Meet Positive Minds Book Club, September 24th, 2008
By APOOO • Sep 23rd, 2008 • Category: APOOO Features, Head of the Class •
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POSITIVE MINDS BOOK CLUB
Literature/fiction-which includes African American fiction-urban and non-urban and Christian fiction, Mystery, Biographies, Self-help/spiritual and period pieces.
Name FIVE authors whose books your book club enjoys reading together.
Victoria Christopher Murray
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Eric Jerome Dickey
Pearl Cleage
List the FOUR BEST books that your book club has read this year.
Now, this year hasn’t been our best year for books-One in a Million by Kimberla Lawson Roby, Too Little Too Late by Victoria Christopher Murray– have been about the best ones thus far. We’ve had some differences of opinions on the other but these two, every one has enjoyed!!!
List THREE books—the last book your club read, the current book your club is reading, the book your club plans to read next.
Tempest Tales by Walter Mosley
Suddenly Single by Shana Burton
Our next book has not been selected yet.
Offer TWO tips for a successful book club meeting or TWO things to consider before starting a book club.
For a book club meeting-have an agenda and stick by it and to help stick by it have a sergeant-at-arms.
For starting a book club-have committed members and guidelines/rules that must be followed.
If your group could have dinner with ONE author, who would be your group’s choice and why? Victoria Christopher Murray
GOTTA RUN…BUT BEFORE WE DEPART:
What makes your book club unique and different from any other book club? We’ve been together for 10 years and we have TRULY come to think of each other as sisters. It’s our sisterhood and we’ll protect it at any cost. We understand that as women, we all can have different moods at different times but we know how each person is, accept that person for who they are, and move on.
Is your group currently accepting membership? If so, whom should we contact? Currently we are. Contact Condra Winston Weaver at Sansgirl@cox.net
How can one reach your group on the Web?
We have a MySpace account: http://positivemindsbookclub.wetpaint.com
DISCUSSION QUESTION
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Hello Ladies of the Postive Minds book club.
Congrats on your 10 years of being together. IN my bookclub we also think of ourselves as sisters.
Since ther are 7 of us, we meet at each other homes for 7 months out of the year. The other 5 months we meet at restaurants.
Jeannette, when you all meet at a restaurant do you get a meeting room…
I love the name of youb of your group Positive Minds Book Club. You all are phenomenal. I sense a real sisterhood here.
My book club, Marcus Book Club meets at the Marcus Book Store. We meet at a restaurant in November for a holiday meal.
Dera
Dera’s last blog post..I’ve Been Called Out
Nah, we just sit and hold up a table for hours!!. We try not to use the busier restaurants.
Ladies….. as co-founder of Positive Minds Bookclub…. I would really like to thank you for the lovely comments about our awesome bookclub. We REALLY are like sisters! we know each other inside out, lol! I think you need that you need that sisterly bond to stay together as long as we have
. I am repping PM in full effect, because this is an organization that i truly and fully support! I love Positive Minds!………………….be blessed…..DeAndra
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
Hello to all my sisters. My name is Condra Winston Weaver and I am Co-founder and president of Positive Minds Bookclub out of Macon, Georgia. First, I’d like to thank Yasmin for this forum and for featuring us. Secondly, I’d like to say what a pleasure it is to communicate with everyone. There are so many bookclubs around this country and to have a place where we can get together and exhange ideas and learn different things from each other is wonderful. I’m going to try and not make this TOO long because I can be long winded but I just want to express thanks and gratitude to all my literary sisters and looking forward to corresponding with everyone.
Hello Positvie Minds,
This is your sister from Georgia. I am so proud of what you ladies have done, and just want to thank you for reaching out. The ladies of Positive Minds have invited me on a couple of occasions to attend author book signings and other reading events in our area. I really appreciate you sharing your positivity.
Our book club is composed of 10 members, all sisters and their daughters. We meet quarterly. Our meetings are held at individuals home, and rotates. We have a annual Christmas meeting where we invite our friends to share a book and treats. They all look forward to this time and ask each year for us to open up our club. Howerver, we are a club of family and appreciate the level of imtimacy in discussion that only family can give.
Everyone have a blessed week and keep reading!
To the Ladies of PMBC my hat goes off to you. It is such a blessing to see sisters come together for something postive. The group I belong to W.O.W. (Women Of Worship) meet once a month and we discuss life no particular book. We fellowship with prayer breakfast and discuss topics on spiritual and daily struggles along with celebrating each other birthdays and any other postive achievements they may have earned. We have a total of 58 members and we meet at different restaurants or at one of the members house.
Hello Positive Minds Book Club,
I so love your name. It radiates everything!!! Ten years, WOW and CONGRATS!
Where does your book club hold your (monthly) meetings?
Because we’re an online book club a lot of our meetings take place via telephone, chatrooms and im’s not to mention text messages and what have you. It’s really fun we’re all on the phone, or someone is buzzing in for someone to call someone else.
Nardsbaby’s last blog post..Nardsbaby gave 5 stars to: Nan
Hey Ladies… I absolutley love the name… Congratulations of the feature in
APOOO… I’ll have to check out you page …
Narsbaby, we usually meet at a local restaurant. We try to find one that has a seperate area for us since we can get loud about a really good book. On other occasions, we’ll meet at one of our members houses or just whatever that month calls for. Our October meeting, we are all going to the Taste of Atlanta (we’re located in Macon, Georgia-which is an hour south of ATL). Anyone in the Atlanta area who wants to join us, shoot me an email and we’d be more than happy to have ya!!!! Sansgirl@cox.net
Hey Positive Minds,
Congratulations on your feature today. Much continued success. Love the name, stay postive in everything you do and blessed.
