In But This Is Different we meet Mere who for the last forty years was living on an unnamed island in the South Pacific. For forty years she shared In But This Is Different we meet Mere who for the last forty years was living on an unnamed island in the South Pacific. For forty years she shared the customs of the islanders and made a home there. Every year Mere receives a package with a letter from a mysterious friend. This time, the friend writes to Mere asking her to leave the island to visit her and so the adventure begins.
I was pleasantly surprised at how charming and utterly beautiful this book was. I loved Mere as a character and the mystery surrounding why she was on the island and which friend she was leaving to visit. I am a big fan of adventure reads and Mary Baron takes us on an adventure through Mere's journey to her friend.
A great read if you are looking adventure! ...more
No Longer At Ease is the second book in The African Trilogy, with Things Fall Apart being the first. I ended up not reading the books in order but I dNo Longer At Ease is the second book in The African Trilogy, with Things Fall Apart being the first. I ended up not reading the books in order but I don't reading in order is necessary. I do think Things Fall Apart is the strongest book in the collection with No Longer At Ease being the runner up.
In No Longer At Ease we meet Obi Okonkwo, he recently returned from studying in the UK. He was one of the few persons offered a scholarship to go abroad to study. As part of his scholarship he must return to Nigeria to work as a civil servant to repay his part of his scholarship. Achebe covers a lot in his novel, more specifically how Obi saddles his new position as a civil servant while trying to provide for his family who are still in the village.
Each day contains much more than its own hours, or minutes, or seconds. In fact, it would be no exaggeration to say that each day cont Updated May 23
Each day contains much more than its own hours, or minutes, or seconds. In fact, it would be no exaggeration to say that each day contains all of history.
In re-reading this book I was reminded how much of a master author and poet Kei Miller is. I cannot get over how he is able to interweave stories and bring you to the best climax. A thorough examination of a period on Jamaica's history that deserves to be read.
December 2018 The story of Bedward is not the one they been telling you. Is it not the story of some fool-fool man who get it into him head that him could fly. And neither is it the story of a clumsy baff-hand man who fall out of a tree. You hearing me child? The story of Bedward is something completely different -is the story of a man who try his best to do something big-and to reach higher than any of we did think a man like him could ever had reach….. Then again, is probably just the everyday story of this goddamn island- just another striving man that this blasted country decide to pull down”
The book is named after August Town, a community in Jamaica. In Augustown we meet Ma Taffy, a blind woman who sees and smells trouble a mile away. On this particular day Ma Taffy felt a feeling of impending doom and disaster- autoclaps. It was not too long she hears her six-year old Nephew Kaia crying on his way home from school. This is the same nephew Ma Taffy keeps telling “you need to grow a backbone.” Nothing could prepare Ma Taffy for the injustice her six-year-old nephew faced and she knows this is just the start of what would turn out to be an autoclaps.
While we Ma Taffy and her six-year-old nephew seems to be the focal point of this story, the book covers a lot more than that. It is about Bedward the flying prophet, August Town, Rastafarianism, Belief and community.
If you are a Jamaica reading this book, it will read like a history lesson or commentary on the political, social and spiritual happenings during a particular time in Jamaica. I for one learned a lot picking this up.
I love a book with strong characters who drive the plot along. Kei Miller is the master of backstory, with every character that is introduced you get an in-depth look into their lives before their introduction and how they form part of the reason for the autoclaps. Every character is a piece of the overall story, except you are not sure how they contribute until the last chapters of the book, then everything seems to come together.
This is my first book my Kei Miller and I am greatly impressed by his storytelling, writing and the research that I am sure went into this book. I am making it my duty to read more of Miller’s work and so should you....more
I am a big fan of Moriarty's writing style which is why I was excited for this release. Moriarty is able It's like click bait you can't stop reading
I am a big fan of Moriarty's writing style which is why I was excited for this release. Moriarty is able to pull you in through the various characters she introduces. These characters pull down this rabbit hole that you cannot seem to get out of.
