I heard a great interview on NPR’s Fresh Air, “Can The iPad Or The Kindle Save Book Publishers?” on April 27, 2010 that I wanted to present on the blog list. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126196977
Columnist, Ken Auletta, posed this question. There is a debate over the pricing of e-books. This is not new to most of the individuals in our class as the topic was presented in the readings but the interview was very good and provided good information to listeners.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Coldest Winter Ever
The Coldest Winter Ever
By Sister Souljah
Publisher: Pocket Star (January 31, 2006)
(Originally published in 1999)
ISBN-10: 1416521690
Pages: 544
Genre: Street Lit
This is the story of Winter Santiaga. Born into the harshness of New York winter snowstorm in 1978, her name and the circumstances of her birth are a foundation for the cold life that she will lead. Her father is a drug dealer and her mother birthed her when she was fourteen. We do not know the mother’s name, she is called Mrs. Santiaga. Winter has three younger sisters: Porsche, Mercedes and Lexus (twins). They lived in the Brooklyn projects. Needless to say, Winter is not a good older sister or role model.
Winter does not waste her time with school (“my policy was to go to school just enough so authorities wouldn’t kick me out”) or building lasting friendships; people are to be manipulated and used. Winter is absorbed in the fast life and longs for bling and bucks. A lot of the characters, but not all, in this book are into the superficial things in life.
Her father goes to jail and the life of luxury reduced to basically nothing but she will do anything to get it back. In the end, her mom becomes a drug addict, the sisters are taken by the state and Winter ends up in jail. Along the way, there are important major characters and numerous subplots.
Although, this story is not for everyone, this book definitely has a following of readers with a desire for more of these characters lives. Many are awaiting a planned movie. This graphic and rough story appeals to some readers because it represents some aspect of their lives; this is someone’s real story. Souljah comments in the “Ask the Author” section that “my novel is not based on a true story. However, it is based on real events that happen every day. That’s why it feels so real” (435).There is so much truth in this book that it is scary.
The characters are intense and the reader is drawn into their lives. Winter is complex, flawed, weak and vulnerable.
The author is intriguing; Sister Souljah is a community activist. She has a degree in American History and African Studies from Rutgers. Her books include No Disrespect 1996 (memoir) and Midnight: A Gangster Love Story 2009.
She includes herself in the story; during the class discussion, I was asked about her life. Sister Souljah lived in the projects for six years in her very early childhood. She comments in “Ask the Author” section, “In the slim corridors of my Bronx, New York, project building, my brown eyes captured a lot” (431). She moved from this neighborhood at age ten. Souljah “buried [herself] in books. I separated myself from people who I deemed were not in their right minds” (435).
She is now part of the political lexicon:
In United States politics, a Sister Souljah moment is a politician's public repudiation of an allegedly extremist person or group, statement, or position perceived to have some association with the politician or their party. Such an act of repudiation is designed to signal to centrist voters that the politician is not beholden to traditional, and sometimes unpopular, interest groups associated with the party.
(http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2008/01/obamas-sister-s.html)
This book could serve as a guide of how not to live your life; “those streets don’t love you” (Ricky Santiaga, 35). Sister Souljah writes on her website, "this is a cautionary tale which chronicles the decline of an empire and the maneuvers of Winter Santiaga as she hustles to remain on top" (http://www.sistersouljah.com/aboutwintertcwe.html).
Coldest Winter Ever fits the genre as based on David Wright’s Collection Development “Urban Fiction”: Streetwise Urban Fiction and Rollie Welch, The Word on Street Lit No.1 as it has crime, drugs, explicit sex, harsh lessons learned, Hip Hop music and culture, and violence. I would recommend this book to those who like urban fiction/street lit.
Sister Souljah gives the reader an instant classic.
By Sister Souljah
Publisher: Pocket Star (January 31, 2006)
(Originally published in 1999)
ISBN-10: 1416521690
Pages: 544
Genre: Street Lit
This is the story of Winter Santiaga. Born into the harshness of New York winter snowstorm in 1978, her name and the circumstances of her birth are a foundation for the cold life that she will lead. Her father is a drug dealer and her mother birthed her when she was fourteen. We do not know the mother’s name, she is called Mrs. Santiaga. Winter has three younger sisters: Porsche, Mercedes and Lexus (twins). They lived in the Brooklyn projects. Needless to say, Winter is not a good older sister or role model.
