Thursday, June 01, 2017
[BOOK REVIEW] HILLBILLY ELEGY by J.D. Vance
Nonfiction/Memoir
I am going to admit I was very skeptical to read this because so many customers had asked about it or asked me to read it. I thought surely it could not be that good. I mean, several times when a book is so good and named a bestseller, I have not liked the actual book.
Anyway, I am glad to be mistaken about Hillbilly Elegy, the bestseller by Appalachian native, J.D. Vance. The author claims this book is not recounting his own triumphs and accomplishments but it is about the trials, tribulations, and victories of his mother’s parents, Mamaw and Papaw.
Like the author, I was blessed to have a wonderful relationship with my own maternal grandparents whom I also called Mamaw and Papaw. They also came from a poor, humble background but always wanted for their descendents to push hard and strive for upward mobility.
This memoir is well-written in the fact Vance relays stories about his childhood (some heartwarming stories, some heartbreaking tales) but also peppers the book with grim, cruel truths about Appalachia.
This book will either break your heart or else it will warm your soul. Whichever happens does not matter because most likely you will not forget the Vance family.
Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Andrea K., Staff book reviews
Friday, May 05, 2017
[BOOK REVIEW] Indigo by Beverly Jenkins
Fiction/Historical Fiction/African-American Fiction/RomanceSyma C. reviews INDIGO by Beverly Jenkins (iUniverse, 2000)
After reading Indigo, I had to take a deep breath. I learned so much from this book; lessons I will remember for the rest of my life.
Of course, after slaves were given legal papers proving themselves to be free, there were still people who used them for sport. They were called "slave catchers." There were ex-slaves, such as Hester, whose role in the safety and well-being of runaways who found themselves in need, proved to be vital. Her help was especially vital when she encounters an injured man known as "Black Daniel." African-Americans had little but accomplished much; they even devised methods of communication without mumbling a word. No one can verbally express a warning to readers what Galen and Hester were about to embark upon in this pre-Civil War America.
Knowing the law can not only make trouble for you but also the ones whom you love and care for, blacks learned when to express themselves and when to hold on to emotions. Throughout this book, readers learn not only do all the characters possess a certain strength to protect one another in the present, but also to guard and cherish tragic and beautiful events from the past.
Black Daniel, who was born Galen, is by no stretch of the imagination a dim witted man, passive person, or a slave to cower. Instead, he is a person of morals, trust, affection, dedication, and above all, he has real love for Hester, whom he named, “La Indigo.”
This historical romance explores the truth about love and passion between a man and a woman.
Super awesome book!
Syma C., Staff
Labels: African-American Fiction, Historical Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Syma C., Romance, Staff book reviews
Friday, February 03, 2017
[Book Review] The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Readers' Advisory Genre Spotlight Gay and Lesbian Fiction/LGBT Fiction
Syma reviews THE COLOR PURPLE by Alice Walker (Harcourt,1982)
Celie and her sister, Nellie, were raised by their mother and the man they discovered later to be their stepfather in rural Georgia.
Even though younger, prettier Nellie was the sister “Mister” desired, she was not allowed to marry him. Instead, Celie was expected to marry “Mister.”
This, of course, caused a separation between the sisters. While Celie was married to Mister, she endured rape, abuse, and slavery while raising his four children from his previous marriage. To make matters worse, Mister disrespected Celie and their marriage even more by allowing his true love, Suge Avery, to move into his house. Even though Mister was over heels in love with Suge, she and Celie began their own secret, sexual relationship.
While Suge and Celie’s love and understanding for one another grew, their relationship helped both gain independence away from Mister. Sensing this, Mister wanted to redeem himself so he contacted the Department of Immigration. Through this rare act of kindness, Celie and Nellie were finally reunited.
Knowing how much adversity the sisters had to endure, this novel is a true tear jerker.
Syma C., Staff
Labels: African-American Fiction, Gay and Lesbian Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Syma C., Staff book reviews
Thursday, January 05, 2017
[Book Review] El Deafo by Cece Bell
Library staff members attend Reader’s Advisory classes throughout the year to learn the characteristics of different book genres. By developing their reader’s advisory skills, library staff help customers find books they may like to read.
