I often hear that we live in a post-racial America, that we have come a long way, and that progress has been made. For years we lived in a country where it was easier to sweep everyday racism and micro aggressions under the rug, giving the glossy veneer of a more accepting society.But those of us who pay attention know the truth: we live in a country where white … [Read more...]
Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans de Waal
I love animals. I'd like to think that I understand them because I have rescued more than my fair share of birds (including a wild owl incident), have been chased by a pack of baby raccoons, and love my dogs to pieces. Plus, I've always believe that animals know a lot more than they let on. For many years, science did not support this line of thinking. Animals were … [Read more...]
‘The Marvelous Misadventures of Ingrid Winter’ Misfires
I've read a lot of books over the years. Many I've loved, many I've hated, but a few have left me with no feelings, whatsoever. Unfortunately, The Marvelous Misadventures of Ingrid Winter by J.S. Drangsholt fell into this last category. It wasn't that I disliked the book, but rather I finished it not knowing exactly what I had just read and was unsatisfied. I'm not sure if this … [Read more...]
The Mothers: A Judgment Free and Mesmerizing Novel
Following her mother's suicide, Nadia Turner is hurting. At 17, she has good grades and is filled with dreams and ambitions, but she also harbors a hole in her heart that she fills with rebellious acts. So when Luke Sheppard, an older boy and son of the local pastor, shows interest and compassion, they ensconce themselves in a world of their own making. But young … [Read more...]
Escaping the Wreckage of Another’s Crime in ‘The Veins of the Ocean’
Reina had a hard life. Her relationship with her mother is complicated and she was raised believing she was cursed. By the age of 30, her brother was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Living with her own private guilt for her role in her brother's crime, she gave up her own life to remain by his side as best she could. So when Carlito dies, Reina is forced to … [Read more...]
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma
Every once in awhile, I come across a book that I have a love/hate relationship with. The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma is one such book. The premise is intriguing and the book started out really great, but by around the halfway mark I started to lose steam. It wasn't that I disliked the book, but rather I wasn't compelled to pick it up. And so it would languish on my … [Read more...]
‘Shelter’ a Harrowing Story You Won’t Soon Forget
If you don't have Shelter by Jung Yun on your reading list yet, add it now because it's going to be big (plus she's a #30Authors contributor!). I'd like to say you heard it here first, but Sarah at Sarah's Bookshelves and the New York Times beat me to it. It's a harrowing novel that explores the difficulties in escaping a heartbreaking past, the hidden resentments … [Read more...]
How to Declutter, Tidy Up, and Get Happy
When it comes to cleaning, I think I hate it as much as the average person with an aversion to it. It pains me to vacuum and mopping is pretty much unheard of (luckily my husband doesn't feel the same way). But when it comes to organizing and tidying, I love it. I can spend hours reorganizing my bookshelves and my closet and was that child who actually wanted to … [Read more...]