Winter does not waste her time with school (“my policy was to go to school just enough so authorities wouldn’t kick me out”) or building lasting friendships; people are to be manipulated and used. Winter is absorbed in the fast life and longs for bling and bucks. A lot of the characters, but not all, in this book are into the superficial things in life.
Her father goes to jail and the life of luxury reduced to basically nothing but she will do anything to get it back. In the end, her mom becomes a drug addict, the sisters are taken by the state and Winter ends up in jail. Along the way, there are important major characters and numerous subplots.
Although, this story is not for everyone, this book definitely has a following of readers with a desire for more of these characters lives. Many are awaiting a planned movie. This graphic and rough story appeals to some readers because it represents some aspect of their lives; this is someone’s real story. Souljah comments in the “Ask the Author” section that “my novel is not based on a true story. However, it is based on real events that happen every day. That’s why it feels so real” (435).There is so much truth in this book that it is scary.
The characters are intense and the reader is drawn into their lives. Winter is complex, flawed, weak and vulnerable.
The author is intriguing; Sister Souljah is a community activist. She has a degree in American History and African Studies from Rutgers. Her books include No Disrespect 1996 (memoir) and Midnight: A Gangster Love Story 2009.
She includes herself in the story; during the class discussion, I was asked about her life. Sister Souljah lived in the projects for six years in her very early childhood. She comments in “Ask the Author” section, “In the slim corridors of my Bronx, New York, project building, my brown eyes captured a lot” (431). She moved from this neighborhood at age ten. Souljah “buried [herself] in books. I separated myself from people who I deemed were not in their right minds” (435).
She is now part of the political lexicon:
In United States politics, a Sister Souljah moment is a politician's public repudiation of an allegedly extremist person or group, statement, or position perceived to have some association with the politician or their party. Such an act of repudiation is designed to signal to centrist voters that the politician is not beholden to traditional, and sometimes unpopular, interest groups associated with the party.
(http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2008/01/obamas-sister-s.html)
This book could serve as a guide of how not to live your life; “those streets don’t love you” (Ricky Santiaga, 35). Sister Souljah writes on her website, "this is a cautionary tale which chronicles the decline of an empire and the maneuvers of Winter Santiaga as she hustles to remain on top" (http://www.sistersouljah.com/aboutwintertcwe.html).
Coldest Winter Ever fits the genre as based on David Wright’s Collection Development “Urban Fiction”: Streetwise Urban Fiction and Rollie Welch, The Word on Street Lit No.1 as it has crime, drugs, explicit sex, harsh lessons learned, Hip Hop music and culture, and violence. I would recommend this book to those who like urban fiction/street lit.
Sister Souljah gives the reader an instant classic.
Friday, May 7, 2010
ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY
ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY
By Mildred D. Taylor
288 pages
Puffin (April 12, 2004)
ISBN-10: 0142401129
Genre: Literary Fiction (also, Historical Fiction)
Newbery Medal Winner
This is a book that I am glad that I read as an adult. I would have missed so much as a young reader. For those who read it in their youth; well, hopefully, they find it again as adults.
This is the story of the Logan family in Mississippi. They are landowners and this is extremely important. The older generation will fight for the land. This is the story of four black children; Stacey, Christopher John, Little Man and Cassie, growing up in the South in the 1930s.
This is the story of claiming an identity that others would deny you. Cassie is described as “high-strung” (28). Some felt that the Logan children had an unrealistic view of their circumstances. This is demonstrated by Daisy, the schoolteacher, who informed Mary Logan of Little Man’s dissatisfaction with the used books provided by the state: “Well, I think you you’re just spoiling those children, Mary. They’ve got to learn how things are sometime” (30). The state had given the students old books from the white schools and the Logan children, Cassie came to the aid of her brother after figuring out his troubles, did not want to accept them. Their mother decided to add brown paper to the inside covers that offended her children. “She understood” (31).
There was another incident involving Cassie. Her grandmother, Big Ma made her apologize to Lillian Jean, a thirteen-year-old who accused her of “bumping into decent white folks” (114). Cassie is a nine and did apologize but that was not enough. Pretty soon there was a scene involving Lillian Jean’s father, Cassie’s grandmother and other spectators. Big Ma made Cassie apologize… “Big Ma gazed down at me, fear in her eyes, then back at the growing crowd…Big Ma gazed down at me again, her voice cracking as she spoke. ‘Go on, child….apologize’” (115). This infuriates Cassie. Her brother tries to explain to her that Big Ma had to do it but Cassie is not hearing this argument. He further explains that “there’s things you don’t understand” (118).
