I took a summer break from college life, and my free summer will be ending with the fall semester starting. One of my goals was to read at least four books before school started. With life being life, traveling, and popping out to show myself, I could read three books. Each book I read was from a different genre. I chose The Street for its exploration of human behavior, Moon Witch and Spider King for its unique blend of African Mythology and Black magic, and Their Vicious Games for its thrilling narrative. Each book I read brought a moment of bloom, of joy, and a moment of feeling in the present.
Happy Reading, Happy Blooming.
The Street
Title: The Street: A Novel
Author: Ann Petry
Pages: 374 pages (378 pages including discussion questions)
Ratings 5 out of 5 Crowns
The Street follows the story of Lutie Johnson, a single mother raising her inquisitive eight-year-old son, Bud. Lutie wasn’t always a single mother; she was once married to her high school sweetheart. However, due to his inability to find work and financial struggles, Lutie decided to work as a live-in maid for the Chandlers. Similar to what was depicted in the movie “The Help,” maids often spend more time raising their employers’ children than their own; this was just one of the challenges Lutie encountered when she chose to work as a live-in maid to support her family financially.
Separated from her husband and no longer wanting Bud to be around her dad and his younger girlfriend, Lil, Lutie decides to find an apartment she can afford. Unfortunately, the apartment is in a neglected neighborhood; Lutie decides that her situation is temporary. Lutie plans on moving up from The Street, but at each plan, she faces the challenge of being used in someone else’s plan, mainly the story’s male characters.
A Novel written by Ann Petry is the first African American woman to sell over a million copies. It was initially published in 1946, renewed in 1976, and copyrighted in 2020 with an introduction by Tayari Jones. I am bringing up the timelines of publications because the main character, Lutie Johnson, deals with intersectional challenges such as racism, poverty, and gender discrimination—many of which women who are raising children on their own are dealing with today.
Moon Witch, Spider King
Title: Moon Witch, Spider King
Author: Marlon James
Pages: 626 pages
Rating: 5 out of 5 Crowns
Moon Witch Spider is part of the sequel to “Black Leopard Red Wolf,” told from Sogolon’s perspective, also known as the “Moon Witch, Spider King.”
As a young woman, Sogolon flees from her abusive brothers and becomes a servant in the royal court. Solomon discovers a power within her that allows her to blow people up from the inside. Additionally, Sogolon has a century-long feud with the Aesi, the chancellor of the king, who possesses considerable and deadly power.
I enjoyed Sogolon’s journey of self-discovery as she dealt with naming herself, love, grief, doubts, and finding joy even through the dark times. Sogolon becomes a warrior fighter for herself and the other women in the story. I will be looking forward to the next release of this trilogy. Until then, I will carry the words of Sogolon with me: “This is woman’s work, so let’s make this quick.” If you enjoy Lord of The Rings and Games of Thrones, you will enjoy this trilogy. Books one and two are available.
Their Vicious Games:
Title: Their Vicious Games
Author: Joelle Wellington
Pages: 407
Rating: 4 out of 5 Crowns
Adina Walker had no idea what she was getting into when she accepted an invitation to compete in “The Finish.” The Edgewaters, a wealthy and elite family, host this series of competitions. To even be considered for admission to the college of her dreams, Adina must succeed and survive: The Ride, The Raid, and The Royale. Each competition makes Adina question her identity and what she truly wants for herself. As the saying goes, “Sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side.”
I enjoyed reading “Their Vicious Games” (fun reads provide an outstanding balance to my love of reading). The author’s vivid details made me feel like I was reading a script for a Netflix series. If you’re a thriller and drama fan, I recommend this book.
I hope my book reviews inspire you to select one of these books (these books can be read during any season) or set a book goal for yourself. Remember, the journey of reading starts with one page at a time.
Visit the most recent Book and Bloom by selecting the link below:
Most recent The CrownTalk Podcast
Also, check out the MPN Network