Where does your book club hold your (monthly) meetings? Each member host a month for our book club meetings, so our meetings are in various places. We might meet at the members home or at a different restuarants or even at the book stores. Its up to the host for the month. For the month of August we met at the beach. I love the different variety of places that we meet.
Tangerine
Reader’s Paradise Book Club
Tangerine…which beach?
It’s really great to see the ladies of POSITIVE MINDS BOOK CLUB recognized here. I know they are all always working hard to make their book club better and better. Keep up the good work ladies.
Thank you to my friend BIG LUV for supporting PM. Special thanks out to Jeanette, Dera, JSWINT, Latrice, Nardsbaby, ‘Cilla and Tangerine- for also contributing their support and encouraging words and comments.
I think APOOO has created a wonderful forum that allows bookclubs to communicate and exchange thoughts and ideas on how to make their bookclub even better. When we attended the ’08 National Bookclub Conference this year- we came away with a lot of suggestions and ideas about different activities and policies that we could and may implement in our own bookclub.
Since this is a forum….I’d like to pose the following questions to all of the bookclubs out there……………….
1. What does your bookclub do to promote itself, if any? (marketing, etc…)
2. Do you charge dues, if so how much and what does it go towards?
3. How to you raise funds- if you need them?
4. What types of events does your bookclub do?
5. Do you have a bookclub slogan, logo or colors, if so…what?
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
Congrats on 10 years!!!
Our bookclub is held in a branch library so there are bookmarks placed at the checkout station. We don’t have dues or raise funds. As far as events we have a Christmas party and in October we’ll be going to see The Secret Life of Bees and dinner. We had author Sheila Williams of Dancing on the Edge of the Roof at one of our meetings.
wow Angelia…okay just a few follow up questions, if that’s okay ???? lol
you say that you’all are huge? how many members do you have?
what do you do with the library and chamber of commerce? (that’s really interesting to me)
so- the anniversary banquet-do you sell tickets or is each person just responsible for items, etc…you invite family, friends, etc…… I ask bc i would really like for us to do a real sit-down banquet with a band/dj, catered food, etc…..
you have some really interesting information. now- what about question #5?
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
Sharon, your entry was interesting, too. Okay so the bookmarks have your bookclub information on them? how many members do you have? so if you don’t have dues- where do you meet- and do you eat-bring food, etc? Oh, i think that’s a wonderful idea to do the dinner and a movie-with the Secret Life of Bees- i think that’ll be an awesome outing. Hope you guys have fun!
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
DeAndra,
Yes the bookmark have the bookclub’s info on them….such as the bookclub’s name, the place of meeting, time and the BOM. We have approximately 20 people. We meet at the library where the bookclub originated by one of the librarians and we have snack foods at the meetings.
HUNDREDS? hundreds?
WHAT?
what’s your bookclub? where are you located? my Goodness! wow! so you sell tickets to cover the expense of the banquet? you bring in authors- new authors or established? do you pay the authors? how many people attend your banquet? wow… this is good stuff. is it difficult to sell tickets for the banquet? is it a sit down meal-with the works- band,etc…. how much do you sell your tickets for? what month is your anniversary banquet held in?
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
Sharon,
that’s a great idea and cheap, too. so, they let you bring snacks to the library? 20 people-hmm that a good sized group. so do you all have a meeting room in the library? when do you all meet?
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
i’m sorry i have so many questions everyone. ……lol. as you can tell- i’m very inquisitive. i like to find out what other groups are doing and how they do it. when we started this group 10 years ago- we had no idea that there were so many other bookclubs out there- and we just did everything off the cuff. we just came up with ideas and implemented them. we like to think that we’re more “refined” now- and we try to put more thought into everything we do. we have a planning meeting coming up and i’m just trying to get ideas to take back to the crew. thanks for allowing me to question you…..i appreciate the assistance.
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
Positive Minds your book club favorite authors are the same as my offline book club – Sistah Circle Book Group. Our book club meets either on the 3rd or 4th Saturday of every month. We meet at one of the local libraries; depending on who is hosting, it’ll be at the library of their choice.
The library has a meeting room where we meet and we meet the 3rd Wednesday each month. I’ve only been a member for a year but I believe the bookclub is 4 yrs. old. Out of the 20 members we have 10 to 15 at a meeting. We’re a pretty “passionate” group of ladies. Sometimes our meetings get so loud people in the library want to know what all the fun’s about…LOL
Shelia-Sistah Circle- your bookclub name sounds familiar. were you at the bookclub conference? where are you from? we meet on saturdays, too. so- the library has a meeting room?
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
DeAndra, the libraries here allow us to use their conference rooms and we can bring in food as well. Some of the libraries are equipped with a small kitchen area that includes a sink and maybe even a small microwave.
No problem DeAndra, I like reading about the bookclubs and possibly get ideas to take back to our bookclub.
DeAndra I forgot to answer your other question. We weren’t at the book club conference, but hopefully we’ll be at the book conference in Houston next year (fingers crossed).
We’re in Shreveport, LA and we have about 10 members. The book club has been in existance for about 10 years and I’ve been a member for the past 2 years.
