misstsbookroom's reviews
153 reviews

Lone Women by Victor LaValle

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

3.5

For the most part, this book caught my attention in the beginning pretty quickly. I wanted a good haunted read that would have me questioning. I was curious about that steamer trunk and Adelaide's adventure to start in a new place. Truthfully, I was into it at first and felt Lavalle did good with catching me in the beginning. I love it when stories can do that. How he researches and comes up with his next book for his upcoming books makes me want to read more of his work. I like how he introduces us to history that isn’t discussed much, Like Montana, Women Homesteaders, and how Midwesterners had to survive in different climates and other conditions. I feel like the ending was rushed, and I wanted more for some characters. 

I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here: Finding My Voice, Finding My People, Finding My Way by Jonathan Conyers

hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

How often have you thought, “Why is this happening to me?” and “I am experiencing something I never thought I would experience.” 

While reading I Wasn’t Suppose to be Here by Jonathan Conyers, the thought came to my mind. 

Jonathan Conyers story is not only a remarkable one, but it is one of those stories you wouldn’t believe unless he told you himself or you read about it. In the words of Conyers, “It took an army to raise me! I needed to start assembling my village to survive my circumstances.”Jon went from being in Reading Recovery in kindergarten to being at the top of his classes in high school and college. He had the most passionate people on his team who helped him reach his ultimate goal! I remember reading Jonathan Conyers’ story when it was featured on Humans of New York and I obviously knew his story was compelling. It will definitely be in my top ten of 2023 and a non-fiction recommendation for Miss T’s book club before the year is out. 

Copy from Legacy Lit. Opinions expressed are solely my own. 

Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat by Patricia Williams

adventurous emotional funny inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

When I started this book, I knew right away that I was in for a long emotional ride, and I was right! I learned about Ms. Pat late, but when I found out she had a book. I had to read it. The only thing was I listened to the audiobook, and at first, I was put off by her reading the book, but I got used to it and eventually was cool. 

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

One thing I admire about authors who write historical fiction is that they can show their readers the past from many different lenses. Before this novel, I hadn’t heard of The Relf Sisters, and I am from Alabama, and it happened in 1973 in Montgomery. The 70’s!! It bothers me that I learned about The Syphilis Study (Tuskegee Syphilis Study), Henrietta Lacks, and The Mothers of Gynecology (Anarcha, Lucy, Betsy) but not the Relf Sisters. Take My Hand piqued my interest in similar experiments that used black bodies, not just in the South. I am glad that I decided to read and learn more on my own! 

One of the highlights of my summer was meeting Dolen Perkins-Valdez in Wetumpka, Alabama, at Restoration Coffee House/Sweet Home Books. Even though we chatted for a short time, it felt like talking to an old friend. 

Even while reading the Book, she talks about my hometown, Rockford, Alabama! 

This is a book I would reread! 

Please Read My August Newsletter about Take My Hand! Make sure you subscribe! 

https://open.substack.com/pub/tealightsandbooks/p/play-take-my-hand-precious-lord?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Our History Has Always Been Contraband: In Defense of Black Studies by Robin D.G. Kelley, Colin Kaepernick, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor

challenging informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

4.5

Who is afraid of Black Studies?? 

Black History has always been controversial and contraband. Let’s be honest. Are you surprised that some of these bans are happening? As an educator and book lover, I have become curious about history and what I missed in grade school. I want to teach others too! I am planting seeds of Hope! 

Our History Has Always Been Contraband illustrates a study on the move. Inam looking for books that can help me plant those seeds! 
The book is in three parts:

1. How We Got Here 
2. The History They Don’t Want You To Know 
3. How We Fight Back 

Thanks, @coriolisco for the digital copy 

The Elissas: Three Girls, One Fate, and the Deadly Secrets of Suburbia by Samantha Leach

informative slow-paced

3.0

Perfect Peace by Daniel Black

challenging emotional tense fast-paced

4.5

I Should’ve Read Perfect Peace Sooner…
This book has been on my TBR for a long time….

Meeting Dr. Daniel Black last month reinforce me to read Perfect Peace. 
Perfect Peace deals with so many topics like Generational Curses, Gender Roles, Masculinity, Race, Family Secrets, Identity, Unresolved Trauma, The Black Family, and The Church. 
Dr. Daniel Black works the story by giving us a great depiction of each character. 
 I talk more about Perfect Peace and other Books I should've read sooner in my Tealights&Books. 

https://tealightsandbooks.substack.com/p/i-should-have-read-it-sooner

Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious

4.0

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith will be my favorite book to read and recommend regarding historical facts. Clint Smith makes me feel like I am there with him as he intensely shares his travel log. I love connecting literature with monuments, museums, and uncharted history. Next time I go to these areas, I will dive deeper to learn more. It has encourage me to keep a travel log!!! 

Maame by Jessica George

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Maame gave me all the feels, which surprised me because I am more of a nonfiction person. I told myself I would read more fiction, and all of the ones I picked to read this year, I finished this one first. I connected with Maame, taking care of others, the stages of grief, and the act of still trying to find me in an uncertain world. I know it is Jessica George’s Debut novel, but I can’t wait to read what she will write next.