It is difficult to explain these types of things to children. There are still things that are and will be no matter how we try to shape it. Cassie did obtain some gratification (no, I am not condoning conflict) over “Miz Lillian Jean.” Cassie made her apologize for all the names that she had called her and for other things: “And she apologized. For herself and her father. For her bothers and her mother. For Strawberry and Mississippi…” (181).
In this story, I reflected on the black experience and what it means to be black in America. In this reflection, I found beauty in the story of courageous people and I found generational concern…they would not lose the land and the children would have something to call their own. In this story, I found a commitment within myself to keep moving forward; too many have stood so that this generation could have what they never dreamt.
In this story, I found the importance of family no matter race. I found strength in a family that stood together. Family is so important and it is nice to read about a loving family.
I selected this as literary fiction because it is a complex story about race relations and life in the South during reconstruction. The author’s note explains that she “learned history not then written in history books but passed from generation to generation on the steps of moonlit porches and beside dying fires in one-room houses, a history of great-grandparents and of slavery and of the days following slavery: of those who lived still not free, yet who would not let their spirits be enslaved.” Thank goodness, Taylor has shared these stories.
It is provocative and has an ambiguous ending (Will the family retain the land that they have fought so hard to keep?). The characters are crucial; you feel for the family and hope for their survival. You want the children to have a good life. It is serious and dark. Yet, within this darkness is light and hope.
I would recommend this book to people individuals who enjoy significant stories and those that appreciate literary and historical fiction.
By Mildred D. Taylor
288 pages
Puffin (April 12, 2004)
ISBN-10: 0142401129
Genre: Literary Fiction (also, Historical Fiction)
Newbery Medal Winner
This is a book that I am glad that I read as an adult. I would have missed so much as a young reader. For those who read it in their youth; well, hopefully, they find it again as adults.
This is the story of the Logan family in Mississippi. They are landowners and this is extremely important. The older generation will fight for the land. This is the story of four black children; Stacey, Christopher John, Little Man and Cassie, growing up in the South in the 1930s.
This is the story of claiming an identity that others would deny you. Cassie is described as “high-strung” (28). Some felt that the Logan children had an unrealistic view of their circumstances. This is demonstrated by Daisy, the schoolteacher, who informed Mary Logan of Little Man’s dissatisfaction with the used books provided by the state: “Well, I think you you’re just spoiling those children, Mary. They’ve got to learn how things are sometime” (30). The state had given the students old books from the white schools and the Logan children, Cassie came to the aid of her brother after figuring out his troubles, did not want to accept them. Their mother decided to add brown paper to the inside covers that offended her children. “She understood” (31).
There was another incident involving Cassie. Her grandmother, Big Ma made her apologize to Lillian Jean, a thirteen-year-old who accused her of “bumping into decent white folks” (114). Cassie is a nine and did apologize but that was not enough. Pretty soon there was a scene involving Lillian Jean’s father, Cassie’s grandmother and other spectators. Big Ma made Cassie apologize… “Big Ma gazed down at me, fear in her eyes, then back at the growing crowd…Big Ma gazed down at me again, her voice cracking as she spoke. ‘Go on, child….apologize’” (115). This infuriates Cassie. Her brother tries to explain to her that Big Ma had to do it but Cassie is not hearing this argument. He further explains that “there’s things you don’t understand” (118).
It is difficult to explain these types of things to children. There are still things that are and will be no matter how we try to shape it. Cassie did obtain some gratification (no, I am not condoning conflict) over “Miz Lillian Jean.” Cassie made her apologize for all the names that she had called her and for other things: “And she apologized. For herself and her father. For her bothers and her mother. For Strawberry and Mississippi…” (181).
In this story, I reflected on the black experience and what it means to be black in America. In this reflection, I found beauty in the story of courageous people and I found generational concern…they would not lose the land and the children would have something to call their own. In this story, I found a commitment within myself to keep moving forward; too many have stood so that this generation could have what they never dreamt.
In this story, I found the importance of family no matter race. I found strength in a family that stood together. Family is so important and it is nice to read about a loving family.
I selected this as literary fiction because it is a complex story about race relations and life in the South during reconstruction. The author’s note explains that she “learned history not then written in history books but passed from generation to generation on the steps of moonlit porches and beside dying fires in one-room houses, a history of great-grandparents and of slavery and of the days following slavery: of those who lived still not free, yet who would not let their spirits be enslaved.” Thank goodness, Taylor has shared these stories.
