Talk of the Town Tuesdays...

While I am aware that this book club is for the mature adult (relatively speaking), I think that it may be good to read a book that allows us to escape from the adult themes that we are so used to. So with that, I have been hearing much buzz from the childrens' book world regarding a book series called, Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Having a child myself, I decided to do some research and turns out it's a hit!!  The series is written by (check this out) an online game developer named Jeff Kinney who didn't initially intend to sell the book on the Internet.  In 2004, an online version of the series was available for children to enjoy.  Due to the demand, Kinney decided to release the print versions (with are a little different) in April 2007. With the release of his latest book in the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth, new attention was given to the book series of 5.  Each book is 224 pages and can be found wherever books are sold.  For more information check out http://www.wimpykid.com/.

Photo Credit: atomicpopcorn.com

Here are the books listed in order:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

And TIS it is the Season, may I suggest the series as a stocking stuffing for your child/children.  Especially if they are readers like my child, who has already read 2 of them!!

Motivational Monday...

Now that we have all enjoyed food, family, friends, and Black Friday sales (today is Cyber Monday), it's time to get back to our regular scheduled program. Yes, it's Monday!! But we all know Mondays are great for character building. It is that day of the week that challenges us to do better, be better, and prove that Mondays are no match for us!  (ha-ha-ha I laugh in the face of Monday!!)

Photo Credit: myspace.com

Who am I kidding right?  Mondays are like that dreadful cleanup after cooking Thanksgiving dinner.  BUT...instead of focusing on how much you have to clean, remember how good the food was and how great it was to be around family and friends that you love and care for.  I am positive that if your attention remains positive, those dishes (along with Monday) will go by very quickly and your mood will reflect it. 

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with food, family and friends!!

Talk of the Town Tuesdays...

While it may seems so cliche to do a specific topic for each day of the week that begins with the same letter of that particular day, I find it very fun to do so let's get started!

(Cue Rocky Music)  In this corner, weighing in on how women should act and treat a man, Steve Harvey. (cheers and boos)  And in this corner, weighing in on how women can be themselves and still have the man, Shanae Hall and Rhonda Frost. (more cheers than boos)

Today, there is a buzz about a new book that has been released in response to Steve Harvey's book, Act Like A Lady,Think Like a Man.  Now as we all remember, this book took the nation by storm almost two years ago.  There were all types of responses, comments and attitudes regarding what Mr. Harvey suggested women do in order to understand men AND men in relationships. (For the sake of time and not feeling like it, I am not even going to go into the comments) 

*Ahem*

So, in response to his book, Shanae Hall and Rhonda Frost, teamed up and released, Why Do I Have To Think Like A Man?: How To Think Like A Lady And Still Get The Man.  Well, I guess it was a matter of time really.  While I haven't read the book just yet, I am curious to see what their suggestions are. 

Hmmm.... in the end, I hope all this direction and advice doesn't just cause more confusion and chaos that wasn't initially present.  What do you think? Leave a comment below. Thanks!

Motivational Mondays.....

So I was thinking to myself, "Self, today is Monday; the beginning of the week."  Self replied, "I know are we ready?"

We all know how hard Mondays can be.  It's the beginning of the work week.  The beginning of the school week.  Time for school buses and traffic jams. Starbucks and daycare pickups.  Whew!! I'm tired already...  But wait! (in my best infomercial voice) We do not have to start the week in dread, reluctance, or hesitancy.  Oh no. (shakes head)  But on the contrary, we can start every week off with a bang! Nothing less than that of a WINNING attitude. This is your week and no amount of traffic, workplace drama, or bull hockey will bring you down!!

There is one thing I would like to share with you all on this Monday: Your attitude (way of thinking or position/disposition) determines your mood and your mood determines your altitude (level of success or even failure).  So I encourage you to change your way of thinking about today and all the future Mondays that you are blessed to see.  See them as days that polish you and show off your BEST traits! (what other qualities do you have right?) 

Photo Credit: underthesunecc.com

While there are many books that focus on how we think and how it plays a part in our life, I would like to suggest Dr. Wayne Dyer's book, Chang Your Thoughts-Chang Your Life.  In his book, Dr. Dyer uses the teachings of Lao-tzu, an ancient spiritual leader of China, to illustrate how your thoughts affect your life.

So let's start today people!! Your Monday will be a great day because you want it to be!  No matter what comes your way, remain positive. Remember your attitude will determine which direction you go.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

When its cold outside.....what are you reading??

