Sunday 29 November 2020

November Wrap Up!!! I only completed one book 😢




The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen was the only book that I read this month but it was definitely a great read. December will be better you guys!!!!

Thursday 26 November 2020

Becoming Michelle Obama Book Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐



"Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own."



A few months ago I looked at the documentary "Becoming Michelle Obama." on Netflix and I told myself that I needed to read this book before the year ends. All I can say is that I am glad I did.

This book needs to be available in my opinion in every single library especially in the United States for generations. Not only was this story an inspiration on many levels I really liked how Michelle Obama gave a detailed account of what her experience was as the first lady of the United States. In future, this could be a guide for future first ladies so they can have an idea of what to expect in that role and even how to cope with daily life in the White House.

As an educator myself, what intrigued me  was how in spite of Mrs. Obama's background that her parents still pushed the importance of education. Michelle Obama is living proof especially to the black community that an education can indeed change your life.

 One of the most impacting quotes that I took away though was when she said; "You've got to be twice as good to get half as far." That really touched me because it is our truth as people of African Descent in anything that we do in this world we always need to be the best to get that respect. It is just a fact.

The writing in this book was excellent, by reading I felt as if I was a part of the journey. Sometimes autobiographical stories like this can read like a textbook in my opinion, but "Becoming" did not give that textbook vibe in no way at all. 

I am not an American Citizen but having read this, I would have been proud to know that the country had such a family in the White House.

Great book. 

Thursday 12 November 2020

BOOK REVIEW - The Wife Between Us ⭐⭐⭐⭐


 
All I have to say is WOW!!

This book was a series of unexpected twists and turns a real page turner. When I saw the name of this book I thought it was about a man having an affair or something of the sort but while elements of that was present in this book it really surprised me by being a very dramatic and action packed read. I will keep this review short because I do not want to spoil it for anyone. My advice when reading though is keep an open mind the ending is not as expected. 

There was a lesson in this novel though, not every thing that glitters is gold. Marriages that seem too good to be true sometimes aren't very good at all.

READ THIS BOOK PEOPLE!! 

Friday 6 November 2020

Five Tips for Reading on a busy schedule.....


 

People often ask me; where do I find time to read. 


I tell them that I make time out of my sometimes hectic day to read. 

During the school term (I'm a teacher) I am often busy planning lessons and grading papers that I sometimes become so overwhelmed with work. Besides my job I am a wife and have many things to do around the house. 

While COVID has forced the closure of schools and I am now teaching at home, I recently started doing studies at the University and that has made me busier than usual because now I spend most of my day in my home office.

In spite of this I make time to read because to me reading provides an escape from my hectic lifestyle and gives me mental peace. Here are five tips to help you make time to read. I am by no means an expert I am just sharing some ideas that may help you.

Tip #1

Make a schedule

Perhaps you have a daily planner where you write down your schedule or better yet, maybe you use your computer or phone to note your plans. Within that daily planning set aside a part of your day maybe a half an hour to read. You would not believe how much reading you can get done in that short time frame.


Tip #2

Always have a book

I always have a book or my kindle with me in my hand bag or somewhere in the house nearby if I am home. If I go by my hairdresser or if I am commuting, or even if I have to wait to be attended to somewhere like at the bank. You can always see me pulling out a book or something to read.


Tip # 3

Set a reading time.

I love reading as I wake up in the morning or just before bed. Those are the times when my mind is most alert and my body is most rested. You can make a specific reading time for yourself. We spend so much time on social media on the internet maybe it would be better if we start reading.


Tip # 4 

Read in different formats.

I am a bit old fashioned when it comes to reading so I like physical books however, I noticed that when I read electronically I tend to get through a book quicker. So maybe you are intimidated with the size of a book, perhaps if you try to read on an iPad or Kindle E reader you may get through more books and read more.


Tip #5

Think of reading as something important

I believe once reading is seen as essential in your life it does not matter if you are busy, you will make time to do it.


So guys these are my tips for reading on a busy schedule. Share in the comments down below any tips you may have

Take Care!!!


Sunday 1 November 2020

BOOK REVIEW - Netgalley ARC Review Historically Inaccurate ⭐⭐


I gave this book two stars because it was just an "OK" read. I received this book from Net galley in August and last night I finally finished it. I think had I been at least 15 years younger I would have really enjoyed this book, not that I am old I just think that this story is definitely for a YA audience..


Check out my review.


First of all I would like to thank Net galley for the opportunity to review this book.

This was a coming of age story that was very entertaining and even romantic. I really connected with Soledad's character she seemed so young yet full of purpose especially having to deal with the deportation of her mother.

The History Club was also quite interesting making this an overall decent read. The only criticism I have is that I would have liked a little more action though. There were some parts in the middle where the book seemed to drag on longer than it should have. Apart from that for me it was a nice young adult novel.
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October 2020 Wrap Up _ Three books



October was a very busy month for me since I have to teach classes online and now I have started a Post graduate degree in addition to that. I still made time to complete three books. Not sure I will make my goal of reading fifty books this year but at least I want to get close. The point is to keep reading...


The three books I read were ;

1. Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis Benn

2. Girl Woman Other by Bernadine Evaristo

3. Historically Inaccurate 


These books were all wonderful but I must say that Girl, Woman Other was hands down one of the best books I have read in a long time. It definitely lived up to the hype.


You can see my reviews for each book on good reads.