Tag: fiction

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March Reads…

by SophieLeave a Comment on March Reads…
March Reads…

Hey loves!

Here’s a peek into what I’ll be reading for the month of March!

1.  Housegirl: Michael Donkor 

Moving between Ghana and London, Hold is an intimate, moving, powerful coming-of-age novel. It’s a story of friendship and family, shame and forgiveness; of learning what we should cling to, and when we need to let go.

Belinda knows how to follow the rules. As a housegirl, she has learnt the right way to polish water glasses, to wash and fold a hundred handkerchiefs, and to keep a tight lid on memories of the village she left behind when she came to Kumasi.

Mary is still learning the rules. Eleven-years-old and irrepressible, the young housegirl-in-training is the little sister Belinda never had.

Amma has had enough of the rules. A straight-A pupil at her exclusive South-London school, she has always been the pride of her Ghanaian parents. Until now. Watching their once-confident teenager grow sullen and wayward, they decide that sensible Belinda might be just the shining example Amma needs.

So Belinda is summoned from Ghana to London and must leave Mary to befriend a troubled girl who shows no desire for her friendship. She encounters a city as bewildering as it is thrilling, and tries to impose order on her unsettling new world.

As the Brixton summer turns to Autumn, Belinda and Amma are surprised to discover the beginnings of an unexpected kinship. But when the cracks in their defences open up, the secrets they have both been holding tightly threaten to seep out. (Goodreads.com)

Housegirl

I’m already quite a bit through this one and frankly, I’m regretting spending time reading this. I hope it gets better but so far… I’m not impressed.

2. On The Come Up: Angie Thomas 

Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Or at least make it out of her neighbourhood one day. As the daughter of an underground rap legend who died before he hit big, Bri’s got big shoes to fill. But now that her mom has unexpectedly lost her job, food banks and shutoff notices are as much a part of Bri’s life as beats and rhymes. With bills piling up and homelessness staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it—she has to make it.

On the Come Up is Angie Thomas’s homage to hip-hop, the art that sparked her passion for storytelling and continues to inspire her to this day. It is the story of fighting for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you; of the struggle to become who you are and not who everyone expects you to be; and of the desperate realities of poor and working-class black families (Goodreads.com) 

On the Come Up

I actually read this book as soon as I got my hands on it in mid-February, but it was originally on my March TBR. I just couldn’t wait and I was not disappointed, While this book has mixed reviews ( no less coming on the heels of the widely acclaimed “The Hate U Give” ) I absolutely loved it and I am anxiously awaiting whatever Angie Thomas has coming next!

3, Where The Crawdads Sing: Delia Owens 

For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life–until the unthinkable happens.

Perfect for fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Karen Russell, Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps (Goodreads.com)

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I found the synopsis of this book super intriguing. It’s a much different genre than I’m used to reading but since it sparked my interest, I’ll give it a try!

4. Colliding With Destiny: Finding Hope in the Legacy of Ruth: Sarah Jakes

The story of Ruth is a journey of transformation. By allowing God to transform her circumstances, Ruth went from a widow who would be excluded from society to a wife with a secure and protected future, a future that ultimately paved the way for the birth of King David! Her story is full of collision–loss, heartache, poverty, even shame–but she never let her past define her. Instead, the most painful time of her life became her most pivotal, propelling her to a destiny she never imagined.

Perhaps you have a past you’re struggling to overcome. If disappointments, whether a result of your own choices or the actions of others, have kept you from being your true self, this book is for you. Follow Ruth’s life and discover the hope available to each of us. Your yesterday does not have to dictate your tomorrow.

Despite your past pain, you, too, can find redemption and restoration.

Image result for colliding with destiny

This is a re-read for me. I oftentimes like to re-read books depending on the season of life I find myself in. The story of Ruth is always one I like to dive back into. I also love the way Sarah Jakes brings this story to life.

 

Lastly, I’ll be doing another devotional from the Daily Grace Co.  This month( and April ) I will be journeying through the book of Isaiah. 

Everlasting Love - Study on Isaiah

What are you reading this month?

xoxo
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books, current reads, goodreads, reading, Uncategorized

November Reads…

by Sophie2 Comments on November Reads…
November Reads…

Hey guys!