It is provocative and has an ambiguous ending (Will the family retain the land that they have fought so hard to keep?). The characters are crucial; you feel for the family and hope for their survival. You want the children to have a good life. It is serious and dark. Yet, within this darkness is light and hope.
I would recommend this book to people individuals who enjoy significant stories and those that appreciate literary and historical fiction.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Until the Real Thing Comes Along: A Novel
Until the Real Thing Comes Along: A Novel
New York: Ballantine Books, 2000.
Paperback: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 034543739X
Genre: Women’s Lives and Relationships
I did not expect to like this book so much. I was excited to read an Elizabeth Berg book because she has been mentioned more than once in class. This was available at the library and it seemed interesting.
This is the story of Patty Hansen; age thirty-six, single, childless, whimsical, carefree and somewhat stressed. She is happy, unhappy and lonely. She is loving, kind and has a free spirit. More than anything she wants someone in her life, more accurately a man she will never truly have, marriage and a child; “I just want to be done. I want to be married. I want a baby” (27). She follows this man to a new town. He helps her get a child.
Patty is the narrator and provides the backdrop for the other characters.
Her love interest: Ethan Allen Grimes
Patty will never have all of him; “Why can’t you love me? You love me, why can’t you love me? (27). He has been honest (well, not in the beginning when they were a couple but that is not the heart of the story) with her and she knows what she is getting into when she decides to have a baby with him.
She cannot help her love for him, “I truly wish I didn’t love only you, but that’s the reality. I have loved only you since you saved me from Kathleen Mayfield on the playground in sixth grade” (29). Didn’t she think that sharing something so intimate would be more hurtful?
Her desire for a child was like breathing and she could not be denied. Ethan also wanted a child and thus Marilyn was conceived.
Elaine
She is the beautiful friend, “They [men] stop chewing for my friend Elaine. They stop breathing for my friend Elaine. Sometimes it’s hard to be her friend. A lot it’s hard to be her friend. I’m Betty to her Veronica, only I don’t even get to have blonde hair” (29).
Elaine and Ethan have problems. Ethan is watching so many of his friends die of AIDS and Elaine is in love with Mark, Ethan set Mark up with Patty. Mark is into Patty but she does not return the affection. Elaine ends up with Mark.
Robert and Marilyn
They are her parents who have true love. Patty tells her mother, “You and Dad. Sometimes it’s sort of depressing to be around you” (47). Her parents fell in love on sight. Patty wants this kind of love and happiness. Her mother on her father, “And it was instant, I swear to you. It just was. One look, and I was in love” (45). Her father on her mother, “There was not a doubt in my mind. I had to have her” (46). Even in her mother’s illness, Alzheimer’s, the love shared between her parents is undeniable.
Artie and Muriel
A special couple that Patty befriends while showing them houses as part of her job as a real estate agent. Artie ends up with cancer, “I got cancer. Terminal” (87). However, this doesn’t stop him from finding happiness in his life and Patty hopes that her mom can hold on like Artie.
Sophia and Amber
These are two minor characters, Sophia (her neighbor) and Amber (her nail technician) but they offer wisdom and guidance that Patty truly needed. When Patty is preparing to leave for Minneapolis Amber cautions her about Ethan’s intentions, “I think this is a smoke screen for something else going on with Ethan. He’s running away into you, you know what I mean? Into you and the baby. He’s running away from something” (186). She is correct.
I have shared a lot of the book but there is so much depth that there is plenty more to be revealed in reading this novel.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy stories about women that do not always have a truly happy ending for the main character. It definitely reflects the genre. Until the Real Thing Comes Along fits is first written by a woman, has a female protagonist, the story focuses on Patty’s relationships with “family, friends, and lovers” (Saricks, 371). The book is set in a contemporary time period, is quite intimate and unfolds at a leisure pace.
This is a good book for individuals who enjoy stories with real issues. It is beautifully written with several tender lines. Yes, this book is thoroughly overdramatic but sometimes our lives are just complicated.
New York: Ballantine Books, 2000.
Paperback: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 034543739X
Genre: Women’s Lives and Relationships
I did not expect to like this book so much. I was excited to read an Elizabeth Berg book because she has been mentioned more than once in class. This was available at the library and it seemed interesting.
This is the story of Patty Hansen; age thirty-six, single, childless, whimsical, carefree and somewhat stressed. She is happy, unhappy and lonely. She is loving, kind and has a free spirit. More than anything she wants someone in her life, more accurately a man she will never truly have, marriage and a child; “I just want to be done. I want to be married. I want a baby” (27). She follows this man to a new town. He helps her get a child.
