Re-Read this book for BookOfCinz Book Club This is an exceptional read for book clubs, so many things to discuss.
What an interesting read! I am stil Re-Read this book for BookOfCinz Book Club This is an exceptional read for book clubs, so many things to discuss.
What an interesting read! I am still thinking about this days after finishing the book.
In Dominoes we meet Layla, British-Jamaican woman living in London. She’s got a Black Jamaican mother and a white father who she’s never met. Layla grew up with her Mom and her Grandfather with the company of her best friend Sera.
The book opens with Layla and Sera going to a house party. Layla meets Andy and finds out they share the same last name: McKinnon. They instantly hit it off, they fall in love hard and fast. They move in together, Andy is attentive, a great listener, he’s everything Layla wants in a partner and in no time he proposes and they start planning their wedding.
With 29 days to go til their wedding Sera shares her concerns about Layla marrying a white man who has her last name and is from a Scottish background. Could it be his forefathers were slave masters? Sera encourages Layla to research their past before committing to a marriage, because, “how are you going to marry a man whose family may have enslaved your family?”
For the first time in her life Layla spends time researching her history, asking about her family. She must know about her history and identity and what role Andy’s family may have played in the slave trade. She visits Jamaica with her family to learn more, while she loves Andy, she is not able to attend the wedding until the knows the “truth”….
This book really had my head spinning because… what you mean this is the premise of the book? You love a man but his generational wealth is from the slave trade?!!! I am not going to lie, I did have some moment where I went “mmmmm what is going on here?” I will say this book made me feel uncomfortable and I am sure it will give people that feeling as well. It is a really great read because it brings to the front questions we all need to answer and reckon with....more
Re-Read April for a panel discussion I re-read this book for a panel discussion with the author and I am so happy I did because I think I enjoyed it Re-Read April for a panel discussion I re-read this book for a panel discussion with the author and I am so happy I did because I think I enjoyed it a lot more the second time around. If you are looking to read a book that is a love letter to New York, of a girl who is trying to find her creative identity.
I definitely enjoyed this the second time around.
You know that book that you pick up thinking you would love but it just falls short? This is one of them.
In Zainab Takes New York we meet twenty-something-year-old Zainab who recently moves to New York and is working as an intern at an illustration company. Zainab starts hearing voices, at first there were few but then they become three and they do not stop. Zainab doesn't know what to make of this and is unable to pay for therapy because she is not able afford it. We are taken on an adventure as Zainab tries to find herself, explore New York and learn more about herself.
Honestly, this one did not hit the mark for me. The plot felt underdeveloped, the main character was not interesting, and overall the book felt rushed....more
But there are things even love can’t do. Before I got married, I believed love could do anything. I learned so enough that it Updated April 1, 2021
But there are things even love can’t do. Before I got married, I believed love could do anything. I learned so enough that it couldn’t bear the weight of four years without children.
In STAY WITH ME we meet Yejide whose only wish is to bring a child into the world. Yejide met and fell in love with her husband Akin while in University. Yejide’s mom died during child birth and she was made to feel alone by her father’s other wives. With Akin, she found someone who made her feel seen. They fell madly in love, but after four years together with no children, Akin’s family decided to take things into their own hands. Yejide goes through different “treatments”, consultation, prophesy, medical examination and nothing can explain why she is not with child. Akin makes a decision that will forever change their lives.
What a well written, deeply enraging book. There were so many times while reading this book I felt to fight! Ignore my previous review of this book, I was young and foolish… I did not know a good book even when it jumped in my face. Adebayo’s ability to keep you heavily invested in a story is truly well done. There were sometimes where I felt the inclusion of the social and politically happenings in Nigeria was inserted a bit too clunky for my taste but overall this was so well done.
Themes of brotherhood, family, marriage, mental health, grief and childbearing are explored in the context of Nigeria’s culture. Honestly, a book to get into. ...more
I read this book earlier this year and I felt it was the perfect book for Book Club... In re-reading this book I fell more in love with it. What a verI read this book earlier this year and I felt it was the perfect book for Book Club... In re-reading this book I fell more in love with it. What a very beautiful book....more
I choose How The One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House as the March BookOfCinz Book Club pick after reading the advanced copy in Updated March 22, 2021
I choose How The One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House as the March BookOfCinz Book Club pick after reading the advanced copy in 2020. I felt this is a book that would elicit very strong emotions, give us a lot of material to talk through and explore.
