SHORTEST BOOK REVIEW EVER: THE MOTHERS

This review contains no spoilers.

Author: Brit Bennett (@britrbennett)

Pages: 278

Gist: There are all types of mothers around us: church mothers, surrogate mothers, adopted mothers and biological mothers. This story set in a contemporary African American community in Southern California, and revolves around a young girl named Nadia Turner. The story doesn’t stay stuck on her, but it includes her community and how she evolves to a young woman in spite of betrayal, pain and suffering.

Best Lines: “In a way, subtle racism was worse because it made you feel crazy. You were always left wondering, was that actually racist? Had you just imagined it?”

“A tragic woman hooks into an ain’t-shit man, or worse, lets him hook into her.”

Recommend: Absolutely! It is a beautifully-written, sad story of a town not unlike one we may know or have heard of. The book felt real, the characters were interesting and I was invested. I probably should have read this faster than I did, but alas, I’m just glad to have added this book to my “DONE” pile.

Shortest Book Review Ever: Paper Dollhouse

Author: Dr. Lisa M. Masterson

Pages: 261

Reading Group Guide: No

Gist: This autobiography written by Dr. Lisa (as she is affectionately known on the Emmy Award-winning TV show The Doctors) follows the determined path of a Black girl who made it. Originally from Louisiana, Dr. Lisa tells the tale of growing up with a single mother and their super-close relationship. Her early life did not have privilege written all over it, and that makes it easy to relate to her story. The book chronicles her early life all the way to present day, but it’s not bogged down with too much ‘fillers’– she basically shares her foundational upbringing, educational experience and professional climb to becoming an Obstetrician and Gynecologist- an inspiring Black woman, indeed!

Best Line: ¨And the more examples that young black girls– or any girls– can see of a dream they thought was out of reach, the more possible their dreams become. Yes, I want to tell them, be a doctor…. Yes, take a chance on a wild idea. Yes, give your skills to the people who need them the most. Yes, I believe in you.”

Recommend: YES! If I was to ever pen a memoir, I would want it to read like her book. Let me start by saying that I had never heard of Dr. Lisa before visiting the Wendy Williams show, where she gifted the studio audience a free copy of her book. The first time I saw her (she stands about 5’2) I thought ‘She’s so cute, she reminds me of the Black girl from Saved By the Bell!’ Lisa from Saved By The Bell she is not! Dr. Lisa has come a long way and is very established in her own right. While reading her book, I looked at her like any other person (and not necessarily a TV personality) who made it in the struggle. The book reads very easy and Masterson traces her life effortlessly. It never feels like she’s overwhelming you with details or information. It’s a must-read if you’re looking for inspiration, even to give to anyone you know who needs that pat and reminder to Keep At It!

Paper Dollhouse can be purchased on Amazon.

Next Book on the Reading List:

Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones.

What’s the last book that inspired you?

Shortest Book Review Ever: Sarah´s Key

I started writing short book reviews back on my old blog, and since I´m a bonafide bookworm, decided I´ll keep the spirit of reading alive. I have 2 more weeks left in Costa Rica, and intend on reading at least two more books before I leave.

Here´s what I´ve read since I´ve been here:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Baby Planner by Josie Brown

Just finished:

Author: Tatiana de Rosnay

Pages: 293

Reading Group Guide: Yes

Gist: This book can be considered historical fiction, the center of the action revolves around a true event. The Vel´ d´Hiv´was the 1942 round-up of Jewish families that occured  in France. It´s considered Paris´little dirty secret because the round-up was done by French police under German orders. The story is two-fold;  it follows a little girl named Sarah, and a woman named Julia and how their lives are intertwined.

Best Line: ¨Not tonight. Not now. Amelie was over. Was she, though? Was she really? I had to admit I was not sure. But for now, I did not want to know. I did not want to see…. Closing my eyes. Wasn´t that the typical French attitude, ¨closing your eyes¨on your husbands wanderings?¨

Recommend: Yes, it was a fast and entertaining read. I was enlightened about the tragic event and the people affected, but I wasn´t too moved by the prose or author´s style. I was expecting a little bit more from the reviews I had heard.

Currently Reading:

The Mystic Masseur by V.S. Naipaul

What´s on your book shelf, in your bag or e-reader right now?