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HIGHLIGHTS FROM MEETINGS
June/2010 Thank you to Sherunda and Mary, although she was absent, for our lovely meal. I almost messed up my healthy eating, but um it surely was delicious. Cornered by Brandon Massey garnered a 4.1 on a scale of (1-5). Although our host was disappointed the story wasn’t a vampire tale, the rest of the members enjoyed the book and its suspenseful nature. As stated in the meeting, Massey doesn’t want to be cornered in a box on what he writes, his stories are all different and unique and this particular was as well. It captivated your attention. One of the best quotes of the night was “…you could smell a vision.” He put the reader right there in the midst of the story were you felt the physical blows, were shaken by the same fear the main characters dealt with and you could empathize with the characters. With a thrilling plot and strong character development, this was a fast-pace story not to be missed. Business: Dues are to be paid in full at August’s meeting. We went over our Community Service ideas. I also expressed my concern about just giving out a scholarship for education and other options were given, which would be more appreciated and last longer than a check which would go quickly. Vicki is going to check on the donation of books to our local libraries. We will still do Joy to Life. Bonding exercises the play outing in September, weekend away and the National Book Club Conference 2011. Just a reminder, the early bird special is initiated the weekend of the conference where you pay your $100 deposit to lock in the rate. I’ll try to email the group over that weekend with what to do. It would be easier for all members to use PayPal to make your payment so you have a receipt as digital confirmation of a payment received. Info on the hotel will come a few weeks after the event, because venue is subject to change. We will discuss the goals further at next month’s meeting. Indi won this month’s game. Shonna closed with our benediction prayer.
May/2010 Thanks to Valerie for hosting our pot luck meeting this month. And to all you ladies who showed up and showed out because we had a wonderful and healthy spread. Mama Dearest by E. Lynn Harris garnered a 3.6 on a scale of (1-5). Harris has us revisit Yancey and her mother, Ava. With these two, you know drama ensues. Even if you had never read a previous novel with these characters before, you could follow this storyline. Harris used the ever popular reality show as a back drop and edges the story along. The characters were well-developed, but some members found the story slow, predictable and at times disjointed. The smoothness we are accustomed to with Harris’ stories seemed to be missing in this particular one. As with all of Harris’ novels, he always leaves you with a message and this one was no different because the theme of redemption was front and center. Business: We discussed the new member guidelines. New members must submit applications and then attend 2 meetings. This process should be finished no later than September of this year. Members discussed several community service ideas: Mentoring teen girls (registering through Susan Taylor’s foundation) and scholarship for education for 2011. Also, we have instituted a $1 late fee for all members who are late and it will help with fundraising and such. We discussed some potential bonding exercises such as a spa retreat or a weekend trip to New Orleans. We discussed the BP oil spill and got a quick lesson from Cynthia on how the oil rigs work. Indi discussed seeing Pearl Cleage’s new play, The Nacirema Society Requests… The play will star Jasmine Guy and the dates are September 24 – October 3, 2010. There are two 2:00 pm showings on September 26th and October 3rd. There is a noon showing on October 2nd. All other dates have 7:30 pm showing times. We will need to discuss a possible date and making it a day of theater and dinner. Thanks to all the ladies for attending this month’s meeting, it does me proud to see your commitment and enthusiasm for the book club. Shonna closed with our benediction prayer. Imani!
April/2010 Mr. G’s provided us with privacy and an atmosphere to discuss a bit of business for this month’s meeting. What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia Deberry and Donna Grant garnered a 4.5 on a scale of (1-5). Having read their newest book, Uptown, I can say although the recent book was well-written, I truly enjoyed WDKY because the character was so relatable and to have read a book written in first person was an absolute treat. Tee, the main character, had to learn to accept the support system of her family and real friends in order to make it through a time in her life when things went completely south after she lost her job. During this time of anguish, Tee must take an introspective look at her life and decide what is important to her and find herself. In doing so, she is able to find a new career, love and some true friendships. The entire story was well-developed and Tee’s character was multifaceted and readers were able to see the layers of her persona. Business: We have decided to bring in new members, however, prospective members will attend two meetings in order for us to garner their appropriateness for Imani and give them the opportunity to decide if they truly want to join our book club. Applications were given out at the meeting. Additional applications can be sent to you via email. Cynthia will be our new treasurer. We will be going to an electronic newsletter, which Valerie will assist in sending out each month. Members without email access will still receive their newsletter by snail mail. This will allow us to save money. We will try to host an author this year at one of our meetings. For community service, we will still do Joy to Life, but we will also donate books to the library. So get your books ready to give away. We will need to look into getting a stamp or something to denote our donation. We are planning to attend the National Book Club Conference as a group in 2011. So get your money ready. Members who have additional suggestions for improving the book club should email them to me for discussion at May’s meeting. We will also try to attend Pearl Cleage’s new play in September at the Shakespeare Festival; it has been many years since we have done this. The reconstruction of the book club consists of getting back to books and less business. For the last two years, we have spent more time discussing business and less time discussing books. We are a book club first and that should be our main concentration. When we have detailed discussion meetings we will consider taping them so everyone is clear on their responsibilities and to insure we handle any issues that may come up during our planning. We talked about the governor’s race as part of our current event’s discussion. Cynthia won this month’s game and Shonna lead us in our benediction prayer.