The book is set in Baxter Beach, a small beachside community in Barbados. On the night that the main character, Lala gives birth there is a murder at one of the villas. Lala is a new mom whose husband is in hiding and not able to share the joy of having a new addition to the family. Added to this Lala does not have a support system, her mother is dead and her she is estranged from her grandmother. After leaving home at an incredibly young age, Lala must now survive on her own.
One of the main themes in this book is generational curses, how trauma is passed from mothers to their daughters. I think Cherie did a great job of showcasing that in a really moving way. There is a deep sadness that continues throughout the book and it does not lift, even after you close it. This is not your light easy beach read, you are taken into the lives of the people in the community.
I think what stood out for me was theme of classism and colorism, how that played out on the beach front. We see a hair braider interacting with a villa owner and how their lives shift but comes together.
What I liked about the writing was how Jones was able to truly showcase the characters. I love reading a character with a strong back story and I felt that Jones spend a lot of time developing the stories of the characters. I also felt each character could have their very own spin off including Queen Sheba, Sargent Beckles and Mira.
There is something for everyone in this book. A very strong debut novel....more
Re-read for BookOfCinz Book Club I love this book a lot more the second time around.
These Ghosts Are Family is Maisy Card’s debut novel that feat Re-read for BookOfCinz Book Club I love this book a lot more the second time around.
These Ghosts Are Family is Maisy Card’s debut novel that features a multi-generational narration from 1700s to 2000s.
These Ghosts Are Family opens with the revelation of Stanford Solomon’s three decade long secret- he is not who he says he is. Thirty years ago, Stanford Solomon, who is actually Abel Paisley assumed the identity of his best friend, Solomon who died during a work accident. Abel who was working in England at the time used the death of his friend as an opportunity to assume a new identity and sever the relationship he had with his wife and children back home in Jamaica. With age and knowing he doesn’t have long to life Abel reaches out to the daughter he left back in Jamaica. Irene Paisley, a home health aide shows up to attend to a man who turns out to be the father she’s mourned all her life.
I think this was a very ambitious book, in some ways it paid off and in other ways it did not. Here is what worked for me:
The individual stories of the Paisley family. I felt that Card really showed in a unique way how the decision of Abel affected those around him. There was no shortage of trauma or struggle for each character due to the lack of a father figure or being raised by a single mother. I felt that Card did a great job of showcasing how we are all “haunted” in different ways by different things.
The authenticity and research of the book. I loved how authentic the book felt. As a Jamaican I am always keen to read books that feel Jamaican and I felt Card did a great job of capturing all the cultural and historical nuances of Jamaica and Jamaicans.
The freshness and intoxicating read. I devoured this book; I could not stop reading it. For a debut novel it was very strong and well written for the most part. I know people who are not familiar with Patois might struggle a bit but that does not take away from how great the writing is in this book.
While I enjoyed the book, there are some things that did not work for me:
I felt the book was not as cohesive enough and would have worked better as a short story collection.
While I get the “Homegoing” reference in that we hear from one person at the beginning of the book but we don’t necessarily hear from them as the story continues with the following generation. I felt this was not as seamlessly executed as I wanted it to be.
I felt the ending was very abrupt and I am still not sure what happened there.
Overall, a really solid debut novel. I really enjoyed reading it and the “what did not work” really did not take away in a big way how enthralled I was with Card’s “These Ghosts Are Family”. I am so excited to read more from Card because she’s got a strong, very distinct voice that I know I will never get tired of hearing from.
Updated October 2019 Everything Inside is the BookOfCinz Book Club pick for October and the first short stories collection we have ever read. In re-r Updated October 2019 Everything Inside is the BookOfCinz Book Club pick for October and the first short stories collection we have ever read. In re-reading this collection I feel in love with all the characters and their stories- definitely a must read!