Patty is the narrator and provides the backdrop for the other characters.
Her love interest: Ethan Allen Grimes
Patty will never have all of him; “Why can’t you love me? You love me, why can’t you love me? (27). He has been honest (well, not in the beginning when they were a couple but that is not the heart of the story) with her and she knows what she is getting into when she decides to have a baby with him.
She cannot help her love for him, “I truly wish I didn’t love only you, but that’s the reality. I have loved only you since you saved me from Kathleen Mayfield on the playground in sixth grade” (29). Didn’t she think that sharing something so intimate would be more hurtful?
Her desire for a child was like breathing and she could not be denied. Ethan also wanted a child and thus Marilyn was conceived.
Elaine
She is the beautiful friend, “They [men] stop chewing for my friend Elaine. They stop breathing for my friend Elaine. Sometimes it’s hard to be her friend. A lot it’s hard to be her friend. I’m Betty to her Veronica, only I don’t even get to have blonde hair” (29).
Elaine and Ethan have problems. Ethan is watching so many of his friends die of AIDS and Elaine is in love with Mark, Ethan set Mark up with Patty. Mark is into Patty but she does not return the affection. Elaine ends up with Mark.
Robert and Marilyn
They are her parents who have true love. Patty tells her mother, “You and Dad. Sometimes it’s sort of depressing to be around you” (47). Her parents fell in love on sight. Patty wants this kind of love and happiness. Her mother on her father, “And it was instant, I swear to you. It just was. One look, and I was in love” (45). Her father on her mother, “There was not a doubt in my mind. I had to have her” (46). Even in her mother’s illness, Alzheimer’s, the love shared between her parents is undeniable.
Artie and Muriel
A special couple that Patty befriends while showing them houses as part of her job as a real estate agent. Artie ends up with cancer, “I got cancer. Terminal” (87). However, this doesn’t stop him from finding happiness in his life and Patty hopes that her mom can hold on like Artie.
Sophia and Amber
These are two minor characters, Sophia (her neighbor) and Amber (her nail technician) but they offer wisdom and guidance that Patty truly needed. When Patty is preparing to leave for Minneapolis Amber cautions her about Ethan’s intentions, “I think this is a smoke screen for something else going on with Ethan. He’s running away into you, you know what I mean? Into you and the baby. He’s running away from something” (186). She is correct.
I have shared a lot of the book but there is so much depth that there is plenty more to be revealed in reading this novel.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy stories about women that do not always have a truly happy ending for the main character. It definitely reflects the genre. Until the Real Thing Comes Along fits is first written by a woman, has a female protagonist, the story focuses on Patty’s relationships with “family, friends, and lovers” (Saricks, 371). The book is set in a contemporary time period, is quite intimate and unfolds at a leisure pace.
This is a good book for individuals who enjoy stories with real issues. It is beautifully written with several tender lines. Yes, this book is thoroughly overdramatic but sometimes our lives are just complicated.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Creating Music
This afternoon I attended a public program for adults at the IMCPL. It was a celebration of music using items that you could find in a thrift store (its purpose). Teams were given $25.00 to purchase items. The musicians were very talented making good use of a belt, cans, water glasses, basketballs and toy keyboards. One musician used a doll to create music. The library presented the event with Big Car Collective and supported by Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative.
I did not stay for the entire event but I had counted 118 guests in an hour. This is a great turnout. The event was listed as adult on the library website but there were a fair amount of children attending with adults. It was a good program (its strength) as it encouraged creativity. Additionally, the program appealed to the young old; all attendees could find something to enjoy, silly songs or craftsmanship in making new instruments.
There were no extreme weaknesses. The program started a little later than the advertised start time but that is understandable when you have nine groups of individuals included in the performance line-up.
http://www.imcpl.org/events/featuredevents.html
Adults are invited to a unique series of programs that offer an unusual twist on a lecture, experimental audio and video, a music competition and a live multimedia performance.
Made for Each Other: A Series of Interactive, Community-Inspiring Events will be presented through May in the Clowes Auditorium at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair Street. It’s sponsored by Big Car Gallery and Know No Stranger.
Thrift Store Music
Wednesday, April 28 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 2 at 2 p.m.
This two-day event invites local bands to explore, create and share self-made musical instruments. On April 28, musicians will meet at Central Library, be given a budget, and sent to thrift stores to find objects that can be used as musical instruments. For the next four days the musicians will create songs with their self-made instruments. On May 2, the musicians will return to Central Library to perform music created from their thrift store finds.
