White Lines

White Lines

Tracey Brown

At first, when this book kept coming up “recommended" on amazon.com, I rolled my eyes and tried to make it go away. I was thinking that it was just your average “street fiction”, ( for my views on street-lit, check read here or the last paragrpah here) but the five star reviews on Amazon piqued my interest so I gave in and ordered it. And am glad that it kept coming up and that I finally wore down and ordered it.

White Lines is the story of Born and Jada, their loves and their struggles on the streets of New York. Teenaged Jada, runs away from home and falls into the drug world while teenaged Born watches his father, a well –known hustler make his life from the drug trade. Born follows in his father’s footsteps and sets out to become the biggest hustler NYC has ever seen. Meanwhile, Jada cleans up and meets born and what happens next is a love story for the ages. All love stories don’t have to be Nicholas Sparks or Nora Roberts ( i.e. traditional) and obviously this one isn’t, but it is one of the truest love stories that I’ve ever read. The story begins in the late 80’s and follows Born and Jada on their paths together and apart, in what is one of the best books of 2007 ( yes, I know it is only February).

Ms. Brown doesn’t sugar coat things, not does she glorify them either ( hallelujah). She tells it like it is, with heart and clarity. The writing is clear and concise and the story is beautiful in the same way that life is. Of course it is not only a love story. In a sense it is still probably classified as “street lit” and there is no shortage of the raw and gritty scenes, however it is so well done- well written, with excellent characters and also very well edited.

I finished this book in a record 2 days, which isn’t an easy feat- this book is thick at 512 pages (paperback), but worth every single page. I then passed it on to my sister who read it in a record 3 days (she’s in HS taking 4 AP courses) - so that itself should extol ( :) ) how much I enjoyed this book.

Into Each Life

Into Each Life

Shelia E. Lipsey

***( 3.8/5)

Into each life is a Christian Fiction novel that follows the life of childhood friends. Prodigal has always been in love with his best friend Teary, but Teary instead chases after other dreams never returning the undying love for Prodigal, but when she finally does realize and appreciate Prodigal, will it be too late?

The book also tells the story of their family members such as Teary's sister. It begins when they are all just children, spending their days playing outside and having fun. It follows them through High School, College, marriage, children,infertility, divorce, sickness and death.

This book is a fast read. On one hand including so much in the book makes the 300 + pages fly by, but sometimes it feels weighted down as too much is happening in this novel and some characters development and plot points are not given enough time and it ends up feeling rushed. One such character was Teary who was very hard to like. The end is also a little rushed. I also found the names a little annoying- Teary, Prodigal & Faith. I kept asking myself who would name their child Teary?

Overall Lipsey has written and enjoyable book, that will keep reader attention and have them looking forward to her next book.

Still Life With Husband

Still Life with Husband

Lauren Fox

*** (4.0ish/5)

This was a rather quick read for me. I don’t know why I am so preoccupied with books about people having and affairs, infertility/miscarriage- I’ve just finished one (Sweet Ruin, Love and Other Impossible Pursuits, Happiness Sold Separately- even Baby Proof to some a extent- just to name a few) and sometimes I feel as though this my favorite subject. I’m sure a therapist would have a field day with that subconsciones self diagnosis.

This one is about a wife and husband- the Ross and the divide that grows between them as they both want separate things. Kevin is ready for a move to the ‘burbs and a baby, while Emily is bored with their life and is not looking forward to either one of those things. Then she meets David Keller and he is everything that Kevin is (seemingly) not. Although at first she is not honest with him about her marital status, she eventually lets on and what follows is an intense affair with undesired (are there any other kind when affairs are involved- in this one you betcha) and disastrous consequences

I couldn’t really feel for the main character. Or maybe after reading Sweet Ruin, I had less sympathy for her. I felt she acted like a child – not stepping and dealing with her problems and feelings. Sleeping with another man will not make them go away. However, it was still a good read. I really enjoyed her relationship with Meg, or at least how Meg was portrayed. I was kind of actually more interested in Meg- than in Emily. Maybe her next book will focus on Meg? As for the ending, I’m not so sure what I think about it- I guess it was expected and but not how I pictured it would end.

In Greener Pastures (Shelton Heights)

Kendra Norman Bellamy

***1/2

As a KNB fan, I was anxiously waiting the release of her newest offering to the literary world of Christian Fiction, and while In Greener Pastures does not disappoint, it is not her best nor my favorite KNB book yet.

In her nests book KNB takes a break from the Grace series and introduces us to some new characters. Hunter Greene is the owner of an prestigious African American newspaper in Atlanta, Georgia and single father. When a prominent Atlanta pasture- Rev. Tides, is killed in what is ruled and accident, Hunter goes on the hunt for the truth. When the pastor’s daughter, Jade feels spirit is also telling her there is more to the story she enlists Hunter's help in uncovering the truth. Hunter and Jade must fight against her family, who is ready to move on and let Rev. Tides rest in piece, the community and the people responsible who will stop at nothing to keep the truth under wraps. During all this Hunter and Jade also begin to contend feelings that are a little more than about finding out the truth regarding Rev. Tides.

This book is a Christian Fiction Romance Mystery all rolled into one, and while that sounds like a handful, KNB is able to keep everything rolling smoothly. The only true flaw is that the “mystery” is somewhat undevloped, but KNB’s writing and characters as well as the Christian themes keep this book right on target. This is another great book by KNB, although not one of my favorites. This is what appears to be the first in several books in her Shelton Height’s Series, and I cannot wait for the next one.

Reading Lolita in Tehran

Reading Lolita in Tehran- A Memior in Books

Azar Nafisi

I bought this book in August of 2004, as I was preparing to take a class on Arabic Literature; the teacher mentioned this book as something I might enjoy. I started reading then, but unfortunately I have not finished.

The author takes you an a autobiographic journey through her life amidst the Iranian revolution and its aftermath, but she parallels her experiences with or to other well known books such as Lolita, Pride & Prejudice, The Great Gatsby and Washington Square. When I tried to pick up this book again 2006, I decided that maybe I would appreciate it more if I actually read (or re-read in the case of Lolita and P & P) the books listed.

I haven’t done that. For some reason I just cannot finish this book. Everyone raves about how great it is, but I just haven’t finished it, however I vow never to give up on it. I started reading it again last week while I was waiting for my newest book to arrive- Still Life With Husband. unfortunately as soon as the UPS man delivered my package, this went back into my car. I keep it there in case I get stranded somewhere ( waiting for someone or something- not broken down- knock on wood) and am forced to read it as I wait. As of now- I'm about half way through( although I imagine i've skipped parts)

One day I will finish this book.