In Nine Perfect Strangers we meet 9 persons who show up at a health retreat for various reasons, in the hopes that they will all leave feeling healed. What ends up happening is a big laughable and underwhelming at the same time. While I did enjoy the first 65% of the book, the remainder was a bit biazzre, it was as if Moriarty gave up rushed to tie everything up. I think the book would have benefitted if there were less characters. We were given in-depth background information on each, some of which I forgot to the end because I just could not keep up with every single one.
However, if you are a fan of Moriarty you might forgive her and enjoy this.
Below is a line a in the book that SHOOK me... I never thought of this until I saw this in the book. Men often used that phrase: “drop some weight.” They said it without shame or emotion, as if the weight were an object they could easily put down when they chose. Women said they needed to “lose weight,” with their eyes down, as if the extra weight was part of them, a terrible sin they’d committed. ...more
When I started reading this book I could see what the hype was about. This debut collection of sho “If I had words left in me, I would not be here.”
When I started reading this book I could see what the hype was about. This debut collection of short stories is cutting, sharp, refreshing, bizarre and is here to tackle racial issues, capitalism and other topics I am here for authors taking pen to paper for. While I did enjoy a lot of the stories, others veered too far left for me and I was like puzzled. Overall, this book read like a series of Black Mirror and I would love to see these stories brought to life.
If you are looking a book to take you out of your element in a good, maybe bad way. Pick this one up. ...more
As someone who works in Marketing and Communications, I thoroughly enjoyed reading, learning and getting some reinforcements on things I already knew.As someone who works in Marketing and Communications, I thoroughly enjoyed reading, learning and getting some reinforcements on things I already knew. I have been a practicing Marketer for the last 8 years and reading this book really helped to simplify and expand on issues I encounter on a daily basis.
This is a book about roots. About anchoring your work deeply in the dreams, desires, and communities of those you seek to serve. It’s about changing people for the better, creating work you can be proud of. And it’s about being a driver of the market, not simply being market-driven.
Having launched BookOfCinz this year, reading this from a Creative perspective really opened my eyes. It is so hard to stay focus in this Marketing world where numbers, likes and mass is the goal. However, this book reinforces the point that mass isn't everything and influence always wins.
If you are in the filed of marketing, I highly recommend reading this.
The relentless pursuit of mass will make you boring, because mass means average, it means the center of the curve, it requires you to offend no one and satisfy everyone. It will lead to compromises and generalizations. Begin instead with the smallest viable market. What’s the minimum number of people you would need to influence to make it worth the effort? ...more
I kept seeing The Heads of the Colored People on my bookstagram timeline, to the point where I felt like it was haunting me. I finUtterly addictive
I kept seeing The Heads of the Colored People on my bookstagram timeline, to the point where I felt like it was haunting me. I finally decided to give this book a read and man.... I am so happy I did. I devoured this book. If I had to describe this book in one word it would be addictive. When I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about reading the book. This might just be one of my favorite collection of short stories for this year.
Every story is unique, captivating, dark and hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the scenarios the characters found themselves in. Nafissa shows us how great writer she is by conveying so much in just 5-10 pages. One of my favorite reads for 2018. ...more
I almost asked myself, why isn’t everyone an influencer? But I already knew the answer to that: Because being an influencer is hard.
Everyone is an "II almost asked myself, why isn’t everyone an influencer? But I already knew the answer to that: Because being an influencer is hard.
Everyone is an "Influencer" nowadays but are they really? You look on their feed and think "I can do this!" but can you? Honestly, it is exhausting how many "influencers" we have out there trying to make it "big". In Influencer Brittany Hennessy gives us play by play look into the world of influencers and what you can do to step your game up. While she offers practical tips most were geared towards people with 25,000 + followers or if you are an Influencer in the Beauty/Fashion space.
With that said, I still learn a few things that I can implement especially as it concerns Google Search and having a succinct bio with a contact information. It is clear Brittany Hennessy knows what she speaks of, so I would encourage you to pick this up if you are contemplating becoming another Influencer.
