Fiction

Trilogy of My life...
I have always loved to read. I have loved books since I learned to read. Reading allows me to be completely immersed in another world. When I am reading, I imagine the setting, the characters and the things they say and do. It is my favorite thing to do outside of writing. I will never forget a particular series of book that I read some years ago. I have actually read it again and listened to it on audiobook. It is a set of three books. The first one is God Don't Like Ugly. The second book is God STILL Don't Like Ugly. The last book is God Don't Play. The series focuses on a little black girl. The reader follows her through life across the three novels. The girl ends up fatherless and being raised by a struggling single mother. This is the first thing i can relate to here: being a struggling single mother. The father leaves the family because he falls in love with a white woman. Her race important because this was during the time that interracial couples were taboo, even outlawed in some places. The father is the breadwinner for the family. They were already poor with him working, so when he left, things got worse very fast.
By Latoya Giles 2 years ago in BookClub
I Read the Most Viral Books of 2023…
Every year, a multitude of new books are published, and my goal was to identify the most buzzworthy ones. I aimed to read these titles myself to ascertain if they lived up to their reputation. Among the plethora of options available, I've already delved into numerous viral books of 2023, such as "Happy Place," "Fourth Wing Divine Rivals," and the latest release from Riley Sager. However, the vast array of choices leaves me with the intention to explore a few more selections. I'm commencing this literary journey with an author who garnered significant attention in 2022, and now presents a new work slated for a November 2023 release – "Betting on You" by Lynn Painter. I had initially planned to retrieve another of her books, although I rarely retain my favorite reads due to lending them to others. Notably, Lynn Painter penned "Better Than the Movies," a cherished young adult romance that holds a special place in my heart. Similarly, this upcoming release, set to launch in November 2023, falls within the same genre. I was fortunate to receive an early copy of the book from the author herself. The cover exudes a charming appeal, piquing my excitement for the story. This novel revolves around Bailey and Charlie, who initially meet on a plane and find themselves coincidentally becoming colleagues a year later due to unforeseen circumstances. I'm eager to immerse myself in this narrative and explore the dynamic between these characters. Additionally, the author's other work, "Mr. Wrong Number," features a character depicted on a bookmark enclosed with the book, lending a comedic touch. Strangely amusing as it is, it's an item I prefer not to display publicly. In an unexpected twist, I confess to already being 300 pages into the book due to my inability to resist the allure of the story. Despite this, I plan to complete it today, having reached page 330 out of an approximate 422. So far, my observations indicate that the primary love interest, Charlie, is distinctly different from the character of Wes in "Better Than the Movies." Wes was an embodiment of kindness and charm, traits I adored, while Charlie appears more complex and edgy. However, his multifaceted nature intrigues me, considering his actions and the underlying reasons, such as his peculiar habit of taking antacids for anxiety-induced acid reflux. Admittedly, I do find myself missing Wes's straightforward and endearing personality. One unexpected detail to note is that the book carries a recommended age of 12 and up, which surprised me due to the frequent profanity throughout the narrative. This juxtaposition of mature language with teenage characters is intriguing and challenges traditional age ratings. Although I'm uncertain of my own reading choices at that age, it's worth acknowledging the contrast between the language used and the characters' ages. In comparison to "Better Than the Movies," which radiated a youthful and wholesome atmosphere, this novel embraces a more mature tone. As I progress through the book, I can't help but consider the unexpected places where my name has appeared in the acknowledgments of other authors' works, creating a surreal sense of connection. This reflective moment aside, I find myself contemplating the possibility of revisiting this book in the future to fully appreciate Charlie's character development and growth. My initial reservations toward him have shifted, and I'm eager to see how my perception evolves upon re-reading. Ultimately, I hold this book in high regard, earning a rating of around 4.25 to 4.5 stars. This endorsement implies that readers with a penchant for young adult romance should undoubtedly indulge in this narrative. Bailey's genuine struggles with her parents' divorce resonate authentically, adding depth to the story. Her mother's remarriage and the emotional complexity it brings further enrich the narrative, while the secondary storyline involving her best friend enhances the overall experience. This novel serves as yet another testament to Lynn Painter's skill in crafting engaging and relatable tales. The video begins on a strong note, a fitting start considering my admiration for Lynn Painter's work. Now, my sights are set on "Love Theoretically" by Ali Hazelwood, a novel that gained traction on book talk and received the endorsement of Book of the Month as their chosen romance selection. This 2023 release has captured widespread attention, and I eagerly await the journey it promises. As my reading adventure continues, I'm filled with optimism and anticipation for the stories yet to unfold.