I have a very ambitious reading list for the month of November. In addition to this terms textbook ( Creative Bible Teaching) I am going to try and read 4 books…… We’ll see how that goes! This is what I’m trying to get through this month:

  1. Sing, Unburied Sing: By Jesmyn Ward

    I absolutely love this author. I have read a few of her other books and have yet to be disappointed. This book has been on my to read list for quite some time so what a delight it was when I received a copy from my friend Jen as a gift! ( Thanks girl!) 

    Jojo is thirteen years old and trying to understand what it means to be a man. He doesn’t lack in fathers to study, chief among them his Black grandfather, Pop. But there are other men who complicate his understanding: his absent White father, Michael, who is being released from prison; his absent White grandfather, Big Joseph, who won’t acknowledge his existence; and the memories of his dead uncle, Given, who died as a teenager.

    His mother, Leonie, is an inconsistent presence in his and his toddler sister’s lives. She is an imperfect mother in constant conflict with herself and those around her. She is Black and her children’s father is White. She wants to be a better mother but can’t put her children above her own needs, especially her drug use. Simultaneously tormented and comforted by visions of her dead brother, which only come to her when she’s high, Leonie is embattled in ways that reflect the brutal reality of her circumstances.

    When the children’s father is released from prison, Leonie packs her kids and a friend into her car and drives north to the heart of Mississippi and Parchman Farm, the State Penitentiary. At Parchman, there is another thirteen-year-old boy, the ghost of a dead inmate who carries all of the ugly history of the South with him in his wandering. He too has something to teach Jojo about fathers and sons, about legacies, about violence, about love

    Image result for sing. unburied sing

  2. Far From The Tree: By Robin Benway

    I saw this book on somebody’s Youtube channel and it sounded pretty interesting. This is a young adult fiction book. 

    A contemporary novel about three adopted siblings who find each other at just the right moment.

    Being the middle child has its ups and downs.

    But for Grace, an only child who was adopted at birth, discovering that she is a middle child is a different ride altogether. After putting her own baby up for adoption, she goes looking for her biological family, including—

    Maya, her loudmouthed younger bio sister, who has a lot to say about their newfound family ties. Having grown up the snarky brunette in a house full of chipper redheads, she’s quick to search for traces of herself among these not-quite-strangers. And when her adopted family’s long-buried problems begin to explode to the surface, Maya can’t help but wonder where exactly it is that she belongs.

    And Joaquin, their stoic older bio brother, who has no interest in bonding over their shared biological mother. After seventeen years in the foster care system, he’s learned that there are no heroes, and secrets and fears are best kept close to the vest, where they can’t hurt anyone but him.
    Image result for far from the tree robin benway

  3. A Lesson Before Dying: By Ernest J. Gaines
    A classic book that I have never got around to reading. No time like the present right? 🙂

    A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Cajun community in the late 1940s. Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed; the only survivor, he is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, who left his hometown for the university, has returned to the plantation school to teach. As he struggles with his decision whether to stay or escape to another state, his aunt and Jefferson’s godmother persuade him to visit Jefferson in his cell and impart his learning and his pride to Jefferson before his death. In the end, the two men forge a bond as they both come to understand the simple heroism of resisting and defying the expected. Ernest J. Gaines brings to this novel the same rich sense of place, the same deep understanding of the human psyche, and the same compassion for a people and their struggle that have informed his previous, highly praised works of fiction
    A Lesson Before Dying novel.jpg


  4. Dusty Crowns:  By Heather Lindsey
    I absolutely love Heather Lindsey and I am making my way through all of her written work!

    Have you ever felt like you are completely inadequate and regardless of what you do—you still don’t feel good enough? Well, Heather Lindsey felt the same way for years and she would try to earn God’s love and affirmation. After searching to fill her “God voids” in things, she learned what it meant to be the crown of her spiritual husband, God. Instead of chasing after unhealthy relationships, money and things, she sought a relationship with Jesus and He dusted her past off and made all things new. This book is a reminder that regardless of how far you have gotten away from God, He is still right there, ready to dust you off and make you whole.

    In this book, you will:

    • Learn what it means to be the crown of Jesus Christ and the crown of your physical husband, from the inside out.

    • Learn to protect your heart, mind and life from distractions.

