At First Glance

When I first start reading a book I get a feel of how the book moves. I take in the flow of the words. This is where I can get a sense if the book will grab my attention and whether or not I can connect with it. Sometimes it is spot on and other times it a total miss. But the initial guess is always full of wonderment.

NEVER LIE BY FRIEDA MCFADDEN

I’m liking the book a bit so far. Although, I must admit that it seem predictable right now. I hope there a twist that takes me by complete surprise, but it doesn’t seem like it. Crossing fingers that I’m wrong.

HELLO BEAUTIFUL BY ANN NAPOLITANO

Only four pages in. This feels like one of those stories that will pull on the heartstrings. I’m already invested in William and his journey. Ready to see this story unfold.

ONE SUMMER IN SAVANNAH BY TERAH SHELTON HARRIS

I am reading this book as a part of Libby’s #togetherweread campaign. I just started a few days ago, not too far in. But from what I’ve read I think this will be one of those book that will be very arresting. Great writing so far. Great pacing. I’m already invested.

STAY WITH ME BY ALEXANDRIA HOUSE

This book is feeling like another fun and delicious read. Pacing is wonderful. Starting off with no dullness. Great so far.

WALK THROUGH FIRE BY SHEILA JOHNSON

It starts off with a bombshell in the first couple of pages. It feels like the book will be filled with many stories that will be building blocks in the author’s life. Will be interesting to read to see how Sheila navigated through the things in her life.

CRUSH BY IVY SIMONE

This looks like a deliciously enjoyable book. Can’t wait to be see where the story goes.

DON’T CRY FOR ME BY DANIEL BLACK

I only read the first two pages and this is definitely a book that I must absorb. The lyrical way it is written pulled me in and is already tugging at my heart strings.

BLACK CAKE BY CHARMAINE WILKERSON

It feels like a book where I have to absorb every detail. I want to know what the story is about the black cake.

WHERE WILD PEACHES GROW BY CADE BENTLEY

The initial set up of this book is drawing me in to know more. The pace is slow for now but in a good way. I am enjoying so far.

THE MOTHER OF BLACK HOLLYWOOD BY JENIFER LEWIS

Out the gate, Jenifer with all her color is coming in hot on the first page. This is gonna be a roller coaster ride full of entertainment. I know there will be gems also but I already know I will be thoroughly entertained because she is starting her stuff already. And I’m here for all her shenanigans.

HOLLER, CHILD BY LATOYA WATKINS

Whew, this collection of short stories has given me pause several times over. Great feel. Already three stories in and I’m in awe. Onward….

MY OTHER HUSBAND BY DOROTHY KOOMSON

Highly anticipatory based on the mini reviews on the back of the book. The tease of the twist is really peaking my interest. I am prepared to be blown away with something I don’t foresee, although it feels predictable right now. A “little” predictable at least. It’s a slow burn but one that I think deserves to stay the course. I’m interested in seeing where the ride takes me.

A MAN CALLED OVE BY FREDRIK BACKMAN

I feel like this will be an endearing story. Ove is so grumpy, I have laugh out loud moments almost immediately. I am looking forward to seeing Ove’s encounters along the way. So far it’s been very entertaining.

I AM DEBRA LEE (A MEMOIR) BY DEBRA LEE

Intrigue would best describe the feeling I get as I am starting to read this memoir. Over the years, while watching several BET award shows, Debra Lee always appeared nice, demure, unassuming, but a woman that carried quiet strength definitely. I am looking forward to know her story in her own words.

WALKING IN MY JOY IN THESE STREETS BY JENNIFER LEWIS

I am anticipating grand and entertaining stories with sage and practical observations as only Ms. Lewis can deliver in her most unique way.

TUMBLING BY DIANE MCKINNEY-WHETSTONE

It feels like a rich story with alive and colorful characters from the start. It begins with a pretty steady pace with good writing. Looking forward to soaking in this one.

MY VOICE: A MEMOIR BY ANGIE MARTINEZ

This book is highly anticipated for me. I just read the foreword and prologue. By reading those alone, I know this is gonna be a wild and beautiful ride. I’m so geeked to read more because it’s already popping.

12 RULES FOR LIFE BY JORDAN B. PETERSON

This is the type of book you absorb. I’m already gleaning some things. This book is going to challenge me and push my thinking forward. Looking forward to seeing what’s in store by reading this book.

CRAZY FAITH BY MICHAEL TODD

Just completed Chapter 1. There are already spiritual gems for takeaways and application. But that’s no surprise. I’m already inspired and looking forward to absorb the gems in this book.

MRS. WIGGINS BY MARY MONROE

Great pace as usual from Ms. Monroe. I am instantly intrigued in the direction this story will take and ultimately land. I’m enjoying so far.

MEMPHIS BY TARA M. STRINGFELLOW

I’m currently on Chapter 2, I’m already liking the author’s writing style. It is starting with a very lyrical and beautiful flow. It’s conveying what is necessary without belaboring unnecessary details. The details that are provided is pronounced and the story moves on at a nice and steady pace. I feel like I’m in the place where the characters are and I’m very interested to know more.

