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First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #12

APOOO — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:58:55 +0000

Hey hey APOOO Challengers! Welcome to week 12 of the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. Only one more week before we wrap up the First Quarter. And what a challenge it has been! But, that’s what challenges are about, right? Something to help push and propel us forward when we want to give up. How’s your reading challenge coming? Are you on track? As for me, I’m trying to get there…I think I might be short by one book. But, I still have eight days and only three books left. I’m going to do my hardest to achieve my objective. What about you…are you up for the challenge?

Regarding the book challenge– Every one who completes the Challenge by reading the books on their original list will receive a personalized bookmark and be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift certificate to amazon.com. Will you be in the running? So, what did you read last week (from your list) and what do you plan to read this week?

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. Storyline covers many issues including being the lone black girl, hair issues, dysfunctional parents (yes the parents had arrived but they still held on to many of their old school values), self esteem concerns, joining black organizations in order to stay grounded (and near black folks), living in the shadow of the beautiful older sister, and just plain trying to fit in even tho’ you’re different. Baszile didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t already know but some of the issues did make me wonder how my daughter will fare…as we too live in a predominantly white community.

Here’s my thirteen books for the First Quarter 2009 Reading List with updates:

The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson–COMPLETED; Week 9 Read.

The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille–Yippee…FINALLY COMPLETED, Week 11 Read.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair–Completed: Week Seven Read

In Love with a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson–Completed; Week Three Read

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano

Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan–Completed;Week One Read

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason; Completed, Week Nine Read

The Ties that Bind by Bertice Berry; Completed, Week Eight Read

What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant; Completed, Week Four Read

Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward; Completed, Week Two Read

Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little; Completed, Week Six Read

For the next eight days, I have my work cut out for me. I need to finish the following books:

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao ==Currently reading.

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill–Up next.

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano–Hope I get to this one.

Now, your turn. Leave a comment below to let us know what you read last week and what you plan to read this week.

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting APOOO or you need more details regarding what this challenge is, CLICK HERE.

Until next week, keep reading those books and HAPPY READING. See you here (different time, same place) next Sunday for Weekly Update #13.

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #12 is a post from: APOOO

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #11

APOOO — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:08:55 +0000

Hey hey APOOO Challengers! Welcome to week 11 of the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. We’re in the homestretch now; only two more weeks before we see the finished line. How’s your reading challenge coming? Are you on track? Or are you like me…have read tons of books but still haven’t read all of the books on your list? Speaking of books…how many have you read thus far this year?

Last week, I read nothing from my list…but I did read a couple of books including Finding Me by Darnella Ford. Great premise…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).

Here’s my thirteen books for the First Quarter 2009 Reading List with updates:

The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson–COMPLETED; Week 9 Read.

The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair–Completed: Week Seven Read

In Love with a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson–Completed; Week Three Read

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano

Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan–Completed;Week One Read

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason; Completed, Week Nine Read

The Ties that Bind by Bertice Berry; Completed, Week Eight Read

What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant; Completed, Week Four Read

Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward; Completed, Week Two Read

Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little; Completed, Week Six Read

Next week I have my work cut out for me; I’m going to have to double up on books in order to finish the challenge. That said, I will attempt to finish the Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille.

Now, your turn. Leave a comment below to let us know what you read last week and what you plan to read this week.

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting APOOO or you need more details regarding what this challenge is, CLICK HERE.

Until next week, keep reading those books and HAPPY READING. See you here (different time, same place) next Sunday for Weekly Update #12.

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #11 is a post from: APOOO

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #10

APOOO — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:25:13 +0000

Hey hey APOOO Challengers! Welcome to week 10 of the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. Only three more weeks left. Are you still on track? Every one who completes the Challenge by reading the books on their original list will receive a personalized bookmark and be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift certificate to amazon.com. Will you be in the running? So, what did you read last week (from your list) and what do you plan to read this week?

Last week, I read That Devil’s No Friend of Mind by JD Mason. That Bishop was a manipulative and controlling 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. That Devil’s No Friend of Mine is the April BOM for APOOO and I recommend it to fans of Mason as well as those who are looking for a well-written and creatively crafted storyline. But, if you’re new to Mason, I also recommend you read her earlier reads, starting with And on the Eighth Day She Rested. I feel in love with Mason after reading this book and have read every book written by her since then. How many authors can you say that about?

Here’s my thirteen books for the First Quarter 2009 Reading List with updates:

The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson–COMPLETED; Week 9 Read.

The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair–Completed: Week Seven Read

In Love with a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson–Completed; Week Three Read

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano

Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan–Completed;Week One Read

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason; Completed, Week Nine Read

The Ties that Bind by Bertice Berry; Completed, Week Eight Read

What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant; Completed, Week Four Read

Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward; Completed, Week Two Read

Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little; Completed, Week Six Read

Next week will report on The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille. Borrowed it from the library so I need to hurry up and read it and return. Will be back next week to discuss. Now, your turn. Leave a comment below to let us know what you read last week and what you plan to read this week.

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting APOOO or you need more details regarding what this challenge is, CLICK HERE.

