Book 2
13. The Surrogate Mother
14.Mean Moms - So messy.. Love messy drama
15.Next of Kin - This should be a group read. A controversial topic

[Veronica]

Harlem Shuffle and Crook Manifesto is the Harlem I rememebered in the 70's and 80's.. Its sooo different today..

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Oh, you've been reading, reading! Kudos on your progress!!

I have Harlem Shuffle on the list. The movie was excellent; if I remember correctly.

Edit: I did NOT remember correctly.. LOL

[Bill, Moderator]

Harlem Shuffle was interesting. You've read a lot. Enjoy the rest of the year.

[Veronica]

Alondra wrote: "Oh, you've been reading, reading! Kudos on your progress!!

I have Harlem Shuffle on the list. The movie was excellent; if I remember correctly."

There isnt movie yet for this one.. I

[Veronica]

Bill wrote: "Harlem Shuffle was interesting. You've read a lot. Enjoy the rest of the year."

Yes. Have a lot of downtime at work..

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Veronica wrote: "Alondra wrote: "Oh, you've been reading, reading! Kudos on your progress!!

I have Harlem Shuffle on the list. The movie was excellent; if I remember correctly."

There isnt movie yet for this one.. I"

Really?? I could have sworn Gregory Hines was in it. Let me see what I'm talking about!! Bwahahaha.... :D

EDIT: Forgive me, the movie I am thinking of is A Rage in Harlem. Hehhehehehe

[Veronica]

Yes.. LOL