Betty C.
The Unauthorized Biography is, at its heart, a love story. It's the story of a woman who falls in love with an author's work, and then sets out to learn everything she can about her idol. McMillan is that woman, and she has written a fascinating, often funny, and always honest account of her obsession with the author she calls “the black goddess of words.”
McMillan's obsession began with Waiting to Exhale, Terry McMillan's breakthrough novel about four African-American women searching for love and happiness. McMillan was instantly hooked, and she soon began devouring everything McMillan had ever written. But it wasn't just the writing that drew her in - it was the woman herself. McMillan wanted to know everything about her favorite author, from her childhood in Mississippi to her years struggling to make it as a writer in New York City.
To that end, McMillan interviewed everyone she could find who had ever known or worked with McMillan, from her family and close friends to her editors and publishers. She also talked to a number of McMillan's ex-husbands, which led to some pretty juicy gossip about the author's personal life which adds to the salaciousness of the book.
I recently read Tia Ja'nae's Ghost On The Block Never Sleep, a book about a woman fighting to make it any way she can in Chicago. A friend of mine was insistent I read this because I love female authors and let me read his copy since its so hard to find. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it, but I was pleasantly surprised at how good the book was.
Ghosts On The Block Never Sleep is an intimate portrait of Chicago residents in crisis. Tia Ja'nae captures the strength and resilience of the people of Chicago, even in the face of immense hardship. This is a moving and powerful novel that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. The book follows this woman who we never really find out what her real name is as she tries to figure out her way back to her day job as a butcher while being a petty criminal to eat and pay rent. She's also dealing with the high cost of living, a reluctance of being a criminal, her luck running out, and being a criminal with people that she really can't trust. Her master plan to go back to the straight life gets majorly sabotaged in an intricately weaved maze she didn't see coming leading to an explosive ending I didn't see coming.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well-written and held my attention throughout. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Chicago noir.
Sophie Kinsella's novel, “Confessions of a Shopaholic” is a light-hearted and fun read about a woman who loves to shop, and the consequences that follow. The book follows the main character, Becky Bloomwood, as she tries to get her spending under control and curb her addiction to shopping. The book is full of humour and is a very easy read. It is the perfect book for a beach holiday or a lazy afternoon. It is also a great choice for those who are looking for a feel-good novel.
Now the book has some important messages about consumerism and materialism, and the ways in which they can negatively impact our lives. It also highlights the importance of friendships and family relationships. The theme is engaging and fun. The characters are relatable and likable. The plot is fast-paced and enjoyable, making it a light read for someone that just picks the book up reads it, and it's over.
On a quiet autumn evening in the small, picturesque town of Three Pines, a body is found in the forest. At first, it seems like a tragic hunting accident, but upon further investigation, it's clear that this was no accident. Someone has deliberately murdered a local woman. As Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his team try to piece together who would want to kill such a well-loved member of the community, they unearth long-buried secrets and dark histories. And the more they learn, the more it becomes clear that this wasn't just a murder. It was a message.
Louise Penny's Still Life is a gorgeously written, atmospheric mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Penny has created a rich and complex world, populated by fully-realized characters that readers will be eager to return to again and again. This is a truly outstanding mystery novel, and one that should not be missed.
Few debut novels are as assured and accomplished as Sapphire's Push. The story of a young, African-American girl's coming-of-age in the Harlem projects in the era of AIDS, it is a searing indictment of a society that would rather forget its poorest citizens. The book follows Precious, an obese teenager that is trying to navigate hope and a future between being a teenage mother against her will and abusive parents that are keen on destroying her. Despite the odds, Precious breaks free to make a life of her own within the system but without it's baggage, but unfortunately by then it's too late for her to correct the past she's left behind.
The title of Janet Evanovich's novel, “One For The Money” is pretty self explanatory. The book is about a woman named Stephanie Plum who becomes a bounty hunter to make some quick cash. The book follows Stephanie as she tries to apprehend fugitives and deals with the comical everyday obstacles that she faces.
One For The Money is the first book in Janet Evanovich's long-running Stephanie Plum series. The series is known for being funny and fast-paced, and this first book does not disappoint. Stephanie is a lovable protagonist who the reader can't help but root for, even when she's making mistakes. The book is full of humor, both in the situations Stephanie finds herself in and in the dialogue.
