First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge, Weekly Update #3
By APOOO • Jan 19th, 2009 • Category: First Quarter 2009 Reading Challenge •
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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.
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APOOO is a book club and an online author and reader community dedicated to advancing African American literature. Our mission is to expose readers of all ages to a good book in any genre; to support African American authors, books, literary events and bookclubs; to provide marketing resources, tools and tips to authors; and, to promote literacy within the African American community.
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I finished Where the Line Bleeds and started my fifth book, my local book club pick, the Tempest Tales by Walter Mosley.
Dera´s last blog post..Where the Line Bleeds–A Southern Tale: Review & Commentary
Nina’s Got A Secret — Brian W. Smith (read. review is posted.)
The Pledge— Chandra Sparks Taylor (read. review to post in Feb.)
Designated Hitters— Flex & Crystal Perkins-Stell (read. review posted for self)
Dirty Little Angel— Erica Hilton (read. review is posted.)
We Take This Man— Candice Dow & Daaimah Poole (read. review to post)
The Bishop’s Daughter—Tiffany L. Warren (currently reading and enjoying.)
Who You Wit— Paula Chase (read review to post.)
The Sweetest Taboo—Risque
Desperate Hoodwives— Meesha Mink & Deneesha Diamond
Erotic City—Pynk
Ghetto Resume—Freddie Simmons
Chante’s Song—Donneil D. Jackson (read. review posted)
Ski Mask Way—Randy Ski Thomas
I worried that ‘The Bishop’s Daughter’ would be too preachy or might lag, happy to say that the book is not only funny, but it’s a good read. Hope to finish today. Review wouldn’t post until Feb. “09. Definitely one to add to your ‘to be read’ piles.
Nardsbaby´s last blog post..Nardsbaby gave 4 stars to: A Dollar Outta Fifteen Cent 2
I’ve completed three in their entirety:
The Right Mistake by Walter Mosley
Run for Your Life by James Patterson/Michael Ledwidge (review will be posted 2/2)
The Wasted Vigil by Nadeem Aslam
In Process:
Bicycles: Love Poems by Nikki Giovanni (will finish today and write review)
Up Next:
Where The Line Bleeds (Vine Voice Review Book)
The Best of AA Fiction 2009
I finished two in their entirety:
Big Juicy Lips by Allison Hobbs (4)
Tale of a Train Wreck Lifestyle by Crystal Lacey Winslow (3)
In Progress:
The Hood Life by Meesha Mink and De’Nesha Diamond
Up Next:
Complete Where the Line Bleeds since I put it down
I am going to read book seven, I read Buffalo Soldier by Robert O’Connor, an expose of sorts about drug use and the undercover lives of soldiers…startling…I enjoyed Where the Line Bleeds, maybe the imagery is what caught me up…
Blessings!
angelia
Angelia´s last blog post..Gonna Party Like It’s My…
I finished Dying for Revenge since last week
I have started Sinful Chocolate. Where the Line Bleeds and a galley What White Boyz Ride. I think I need to read these three. Since I am at work and it is dead today, I will at least get What White Boyz Ride done and the review complete. Then I will start Sinful Chocolate. I have also been reading the online book on the harlequin site…I guess by the end of the month that will count too.But that chapter a day is killing me.
Lashonda´s last blog post..Happy Founders Day to the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
I’m down to my last book “A Mercy”. I’ve read everything else on my list
Dera, I read your review for WTLB and it was superb…now if only I felt the same way about the book. Sigh.
Crystal…I’m feeling you on the Bishop’s Wife…would have finished it yesterday but life got in the way…going to finish today. And this one is definitely a 4.5 right now…hmmm must be something about me as I’ve read 3 CF books since last month and all of them have been a 4 or better…and this is coming from a sistah who’s not a strong CF fan. LOL.
Phyllis–I see you’re on track as well…look forward to reading your review for Bicycle.
Ms. Mary–Look forward to hearing your thoughts on Hood Life.
Angelia–I generally enjoy books with vivid imagery…but only when it advances the story; the problem for me with WTLB is that there was a lot of telling (of mundane issues for me…once the author caught on to something she got stuck and didn’t know how to exit gracefully…at least not for me) and not enough showing…and when she did do more of the latter I found myself wondering why she picked such a minute object to expound upon…but this is just my opinion…and I’m happy that others enjoy it. Diversity makes the world go round.
