The Solitary Vice: Against Reading by Mikita Brottman

The Solitary Vice: Against Reading by Mikita Brottman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mikita Brottman doesn't dispute the potential to receive enrichment by reading. Rather, she pushes the reader to consider that reading may have less influence over the masses than the power we give to it. I would have considered this author to be a kindred spirit until I learned that she loves the macabre. I shun those topics. Also, her love of books exceeded to the point where she didn't want to explore the gorgeous outdoors. In her adolescence, she frequented a local cemetery. Gratefully, I didn't lose my yearning to venture brightly outside. Anyone who loves to read books about books ought to read this book.

Gig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs at the Turn of the Millennium by John Bowe, Marisa Bowe, and Sabin Streeter

Gig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs at the Turn of the Millennium by John Bowe, Marisa Bowe, and Sabin Streeter

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

** spoiler alert ** My favorite profile: Dane Andrews, orthopedic surgeon. A black man who graduated from Yale, this brother made me laugh. I appreciate the entire book but his interview was the cream!! I would read someone read this for pleasure. Candor is pleasure.

Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America by Charisse Jones and Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Ph.D.

Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America by Charisse Jones and Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Ph.D.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book chose me at an appropriate time. I am preparing to propel a career. I empathize with what behaviours black women elect for survival. I prefer to behave similarly regardless of the company. If someone doesn't accept me, I don't associate with that person. Shifting leads to confusion and despair. You're not allowing yourself to live freely. 

It pays to understand the plight of my people.

A Love Supreme: Real-Life Stories of Black Love by TaRessa & Calvin Stovall

A Love Supreme: Real Life Stories of Black Love by TaRessa & Calvin Stovall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A keeper!! I think several members of our community will feel included because not everyone professes Christianity. I appreciate the African principles featured in each chapter. The principle of Sankofa moved me deeply. Sankofa stands as "the symbol of the wisdom of learning from the past to build for the future. Sankofa is a constant reminder that past experience must be a guide for the future, to learn from or build on the past (Stovall 13)." 

On a somber note, I am aware that two of the couples have since divorced: Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Sandra Stevens, followed by Ayedemi Bandele and Iyanla Vanzant. If these people choose to re-enter marriage, I pray that they choose a devoted mate with clarity, respect, fidelity and the mutual bonds of love, joy, and peace.

Frida in America: The Creative Awakening of a Great Artist by Celia Stahr

                                                   

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In childhood and adulthood, Frida maintained a friendship with her sister Cristina. I think Cristina should have been mentioned far earlier in this book.(Frida painted Cristina in 1928.) Although the affair between Cristina and Diego tarnished Frida's psyche, Stahr wrote as if Matilde ( her mother and her elder sister shared the name) and Frida had a deeper relationship. 

I wish more photographs and paintings from Frida and Diego had been included. Many people will read this book who aren't overly familiar with Frida. There can never be too many photographs.

I am a Frida lover. Still delighted I read this book.

Frida Kahlo: the last interview

I thought this collection would exceed 100 pages. I read this in under an  hour. Furthermore, it included profiles of Frida's work, not so much interviews.

I'm still keeping it.

Mister Gumbo: Down and Dirty with Black Men on Life, Sex, and Relationships

Mister Gumbo: Down and Dirty with Black Men on Life, Sex, and Relationships by Ursula Inga Kindred & Mirranda Guerin-Williams

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

** spoiler alert ** I loved this book but I have one issue. In the first entry for the fifth chapter called 'Marriage', a man named Terrence grants his opinion. Terrence appears again in the thirteenth chapter called 'Self-Image'. How is it that Terrence wasn't included in the first chapter? The first chapter is called 'Past'. 'Past' is where the authors introduced the men interviewed for this book. I enjoyed being able to turn back and read the primary details of each man in order to understand him better. I wish an explanation had been given as to why Terrence didn't present any early life details.

Still an awesome book!!