    • Learn to enjoy the current season of your life and develop into the woman God called you to be.

    • Learn to refuse to settle for anything or anyone less than God’s best for your life.

    • See yourself how God sees you—valued, beautiful and special in His eyes.

    • Take advantage of the tests and trails and develop in patience

    Join Heather Lindsey on a heart-to-heart journey to becoming who God called you to be from the inside out. Dusty Crowns challenges women, whether single or married to be beautiful from the inside out and to accomplish the will of God for their life.
    Image result for dusty crowns

    That’s it folks! Wish me luck! What are you guys reading this month?

    Till next time,
    xoxo

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books, current reads, goodreads, reading, reading challenge, Uncategorized

May Reads…

by SophieLeave a Comment on May Reads…
May Reads…

Hey guys!

I’ve been grappling with what I want to read this month as it appears that there is barely any free time at my grasp this month! Your girl is booked and busy! Work and weddings, bridal showers and other celebrations leaves little to no time for leisurely afternoons curled up with a good book, which is why I’ve chosen only 2 books and a couple months of Essence and Ebony magazines to focus on. Here’s what I chose…

  1. An American Marriage: By Tayari Jones

    Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy’s time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together
    An American Marriage
  2. Life Is _____.: God’s Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence – By: Judah Smith

    Life is ____.  How would you finish that sentence?
    Judah Smith believes Jesus shows us how to live life to the fullest. In this follow-up to his New York Times and USA Today bestseller Jesus Is ____, Judah completes the new sentence again and again, revealing how·      Life is to be loved and to love.
  3. ·      Life is to trust God in every moment.
  4. ·      Life is to be at peace with God and yourself.
  5. ·      Life is to enjoy God.
  6. Judah writes as a friend, welcoming new believers, lifelong followers of Jesus, and even the merely curious. He shows us the love of God that defies human logic and the life that God intends for us to have in the here and now. With excitement and humor, Judah looks at the stories in the Bible from his unique angle and shows how life is all about loving God and loving others
    Life Is _____.: God's Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence

That’s all I’m reading this month y’all! What are you reading this month? I need some suggestions for June!

xoxo
©justlovethemanyway
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Wednesday Weekly Reads: What I Read on Vacation…

by SophieLeave a Comment on Wednesday Weekly Reads: What I Read on Vacation…
Wednesday Weekly Reads: What I Read on Vacation…

Hey guys,

Let me just go ahead and hang my head in shame…. I did not complete “Half of  A Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as proposed simply because I…. forgot to pack it 😦 . However, I did manage to finish three ( yes three) other books while I was on vacation.  I thought I’d share those with you.

Firstly, I finished the long awaited conclusion to the White Lines series by Tracy Brown entitled “White Lines III: All Falls Down .The synopsis is as follows:

On the surface, Jada’s life is back on track. She’s battled her demons, her son is a permanent part
of her life-and yet, it still feels like she’s on shaky ground. What she really needs to settle her soul is to have Born back in her life-and in her arms-again.

Reuniting with the man she loves is proving to be the hardest thing she’s ever fought for. And when a brutal and shocking event tests the foundation of Jada and Born’s resolve, it will take every drop of willpower they possess to stay on top.

Now let me tell you… I gave this book 5 stars. It was the perfect conclusion to the series. The original White Lines story is probably one of my favorite reads. Tracy Brown eloquently meshed her other series with this series and gave BOTH series the ending they deserved.  I’m excited to see what Tracy Brown will create next!

Next, I read the next installment in the Animal series by K’wan, Animal IV.  Honestly y’all…. I thought this was the end of the series but the way it ended, proves that their is another installment coming ( insert eye roll) The synopsis of the book is as follows:

From the moment Animal’s former lover Red Sonja showed up on his doorstep, he knew trouble wouldn’t be far behind. It wasn’t because the last time he’d seen her, he had been fleeing for his life from a strange island. Nor was it because of the little girl she had in tow, claiming Animal was the father. It was because women like Red Sonja carried trouble around with them like designer purses. He knew getting involved with Sonja again would come at a price, but he had no idea how steep the price would be until it was too late. With his wife gone and his children abducted by a ruthless drug cartel, Animal must lead a suicide mission into the lair of one of the most dangerous assassins in the world, a woman who calls herself Tiger Lily. To go against Tiger Lily and the cartel Animal would need an army, so the call to arms is put out and the streets readily answer. Leading a handful of loyal souls against seemingly insurmountable odds, Animal races against the clock to save his children and put a stop to Tiger Lily and the cartel’s plans, while trying to stay one step ahead of the two detectives following the trail of bodies. Things take an unexpected turn when Animal learns a dark truth hidden beneath what he had been led to believe that changes everything, including who can be trusted. When the Grand Design his father had always spoken of is finally revealed Animal will be forced to make the hard choice between love, loyalty, and vengeance.

