Movie Review: "Addicted"

Zane's "Addicted" has been one of my favorite guilty pleasures for years. It's the first book by her that I read. It made me an instant fan. So, the moment I heard that it was being made into a film, I was happy. I knew that I would have to see it. "Addicted" opened on Friday, October 19th. I was front and center early Saturday morning to see it. It stars Sharon Leal, Boris Kodjoe, William Levy, Tyson Beckford and Tasha Smith. All play central characters in this movie. Billie Woodruff is the director. I've always loved his work. From the opening scene to the last frame, I was enthralled. I really enjoyed the plot, the actors and the movie overall.

The actors were all attractive and kept my eyes glues to the screen. The plot varies in many places from the book. As a reader, I always have to temper my expectations when it comes to films based on books. I knew there was no way to get all the info into a movie. But, I think they skipped some crucial things. In the movie, Zoe isn't as loose as she is in the book. Quinton isn't as crazy or violent in the movie as he is in the book. The actions of a lot of the characters are very scaled back in the movie. I think that was a misstep. The sex scenes are beautifully done and shot really well. None of them are crass are tacky. I loved seeing Black people on the big screen being sexy and sensual and erotic. For that alone, the movie is a win to me. I enjoyed it. I would love to see a few of Zane's other books make it to the big screen as well, especially "Nervous." I recommend this movie as a must see. Get into it!

This Reader's Review: "The Boss" Trilogy

 

You have to love Tumblr. I know I do. This past week, a post recommended a good trilogy for the readers of "50 Shades of Grey." I am thankful to Mara Wilson's (child actor from "Madeline") tweet about the Abigail Barnette series "The Boss." So, I went to look it up on Amazon. I did read that other BDSM trilogy. I was hardly impressed. I was open to try another one. The first book of the series is "The Boss." It was actually free on Amazon via Kindle. Which is always a win for me. I jumped head first into this book. The main characters are Neil and Sophie. Both dynamic and flawed in their own right. Both characters I instantly liked. I love when an author can create a world with words that I can see in my head. Barnette does that for me. She creates a look into a good BDSM, Dom/Sub relationship. The characters feel and speak like real people. The situations are ones I can imagine. I finished this book in hours. I could not wait to find out what's next. Books 2 ("The Girlfriend") and 3 ("The Bride") are only $0.99 on Amazon last weekend. This was another win for me. I finished the entire trilogy in one weekend sitting. I didn't think it was possible but the second and third books were better than their predecessors. Barnette has gained a fan in me.

 

What I loved the most about the books was the care that was shown in the Dom/sub relationship. It showed how much Neil cared for, loved Sophie. Their d/s relationship wasn't about pain or manipulation. The most amazing thing was the sub care that Neil provided to Sophie. I loved their love. From their first interaction until the last page of the third book, I was always for their relationship. The age gap is insane but I forgot about it until it is mentioned. There is only one character I hate in the book. Barnette has a gift and I am appreciative for it. I am slightly intrigued by the whole BDSM culture. This book made my interest grow a little. If you are interested in that lifestyle, you should def check this series out. Oh, and btw, there will be a fourth book released next spring entitled "The Ex." And, since I loved the trilogy, I cannot wait to find out what happens between Sophie and  Neil. Get into it. 

This Reader's Review: Part XXIV : "Unfriending My Ex: And Other Things I'll Never Do" by Kim Stolz

 

The title of this book caught my eyes as I was walking out of the library. "Unfriending My Ex: And Other Things I'll Never Do" is definitely an eye catching title. I double backed to check it out. I recognized the author's face. She was a contestant on one of the early seasons of "America's Next Top Model" which I used to watch religiously with my best friend and goddaughter. Her name is Kim Stolz. Her book is a look into the way social media is changing our interactions with each other.  It's a subject that I can totally relate to. We are so technologically advanced in 2014 but I cannot say it's actually for the better. We have evolved to spending more time on Facebook that actual face to face meetings. In a nutshell, social media isn't actually real. Stolz makes a good point that we all have become slaves to our devices and accounts.

