Saturday, July 31, 2010

What Are You Reading? Let's Discuss

At Color Online we recommend and review works by female authors of color because we believe these stories should highlighted and discussed. However that doesn't mean that's all we read. If you check our personal blogs you will see we read many different authors. I wanted to take a moment to see what everyone is reading? Have you read a book because it was featured here at Color Online?

If so what book and did you like it? What book are you looking forward to reading?

Right now I am reading Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Its soooo good. I am loving it. This is Rhodes first middle grade novel. She is an award winning author of adult fiction. When I heard Ninth Ward was coming out I was so excited. I've never read any of the Rhodes adult fiction, though I've heard is very good (especially Voodoo Dreams) and each novel is better than the last. Ninth Ward comes out August 16th.

I just finished Laura Lippman's new mystery I'd Know You Anywhere. The book comes out Aug. 17 An advanced copy was sent to the bookstore I work at. (preview copies are the only perk to working at a bookstore) Lippman's new book is really good, I was up very late reading. Though I may be a little biased because I love Lippman's writing. The stand alone mysteries are great though I highly recommend starting with her Tess Monaghan series. The first book is Baltimore Blues.

One last question? Do you finish every book you start? I used to but not anymore. When a book starts giving me a case of readers potty mouth its time to put it down and let it go.

11 comments:

evelyn.n.alfred said...

Recently, I've read:
Light Boxes by Shane Jones
Does Your House Have Lions? by Sonia Sanchez
32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter
Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okafor(sp?)

I started a few bond that I haven't finished...perhaps I'll get to them one day so I'll feel like it wasnt a waste of my money.

I started Sharon Flake new collection of short stories and poems. I will probably finish that in a day or two.

evelyn.n.alfred said...

*hand on forehead*
Clearly I should only leave comments when I completely alerts, so I can edit.

Mardel said...

Right now I'm in the middle of Moonshine, by Alaya Johnson. I bought the book because of the cover (very dramatic black and white photo with two red dots on the neck), and had put in on my tbr pile to read at some point. Then I looked up the author and found a picture (beautiful by the way) and thought hey! She's a POC. That's great. I just happened to come across it in the sci-fi/fantasy section and liked the cover and the blurb so I bought it. This is how I'd like to find all the poc books. In with the genre they belong in, not having to search for the books. Anyway, happily for me, it's pretty interesting, it's kind of historical urban fantasy (weird mix) set during the prohibition.

about finishing books that bore me - nope. Sometimes I'll put a book aside for a while, in case I'm just in a weird mood. But if I can't get into the book, I'd rather spend my time on a books that pulls me into the story. I feel like I don't have time to waste on books that don't interest me (especially now that I'm 50) and the days of required reading are long over (thank goodness!)

Tea said...

I adore Jewel Parker Rhodes' books. I loved Douglass Women. I have Yellow.... I can't remember the other word. I've never heard of the title you mentioned.

At the moment I'm reading Spent by Avis Cardella.

Tea said...

I haven't read Laura Lippman. I hear a lot about her mysteries being really good.

wisteria said...

I just started following your blog recently, so I have not had time read anything that you have recommended. However, I plan to. I did notice recently your post about a picture book by Wlater Dean Myers. I am a media specialist and look for new titles all the time to purchase for my collection. This one will be on the list. I have other books by him and know the kids enjoy his books. Thanks!
As far as putting a book down, yes if it is deplorable and laborious read, I will throw it in the trash after throwing it across the room I won't even review it.

Julia Rios said...

I read Tortilla Sun based on a recommendation here (and I read it while visiting my mother in New Mexico, which made it extra fun). I thought it was sweet and fun.

I also am in the middle of Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor, which I've seen recommended many places, and which I am really enjoying so far.

I have Moonshine by Alaya Johnson in my to read pile as well.

Color Online said...

So many good books to catch up on. Thanks, Doret and all who shared books.

Anonymous said...

Another one I've missed! I'm wondering about pairing this with A Place Where Hurricanes happen, perhaps to give images to reinforce the story. What do you think? I've haven't read either...yet...

Have you seen the new one by Nikki Grimes?

Deborah Grayson Studios said...

I learned about Nnedi Okorafor on this blog and I am *so glad* I did! I read and really enjoyed Zahrah the Windseeker and The Shadow Speaker. I have WHo Fears Death but I am kind of saving it for now. Currently I am reading and enjoying Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok. In the cue for me is Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi Wa Thiongo, The Famished Road by Ben Okri and the United States of Africa by Abdourahman Waberi.

AS for completing books I am not enjoying, I don't. Life is too short and there are too many fabulous books and authors out there to learn about.

Doret said...

Evelyn - I loved Flake's collection for girls Who Am I Without Him. The new one for boy. You Don't Even Know Me - Didn't work as well for me.

Mardel - Glad you are enjoying Moonshine. I've heard great things about it. I love the cover and plan to read it.

Wisteria - We also love new followers, especially those who comment.

Julia - I really want to read Tortilla Sun.

Edi - pairing Ninth Ward and A Place Where Hurricanes Happen would work well for images.

In Ninth Ward when the girl is on the top of her roof, I was quickly reminding of Strickland's ilus. in the picture book. Of the house almost compeletly under water.

I've heard about Grimes new book. A Girl Named Mister. Its has a great book trailer.

UrbanWildflowerdolls - I loved Wizard of the Crow. I don't know what the United States of Africa is about. Though I love the title, will have to look into that one.

Its nice to see so many people reading Who Fears Death and Moonshine.

Thanks everyone for letting us know what's been read, and what's in the pile.