If you're looking for a light-hearted and fun read, then I would highly recommend Janet Evanovich's One For The Money.
Monica Heisey's “Really Good, Actually” is a laugh-out-loud funny memoir about what it's really like to be a woman in today's society.
As a woman in today's society, Monica Heisey knows a thing or two about what it's like to be always be “on” and to be judged by her appearance. In her memoir, “Really Good, Actually,” she opens up about her own insecurities and the societal pressure she feels to always look her best. While her book is full of humorous anecdotes, it also feels relatable and honest.
Heisey's book covers a wide range of topics, from dieting and body image to relationships and work. In one particularly moving chapter, she opens up about her experience with sexual assault and how it has affected her relationships with men. Heisey is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects with humor and grace.
“Really Good, Actually” is a necessary read for any woman who has ever felt not good enough. Heisey's memoir is funny, relatable, and ultimately empowering.
Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express is a classic whodunit mystery novel. The book's popularity has stood the test of time, and it is still one of the most popular mystery novels ever written.
The book's main character, detective Hercule Poirot, is one of Christie's most iconic characters. In the book, Poirot is investigating a murder that took place on the Orient Express, a luxury train that was stranded in a snowstorm. The suspects are all passengers on the train, and Poirot must use his deductive powers to figure out who the murderer is.
Murder on the Orient Express is a thrilling mystery novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. If you enjoy a good whodunit, then this is the book for you.
Heather Darwent's The Things We Do To Our Friends is a novel about the
lives of four friends who have been through everything together, both good and bad.
The novel follows the friends from their high school days through to their adult years, and explores the different things they do to each other throughout their friendship.
While the novel is fiction, it is based on Darwent's own experiences and the experiences of her friends, which makes it all the more relatable and enjoyable to read.
The characters are well-developed and the storyline is engaging, making The Things We Do To Our Friends a book that is hard to put down.
If you are looking for a novel that will make you laugh, cry and everything in between, then this is the book for you.
Eleanor Shearer's River Sing Me Home is a heartwarming story about a young woman named Sarah who returns to her small hometown in Alaska after the death of her father. There, she reconnects with an old friend, Luke, who helps her find closure and peace.
The novel is a touching exploration of grief, love, and friendship, and Shearer's writing is beautiful and evocative. I was particularly struck by her descriptions of the Alaska landscape, which made me feel as though I was right there with Sarah.
Overall, River Sing Me Home is a moving and beautifully written novel that I would highly recommend to fans of women's fiction.
Regretting You is a heart-wrenching novel about the power of love and forgiveness. Colleen Hoover deftly explores the complex relationship between a mother and daughter who are faced with an impossible choice.
The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Morgan and Clara, which allows readers to understand the motivations behind their actions. Hoover expertly weaves together the past and present, creating a compelling and emotional tale.
The characters are incredibly well-drawn and the plot is gripping. I was moved by the author's exploration of the power of love and forgiveness.
Regretting You is a powerful novel that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
If you're a fan of Colleen Hoover, then you were probably excited to see her latest novel, “Reminders of Him,” hit shelves. And if you're not a fan of Hoover, well, this book might just change your mind.
“Reminders of Him” is a touching story of love, loss, and healing. It's told from the perspective of two characters - Lucien and Mia - who are each struggling to come to terms with a devastating loss.
Lucien is a successful, handsome, and famous actor. But he's also haunted by the death of his one true love, Amelia. Mia is a young widow who is struggling to move on from the death of her husband, Jake.
Through a series of coincidences, Lucien and Mia end up living in the same apartment complex. And though they're both reluctant to open up to anyone, they can't help but be drawn to each other.
What follows is a touching story of healing, hope, and new love.
Hoover's writing is, as always, beautiful and emotive. She has a way of making you feel every character's pain, joy, and fear. And she does an amazing job of exploring the complex emotions that come with grief and loss.
The characters in “Reminders of Him” are richly drawn and incredibly relatable. You can't help but root for them as they try to piece their lives back together.
