HIGHLIGHTS FROM MEETINGS

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 10^th 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!

June/2009

That Devil is No Friend of Mine by JD Mason garnered a 3.7 on a scale of (1-5).  The story deals with the lives of several people who were touched in some way whether good or bad by Bishop.  Each of the characters had some flaw that the Bishop either helped them do better by it or offered hope.  The characters were well-developed and members found this book to be a quick read.  However from our ratings members were split with half thinking the book was good and the other half thinking it was just okay.  The author’s message of everyone has their own devil wasn’t missed by members and the lesson of letting go of the past is important thereby allowing us to embrace our future.

 Business:  Lots and lots of business.  Cruise information was wrapped up.  We also finished our discussion on our 1^st fundraiser of the year, our fish fry.  By the way, thanks for all who came out, sold tickets and were helpful in some capacity to make it a success.   We have decided to have the 10 Year Anniversary Party at Jennifer’s’ on Nov. 7, 2009, planning will begin soon for this event.  We will have our slumber party at Residence Inn, if you signed up for a massage it will be $37.50.  Don’t forget your $20 to help with the room and food.  Don’t forget to bring your own snacks and drink.  Um, if you want to do the drinking games or have some form or entertainment, betta bring that too.  I am all out of questions.  Shonna won this month’s game.  Bernita led us in our benediction prayer at the close of our meeting.