Non Fiction/Memoir/Graphic Novel
Allison reviews EL DEAFO by Cece Bell (Amulet Books, 2014)
El Deafo is a graphic novel memoir by Cece Bell. Using bright illustrations, Bell tells the story of the illness that caused her to lose her hearing at a young age, and how she coped with being different from everyone else. Bell used her bulky hearing aid, also known as her Phonic Ear, to transform into her superhero alter ego, El Deafo! She deals with learning to use a complicated hearing aid, as well as how this visible disability isolates her from her classmates.
Bell uses the graphic novel format to her advantage; the illustrations move the action along and really make her autobiography enticing. The panels read left to right, top to bottom, so it’s a great book to serve as an introduction to graphic novels. The book’s target audience is ages 8-12, but everyone can relate to the story of adaptation and acceptance.
Allison R., Staff member
After each session, participants select a book from that genre to read and profile. Take a look at the Reader’s Advisory Annotations posted on Memphis Reads to discover what you can read next.
Non Fiction/Memoir/Graphic Novel
Allison reviews EL DEAFO by Cece Bell (Amulet Books, 2014)
El Deafo is a graphic novel memoir by Cece Bell. Using bright illustrations, Bell tells the story of the illness that caused her to lose her hearing at a young age, and how she coped with being different from everyone else. Bell used her bulky hearing aid, also known as her Phonic Ear, to transform into her superhero alter ego, El Deafo! She deals with learning to use a complicated hearing aid, as well as how this visible disability isolates her from her classmates.
Bell uses the graphic novel format to her advantage; the illustrations move the action along and really make her autobiography enticing. The panels read left to right, top to bottom, so it’s a great book to serve as an introduction to graphic novels. The book’s target audience is ages 8-12, but everyone can relate to the story of adaptation and acceptance.
Allison R., Staff member
Labels: Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Allison R., Staff book reviews
Thursday, November 17, 2016
[Book Review] Pretending to be Erica by Michelle Painchaud
Fiction/Young Adult
Andrea reviews PRETENDING TO BE ERICA by Michelle Painchaud (Viking, 2015)
Violet is not your average good girl. She is one of the most intelligent con artists this side of Las Vegas. Adopted and raised by single guy Sal, he taught Violet every scam and hustle he knew and some Violet was able to learn on her own.
Sal has been grooming Violet her entire life for this major hustle. The two of them, with lots of help from doctors and specialists paid under the table, are going to transform Violet into Erica Silverman, the golden child who was abducted when she was in preschool.
It’s been nearly a decade since young Erica was taken from her very affluent family. Her father is grieving in a mental institution but her mother never gave up hope she would see her daughter alive again. The Silverman family also owns a very special and expensive oil painting that Sal must get his grubby little paws on; therefore, the heist was put in motion.
Sal and Violet know there have been two other “Ericas” who have tried and failed, so their plan must be fine-tuned to the nth degree. They also know the FBI, reporters, and detectives will be watching Violet’s every move. People are skeptical this is the real Erica, but as long as Mrs. Silverman believes, Violet and Sal are that much closer to stealing the painting.
Violet knows the risks of this endeavor but losing Mrs. Silverman’s trust and maternal love for her saved daughter is going cost Violet more.
Full of twists and turns, Ms. Painchaud has given her readers quite a thriller that questions what is really important in life. Would you rather have love and protection or material possessions to make you happy? And what would you sacrifice for either?
Andrea Bledsoe King, Cordova Branch Library
Labels: Fiction, Reviews by Andrea King, Staff book reviews, Thriller, Young Adult
Thursday, October 06, 2016
[Book Review] If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
Allison reviews IF I WAS YOUR GIRL by Meredith Russo (Flatiron books, 2016)
Amanda moves from her mom’s place in Atlanta to live with her dad in Lambertville, Tennessee. Who would willingly move from a big city to a small town, especially before their senior year of high school?
Someone hiding a secret.
Amanda was born Andrew, and transitioning into a girl wasn’t an easy situation, even in a big city. Amanda just wants a fresh start before she can leave for college and be whoever she wants, with no traumatic past.
Then Amanda meets Grant, and feels emotions she didn’t think she’d feel. She wants to share herself--all of herself--with him… but should she?
This book is an interesting crash course in transgender issues.
Allison R., Library staff
Labels: Fiction, Reviews by Allison R., Staff book reviews, Young Adult
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
[Book Review] Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
Andrea reviews SWEETBITTER by Stephanie Danler (Alfred A. Knopf, 2016).
I have to admit I was thrilled when I got my hands on this bestseller. Pardon the pun but I devoured the tell-all memoir, Kitchen Confidential, by Anthony Bourdain that was published a few years back. Now, Ms. Danler has spun her own story about the underbelly of New York’s finest restaurants.