In a Free State is a collection of stories four to be exact. I particularly liked the first two stories, that told of the immigrant experience. I lo In a Free State is a collection of stories four to be exact. I particularly liked the first two stories, that told of the immigrant experience. I loved how Naipaul wrote of the Immigrant experience in a such an authentic way. I have to say, I did not enjoy the longest story in this collection- In A Free State, in this story we meet two expats who are driving through "Africa" the continent is on the verge of civil uprising so the drive is a bit uncomfortable. The story was long and meandering and felt like it was not going anywhere. Overall the collection felt flat for me. ...more
There is no possible way I can convey how important reading this book is. I am not a major reader of history books but in reading this I learned so muThere is no possible way I can convey how important reading this book is. I am not a major reader of history books but in reading this I learned so much. I joked with my friend that when I finish this book I should be given a BA in Haitian History and rightly so. The Black Jacobins gives an in-depth look on the history of Haiti, the revolution and the impact the man called Toussaint L'Ovuerture.
I have always had a bit of fascination with the country Haiti mainly because of its rich culture and history. There is so much to explore and unpack about this country and I think C.L.R James did an exceptional job of putting a lot things in context and revealing the things that shaped this country into what it is today.
Haiti was the first country in the Caribbean to abolish slavery. They led the most successful slave revolt that impacted the world during that time. The revolt as a catalyst of things to come. In this book we are given an in-depth look of how the country was impacted by the British, French, Spanish and American influence. There are so many things at play in the history of Haiti and the revolution and it is covered in its entirety in this book.
It is a difficult book to read because of the timelines and numerous persons mentioned, but it is worth going through. I know about Toussaint L'Ouverture in passing, in reading this book I got a better idea of who this man is, what he stood for and how he impacted history in a major way.
Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child—What do you want to be when you grow uHands Down, the Best Memoir of 2018
Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child—What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.
I picked up Becoming because it is Michelle Obama and I wanted to hear what she had to say. I expected to be wowed, amazed, and knocked off my feet but I didn't expect to be so smitten. I have no words to explain how amazing this book is. The writing is flawless, Michelle Obama is GOALS and the G.O.A.T. This is Michelle Obama like we have never seen her before, unencumbered, moving, flawed, deeply authentic and funny. I am in awe of this woman and the life she has lived so far and I cannot wait to see where the next years take the Obamas.
While I am not a big fan of politics and politician, the Obamas stole my heart when they were in power and I still look on deeply fascinated by the life they live. In Becoming Michelle Obama gave us an inside look at exactly what the race for presidency was like, what living under a spotlight like the First Lady affected her and her children and how she was able to use her platform.
Also, can we just all pause and acknowledge Barrack and Michelle's love story and how moving it was? I found myself crying, laughing out loud and cheering for them at different stages of the book. This might be one of the best memoirs I have read to date.
This is a MUST READ. Top favorite book of 2019, do not sleep on it.
Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own. ...more
… Nuclear War would have begun on the beaches of Cuba and might have ended in a global holocaust
My friend gave me a stack of books because he was c … Nuclear War would have begun on the beaches of Cuba and might have ended in a global holocaust
My friend gave me a stack of books because he was cleaning up his library, this book was included in the stack. At first glance I thought there would be nothing in here that would interest me, however, after reading this harrowing account of what when on during the Cuban Missile Crisis, I couldn't have been more wrong.
What blew my mind was how I heard about the Cuban Missile crisis in passing but I never thought about the full impact of what would have happened if things did not turn out the way it did. I think this book gives a glaring account at how fast these missiles can have global destruction. As the author puts it, In the first hour (of all-out nuclear war) one hundred million Americans and one hundred million Russians would be killed. Just think about that for a second and the repercussions that war would have had.
This reads like a horror story, but a necessary read.