 

 

What I really loved about this book is the way it made me reevaluate the way I interact with people. I am guilty of being addicted to my phone. I constantly check my email and social media accounts. I love the instant gratification of it. But, as Stolz reminds me that none of it is really real. I have unfriended hundreds of people I only casually knew because they did not need to be privy to my life. Even though I do not frequent Facebook or Twitter like I used to, I am still an addict. This book proves it. I liked her in-depth and cheeky look into her own addiction. We are all addicted. I've gotten better with it. This was a great read and I really enjoyed it. Get into it. 

This Reader's Review: Part XXIII: "Divergent" Trilogy

I spent my weekend reading the "Divergent" trilogy. I was interested in it because the "Divergent" movie just opened in theaters.  The movie trailers peeked my interest. Also, Zoe Kravitz is in the movie and I really like her. The trilogy is set in futuristic Chicago. People are split up into 5 factions based on their talents. The 5 factions are Dauntless, Erudite, Abnegation, Candor, and Amity. The main character is Beatrice "Tris" Prior, a 16 year old Abnegation girl. The trilogy is built around Tris and her choices. She is a very interesting character. Other notable characters are Tobias (Four), Christina, Caleb, Will, Uriah, Marcus, Evelyn and Peter. Each interesting in their own right.  I love the way she grows from her first scene and her last scene. I finished the trilogy in 2 1/2 days. But, I do read incredible fast.   

I wanted to like the Divergent series. I had high hopes. They did not live up to it. They trilogy is well written and the story flows quite well. But, there is a disconnect somewhere along the lines. I just wasn't that into it. I liked some of the characters but towards the middle of the second book, I started to figure out what was really going on and I didn't like it. I hated the ending of "Allegiant" completely. The movies may be better but I no longer feel the need to rush out and see them. Maybe I am not the intended audience. I read all three because I like to finish what I start. I doubt seriously that I will ever read them again. I just felt unfulfilled once I was done. That is never a good feeling after reading a book.  I read a lot. It's my favorite thing in the world. This was an interesting way to spend a weekend. I wasn't overwhelmed by the plot of the series. I wanted so much more from a dystopian novel. It wants to be "the Hunger Games" but it fails. If you are curious about this trilogy, I say check it out for yourself.  

This Reader's Review: Part XXII: Steve Stoute's "The Tanning of America"

When it comes to reading, there isn't much  I won't read. Reading is something I do often and early. I love music almost as much as I love reading. So, whenever I come across books about the music business and the like, I have to read them. Such was the case when I found Steve Stoute's book "The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hip Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy" on the library shelf. It's a book that had been on my to read list for a year or so. I just never got around to it because there were so many books on the list. I am so glad I picked it up and read it this month. It was so insightful about so many things. A lot of the topics are things I never gave a lot of thought to. This book shows how Hip-Hop literally changed the world. Stoute takes you on a historical journey that intertwines the world of Hip-Hop from it's infancy to the world of mass media marketing. It is beyond interesting to see how the world of Hip-Hop, which is full of Black people, changed the way the world markets their products. I was amazed more often than not while reading this book.

I love the conversations that are included. Stoute talks to a lot of big name Hip-Hop players such as Jay Z, Eminem, Fab Five Freddy, and Will Smith. One important tanning moment is one I will always remember. It is the infamous LL Cool J Gap commercial in which he is sporting a FUBU hat  and drops a "for us by us" endorsement. It is crazy that no one who worked for Gap knew who or what  "FUBU" was. The corporation did not realize that their huge star just name dropped his own company twice in a national commercial. It was quite genius on LL's part. That is a great example of tanning in America. Superstars who looked like me were the ones guiding the culture. When Jay rapped about growing up and not wearing a Throwback jersey and putting on a crisp button up, the world responded in kind. It is that kind of marketing power which is the reason for tanning in America. While I enjoyed everything about this book, there is one chapter that is my favorite. One of the last chapters entitled "1520 Sedgwick Avenue - 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue." It focuses on the tanning effect of Hip Hop on politics. It takes you from the inception of Hip Hop to the election of the first Black President. In this chapter, Stoute discusses the stolen first election of George W. Bush, the horror that was the governmental mismanagement of Hurricane Katrina and the things that led up to the election of two term President Barack H. Obama. 

