New reads - finding them

I'm missing a lot of books - and some books aren't actually getting out there or published in the first place.

I was thinking today about finding books that I'd like to read. And in a way I'm overloaded on information. I consume a lot of media and I am a lover of books so I hear about new titles on blogs, e-mail lists and the like.

Sometimes it's too much though. And right now, all of my book information comes from the anonymous/computer voice. A real person probably wrote the information, but I'm not in a place in my life where people press books into my hands and say, read this.

Nor am I having/taking time to browse stores.

I do still make it to the library, but event that has been reduced.

So how do I cut through the clutter?

It takes a couple of hits for me to cut through. I've heard about Stacyann Chin's memoir and Danzy Senna's new book. I think I heard about them in looking for reviews for the blog. And maybe Tayari Jones mentioned Stacyann Chin's book on her blog. Sitting at the hair salon today - something I don only every 2 or 3 months, I picked up Elle magazine. Which I never do. And there, on their readers' pick page were both of those books. Plus another by a woman of color that sounded great. But I should have written it down.

Now, if I can hold the cover image, title or author names from any of those three books in my head until I get to the bookstore or, more likely, library, I may get one of them.

That's a long way to go for the books. I think it used to be simpler than that for me.

Things that stay with you ...

I saw the news stories about the death of actor David Carradine. And it has stayed with me all day. If you haven't heard about his death, it will likely be all over the media for the next few hours or so - and yes the news cycle does seem that short.

It is being treated as a suicide, but that doesn't seem conclusive.


For what it's worth, I will just say that if you need it, please get help, ask for help. Even if you only think you need it - seek help. And if you're in a position to - offer help to someone who is struggling with life. Even if you just ask the question and offer your listening ear.

Everybody needs help sometimes. I have, do and will again, I'm sure.

What to read next?

I love the MotherTalk promotion idea/platform. I've been visiting their site for awhile and am just wildly curious about how successful it is.

And recently, MotherTalk took on promoting the NYTimes Young Readers' Edition of Obama: The History Journey. Check out Literary Obama's review here. I am definitely going to get a copy for my son. He loves to read, loves history and is an Obama supporter :).

I have seen two references to KickStarter.com today. It's a crowd funding site - you post your project, people can chip in funds, the funds grow and voila - you're funded.

100 people published a collection that way. I love that idea. What can you do with it?

Resources that rock

I'm always so excited when I find a page, blog or just an individual who is a great resource. You know, the person/blog who always has good news for somebody.

I've posted about this site before - and it doesn't really have anything to do specifically with black books - but with writers in general. Every Monday Erika posts job listings at Practicing Writing. And in this economy, she always finds something to list. The jobs she listed today rock. One made me want to apply - and I am in no position to move - plus, 30 seconds later remembered I have a very swell job already.

So there's a blessing for somebody in it - is it you?
Practicing Writing - worth the bookmark.

What sites do you know of that routinely provide something that rocks?