This book was a 3 star at most, and that’s me being generous.  I don’t even know if I want to finish this series. We’ll see. 🙂

Lastly, I  read ( actually re-read) a book by the author Emily Giffin called, “Where We Belong”( Emily Giffin is the author of the “Something Borrowed” series.  )

The synopsis of the story is as follows:

Marian Caldwell is a thirty-six-year-old television producer living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and picture-perfect relationship, she has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door . . . only to find Kirby Rose, an eighteen-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had locked away forever.

From the moment Kirby appears on her doorstep, Marian’s meticulously constructed world will be shaken to its core, resurrecting memories of a passionate young love affair that threaten everything that has come to define her. For the precocious and headstrong Kirby, the encounter will spur a process of discovery that ushers her across the threshold of adulthood, forcing her to reevaluate her family and future in a wise and bittersweet light.

As Marian and Kirby embark on a quest to find the one thing missing in their lives, each will come to recognize that where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves. A place that we may have willed ourselves to forget, but that the heart remembers forever.

This a great read! Emily Giffin is just one of those authors that I will always gravitate towards. The way she pieces a story together with such vigor and life; vivacious character development and vivid imagery, is simply superb. 5 out of 5 stars for this book. Give it a read if you can!

So that’s what I read this holiday season. I can’t promise I am going to read anything else for the duration of my holiday… strong signs point to no (lol) Coming up early next year is my 2016 TBR list ( to be read list) and reading goals! Have an awesome Wednesday!

xoxo

 

 

 

authors, books, goodreads, indigo books, read, reading, tbr, Uncategorized

End Of The Year TBR…

by Sophie1 Comment on End Of The Year TBR…
End Of The Year TBR…

Hey guys…

So I had TBR when I first started this blog but somehow as the year went on, I became distracted and really lost interest in reading the remaining books on my list. 😦 As you may know, I have a serious addiction to buying books ( lol) so over the course of the year I have purchased and read many amazing books. So, I decided to be realistic and choose a few books that I would like to complete by the December 31st! Hopefully the books that I was not able to finish from my current TBR will make it on to my list once again and finally get completed!

So here are my choices for my end of year TBR!

The Illegal: By Lawrence Hill ( Author of  “The Book of Negroes”) 

Keita Ali is on the run.

Like every boy on the mountainous island of Zantoroland, running is all Keita’s ever wanted to do. In one of the poorest nations in the world, running means respect. Running means riches-until Keita is targeted for his father’s outspoken political views and discovers he must run for his family’s survival.

He signs on with notorious marathon agent Anton Hamm, but when Keita fails to place among the top finishers in his first race, he escapes into Freedom State-a wealthy island nation that has elected a government bent on deporting the refugees living within its borders in the community of AfricTown. Keita can stay safe only if he keeps moving and eludes Hamm and the officials who would deport him to his own country, where he would face almost certain death.

This is the new underground: a place where tens of thousands of people deemed to be “illegal” live below the radar of the police and government officials. As Keita surfaces from time to time to earn cash prizes by running local road races, he has to assess whether the people he meets are friends or enemies: John Falconer, a gifted student struggling to escape the limits of his AfricTown upbringing; Ivernia Beech, a spirited old woman at risk of being forced into an assisted living facility; Rocco Calder, a recreational marathoner and the immigration minister; Lula DiStefano, self-declared queen of AfricTown and madam of the community’s infamous brothel; and Viola Hill, a reporter who is investigating the lengths to which her government will go to stop illegal immigration.

Keita’s very existence in Freedom State is illegal. As he trains in secret, eluding capture, the stakes keep getting higher. Soon, he is running not only for his life, but for his sister’s life, too. 