Lashonda–good luck with finishing the books on your list this week…but if you don’t I will understand why. Hope everything works out.
Uranie–what else did you read…and what do you think of A Mercy.
So here I am thinking I have a leisure day at work to read…I get a project to work on….Don’t they know I am working towards my readign goal…LOL…..
Uraine …Way to Go!!!!!!
Ms. Mary…I read Hood Life for a review. Love to hear what you think as well
Lashonda´s last blog post..Happy Founders Day to the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
So far Hood Life is good…the drama at Bently Manor never stops…some of these men seem to be crazier then the women who once lived there…I’m just waiting for everything to blow up in everybodys face LOL
I read book three and four. Both really good. Look for my assessment later this week on my weekly update, plus the review.
Those two books were First Comes Love by Shana Johnson Burton (Christian Fiction) and Never Say Never by Michele Cameron (contemporary romance).
Up next I will try to finish Where The Line Bleeds, but I am not happy to be picking this book back up. It gives me a headache. I will also read Moments of Clarity by Michele Cameron. Can’t wait.
Jennifer C.´s last blog post..Exhale…
Hey Ladies,
Checking back in! Yas, I finished ‘The Bishop’s Daughter.’ OMG.. I loved it! What about you? Have you finished? I haven’t read anything prior by Tiffany L. Warren, but I liked the flow, the characters and the growth. My review won’t post until 2/09 it’s one of OOSA’s Feb. B.O.M.
I finished ‘Where The Line Bleeds’ not too long ago. I believe that visually it was beautiful, but it dragged like a heavy anchor. I liked it, but I don’t know if I’d be quick to recommend to others because it simply moves too slow. I also loved the relationship with the twins and how they reacted/acted toward one another.
Uraine CONGRATS on completing your list!!!! Does that mean that you’re gearing up for the SECOND QUARTER?
Ms. Mary & Lashonda I have the very first book as one of my challenge reads. I don’t know why I put it off so long. But I’ve heard good things about the series.
What will I read next??? hmmm… seeing the ‘Ghetto Resume’ is one of OOSA’s January reads it will probably be the lucky winner. No guarantees cause I have a few older reads that I’ve been trying to crank out in between. ESPECIALLY since Yas called me out on my low reading count for 2008!!! LOL
I got to get my book count up!
Nardsbaby´s last blog post..Nardsbaby gave 4 stars to: A Dollar Outta Fifteen Cent 2
I am getting ready to start my third book from my reading challenge list. Dying for Revenge by Eric Jerome Dickey.
I finsihed my second week read Where the Line Bleeds. It just was not the book for me. In fact, it was not the book for my bookclub and it received an average rating of 2.5. We disliked it more or less for the same reasons Yasmin listed. Now, I just need to write something up to satisfy my Amazon vine requirement. So glad I didn’t have to pay for this book.
Dera, I read your review and shared it with my bookclub (I hope you don’t mind). But it was beautifully written and I hope what you had to say will enlighten them on what the author was trying to do.
Hey Everybody! Just checking in for the 3rd week of the challenge! I am starting book 5 tonight, but I’ve already read:
Sinful Chocolate by Adrienne Byrd
A Preacher’s Passion by Lutishia Lovely
In Love With A Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson
Keep the Faith by Faith Evans
So far, everything has been great! I loved them all! I think my next book will be The Best of Everything by Kimberla Lawson Roby. I’ve also purchased The Bishop’s Daughter by Tiffany Warren and We Take This Man by Candice Dow and Daaimah Poole~I’ve heard so many great things about the two, but they aren’t on my official list, so I’m debating on whether I should put them on the list, or wait and read them after I’ve read the others, that have been on my TBR list since last year. Decisions, Decisions! Too many books and not enough time!!
By the way, Ms. Mary, you were right! I loved Keep the Faith! I loved Faith’s honesty and her devotion to her friends and family! Excellent read!
Jessica…add The Bishhop’s Daughter to your list…it’s a quick read…very engaging and entertaining.