Also, make sure you check out the 4 part, 4 night special on VH1 on "The Tanning of America." It begins tonight @ 8. After finishing this book, I am super hyped to watch this documentary. I want to see some of the interviews that eventually became the basis of the book. I knew Steve Stoute's name because of Jay Z. I did not know much about him to be honest. I just knew he was a mover & shaker behind the scenes in Hip Hop, a name that carried weight and was respected. This book shows me why. He is incredible smart and knows his stuff. "The Tanning of America" is a great look at how a genre of music and a lifestyle has changed the way America looks and feels. It is quiet amazing. This book was an incredibly insightful look into what made the changes. It is simply a great read. Get into Steve Stoute's "The Tanning of America" today!

This Reader's Review: Part XXI: "Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns"

"The Devil Wears Prada" is one of my favorite books and movies. Miranda Priestley is a horrible character that I could not hate. I loved her. The book was a favorite that I reread constantly. When the movie came out, I couldn't get to a theater quick enough. Ms. Meryl Streep embodied Miranda Priestley. I was always a fan of hers but this role made me a stan. Streep was e-very-thing in this film. I loved Andy and Emily was well. The book and movie are all time favorites in my world. I own both. I also will watch the movie every single time I catch it on tv. It's that good to me. So, hen I heard that there would be a sequel, I was ecstatic. "Return Wears Prada: The Devil Returns" was the titled and I couldn't wait to get into it. 

"Revenge Wears Prada" picks up a decade after "The Devil Wears Prada" ends. Andy and Emily are shockingly best friends and business partners. Their unlikely friendship is the basis of this book. They are the owners of a posh wedding magazine that is in the vein of "Runway." It's the magazine that is run by Miranda Priestley in TDWP" that Andy and Emily first met. Their lives are totally different now. There are husbands and babies and lives totally devoid of the horror that was Miranda. Things are going great until Miranda slyly walks back into their lives. Andy is adamantly against her while Emily is all for letting her back in. The journey that takes place is wild. The book is a great read. I love catching up with old characters that I love.  I loved it. I do think it would make an awesome movie. If you were a fan of the first book, then this is a book you need to read. "Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns" was amazing. 

Speed Reader

How fast do you read? Do you know? If not, you can find out by taking this test on the Staples website. I know that I read extremely fast. I have for as long as I can remember. My Mother has called me "speed reader" since I was a kid. Case in point, I have finished 4 books ("A Belle in Brooklyn," "Project Chick 2," "Revenge Wears Prada," & "The Happiness Project") in four days just this week alone. I am a voracious reader. I love words and stories and books. They are just my thing. So, I could not resist taking this test. The first time, I scored a 681. The second time, a 827. I am very proud of my results and not at all surprised. I took it twice because the first passage was from a book I love and I felt like it was two easy. The second passage is from a book I've never picked up in my life. Great fun for this bibliophile. 

Source: Staples eReader Department

This Reader's Review: Part XX: Demetria L. Lucas "A Belle in Brooklyn"

I cannot recall how I first heard of Demetria L. Lucas. I didn't know her real name at that moment. She was just "A Belle in Brooklyn." She is a relationship expert, a blogger, journalist, an author and now a reality tv star on Bravo's "Blood, Sweat, and Heels." I've been following her for some time now on Twitter.  She gives great advice via her ask.fm page and she tweets interesting things daily. I feel like I know her and I like her. I've been wanting to read her debut novel "A Belle in Brooklyn:  The Go-to Girl For Advice on Living Your Best Single Life" for some time now. But, I have an enormous to be read list and stack. But, I was in the library last weekend and couldn't pass it up. I dived right into. From the opening paragraph, it was everything I wanted it to be and more. I could not put it down. I needed to know more about these men and the dating scene in New York. I finished it in a day and a half. 

I kinda live tweeted some of my favorite parts of the book. This book is one woman's dating journey. I love Lucas' take on men and dating. I love the way she paints the pictures. I felt like I knew all of the characters in her book. Her voice and tone are very distinct. I love an author that makes me feel like I am right in the center of their literary world. Lucas does this effortlessly. The setting of her book is mostly New York with trips to DC and L.A. The men are different and varied. She dispenses real life advice for single women  about men and dating. I learned a lot from reading this book. There was one paragraph that hit me like a ton of bricks. I've included it below. It was like a ton of bricks fell on my head. I was deeply invested in her dating tales, especially those involving Greg. "A Belle in Brooklyn" was an easy, fun read. I loved it. Lucas will be releasing her second book, "Don't Waste Your Pretty:The Go-to Guide for Making Smarter Decisions in Life & Love" this year. I cannot wait to read it.  