August 2019 Everything Inside is a strong collection of stories filled with complex characters, all dealing with major issues, trying to navigate life with Haiti being sometimes at the center of the narrative. I am such a fan of Danticat's writing, and I found myself being immersed in this collection and the lives of the people represented on the pages.
With eight stories in the collection, it is hard to zone in on one that truly floored me, because every single one of these stories I rated either 4 or 5. Danticat knows Haiti and I know when I pick up her book, I will be longing for a place I have never visited. The stories explore immigration, family life, relationships, poverty, courage and shame. These stories are explored in a such a real way and vulnerable way.
I particularly liked Dosas, The Port-Au-Prince Marriage Special, The Gift and Seven Stories These stories really moved me because of the topics explored and how complex the characters were. From the young privilege Haitian who wants move to Haiti and help change the country, to the mistress trying to rekindle her affair with her lover who lost his child and wife to the earthquake.... Truly an amazing collection of stories that will stick with you.
Updated July 2020 After reading Where There Are Monsters in January I felt the need to not stop talking about it and that I needed people to talk a Updated July 2020 After reading Where There Are Monsters in January I felt the need to not stop talking about it and that I needed people to talk about it with so, I made it a BookOfCinz pick. In re-reading this collection I have to say I made a great choice. So many different themes, so many stories to discuss at lengths. Hands down one of my favorite collection of Caribbean stories.
January 2020 I will admit, I took my time getting around to this book for a lot of reasons. My top being, in the blurb it said folklore and the title said monsters so I was expecting a lot of magical realism based on Folklore from Trinidad and Tobago. Let me tell you, when hear about a Trini folklore, your pores will raise, I am VERY afraid of hearing about them, hence my reason for not putting this book to the top of my list. I will admit, it is a silly reason but.... yah girl lives alone.
The entire time I was reading this book I kept thinking to myself "Cindy, WHY did you wait so long to read it?!!!" This is a brilliant collection of short stories- absolutely brilliant. I rated each story in this collection and only one was below three stars. McIvor did a great job of showcasing Trinidad and Tobago in a contemporary way and from a myth and folklore perspective. I also feel that even if you are not from the Caribbean you will appreciate a lot if not all the stories in this collection.
Where There Are Monsters a debut collection of twelve stories. Mc Ivor plays on the title throughout the novel and makes us aware that monsters are not just the creepy crawly thing we so often hear about but also the people around us. The collection explores so many themes that are timely and relevant including mental illness, dating in the 21st century, domestic abuse, heartbreak, betrayal, infidelity and love.
Your heartbreaks for so many of the characters and what they are going through because of the “monsters” in their lives. From the young man who is struggle to catch a break and go out on a date with his crush, to the woman who was forced to have an abortion because her husband gaslight the hell out of her, to the woman whose husband mistress showed up pregnant at her door… the list goes on. As much as some of these stories are heart-breaking they are somehow also uplifting. You feel for the characters, sometimes pity but mostly pride.
My absolute stand out reads were: Ophelia The Course The One Night Stand Things We Don’t Say Kristoff and Bonnie Robber Talk
Overall, a solid collection of short stories and I highly recommend you give it a read. Also, lets support new and upcoming writers. I love the refreshing perspective Mc Ivor brought to this collection/ Caribbean literature....more
One of my 2021 goals is to re-read all of Kei Miller’s work. I decided to start with SAME EARTH because it was his first nove Updated April 1, 2021
One of my 2021 goals is to re-read all of Kei Miller’s work. I decided to start with SAME EARTH because it was his first novel. I like to experience an author from the start of their novels and what an amazing start.
In SAME EARTH we are taken to a small village in Watersgate, Jamaica. We are introduced to the different villagers who resides and visit Watersgate. The core of the story follows Imelda Richardson but we get an overall look into the lives of those around her. As with a lot of Miller’s work there is the presence of religion, folklore, immigrant and finding community, all of these were well executed.
Miller’s ability to take a small piece of Jamaica and carve it into a story that resonates is unmatched. How he takes us and pulls back the curtain on this village, you literally feel like you are watching over these people and their lives. You cannot help but cheer for them because they are so deserving. The comedy is unmatched, you literally find yourself in situations that makes you laugh out loud.