“Reminders of Him” is a touching, beautiful, and heartwarming novel. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry,
Kashana Cauley's The Survivalists is a novel about a group of friends who turn to a life of crime to survive in the aftermath of a major economic collapse. The novel follows the friends as they rob banks and stores, and eventually turn to murder to sustain themselves. The novel is a dark and violent depiction of the potential for human greed and brutality when society breaks down.
Cauley's debut novel is a page-turner that is both plausible and terrifying. The characters are fully-developed and the plot is tightly paced. The Survivalists is a gripping portrait of a group of people pushed to the brink of desperation, and the lengths they will go to in order to survive.
After reading Waiting To Exhale I immediately went into it's sequel, set some 20 years after the events of the original novel. The four women are now in their forties, once again facing some of the biggest challenges of their lives. Robin is struggling to keep her family together in the aftermath of a devastating tragedy. Gloria is coming to terms with the fact that her current relationship might be her last chance at happiness. Bernadine is trying to figure out how to balance work and motherhood without sacrificing her sanity. And Savannah, always the stable one, is starting to wonder if she's been too afraid to take risks in her own life. As these women strive to get to happy, they are forced to confront the often painful realities of their pasts and present realities. Terry McMillian's Getting To Happy is a poignant and funny sequel about friendship, love, loss, and forgiveness.
Tracy Rose Peyton's “Book Review Night Wherever We Go” is a fresh and exciting new addition to the slave genre of books that challenges the old narratives with fresh ideas. The book follows six enslaved women, property of the Harlows of Texas, being used as a source for their poor owners to eliminate their debt which never happens, so they began to breed their women. From there the women take conception into their own hands, leading to an explosive conclusion that gives the reader pause.
The Fraud Squad is a team of four teens - Zoey, Matt, Ran, and Amit - who have been recruited by the FBI to help take down a criminal organization. The group is led by Zoey, a brilliant but impulsive teenager, and includes Matt, a former juvenile delinquent; Ran, an expert hacker; and Amit, a talented artist. The team is tasked with going undercover to gather evidence against the criminals. But as they get closer to the truth, they realize that the stakes are higher than they thought. And they will have to use all of their skills to survive.
The Fraud Squad is an action-packed, fast-paced book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Kyla Zhao has created a thrilling and suspenseful story that is perfect for fans of Suzanne Collins.
Many people love to read books about the fashion world, and one of the most famous is The Devil Wades Prada. The title comes from the poem ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia' and refers to the devil's apprenticing a new devil. The name also alludes to a prada bag, which is a shoulder bag often carried by women. The novel is about a reporter who becomes her subject's assistant and learns some amazing things about the fashion world. For fashionistas, the setting for The Devil Wears Prada is in a realistic portrayal of the fashion world. It takes place in New York City at an advertising agency called ‘Prada.' Everyone at the company works very hard and is driven by success. They live in Union Square and are friendly with one another but competitive with one another. One of the highlights of this book is seeing how their personalities affect their work life.
One thing that helps set this novel apart from others about the fashion world is how it illustrates the various personalities found in this industry. The characters in this book all have distinct qualities that help them succeed in the fashion world. Some of the notable ones include Donna Karan, the CEO; Andy ‘Ace' Adams, her deputy; and Rosemary Casey, the creative director. Each character has her strengths and weaknesses- and their interactions give us insight into how they interact with each other as well as with their customers. Andy Sachs, the main protagonist, embodies many of the negative aspects of the fashion world's culture. She's an attractive yet ruthless woman who belittles others and refuses to acknowledge her own mistakes. Readers learn that she's successful because she refuses to acknowledge her flaws or try to improve herself. Instead, she stays stuck in her own ways, which leads to her success but also to unhappiness.
This is a classic novel that people love because it shows how a young woman can climb up in a male-dominated field like fashion journalism. It also shows how some people can succeed without acknowledging or admitting when they're wrong. Anyone who's ever worked in any industry knows that it's not easy to be successful without making mistakes- but it's even harder if you're unwilling to try to improve yourself. Great book for fashionistas that need something more than Pret A Porter.
It's always a pleasure to come across a well-written thriller, and Ruth Ware's The Woman in Cabin 10 is definitely one of them. The book had me hooked from the very first page, and I didn't want to put it down until I knew how everything was going to end.
The story follows Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine. She's given the opportunity to go on a luxury cruise, and she's ecstatic at the prospect of getting away from her hectic life in London. But things quickly take a turn for the worse when she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard from the cabin next door to hers.
