Camilla's Roses

Camilla's Roses by Bernice L. McFadden

I don't know how I missed this particular book in 2004, because I thought I had read all of Bernice McFadden's novels. Needless to say, I checked it out of the library and I'm currently reading it now, and I must admit, I am intrigued as to what will become of the remaining characters, as I've already witnessed the destruction of a mentally challenged woman's beauty inside & out, following a terrible accident that claim the lives of her husband and unborn child... Oops, I don't want to spoil it for others.

However, here's a synopsis of what this book has to offer: Camilla has been estranged from her unruly family since she went to college, leaving behind a drug-addicted mother, a grandmother raising scads of abandoned grandchildren, and an addled great-aunt. Ashamed of her family and her race, she lightened her skin and adopted a false background. She is living a complete lie when tragedy strikes, and she discovers... Oops! again, I've said to much.

Bernice McFadden the author of Sugar, The Warmest December, and This Bitter Earth captivates her readers attention and won't let it go until the absolute end of her compelling stories.
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Say You're One of Them

Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan
I am enjoying this wonderful literary find on audio. The Author, Uwem Akpan has done such a great job writing & creating such believable characters in this jubilantly acclaimed collection demonstrating the wisdom and resilience of children.
Additionally, the narrators:Robin Miles, Dion Graham, Kevin Free do such a wonderful job of bringing this story to life.

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Lush Life

Upon hearing that President Obama would be covering a substantial amount of literary ground while vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard; I decided to choose one of the five selections on the President’s reading list. I chose Richard Prices’ Lush Life, and I must say I am enjoying it more than I’d initially anticipated. Price’s masterful dialogue is captivating and the story riveting. This 455 pager is a must read.

And if you really want to become immersed, I suggest utilizing Audible.com or another audio-book source to listen while following along in the book. The narrator, Bobby Cannavale used by audible.com for Lush Life is shamelessly by far the most excellent audio match for the author’s text. His expertise almost makes you want to forgo the read, but don’t, because this book is quite worthy of the read. Regardless of which format you decide to choose, just be certain to explore this ‘tale of two lower east sides: one a high-priced bohemia, te other a home to hardship, its residents pushed to the edges of their time-honored turf.’