I’m looking forward to reading this book. I was a huge fan of “The Book of Negroes”.  I’m especially proud to support this author as he is Canadian and lives right in my hometown! His other book “Any Known Blood” was on my TBR,but sadly I didn’t get to it.

The Tears of Dark Water: By Corban Addison

Daniel and Vanessa Parker are an American success story. He is a Washington, DC, power broker, and she is a physician with a thriving practice. But behind the gilded facade, their marriage is a shambles, and their teenage son, Quentin, is self-destructing. In desperation, Daniel dusts off a long-delayed dream a sailing trip around the world. Little does he know, the voyage he hopes will save them may destroy them instead.

Half a world away on the lawless coast of Somalia, Ismail Adan Ibrahim is living a life of crime in violation of everything he was raised to believe except for the love and loyalty driving him to hijack ships for ransom and plot the rescue of his sister, Yasmin, from the man who murdered their father. There is nothing he will not do to save her, even if it means taking innocent lives.

Paul Derrick is the FBI s top hostage negotiator. His twin sister, Megan, is a celebrated defense attorney. They have reached the summit of their careers by savvy, grit, and a secret determination to escape the memory of the day their family died. When Paul is dispatched to handle a hostage crisis at sea, he has no idea how far it will take him and Megan into the past or the chance it will give them to redeem the future.

Across continents and oceans, through storms and civil wars, the paths of these individuals converge in a single, explosive moment. It is a moment that will test them and break them, but it will also leave behind an unexpected glimmer of hope that out of the ashes of tragedy and misfortune, the seeds of justice and reconciliation can grow

Mystery/Thriller is usually not the type of genre I gravitate towards, but this year I read two of this authors books ( “A Walk Across The Sun” and “The Garden of Burning Sand”) and I really enjoyed them! I’m looking forward to reading this.

The Golden Son: By Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Anil is the cherished son of a large family in rural India. As the eldest boy, he is expected to inherit the role of leader of his clan and arbiter of its disputes, dispensing wisdom and good advice. Leena is his closest companion, a fiercely brave girl who loves nothing more than the wild terrain they inhabit and her close-knit family. As childhood friends, they are inseparable—but as adulthood approaches, they grow apart.

Anil is the first person in his family to leave India, the first to attend college, the first to become a doctor. Half a world away in Dallas, Texas, he is caught up in his new life, experiencing all the freedoms and temptations of American culture: he tastes alcohol for the first time, falls in love, and learns firsthand about his adopted country’s alluring, dangerous contradictions. Though his work in a gritty urban hospital is grueling, Anil is determined to carve out his own life in America.

At home, Leena dreams of marriage, a strong and true love like the one shared by her parents, and leaves her beloved home to join her new husband’s family in a distant village.

Then things start to go wrong: Anil makes a medical mistake with tragic results, his first love begins to fray and a devastating event makes him question his worth as a doctor and as a friend. On a visit home, Anil rekindles a friendship with the woman who seems to understand him better than anyone else. But their relationship is complicated by a fateful decision made years earlier.

As the two old friends discover each other again, they must also weigh the choice between responsibility and freedom, and between loyalty and love.

I absolutely loved this authors book “Secret Daughter” when I read it a few years back and so, as I was perusing the shelf at Indigo books ( as usual lol)  I saw ( recognized) the authors name on the shelf and decided to give it a try!

 

Finally,

Half of a Yellow Sun : By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

With effortless grace, celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie illuminates a seminal moment in modern African history: Biafra’s impassioned struggle to establish an independent republic in southeastern Nigeria during the late 1960s. We experience this tumultuous decade alongside five unforgettable characters: Ugwu, a thirteen-year-old houseboy who works for Odenigbo, a university professor full of revolutionary zeal; Olanna, the professor’s beautiful young mistress who has abandoned her life in Lagos for a dusty town and her lover’s charm; and Richard, a shy young Englishman infatuated with Olanna’s willful twin sister Kainene. Half of a Yellow Sun is a tremendously evocative novel of the promise, hope, and disappointment of the Biafran war.

This book was actually on my previous TBR so I’m looking forward to actually reading it! I read “Purple Hibiscus” by this author not too long ago and it was an okay read. I did really enjoy the book “Americanah” by this author as well.