This Reader's Review: Part XIX: "The Happiness Project"

I hadn't read a new book in about a week. I was searching for something new to jump in to. I was in desperate need to find something new to read. This was the perfect book for me. The book is "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. Happiness is something I've struggled with for the last year. In short, I couldn't find my way back to happy. I started this year off with one simple thought: be happy. To me, that meant thinking happy thoughts to change my outlook, even when I didn't feel happy. So, in a way, I was already exploring my own happiness project when I discovered this gem via my friend Joseph's Tumblr page. I had so many "a-ha" moments while reading. I love when a book makes me rethink things. There are things I have been doing all wrong. I learned so much from this book. I think everyone would learn a lot from Rubin's book. 

"Love is a funny thing." -- Gretchen Rubin

"Nietzsche wrote, "All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking," 

Do I believe it possible to make myself happy? Yes. I can honestly say that this book made me re-evaluate the way I approach the idea of happiness. By the time I reached the end of chapter one, I knew that this was a book I needed to read. It's funny the way things just fall into your lap right at the precise moment. The more I read Rubin's account of her journey to happiness, the more I saw myself in her words. Like Rubin, I too feel that I can be happier, that I'm supposed to be happier. I was already on the right word with my thinking positive motivation. By the time, I got to the end of this book, I felt happier. I felt like I had found another purpose for this year in my life. I wrote the areas in my life that needed to be happier and thoughts on how to achieve them. is happiness for me may not be for anyone else. But, I am the only person who can define what my idea of happiness truly is. I'm excited about it. This was a great read. I 100% recommend it to any and everyone. Get into Grtchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project" and her one sentence journal.  

"To be happy, I need to think about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right." -- Gretchen Rubin

"It's a secret of Adulthood: Do good, feel good." -- Gretchen Rubin 

This Reader's Revew: Part XVIII: EJD's "The Education of Nia Simone Bijou"

Nia Simone Bijou. A character I have thought was amazing since her appearances in Eric Jerome Dickey's "Pleasure" and this year's "Decadence." I loved both books and Nia was always the character that I was drawn to the most. But, in both books er past was alluded to. The readers were never truly given any insight into why Ms. Bijou was exactly the way she is portrayed. Maybe EJD got that question enough so that he decided to do something about it. This is where the e-book special "The Education of Nia Simone Bijou" comes in. It fills in all the blanks I had about Nia. I loved reading about the situations that made her become the woman in "Decadence."

"The Education of Nia Simone Bijou" is the tale of Nia's college days. It centers on her love and sexual relationship with Chris, her friendships with MM, Rigoberto and Siobahn. All the relationships are intertwined and play a huge part on who Nia becomes. I loved having that insight. A lot of it brought me back to my college days. Clearly, Nia was meant to be the star and she was. I felt every emotion she did in this piece. Nia is an exceptional character because she is able to evoke so much from her audience. I would not be mad if EJD decided to bring her back for another novel. She is that dope of a character. TEoNSB is a must read if you loved "Decadence." As a reader, you need to know more about Nia's back story. Get into it. Great read. 

This Reader's Review: Part XVII: Terrence Jenkins' "The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom"

Terrence Jenkins is a name you may not know. But, he has a face and voice that you've known for years. He started his career as one of the hosts of BET's "106 & Park." He was a VJ for 7 years before moving on to anchoring E! News. He is also an actor. I loved him in "Think Like A Man" and can't wait to see him in more movies. I like Terrence. He is funny and charismatic as a tv host and actor. There is so much more to the man than what we see on tv. He is adding another title to his name, author. His first book "The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom" was just recently released. I was interested in seeing what it was about. It blew me away to be honest. It was a great read. I found it on Amazon for my Kindle for only $2.99. I finished it in a day and a half. 

