While K was at an interview at a HS she wanted to attend, C, N and I headed to the local B&N to peruse the goods. As if either one of us needs another book.
While checking the aisles for new or notable Latino/a writers, I saw a display of coffee table books, and one in particular stood out:
THIS book. Is. Awesome.
And not just because Slash is in it (even if it was the main reason I was drawn to it.) but because it features people like Toni Morrison and Dawn Stanley and Louis Gossett, Jr. discussing how being black affected their lives, their profession, their craft, etc, and... OKAY, it's amazing because Slash is in it.
But still, the stuff the other people had to say was interesting, too. I promise. I read it cover to cover, trying really hard not to puke when I came across Sean Combs and Al Farton's pages. Yuck. Did I ever mention how much I hate those dudes? No? Well, I do.
And yes, I know, I'm not technically Black (although I do consider myself an Afro-Latina), but as Jack so eloquently put in this blog post... I'm "Black By Injection" so suck it!
I highly recommend this book, which is also a documentary on HBO (visit the website here); I liked it so much I borrowed it from the library for like 2 months before I finally broke down and bought the damn thing. Because I was not allowed to renew it anymore. Bastards!
THEN imagine my delight when Irene reminded me about February 7th: First Saturday at the BK Museum... guess what they're discussing?? YUP. The Black List. The authors-- renowned portrait photographer/filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and acclaimed NPR radio host, journalist and former New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell-- will be there and um, would it be cheesy to bring my copy and get an autograph?? Yes? No? Maybe so?
PS- in the future, if you're going to purchase books online, can you do me and the world a favor? Buy from this site:
Better World Books
because proceeds go to literacy programs around the world. And you already know how I feel about literacy...
*smooches...wishing that Slash were going to be at First Saturdays, too*
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but wishing even harder that Sean Combs' wack ass stays far, far away.
have any of you read any good books lately? do tell!
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17 comments:
Oh yeah, and I have an Honorary Black Card, too, because of K & N, plus I grew up in Bed-Stuy.
How's that??
lol
I like the blog..Can't remember how I found it, but I did...lol.
I've heard of this book. I may have to check it out. S. Combs annoys the heck outta me too.
I don't know if any of you out there have read the Twilight series. If so, Stephenie Meyer has a stand along book called The Host. Just finished it and it rocked!
The below is a the summary of the book and, while it doesn't do it justice, it's a pretty good description. I love when a book makes me wonder "what would I do?" or "how would I react?" And, for those who loved the love and romance of the Twilight books, the author doesn't disappoint here.
"Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.
"Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
"When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
"Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love."
Ok. Ok. I can't resist. I just recently finished another book that was the creepiest thing I've read in a long time. The title alone, Now You're One Of Us, was creepy enough to make me pick up the book. The author is Nonami Asa.
"In the tradition of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca and Ira Levin's Rosemary's Baby, here is a new classic about the bride who's no longer sure what to think. All families have their own rituals, secrets, and credos, like a miniature religious cu< these quirks may elicit the mirth or mild alarm of guests, but the matter is rather more serious if you're marrying into a household. If its's a Japanese one with a history, the brace yourself: some surprising truths lurk around the corner."
This book had me guessing til the very last pages and, even then, I was shocked. And more than a little disturbed. Way creepy.
Speaking of books, guess what we are reading in my short story class...Drown. You must have a copy I can borrow.
@clnmike- that reads very sarcastically. hmmm...
@aretha- thanks a million bunches for stopping by!
between Sean and Kanye, I don't know who's more full of themselves and annoying to the umpteenth level!
@kelly- LOL @ you giving TWO recommendations! I'd expect nothing less :D
@irene- of COURSE! whenever you need it, it's on my book shelf
ummm... slash is black?!
-kb
@karrie- YES; I just had to school someone yesterday, too: his momma is Nigerian and his daddy is English. I kinda think it's what first attracted me to him... I would imagine how freakin GORGEOUS our babies would be... his hair makes my whole body tingle... LOL
Oh yeah, I laughed for some reason seeing Slash on the Black List. His real name is something like Saul, right?
Or Moishe?
Hahahahahahahahahahaha, I couldn't resist!!
@lani- LMAO!! yes, his name is Saul Hudson... stop laughing!!
but quietly, how much FUNNIER would it have been if his name was Leroy or DeyQua'an or something like that?!?! HAHAHAHA
and, um, tell Toni to give me a call so we can chat sometime; I need the name of her agent!
Diddy says
Take that
and I will check that book out
I'm so jealous. I think I've read just about everything Toni's written. My favorite was Song of Solomon. I would love to have even one of my books signed by her.
FYI ... she has a new book supposedly coming out with us (Random House) this year.
I'm glad someone else asked what I was thinking about Slash. Maybe I never noticed because, every time I see him, all I really see is hair.
@kelly- if she does release that book with you guys let me know!
and Slash has been my obsession since 1988-89, so I know almost everything there is to know about him. What else you wanna know?? lol
You are so late on the Black List, that exhibit has been at the museum for a hot minute now.
Everybody wants to be Black now that Obama is in office. Don't be like some honorary card members and get yanked of your card (Jack you too). I'll make the call right after Mondays show.....haha
obrigado for the site
i ran into it in the bookstore the other day
hoping that someone passes it on to me...lol
I didn't read the book but watched the documentary on HBO!
I saw the doc on HBO, then the exhibit came to the museum where I live, THEN a professor assigned us to cover this for an assignment. The photographer is GOOD. He catches this intersection of strong and vulnerability in the subjects that just catches your breath.
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