Shonda Moore

Great introduction to a chapter book

Revisado: 11-10-24

Kwame Alexander’s Black Star was the perfect choice for my four-year-old son, who recently asked to read a chapter book. The way the chapters were structured made it engaging and accessible for him. I appreciated how the story seamlessly transitioned from poem format to prose, offering a unique reading experience. The shorter poem segments often included level one and two sight words, which allowed my son to read many of the pages independently.

One aspect that stood out was the ending, which concluded in a somber tone. While I wasn’t entirely keen on the despair that lingered with the conclusion, I couldn’t help but reflect on the author’s opening statement: this book is for everyday people who were Black stars in their own way, living normal lives that often go overlooked. As Kwame Alexander expressed, "Black History is more than a timeline of ‘firsts’ and ‘inventions.’ It’s also about the regular families that lived, laughed, loved, danced, worked, failed, hoped, cried, and died just like everybody else.” That message resonated deeply and added a layer of poignancy to the entire story.

Overall, Black Star was an enriching read, balancing moments of joy, resilience, and realism that left a lasting impression.

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Hilarious and entertaining

Revisado: 10-10-24

As a long-time fan of The Coldest Winter Ever, I was excited to revisit Winter in Love After Midnight. The audiobook didn’t disappoint—Sister Souljah’s narration, along with the supporting cast, made the story come alive. It was entertaining, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that took me back, though I couldn’t help but notice how Winter’s character hasn’t grown much over the years. Her “strategic” moves often felt more amusing than clever. Still, it was a fun, nostalgic ride that kept me hooked.

Overall, a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Worth the listen, especially for long-time fans!

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Unveiling Resilience: A Four-Star Journey Through 'Walk Through Fire' by Sheila Johnson

Revisado: 01-20-24

"Walk Through Fire" by Sheila Johnson artfully explores her experiences of briefly passing for white in Pennsylvania and navigating the complexities of marriage with Bob Johnson. The narrative captures a sense of going with the flow rather than making personal decisions. It unfolds the highs of creating Teen Summit, a cherished show. It delves into the lows, including the heart-wrenching loss of her newborn son and enduring emotional abuse from Bob, who also terminated her from BET, a network she co-founded.

Following her divorce and her father's passing, Sheila Johnson's life takes a transformative turn towards triumph, adding a profound emotional layer to this intimate memoir. I give it a rating of four on a five-point scale, reflecting the impactful journey depicted in the book.

Shonda Moore
TBGR, Moderator

#myreview #bookregiew #thisbrownegirlreads #goodreads

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Dark underbelly of a small town

Revisado: 01-01-24

“All The Sinners Bleed" unfolds in a small town where Sheriff Titus leads the investigation into a series of dark and disturbing crimes. Alongside task force members Carla and Steve, Titus navigates the complexities of the town's underbelly.

The story revolves around Spearman and Latrell, central figures in heinous acts that grip the community. As the task force delves into the investigation, the narrative skillfully incorporates the intricacies of small-town dynamics, unveiling unsettling truths that have haunted the community.

SA Crosby weaves a gripping tale beyond a simple crime thriller, exploring the interconnected lives of those caught in the web of darkness. "All The Sinners Bleed" stands out for its suspenseful plot and rich portrayal of characters. It offers a compelling journey into the shadows where Sheriff Titus and his team navigate the complexities of justice, redemption, and the haunting echoes of sin.

Shonda Moore
Moderator, TBGR

#thisbrownegirlreads #bookreview #4stars

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Most anticipated

Revisado: 12-08-23

Overall, it was a story of love.

I’ve been chugging along reading The Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo. Life has been “life - ING” 😩. I’ve recommended the read and was super excited about its release. It’s one of the few books I've pre-ordered in a long time. Overall, I enjoyed learning about the Marte family. Each sister/niece had a flare that was all their own. I enjoyed hearing from Pastora. Something about her reflections gave me The Women of Brewster Place vibes. Ona was my second favorite. She and her power yoni kept the stories lively and fun.

I certainly hope to read more adult fiction from Acevedo. She has a gift, and I’m here for it! If you haven’t read it, add it to your TBR list. For those of you who have read the book, I’d love to read your thoughts.

Shonda Moore
Reading Enthusiast

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esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Gripping narrative that delves into the darkest corners of a family haunted by unspeakable secrets.

Revisado: 12-05-23

“Perish” is a powerful exploration of the destructive forces within families, and Latoya Watkins skillfully confronts the taboo with a narrative that lingers long after the final page.

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Masterpiece

Revisado: 05-17-23

Dyscalculia: A Love Story of Epic Miscalculation by Camonghe Felix is poignant. Her testimony gave me goosebumps. I feel hesitant to comment because Felix lets us readers know our judgment is for ourselves as she’s reconciled and sorted through the murkiness of her life. I am often amazed at how much weight people carry. It made me wonder about how many folks I know who walk around “passing for well” in moments when wellness feels like cuts against their skin.

Honestly, I had to check to see if I was reading a memoir or a well-written fictional account of a character’s life. I loved the poetry. I enjoyed the storytelling, and I got a kick out of needing to refer to a dictionary to understand words I hadn’t yet encountered. This love story felt like a beautiful collection of mathematical concepts as expressions to describe a journey of self-discovery.

I admire Felix and thank her for unmasking a world I find hard to comprehend but desperately want to empathize with in nurturing and supportive ways. Although I cannot relate to much of her experiences, I can see how disconcerting it was to live in an unknown place and try to function. I think about individuals I’ve known who might have faced similar disassociations with parts of themselves as a survival tactic. And who might have encountered life-threatening behaviors to cope?

I send them love.

Dyscalculia is something only God has had a hand in creating. I wish Felix nothing but joy. I definitely recommend you read it. Thank you, This Browne Girl Reads, for another excellent book recommendation.

Shonda Moore

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Must Read!

Revisado: 05-09-23

Razorblade Tears by S.A. Crosby was a suspenseful crime novel that had me on the edge of my seat while laughing simultaneously. I loved the wit of the character Buddy Lee. Getting to know him as a character was a pleasure. I felt that way about Ike too. I loved witnessing the maturity of the men as they tore through Virginia to bring justice, albeit street in nature, to avenge their boys.

Derek and Isaiah died because of one person’s shame. The fun part was that I couldn’t guess which character was the shot caller until Crosby identified the character and the cause. The book is an absolute riot. Readers be warned, you will finish feeling fulfilled, and the storyline will be as vivid as a movie screen. I loved every word on every page. I rate the book a five, hands down.

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Incredible ending

Revisado: 04-29-23

It’s the end for me! Maddie became a butterfly in its most glorious form. I wish the character well.

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5 minutes after

Revisado: 03-27-23

And I feel like I lost, that old familiar feeling of ending a reading journey of excellent characters and a well developed story.

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