So that’s it folks! I’m hoping I can actually finish these books with the holidays coming up! But… currently the show “Nashville” has been RUNNING my LIFE sooo…. I’m obsessed ( lol)

 

What are you guys reading for the rest of the year?

xoxo

bible study, books, Christian, current reads, faith, fiction, reading, weekly reads

What I’m Reading This Week…

by Sophie2 Comments on What I’m Reading This Week…
What I’m Reading This Week…

Hey guys!

This week I managed to finish ” A Walk Across the Sun” by Corban Addison ( see synopsis in last weeks blog here) I absolutely loved this book. This was a heart wrenching tale of two sisters separated by disaster and reunited with the help of a hard-working lawyer who was on a personal journey of his own. The author really brought his characters to life. His captivating rhetoric way of prose made me feel like I was right there with the characters in the brothels of Bombay. I’m usually not one for the thriller genre of literature, but I have had some great experiences with my choices as of late. I’d give this book a 4.5 out of 5! Probably one of the best books I have read all year! If you enjoyed books like “The Lincoln Lawyer” or anything by John Grisham, you’d probably really enjoy this one!

4.5 out of 5. Great Read!

I also continued with my “Women of the Bible” devotional. The girls and I finished up the story of “Jael” ( read about her in Judges chapter 4 and 5.) Jael was a little bit ruthless! Sometimes you have to be ruthless in order to bring God’s plan to fruition. Jael is someone I never really studied before, so it was interesting learning more about her (and Deborah and Sisera.) This week we are continuing our study with the story of Delilah. 

Now, for this weeks reading goals, I’d like to try to complete 2 books if i can . I’m being quite ambitious as it’s virtually impossible these days to spend lengthy amounts of time dedicated to reading 😦  ( #busylife)  But, I was browsing the library recently and came across the book, ” The Whitney I Knew” by Bebe Winans with Timothy Willard.

Here is the synopsis:
BeBe Winans met Whitney Houston in church 28 years ago, and they quickly developed a close bond. They considered each other family in the deepest sense of the word—hanging out in each other’s homes, singing backup vocals for each other on albums, touring together. BeBe was with her when she was onstage and far from the spotlight, on the set and in the studio, through good times and the worst of times—and this very personal book takes readers inside all of those places to give a real and intimate picture of the Whitney he knew. Here readers will discover new information and insights into both Whitney’s heart and her world—information that they will not find anywhere else. From profoundly moving moments to eye-opening accounts of triumph to the heart-breaking realities that led to her ultimate defeat, the stories are here, along with links to never-before-seen private videos of Whitney and a full-length photo section. In his moving tribute at her funeral, Winans reaffirmed that she will be remembered for her warm, lavish generosity, her faith, and her lighthearted humor—those positive truths that overshadow any negative missteps in recent years. “In my heart and in my mind, I have memories of so many great, great moments,” he says. “She will live in our hearts forever.”

As a long time Whitney Houston fan ( as well as a Bebe Winans fan) I was interested to read his view of their relationship and the troubles she faced over the years. It’s a relatively short read so I should be able to breeze through this one  quickly.

Also I would read one more book. I have quite a few options like:
The Ultimate Betrayal- By Kimberla Lawson Roby
  Half of a Yellow Sun- By Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche
  Mudbound- By Hilary Jordan

I will pick one of those hopefully and try to power through it!

Have a happy reading week!

xoxo

authors, books, Christian fiction, fiction, Harper Lee, Judah Smith, read, reading, weekly reads

What I Read This Week… August 24-29 2015

by SophieLeave a Comment on What I Read This Week… August 24-29 2015
What I Read This Week… August 24-29 2015

Hey guys!

Yes I know it’s not Wednesday, but honestly I didn’t have much to write about this week in regards to reading  ( lol) shocker! I actually read quite a bit, but I didn’t  complete one book, I was kinda of jumping around between 3 different books: Judah Smith’s  “Life Is : God’s illogical love will change your existence“,  Harper Lee’s ” Go Set a Watchman”  and book called “Sacred Ground” by Adrienne Ellis Reeves, The synopsis of this book is as follows: 

Makima Gray has prayed for guidance in building her town’s new medical clinic, and she’s sure that Gabriel Bell’s property is the perfect location. Gabe insists he’s not at liberty to sell, but Makima won’t give up…nor can she deny that she’s flattered by Gabe’s attentions. But past hurts and present complications lead to an error in judgment that may drive Gabe away forever.

