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?

Books for Summer

There are a lot of interesting books that have either just come out or are coming up. I'm going to be getting some of these, but I know I won't get to review them for awhile. So I'm just going to pick some, throw up some links and hopefully help introduce them to some readers who haven't heard about them otherwise.

If you know of a hot book coming out this summer, post it in the comments. It's really important to get the sales going in the first few weeks and months of publication. And if money is tight - request a copy from your local library. Library orders matter.

So today, I found Felicia Pride's interview with Farai Chideya, whose debut novel, Kiss the Sky is out.
Read the Pride interview.
Buy it: Amazon Charis Powells


And I'm really curious about Percival Everett's I Am Not Sidney Poitier. Mostly because of what Martha Southgate posted about Sapphire's PUSH and the movie based on it, Precious.

I think of PUSH as one of the most wrenching books I've ever read. It didn't offend me - I thought it was beautiful and crushing, similar to the way The Bluest Eye affected me years ago. Sapphire gives us just one (horrendous and tough) story of the human experience.

Anyway, Martha says that Everett's Erasure is the counterpoint - a funny, intelligent one - to PUSH. So, I'll start with that novel of his. Here are the details on I Am Not Sidney Poitier.
Reviews: Time Out New York


Buy it: Amazon

Quick links - better than none!

Life has been doubly busy for me in my "real-world" incarnation. So I'm trying to get back in the groove and figured I could post a few links.

Here's an excerpt I can't wait to read - from Otto Penzler's Black Noir: Mystery, Crime and Suspense Fiction by African American Writers.

I love mysteries and am intrigued by how race is presented in the genre.


The NY Daily News has a story on African American romances and how the success of some authors is gaining notice and lucrative contracts. It's really interesting to me that the romance authors are so prolific, even though many of them still work day jobs.

Black Voices has reviewed Children of the Waters, by Carleen Brice. I am already committed to buying it and the review confirms that decision ;).

Publishers Weekly has an item on the African American programming at BEA this week.

Notes late at night

It's been a long time ... I shouldn't have left you (or something like that, I have terrible recall for hip hop line and movie plots).

Anyway, I've been reading about Colson Whitehead's new novel, Sag Harbor. But it wasn't until I read this review in Time that I felt (feel)compelled to read it. Even though I have never owned a beach home, I really did say dag and listen to Tears for Fears.


Alice Walker at Emory
The exhibit from Alice Walker's papers is now open at Emory University in Atlanta. I'm a proud Emory grad and a lover of Alice Walker's work. I hope to make it to ATL by the end of September to see the exhibit.