Book Completions and Reviews for January 2024
January was a good reading month. I read non-fiction and fiction. Continue reading for reviews on the awesome completions of January 2024.
Murder Your Employer- The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes. This is an excerpt from the book description: “A New York Times bestseller! From Edgar Award–winning novelist, playwright, and story-songwriter Rupert Holmes comes a diabolical thriller with a killer concept: The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts, “a fantasy academy laid out like a combination of Hogwarts, Downton Abbey, and a White Lotus–style resort” (Los Angeles Times) dedicated to the art of murder where students study how best to “delete” their most deserving victim.” I needed a “light” read after reading a lot of non-fiction books with a lot of data to process. I am grateful for the recommendation from the Black Girls Read, Too Facebook group. The book was funny, witty, and the innuendo usage was the chef’s kiss of the entire book journey. Be prepared to clutch your pearls and receive a roller coaster education that you’ll not soon forget. Highly recommend that you board the mystery train for this book journey. The audible for this book was highly entertaining as well.
Your First Million- Why You Don’t Have to be Born Into a Leagcy of Weath to Leave One Behind by Arlan Hamilton and Rachel L. Nelson. This book was written to encourage people that it is possible to pursue a legacy of wealth and obtain it in their lifetime. The book has a plethora of knowledge, expertise, and wisdom that can be incorporated into your life. My favorite chapter was Owning Your Expertise. Arlan provides 10 tangible steps to owning your expertise with authentic and transparent expertise. Overall, this is a great book to have in your toolbox as you consider your life and your legacy.
Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick by Zora Neale Hurston. Here is an excellent quip from wordwolf.com: “Hurston herself has defined ‘hitting a straight lick with a crooked stick’ as ‘making a way out of no way. ‘ And if you think about it, that is what this short story collection achieves. Hurston has broken barriers and made a voice for herself and her community.” The book contains a series of short stories about Harlem in 1920s and 1930s. Zora’s writings are in the voice and accent of the time, giving a true authentic feel to the writings. Among many topics, she touches on the subjects of racism, gender, class, and sexism through storytelling. I listened to this book via audible and Aunjanue Ellis was the voice. Aunjanue did an awesome job; she makes listening to the book smooth and easy. Highly recommend this book. Note: When Hurston died, she was buried in an unmarked grave, and her work has only really taken off since her death — but now she is now regarded respectfully as a fantastic writer and historian. In the 1970s, Alice Walker, the author of The Color Purple found Zora Neale Hurston’s grave and buried her properly (Ref: Descendants Netflix Documentary and the City of Pierce, Florida’s website).
The Gifts of Imperfection- Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Dr. Brene’ Brown. The title summarizes the book succinctly. author breaks the parts of the books down into guideposts and at the end of each chapter, there are thought-provoking questions that allow the reader to think deeper about the subject and how the section can be applied in their lives. I liked the fact that the overarching premise of the book serves as a reminder that you are enough, no matter what stage or situation you find yourself going through. One of my favorite parts was the breakdown of the research process and the methodology that she used to derive her conclusions. A good, short read that should be considered when dealing with perfectionism.
Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human by Cole Arthur Riley. A lovely compilation of prayers and poems that you didn’t know you needed on your bookshelf. You need this book on your bookshelf as a reference throughout the year because the book covers a multitude of situations- especially those that are applicable to the Black community. Black Liturgies is divided into two sections; By Story and By Time. Prayers and declarations are important spiritual disciplines that when done correctly, keep us grounded in our relationship with God, with man, and our own humanity. One of the questions asked in the book is one that I have grappled with for a long time. “Why do we think that proximity will result in reconciliation. And, if reconciliation is forced, can it be true?” As we approach the end of the first seven days of Black History month, this is question brings more questions for me considering the history of this country. This book is highly recommended. My appreciation to the author who writes and speaks with a tenderness that permeates your soul.
As always, thank you for reading my blog and I trust that you’ll find them useful. May your journey to lifelong learning be filled with adventure and revelation. ❤