Gabriel Bell was astonished to inherit his great-grandfather’s land, along with clues to a mysterious treasure. But every second he spends with beautiful, determined Makima convinces him that winning her trust—and her heart—is the most important quest of all.

This book was another random pick off of my shelf. Its been sitting there since about 2007 ( no I’m not kidding lol) and I’m really trying to cut down my unread books on my shelf before buying any more books 🙂  So far so good.

I’m really enjoying Judah Smiths book. Such deep content but such an entertaining read. I can’t say the same about ” Go Set A Watchman” . It’s a really slow read but I’m really trying to finish it.

So that’s it guys! I really will be back on my game this Wednesday! 🙂

xoxo

books, Christian blog, fiction, Judah Smith, non fiction, read, reading, weekly reads

Wednesday Weekly Reads: Back on The Reading Train…

by SophieLeave a Comment on Wednesday Weekly Reads: Back on The Reading Train…
Wednesday Weekly Reads: Back on The Reading Train…

Hey guys!

I skipped a week of Wednesday Weekly Reads because frankly, I read nothing (lol), As summer is winding down, I’m slowly getting back into the reading groove. I was able to read 2 books in their entirety and about 100 pages of another.

So lets begin. I know I have been choosing books with heavy content so I wanted to read something light and fun, So I chose a book called ” A Lova Like No Otha”  by Stephanie Perry Moore ( I know, I know cheesy title 😛 ) This is a book that has been sitting on my bookshelf for years. I’m slowly trying to read all the unread books on my shelf ( there are far too many) So i picked this one up. I would describe this book as an urban romance novel. The synopsis of this book is as follows:

Surviving life’s setbacks through her relationship with a man who helps restore her faith in God, Zoe Clark discovers A LOVA’ LIKE NO OTHA’. When thunder and lightning strike on the morning of Zoe Clark’s wedding, her seemingly perfect world is turned upside-down as she loses her fiance to a pregnant girlfriend she never knew he had. With her engagement shattered, all her life’s plans seem over. Unemployed, sinking deeply into depression, and wrongly blaming God for her troubles, Zoe seriously contemplates ending her life. But God sends Chase Farr to reintroduce Zoe to the importance of having God in her life. Yet when Zoe’s friendship with Chase turns romantic, he suddenly backs away–further confusing Zoe with his decision to remain a virgin. Through life’s twists and turns of celebration and sorrow, Zoe ultimately learns what it means to truly trust in God–but in the end, does this revelation come too late to fix things with Chase? ( goodreads.com)

This book was gifted to me, so I had no idea what the synopsis was. I was pleasantly surprised that it had a strong spiritual connotation, I really enjoyed this book. I mean some parts were really predictable.  but It was really well written! I wouldn’t be opposed to reading more items from this author. If you are looking for a quick, light read this is the book for you! I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

4./5 stars..

Next, I grabbed another book from my unread book shelf.  It was entitled ” That Girl is Poison” by Tia Hines. This book is a book I picked up in Fordham Square in the Bronx for 5 dollars! ( shout out to my bestie for putting me on!) It sounded interesting. Here is the synopsis:

Desire Jones is a young, hot-to-trot teen who lives life on the edge. Abandoned by her mother, she yearns for love and attention. Her uncle shelters her, but life is impossible to bear with his abusive wife. To make things worse, she gets involved with Malik, who shatters her hope and trust by leaving her pregnant and infected with HIV. So hardened, she decides to do the unspeakable, purposely infecting people with her disease. Of course, no one knows of her intent, not even her best friend, Jennifer, who unwittingly helps Desire find her victims. Will Desire realize the error of her ways before it’s too late?