I know I am in the minority but this book did nothing for me. Okay, may that was a little extreme because I did enjoy the first three chapters, I loveI know I am in the minority but this book did nothing for me. Okay, may that was a little extreme because I did enjoy the first three chapters, I loved meeting the character on earth but after that, it was downhill for me. ...more
First let me say I didn't two things going into this book: 1. That Roald Dahl is the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2. That this entire booFirst let me say I didn't two things going into this book: 1. That Roald Dahl is the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2. That this entire book was about sex.... lots of it.
With that said, imagine my shock when I was reading this and saw that all the stories were hella steamy. Regardless, it was a quick (lol) painless, well written book. I for some reason loved the main character the two times he was featured, he's got this 1970's Playboy aura about him and I fell for it. I especially loved the story about the doctor, it made me laugh out loud at how ridiculous it was.
OH, SLEEP. Nothing else could ever bring me such pleasure, such freedom, the Re-read this book as part of BookOfCinz Bookclub.
Bizarrely intoxicating
OH, SLEEP. Nothing else could ever bring me such pleasure, such freedom, the power to feel and move and think and imagine, safe from the miseries of my waking consciousness.
If you know me, you know I LOVE sleep. I have a very unhealthy relationship with my bed and sleep- it is something I might need to explore. Sleep is my answer to almost everything- broke? Sleep. Hungry? Go Sleep it off. Sad? Sleep. Depressed? Sleep. Happy? Sleep. Can't solve a problem? Go sleep. Seriously, sleep answers almost all my problems. I am in bed by 6:45pm most evenings and I manage to get 8.5hrs-10hrs daily and a lot more on weekends. You get it, I love sleep.
Imagine my surprise when I picked up My Year of Rest and Relaxation and saw myself in this bizarre, somewhat unlikeable character. The book is told from the Point of View of a Young Columbia Graduate who seems to have a whole lot going for her, based on society's standards. She owns an apartment in NYC, works in an art gallery, have a metabolism that keeps her thin, her parents left her a nice inheritance and when she isn't dressed up she looks like an off duty model- yes, she's got it all. Only this Character is insanely depressed and decides she is going to take a year off from life and just sleep.
Honestly, this book shook me because I see so much of myself in this character, I actually started to wonder if I was depressed. I sometimes feel or say that I need a month to just SLEEP, alas I don't have an inheritance so.... I read this book with smirk on my face because I kept thinking, "exactly how long is she gonna keep up this year of rest and relaxation". Overall, this is a bizarre yet deeply raw read. The main character does exactly what she feels like and is unapologetic about it and that is what I loved most about this novel.
If you want a wild ride, pick this book up....more
I know I am in the absolute minority but this book did not move me at all. I was underwhelmed during the entire 320 pages. I feel a bit heartless sayiI know I am in the absolute minority but this book did not move me at all. I was underwhelmed during the entire 320 pages. I feel a bit heartless saying this considering the sensitive topic the book covered but, reading this was painful. This book was chosen as part of a book club pick and I can see why they choose it- the hype. However I felt the writing, characters, plot development needed so much help and editing.
I wasn't moved by the characters. Avery was so vanilla and I don't see how this love story added anything to the over plot. In the case of Rill I was moved but not enough to care.
Re-Read Golden Child as the second book for BookOfCinz book club and it was a success.
I received an advanced reader copy of ClaUpdated- February 25th
Re-Read Golden Child as the second book for BookOfCinz book club and it was a success.
I received an advanced reader copy of Claire Adam’s “Golden Child” from the amazing people over at Hogarth’s Publishing. “Golden Child” will be on sale in January 2019 and I definitely recommend you grabbing a copy of this amazing novel.
Set in Trinidad and Tobago in what I am assuming is the 1980s we meet the Deyalsingh family- father Clyde, mother Joy and their twin sons Paul and Peter. The family lives in the rural part of Trinidad and Tobago in a home that’s been in the family for generations. The father Clyde is a humble yet proud man who is trying his very best to provide for his family even in difficult circumstances. Things got a bit difficult after the birth of their twin. While Peter was delivered without complications, Paul suffered lack of oxygen along with other complications, while he survived his difficult birth will be a foreshadowing of his life. Peter is deemed a genius by his family and teachers while Paul is labelled as “not normal”.
