On books, television, and the persuasive power of great writing… I have always known what kind of stories I naturally reach for. Give me a mystery, a court drama, historical fiction, a classic novel, an Agatha Christie or Jane Austen adaptation, or almost anything created by Julian Fellowes, and you do not need to convince …
I have never been fond of stories with black and white characters or ideal conclusions – morally complex stories are always very fascinating and intellectually satisfying for me. Human beings are rarely entirely good or entirely bad. Most people are shaped by trauma, ambition, loneliness, fear, desire, or desperation. Sometimes people do terrible things for …
I finished Patti Smith’s Just Kids recently, and after discussing it at my book club, I found myself thinking about the book even more. I loved it—not because it was dramatic or full of revelations, but almost for the opposite reason. There is an extraordinary humility to the way Patti Smith tells her story. Just …
Some books entertain us, some make us think, and then there are books that quietly settle somewhere inside us and continue their conversation long after we have turned the last page. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans was one of those books for me. I read it for not one but two of my book clubs, …
On my way back to Washington, I uploaded “The Culpability” by Bruce Holsinger, a read for one of my next book club discussions. Ironically, I finished this AI-themed novel on my flight to San Francisco and landed in the Silicon Valley with whole bunch of mixed feelings. It’s a book that doesn’t rely on shock …
If you enjoyed New Nigeria County and are looking for similar books that tackle social issues with humor and sharp commentary, here are a few recommendations: 1. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid This contemporary novel explores race, privilege, and the awkward intersections between personal relationships and societal expectations. It follows a young Black …
I downloaded the title for a book club and was very surprised that it was barely 3 hour long. I love long books or at least I do not like short stories, I feel I cannot form the connection with characters and the story comes to an end. Another thing, I had no clue what …
As the Black History Month approaches, book clubs look for books to honor the immense contributions, rich culture, and incredible resilience of Black individuals throughout history. This includes both books written for the Blacks and written by them. Over the period of my reading life, I have read many books that have opened my eyes …
Literature is not just about reading; it’s about connecting, understanding, and growing together.
