Books I Want to Read in April

I only read two books from my March Maybe post. Both were 4 star reads. March was a very busy month as I decided to start a massive Spring Cleaning in the midst of helping my parents with some personal things.

 

I am elated that I have gone through clothes, books, closets, shoes, purses and kitchen ware and have purged away the clutter. Once I start something, any project, it completely takes over my life. I still have the daunting task of stove/oven cleaning and the dreaded TAXES. 

 

I am determined to stay focused and deliver on this goal of 6 books. They all seem right up my alley and engaging. If a book is dragging I will move on and not waste precious time lagging on it. Most times, I've realized, it is just bad timing. I wasn't in the mood to read the book at that time.

Original post: BookOverTV.booklikes.com/post/1375941/books-i-want-to-read-in-april

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley My rating: 5 of 5 stars "PHENOMENAL"! This is my first Walter Mosley book. Wow, I am left speechless with teared filled eyes because I too love Ptolemy. I can say I love him just as much as Robin, if not more. It's been a long time since I've been able to connect with multiple characters in a story. I felt, while listening, like I knew these people personally and I was an invisible person with them on the bus, visiting Neicy, or visiting the Jewish Lawyer. Also, that I was there drinking tea with the antiques dealer and sitting on the couch with Mr. Grey as he gave Al his "gold coin". This was for me, story telling at it's best. I was completely engrossed and engaged in the story. I didn't want it to end. I am reflective of our duty to assist and love our Nations Elders and how a little love and attention goes a long way. I listened to the audio version of this "INCREDIBLE" work. I don't know if my opinion of the book would be any different if I read it and not listened however, I do know with certainty that listening to Ptolemy in an Elder's voice made the story come alive. It was exceptional. That voice gave remembrance to all the Elder men in my life that I love. I felt and not just heard the greed of the family members who believed they deserved what they didn't. I felt the fear of Ptolemy when he was confused and couldn't speak of what he wanted to do or say. I knew in my own heart, as Mr. Grey knew in his, that Robin meant him no harm and that she loved him. I just can't say enough. My wish is that everyone could read this endearing story. If there is only one book that you pick up this year to read know with "The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey" you will get a great read, a good learning, and a few tears. View all my reviews

Diary of a Street Diva by Ashley Antoinette Snell My rating: 5 of 5 stars "Diary of a Street Diva" is a well written story. I actually enjoyed the entire storyline. All the hype that surrounds these authors is definitely warranted. I agree with all the others who love them regarding their talent. I appreciate that the story wasn't gimmicky or slick. This is a book I will re-read and keep in my personal library. View all my reviews

The Ultimate No No by Tamika Newhouse My rating: 4 of 5 stars This story was an ongoing roundabout of infidelity, deception, lies and jealousy. The three main characters Troy, Dahlia and Nitrah were a blast to read about. There were so many different stories within stories your mind never stops being jolted from one shock to another. "The Ultimate No NO" is no slouch of a story. Just when you are hoping for happily ever after, you wont get it. I had a whopping bit of fun with this one. Pick it up, you wont be disappointed! View all my reviews

Jealousy by Marsha Jenkins-Sanders My rating: 3 of 5 stars Jealousy started out really good then it became confusing and dragged. The grammar was confusing sometimes. The language would be used as if the author was confused about in what place she was in the story. One example was the soon to be bride being referred to as wife, often in the book, when she wasn't married yet. That was confusing because I thought maybe I'd missed something. The crazy cousin Ro's actions dragged on a little to much to where I just didn't care anymore about her. If the book was a bit cleaner (grammar), shorter and tighter ( more concise) it would've held my attention better. However, the plot is awesome and if it were to be edited better...wow what an awesome read in the making. View all my reviews

A Rich Man's Baby by Daaimah Poole My rating: 3 of 5 stars First I have to say the book overall was good. It started good, lulled in the last 3/4, and then fizzled out at the end. I had to stare at my Ipod in disbelief of the horrendous ending. It left me asking myself, "Did I just invest over 7 1/2 hours for this"? The characters were funny albeit "ridiculous". Tanisha and Adrienne's antics were well beyond stupid and juvenile. Listening to the audio I kept asking myself, now which one is in their 20's and which one is in their 30's? Both women were just above teen-like. The story did hold my interest. It had everything, a psychotic ex, gold digging women, trashy sluts, groupies, NBA and NFL players and more. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a roller coaster of fun. View all my reviews

The Ugly Girlfriend by Latrivia Nelson My rating: 4 of 5 stars Very pleasantly surprised with this one. It was great short story that I read in one sitting. The characters were believable and likable. I liked how Mrs. Nelson showed the emotion and turmoil of a man in distress and I felt Mitchells pain and anguish. The relationship between Latoya and her friend Angela was very realistic and I'm happy Mrs. Nelson showed this in her novel. People will treat you the way you want to be treated or the way you treat yourself. Latrivia stories are about interracial relationships. This one is about a man from Dublin, I believe, Mitch O'keefe who has a 9 yr old son by an African American women who he has just recently divorced. A very good read. View all my reviews