June 2016 Rewind
- Mocha Girl
- Jul 6, 2016
- 2 min read
Prize Winners - Dossi & Davita
Congratulations to Dossi for winning a Beautiful, Brave, and Blessed journal during
May's BoM (The Book of Memory) discussion.
Here's to her capturing her own thoughts and memories.
Davita snagged a Black Girls Rock! (because we do) mug -
We forgot to get a picture of her with her prize!
She'll have to send us a photo!
Second House From the Corner
Sadeqa Johnson
Although the group rating was a bit low for this selection, the discussion for Second House From the Corner was rich and spirited. We covered a variety of topics including spousal expectations/demands, (in)fidelity, meaning of friendship, roles within marriage, the "Mommy Track," the Black Church, the demands of motherhood, stay-at-home vs working mothers, etc. We struggled with the writing (some called it weak), lack of depth regarding the overall plot and characters. Some enjoyed the characters where others had problems connecting or understanding their motivation. Most agreed there were many open issues and didn't appreciate the lack of closure with the conclusion One member didn't find the story interesting while most agreed it was an easy read, but none were impressed enough to pick up her other novels immediately.
Individual Ratings
Erica - 3
Dawn - 2
Lynda - 3
Deborah - Didn't Read
Davita - 2.5
Quentella - 2
Dossi - 2.5
Bertina - Didn't Read
Phyllis - 2.5
Angela - 3
NCBC Group Average: 2.6
The Book of Harlan
Bernice L. McFadden
Nearly everyone enjoyed some aspects about Bernice McFadden's latest novel, The Book of Harlan. Many enjoyed the characters (strong characterization), use of music to establish mood, time, place, her unique ability to turn a phrase in just a few words. Members enjoyed the page-turning, suspenseful storytelling that paralleled reality. They found the story unpredictable and kept reading to see how scenes were going to play out. Some relished in the rawness, intensity, and could only consume the novel in small doses. Some were surprised that Blacks were Holocaust victims and others applauded her bravery and compassion to include names of her actual family members into the story. For several in the group, this was their inaugural McFadden novel and were definitely interested in her other works. She gained new fans with this offering.
Individual Ratings
Elaine - Still Reading (at the time of the meeting)
Lynda - 5
Davita - 4
Tasha - 4
Ulu - Didn't Read
Richelle - Didn't Read
Dossi - 4
Phyllis - 3.5
Quentella - 3
NCBC Group Average: 3.9
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