Read And Recommended Showing 551-600 of 1,067

[Andre(Read-A-Lot)]

Knucklehead is so damn good

[Monica]

Just finished Whatever Happened to Interracial Love? by Kathleen Collins a very different collection of short stories. Collins gets into the head space of intelligent, creative black characters. Really thoughtful (literally and figuratively). I enjoyed it.

[Lata]

And since you liked this one so much, Monica, this book moves up my TBR immediately. :)

[Beverly]

Andre wrote: "Knucklehead is so damn good"

Glad to hear!
I am looking forward to the buddy read on this book in mid-March.

[Beverly]

Monica wrote: "Just finished Whatever Happened to Interracial Love? by Kathleen Collins a very different collection of short stories. Collins gets into the head space of intelligen..."

You gave me the push to make this my next airplane read.

[s_evan]

Heart Berries: A Memoir By Terese Marie Mailhot is amazing, alas, it is not fiction. She's on my radar for any publications and this memior started out as fiction, so she's likely to have some come our way.

[Beverly]

Sarah Evan wrote: "Heart Berries: A Memoir By Terese Marie Mailhot is amazing, alas, it is not fiction. She's on my radar for any publications and this memior started out as fiction, so she's likely t..."

I agree!
It is a captivating read.

[jo]

am listening to Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie and it's slaying me. i stopped listening to American War by Omar El Akkad because if a book has to slay me, it'd better be excellent, and it wasn't. i read Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi and i loved it, but it's a HARD book to read.

unqualified recommendation for Aminatta Forna's Happiness. i haven't read anything by her i haven't LOVED.

[Beverly]

jo wrote: "am listening to Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie and it's slaying me. i stopped listening to American War by Omar El Akkad because if a ..."

I too enjoyed Home Fire.

In the midst of reading Freshwater and agree while a hard book to read (especially if you read articles by the author why she wrote the book) but it is so profound. Really hoping to see this book nominated (and win) for awards.

I will be reading Happiness at the beginning of April and keeping my fingers crossed that this book is as wonderful as her previous books.

[jo]

Beverly wrote: "I will be reading Happiness at the beginning of April and keeping my fingers crossed that this book is as wonderful as her previous books.

i think it really is. will love to see what you think!

[M.A.]

Anna Bell: The Sometimes Loner with an Unbreakable Spirit
Must read to be inspired. Free in Kindle Unlimited now.

[Ella]

jo wrote: "i stopped listening to American War by Omar El Akkad because if a ..."

I LOVED American War, but I dunno if I would've liked it as an audio book. I read it in two days and couldn't put it down. There was a big(ish) argument somewhere about the lack of racism in a future American civil war. It made me think, but then I realized all the characters were of such mixed race that perhaps El Akkad imagined once we get to that point, there simply won't be a way to find racism? I doubt that's true, so I've been rethinking the book for a while now.

I also adored Freshwater, but I work in the field of trauma, so I appreciated that it was so very different from the average DID story. It does take some serious concentration. I was lucky enough to avoid reading the author's views. I purposely stayed away until I'd read the book, then I actually didn't feel I needed to read them anymore. Freed up some more time?

One more thing that I've been thinking about since American War -- mostly, how do we decide, if an author doesn't self-identify, who is an author of color? Are Iranian people all POC? Do they identify that way? This is a longer thought, that I've been meaning to post about for a while, but since you mentioned him, I thought I'd throw it in.

[Ace]

Ella wrote: "One more thing that I've been thinking about since American War -- mostly, how do we decide, if an author doesn't self-identify, who is an author of color? Are Iranian people all POC? Do they identify that way? This is a longer thought, that I've been meaning to post about for a while, but since you mentioned him, I thought I'd throw it in."

I've also been unsure about this, is there perhaps an older discussion on this that we can look at previous comments?

Also ella, what is DID?

[William]

Ace wrote: "Ella wrote: "One more thing that I've been thinking about since American War -- mostly, how do we decide, if an author doesn't self-identify, who is an author of color? Are Iranian people all POC? ..."

I can say as an original OG of the group ( ha..but seriously..I think that only Wilhelmina has a longer tenure) that this question does come up every 2-3 years. And I can remember at least one very lengthy discussion and extensive thread. . I'll see if I can dig it up.

[Wilhelmina]

William wrote: "I can say as an original OG of the group ( ha..but seriously..I think that only Wilhelmina has a longer tenure) that this question does come up every 2-3 years. And I can remember at least one very lengthy discussion and extensive thread. . I'll see if I can dig it up...."

I think that we came in at the same time, Bill. And yep - we discuss this pretty often, but it can certainly be revisited.