One evening Paul goes walking into the bush but does not come home. Joy and Peter are worried about what might happen to him. Clyde goes in search of his missing son who he had a terrible fight with some days before. While searching for his son Clyde thinks of all the possible reasons for his disappearance but nothing comes close to why he is actually missing.
I finished this book two days ago and I am still being haunted by what took place. This book pulls you in from the very first chapter. Adam pulls the strings so tight in this book, the tension and build-up is palatable, some moments I actually had to remind myself to breathe. What I loved most was how imperfect and authentic the characters were, especially Clyde who is forced to make a decision no parent should make.
Claire Adam’s writing is enthralling and beautiful. As a Jamaican living in Trinidad and Tobago for the last four years, I can say, with my limited knowledge that Adam perfectly captures the culture and social nuisances of this country.
Golden Child is a deeply moving story about family, love, betrayal and resilience. I cannot wait for everyone to read this because I know this will be a major hit for 2019. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ...more
My friend loan me this book when he heard I was writing a blog post on Classic Caribbean Reads, this book he said, should definitely be on the list. My friend loan me this book when he heard I was writing a blog post on Classic Caribbean Reads, this book he said, should definitely be on the list. Minty Alley was originally published in the 1930s and was out of print for a long time until "recently" more copies became available. I have never heard of this book until I received a loan but I am happy to got to read it.
The book is set in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1930s, we meet a young Mr. Haynes who in an effort to save money decides to downsize, rent out his house and go live on # Minty Alley. At #2 Minty Alley Mr. Haynes gives a vivid account of the persons he meets in what seems to be a tenement yard. We meet Mrs. Rouse, Benoit, Maisie, Nurse and some others. In this book we get a look into live at #2 Minty Alley, we meet some very flawed characters and we see Trinidad like I have never seen it before.
Honestly, I enjoyed reading this book. I love reading books set in the Caribbean that is filled with vibrant characters and hilarious situations. This book is about love, life in the Caribbean and loss. While I did enjoy the book, my only drawback was that it might have been just a tad bit too long. Other than that, if you are looking for an authentic Caribbean read, I recommend this....more
And this makes me wonder if a black girl’s life is only about being stitched together and coming undone, being stitched together and coming undone. And this makes me wonder if a black girl’s life is only about being stitched together and coming undone, being stitched together and coming undone.
I am not usually one for YA books but this one blew me over! I absolutely loved Renee Watson's Piecing Me Together . The book is told from the point of view of the main character Jade. She is a young girl from a poor neighborhood who won a scholarship to a prestigious mainly white school. Jade shows us how she navigates both worlds she is forced to live in and how everything expects something different from her. Renee Watson's writing was so real and well done.
If you enjoyed The Hate U Give then you will thoroughly enjoy this novel! A must read for me!...more
Everything's Trash, But It's Okay really delivered on so many levels. Phoebe isn't afraid to go there and talk about the really trivial things to th Everything's Trash, But It's Okay really delivered on so many levels. Phoebe isn't afraid to go there and talk about the really trivial things to the downright TRASH! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I found myself laughing out loud, getting enraged, nodding my head in agreement, crying (yes- I cried) and screaming "Hellz Nah!". I went through a rage of emotions while reading this book and even though a lot of things are trash, Phoebe really made me feel like its okay.
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it is clear her writing got better with her second book. The book is so topical and timely. A lot of the things she wrote about you've probably read about but she writes about it from an entirely refreshing angle. The book covers dating, feminism, finance, Phoebe meeting Bono and #BritishBae . The entire time I was reading this book I could hear Phoebe in my head which speaks to how authentic the writing is.
Everything Is Trash, but this book isn't! I definitely recommend picking this one up.
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