Terrence and his mom Lisa have a really unique relationship. It reminds me a lot of my relationship with my Mom. Lisa was an amazing role model for Terrence. She made him the most important person in her life.  She sacrificed everything for him. I loved reading about their life and journey. The book just flowed so well. It was an interesting look into who Terrence the man is and how his mother (and later stepfather) shaped his entire world. He never gave up pursuing his dreams even when it looked grim. He is an amazing man. I am so impressed with him and his story. I have and will continue to recommend this book to any and everyone. Terrence's "The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom" is a must read. Go ahead and get into it. You will not be disappointed. Let's read folks!!

This Reader's Review: Part XVI: Eric Jerome Dickey's Gideon Series

 

Eric Jerome Dickey has a way with words. Since I read "Milk In My Coffee," I've been a fan. Over the years, he has wrote some of my favorite books. The combo of "Pleasure" and "Decadence" stands out as two of my favorites. But, all of his books pale in comparison to the Gideon series. "Sleeping With Strangers" introduces the central character Gideon to the world. His life is definitely worthy of a book or four. Gideon is a very complex character. He is a quintessential bad boy but he has his soft spots. I love that he isn't just an awful man. The book also introduces another character who will be central to the series. Her name is Arizona. The danger and excitement flows right into the second book "Waking With Enemies." The series takes the readers all around the world. "Dying For Revenge" is my favorite book of the whole series. It's the longest book ad has the most details in it. 

Gideon is one of the most complexly written characters I have ever read. I love that along with his toughness that there is also a softness. He is very intelligent and street savvy. I love that his education came from all over. He is a contract killer who loves science fiction. Also, his sexual prowess has to be mentioned. That is a big part of his appeal. He is described as a handsomely rugged big man. He seems to ooze sex. The ladies love him and he loves them right back. There are more than a few very hot and steamy scenes of Gideon with his various ladies. This also humanizes him as a character. He has so much depth. Gideon is always on to the next adventure, next country, and next lady. Every time is as exciting as the one before. Every time I finished a book, I was so ready for the next one. Books 1, 3, and 4 are really long but really great. Book 2 is the shortest book but is filled with drama. The entire series kept me intrigued. 

This four book series is amazing. I love the main character Gideon. He's a bad guy but I root for him anyway. That is the sign of a great author. Dickey writes Gideon in a way that the reader does not feel bad about wanting the bad guy to win. It took me all of a week and a half to finish this series. Now, I'm sad because I'm done. The only thing that gives me a little hope about the Gideon series is that the way the 4th book "Resurrecting Midnight" ends lets me know that there will be more Gideon to come. For a voracious reader such as myself, that makes me super happy. I cannot even fathom what adventure Dickey will send Gideon on next. But, whatever it is, I am ready for it. If you are looking for a murder-hit man-romance series to get into, then this is it. The series is a great read. Dickey truly outdid himself with this series. Get into it.

This Reader's Review: Part XV: "Decadence"

"Decadence" is a riveting story of Nia Simone Bijou. If you are familiar with Eric Jerome Dickey's work, then you know that Bijou is the main character from "Pleasure." In a way, "Decadence" is a sequel to "Pleasure" because it tells us more about Nia's life since then. In this book, Nia's life has changed drastically since we last heard of her. She has grown as a woman and a writer. Her life has new characters in it and new drama. All of it leads to a great story. Nia is a woman after my own heart. She is a self described "word slut. book slut as well." I can identify with that. She quotes Anais Nin, another favorite of mine. She is also a woman very in tuned with her sexuality. She craves sex.

"Anais had taught me well." - Nia Simone Bijou

This book is hot. Scorching. When it comes to the sex scene, I haven't read anything that moved me like this in forever. The sex scenes alone are insane. The sex scenes made me blush. And, I am no where near a prude. I am a very sexual woman. Reading this book made me feel some kinda way. The book is only 240 pages. For me, that's nothing. I read extremely fast. It took me hours to get through "Decadence" because it was so intriguingly good. I thoroughly enjoyed this aspect of the book. Even if it left me hot and bothered and thinking some insane thoughts. Eric Jerome Dickey can def construct a dope, deep sex scene.  I am all the way here for it.