[Ella]

Wilhelmina wrote: "William wrote: "I can say as an original OG of the group ( ha..but seriously..I think that only Wilhelmina has a longer tenure) that this question does come up every 2-3 years. And I can remember a..."

No need to rehash old topics, at least until I search for and read the old discussions. Once I've done that, I'll ask questions if I still have them, or express thoughts/feelings (of which I have several on this topic.) Anyway, thanks - I shall look.

Next up - a book coming in April I really loved by an AOC who identifies herself that way ;)

Apr 10, 2018
Heads of the Colored People
by Nafissa Thompson-Spires

I truly enjoyed this collection of short stories, found it truly "literary" in many ways, and always very good. It's unusual, funny and just a great collection. Here's my review, if you want more.

[Earl]

Barbara wrote: "I am listening to Purple Hibuscus on CD by Chimamanda Ngozi Adidne and all I can say is that it is great. It is a story that follows the life of a youger girl and her brother (and family) in Nigeri..."

I love Chimamanda :)

[Earl]

How many folks in this group enjoy listening to African American Historical Fiction via an audiobook? The reason I am asking is because my novel, Lenny Gray just became available on Audible and iTunes. I have a free Audible Audiobook Promotional Code to give away to someone in exchange for posting a review of the book on Audible, Amazon and Goodreads.

Here is what Lenny Gray is about.

Set in early 20th century Mississippi, Lenny Gray yearns for life beyond the suffocating walls that enclose her within. She has known from an early age that she is meant to live a better life, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women and particularly African American women.

Lenny Gray is set in motion when she attempts to escape from marriage to a loathsome man. Under the cloak of nightfall, Lenny rushes towards nearby train tracks to begin her walk north towards a better future. Before long, she is caught by Curly, the father of her unborn child, who gives her an ultimatum.

If you are interested in getting the promotional code. E-mail me at earl_sewell@yahoo.com and type Goodreads in the subject line. This is a first come first serve basis.

[Wilhelmina]

This is just a reminder that we have a Member Writings and Requests folder for authors to let us know about their books. Please put all posts related to your own writing there. Thanks!

[Tawallah]

For those who like science fiction or neo-slavery narratives I recommend An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon. Trigger warning however for sexual violence.

[Lata]

An Unkindness of Ghosts is fantastic!

[Beverly]

Seeing Columbus's list of memoirs reminded me that this year seems to be the year of excellent memoirs.

I would not necessarily call my shelf a reader of memoirs but this year so far I have read four memoirs I having been recommending to others:

When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors.

Heart Berries: A Memoir by Terese Marie Mailhot

This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America by Morgan Jerkins

Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Brittney Cooper

[Ella]

Recently, thinking about the books I've read this year and which were the standouts, When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors is definitely up there in the top 10 for me. Not only is there the important main story, but it's one of the most eloquent stories about mental illness being criminalized I've ever read, and I read a LOT on mental illness.

[Beverly]

Ella wrote: "Recently, thinking about the books I've read this year and which were the standouts, When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by [author:Patrisse Khan-Cullors|167..."

Yes, I would also say the mental issue being criminalized was the most profound part of this book.

It was another book that show how ill-equipped and ignorant we are about mental illness.

[Wilhelmina]

I have read 2 books recently that I really loved: Halsey Street by Naima Coster and Whiskey & Ribbons by Leesa Cross-Smith. Both surprised me by how deeply I became involved with the characters even if (especially in Halsey Street) I sometimes wanted to give them a good shake! Whiskey & Ribbons is still $1.99 for Kindles, I believe.

[Gabriella]

^^^Must share another recommendation for Whiskey & Ribbons—one of my favorites of 2018!!!

[Beverly]

Wilhelmina wrote: "I have read 2 books recently that I really loved: Halsey Street by Naima Coster and Whiskey & Ribbons by Leesa Cross-Smith. Both s..."

Yes, definitely wanted to give the characters in Halsey Street a couple of good shakes.
Also the gentrification storyline was well-done.

[ColumbusReads]

As I started reading this short story collection I vowed to take the next couple of years off from reading them. 90% of them just don’t seem to work for me. After reading this collection I’m no longer sticking with that.

Meet Behind Mars

Nothing left to say. Read it!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[jo]

holy smokes i finally read We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo and what a book!

also in love with Sorry to Disrupt the Peace, a crazy amazing first novel by korean american author Patty Yumi Cottrell and The Friend by asian american author Sigrid Nunez. The Friend is not a first novel and it seems to me a very expert piece of narrative. loved it.

[Beanie]

Hi everyone, newbie here; please be nice! I finished 'Cody Quan' by Louis Leung last week, and my review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Highly recommended!

I read the three-in-one version rather than the three books separately. It can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cody-Quan-Loui...