I did not stay for the entire event but I had counted 118 guests in an hour. This is a great turnout. The event was listed as adult on the library website but there were a fair amount of children attending with adults. It was a good program (its strength) as it encouraged creativity. Additionally, the program appealed to the young old; all attendees could find something to enjoy, silly songs or craftsmanship in making new instruments.
There were no extreme weaknesses. The program started a little later than the advertised start time but that is understandable when you have nine groups of individuals included in the performance line-up.
http://www.imcpl.org/events/featuredevents.html
Adults are invited to a unique series of programs that offer an unusual twist on a lecture, experimental audio and video, a music competition and a live multimedia performance.
Made for Each Other: A Series of Interactive, Community-Inspiring Events will be presented through May in the Clowes Auditorium at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair Street. It’s sponsored by Big Car Gallery and Know No Stranger.
Thrift Store Music
Wednesday, April 28 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 2 at 2 p.m.
This two-day event invites local bands to explore, create and share self-made musical instruments. On April 28, musicians will meet at Central Library, be given a budget, and sent to thrift stores to find objects that can be used as musical instruments. For the next four days the musicians will create songs with their self-made instruments. On May 2, the musicians will return to Central Library to perform music created from their thrift store finds.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Final Reader Results
Reader #3
1. What is the last book that you read?
Blue Collar Blues by Rosalyn McMillian
2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Please list three.
a. Jacqueline Thomas
b. Rosalyn McMillian
c. Benilde Little
d. Bebe Moore-Campbell
3. “Tell me what kind of reading experience you’re looking for”?*
a. Love stories with comedy and happy ending
b. Self- help, devotional and inspirational
4. What are your favorite genres? Please highlight your top two answers.
Romance
Adventure
Suspense
Women’s Lives and Relationships
5. Are you willing to try a new genre? If so, please indicate genre below?
a. Yes, mystery and chick lit
6. Are there certain genres/types of books that you do not like to read? Please list below?
a. Horror, street lit
* Question obtained from Ross and Chelton, Reader’s Advisory: Matching Mood and Material, 2001.
Suggestions
1. Faith
A Change is Gonna Come
By Jacqueline Thomas
2. Inspirational
Have a Little Faith
An anthology with a story by Jacqueline Thomas
3. Mystery
Plain Brown Wrapper: An Alex Powell Novel
By Karen G. Bates
4. Romance
The Nicest Guy in America
By Angela Benson
5. Romance (this is a read alike compared to Benilde Little using Rich African Americans)
Just for You
By Doreen Rainey
6. Romance; Women’s Lives and Relationships
The Ideal Wife
By Jacqueline Thomas
Reader comments
“I would read all of these, I love Jacqueline Thomas.”
Reader #5
1. What is the last book that you read? Currently reading Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter
2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Please list three.
None at this time
3. “Tell me what kind of reading experience you’re looking for”?* Comfort and learning; educational reading; biographies; sometimes, likes to read nonfiction
4. What are your favorite genres? Please highlight your top two answers.
List provided NA; enjoys biography, educational materials, and poetry
5. Are you willing to try a new genre? If so, please indicate genre below?
Chick lit once in while
* Question obtained from Ross and Chelton, Reader’s Advisory: Matching Mood and Material, 2001.
Suggestions
Autobiographical
1. A Hand to Guide Me
By Denzel Washington
2. The Pursuit of Happyness
By Chris Gardner
Literary/Historical Fiction
3. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
By Mildred D. Taylor
Shw has enjoyed excerpts from the book.
Educational and autiobiographical
4. Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny
By Hill Harper
Women’s Lives, Chick Lit
5. The Yummy Mummy
By Polly Williams
NO
Life Stories
6. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson
By Mitch Albom
She had already read this book.
1. What is the last book that you read?
Blue Collar Blues by Rosalyn McMillian
2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Please list three.
a. Jacqueline Thomas
b. Rosalyn McMillian
c. Benilde Little
d. Bebe Moore-Campbell
3. “Tell me what kind of reading experience you’re looking for”?*
a. Love stories with comedy and happy ending
b. Self- help, devotional and inspirational
4. What are your favorite genres? Please highlight your top two answers.
Romance
Adventure
Suspense
Women’s Lives and Relationships
5. Are you willing to try a new genre? If so, please indicate genre below?
a. Yes, mystery and chick lit
6. Are there certain genres/types of books that you do not like to read? Please list below?
a. Horror, street lit
* Question obtained from Ross and Chelton, Reader’s Advisory: Matching Mood and Material, 2001.
