Sharon Henry

A significant and stirring story

Revisado: 07-05-24

“A Different Drummer” is both insightful, compelling, eerie, and heartbreaking. The author’s ability to show the reader the different perspectives of what set the stage for the key turning points in the story are clear, deliberate and striking. The last 10 pages of the story (I read along with the audio version) made an indelible impression.

This is a short read and I do not want to spoil the plot. All I will add is that if you are a fan of Douglas Turner Ware’s play “A Day Of Absence”, you will appreciate the source of the playwright’s inspiration and realize the play is a comedic reworking of this dramatic novel. The novel shouts its main themes from a key character that we in 2024 would do well to understand and apply.

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Insightful view of the lawman: Bass Reeves

Revisado: 06-24-24

Art T. Burton’s understanding of the late 19th century lawman, Bass Reeves is both insightful and also a bit too dispassionate in relaying the facts about his major cases and his life. Mr. Burton’s descriptions based upon court testimony regarding the danger and arduous adventures of being a federal marshal left this reader with a feeling of appreciation.

Throughout the audiobook I marveled at the bravery, shrewdness, talent, and drive of Bass Reeves as he dealt with communicating and navigating through several territories owned by indigenous people, the Caucasian population that was largely hostile to a black law officer, and the judicial system of the time.

For a level, succinct, fact driven view of one aspect of the life of Bass Reeves, Mr. Burton’s book will fit the need.

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Captivating storytelling

Revisado: 11-17-23

P. D. Clarke’s “Ring Shout” is an engaging combination of horror, the supernatural, and magic dipped in key historical elements. The author such vivid imagery that one experiences seeing a graphic novel or movie. If one enjoyed the novel “Lovecraft Country,” one will enjoy the novella, “Ring Shout.”

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Zesty, Delightful Southern Folk Tales

Revisado: 07-20-23

Zora Neale Hurston’s ability to capture the rich use of figurative language, wisdom, humor, and sentiment of folk tales from people who inhabited little known areas of the south is a testament to her incredible skills as an anthropologist. This reader felt a range of emotions from appreciation for how life lessons were passed from one generation to another, to tales that showcased hyperbolic, fantastical imaginings. Miss Hurston captures the full use of language of the time period is raw based upon the speaker and at times makes one cringe. It is also undeniable the spotlight placed on the type of interactions that existed between males and females, and between African Americans and Caucasians.

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Brilliant

Revisado: 07-08-23

Zora Neale Hurston’s love of the folklore of people from African descent from the Deep South resonates throughout this collection of stories..

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Compelling

Revisado: 07-01-23

Fascinating look into how a young boy searches for meaning, and love through alternate father figures. In this case, the author finds sanctuary in a few key male figures in his grandfather’s house and at Publicans.
The story was engrossing. The descriptions of the characters, their style of talking, and their interactions with one another were touching, funny, and tragic.
I admire the author’s ability to share his joys, mistakes and loves:

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Enjoyable, Fast Read with Disturbing Overtones

Revisado: 06-11-23

The latest installment of the Avery Keene adventures in "Rogue Justice." highlights Stacy Abrams’ ability to explain high tech issues in a compelling and comprehensible way. The reader experiences the main character’s frustration, helplessness, and railing against being ensnared in a state of limbo. While Avery is viewed as a hero by a small minority, she is considered a nuisance and/or held in contempt by the majority in the political arena.

“Rogue Justice” feels like it is ready to be part of a Netflix or Amazon mini-series. The novel focuses on how slowly the wheels of justice work, if at all, whether in seeking justice for sexual harassment in the Navy, or clearing one’s name as a Supreme Court legal assistant. The author also captures the naked clawing to avenge hurts real or imagined and how easily a person’s principles, such as judges, are compromised to hide their offenses and maintain "money, power, success."

There are connections to current media stories such as the current divisive political tone, the the lackluster methods used to address sexual assault in the military services, the media coverage about cyber crime and the electric grid, the opaque nature of the transactions in cryptocurrency, and unscrupulous hackers.

There are several scenarios created by the author that made this reader hope that the plot twists do not become a reality.

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Both Disturbing and Riveting Reading

Revisado: 06-01-23

Colson Whitehead’s book is engaging and also provides horrific descriptions of the numerous ways those who were enslaved were punished. The tale of Cora and her exploits to gain freedom reveal the perils and harsh consequences for all involved in “the peculiar institution.” This book is not for the feint of heart. Mr. Whitehead blends in descriptions of actual lynchings and punishments the enslaved received in gruesome detail.

I appreciate the author’s ability to add a fantastical aspect to the Underground Railroad, I could see the metaphorical connections in terms of the type of treatment those seeking escape received at different stations.

I did not look at the television series as I always find the text superior to any adaptation filtered through someone else’s lens. This did raise my need to read nonfiction about the stories of people who actually experienced the Underground Railroad.

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Interesting Strategies

Revisado: 04-11-23

Barbara Oakley’s descriptions and examples of how to use the mind to maximize studying is intriguing. The part I found most.m challenging was adhering to the “recall” rule at the end of each chapter. That technique is powerful along with several others such as “kill one’s zombies”. I wish I had this book, read it, and disciplined enough to use them
throughout my elementary, secondary and post secondary educational journey.

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Amazing “Habits”

Revisado: 01-28-23

This book provides insightful information about the struggles, trials, and contributions of African American nuns in America and later in Sub-Sahara Africa.
The extensive research conducted by Ms. Williams to relay the perseverance and cleverness of nuns to join the different orders, or to lead a contemplative life or to teach despite rampant misogyny and racism is exceptional.

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