Until next week, keep reading those books and HAPPY READING. See you here (different time, same place) next Sunday for Weekly Update #11.

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #10 is a post from: APOOO

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #9

APOOO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:27:50 +0000

Hey hey APOOO Challengers! Welcome to week nine and the last month of the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. We’re in the home-stretch now and it won’t be long before daylight savings time (Sunday, March 8th) and Spring (March 20th) are upon us. I know I digressed for a moment lol. So, what did you read last week (from your list) and what do you plan to read this week?

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. Fortunately, APOOO Reviewer Michelle liked The Air Between Us better than me. CLICK HERE for her book review. As another reviewer says, every book isn’t for everybody, but there’s a book for everybody. But, as I always say, don’t take my word for it. READ IT FOR YOURSELF. LOL.

Here’s my thirteen books for the First Quarter 2009 Reading List with updates:

The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson–COMPLETED; Week 9 Read.

The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair–Completed: Week Seven Read

In Love with a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson–Completed; Week Three Read

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano

Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan–Completed;Week One Read

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason

The Ties that Bind by Bertice Berry; Completed, Week Eight Read

What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant; Completed, Week Four Read

Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward; Completed, Week Two Read

Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little; Completed, Week Six Read

Next week will report on The Devil’s No Friend of Mine by JD Mason. Will be back next week to discuss. Now, your turn. Leave a comment below to let us know what you read last week and what you plan to read this week.

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting APOOO or you need more details regarding what this challenge is, CLICK HERE.

Until next week, keep reading those books and HAPPY READING. See you here (different time, same place) next Sunday for Weekly Update #9.

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #9 is a post from: APOOO

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #8

APOOO — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:10:14 +0000

Hey hey APOOO Challengers! Welcome to week eight of the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. Are you still hanging with us…we’re more than halfway there. So, what did you read last week (from your list) and what do you plan to read this week?

Last week, I read The Ties That Bind by Bertice Berry. I don’t have much to say about this that Phyllis hasn’t already said in her review. Memoirs are hit-or-miss with me; this one was in neutral territory. It was just okay. I like Berry’s writing style and her words of wisdom but this book felt redundant at times and as though I had heard it all before. It wasn’t really a fresh or original read for me. But, as I always say, don’t take my word for it. READ IT FOR YOURSELF. LOL.

Here’s my thirteen books for the First Quarter 2009 Reading List with updates:

The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson

The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair–Completed: Week Seven Read

In Love with a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson–Completed; Week Three Read

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano

Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan–Completed;Week One Read

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason

The Ties that Bind by Bertice Berry; Completed, Week Eight Read

What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant; Completed, Week Four Read

Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward; Completed, Week Two Read

Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little; Completed, Week Six Read

This week I hope to finish The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Will be back next week to discuss. Now, your turn. Leave a comment below to let us know what you read last week and what you plan to read this week.

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting APOOO or you need more details regarding what this challenge is, CLICK HERE.

Until next week, keep reading those books and HAPPY READING. See you here (different time, same place) next Sunday for Weekly Update #9.

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #8 is a post from: APOOO

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #7

APOOO — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:17:49 +0000

Hey hey APOOO Challengers! Guess what, we’re more than halfway through the challenge. Welcome to week seven of the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. So, what did you read last week (from your list) and what do you plan to read this week?

Last week, I read Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little. No sophomore jinx here. Where There’s Smoke is an engrossing and fascinating read about a former drug dealer, a former crack addict and the child they share. While the parents have reformed and changed, their child appears to be making the same mistakes they made almost two decades ago. For the sake of their son, they much come together to save him and keep the streets from taking his life. Where There’s Smoke is recommended to anyone who enjoys a creatively crafted storyline about love, family, parenting, change and redemption.

Here’s my thirteen books for the First Quarter 2009 Reading List with updates:

The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson

The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair–Completed: Week Seven Read

In Love with a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson–Completed; Week Three Read

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano

Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan–Completed;Week One Read

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason

The Ties that Bind by Bertice Berry

What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant; Completed, Week Four Read

Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward; Completed, Week Two Read

Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little; Completed, Week Six Read

This week I hope to read Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair. Will be back next week to discuss. Now, your turn. Leave a comment below to let us know what you read last week and what you plan to read this week.

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting APOOO or you need more details regarding what this challenge is, CLICK HERE.

Until next week, keep reading those books and HAPPY READING. See you here (same time) next Sunday for Weekly Update #8.

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #7 is a post from: APOOO

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #6

APOOO — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:47:24 +0000

Hey hey APOOO Challengers! Welcome to week six of the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. So, what did you read last week (from your list) and what do you plan to read this week?

I’ll go first. Last week, I didn’t read anything from the list. But, I did manage to read two other books, Sticks and Stones by Eric Pete and Not Even If You Begged by Francis Ray. Will try and provide more details about both later.

Here’s my thirteen books for the First Quarter 2009 Reading List with updates:

The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson

The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair

In Love with a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson–Completed; Week Three Read

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano

Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan–Completed;Week One Read

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason

The Ties that Bind by Bertice Berry

What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant; Completed, Week Four Read

Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward; Completed, Week Two Read

Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little

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.