Glad I found this thread; I'll be looking for more to read and discuss!

[B. P.]

I'll recommend a short-fiction piece. I recently read Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin. It is a masterful short story and easily recommended.

[Ify]

Ken wrote: "I'll recommend a short-fiction piece. I recently read Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin. It is a masterful short story and easily recommended."

Adding this to my TBR

[Ify]

Columbus wrote: "As I started reading this short story collection I vowed to take the next couple of years off from reading them. 90% of them just don’t seem to work for me. After reading this collection I’m no lon..."

Also adding this to my TBR!

[Denise]

Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin is the best short story I have read to date. Moving, powerful, impacting, touching . . . realistic and entertaining. Great, amazing writing!

[B. P.]

Just read that story recently, very beautiful.

[Angela]

Hi Fellow Bibliophiles,

My name is Angela and I recently read a self-published book titled, Born This Way. While I found the book on my own, it was surprisingly realistic based on personal experiences I’ve heard about in the South and the writing was clean and engaging.

I reached out to the author after reading it just to share my thoughts. She was incredibly kind and even mailed me a bookmark. I just wanted to shout her out as she shared her love for the LGBT community with me and felt the need to write something that revealed how hard it can be to be your true self in certain families and environments. She also said she’s always seeking reviews, and gifts ebooks through Amazon to interested readers.

If you are interested in reading a tragic, super dark, perfectly written short book, definitely reach out to this author (Tammy Ferebee). The book is about half the size of a novel. I read it in a day and haven’t forgotten Joseph since. The story is sad, but it’s powerful and makes you think. I contacted her through her site www.tammyferebee.com and she responded the same day.

P.S- If you’ve read this book and have read others similar to it, please share your recommendations with me.

[s_evan]

Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is an amazing collection of short stories.

[Beverly]

Sarah Evan wrote: "Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is an amazing collection of short stories."

I definitely agree!!

[kittykat AKA Ms. Tortitude]

and .

The late great Octavia E. Butler really was ahead of her time.

[Louise]

Sarah Evan wrote: "Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is an amazing collection of short stories."

That is next on my list to read. I am looking forward to it. I keep hearing great things about this book.

[Lata]

Beale Street is on my TBR and I came across this article today:
https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2...

[Monica]

Lata wrote: "Beale Street is on my TBR and I came across this article today:
https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2..."

Thanks Lata!! Fascinating article. Now Beale Street is on my tbr as well ;-)

[Phyllis | Mocha Drop]

Thanks for sharing! Our local's club moderator chose this (If Beale Street Could Talk) as our February BoM, so this was timely!

[Lata]

Monica wrote: "Lata wrote: "Beale Street is on my TBR and I came across this article today:
https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2..."

Thanks Lata!! Fascinating article. Now Beale S..."

Just doing my part to keep our TBRs huge! :)

[Erin]

I just finished Convenience Store Woman translated from the Japanese and highly recommend it. It's short. I listened on Audible and it took three hours. It's about an abnormal Japanese girl with murderous tendencies who begins to understand life through the rituals of a convenience store where she takes temporary employment after college. Fascinating. Recommended by someone in the Literary Fiction group.

[Erin]

Another excellent novel I read was This Mournable Body. It gives one a feel for life as a Zimbabwe woman and the misogyny built into the culture. I believe the author lives or lived in Zimbabwe. It takes place in post-colonial Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia. The protagonist was educated in British schools but doesn't fit in anywhere after the Brits leave. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Beverly]

Erin wrote: "I just finished Convenience Store Woman translated from the Japanese and highly recommend it. It's short. I listened on Audible and it took three hours. It's about an abnormal Japan..."

I too enjoyed Convenience Store Woman!
It is a delightful charming read that is a great illustration of "to thine own self be true".

[Beverly]

Erin wrote: "Another excellent novel I read was This Mournable Body. It gives one a feel for life as a Zimbabwe woman and the misogyny built into the culture. I believe the author lives or lived..."

I am trying very hard to get to this book before the end of the year.
Earlier this year I read Nervous Conditions, and was very taken by the story, and writing.

[Lata]

I just came across a review for Marlon James' Black Leopard, Red Wolf (release in Feb 2019): https://www.tor.com/2018/11/26/black-...

[Nadine in California]

Lata wrote: "I just came across a review for Marlon James' Black Leopard, Red Wolf (release in Feb 2019): https://www.tor.com/2018/11/26/black-..."

I didn't want to read past the 2nd paragraph of the review which is:

Dead. I’m dead. I have died. It is so good it killed me. Murdered by my own ARC. Please bury me in my To Read pile.

That's all I need. I want to go into it with no advance knowledge and ride where it takes me.