Sheila,
I posted the idea to our bookclub about the conference too. Maybe we can make it next year as well.
I just want to say congrats on your longevity and even though I am not “officially” a part of the group because I am not in the area, I do try to read the books according to your reading list and even suggest to my sister, Condra books that may be of interest you the group. Keep up the good work.
lol. i just realized that i’ve been so busy asking questions that i haven’t gotten any work done. lol. ugh-oh! ;-{
Shelia- that sounds wonderful. none of our libraries have kitchen areas. wow!
Sharon- I love reading ideas, too.
Shelia-what conference in Houston is that? is that a different conference? The National Bookclub conference is in ATL next year, i think.
Sharon- you should really try to convince your bookclub- it is an awesome experience. check out the website: nationalbookclubconference.com or even check out my pics from this year’s conference at our website: http://positivemindsbookclub.wetpaint.com/page/National+Bookclub+Conference
the rest of our bookclub members are in the process of posting their pics, too- so check back to see theirs.
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
Dee-Dee- thank you. we appreciate your support. Condra just called me- she’s reading through all of the millions of posts now- so i’m sure she’ll comment in just a minute. thank you, thank you, thank you. we thank you and appreciate the long distance love.
Positive Minds is in the house,baby !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
Shelia and Sharon- thank you. i’ve had so much fun- but i have GOT to get back to work now. :-{
i’ll be back later…………………………….
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
1. What does your bookclub do to promote itself, if any? (marketing, etc…)
We don’t really do anything to promote ourselves. We just show up at events/booksignings and start talking to authors and whoever else is there. We used to have business cards to give out, but I think we all ran out and have not ordered any.
2. Do you charge dues, if so how much and what does it go towards?
No we do not charge dues.
3. How to you raise funds- if you need them?
N/A. If we need something, we all just pitch in.
4. What types of events does your bookclub do?
We do a lot of literary events. Mainly trips out of town. It gives us a chance to make short vacations together.
5. Do you have a bookclub slogan, logo or colors, if so…what?
On our business cards it said “Reading is knowledge, pick up some knowledge today”
No colors
We had some shirts made and on them with had the skyscape of the city with a book, but that was a while ago.
1. What does your bookclub do to promote itself, if any? (marketing, etc…)
Yes, we are huge and promote many community activities and very involved with library and chamber of commerce!
2. Do you charge dues, if so how much and what does it go towards?
No, we do one thing a year that costs and that is an anniversary banquet.
3. How to you raise funds- if you need them?
NO, but we donate to many charities and organizations.
4. What types of events does your bookclub do?
We have promoted booksignings, concerts, programs in conjunction witth the library
Someone sponsors each meeting and provides food, or folks bring food..we do fiction one month, non-fiction the next
5. Do you have a bookclub slogan, logo or colors, if so…what?
We have hundreds, but usually about 40-50 participate monthly, Felice our founder is very community involved and she is on the Chamber and we are involved in literacy programs and the like, last year we bought singers from South Africa and we worked with getting Zora Neale Hurston recognized in the library system. Felice is a dynamo…for the banquet we sell tickets and we bring authors, that is how I met them, they invited me to a collective a couple years ago, and last year I was their anniversary authore
Hey Angelia…what authors have met with your local book club?
Congratulations Ladies on 10 years. May God continue to bless you all.
LOL I think the HoneyB woman is Mary Morrison…and sounds like your club has a good thang going!
I am representing Positive minds book club in Macon, GA.
I’m back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol.
Ladies- please notice that our pic is now posted! whoo-hoo. This is a picture we took at the National Bookclub Conference this year on saturday August 2nd. The Divas of Positive Minds Bookclub! In the picture, you’ll notice that we’re all different ages- which means we’re diverse and it makes for a better discussion- because we all have different points of view. I am so excited about this forum! (can you tell ???) if anybody is hiring- let me know…bc i’m gonna need a new job after this. lol.
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
LOL…DeAndra…you are so funny…I love your spirit!
xoxo
We are PRIDE bookclub of Jacksonville Florida, we have about forty at most events, we do not pay authors, however, they treat authors very well, present company included and sometime we talk to the authors via phone or conference if they can’t come…but many do and have…
angelia
Nice pics!!! I see you ladies with Omar Tyree. He’s going to be in Cincinnati next Tuesday signing books.
Hello DeAndra, who is Big Luv?!?! Anyway congratulations to your book club for a job well done.
Brenda Jackson, Carl Weber, Susan Taylor, the HoneyB woman, can’t think of her name, Phillip Roth, we have a really eclectic group, one is a news anchor and she has lots of hook-ups, many non-fiction authors, and they are very much about local authors, extraordinarily supportive….they have helped me sell a lot of books…
i’m sorry if it appears i’m not paying attention. i’m so busy emailing all of my friends and family and trying to get them to come to the website and rep PM! i just had someone email me some pics from Hurricane Ike-in the Galveston Area. whoa! they are amazing. when i saw them- for some reason- the devastation reminded me of 9/11. It just saddens me. I just hope that those people are able to rebuild and that they are given TIMELY assistance and aid. So, again —-since this is a forum……
#1 were any of you’all (or your friends or family) affected by the storm?
if so, how?
#2 do you think this is a good example of why we need CHANGE in our national government/
#3 is your bookclub doing anything to promote Voting, Voter Registration and/or Obama?