This is truly a great read.
February 2019 This is my second book by Kei Miller and I was not disappointed. I think Miller's style of writing is colorful, engaging and captures Jamaica and Jamaicans perfectly. From most of the reviews, I saw a lot of people either loved or really didn't like how "disjointed" the plot was and I can understand that feeling. However, that was the best part for me. I love how Miller is able to weave backstories together to create an overall plot. I did think "this book would have worked better if it was a collection of short stories" but, from reading his previous novels I noticed this is a style what works for Kei Miller.
If you are looking for a great, short but hilarious look into a Jamaica, specifically country life, this is a good place to start....more
January 2021 This is my fourth time reading Rising Strong and I think one of the key takeaway for me this year is that I will not be taking criticism January 2021 This is my fourth time reading Rising Strong and I think one of the key takeaway for me this year is that I will not be taking criticism or holding on to the words of people who are not face down in the arena of life. I a was also reminded to live wholeheartedly and that is what I am going to do.
January 2020 I read Rising Strong for the first time in 2019 and I was blown away but home much the book and the teachings resonated with me. I think for the entire 2019 I made a conscious decision to be more vulnerable and live wholeheartedly and for the most part it worked.
This time around what really resonated with me was how the story I tell myself when things happen. I liked that Brene Brown really focused on this because it is something I battle with a lot and I liked having the tools to work through it.
This is such a great read for anyone who is in the arena of life. A must read.
January 2019 Yes, feeling vulnerable is at the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, but it’s also the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.
Rising Strong by Brene Brown is exactly the book I needed to start my year. I found myself highlighting almost every line on my Kindle. This book explores how being vulnerable leads us to live a more fulfilling life. It also in no uncertain terms informs us that it will hurt and it will suck at times but if we want to live wholeheartedly, this is the process.
I have to admit, there is a lot to absorb and so much to explore with this book at times it felt overwhelming but the lessons that are explored are essential. I particularly love this little nugget that Brene Brown shared:
My team and I often start difficult team meetings by writing permission slips and sharing them before we dig into our work. We’re not going to recognize emotion if we don’t feel like we have permission to feel emotion.
These are just some of the practical tips Brown shared in her book on how she goes about living a wholehearted life.
This is definitely one of those books I have to get in hard copy so I can highly and re-read yearly.
Updated June 12 One of my 2021 goals to re-read all of Kei Miller's work and here I am re-reading The Last Warner Woman This may be one of the hard Updated June 12 One of my 2021 goals to re-read all of Kei Miller's work and here I am re-reading The Last Warner Woman This may be one of the hardest to follow plot I've read of Kei Miller and I think it is because it is told from many different POVs. We meet a writer who is looking to tell Adamine's story but he is not telling it write. Also, who gets to tell her story?
In the Last Warner Woman we meet Adamine Bustamante who is locked up in an institution for people who are considered mentally ill. Recently she is visited by a Writer who wants to tell her story of how she made it to England and is currently being locked up. What the writer doesnt know is that he is speaking with Adamine one of the most renowned Warner Women from Jamaica.
For the entire book we get a look into Adamine's life from her early life to her current life.
This is what I call amazing storytelling. I like that we are given an unreliable narrator and a narrator we can trust... but can we trust them? You get nuggets of stories inside the whole story that is carefully constructed.
I loved reading about Warner Women and the Revivalist sect in Jamaica. A well done book.
The cry of the Warner Woman is Consider. She draw you into contemplation, saying, Consider that, and then consider this, Consider yourself, and your deeds. Consider the consequences of things.
Kei Miller IS a storyteller and a writer. He clearly cements this in his novel The Last Warner Woman I am such a fan of his writing and how he is able to weave different stories together that draws you in and keeps you interested.
The Last Warner Woman explores the life of Adamine Bustamante, who is a Warner Woman from Jamaica. The story is told from different points of views and it is done in the most interesting and thought provoking way. I think that is what sold me on the book, the writing and presentation of the story.