March/2010 Thanks to Sheryl for opening up her home at the last minute to accommodate our book club meeting. I appreciate your effort by even providing us with some food as well. Thank you! In the Night of the Heat by Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes garnered a 3.8 on a scale of (1-5). In the latest installment of Tennyson Hardwick series, he must investigate the death of a football player who was recently on trial for the murder of his wife and her boyfriend, but what he finds is a history of social injustices and lives forever changed. The beginning began slowly in an effort to develop the story, although this novel doesn’t stand alone, because you need to read Casanegro it is well written. As pointed out, the sex scenes were neither gratuitous nor smutty, but sensual without being over-the-top. The themes of family, secrets and lies were just a few of the welcoming strengths of the story. Our only question is, “When is this going to be made into a movie?” Business: We discussed any questions members may have in regards to the book club. We discussed our Joy to Life walk, reconstruction of the book club, Final ballot and we reminisced about our Anniversary cruise. We talked about President Bush wiping his hands on President Clinton’s shirt after shaking hands with a Haitian. Also, those interested Maxwell will be at Phillip’s Arena performing on June 12th. Cynthia won this month’s game and Shonna closed with our Benediction prayer.
February/2010 Single Husbands by Mary B. Morrison garnered a 3.0 on a scale of (1-5). This was one of those books that you either liked or didn’t based on the ratings submitted. The comments regarding the story included quick, funny, unrealistic and stupid. The members, who watch Private Practice, related the novel to a particular storyline from the show. The essence of what the author was conveying was about men marrying and still living as though they were single, as well as the wording in the original wedding vows doesn’t say faithful. This story would have been more appealing to all if the characters were more developed and fewer overly dramatic moments. Business: We wrapped up issues regarding transportation to Port Canaveral. Members riding the passenger van will meet at Winn Dixie near Troy Highway at 11:30 pm. All other pertinent information will be enclosed with the newsletter. We completed the syllabus nominations and went over current events. The Color Purple will be in Montgomery for one show on April 25, 2010 without Fantasia. We also discussed Joy to Life walk on April 17, 2010; all members participating should bring to the next meeting $20 for registration. Bernita has agreed to do the registration online for us. We also discussed FAQ regarding cruising. Bernita closed with our benediction prayer. See everyone on March 18, 2010! Bon Voyage! Imani!
January/2010 Thanks to Vicki and Indi for their hot and spicy theme to go along with our hot and spicy read. Pleasure by Eric Jerome Dickey garnered a 4.6 on a scale of (1-5). Although some members found the novel slow in the beginning, which caused challenges for them to finish, most can agree Dickey gave us a sensual story where boundaries were blurred. With well-developed characters and well written prose, the explicit nature of the story also gave it depth. It is not a book about sex only, it is about a young woman searching for herself in a world where men can do the same thing and society condones it, but when a woman explores her sexuality it is frowned upon. The main character found unbridled passion without judgment from her lovers, but she also found that pleasure can bring pain. Business: We discussed the headlines of the last month including Haiti, President Obama’s State of the Union address and even the Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien controversy. We also discussed the renting of a 15-passenger van for $563.44, which includes their insurance. Bernita and Vicki are also researching other options as well. Time is running out to get your passport. Bernita will be getting information for the Joy to Walk, which is our only community service event this year. Alvin Ailey will be here in Montgomery on February 23, 2010 at 7:00 pm. The Shakespeare Festival Black History Month play is Harriet Tubman. Bernita ended our meeting with our benediction prayer. December/2009 This month we discussed of The Love Child’s Revenge by Nicole Bailey-Williams. The novel garnered 3 on a scale of (1-5). Members found this predictable novel too slow and too long. Members found Claudia/Peach’s character as one who didn’t evolve enough, nor could they completely understand her incessant need for revenge. The symbolism with the fabric was done very well. However, the ending was less than satisfying. Revenge is not worth it! Business: We discussed very little business this month. We did have a lively discussion about Tiger Woods. Reminder to make arrangements with Kristine for the Anniversary cruise if you were not going to have your money by January 5th. Don’t forget your passports. Indi won this month’s game. Thanks for the incredible turn out for the meeting. Bernita closed our meeting with a benediction prayer. Imani! November/2009 This month we met at Sommer’s Place for our discussion of Black Betty by Walter Mosley. The novel garnered 3.3 on a scale of (1-5). For several members, this novel had way too many characters, but it was considered an easy read with a true mystery. Those of us who had never read an Easy Rawlings mystery were introduced to a character that was honest, complicated with a good heart. The