By: TASHA DILLARD


R&B singers KC & JoJo onces asked in a song, "When its cold outside, girl, who are you holding?" Well, I want to know, What are you reading? Recently, I asked what people are reading for the winter/holiday season and to my surprise many people replied, "I don't know, you tell me!"  So I began to think, "What would I like to read that would keep me warm this winter?" Well without further adieu, here is what I came up with:

Of course our book club Selection for November: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf by Ntosake Shange.

To excite that action/drama inside you: The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah.  This book is loaded with action, drama and a few other things that will keep you reading from page to page!!



Photo Credit: rhymeswithsnitch.com



Fireplace Worthy: Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama. (When does he have time to write?  I need to know his secret!!)  I plan to read this really soon.  I'm sure our esteemed President has great advice that he gives his children which could be used in our families as well.

Photo Credit: Associated Press

To stir those passionate/love/lustful feelings I suggest:  The Hot Box by Zane.  No explanation needed for this one!! Ladies, read with caution!!

Photo Credit: bookeg.com



And.....for those holiday meals, treats, and eats, I have to suggest (and recommend for you non cookers) that you have a cookbook on hand!  What better way to stay warm during the winter than with some good, hot, delicious food, family, and a great book? (Ok, I can think of one other thing but I'm trying to stay on subject here)  Here are two cookbooks from our good ole friend Betty Crocker.....



Photo Credit: cooking.com



Photo Credit: bookrenter.com







These are just a few of my suggestion for this winter.  I probably will add a few others to the list.  What are some of your suggestions?  Leave them in the comment box below. Thanks!

I Remember Way Back When....

BY: TASHA DILLARD


Back in the days when I was young I'm not a kid anymore but some days I sit and wish I was a kid again..... (Ahmad)

Remember that song? Man, it takes me back and makes me wonder......What was life before Barnes & Noble, Borders, Book-a-Million, and other large chain bookstores??  Do you find it some what challenging to remember that far back?  I remember going to the library on Saturday mornings to check out my favorite books. Those visits to the School Library to use Encyclopedias for book reports (you couldn't take them home).  Wow, remember Encyclopedias?? For those of you who are reading this and fall into the new technology generation (15-25) , you may have only heard of "Encyclopedias" and probably think I am referring to Wikipedia. Sorry, but no.  They are actually reference books that contain a wealth of information that are located in the Public/School Library available to you at anytime.  But I'm sure you will just google it instead of going to check one out.  But I digress....

What are your memories of the pre-mega bookstore experience?  Did you go frequent a small Mom & Pop bookstore or something similar? Tell us about your past bookstore experiences!!  Please leave your comments below. Thanks!

Will You Read it??

BY: TASHA DILLARD

At this point, I am sure many of you have heard that former President George Bush released his book yesterday titled: "Decision Points."  This book will highlight major decisions Bush made in his personal life and while he was President of the United States.

*Sigh*

Let me stop here.  With our nation being in its current condition and economic climate, does he really believe this was the best way he could attempt to address the mess that he (and a few others) made?  My question to you... Will you give him your dollars and read what he has to say?

Leave your comments below. Thanks!

"For Colored Girls" A Review From A Woman of Color.

BY:TASHA DILLARD

Photo Credit;boxofficemojo.com

As I sit here thinking about this movie, I realize that it was not just a movie at all.  It was not just another Friday night blockbuster (the people were there in the masses) that you and your significant other rush out to see or that you and your besties carpool together to on girls night (saw many women in groups).  What I saw was an experience. A journey.  A thought provoking and emotional whirlwind that will challenge your worldview and highlight the importance of the choices you make, the people it will affect, and the significance of owning responsibility for each decision you make.  Tyler Perry successfully brought to the screen a depiction of the strength, endurance, and courage among Black Women.  While this movie was casted by an all African American cast, I do not believe that the struggle and tragedy that appeared were limited to that nationality, but are very real to many woman across color lines. 

I have heard many reactions (mostly from women) about this movie:

"Without giving anything away - This movie is heavy... It had me go through an array of emotions. The epiphany that I received is that even when we are blinded by the truths of our own perception we must take accountability for the lies that we believe. We must own the decisions we make in our lives - good bad or indifferent." -Ja'mile Wilborn

"For Colored Girls - Phenomenal powerful. EMOTIONAL * Standing hand clap to all the actors *Tyler Perry be proud of your work. Those that criticize this piece of work have no clue of "Colored Girls ." -Marika Stewart

"For Colored Girls deserves more than the 5 stars. Excellent movie! I'm honored to have shared this experience with my friends." -Colleen LeDay

