I’m working on a chapter for my new book and I have this song on repeat. Can you guess what the scene is about?
What I’m Reading – An American Marriage
Over the weekend I read Tayari Jones latest release, An American Marriage. Saying that this book is “good” is an understatement. Go get it. Read it now and get your life.
This book gives you what you’ve come to expect from a good book. The hook pulls you in and the storyline keeps you turning the pages. I read the book in two days staying up until 3 a.m. to finish. I couldn’t put it down.
Since I have been on this writing journey, I no longer read books strictly for entertainment. I try to learn new techniques.
Tayari Jones’ novel is a master class in story telling. The character development is realistic, the pacing is perfect and the imagery puts you in the story. A freaking master class.
The only thing I didn’t like was the book cover. Even that makes sense and ties into the overall story.
I plan to read it again. You should read it too.
What do you think? Have you read it? Let’s discuss.
I Dream in Books
I had a weird dream that I was trapped in a library. I wasn’t trying to escape though.
Maybe I should go to bed earlier instead of staying up late reading.
White Until Proven Black: Imagining Race in Hunger Games : The New Yorker
I must admit I recently downloaded “The Hunger Games” based on the popularity and discussion of the movie. However, I was disturbed by the back lash against the movie because of some Black characters.
If you have read the book, it is clear that the characters in question were people of color. My question is, why is that a bad thing?
As a writer, an African-American writer, I often wonder if my work will be read by people of all races. I understand that people easily relate to others that are most like them. But is race the defining factor. I enjoy Jodi Picoult’s books. The main characters are White and yet I empathize with their plights and root for them the same way I do with a book by Bernice McFadden or Kimberla Lawson Roby. Why does it matter? A good book is a good book. Period.
Most of the time, I don’t enjoy the movie adaptation of books because the visual element limits the experience. I do enjoy it when the character on screen mimics the picture I had in my head. Of course, reading comprehension is a learned skill. Maybe those fans of “The Hunger Games” that were surprised about a character’s ethnicity should go back to school.
Please click the link below:
The Book Bench: White Until Proven Black: Imagining Race in Hunger Games : The New Yorker.