Tess is a young 22-year-old who has come to New York City with no real sense of direction or guidance in her life. It seemed logical for her to work in a restaurant since she had been a coffee barista in her past. She lands a job as a backwaiter in one of the most elite restaurants. Although her job is not to wait on the customers (or “guests,” as the “Owner” corrects her) she is responsible for cleaning off the tables, filling water glasses, and taking the food to the tables. While Tess is at the restaurant, she becomes enamored with Jake and Simone, the bartender and head server respectively. The two are quite a bit older than Tess but they go between mentoring her, being down right mean to her, sleeping with her, and messing with her head. Tess cannot figure out Jake and Simone’s dynamic, but the more she tries the more of a downward spiral she takes.
I enjoyed this tale of restaurant workers because I waited tables for ten years before I worked at the library. Restaurants always have some kind of drama and energy. It’s a pulsating rhythm you only identify with if you have worked in the industry in any capacity. This was also a great story of infatuation, power, and desire and how quickly it can escalate in the wrong direction.
Andrea Bledsoe-King, Cordova Library
Labels: Coming of Age, Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Reviews by Andrea King, Staff book reviews, Women's Fiction
Monday, September 19, 2016
[Book Review] Tall Tail by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown
Fiction/Mystery
Susan reviews TALL TAIL: A MRS. MURPHY MYSTERY by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown (Bantam Books, 2016)
Anyone who has pets knows that they “talk.” Sometimes, we humans just do not understand, but when it comes to murder, paying very close attention to our furry companions can be lifesaving.
Rita Mae Brown, a distinguished Southern writer, began writing the “Mrs. Murphy” mysteries more than twenty years ago in “collaboration” with Sneaky Pie, a rescued tiger cat. Mrs. Murphy, a tabby cat; Pewter, a portly, grey cat; and Tee Tucker, a loyal corgi, help their mom Mary Minor Haristeen solve murders in and around a small town in Virginia. The other characters are well-detailed, and reading the latest mystery feels like a visit with old friends.
In the latest installment, Barbara Leader, a nurse to former Governor Sam Holloway, appears to have a heart attack, but she has been murdered. A family secret links her murder to the murder of a Francisco Selisse in 1784. Selisse was a brutal slave owner, and Brown moves the reader between the present day and the past to unravel the truth.
Labels: Fiction, Mystery Fiction, Reviews by Susan B., Staff book reviews
Monday, August 29, 2016
[Book Review] EVEN WHEN YOU LIE TO ME by Jessica Alcott
Fiction/Young Adult
Andrea reviews EVEN WHEN YOU LIE TO ME by Jessica Alcott (Crown, 2015)
It’s hard to be Charlotte (“Charlie”) because guys are constantly drawn to her best friend, Lila. Charlie has always lurked in Lila’s shadow, knowing guys don’t want her around when they’re flirting with Lila, and other girls just put up with her because she is Lila’s best friend.
Now it is the girls’ senior year, and things are going to be different. Charlie just doesn’t know how different yet! Enter Tom Drummond, new AP English teacher, whom Charlie feels an instant pull towards. She wants to believe Drummond has feelings for her too, but that’s preposterous because guys like Lila and besides, he’s her teacher! Or maybe the notion isn’t so crazy, after all.
Lines get blurred because the two are consenting adults, but they also need to think about the ethics of the situation and the moral responsibility Drummond should uphold. I found their relationship complex and intriguing with a twinge of creepiness. Hopefully, other readers will find a lot to discuss after reading this debut novel by Jessica Alcott.
Andrea Bledsoe King, Cordova Library
Labels: Fiction, Reviews by Andrea King, Staff book reviews, Young Adult
Thursday, July 14, 2016
[Book Review] The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater
This title is one of many e-books available through the Memphis Public Library's extensive e-book and e-audio book collection.
Visit the Memphis Library Overdrive page to browse, reserve, and check out items for free.
Young Adult Fiction/Fantasy
Linda reviews THE RAVEN KING (The Raven Cycle, #4) by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic Press, 2014)
Wow! Maggie Stiefvater has done it again!
Visit the Memphis Library Overdrive page to browse, reserve, and check out items for free.