—–holla at your girl!
lol
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
Angelia- who do you know in Macon?
Sharon- yes. some of our bookclub members are not that crazy about Omar -bc of his attitude, but we still think he’s an excellent author.
APOOO- Thank You! I think this is a wonderful opportunity and I love this discussion!
Jessica, Marcus & Olivia- Thank You!
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
DeAndra…my niece got caught up in Katrina…she was at Xavier…after spending time at the Superdome…let’s just say she never wants to see NO again and she doesn’t have any fond memories.:( My paternal side of the family is from LA…many from NO…but they lived beyond the French Quarters and so they were spared…but fortunately most of them left the area years ago…now as far as Ike…no family…but friends who I consider family were affected…and Houston has been slow coming back. It’s a mess.
Regarding change…change has to begin at home and then spread abroad…no one wants to pay more taxes…but somethings need to be done on a LOCAL level…when it becomes a NATIONAL disaster then it becomes a federal problem. I believe that Ike is a federal problem…but once again where is the money coming from…where does the federal government get the money from…and while I believe Obama can bring about change…I don’t think it will happen in one term nor will it affect business in your local community.
APOOO is doing nada…collectively…but individually many of us are Rocking the Vote in our local communities. I’ve done the phone bank, canvassed, sorority event and even hosted an Obama staffer during the Spring for about six weeks. If I was in FL…I would take the day off and drive ALL of my family members, esp. the youngums, to their polling place to make sure they VOTED on 11/4. 8MM AfAms are not registered…that’s way too many…and time is running out to register.
DeAndra it’s the National Black Book Festival. It’s scheduled for MAY 16-17, 2009.
Here’s the website: http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/
Was this event hosted for the first time this year in Houston. If so, I heard mixed views…
On the other hand, I’ve never done NBCC, so I will be in da house next year…if the creek don’t rise…and lol.
APOOO-sorry to hear that about your niece. my goodness! Continue to Rock the Vote! You are definitely a champion!
Shelia- oh- okay. I haven’t heard of it- but i will check it out. At the conference in Atlanta- one of the other bookclubs told us about a Book Event in New York- in June- she mentioned that you can get all the books you’d like- we were like….huh? what? so, we’re checking in to it- and trying to see how we can all fly up and ship our books back.
APOOO-
If the creek don’t rise too high- you should come! A fun time will be had by all! We try to go almost every year- and we have almost 100% participation from the bookclub when we do go. It’s time for “us”- and we all look forward to it every year. Now if i could just manage to not upset Condra and everyone else with all my extra luggage- I’d really be in business! (I gotta learn how to “roll” my garmets, or shrinkwrap them- or something! my luggage is out of control!)
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
Hey Ladies, so much work to do and so little time to do it in. Dee-girl PM is so proud of you. Represnt!!!! There is so much to catch up on. I’ve read so many different ideas. However, since this was close towards the bottom, Omar—-his books are much better than his attitude. Same can be said about Ian Smith but I don’t really want to completely bash on anyone!!!!!! Dee-great shout about rocking that vote!!!!!!! We’ve got a few bookclub members that have faithfully been getting the word out and working voter registrations for the past month and time is running out.
Truly out of control with the packing. Gone 4 days and I swear she had a bag for EACH day. But if anyone gets the opportunity to attend, please by all means. I believe Curtis will have Patti LaBelle next year. If you want to check it out just go to http://www.nationalbookclubconference.com and look at his site. We look forward to it EVERY year.
Beautiful…I have friends in Macon…
angelia
DeAndra…the book event in May/June is probably BEA BookSellers Exhibitors Association…it’s not really for book clubs…but lawd you know how black folks roll sometimes…all I say is that nothing is FREE…at least not really at BEA…because the more books you get…the more books you have to ship home…and shipping ain’t cheap. If you all decide to attend…remember to only take the books that you’re interested in reading rather than a whole bunch that you pay postage for and then toss later.
Definitely plan to be at NBCC next year…I’m not sure how many folks are going from APOOO…so I might have to become an honorary member of another group in order to get the book club rate…anyone want to adopt me.
Oh no what’s wrong with Dr. Ian Smith…did the 50MM pound challenge go to his big ole head…lol.
Hi,
I am the younger cousin of DeAndra Richard who is one of the founders for Positive Minds. I just wanted to stop by and show my support! I think it is ALWAYS wonderful and inspiring when a group of women(African-American) can come together and do something that will not only affect themselves but others around them.Keep up the good work and continue to strive for excellence!! Best Wishes and MANY blessings!!;-)
Carita
APOOO, I didn’t attend this year so I’ll have to ask around about it.
I have heard about the conference in Atlanta and I look forward to attending it.
Hello:
The ladies of Macon keep putting it down like that. Keep expanding & influencing our younger sisters. Guiding them & showing that we as a people do value education & we do read. I’m looking forward to seeing you ladies on Oprah or on CNN continue to promote this club. Keep doing your thang,,,, you got this brotha’s support.
APOOO- LOL-No, actually his attitude was WAY before the 50MM pound challange. But Lawd only know’s how big it is now—-Positive Minds would more than glad to adopt you. You can roll with us any time!!!!!!!!!!
Condra, I think what you all are doing as a group of black women is great. We need to have and keep Positive Minds. Our young girls need to see positive women. Keep it up and I look forward to seeing you all on t.v. Go girls.