As you can see, women are giving this movie positive reviews.  However, many "black" men feel that this movie is just another instrument that plays the melodies that black men are no good, low down, and dirty.  Truthfully, I did not view the movie in this perspective at all.  I received this movie as the testament of a woman's strength, the wisdom to accept the decisions that she has made, and the courage to move forward in a new and empowering direction.  To add, there are many wonderful black men plaguing the world today.  They are our husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles, etc. and they deserve our gratitude and respect. I only hope that their (those black men I just described) numbers increase and spread like an epidemic to those that are not included in that category.  But I will say this...... black MEN, if you feel that you bear the fruits of that of a good man, can you PLEASE tell your other (rotten fruit) counterparts to stop giving the "world" not just black women, the ammunition that are loaded in the gun in which shots are being fired?  I digress..
(another topic, different post)

In my opinion, Tyler Perry has successfully demonstrated that he can make us laugh and have a great time with the antics of Madea and Mr. Brown and others and now has made it emotionally obvious that his talent is not confined to the box of comedy and fun, but is encompasses a deeper, meaningful, view altering experience.

"I love it when a movie creates a paradigm shift in the lives of many.... Thank you Tyler Perry for taking the stage play For Colored Girls Who have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf into a movie..... It truly was an experience!" -Tasha Dillard (me)

Please leave your comments below.  Thanks!

"For Colored Girls"

BY: TASHA DILLARD

A few weeks ago, we shared with you that Tyler Perry would be releasing this much anticipated movie based on the choreopoem/play, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf, by Ntozake Shange.  TODAY, Perry's version of For Colored Girls will grace its presence on the big screen. 

The film is about the story of eight women whose lives we follow in New York City.  Their lives tell the story of love, hurt, betrayal, and the discovery of love for themselves.  History is made as Tyler Perry casts the largest all African American crew which includes: Phylicia Rashad, Thandie Newton, Kerry Washington, Macy Gray, Kimberly Elise, Tessa Thompson, Whoopi Goldberg, Loretta Devine, Anika Noni Rose and Janet Jackson. (That's some cast!!)

According to Tyler Perry, this movie is not only for women of color, but for all to enjoy.  And I'm sure many of us can relate to the many themes appearing in this movie as well.

Grab the book (choreopoem) which the film is based upon at amazon.com or check with your local bookstores for availability.  We are excited about this movie and we (Pg.59 Book Club) will be there TONIGHT showing our support!!

Check out the trailer below...

Video Credit: YouTube: LionsGate

Atlanta History Center Presents: Condoleezza Rice

Photo Credit: crosswordbebop.blogspot.com

On November 3, (yes, right after the election) Condoleezza Rice will spend the morning at the Atlanta History Center for a special breakfast program in which, she will be sharing stories from her new memoir, Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family.  Rice recounts growing up in Birmingham in the 1960s, during the turbulent civil rights era and how her parents’ love and support encouraged her not to set limits on what she could achieve.  Rice holds nothing back in this candid account and is comfortable describing lighthearted family moments as she is recalling the heady challenges of going toe-to-toe with Soviet leaders,   This is the story of Condoleezza Rice that has never been told – not that of an accomplished world leader, but of a little girl and a young woman trying to find her place in a sometimes hostile world, and of two exceptional parents and an extended family and community that made all the difference.



Condoleezza Rice was the sixty-sixth United States Secretary of State and the first black woman to hold the office.  Prior, she was the first woman to serve as National Security Advisor.  She currently teaches at Stanford University.

Photo Credit: amazon.com

This Lecture is presented by the Literary Center at Margaret Mitchell House and will be held at the Atlanta History Center. Admission is $35 for members; $40 for nonmembers. Ticket includes coffee and light pastries and an autographed copy of Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family.  Reservations are required.  To make a reservation or receive more information, call 404.814.4150. For more information please visit http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/.

 

 

All information retrieved from the Atlanta History Center

http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/

Lisa Wu Hartwell and Miasha Book Release Party...

BY:TASHA DILLARD



This past Saturday, members of Pg.59 Book Club, along with many others, celebrated the new book release, When the Cake is Made, by Lisa Wu Hartwell and best selling author Maisha.  The event took place at a very cozy coffee bar (The Dancing Goat) in downtown Decatur complete with music and refreshments.  Check out a few pics below....



Kim.Tasha,Ja
Members of Pg.59 Book Club





Ja.Lisa Wu, Miasha

Tasha & Kim

Ja

Lisa Wu



Lisa Wu and Miasha are now touring the east coast to promote their collaboration.  For tour locations and dates, please visit http://miasha.com/wp/calendar/.


Many thanks to those who came out! We had a good time!!