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting APOOO or you need more details regarding what this challenge is, CLICK HERE.

Until next week, keep reading those books and HAPPY READING. See you here (same time) next Sunday for Weekly Update #7.

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #6 is a post from: APOOO

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #5

APOOO — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:58:10 +0000

Hey hey APOOO Challengers! Welcome to the first week of February and week five of the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. First, I interrupt this regularly scheduled program to say CONGRATS to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin, the winners of the 43rd Super Bowl.

Now, back to the African American Literature First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. So, what did you read last week (from your list) and what do you plan to read this week?

I’ll go first. 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. Here’s my thirteen books for the First Quarter 2009 Reading List with updates:

The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson

The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair

In Love with a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson–Completed; Week Three Read

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano

Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan–Completed;Week One Read

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason

The Ties that Bind by Bertice Berry

What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant; Completed, Week Four Read

Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward; Completed, Week Two Read

Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little

This week I plan 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.

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting APOOO or you need more details regarding what this challenge is, CLICK HERE.

Until next week, keep reading those books and HAPPY READING. See you here (same time) next Sunday for Weekly Update #6.

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #5 is a post from: APOOO

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #4

APOOO — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:06:38 +0000

Hey hey APOOO Challengers! It’s the end of January, the fourth Sunday, and week four of the First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge. Researchers say that it takes 21 days for something to become a habit. That said, 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.

So, what did you read last week (from your list) and what do you plan to read this week?

I’ll go first. Last week, I read and finished In Love With a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson. The storyline was engaging and attention-grabbing. Although at times the main character, Olena, really tried ones patience, because of the chooses she made when it came to men. She gives creed to the statement…all book sense but very little common sense. And the ending…sorry but I tossed the book across the room. LOL. I don’t like x-x-x-x-x-x-x, they seem to be becoming two commonplace today,and, unfortunately this book has one in the making. LOL. I liked that there was not one but two younger men and the two degrees of seperation that played out in the climax. Overall, I recommend In Love With a Younger Man to Robinson fans and I guess I will have to pick up the next book to see what happens with the trio and the secondary characters that fell out of the closet.

Here’s my thirteen books for the First Quarter 2009 Reading List with updates:

The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson

The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Unfinished)

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair

In Love with a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson–Completed; Week Three Read

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano

Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan–Completed;Week One Read

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason

The Ties that Bind by Bertice Berry

What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant; Completed, Week Four Read

Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward; Completed, Week Two Read

Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little

I’m ahead for week four–started and finished What Doesn’t Kill You by DeBerry and Grant today. The storyline is very timely, although at times, I wondered if the main character had any luck that wasn’t bad luck. Sometimes situations were just too over-the-top, but the character’s voice and personality was edgy, funny and I had to keep reading to see how she would get out of her latest escapade. Additionally, DeBerry and Grant used this book as not only a chance to entertain but also to educate and inform. I liked that they addressed financial challenges and that change is sometimes necessary in order to move forward; if you don’t turn the corner, you’ll never see what’s in front of you. That was one of many favorite quotes that I found in this book. Enjoy reading books about women who overcome trials and tribulations and find empowerment, then definitely check out this one. Another book that I recommend. APOOO Rating: 4.0 stars

Now, your turn. Leave a comment below to let us know what you read last week and what you plan to read this week.

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting APOOO or you need more details regarding what this challenge is, CLICK HERE.

Until next week, keep reading those books and HAPPY READING. See you here (same time) next Sunday for Weekly Update #5.

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #4 is a post from: APOOO

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #3

APOOO — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:18:32 +0000

Hello all and welcome to week three of the APOOO First Quarter African American Reading Challenge. How’s the reading coming along? Are you on your third book yet? For week two, I started the Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao…but it wasn’t holding my attention so I set it aside to read the APOOO Book of the Month, Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward.

I had high hopes for this one…was really looking forward to reading it…unfortunately it left something to be desired for me. It was a well-written book, but too much imagery, attention to unneccessary details, out-of-place flashbacks, constant changing point-of-view from paragraph to paragraph, and lack of plot made me eager to finish this book and move on to something else. Despite those issues, I believe this author has a promising career, and, if she continues to hone her craft, I will read future releases from her.

Here’s my thirteen books for the First Quarter 2009 Reading List with updates:

The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson

The Black Girl Next Door by Jennifer Baszille

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Unfinished)

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair

In Love with a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson

The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano

Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan–Completed;Week One Read

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason

The Ties that Bind by Bertice Berry

What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant

Where the Lines Bleed by Jesmyn Ward; Completed, Week Two Read

Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little

I hope to get to Where There’s Smoke by Terra Little and What Doesn’t Kill You by DeBerry and Grant this week. Anyone read these books yet? Share your thoughts.

What about you? Leave a comment below to let us know what you’ve read and what you think of the book.

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting APOOO or you need more details regarding what this challenge is, CLICK HERE.

Until next week, keep reading those books and HAPPY READING. See you here (same time) next Sunday for Weekly Update #4.

First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #3 is a post from: APOOO

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