Hey Condra thanks for the offer…okay let me know when you all are ready to sign up for next year’s NBCC because I want to be right there with you.
yasmin
thank you Ramone, Carita and Pat Perry. We appreciate your love and support!
Yasmin- I’ve been checking out the BEA website- and this looks promising….hmmm. gotta look into that. thanks for the info!
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
Hi Ladies,
Congratulations!!! I applaud you for reading & reading & reading Condra keeps telling us so much about your bookclub
I am so happy -we are getting so much love! wow- Thank you Marquita.
Positive Minds is truly loved!
DeAndra Richard’s last blog post..Bookclub Links
1st I am a little slow because I am on the internet and watching ANTM…..I saw lashonda and had to stop and look…I was like I did not post…then I remembered…I think my name comes up as Ladysilver…maybe is says lashonda…I quess I will know after I post this.
ANYWAY…congrats ladies. I love the name of your bookclub. I love this post. it has been one of the most interesting with ideas and things. the book club I was to become a part of cancelled the 1st meeting.I have to say that even with a Sgt at arms we would have no order. too many of them do not like to read. still waiting to see how this works. Ithink I may keep to my online talks about books. I can not find people with a passion to read in Jacksonville like I have.
Hi – This is Boo coming at Positive Minds to say what a wonderful job and outstanding performance on reading. Reading is fundamental!!!
I know many of the members and proud to call you friends. Happy Birthday on ten years!!!!!
The local club I belong to meet at each other’s homes
1. What does your bookclub do to promote itself, if any? (marketing, etc…)
We have a website (www.womanistreaders.org)
2. Do you charge dues, if so how much and what does it go towards? 10.00
community service projects (books for young people etc )
3. How to you raise funds- if you need them? we raise it within the club
4. What types of events does your bookclub do? Reading to young people, bringing in authors
5. Do you have a bookclub slogan, logo or colors, if so…what? PURPLE
Hi, this is Adrienne founder of Black Women Who Read (BWWR) from CT. We’ve been meeting for 14 years.
Since this is a forum….I’d like to pose the following questions to all of the bookclubs out there……………….
1. What does your bookclub do to promote itself, if any? (marketing, etc…) we don’t do anything at the moment but would like to in the future
2. Do you charge dues, if so how much and what does it go towards? yes…we charge $10 monthly dues…$5 goes to the host and $5 to the club
3. How to you raise funds- if you need them? n/a
4. What types of events does your bookclub do? we have an Xmas get together during the holidays and attend local book fairs in the area
5. Do you have a bookclub slogan, logo or colors, if so…what? not yet
LaShonda and others…if you enjoy reading books but don’t know of any local bookclubs in your area…you might want to consider APOOO. Just let me know.
APOOO, you can go in at any time on the website and register and you can certainly register under or with Positive Minds. You usually pay a discounted rate if you have 5 or more bookclub members to attend and we surpass that every year. I must again, also, thank you for this forum and for featuring Positive Minds. I’v enjoyed everyone’s comments and appreciate the support and love that has been shown to us. I certainly hope that we can contiune correspondence with everyone and look forward to actually meeting everyone at the NBCC next year.
Thanks Condra…I’m going to check with the book club members of APOOO once again to see if we have five members who plan to attend…if not I will register under Positive Minds…looking forward to meeting you all as you definitely personify your name…AWESOME LADIES.
xoxo
yasmin
I would love to be a part of APOOO
Hey Lashonda…email me offloop: apooo4u at yahoo dot com and I will send you an email with an invitation for you to join us.
this has been a wonderful and insightful discussion. truly a pleasure and a blessing!
Positive Minds Book Club is one of the best book clubs in Macon. IF I was to join a book club it would be with them. They are a wonderful group of young ladies always trying to give a little more than just book club info but informal info about our health in the community and what we could do to take better care of ourselves. I hope they continue with their book club for many years to come.
Positive Minds bookclub out of Macon, Georgia is just truly that………..a bunch of positive, motivated, mindful women who are giving so much of themselves and to our community. Not only are they promoting reading and literacy but they are commited to doing other works within the community and giving back to it. They have done so much such as donating money towards books for the Central High School bookclub and actually buying books for the Westside Summer reading program but other community oriented events such as the Positive Living with Positive Minds about women’s health. I hope that they have many more years to come and wish them all the blessings that will be bestowed upon them.
I just wanted to go in and commend Positive Minds for doing such great work within the community of Macon, Georigia. Condra and I have been friend for YEARS and I am truly proud of this fantastic group of women. Keep up the good works ladies!!!!!!
Goodmorning and shouts out to Positive Minds Bookclub!
Good Work Positive Minds!!!!!! I’ve attend a few of their functions and I just wanted to go in and say that this a motivated group of women. It’s not JUST about reading for them but community service as well. Keep up the good works!
This is one of the best bookclubs in Macon, GA and I just wanted to say congratulations on your 10 years and being featured on this website and good going ladies.
I am a member of Positive Minds and I want to say to everyone, thanks for showing your support. I love this group of women like my sisters and would do anything in the world for each and everyone of them. I am so glad that I am a member.
Greetings! I used to attend Positive Minds meetings a longggggggggg time ago- when they first started. They met at the Ruth Hartley Mosley Center and they were awesome then- and they’re still awesome now. Because of my hectic schedule- I can’t attend like I used to- but I plan on trying to do better. They are always doing something! Whether it’s traveling to a play in Atlanta, hosting a booksigning in Macon or feeding families at the Ronald McDonald house here in Macon, they are always on the go! These ladies are top notch- and I would like to congratulate them on their longevity. God Speed and God Bless!