Young Adult Fiction/FantasyLinda reviews THE RAVEN KING (The Raven Cycle, #4) by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic Press, 2014)
The Raven King wraps up the story that began when Blue Sargent saw a boy named Gansey in the death march almost a year before. What's happened since has been a unique and amazing ride of quests for kings, magical forests, dreams, curses, but mostly, some of the most amazing characters I've ever encountered, and simply, brilliant writing!
As with all the other books in the series, it is best to take your time and absorb every word because each one was carefully chosen and there is new meaning to be found with each re-read. And, let's face it, she writes some of the best quotable passages and one-liners around! There is really no way to describe the scope of the story or the strange and magical things that occur within it. It is best just to say that Maggie is a master at what she does.
Linda Wong, Bartlett Library
Labels: Fantasy, Fiction, Reviews by Linda Wong, Science Fiction, Staff book reviews, Young Adult
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
[Book Review] Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica
Quinn Collins always admitted she was never the perfect roommate. She did not mean to only pay forty percent of the electric bill or be habitually short with her half of the rent. But it was hard to compare her to her roommate, whom Quinn dubbed “Saint Esther.” When Esther’s blaring alarm clock woke up Quinn on a Sunday morning, she went to rouse Esther but found her GONE! When Quinn tells Ben, a mutual friend of hers and Esther’s that Esther is missing, he is much more helpful than the authorities. But more and more weirdness ensued because it seemed Esther wanted to kill Quinn or else have her killed.
Meanwhile across town, Alex Gallo, the busboy in a local café’, found himself smitten with a stranger in town. Having her best interests at heart, Alex brought food, warm clothes, and a kerosene heater to the rundown house where she was “squatting.” Never telling Alex her name, the stranger assured him that she considered him a good friend. As he got closer to her, he found her behavior more and more bizarre.
Eventually, Alex and Quinn found themselves fighting to stay alive because of Esther and the stranger’s actions. Although neither had met, Alex and Quinn did have a connection through this stranger. Readers will know there was something not quite right, but it won’t be until the very end that all the pieces will fall into place.
Welcome to the world of Mary Kubica novels.
Andrea Bledsoe King, Cordova Branch
Labels: Fiction, Reviews by Andrea King, Staff book reviews, Suspense
Thursday, June 09, 2016
[Book Review] The Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
Fiction/Suspense
Andrea reviews THE LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE by Jessica Knoll (Simon and Schuster, 2015)
It would appear as though Ani FaNelli is one of those women who have it all. She works at a glamorous New York magazine, has the perfect body to accommodate her fabulous wardrobe, and also has an amazing and wealthy fiancé who adores her. But Ani (pronounced Ah-nee, not Ann-ee) has had to struggle to get to where she is now. After a disastrous experience with friends at her Catholic junior high involving marijuana when she was still TifAni, her mother decided it would be best if she started high school at Bradley, a very elite and prestigious school that would certainly fast-track her to an Ivy League university.
TifAni quickly finds out the crowd at Bradley is tougher and meaner than Catholic school because they all are richer and more entitled. After she goes through a severely devastating experience involving alcohol and older guys, freshman TifAni is completely ostracized. Her only friend is Arthur Finnerman, even though he is an outcast also. TifAni never would have dreamt of the revenge and repercussions Arthur would take to save her from the older guys who tormented both of them. Having to take a most extreme measure to save herself, TifAni commits a most heinous deed also.
Time has passed and Ani has emerged from TifAni’s ashes like the mythical Phoenix. Unfortunately, a production team wants to do a documentary of the events that happened at Bradley. Will this give Ani the chance to let go of the anger TifAni was consumed with fifteen years ago? Will Ani be able to come to grips with all she went through in high school?
This is a great roller coaster of a read, frightening and intense, and you will never know what lurks around the corner. Fans of Gillian Flynn and Wally Lamb will especially enjoy this most twisted tale.
Andrea King, Cordova Library
Labels: Fiction, Reviews by Andrea King, Staff book reviews, Suspense
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
[Book Review] Jesus Before the Gospels by Bart D. Ehrman
Philip reviews Jesus Before the Gospels: How the Earliest Christians Remembered, Changed, and Invented Their Stories of The Savior by Bart D. Ehrman (Harper One, 2016)
Bart Ehrman, Chairman of the Department of Religion at the University of North Carolina and noted New Testament scholar, has written several fascinating books about Jesus and the history of the New Testament, including Misquoting Jesus, Jesus Interrupted, Forged, and How Jesus Became God. They are very interesting and engrossing books, but the arguments and contentions he makes about Jesus and the books of the New Testament and their authors are ones that many Christians, in particular Fundamentalist Christians, must find abhorrent.