Lo is convinced that the woman was murdered, but no one on the ship believes her. She starts to second-guess herself, and she's not sure who she can trust. The suspense builds throughout the book, and I was dying to find out what was going to happen.
The Woman in Cabin 10 is a well-crafted thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you're looking for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat read, then I would definitely recommend this book.
Gillian Flynn's “Gone Girl” is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a husband's search for his missing wife. The book is full of twists and turns, and keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Flynn's writing is excellent, and the characters are fascinating. The book is a quick read, but it's one that will stay with you long after you've finished it.
There are very few novels that have been so widely read and loved as Daphne Du Maurier's “Rebecca”. The novel has been praised for its suspense, its Gothic atmosphere, and its timeless love story.
The novel is set in England in the early twentieth century. The story centers around the second Mrs. de Winter, a young woman who is haunted by the memory of her husband's first wife, Rebecca. Rebecca was a beautiful and charismatic woman, who died under mysterious circumstances. The second Mrs. de Winter is constantly compared to Rebecca, and she begins to feel as though she will never be able to live up to her predecessor.
As the novel progresses, the reader is slowly drawn into the web of intrigue and mystery that surrounds Rebecca's death. And, as the truth about what happened to Rebecca is revealed, the reader is left feeling both shocked and satisfied.
“Rebecca” is a classic novel that is sure to please readers of all ages. If you are looking for a suspenseful, atmospheric, and romantic read, then this is the book for you.
It should come as no surprise that I enjoyed reading Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella. I had previously read and loved The Undomestic Goddess, so I had high hopes for this novel. I was not disappointed. Can You Keep A Secret is a fast-paced, witty read that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
The story follows the life of Emma Corrigan, a young woman who works in marketing for a failing airline. Emma is what you would call a “people pleaser.” She always puts others first and is always willing to go above and beyond to help out. Emma's life is turned upside down when she finds herself seated next to a handsome stranger on a plane that is about to crash. In a moment of panic, Emma tells the stranger, who she later learns is Jack Harper, all of her deepest, darkest secrets.
Somehow, against all odds, the plane manages to land safely. Emma is relieved but also mortified that she revealed so much about herself to a complete stranger. She's even more mortified when she discovers that Jack is the CEO of her company.
As their relationship develops, Emma begins to realize that she doesn't have to be a people pleaser. She can be her own person and do what she wants to do. With the help of Jack, Emma starts to learn to stand up for herself and to live her life the way she wants to.
Can You Keep A Secret is a delightful read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a light-hearted, fun novel.
Sapphire's The Kid continues the saga of Precious from the Push novel with her son Abdul, who is walking a similar life path as his mother with sexual abuse, absentee parents, and trying to make a life is growing up in the bowels in New York City. It is a coming of age story about a boy who is trying to find his place in the world through the arts, realizing that one wrong step or demon haunting him will end him up in the same place as his mother.
In The Undomestic Goddess, we meet Samantha, a high-powered lawyer who, after a very public meltdown at work, flees to the countryside to escape the paparazzi.
While Samantha is hiding out, she takes a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy family. She knows nothing about being a domestic goddess, but she is a quick learner and soon finds herself in the middle of a romantic entanglement.
The Undomestic Goddess is a fun and fast read with an unlikely heroine who will have you rooting for her from page one.
Kristen R. Lee's Sun Keep Rising is a beautifully written memoir about her life as a mixed-race woman in America. The book follows her journey as she tries to find her place in the world, while also dealing with the racism and prejudice that she faces on a daily basis.
The book is incredibly honest and raw, and it's clear that Lee has put a lot of thought into her writing. She covers difficult topics like race and identity in a way that is both relatable and insightful. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thoughtful and challenges read.
Jennifer Weiner's “In Her Shoes” is a novel about two sisters, Rose and Maggie, who are as different as night and day. The story follows their lives as they try to find their place in the world and deal with their dysfunctional family.
Weiner does an excellent job of character development, and the reader really gets to know and care about the characters. The story is funny, poignant, and at times, heart-wrenching. It's a fast-paced read that is hard to put down.
Overall, “In Her Shoes” is an enjoyable read that will leave you wanting more.