Congrats DeAndra & Positive Minds Bookclub on 10 years going strong! I haven’t been to one of your meetings in about 8years, but I just have one question…….do ya’ll still serve that good food, punch and cake like you used to? You ladies sure know how to cook and throw a party! I plan on coming back soon. I’ll keep in contact.
Congratulations Positive Minds. I use to live in the Middle Georgia Area (Warner Robins) and would support Positive Minds whenever they had something going on. Since I am in Texas now, I support them in spirit. I know that you all are keeping up with the great works!!!!!
I am 1 of the 4 founders of Positive Minds Bookclub. Although I’m no longer active, due to other obligations, I still have a vested interest in the bookclub. I am so happy to see that it is still going strong! When we first started this club, we had no idea that it would last this long. I guess- we were true visionaries. In the near future, if time permits- I hope to be able to become active again. 10 years? wow! words cannot express how happy I am to hear all of the lovely comments everyone has made about PM. May God continue to bless PM for many more years to come………
Condra, congratulations to you and Positive Minds for being featured on this website. Keep up the good work.
I met several members of Positive Minds Bookclub at this year’s NBCC. I was selling Obama T-shirts and pins, shoes, hats, etc…..These ladies are so sweet! Some of the members bought some Obama paraphanalia and they kept calling to order more and more! I thank them for supporting me- and I felt that the least I could do was to support them (since I kept receiving harassing emails telling me to shout them out on this page….lol!). Anyway, congrats ladies- and I wish you much more continued success. Call me when Obama wins- and we’ll make sure to get you some more purple shirts.
Good Morning Everyone!!!! I am a member of Positive Minds and very glad that I am. I’ve always expressed to everyone that since I didn’t pledge while I was in college that this group of women is my sorority. 10 years is a long time and we have seen many ups and downs but I would not have missed any of it for the world. I love all of my “sisters” and I am very proud of us!!!!!!!!!
I’m DeAndra’s sister- and I have been threatened to be held hostage if I don’t shout out her bookclub, so here goes:
It is will great pride and joy that I congratulate PMBC on their recent anniversary and achievements. I personally know that all of the ladies are passionate about reading and they take their bookclub seriously. They see PM as their own sisterhood or sorority. I wish you guys much continued success.
(Okay…..so does this get me off the hook now?)
I’m DeAndra’s co-worker and I must start off with an apology. I was so caught up in trying to read all of the posts that I didn’t get a chance to post anything on yesterday. oops! sorry! so, she has been fussing at me this morning to go ahead and git-r-dun. I apologize because I’ve been so busy…..You know some people actually have to work here……unlike some people who shall remain nameless…….
anyway- shouts out to the best bookclub in Macon- Positive Minds. DeAndra is always talking about her bookclub and what they do, she really loves it. Congrats u guys!
Congratulations Positive Minds. Condra is my sister in law and is ALWAYS talking about her bookclub. I am in the DC/VA area so I have to support them in spirit. Good going ladies and keep up the good work.
LOL…I love DeAndra’ and Condra’s spirits…they take no prisoners…got sisters, co-workers to boot coming ova here to show love…You ladieds definitely get the award for MOST SPIRITED MEMBERS..YGG (you go gurls).
xoxo
I am in TROUBLE as we speak because I didn’t do this yesterday-9-24-08 but better late than never. I am a PROUD member of Positive Minds and have been from the beginning. We are truly a devoted group of women and I love each and every one of them. I see Condra and Dee has represented PM very well. Couldn’t do with them!!!!!! Gotta get back to work.
Congratulations to my sister-in-law Condra Winston-Weaver and her bookclub. She serves at the president- and she is always talking about them. I’m sorry I’m so late, I thought her email said the 25th- not the 24th. Oh well, better late than never. Love ya girl!
oh, and congrats Positive Minds.
Condra,
I just read my email, sorry I’m a little late. I was trying to read some of the blog-but there are so many entries. My goodness! Sorry I haven’t had a chance to get back to Macon. I think Positive Minds is an excellent bookclub and they are really fun to hang around. These ladies have a camaraderie like none other. They are so in-sync with each other. I think they work well together. We have had some really good discussions. I hate that I’m not able to drive down from Atlanta more often- but I’ve been really busy. I’m glad you thought enough of me- to ask me to comment on the club. Although I can’t be there- I know you’all will continue to light the way and blaze the path. Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary- and please let me know what you decide to do for the 11th anniversary in April. I will be there! Condra and all- again- thank you- and it’s been a pleasure.
Condra & De- hey girls!
(sorry I’m late, too- but hey- I got in, so it still counts, right?)
anyway— to my girls and their bookclub- shouts out to the best bookclub in Macon. I am a close personal friend to them both, not to mention their hair stylist.
(for more information, contact: Tonya @ Veronica’s Hair Salon 478-474-9080)
I remember when you- all came up with the grand idea to start a bookclub. I wasn’t interested -bc let’s keep it real- i don’t read. but if i did, i could’ve been a founder, too. I had no idea that things would go like this- and you’all would blossom into such a wonderful and charitable organization. Now if you could just convince all of your bookclub members to let me do their hair, then we’d really be in business! just kidding…..kinda. so- what i’m trying to say is- good luck, much continued success…. and how did you guys luck up and get featured on another’s bookclub’s website anyway? leave it up to Condra- I bet she entered you’all into some kind of contest. Trust me ya’ll – she is always working for the bookclub. i wonder if Positive Minds has her on payroll? Anyway- let me stop rambling on- so I can make sure my comment makes it in- on time- or I’ll never hear the end. And by the way…..if your hair isn’t becoming to you, you should be coming to me.
