Talya Straughter

When life comes at you know that you have all you need inside of you!

Revisado: 01-06-24

I didn’t get a chance to write my review of this gem last year. It was one of the last books that I read. Yes, I know I’m late and yes, I’ve had it for some time. But anyhoo.

🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️Angie Thomas LOVES Jackson!!! Angie Thomas LOVES Jackson. Let me say it one more time, Angie Thomas LOVES Jackson!!! The hidden gems about the City made my heart smile.

Now to the story behind Nic. There was a reason that she and her father trecked from city to city. The secrets that finally caught up with them caused her to dig deep into who she is to right a wrong caused by grown folks. Yep grown folks. You know we get it wrong sometimes and we place our insecurities on our children. Not realizing the damage it could cause them. Nic was brave and courageous. All she needed was inside of her. The power was inside of her.

This was an adventurous story of self- discovery, secret, pain, love, growth and belief in one’s self. I can definitely see it as a series on a Saturday morning.

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The secrets we keep for the sake of looking all out together.

Revisado: 01-06-24

So I ended the year with reading this one. I met her last summer at the MS book festival. Chillllllleeee let me tell you something about these church ladies!! The book comes out the gate swinging.

This is a collection of short stories that were well developed and written. Deesha brought to light some everyday life stories that are human experiences. My favorite one is Peach Cobbler.

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Maddie finds Maddie

Revisado: 01-06-24

Wheeeewwww chilllllllllleeeee, I finished this baby last night. I fell in love with Maddie, Madeleine Baaba Wright, and Maame. Her mother ruled her home in the UK from Ghana with an iron fist. She called Maddie Maame. Although it was a name her mother used as a term for endurance the name was not speaking life into Maddie.

Maddie had been an adult far too early in life, hence the nickname Maame. She had always been the child that was the easiest, she lived life inside the lines and didn’t stray. Those tendencies that she learned early in life followed her throughout life as she became the ultimate people pleaser despite the damage she was causing herself.

Maame is a beautiful journey of Maddie finding herself. When she decided to explore life outside of the lines the rollercoaster 🎢 took off and Maddie navigated it with grace.

She’s smart, funny, well versed in her career and is the glue that keeps her family and coworkers together. She deals with some themes that are so human. It’s like the author lived the experiences. Maddie navigates familial relationships, duties and boundaries, the complexities of love and her body, racism, and the power of friendship as well as office politics.

This was such a beautiful and powerful story of finding yourself. Maddie definitely handled it with grace. I fell in love with Maddie. I think she’s going to sit with me for a while. She could have very easily been my younger sister.

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A love story of community

Revisado: 11-01-23

James McBride has done it again. His name should be the storyteller whisperer. His gift is telling a story that is wrapped in consciousness surrounding humanity. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store opens with the mystery of a skeleton discovered at the bottom of a well in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. No one knew who it was and how the person got there… or so we think. The answer was a long-held secret kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side. The sorrows and ambitions were shared as their lives were intertwined.

The characters overlap and deepen as it becomes clear how much the people who live on the margins of white, Christian American struggle and what they must do to survive. McBride reveals what happened on Chicken Hill and how the part of the town’s white establishment played. He shows us that love and community is necessary, even in dark times. It is heaven and earth that shines a light, it is the community that comes together to save a generation.

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Masterful storytelling

Revisado: 10-22-23

The winner of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for fiction, winner of the Gotham book prize, named one of the top ten books of the year by New York Times, Entertainment Weekly and TIME Magazine.

This was masterful story telling without being predictable. I was tickled at how the ghost of the past kept Old Sport Coat sane; however, that same ghost drove him crazy. The adventures of lives gone, how they were intertwined, and how they helped solved some of the issues each character dealt with. Secrets keep us from facing our fears. The central location of the community for the projects is disturbed and from that day forward lives are altered. James McBride is a masterful storyteller.

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Love, secrets, space, and time.

Revisado: 10-22-23

Love, secrets, space, and time. Sometimes that is all that we feel we have. This was a beautifully written novel about how others feel like they are doing the right thing and it causes a ripple effect that can alter the life of others. As parents we make decisions based on what we feel is best at that time. One decision, several secrets, enormous space, and what seem like a life time changed for two estranged siblings. The Black ushers in a life for all. I am excited about the upcoming Hulu special for this one.

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Walking in her purpose on purpose!!!

Revisado: 10-22-23

Parades don’t stop for barking dogs. Leslie lived her life by this motto even before she heard it. It is a powerful statement to sit with. I have laughed, cried, become angry, laughed and cried some more. Her story is one of determination and knowing what is yours and going for it. Through it all she knew this is what she was built for. I can appreciate her for being true to herself and making sure others around her are the same. NO ONE could box her in. She was a circle that was not going to fit in the square nor the circle. Leslie truly blazed her path and learned to trust herself. In doing that she has been able to honor herself in the process. Disclaimer if you don’t do profanity keep looking for another book.

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Marisa belongs to me

Revisado: 10-22-23

“Kerry is what my mother chose. Washington is my Dad. Asomugha is my future. Marisa belongs to me.” Kerry Washington

This story, her story was one of finding her voice, empowering said voice, and using it for good. Kerry Washington Asomugha took me on a journey of self-discovery. As a child it was as if she knew something was off. She did not feel “whole.” That nagging feeling persisted and often had her questioning her sanity. Even as a young child her voice was silenced in an effort to protect others. Not knowing that was a family trait Kerry lived most of her life under a veil.

She gracefully honors her father and mother even during the difficult times that they experience. Once the veil was broken it was if they were given a new lease on life. It was nice to get a peek into who she is. Healing comes when secrets are uncovered.

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Do we really want more Chris Wilsons?

Revisado: 02-28-23

What is your endgame? What is your master plan? Chris’ journey takes the reader through a series of events that demonstrate how dysfunctional the criminal justice system is. The dangerous thought process of life is life (sentencing juveniles to life without parole). He shows when a seed is planted, watered, and nurtured it can grow. Second chances can save you, while having self-discipline and self- determination that holds you accountable.
The question is do we really want more Chris Wilsons?

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The Aunt we all need

Revisado: 02-13-23

Yasmine’s thoughts are completely honest from they Aunt that we all love. The world needs this book now more than ever!!

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