story had its moments of intrigue and moments where you were captivated by the characterizations. Business: We discussed the success of the All You Can Eat and Drink Party. Thank you to all members for their support in making this event a success. We now have a comfortable $1007.01 in our account. Reminded members with the upcoming cruise in March, if they haven’t, they need to work on getting their passports. It takes approximately 6 weeks to process, although it may be a shorter time you do not want to wait to the last minute as some of you like to do. Congratulations to our member’s family and children on their recent accomplishments. We closed our meeting with a benediction prayer. Imani! October/2009 Sherunda and Shonna hosted this month’s meeting, which was dominated with details for our Anniversary party. Unexpected Interruptions by Trice Hickman garnered a 3 on a scale of (1-5). This story of a woman grappling with her own securities has to also choose between two men. Both have qualities she loved, but one is white. The story for some members was slow and overly dramatic with little to no real scandal. I, personally, was put off by the stereotypical characteristics given to the African-American character. The writing was well done with the characters being well developed. Hickman lets us know that we should be open to finding love even if he doesn’t look like what we thought. Business: It was all about the party. We went over final details and tied up any loose ends. Members paid their dues and to those who haven’t and let me know, please try to have them paid by December’s meeting. We also discussed some pop culture news. Tamika won this month’s game and Bernita closed with our benediction prayer. Imani!
September/2009 Thanks to Sheryl and Cynthia hosting September’s meeting. Love On a Two-Way Street by J. L. King garnered a 3.7 on a scale of (1-5). Although members felt short changed due to the abrupt ending of the story, it is clear the book was set up for a book series. I hope it doesn’t take years for the follow up to be published. We all agreed to the quick read of the book, but some of us weren’t quite sure this was a well-written book. It was entertaining, but it lack consistency and strong character development. Business: We discussed a lot of business as it pertains to our anniversary party and our upcoming 10th Anniversary cruise. We do not have enough time to coordinate a fundraiser before our party, but members will check on the feasibility of Carraba’s or a pancake breakfast in the coming months. Priority is the anniversary party. Ticket money must be turned in at October’s meeting. If you are having difficulty selling your tickets, let the group know so those who have already sold their tickets can assist you. We will sell tickets at the door. Everyone signed up for their dish and we coordinated other aspects to the party. Members do not forget to bring your “chasers” in October. Shonna gave us a benediction prayer offering solace to our members whose family’s are in need of prayer at this time. Imani
August/2009 This month brought guests into the midst of our discussion. The dynamics changed, but the discussion was worthy and enlightening. Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey garnered a 3.9 on a scale of (1-5). As Steve Harvey has already prefaced, men weren’t going to agree with his theories, however, women didn’t agree with everything mentioned in the book either. It is a book which goes over common sense things women should look for in any relationship they want to last. Overall, the book was an okay book with some helpful tidbits, however, it was a bit too long and there were some contradicting points. If nothing else, Steve got us talking and we were entertained. Business: Members signed for their 10-year Anniversary party tickets. All members were given 10 tickets to be responsible for. The goal is to sell all member tickets first, so if you discover you are not able to sell your tickets let us know. We will sell tickets at the door. Remember funds from this event are for transportation to and from Orlando for our anniversary cruise and to help members who may need assistance paying for their cruise. We want everyone to go and we will make it happen. Bernita closed our meeting with a wonderful benediction prayer.
July/2009 Jezebel by Jacqulin Thomas garnered a 4 on a scale of (1-4). This Christian fiction novel takes a modern day spin on the story of Jezebel from the bible. The story contained well-developed characters and intriguing storyline. A few members found the acts of Jessie Belle to be repetitive, but for the most part members enjoyed the Christian fiction story that wasn’t too preachy. Business: We went over our Family & Friends meeting and signed up for pot luck. The main dish will be chicken with sides. Those not at the meeting please bring dishes that will accompany the chicken. We also discussed the upcoming 10 Year Anniversary Party. We will try to have tickets ready for sale at next month’s meeting. Our next fish fry fundraiser will be in Sept/Oct. We will each provide a dish as we did last time for the party. We are going to use borrowed items from Valerie and keep the decorations simple. The idea is to not spend more than we make. We still need to get prices on the cost of a bus to and from Florida. Indi’s daughter won All Around Talent for the dance team and Happy Anniversary to Sheryl and her husband. Sheryl also won this month’s game. We concluded or meeting with a benediction prayer given by Bernita. Imani!
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