Tonya
Peace and Blessing everyone. I am truly honored to be part of such a fantastic group of women. I’ve been with Positive Minds since the 1st year and it’s been a great 10 years and I am looking forward to another 10 wonderful years. Thanks for the shout outs everyone!!!
I was involved with PM years and years ago- before I moved back to Virginia. PM has always been a force to be reckoned with. We were active in participating in many community service and community events then, and the tradition has continued. PM has been a tremendous influence on my life and I hope that I also had some type of impact on theirs. Although I’m not there in presence, I remain with you in spirit. Positive Minds, congrats on your 10 year anniversary!
Just because our “featured day” has passed….it doesn’t mean the party has to end. Condra & I will continue to email, call, harass, abuse, threaten our friends and family……whatever we have to do….by whatever means neccessary to get them to shout us out! (can you tell we’re very competitive? ;-} ) so, continue to look for posts from the entire city of Macon until the deadline….whenever that may be. May the best bookclub….or the most aggravating….(whichever!)……WIN!
Positive Minds Bookclub Rules!
Hey- I just realized that I never answered the questions that I posted for Positive Minds. I’ll try to work on that tonight. Gotta actually do some work today……
I just thought of another question…… I wonder how many bookclubs out there accept men? How many have member limitations? When we first started- we had no restrictions whatsoever. We had meetings with a few people and meetings with tons of people. we had 20 men and no men. We’ve since enforced a no-men and 15 max limitation.We think that the limitation helps to foster a more intimate conversation and discussion.
LOL…DeAndra because PM has been so active and stirred the pot…I will give all groups until October 15th to get bring their SHOUT OUTS in…this way groups coming behind you all will still have a chance to REP…although ya’ll are going to be pretty darn hard to beat…hmmm checking to make sure I have enough books to give away. Checked…I DO!
Oh and what’s up with that no-men rule…although I know of very few book clubs that are co-ed…generally men and women don’t read the same books for leisure/pleasure.
xoxo
It’s good to see such awesomeness from any group repping Macon. PM keep up the good work and DeAndra let someone else blog (lol).
AS VICE-PRESIDENT OF SUGAR AND SPICE BOOK CLUB MY JOB IS TO MAKE SURE
PEOPLE ARE BASICALLY KEPT HAPPY AND ARE REASONABLY ENJOYING THEMSELVES.
WE MEET THE LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH. AT THIS TIME EACH MEMBER PAYS TWENTY DOLLARS A MONTH. OUR DUES IS USED FOR FUND-RAISERS.
SELLING AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE PRODUCTS(CALENDARS,MAGNETS,TEE SHIRTS,SPECIAL OCCASION CARDS,ETC.)wE HAVE A STATE OF THE ART WEBSITE
PUT TOGETHER BY OUR VERY OWN TAWANNA-www.sugarandspicebookclub.org.
There you will see our logo and saying”ALWAYS READING SOMETHING.NOW YOU’VE GOT THAT RIGHT!” WE DO FUND-RAISING SUCH AS BUS TRIPS TO ATLANTIC CITY,CRABFESTS TO BALTIMORE,sell candy, raffle baskets!We serve the community by donated full bookbags to children of battered wives, donate gifts and books to children in the hospitals, serve in soup kitchens,donate clothes for “DRESS FOR SUCCESS”,DONATE BOOKS TO LIBRARIES IN nEW oRLEANS AND COUNTLESS OTHER EVENTS! BE PROMOTE OURSELVES BY WEARINGOUR CLUB SHIRTS TO EVENTS SUCH AS BOOK SIGNINGS,ALONGWITH CLUB BUSINESS CARDS, WEAR SHIRTS TO HARLEM BOOK FAIR, QUEENS BOOK FAIR, NATIONAL BOOK EXPO AND THE NATIONAL BOOKCLUB CONFERENCE. You sound like a great club with it all together!
POSITIVE MINDS BOOK CLUB want to thank you so very much for sharing your info. You sound like you really have a tight club and i think that’s awesome! Being from New York
City allows us to appreciate even more clubs that express their procedures from other states around the country. Again, I salute you all! The picture is very nice. Take care!
P.S. loved to contact or know of any NEW YORK base book clubs to invite to some of our meetings!
Judi Belle, thanks for those great words of support. We have actually discussed possibly coming to New York for the Harlem book fair. One of our members is actually from New York and have told us about and we are trying to see how we can feasibly and financially work this in next (that is if gas isn’t $1,000 a gallon
) I would love for you to contact me if possible to give me more info about it and when will it be held next year (2009). You can email me at Sansgirl@cox.net or call me at 478-960-5998 (cell). Oh, by the way, my name is Condra Winston Weaver and I am co-founder/president of Positive Minds. Thanks again and look forward to hearing from you.
Hey Condra…I’ve done the Harlem Book Fair several times…if you like urban fiction that venue will be great…if not then I say go to visit the city, take in the sights, play and get your eat on but I’m not sure I would travel from afar for the Harlem Book Festival…just not sure it’s a good value for someone coming from GA.