In his past books, Ehrman has argued that many of the Books of the New Testament were not written by the authors they are ascribed to; that they were in fact “forged” by unknown authors, who were pretending to write in the name of other authors, including Paul and Peter.
Ehrman has also contended that the books of the New Testament contain many contradictions and inconsistencies. He has also said, contrary to what many may believe, there are no original copies of New Testament writings in existence. What we have are manuscripts which are copies of copies of copies of the original writings. And, none of the copies, he has contended, are accurate because they were “inadvertently and/or intentionally” changed by the scribes who copied them.
And, though, Jesus came to be recognized by the early Christian Church, three centuries after his death, as the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, and thus God Himself, Ehrman has made the argument that Jesus himself never made the claim that he was God on earth.
Readers who did not like his past books are not going to like Jesus Before the Gospels either. If they disagreed with his contentions and arguments in has past books, then they will disagree with his contentions and arguments in Jesus Before the Gospels.
Read more »Labels: Nonfiction, Reviews by Philip Williams, Staff book reviews
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
[Book Review] Paper Towns by John Green
Each month library staff members learn about different book genres during "What's Your Flavor," a series of Reader's Advisory classes. After each session participants must select a book from that genre to read and profile.
The book below was selected by a staff member who attended the Young Adult fiction session.
PAPER TOWNS by John Green (Dutton Books, 2008)
Anna, Library staff
The book below was selected by a staff member who attended the Young Adult fiction session.
Teen/Young Adult Fiction Genre Spotlight
PAPER TOWNS by John Green (Dutton Books, 2008)
Paper Towns by Green is a very quick read. What is interesting is that every line is important to the continuation of the story.
There are quick retorts and funny comments as the story is told from the perspective of a high school senior boy called Q. This mysterious adventure is driven by a sense of hope to find out who Margo Roth Spiegelman is for real. And since she has disappeared so quickly, yet leaves so many clues for Q to find her, is Margo still alive? Where is she and how can he and his friends find her? Why did she leave the clues for him specifically? Does she want him to find her?
Anna, Library staff
Labels: Fiction, Readers' Advisory Annotations, Reviews by Anna, Staff book reviews, Young Adult
Friday, April 22, 2016
[Book Review] Roby Reviews: Best Friends Forever
Fiction
Johnnie reviews Best Friends Forever by Kimberla Lawson Roby (Grand Central Publishing, 2016)
For readers who expect this book to be a great lesson on true friendship, you are in for a big surprise.
This book is actually about a husband (Keith Richardson) who is committed to leaving home for a woman on the side. Of course, he blames his cheating on his wife (Celine Richardson). Although Keith learns that his wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer, he is not worrying about leaving his wife and daughter at a time when his family needs him the most.
After weeks of being the invisible family man, Keith decides it is time to ask his wife for forgiveness. But what are his real motives? Will Celine forgive her husband and allow him to come back home? Or will Celine follow the advice of her best friend, Lauren, who is single and not happy about Keith's behaviors?
This book will play with your emotions. It will make you sad. It will make you mad. It is a book that should be made into a television series.
We hope you enjoyed this week's Roby Reviews.
Authors Thomas Christensen and Kimberla Lawson Roby will speak at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. respectively.
Bookstock Memphis Area Authors' Festival @ Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Saturday
April 23, 2016
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Labels: African-American Fiction, Bookstock 2016, Fiction, Reviews by Johnnie Mosley, Staff book reviews
[Book Review] Roby Reviews: The Ultimate Betrayal
Fiction
Johnnie reviews The Ultimate Betrayal by Kimberla Lawson Roby (Grand Central Publishing, 2015)
The Ultimate Betrayal is another drama in the Reverend Curtis Black series. More specifically, it is soap opera about the life of Alicia Black, the daughter of Reverend Curtis Black.
Four years earlier, Alicia married Phillips Sullivan, a good man and husband. However, Alicia messed up the marriage by engaging in a two-way love affair with Levi Cunningham, a drug dealer and thug. Four years later, after much prayer, Phillips decided to forgive Alicia and take her back. In the meantime, Alicia finds herself back in the arms of Levi who has convinced her that he is a different man. As Alicia goes through her self-inflicted problems, she learns that her friend, Melanie, is also dealing with her own drama.
Melanie is dealing with weight issues as well as problems with her husband, Brad. Because Alicia and Melanie are dealing with a number of personal issues, they find themselves turning on each other like enemies in World War III.