Y’all…. don;t read this book for the following reasons.:
– The story was all over the place
–  So many bad things happened in what seemed to be such a short period of time
– Couldn’t connect with the characters
– Extremely explicit content ( not suitable for anybody under 17 in my opinion and a mature 17 at that…)

Guys, this was probably the worst book I’ve read all year. Story was so unbelievable. Jumped all over the place… I read it quickly just to get it over with. Ending sucked . Leaves the possibility for a sequel that I will not be reading … Not that I’m discrediting the situation that the author was portraying. I’m not naive to the fact that young women experience hardships like this everyday, however I feel like she was doing too much to one character. If she had maybe chose one or two situations to focus on, I think the book would have been more effective, Sadly, I must give this book 1 star out of 5.

I don’t recommend this book… 1 star out 5

Lastly, I continued reading ” Go Set a Watchman”  ( To Kill a Mockingbird sequel). I’m just over a 100 pages in. It’s…… meh…. I’m going to finish this book before I give any opinions on it.

So this week, I want to finish that book and maybe try to finally tackle the book “Life Is _____.: God’s Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence” by Judah Smith. It’s a book I purchased months ago that I really want to tackle.  I spoke about it in previous blogs. The synopsis once again is as follows:

Life is ___. How would you finish that sentence? In this follow-up to his New York Times and USA Today bestseller Jesus Is _____., Judah completes the new sentence again and again, revealing how life is to be loved and to love, to enjoy God to the fullest, to trust God in every moment, and to be at peace with God, others, and ourselves. Judah writes as a friend, welcoming new believers, lifelong followers of Jesus, and even the merely curious.

Judah shows us the irrational love of God and the life that he intends for us to have in the here and now. With excitement and humor, he looks at the stories in the Bible from a different angle and shows how life is all about loving God and loving others.

I absolutely loved Jesus Is and look forward to tackling this one. I’m going on a mini road trip today, So I’ll have about 2 hours to take this on! Excited! I also want to continue this trend of picking something off my bookshelf and tackling that as well!

Hope you all have a successful reading week!

xoxo

books, fiction, Harper Lee, reading

Wednesday Weekly Reads: I Didn’t Read Much…

by SophieLeave a Comment on Wednesday Weekly Reads: I Didn’t Read Much…
Wednesday Weekly Reads: I Didn’t Read Much…

Hey y’all

Summer calls and reading has taken an extreme back burner… and you know what? I’m okay with that! I’m currently working on getting through ” To Set a Watchmen” by Harper Lee. It’s just alright. I hope it will pick up soon. I want to pick up a light summer read. All the previous books I have started are just not sparking my interest right now… sigh… lol. Hopefully I find one!

That’s all for this edition folks!

Happy Summer!

xoxo

authors, book blogger, books, fiction, literature, weekly reads

Wednesday Weekly Reads: This Week I Was Distracted…

by SophieLeave a Comment on Wednesday Weekly Reads: This Week I Was Distracted…
Wednesday Weekly Reads: This Week I Was Distracted…

Hey guys!

I hope your week is going well! This is going to be a quick post today. I have to admit… this week I got so distracted and busy with other projects, that I didn’t have a chance to read much. 😦

**Spoiler Alert**

               2.5 out 5 stars

I did manage to finish up “When the Moon is Low” by Nadia Hashimi. I must say, that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped I would. The first  100 pages or so, were really interesting, but I really couldn’t draw a connection to the characters. I still soldiered on with this book hoping it would get better… but it didn’t . I really was not impressed with the way the story ended. It left so many unanswered questions? Did Saleem ever find his family in England? Did Feriba and her other two children successfully make a home for themselves in England? Did Feriba ever confess to her sister about her past “relationship” with her husband? What ever happened to Feriba’s family left behind in Afghanistan?….. so many questions and zero answers. It would seem that this book warrants a sequel, but I don’t see how the author could make that story interesting enough to fill the pages of an entire novel. I sadly give this book a 2.5 stars out of 5. It hurts me to do so because I loved this authors previous work ( The Pearl Who Broke It’s Shell) so much. Oh well! You win some you lose some .

Other than that, I didn’t read much else. I managed to read one magazine I think ( lol) and a couple of pages each of  ‘The Crying Tree and “Red Queen” . I’m not sold on either yet..  I’m not sure I’m going to continue them. Oh boy! I think I may be in a bit of a reading slump 😦  Hopefully I can get my butt back into reading gear this week! I’m still continuing with my Proverb a day Challenge.

Best of luck to you!

xoxo