"Love has too many side effects. I have suffered them all." - Nia Simone Bijou

I loved the journey that EJD took me on with Nia. I loved immersing myself in her world for a few hours. I loved that she is a smart, well read, word loving, sexual being who doesn't allow any one to label her. Nia Simone Bijou is her own woman. That makes her a wonderful character to me. I've read almost all of EJD's books. "Decadence" has to be one of my favorites. I love a book when the author paints a picture with words so vividly that I can see them. EJD did exactly this for me. That makes it a win in my book. This is erotica done right. "Decadence" is a great read. I would recommend it to everyone. I already made one person in my life read it. He loved it as well. Get into Eric Jerome Dickey's "Decadence."

The irony related to my own life that is in "Decadence" Two things in particular. I wasn't prepared.
— °MsK° (@KatchKenda) May 11, 2013

Dear Diary (V)

Have you ever felt...empty? Like something is missing from your life? That's the feeling I've been fighting lately. On my quest to be a better version of myself, I've been thinking a lot. More than normal actually. I figured that I needed to work on my internal self. Meaning watching what I put into my body as far as food, music, tv, what I read & what I think. Weeding out the negative aspects of life is going well so far. I've changed a lot of my thoughts. I have to thank "The Alchemist," as well as "The Dreamgiver." These two books really resonated deeply with me.



But, now that I'm aware of certain that things, I notice when things are lacking. That emptiness I spoke of earlier. It's this nagging feeling of something being missing. I'm not exactly sure what it is. What if it's something I can't fix? Or is I not able to obtain? I just feel like I'm going to have to face it eventually. It's inevitable. I don't think this emptiness is about a person or people. I truly believe that it's something I have to discover about myself. No one can give it to me. It's a journey that only I can take. Alone. Self discovery can be many things. I'm open to all of them. I have a feeling that the emptiness will fade away & I will be abundantly full. Always. How can I be anything other than excited about it? Life is good.

From Books To Films

I love when I read really great news. Such was the case last week on two different days. There are a feww books that played a major part in my upbringing. They altered me in some way. Those books stayed with me from the moment I finished them. Omar Tyree's "Flyy Girl" is one of those books. It has to be one of my favorite books growing up. It was released when I was a freshmen in high school. I was enthralled with this book. The main character Tracy was like so many girls I knew. She was a relatable character. I always pulled for her while reading it. I've read this book at least 8 times. I was very excited to read that it has been greenlit for a film. It's a wonderful story that all young girls need to know. Tyree has written two follow-up books about Tracy as an adult. I am curious to see what the powers that be are going to do with this material. Cannot wait to see this book brought to life on a big screen.

Another book I love is Zane's "Addicted." It is being made into a movie by Lionsgate. Boris Kodjoe and Sharon Leal are already attached to star in this film. If you are unfamiliar with Zane's work, you need to get into her. She is a Black woman who writes erotica for and about Black and Brown folks. Her books like "Nervous," "Skyscrapper," "Sex Chronicles," and "The Sisters of APF," are all great erotica novels. I am very curious to see how much of the sex scenes will make the movie. They are essentially a character in all of her books. "Addicted" is about a married woman who has a severe and dangerous sex addiction. Her life is truly page turning. This has the potential to be a huge hit. I will be there early to see this one. As a reader, I am always cautious of my favorite books being turned into movies. I am, however, optimistic. I am always excited to see Black people on the big screen, especially when the material is good.

I'm Addicted to Drugs....

This couldn't be more accurate about me.
Books are my drugs.
If I couldn't read, I would not make it.
I need this poster-sized, framed and in black in white.
ASAPtually.
Please and thank you!

Get Into It: Goodreads

Reading is one of my absolute favorite past times. It is one of my things. So, imagine my surprise to find a website that feeds that need for me. Goodreads is described as a social cataloging website for all the books you've read and want to read. You can join virtual book clubs or connect with friends over the books that they've read. I have my Goodreads page connected to my Facebook page. This was a plus for me. It connects me with friends and classmates who I know are serious readers. They have given me great reviews on some books. This is a plus for me. This site is basically genius. It's all of my favorite authors and books in the same place. It is a virtual library listing.