Suggestions
1. Faith
A Change is Gonna Come
By Jacqueline Thomas
2. Inspirational
Have a Little Faith
An anthology with a story by Jacqueline Thomas
3. Mystery
Plain Brown Wrapper: An Alex Powell Novel
By Karen G. Bates
4. Romance
The Nicest Guy in America
By Angela Benson
5. Romance (this is a read alike compared to Benilde Little using Rich African Americans)
Just for You
By Doreen Rainey
6. Romance; Women’s Lives and Relationships
The Ideal Wife
By Jacqueline Thomas
Reader comments
“I would read all of these, I love Jacqueline Thomas.”
Reader #5
1. What is the last book that you read? Currently reading Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter
2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Please list three.
None at this time
3. “Tell me what kind of reading experience you’re looking for”?* Comfort and learning; educational reading; biographies; sometimes, likes to read nonfiction
4. What are your favorite genres? Please highlight your top two answers.
List provided NA; enjoys biography, educational materials, and poetry
5. Are you willing to try a new genre? If so, please indicate genre below?
Chick lit once in while
* Question obtained from Ross and Chelton, Reader’s Advisory: Matching Mood and Material, 2001.
Suggestions
Autobiographical
1. A Hand to Guide Me
By Denzel Washington
2. The Pursuit of Happyness
By Chris Gardner
Literary/Historical Fiction
3. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
By Mildred D. Taylor
Shw has enjoyed excerpts from the book.
Educational and autiobiographical
4. Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny
By Hill Harper
Women’s Lives, Chick Lit
5. The Yummy Mummy
By Polly Williams
NO
Life Stories
6. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson
By Mitch Albom
She had already read this book.
Reader #2 and Reader #4
Reader #2
1. What is the last book that you read? Sleeping With the Enemy
2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Please list three.
Zane, Francis Ray, Carl Weber
3. “Tell me what kind of reading experience you’re looking for”?*
Page turner with lots of action
4. What are your favorite genres? Please highlight your top two answers.
Chick Lit
Street Lit
5. Are you willing to try a new genre? If so, please indicate genre below? Women’s lives and relationships
6. Are there certain genres/types of books that you do not like to read? Please list below?
Thrillers and adventure
* Question obtained from Ross and Chelton, Reader’s Advisory: Matching Mood and Material, 2001.
Suggestions
1. Urban Fiction
Moth to a Flame
By Ashley Antoinette
YES
2. Page Turner
Resurrecting Midnight
By Eric Jerome Dickey
NO
3. - 4. Women’s Lives and Relationships
Some Things I Never Thought I Do
Baby Brother’s Blues
By Pearl Cleage
NO
5. Chick lit and Zane
Freak in the Sheets: Chick lit with a Twist
By Madamek
YES
6. Read alike author to Francis Ray
Harvest Moon
By Rochelle Ayers
YES
Reader #4
1. What is the last book that you read? Act like a Lady, Think Like a Man
2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Please list three. Mary B. Morrison, Cheryl Robinson, Katherine Langhorne, Chonda Cheeks, Denene Millner.
3. “Tell me what kind of reading experience you’re looking for”?* Good plots about girlfriends, romance, drama.
4. What are your favorite genres? Please highlight your top two answers.
Romance
Women’s Lives and Relationships
5. Are you willing to try a new genre? If so, please indicate genre below? Yes, mystery, fantasy
6. Are there certain genres/types of books that you do not like to read? Please list below? Horrors, suspense, thriller
* Question obtained from Ross and Chelton, Reader’s Advisory: Matching Mood and Material, 2001.
Suggestions
1. – 2. Favorite Author Titles Denene Millner
The Sistah’s Rules
In Love and War
3. Good plots about girlfriends, romance, drama
The Ex Chronicles
By Carol Taylor
4. Chick Lit
Divas
By Donna Hill
5. Women’s Lives and Relationships
What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day
By Pearl Cleage
6. Fantasy
Legend of Tarik
By Walter Dean Myers
Reader #4 Comment
"I would read all of them but the first one, the Sistah’s Rules. I don't want to read anyone's advice on how to get or keep a man."
1. What is the last book that you read? Sleeping With the Enemy
2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Please list three.
Zane, Francis Ray, Carl Weber
3. “Tell me what kind of reading experience you’re looking for”?*
Page turner with lots of action
4. What are your favorite genres? Please highlight your top two answers.
Chick Lit
Street Lit
5. Are you willing to try a new genre? If so, please indicate genre below? Women’s lives and relationships
6. Are there certain genres/types of books that you do not like to read? Please list below?
Thrillers and adventure
* Question obtained from Ross and Chelton, Reader’s Advisory: Matching Mood and Material, 2001.