Hello Positive Minds,
Congrats on your ten years. Condra you and your club are really impressive. I met some of you ladies at the NBCC this past August in Atlanta. My Vice Pres. Judie Belle Raines did mention at the conference the Book Expo that will be held in NY next year. There is a fee and it is really for educators, libriains, book seller and the same. Yes all the books are free and you will get a lot of books you may not want. Yes you will pay for the shipping to get them home. But just to share with you what we did so that the books did not go to waste, and the pain in my arms was not in vain. Sugar & Spice Book Club donated books to the local libaries, hosiptials, nursing homes, and schools in our area. I can not speak for all areas but in some parts of NY they have cut the funding in our libraries that the shelves are bare. I also understand because we did not have to pay to ship the books back. So if you can go and think that maybe the cost for shipping is not to bad then please consider it. More so if you have any neighboring communties in need of books.
Also we will be going to Texas this your or first. Hope to see you there.
Alicia- Founder & Pres. Sugar & Spice Book Club
Hey Yasmin,
Thanks for the insight on that. I’m getting a little too old for the urban fiction!!!!! Now, I’ll read it if that’s what’s picked but I’m not a big fan of it. Sounds like if we do the NY trip, we need to find something else to do in addition to the book fair. May have to rethink that one. The economy is such a mess right now, I don’t know if a trip like that would be feasible but we’ll see if it rebounds any time soon.
Hey Alicia,
Good to talk to you again. Thanks for the wonderful idea about the books obtained from the book fair. That’s a great idea because we have actually received a lot of books from the Michael Baisden bookclub feature from a lot of up and coming authors and that would be a great way to get their books out there by donating them after we are finished with them. As I was telling Yasmin, we may have to rethink this idea about going. We are having our 2009 planning meeting on the 1st saturday of Nov and I will pass along with you and Yasmin suggested. I know we have at least 2 members that are just gung-ho about going and are actually talking about DRIVING!!!!! I’ll have to let you all know what we decide to do. Amazing how far some will travel for a free book!!!!!!
Peace and Blessings
Condra
And please tell the rest of Sugar and Spice hello from their literay sisters in GA!!!!!
What a wonderful book club! Do you all meet at a physical address or do you meet online only – or both! Ha!
Thank you, Condra, for suggesting my book at this fabulous club. My third book will be out within a year or so. When it is, I’ll make sure you know.
Thanks again for posting on my stop at APOOO!
-Susan Wingate
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Positive Minds Book Club for opening up the cyber doors and giving us a glimpse into your book world. Book clubs make the world go ‘round. Congratulations on the success of your book club.
OOSA Online Book Club´s last blog post..OOSA Online Book Club gave 4 stars to: Preacherman Blues
Hey Positive Minds. As you all’s secretary, I know how busy we are which is one reason why it took me so look to go out to this website. I see we are well represented (Condra and Dee)
I’m glad to be part of the BEST bookclub in Macon!!!!! Looking foward to 10 more years!! Much Love
Eve
Hey Positive Minds.
I really miss you guys. As a former member, I had to shout out to my girls and let them know that I am really proud of you all and glad to see you keeping up the good work. Although I’m not able to attend the meetings since I’m not in Macon anymore, know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers and keep it up ladies!!!!!!!
Congrats Condra and Positive Minds. Keep doing what you do.
Positive Minds, I am so proud of us!!!!!!!! I love each and every one of you ladies hope we are still around for 10+ years.
I’m blessed to be part of such a wonderful group of women.
Although I am no longer a member, I have to say congrats ladies on a job well done on being featured.
Congrats ladies on being featured!
Congratulations on Condra and Positive Minds.
Keep up the good work ladies and congratulations on being featured. My daughter and I haven’t attended a meeting a few years but we always enjoyed coming to you all’s meeting. Good going Condra and Dee.
Although I have been a member for less than a year, I feel like I have been with you all for years and I must applaud all that we have done and will continue to do. I’m glad I found my sisterhood.
Positive Minds is in the house!
Shouts out to my co-worker/classmate- Dee- and her bookclub Positive Minds African American Bookclub. Congratulations on your feature!
I’m not sure if you guys know this or not- but some members of a certain bookclub (i won’t mention names) are soliciting shout outs by intimidation. i was scared NOT to come on here and blog in support of them. so, since i don’t want to get anyone in trouble, even more importantly—- i don’t want to get myself in trouble (i’ve already been threatened)…i won’t mention their name- but i will say this-
congratulations- i wish you much continued success….(just know that all that excessive force is not neccessary!)
love you guys!
lol.
okay- i’m glad to know i’m not the only one…i was threatened too. lol!
DeAndra told me that she wouldn’t attend a Mary Kay party I’m throwing at my sister’s house unless i came on here and shouted her bookclub out.
i hope this counts- if not….
shouts out to Positive Minds in Macon, GA.
we bad…..we know we bad….that’s right! lol!
okay- it’s me…i’ll admit it. i’m guilty. yes, i’ve been threatening and intimidating my friends, family, co-workers, strangers, whoever- to come and support us on this website. what can i say…..i’m guilty. I mean-it works, right? by whatever means necessary…………………………………………………. you haven’t heard the last of Positive Minds Bookclub…….trust and believe that!
We may have to disassociate ourselves from DeAndra!!!! lol But ya gotta luv her!!!!!!!