Here’s what I noticed about myself, I don’t watch TV much anymore. If there’s a show I hear a lot about, then I’ll check it out. Other than that, I just don’t seem to be interested in what’s on the telly. I dunno what that’s about. I just know that when it comes down to reading or watching TV, I’m always choosing a book. Over the last couple of months I’ve chosen a book – a lot. Back in May, I read eight books. As if I had to outdo that, I read nine in June. I know that’s a record for me. Wanna know what I read? Good, I’m going to tell you. I’ll break it up into to posts between this week and next week. Let’s start with the first four today.
My June Reads
This book had me in my feelings! It’s a book of short stories. There’s two little girls who are very interested in pushing things too far – in a deadly way. A woman who is pushing through the pain of losing a baby. Her heartache is palpable. Then there’s this student teacher scenario. The mom of the student gets payback in an interesting way. These are just a few.
Each go for your gut. If you’re gonna write short stories though you may as well go straight for the heart. I was sad, angry, concerned and a slew of other adjectives. Still, I don’t want any of the stories to end. I wanted to know how things ended in each scenario. I was left wondering what happened next with all of these characters. How did their lives end up? Such compelling story telling. I could easily see each one developed into a full novel. Novels that I’d be more than happy to read!
I couldn’t put it down. Let’s start there. This book was riveting from beginning to end. The author shares pieces of her life in such raw detail. From the abuse in her family, her relationship ups and downs, all the way through her inspiring career as an emergency room doctor and administrator.
I felt like I was getting a birds eye view. She definitely gave me a new perspective for what it’s like to grow up in a toxic and abusive home as a child. You think you know until you see it from the perspective of someone who has lived it and made it out on the other side.
As for her career, it’s clear she’s the doctor you want on your team. It’s also clear how much emergency room doctors are expected to put up with. Add being a Black woman to the mix and it’s a whole other dynamic. I wanted to know more. I wanted to keep reading. I wanted to hug her and hi five her.
Yes yes and yes! I already had this book on my list. Then I was listening to a podcast that confirmed that it’s definitely a page turner. I read this in about a day.
Two writers are reunited 15 years after a weeklong wild and intense connection as teens. While it’s not all roses at the beginning, they eventually realize how much they didn’t know that had them carrying unneeded baggage for so long. It’s a sexy romance, for sure. It’s also a look into the world of the Black literati, invisible illness and family trauma. This was such a good read.
I had this book on my list forever and finally got around to reading it last month. It’s full of all the history you’d expect for a woman who lived nearly a century! I appreciate her candor throughout the book. Whether it be her missteps in motherhood, love or career, she was unflinchingly honest. It’s hard to choose the favorite part of her book, but I do LOVE the last chapter. It’s part love letter to the reader as well as a guidebook for longevity in this life. She certainly qualifies to give that kind of advice.