Will Alicia find true love in the arms of her husband or another man? Will Melanie come to grips with her weight problems? What surprises are yet to be revealed in the lives of Alicia, Phillips, Levi, Melanie, and Brad?
For first time readers of the Reverend Black series, this book will be a blast. For veteran readers of the series, this book will not disappoint.
Johnnie Mosley, North Branch Library
Labels: African-American Fiction, Bookstock 2016, Fiction, Reviews by Johnnie Mosley, Staff book reviews
Thursday, April 21, 2016
[Book Review] Roby Reviews: One in a Million
Fiction
Darletha reviews One in a Million by Kimberla Lawson Roby (HarperCollins, 2008)
Kennedi Mason is a happily married woman eager to share some really, really good news with her husband, Blake. Disregarding the “ladies first” rule, Blake makes an unexpected announcement of his own. Since Blake insisted on speaking first, Kennedi keeps silent about what she wanted to say. Now Kennedi has to readjust her life and create a new plan for her future (Here’s a hint: it involves a lottery ticket!). Along the way random strangers, relatives, old friends and even her husband complicate an already complicated situation. Luckily, Kennedi’s closest friend and her new acquaintances are there to support her through the emotional roller coaster that has become her life.
A departure from her popular Reverend Curtis Black series, One in a Million is a stand-alone title that uses dialogue and plot twists to address contemporary issues among families and couples. The characters are as familiar as any relative or friend from real life. The fast-paced plot has plenty of drama and moments of humor. In this novel a lot of events take place within a small window of time so make sure you have a reading buddy to talk to about this entertaining novel.
Darletha M., South Branch
Labels: Bookstock 2016, Reviews by Darletha Matthews, Staff book reviews
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
[Book Review] Roby Reviews: Changing Faces
Fiction
Andrea reviews Changing Faces by Kimberla Lawson Roby, (Harper Collins, 2006)
Whitney, Taylor, and Charisse have all been best friends since high school. They are also each other’s worst enemies as well.
Plus-sized Whitney hates the fact she has no control over her eating habits but wants a man to love her and stay with her. She is too tired of all these men who use her and then leave her. The more she wants a commitment, the more depressed she gets and eats even more junk.
Taylor is probably the most level headed of the three friends. Her professional life as an attorney is shining and appealing but she can’t understand why her long-term boyfriend won’t settle down and marry her. Because of her sensibility and sensitivity, she often gets stuck playing referee to Charisse and Whitney.
Charisse is married and has two wonderfully adorable children. Her life may seem perfect but she is judgmental to all around her. The more judgmental she gets, the more she alienates her husband and her two best friends. She claims she is this way because her mother verbally and physically abused her.
The three women have their strife and struggles with each other and separately, but in the end will they be there for one another?
Andrea Bledsoe King, Cordova Branch
Labels: Bookstock 2016, Reviews by Andrea King, Staff book reviews
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
[Book Review] Roby Reviews: Casting the First Stone
Fiction
Andrea reviews Casting the First Stone by Kimberla Lawson Roby (Kensington, 2000)
Curtis Black is one despicable man. He has decided he wants to leave his wife of over a decade so he can be with his young, also-married girlfriend. Curtis and his girlfriend, Adrienne, have to sneak around since they both are married AND Curtis works with Adrienne’s husband, Thomas. It doesn’t matter that Tanya, Curtis’ wife, supported him and worked full-time while he was in graduate school. She is also the mother of his daughter, Alicia, who is undoubtedly the light of his life.
To make matters even worse, Curtis feels smothered by Adrienne whenever she talks about divorcing Thomas so she can marry Curtis. To deflect this claustrophobia, Curtis starts sleeping with another woman, and I mean “woman” loosely, because Charlotte is only 17 years old! Charlotte gets pregnant and her father tells Curtis he will have him thrown in jail for statutory rape charges.
But the proverbial icing on the cake is this: Curtis Black is a PASTOR! Now you see what I mean about his being despicable? Casting the First Stone is the first book of 12 in the Reverend Curtis Black series. These are all great stories with lots of drama and tension but readers need to read them in chronological order to get the full effect. Readers will be disgusted and amazed by Curtis Black’s attitude- especially knowing he is a PREACHER!
Andrea Bledsoe King, Cordova Library
Labels: Bookstock 2016, Reviews by Andrea King, Staff book reviews
