Last week, I read and FINALLY finished The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszile. It’s a coming-of-age memoir about a black girl growing up in the 70s/80s in Palos Verdes, CA, a predominantly white neighborhood.

Last week, I read nothing from my list…but I did read a couple of books including Finding Me by Darnella Ford. Great premis…strong beginning…saggy middle…and just so-so finish…but it’s a book that’s different enough that I recommend to others (too bad it wasn’t on my reading challenge list…lol).

Last week, I read That Devil’s No Friend of Mind by JD Mason. That Bishop was a mean mo-fo and he died too quickly for me to find out what made him tick…but those he left in his wake…let’s just say they were ALL some twisted characters including his daughter and business partner.

Last week, I read The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson. I really wanted to like this book. It started off well enough but then ran into the saggy middle and ended in nowhere land. I kept expecting something big to happen but it never did…other than two degrees of separation and the flat telling of the climax.

Are you still participating in the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge? Hope you are as we’re beyond the halfway mark and in the homestretch now. Come join us and let us know what books you’ve read and plan to read.

Are you still participating in the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge? Hope you are as we’re beyond the halfway mark and in the homestretch now. Come join us and let us know what books you’ve read and plan to read.

This week I hope to read Where There is Smoke by Terra Little and Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair. Will be back next week to discuss both of them. Now, your turn. Leave a comment below to let us know what you read last week and what you plan to read this week.

Last week, I didn’t read anything from the list. I was ahead so I took a break and read something from my To Read Pile. I picked up The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. Loved it and share my thoughts HERE.

If you’re still participating in the challenge, pat yourself on the back and consider yourself well on your way. Yes, you’re about one-third of the way to the finish line.

Welcome to Week Three (3) of the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. Are you still on track? What books have you read? What books are you recommending to others? Let us know.