A lot is explored in the book, but in true Miller style you will not be bored....more
"A New Earth" is that book you have to spend an entire 6 months reading. A lot of different things are happening in this book, which requires you to f"A New Earth" is that book you have to spend an entire 6 months reading. A lot of different things are happening in this book, which requires you to focus and really concentrate on the message being delivered. This isn't a book to be gobbled down, it is a book where to spend time reading each line and journaling or applying it to your life. This is basically a work book. I will be re-reading this before the year is out.
Re-Read: March 2018 I am always the first to admit I know nothing about poetry, but something about Rupi Kaur's writing that does something to me. It iRe-Read: March 2018 I am always the first to admit I know nothing about poetry, but something about Rupi Kaur's writing that does something to me. It is very simplistic but also very real.
Re-Read January 30, 2018 A timely reminder to be careful what you spend your energy on.
At first I was a little peeved at this book's title because I fRe-Read January 30, 2018 A timely reminder to be careful what you spend your energy on.
At first I was a little peeved at this book's title because I felt it was reinforces this new culture of "I don't give a F about anything". This is a culture I can not stand and I continuously roll my eyes when I see those Instagram, Facebook and Twitter post about how many "Fks" people don't give. I constantly ask, "why is this a thing?" and "what is so wrong about giving a F?"
Needless to say, the title is very misleading, and it accomplished exactly what it set out to do, grab people's interest and let them purchase/read the book- good job Manson, you got me here. The book basically spoke about focusing our lives and caring about the things that need our attention, as opposed to draining our energy on mundane irrelevant things. It is about knowing what "fks" to give basically.
While there is nothing grounding breaking in this book, it served as a good reminder of all the things we sometimes forget or take for granted. I could have done with the slew of F-bombs to get certain points across but overall, this was a refreshing reminder.
Updated August 13, 2018 Reading this book was like visiting some old friends and catching up. It was a really nostalgic read for me, and I thoroughl Updated August 13, 2018 Reading this book was like visiting some old friends and catching up. It was a really nostalgic read for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed Kingsolver's writing in this novel.
The Poisonwood Bible is about the Price family who is on a mission trip to Congo during the 1950s. The Dad, Nathan Price is a Minister who sets out to saving souls for Christ and baptizing everyone who comes in his path. There are a lot of cultural, spiritual and political things in play that hinders Price from achieving his goal- including his family.
What absolutely loved about this novel was the writing. The book is told from the POVs of the mother and the daughters in the family. It is uncanny how distinct each voice it and I thoroughly appreciated that.
This is a solid five star novel for me.
July 12, 2016 It took me 9 days to finish this book. NINE DAYS. I feel like I just finished running a marathon. I am exhausted, emotional, annoyed, happy, unhappy, angry, vindicated, tired- I am feeling just about every emotion after finishing this book.
Like running a marathon, there were times where I felt I would never finish this book. There were times where I just didn't want to continue reading, but Kingsolver is a master storyteller, it was impossible to stop once I started.
I have to say, Kingsolver's character development and use of varying POVs is impeccable. I am amazed at how she goes between four characters and each have a very distinct voice. At first I thought all of this would falter coming to the end but these characters are very consistent. I would go out on the limb and say, I have never read a book with such strong character POVs.
I honestly loved this book. I think I rushed through some of the parts because I just wanted to be over, but overall, this is a must read.
Also, how am I JUST finding this book when it seems half my Goodreads friends read it already! Late to the party much.
Re-Read: January 17, 2020 When I say I re-read this book every year? Believe me. I absolutely love going back to Aunty Oprah's book for advice. I fee Re-Read: January 17, 2020 When I say I re-read this book every year? Believe me. I absolutely love going back to Aunty Oprah's book for advice. I feel like every time I read this book something else jumps out at me that I can use for the entire year. I finally got this book in hardcopy so I can refer to it always. I highly recommend you read this book.
Re-Read: January 23, 2018 "What I know For Sure" is my comfort book. Whenever I feel like the world is spinning out of control I pick up this book and go to the solid advice of Oprah. Honestly, this book speaks to my soul which is why it is on my list of re-reads. Also, it is a great book to read at the start of the year. It goes without saying, this is a must read.
Re-Read: January 26, 2017 Honestly, this books gets me every time. It offers sound, solid, well thought out advice that you can use at any stage of your life. It is a great reminder and help for the coming year and I will be putting a lot of these things into practice. Because, I want to be able to know 12 things for sure this year.