Suggestions
1. Urban Fiction
Moth to a Flame
By Ashley Antoinette
YES
2. Page Turner
Resurrecting Midnight
By Eric Jerome Dickey
NO
3. - 4. Women’s Lives and Relationships
Some Things I Never Thought I Do
Baby Brother’s Blues
By Pearl Cleage
NO
5. Chick lit and Zane
Freak in the Sheets: Chick lit with a Twist
By Madamek
YES
6. Read alike author to Francis Ray
Harvest Moon
By Rochelle Ayers
YES
Reader #4
1. What is the last book that you read? Act like a Lady, Think Like a Man
2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Please list three. Mary B. Morrison, Cheryl Robinson, Katherine Langhorne, Chonda Cheeks, Denene Millner.
3. “Tell me what kind of reading experience you’re looking for”?* Good plots about girlfriends, romance, drama.
4. What are your favorite genres? Please highlight your top two answers.
Romance
Women’s Lives and Relationships
5. Are you willing to try a new genre? If so, please indicate genre below? Yes, mystery, fantasy
6. Are there certain genres/types of books that you do not like to read? Please list below? Horrors, suspense, thriller
* Question obtained from Ross and Chelton, Reader’s Advisory: Matching Mood and Material, 2001.
Suggestions
1. – 2. Favorite Author Titles Denene Millner
The Sistah’s Rules
In Love and War
3. Good plots about girlfriends, romance, drama
The Ex Chronicles
By Carol Taylor
4. Chick Lit
Divas
By Donna Hill
5. Women’s Lives and Relationships
What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day
By Pearl Cleage
6. Fantasy
Legend of Tarik
By Walter Dean Myers
Reader #4 Comment
"I would read all of them but the first one, the Sistah’s Rules. I don't want to read anyone's advice on how to get or keep a man."
Reader #1
1. What is the last book that you read? Be Careful What you Pray For
2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Please list three. VC Andrews, Kiki Swinson and Zane
3. “Tell me what kind of reading experience you are looking for”?* I need to be able to gain more knowledge in regards to US history.
4. What are your favorite genres? Please highlight your top two answers.
Romance / Suspense / Women’s Lives and Relationships
5. Are you willing to try a new genre? If so, please indicate genre below? Yes, Historical Fiction
6. Are there certain genres/types of books that you do not like to read? Please list below? Horror
* Question obtained from Ross and Chelton, Reader’s Advisory: Matching Mood and Material, 2001.
Suggestions
Finding Forever
Keisha Ervin
Urban Fiction
YES
Midnight
Sister Souljah
Urban Fiction
NO
Night Song
Beverly Jenkins
Historical Fiction with Romance
YES
Diary of a Street Diva
Ashley JaQuavis
Urban Fiction
YES
I Wish I Had a Red Dress: A Novel
Pearl Cleage
Women’s Lives and Relationships
Shades of Jade: A Novel
Gloria Mallette
Suspense
Sweet Justice
Suspense
Shirley Harrison
Comments from reader....
"I haven't read any of these books...I guess
I'm holding back on reading Midnight based on feedback from others."
2. Who are some of your favorite authors? Please list three. VC Andrews, Kiki Swinson and Zane
3. “Tell me what kind of reading experience you are looking for”?* I need to be able to gain more knowledge in regards to US history.
4. What are your favorite genres? Please highlight your top two answers.
Romance / Suspense / Women’s Lives and Relationships
5. Are you willing to try a new genre? If so, please indicate genre below? Yes, Historical Fiction
6. Are there certain genres/types of books that you do not like to read? Please list below? Horror
* Question obtained from Ross and Chelton, Reader’s Advisory: Matching Mood and Material, 2001.
Suggestions
Finding Forever
Keisha Ervin
Urban Fiction
YES
Midnight
Sister Souljah
Urban Fiction
NO
Night Song
Beverly Jenkins
Historical Fiction with Romance
YES
Diary of a Street Diva
Ashley JaQuavis
Urban Fiction
YES
I Wish I Had a Red Dress: A Novel
Pearl Cleage
Women’s Lives and Relationships
Shades of Jade: A Novel
Gloria Mallette
Suspense
Sweet Justice
Suspense
Shirley Harrison
Comments from reader....
"I haven't read any of these books...I guess
I'm holding back on reading Midnight based on feedback from others."
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