THE OTHER BLACK GIRL BY ZAKIYA DALILA HARRIS

The book is starting off a little slow for me. It’s not instantly grabbing my attention. I’m still very interested to see if it turns out with the perspective I think it’s appearing to take. I’m currently on Chapter 2, so it still has time to develop and pop for me. Looking forward to see the outcome.

THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN BY MARIE BENEDICT AND VICTORIA CHRISTOPHER MURRAY

In anticipatory mode at the beginning of the novel. The story is meant to be absorbed, at least that is what the pace of the story is giving me.

FIREKEEPER’S DAUGHTER BY ANGELINE BOULLEY

I’m only a few pages in. I get the feeling this is a book you have to take your time with and take it all in. It may be a book that will sit with you after you’re done. I’m intrigued in how it will turn out.

ACROSS THE WAY BY MARY MONROE

Third book in The Neighbors series. I am feeling like revelations will finally come. I think this will be just as exciting as the previous two books, if not more.

OVER THE FENCE BY MARY MONROE

This is the second book in a series I started. I’m already invested. I’m not disappointed so far. Great pace. Can’t wait to see what gets revealed in this sequel.

THE SECRET LIVES OF CHURCH LADIES BY DEESHA PHILYAW

This is a collection of nine short stories. It’s already intriguing to me. I feel like some of these will be full of profound lessons.

BEHIND HER EYES BY SARAH PINBOROUGH

I am on Chapter 9 and it’s a bit slow so far. I am still intrigued because I have been itching to read this book for some months now. My anticipation is high but haven’t quite formed a speculation of what will happen as of yet. Looking at the contents and it is a bit lengthy on chapters, so I really hope that the book picks up to make it worth while. We shall see.

SULA BY TONI MORRISON

I’m intrigued immediately with this one. I get a feeling of value that’s forthcoming in the coming pages.

LOVE IN COLOR BY BOLU BABALOLA

This is a collection of stories. I just completed two very beautiful love stories. The language is divine and the love, lust,, and everything in between is oozing off the pages. I am enjoying this so far.

HIS ONLY WIFE BY PEACE ADZO MEDIE

The first couple of lines in the book already intrigues me. How does one marry someone while they are in absentia at the ceremony? Can’t wait to see the inner workings of this relationship and the outcome.

WILD WOMEN AND THE BLUES BY DENNY S. BRYCE

The story has a strong start with questions looming that I desperately want the answers to. On the face, looking at the contents it appears to be lengthy. However, if the writing is as strong throughout as it is in the beginning, this would be a small sacrifice. It is a rich and enjoyable story so far. I’m already hooked ten chapters in.

THE VANISHING HALF BY BRIT BENNETT

This is a highly anticipated book for me. So far so good. It has the “I wanna know more factor” on already. Can’t wait to see what happens.

THIS CLOSE TO OKAY BY LEESA CROSS-SMITH

A potentially tragic event is the opening of this book. I’m instantly invested. The coincidences that run parallel to this event in the beginning makes it all the more likely that this will be a rich story. I do get a sense that it’s one of those stories that will linger within. I’m ready to delve deep into this one.

LOVE LETTERING BY KATE CLAYBORN

It seems like a light, romantic, and intriguing story already. It has a nice pace, not too slow. I’m already wanting to know more because of a pattern that was discovered and a question that was asked; all of which takes place prior to Chapter 3. I think it will be enjoyable.

THE ANTAGONIST BY LYNN COADY

On Chapter 2 now, but already this story is commanding my attention. I am sensing a depth to it that I think will linger after I finish reading. At least that is how I am feeling at the moment. It feels like it requires an intense character study.

THE NANNY BY GILLY MACMILLAN

I am intrigued. It feels like so much layered ugliness is hidden deep within the story. I am so ready for it to unfold. I am on the edge waiting for something to be exposed. My mind is going all over the place. I’m excited about the outcome of this story.

ONE HOUSE OVER BY MARY MONROE

The story has a nice flow. I’m already on Chapter 16 which speaks to the good pace of the story. There’s already set ups for several peeks in some rather interesting characters that I can’t wait to encounter. It has definitely grabbed my attention so far.

KNOWING BY ROSALYN MCMILLAN

At the moment, the book appears to be overly descriptive. I’m on Chapter 7 and have not connected with the book as of yet. The blurb was very fascinating, enough to make it a potentially good read. Maybe it’ll pick up a little later as the story goes on. I’ll power through because I want to find out the outcome.

THE MOTHERS BY BRIT BENNETT

I’m in Chapter 2 and I’m already in anticipation mode. I feel like this is a “can’t put down and can’t wait to get back to it” kind of a book. I think I see vestiges of sage advice, which I’m excited about. I’m ready for this ride.

NINETEEN MINUTES BY JODI PICOULT

I’m immediately invested in the story and characters. I’m feeling a way about certain circumstances and events. I’m thinking that the story will make you judge when you may not want to. I’m already doing it.

SAVING RUBY BY CATHERINE ADEL WEST

I just started reading Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West a few days ago. I am loving the beautiful way the book is written. I can feel that this book is to be savored like a fine wine.