I absolutely love this site. I was able to set up a goal for myself. I want to read 100 books this year. This site helps keep me on track. I can review books that I've read and read other reviews. This has been very helpful when I am looking for new books to read. I like to share my opinions on the great books I've read and the really awful ones. It may be the literature nerd in me but this site is a little taste of heaven. Good reads also makes a bunch of recommendations for new books to read based on my books. The site is so informative for a reader. I have a list of about 35 books that I have to read soon. Most I never would've known about without seeing them in my recommendations list. If you're a reader, this is the place for you. Get into Goodreads.

One of My Favorite Places

For as long as I can remember, I have loved books. And by extension, libraries. I can't remember exactly when this started. But I knew from an early age that books were my thing. My parents read to me daily. I was reading on my own before I even started kindergarten. I was very impressed by the worlds that were created in books. My imagination loved that.

The library has always been a place of great joy for me. I was the kid who preferred a good book to just about anything. I could go to the library and get lost in the rows and rows of the books. I would sometimes finish an entire book in one trip to the library. I would always leave with 5 or 6 books. You know that scene in "Beauty & the Beast" when the Beast gives Belle the library? That one scene made it my favorite Disney movie.



Even know, books still a huge role in my life. I love to see pictures of exquisite libraries and all of the books. I definitely want to have my own library in my house. Reading is very important. Whether it's the classics or the greats or the downright awful ones, they all matter. I think its one if the best gifts we are given in this world. I know everyone doesn't love to read as much as I do. But, there's so much to discover inside the pages of every book. Libraries are one of my favorite places because they house all of the great writers and great books. How can you go wrong with that?

This Reader's Review: Part I "Decoded," "Chasing Harry Winston," "Platinum," & "Getting to Happy"

There is just something about books that makes me happy. It could be the fact that I love words. Or that a great journey in a book can take me far. Or it could just be my love for libraries as well. A good day will always involve a great book for me. It's my happy place. I read really fast. As if I'm in a rush to live through it. I get a rush from reading, same feeling I get when I write. There is nothing that comes close to that feeling. I just love books. They are just about my favorite thing since I am big on words. I've read some really great books this year. thought I would share them with you. Enjoy!

* "Decoded" - Jay-Z & dream hampton

An amazingly in depth look at Jay-Z's lyrics and aspects of his life. I love the way dream was able to pull such intimate stories from Jay. The book is a great read. It made me a bigger fan of Jay as an artist and as a man. dream worded the book wonderfully. This is a must read for any true Hip-Hop fan such as myself.

* "Chasing Harry Winston" - Lauren Weisberger

This was a whimsical tale of a group of women trying to get to their happily ever afters. It is witty and comical and honest. I love the author's point of view of the characters and their individual stories. I am a fan of Lauren's work. Her books always make me happy though from beginning to end.

* "Platinum" - Aliya S. King

Probably the best peek behind the Hip-Hop elite's curtains. Aliya spins a great tale of these great Hip-Hop artists and the women who love and put up with them. The author has a way of writing that makes you root for even the most awful of characters. I saw a lot of characteristics of real life big time artists within the pages of this novel. The viewpoint of this novel is that of the wives, girlfriends, fiancees, and side chicks. She is currently working on the follow up to this novel. It is entitled "Diamond Life" and its written from the viewpoint of the men in the first book. I cannot wait to catch up with these characters that I love.

* "Getting to Happy" - Terry McMillan

This is the follow up to "Waiting to Exhale." We get to see what has become of our favorite women. There is a lot of bitterness and sadness in this book. It was a great read but I felt conflicted. In a book entitled "Getting to Happy," one would think that there would be a whole lot of happiness in it. That is not the race for the most part. It was nice to find out what happen after WTE and there is supposedly a movie in the works. I will go see it.

This is just a short review of the things that I have read recently. Peep them out. Let me know what you think as well.

Day 5: Six of Your Favorite Books

06) "The Coldest Winter Ever" - Sister Souljah
05) "Flyy Girl" - Omar Tyree
04) "The Red Tent" - Anita Diamant
03) "The Autobiography of Malcolm X"
02) "The Enormous Egg" - Oliver Butterworth
01) "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" - Dr. Seuss