By Doaa seif2 years ago in BookClub
Six of crows; like the cards? Exactly like the cards!
"Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo is set in the city of Ketterdom; a city of international trade and home to multiple criminal organizations! The story of an impossible heist offered to the 17-year-old Kaz Brekker, also known as the Bastard of Barrel, who was a great magician and a trickster. Accompanying him are five other people—Inej; the Wraith. She would be walking with you and you wouldn't even notice, like a shadow. She would know your secrets, have all pieces of information, and every truth you could ever hide. Then is Jesper, who never misses a target fired by his gun, Nina; the heartender, and a Grisha, who can give anyone a heart attack even from 10 feet distance. Mathias; is a fighter not less than a wolf. And then comes Wylan, who may not be able to read and write but is so specialized in chemicals that he could make any kind of bomb. All six of these criminals, on their way to an impossible heist to save the world from destruction.
By JJ sage2 years ago in BookClub
Important Things: The Little Prince. Runner-Up in Book Club Challenge.
When you see this photo, what is it? Does it frighten you? To many people who are unfamiliar with The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, it looks like a hat. But this is no hat. This terrifying thing represents two things: the death of childhood curiosity and innocence and, more importantly, a boa constrictor so massive, that it can eat an entire elephant as shown below.
By Christopher Michael2 years ago in BookClub
Book Club: Frankenstein
I fought to defend Frankenstein’s creature as if my own life depended on it. This was during my first read in a high school literature class, before understanding that Max (as I preferred to call him, as he was unfairly unnamed) was essentially an incel and not completely innocent of blame.
By Elisabeth Balmon2 years ago in BookClub
Soul Sisters
My soul sister and I first met in 1988, and we’ve taken such journeys together. In my third year of university, I enrolled in American Literature 1850-1920. As a literature class of that caliber should, it covered authors such as Twain, Hawthorne, Melville, Faulkner, and Alger. One author I was unfamiliar with was Kate Chopin. We were assigned to read The Awakening.
By Barb Dukeman2 years ago in BookClub
The Chronicles of Narnia
Reposted for the new Book Club community. Warning: Very academic. Most scholarship centered around the Chronicles of Narnia focuses on the religious imagery C.S. Lewis utilized within his fairytale world. Christianity is undoubtably an important aspect of the Chronicles of Narnia; Aslan represents Jesus, Edmund represents Judas, and countless other religious allegories litter the series, but that is not all the series has to offer. In fact, whether intentional or not, Lewis wrote a compelling tale of the immigrant journey, particularly with the Pevensies. The four siblings are activists and provide a service to the Narnia, freeing them from the White Witch. However, they are deported from their true home, sent back to England. They eventually return, only to make the journey back to England because it is what is best for their people. They are forced to leave their kingdom in the hand of another king, a descendant of colonizers, though Narnia is where they feel they truly belong.
By C.M. Vazquez2 years ago in BookClub
Goodnight Mister
I am taking yet another break from my regular fictional tales to celebrate the four new communities on Vocal. This time, it is Bookclub's turn!
By ThatWriterWoman2 years ago in BookClub
Harry and I
Created in 2019. Revised for book club entry. There are several instances in my life that I have felt magic, but nothing quite feels like the first time I fell in love.
By C.M. Vazquez2 years ago in BookClub
Echoes of Eternity - Part 4
The Cursed Amulet The aftermath of their victory was a tapestry of healing and rebuilding. Aeloria basked in the glow of a newfound dawn, its landscapes rejuvenated by the absence of darkness. Alaric and his companions, their bond stronger than ever, turned their attention to restoring the balance that had been disrupted.
By inspirational poems 3 years ago in BookClub
Realm of Dragons: Tales from the Fireborne Chronicles
In the heart of the bustling city of Eldoria, where market stalls overflowed with exotic treasures and the scent of spices hung heavy in the air, there lived a cunning thief named Renn. With a quick wit and nimble fingers, Renn had earned a reputation as the most elusive and skilled thief in the city's history. But Renn's latest target was no ordinary mark—it was an artifact of legendary proportions, rumored to be kept within the heavily fortified Royal Palace.
By Dharmesh P3 years ago in BookClub
Reflections on Earth's Fragile Beauty
Amidst the boundless cosmos, a tiny blue gem spins in the void—a home to life, mystery, and wonder. Earth, with its delicate ecosystems and intricate tapestry of existence, holds both the promise of hope and the shadows of crisis. As humans, we find ourselves at a crossroads, confronted with the responsibility to safeguard the planet's fragile beauty.
By Dharmesh P3 years ago in BookClub