Jeannette, of course, by all means, I hope it helps, though it sounds like it won’t. LOL. I understand though. The book is not for everyone and we all draw from our own experiences.
Yas, I could use a good CF. Might check TBD. BTW, how do I get my picture like everyone else on this site? What do I need to do. Hope it isn’t too complicated.
Dera´s last blog post..Where the Line Bleeds–A Southern Tale: Review & Commentary
i just finished Hood Life and wow it was crazy…those men were just as crazy and dirty as the women in Bentley Manor…and Jessica i just loved how Faith kept it real in her book without making it a kiss and tell book like Superheads…
I’m on book 6, Song Yet Sung. I’m enjoying but I seriously doubt if I get much reading done today. I gave my mom a copy of The Bishop’s Daughter so we will read that together once I finish this book.
im on book 4….i revised my book list…im reading The Lost Supreme: The Life of Dreamgirl Florence Ballard
Here’s my update:
The Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus — completed week 2
1) Havah by Tosca Lee — completed week 1
2) The Someday List by Stacy Hawkins Adams — completed week 1
3) Love Begins with Elle by Rachel Hauck
4) The Bishop’s Daughter by Tiffany Warren
5) The next Scrapbooking series title (can’t remember at the moment) by Rebeca Seitz
6) Midnight by Sister Souljah
7) Gotta Keep On Tryin’ by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant — completed week 2
9) Body Chemistry by Dara Girard — completed week 1
10) As I Have Loved You by Nikki Arana
11 ) In Love With A Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson
12) Be Strong and Curvaceous by Shelley Adina
13) Never Say Diet by Chantal Hobbs — replaced by The 4-Day Diet by Dr. Ian K. Smith; completed week 1
I took a hop off my list and I’m reading Season of Glory by Janet Benrey. Next up is Midnight.
PatriciaW´s last blog post..Debut Author: Kaye Dacus and Stand-In Groom
Completed book 4 – A DOLLAR OUTTA FIFTEEN CENT 3 by Caroline McGill. I’ve got so many other books that I have to read besides by 13 so I’m pacing myself. Reading book 5 – EASTSIDE by Caleb Alexander. After I finish it, I probably won’t start book 6 for awhile so I can get some other books read.
Ms. Toni´s last blog post..Ms Toni gave 4 stars to: My Invisible Husband (Urban Soul Presents)
UPDATED…
angelia
http://acvermen.blogspot.com/2009/01/first-quarter-2009-reading-challenge.html
Angelia´s last blog post..EXPERIENCE IS?
My first book on the list is Kimberla Lawson Roby’s “Love & Lies.” I’ll post the rest of my list by the weekend.
My reading list may change. I will have to move some books around.
I have strayed away from my list but I have been reading like crazy. We are in week three and I’ve read one book from my list and I’ve started another. My reading pattern changes so what’s on my list may not be what I want to read at the time, but I know that I’ll read my 13 in 13! Here’s my update:
1. Blessed Trinity – Vanessa Davis Griggs (reading now)
2. Strongholds – Vanessa Davis Griggs
3. If Memory Serves – Vanessa Davis Griggs
4. In Green Pastures – Kendra Norman-Bellamy
5. Battle of Jericho – Kendra Norman-Bellamy
6. Dance Into Destiny – Sherri L. Lewis
7. Single Mama Drama – Kayla Perrin
8. Single Mama’s Got More Drama – Kayla Perrin
9. What Doesn’t Kill You – Virginia DeBerry & Donna Grant
10. Sleeping With The Enemy – Wahida Clark & KiKi Swinson
11. Superstar – Joy King
12. The Hood Life – Meesha Mink & De’Nesha Diamond (Completed)
13. Better On Top – Delilah Dawson (next up)
For week three I read about the best Street Lit book I’ve read in a long time, better even then Desperate Hoodwives, if you can believe that. This book was so good I got Blair Witched:
I actually thought it was a True Story.
My bad.
The book: Born In The Streets but Raised In Prison by Tra Verdejo
The review: on Goodreads and on my blog:
http://www.brooklyndarkchild.com/apps/blog/show/352963-born-in-the-streets-but-raised-in-prison-the-autobiography-of-our-young-generation-by-tra-verdejo
Next up: Shameless Hoodwives and my Update post
Be Easy, people…