Books

#24in48 Readathon

I am attempting my first readathon this weekend July 21-22. Who knows how it will go because even though I don’t have anything planned something always comes up. I hauled a few of books from library earlier this week so that is where I will be picking my books from. Here are my choices:

Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett I believe this is a cozy mystery that is the first in a series about actress Dayna Anderson.

Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson this is a YA book about a tween named Jade and that’s all I know.

Lazaretto by Diane McKinney Whetstone I know nothing about this book but the cover is beautiful and makes me want to read this.

If you interested in participating in the 24 in 48 Readathon I will leave the link you can still sign-up! Happy reading!

 

 

 

 

Must Read #1 March Graphic Novel Series

I’m late to the game on this one but if you are late like me then get caught up.  The graphic novel series March based off the early civil rights work of Representative John Lewis is so good. In today’s social and political climate I have wondered how were the elders able to protest and fight for change. This series gives a behind the scenes of some of that the thoughts and ideas that went into their protest. It also shows how they trained and prepared the young adults to go out and protest nonviolently. The violence that the federal government is raining down on the people of the United States of America is nothing new and this series spells it out in detail. Also for all the Republican who say we used to be the party for black people the graphic novel discusses when and where that shift officially took place. Please if you are like me and hate reading history this is an easy way to gain some great knowledge without it being overwhelming. The pictures are black and white and that is fine with me because they do include graphic killings and incidents that took place during the civil rights movement. Please if you haven’t picked up the series get your hands on it and gain a little more knowledge on the civil rights movement of the past and maybe it will inspire to participate in the movement that we need right on in the good ole USofA.

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Summer 2018

Finally it’s officially summer! I have a few things that I want to do this summer my 2018 summer bucket list you can call it.

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  • Read a great summer romance book
  • Try a  new recipe using a vegetables from my garden
  • Attend a food truck event
  • Visit the beach
  • Catch a summer blockbuster movie img_0783

That’s just some of the things I want to do this summer hopefully I can check them all off. What do you have on your summer bucket list!

 

The Autobiography of Gucci Mane

The jacket states “for the first time Gucci Mane tells his extraordinary story in his own words.”  The first part of the autobiography I feel we really get that. Gucci discusses his family and those relationships from when he was in Alabama and then after his move to Atlanta. Gucci does go into details about his steps to becoming a rap artist and troubles with law. He speaks candidly about his time in solitary confinement and the effects it had on him. He also went it to detail about his drug use and how it effected his body and personality.

Gucci does discuss some beefs and issues he had with people in the music business but I would have loved to read more about his family relationships. He mentions his mother and brother occasionally in passing after the first act but not much. He also mentions a son that we don’t read about again until the last chapter. Gucci talks about meeting Keisha and how they were kind of off again on again due to his drug use but that is basically the only look we get into the relationship. Maybe they didn’t want the book too long and it is definitely and easy read.

Overall I enjoyed the autobiography but I just would have liked Gucci to go deeper. I do recommend this especially if you are a child of hip hop or just enjoy taking a peek into the rap lifestyle.

#MarchMysteryMadness Wrap-Up

I was excited for the #MarchMysteryMadness reading challenge. I have wanted to read more African-American mystery writers and this month gave me an excuse to do just that. I will start with my favorite which was Blanche Among the Talented Tenth. I read the first book in the Blanche White series last year and wasn’t impressed. I wasn’t going to read anymore in the series but I’m glad I gave second book a chance. The second book in the Blanche White series was sooo good. It tackles the topic of colorism, romance and friendships in the black community. A little mystery is also tied in but it doesn’t overwhelm the story and it is tied in slowly. My second favorite was Forty Acres it is about an upcoming black attorney, Martin Grey, who is invited to join a secret society with other black men. They take a trip that exposes Martin to the truth behind their group. I think this would have been better as series because the third act could have used some additional development it just felt rushed to end. I still enjoyed the premise and was a fresh concept. Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles was an easy read but some of the plot just wasn’t believable and the decisions that were made were silly. This is the first book in the Mahalia Watkins series not sure if I will be reading any of the other books but you never. I started The Cutting Season but haven’t been able to finish it I may try to finish it in April. I checked all the copies out from my local library. I listened to Kindred by Octavia Butler this isn’t a traditional mystery but it was definitely terrifying what Dana(the main character) experienced. I’m sure you have heard of Octavia Butler if not please check her out. In Kindred Dana is bouncing between 1976 and a period of time during slavery. That is all I will say but yeah you see why it can could be terrifying. These were my reads for #MarchMysteryMadness. I look forward to participating again next year and finding some new authors to enjoy.

Happy reading!

My favorite reading apps

Overdrive or Libby(by Overdrive) allows you to link your library card and check eBooks or audio books. You can only check out books that your library offers.  They also offer holds if the book is currently checked out. Libby is easier to use on your phone or tablet but they are compatible and sync between devices so you have don’t have to worry about finding where you left off.

RBdigital (previously Zinio) you can also link to your library. Here you have the option of checking out eBooks, magazines and audio books. I hated Zinio but so far RBdigital has been easy to use. The only drawback is it doesn’t sync between devices.

Goodreads allows you to keep track of books you are reading. You can review books and read reviews from other members. The are also groups/book clubs you can join. If you have been looking for a reading community this is it. pexels-photo-12627.jpeg

These are the apps I’m using to help me reach my 2018 reading goals. What are your favorite apps to use for reading?