by Torrie Oglesby | Feb 16, 2016 | Learn + Grow
As you recall, I urged us all to focus on African-American literature for the month of February in my latest article. I wanted to share a review on a book I’ve recently finished written by the legendary Toni Morrison. God Help the Child is a historical literary fiction novel, centered on a dark skinned girl who calls herself Bride. Throughout the novel you see her life unfold and you get multiple perspectives from different characters. This novel is a heavy read that focuses on social issues, identity issues, relationships with ourselves and how that ultimately shapes the relationships in which we have with others. Toni Morrison does a remarkable job in pushing the plot forward and developing the characters swiftly while not rushing any aspect of the story, in a short 178 page novel.
Not every novel you read affects you, however, this was the second fictional book that I’ve read this year that I was annotating, highlighting, and was forced to stop and think about the simplest sentences that Toni arranged. As an author, Toni has a way of pulling the reader in and making the reader question social issues, personal issues, and issues within races and sexual classes. This novel made me cry, made me raise my eyebrows and even gave me the chills at certain parts.
I’m going to tell you guys what I told my two best friends, if you only read one book this year, have it be Toni Morrison’s God Help the Child. I will warn you again, it is heavy and deals with a lot of trigger issues, but they are issues that need to be brought to the light and discussed. If you are willing to dive into the conversation that Toni Morrison is stirring up with this book, please pick up your copy! And if you have already read this book, tell me your thoughts in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!
torrie o.
by Altimese Nichole | Feb 9, 2016 | Learn + Grow
Let me first start by saying the author, Rachel Macy Stafford, has a beautiful way with words and how she conveys her message to her readers. As a wife and mother, you hear her adoration and gratitude toward the precious gifts in her life called family. She has a way within her writing that will make you say “hmmm,” and pause for reflection. Her ability to do this make her book very intriguing and a great read within itself.
The book is written while she captured her journey to become hands free, which simply means to release control in life and open our hearts to the beauty of what is. Although I am a wife, I have not ventured into the journey of motherhood yet. So, there were a lot of things that she addressed that would be extremely beneficial to busy moms who crave to not miss the special moments. She address habits of setting boundaries, living in the present, give what matters, and more.
If you’re preparing to be a mother, a new mom, or have been on the journey of motherhood for some time now, this book would definitely inspire you to embrace every moment with gratitude and with the need of less control.
Have you read this book? If so, tell us what you think!
XOXO
by Torrie Oglesby | Feb 2, 2016 | Learn + Grow
February is Black History Month! While this month is controversial, I prefer finding the good and celebrating African-American history regardless of others opinions on the month! One way, that I’m incorporating African-American history in my month of February is taking a look at African-American literature! I’m an avid reader, however last year I realized that I tend to stay within certain genre’s and never explore other genres. Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been intentionally buying books that are outside of my ordinary book buys, a lot being African-American literature based and I’ve been so blessed by reading outside of my norm that I wanted to encourage you guys to read outside of the lines that you have created for yourself as well.
This month, let’s try to focus on African-American literature. From classic like The Color Purple by Alice Walker to newbies like our latest feature in You Should Know Her, Author CP Patrick’s Awiti. If you pick up a book this month, at least have one that is based on African-American history to educate and empower yourself. Below I have created a list of 10 books, some fiction, some autobiographical, that you can start with if you happen to be at a complete lost! If you read or have read any of these, let us know in the comments your thoughts and opinions on the books! Happy reading!
- One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
- I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelo
- The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J. Gains
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coats
- Beloved by Toni Morrison
- Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
- God Help The Child by Toni Morrison
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
by Taylor Gardner | Jan 18, 2016 | Learn + Grow
Like many others, sometimes I need a little motivation to keep from giving up on my dreams. Because the truth of the matter is, my dreams scare me. I have this huge vision of how I am going to help young girls and women see the beauty and the value of their existence, which is pretty empowering. However, I am not always so empowered my self. So instead of staying in the place of no motivation and drive, I turn to books to gain a little hope. Hearing others’ stories and visions give me the courage to continue. Because if someone can make their dreams happen, so can I.
Now while I am sure many authors write these books just to be heard or to release their inner most thoughts, I don’t think they understand the power it has on an individual. It is truly something to see a woman do her thing, especially in a world her that tells her she doesn’t matter. With that being said, I have gotten through my deepest mind blocks and lost of hope through reading and I hope it will help you as well.
So, here is my list of awesome GIRL POWER books that will have you seeing all the potential that you have waiting inside of you and will hopefully give you the power to chase those awesome dreams that keep you up at night!
- I Am That Girl by Alexis Jones
- #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso
- Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
- Be You and Live Civil by Karen Civil
- If You Have To Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mom Never Told You by Kelly Cutrone
- Do Cool Sh*t: Quit Your Day Job, Start Your Own Business, and Live Happily Ever After by Miki Agrawal
by Taylor Gardner | Jan 18, 2016 | Learn + Grow
Last year was a trying year for me and I haven’t always had the brightest attitude or outlook on life. So, to get myself out of the funk I decided to go to Barnes and Noble and get some books. The first book I came across was, God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours. I read the description of the book and instantly went to checkout. A woman, by the name of Regina Brett wrote the book because she felt as though it took her 40 years to “find and hold on to happiness.†She says it is because she felt that God blinked when she was born, and that is why she never felt special or happy until later in her life. Which is an idea that many people can relate to. We’ve all experienced that feeling of being ordinary and doubtful at one point or another. And in my opinion, this book is not only an expression of those feelings, but also a remedy for them.
The book is separated into lessons. Each lesson is an idea that as women we all deal with. From how to deal with doubt to how to start saving for your retirement fund, this book has it all. Anything that you have felt, I guarantee that there is a lesson/chapter in the book that will speak to your feeling.
I have personally recommended this book to every one of my friends and have also read it about 3 times. Also, sometimes I just read one or two lessons, just to pick up my mood. Whether you are happy or going through something, this book will add to your life. So, check it out when you get it chance!
Taylor G.
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