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I had high hopes for this as I loved Black Cake, but I was kind of frustrated with it and coincidences that kept happening.

It‘s not really my kind of book, I prefer heavier literary fiction and science fiction over historical fiction and romantic storylines, but I did enjoy the historical parts more than the modern day parts.

The book is about a jar made by an enslaved potter, a murder, and a wedding that doesn‘t go to plan.

#botm

I‘m trying to gain a deeper appreciation for poetry. I I really enjoyed this small book of poetry. Smith writes about the joys and hardships of being a parent. The worry that all parents have about their kids growing up, but especially for Black boys. Some of his reflections are on historical places & reflecting on Americas past with the enslavement of others. I‘m a fan of Smith‘s writing in general & enjoyed his collection of poems.

Oh my gosh, you guys!

This was good!

It's the story of a marriage rocked by loss, depression and grief. But the couple never stopped loving each other.

Their journey back to each other after divorce is told realistically and with great empathy.

The spice in this one is spicy 🔥

#FeelinTheLove Day 19: There is #IllicitLoveAffair between Belle Greene and a famous married art historian. That was pretty toxic. Come to think of it, she had several #IllicitLoveAffair(s) with married men. My full review here: https://wp.me/pDlzr-r26

I didn't dislike this book. The premise is fascinating, actually, and I expected to be enthralled, but I was not. I kept putting it down and having no interest in picking it back up. Today I've decided not to try anymore and donate my copy. Was it better in French? Because this English version felt like it needed a better editor.

Fake dating on a reality show? Sounds like a fun twist on an old trope.

#Read2025 #SeriesLove2025 This anthology is only sort of the second book in a series. Blackout takes place in New York City during a blackout. I lived in New York long enough to know how scary that could possibly be even though I never actually experienced one. Whiteout is written by the same six authors and takes place during a blizzard in Atlanta. As a native West Virginian, I always find reactions of Southerners to a few snowflakes to (cont)⬇️

I always learn so much when I read or listen to a Coates book. I listened to this one, mostly because I love his voice. This one is about his first trip to Senegal, a visit to South Carolina to defend his book from being banned, & his experience in Palestine & Israel. The last one was the longest, & I feel I learned the most from that one. I think Coates is a wise person who is always trying to grow & learn more.

“And through words I understood that my Baltimore was not damned, that what I saw in the eyes of the boys there, what I heard in the music, was in fact something old, something ineffable, which marked all of humanity, stretching from Stratford upon Avon to the Streets.”