Here are my Reviews So Far…
Hey Girl! I’ve had a few starts and stops this year with my reading. The top of the year I wore my little library card out! Then got back into my reading ways in spring, then stepped outside of my comfort zone. Back in June I went to a book swap event, found my people who told me it was necessary for me to get a Kindle.
Now look at me mid-way through the year, passing my last year goal of 40 books. Reading really is my escape where I find joy in the story being told and the characters’ lives who are lived with every word read.
The Girl Be You Book club has read 8 books so far. I thought I would carry some book club commentary to the blog. Giving you my thoughts of the books read so far.
Here we go…
First up, Art of the Scandal, Regina Black
This was our first read by Regina Black. Rachel Abbott, married to Matt Abbott, a politician, Rachel finds out about his infidelity. Once she finds out, it leads her to the crossroads of her own personal decisions on if she really wants this life she has created for herself. I gotta say this book left me wanting more with the storyline, the characters, and the ending. Overall, the book club thought this was an average book.
Next, All Sinners Bleed, SA Cosby
SA Cosby has easily become one of my FAVORITE and most unassuming authors. I read one book of his and went on to read EVERY single book he has written. This book did not disappoint. The story follows a black sheriff investigating a school shooting. As the story unfolds, you see how racist, violent, and corrupt many of the local officials and residents are in this town. So many twists, turns, and shocking moments throughout this book. If you haven’t read SA Cosby, do yourself a favor and check out his books.
Where Sleeping Girls Lie, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
This book is the exact reason you should NEVER judge a book by its cover. This mystery read follows Sade as she starts at a prestigious boarding school in the investigation of her missing roommate, Elizabeth. Typically, I read either fiction, but this book definitely made me want to lean more into mysteries as well as psychological thrillers.
Good Dirt, Charmaine Wilkerson
Although this book wasn’t my favorite this year, the Book Club loved it. It follows the story of Ebby’s family’s tragedy that gives way to a beautiful story of their rich history and resilience. They find their way to honor their family story. This was a book the Book Club girls LOVED!
Can’t Get Enough, Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong for me, especially the way she ended this Skyland series. Hendrix is a single black woman, the “rich auntie” to her best friend’s children, and a successful career woman. She is taking care of an aging mother, and the question is: is the career all she wants, or is she willing to open her heart to real love? Whew, when I tell you I was caught up on this one, nothing is like a good ol’ Kennedy Ryan love story. Book Girl Girls loved it as well!!!
Love Radio, Ebony LaDelle
We all loved the Netflix fav, Forever, so we stayed in that same vein with this book club-requested book. While it was a young adult love story, the author did such an amazing job of telling an inspiring love story, heavily influenced by Detroit culture, and honoring the writing greats of the Black culture. Hands down, I enjoyed this love story and wished I had this kind of love back in high school.
One of Our Kind, Nicola Yoon
This book definitely left us all feeling like, “ WTH…while it was a good read, we had big questions while reading. Are you willing to ignore signs of what is clearly very obvious?” While also asking the question, “Is being white right?” This one threw us all for a loop. We definitely wanted a different outcome.
All of Her Little Secrets, Wanda Morris
This is our current read. Gotta admit I am all done and can’t wait to discuss it with everyone! Now, this was a mystery book that was well written. The suspense, the storyline, the outcome, the twists, turns…so good. There was so much that wasn’t expected, coming as a shock! You still have time to read and discuss with us for Book Club this month.