You ever read one of those books at a time in your life when you really needed to be reading those words? When everything in the book speaks to your being? When you are moved to tears because this book actually gets your life and what you are going through? When this book offers the key to where you want to be and how you will get there...That is how I felt while reading this book.
I felt like my entire world opened up while reading this book. While nothing "new" was really said, everything written resonated with me. But this all has to do with the place I am in my life and how I needed these words. So yes, thanks Oprah for being there when I really needed you, when it really counts....
I am going to go on a branch and say, this is a must read! It is the Alchemist, Four Agreements and A New Earth all rolled into one. This book is the kick in the ass that you need....more
2020: January As with every year I try to re-read this gem of a book. Will this be the year I practice all four agreements? Stay tuned to find out.
202020: January As with every year I try to re-read this gem of a book. Will this be the year I practice all four agreements? Stay tuned to find out.
2019: November According to Goodreads, this is my 6th time reading this book. Every time I pick it up I feel renewed that I need to find a way to implement all four agreements.
2019 One of my favorite books to re-read at the start of the year.
2018 There are four simple agreements, if we are able to stick to these four things, our lives will improve significantly. These four agreements are: The Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word Don't Take Anything Personally Don't Make Assumptions Always Do Your Best
While these are "Simple" agreements, there is nothing simple about not taking anything personal, not making assumptions and always doing your best. I do believe these are four really great principles to live by and I look forward to putting these into practice.
2017 At the beginning of every year I try to read this book, maybe this year I will make it a monthly read. This book challenges us to do four "simple" things in order for us to live a more fulfilling life. I love how practical these challenges are, but each year I fail to live up to all. For the most part, I try to be impeccable with my word because I am firmly believe that your words create worlds. I keep telling people about the power of their words so this is an agreement I try to live as closely to as possible. The others are a little difficult but I think with constant reading and practice it will become a habit. This should be mandatory reading for everyone.
A very powerful, life changing book, providing you do as instructed. Granted I have heard all of the Four Agreements in some form or another, but in this format I really "got it". The Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word Don't Take Anything Personally Don't Make Assumptions Always Do Your Best All Four Agreements are things that can be done, but will be really hard. After reading this book, I honestly saw how I sometimes get in my own way, in the way I speak, how I take things personally and by making assumptions. I honestly do believe if you work at these Four Agreements, your life will change in phenomenally.
2018 As A Man Thinketh, so he is. Whatever you think, you become. You are LITERALLY what you think. This short read is a great reminder that we should 2018 As A Man Thinketh, so he is. Whatever you think, you become. You are LITERALLY what you think. This short read is a great reminder that we should guard our thoughts and ensure we are thinking great things. MUST. READ.
2017 A timely reminder. I will definitely be using the suggestions in this book for the coming year....more
This was a slow read for me, mainly because the topic that is covered in this book is so heavy. This is a well executed, thoroughly researched book thThis was a slow read for me, mainly because the topic that is covered in this book is so heavy. This is a well executed, thoroughly researched book that speaks to the New Jim Crow. If you are disillusioned about the race situation in America- maybe even the world, this will be an eye-opener. A solid read and I highly recommend for anyone who wants to understand the New Jim Crow from a historical, political and legal point of view. ...more
Re-read June 2018 I read this book in one sitting because it is a very short read. The book centers around Esperanza Cordero and her life on Mango StreRe-read June 2018 I read this book in one sitting because it is a very short read. The book centers around Esperanza Cordero and her life on Mango Street. In very short vignettes she describes her life, her friends and what is taking place around her. I wont say this is the more interesting and engaging read but it held my interest for the brief time.
Apparently I read my first “Vignette” today. A vignette is a brief evocative description, account, or episode/a small illustration or portrait photograph that fades into its background without a definite border. Those definitions aptly describes “The House on Mango Street”. I found the writing to be bold, honest and very open but at some points its as if the story faded as soon as I finished reading the line. Nothing stuck with me. I didn’t get an overwhelming feel for the book. A short read, interesting just not as gripping as I’d hope....more
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