There is such a breadth of talented writers making their mark in YA fiction. And in recognition of this genre, I’m devoting this post to one writer in particular. Back in the summer of 2020, I read and reviewed three novels by the incredible authoress, Elizabeth Acevedo. Her work brings flavor, color, and depth toContinue reading “YA Fiction Spotlight: Elizabeth Acevedo”
Tag Archives: family drama
What’s Ginny Reading Next?
I’m super-excited about this one… Never Meant To Meet You is co-authored by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans. It tells the story of next-door neighbors whose geographic proximity has not translated itself into close personal ties. Apart from the tiniest of civilities, any true connection is non-existent. Marjette Lewis, a divorced mother and kindergarten teacher,Continue reading “What’s Ginny Reading Next?”
microfiction: episode 6-excerpts/Book Review Time: Sisters
Ky sat at the end of the bar. Book in hand. She ordered a French 75 and settled in. The bartender, assuming a woman on her own in a near-empty bar must be in want of conversation, swooped in. She didn’t really want to talk. She had her book. But here they were. Surprisingly, theirContinue reading “microfiction: episode 6-excerpts/Book Review Time: Sisters”
Book Review Time: Standard Deviation
On rare occasions, I experience what I call “novel dilemma.” This happens when I reach the end of a book, and I have no idea how I feel about it. Did I like it? Did I hate it? There’s no clear verdict. Sometimes novel dilemmas can arise from mediocre stories with compelling characters, or stellarContinue reading “Book Review Time: Standard Deviation”
Book Review Time: Cassandra At The Wedding
Oh boy, was this an intriguing selection. Cassandra…found its way to me via the podcast, Backlisted. I’m quite pleased that it did. As is the case with fictional works that lean heavily on character study, the analysis within the pages, at times, becomes unnerving. As a reader, there is the edgy consciousness of the voyeur,Continue reading “Book Review Time: Cassandra At The Wedding”
Book Review Time: Memphis
(Warning: This novel contains subject matter that may be triggering for certain audiences.) Memphis, by Tara M. Stringfellow resonated with me on many levels. As an African-American woman with strong southern roots, the sights, sounds, and smells rendered by this debut novel prompted memories of my own childhood. Early mornings on summer vacations, sitting inContinue reading “Book Review Time: Memphis”
Book Review Time: Separation Anxiety
If you will, imagine this. Life is golden. You’ve written a successful children’s book. That book is adapted into a popular PBS tv series. You’re happily married to a complicated, but loving man. And you have a young child who absolutely adores you. Then fast-forward, several years. Things have changed. Life has begun to sour.Continue reading “Book Review Time: Separation Anxiety”
Book Review Time: Beautiful
One simple adjective can sum up the entirety of a book. Of an experience. With a plot richly textured, and characters explored in their absolute fullness, displaying humanity unvarnished, the novel, Beautiful, proves to be just that. Beautiful. This is the story of two brothers, born and raised in the Mexican village of Merida. Miguel,Continue reading “Book Review Time: Beautiful”
Book Review Time: The Editor
As Barbra Streisand sang so beautifully “People/ People who need…people/ Are the luc–.” Well there’s no need to recite (or in my case, sing) the whole verse. You know what I’m getting at. We need each other. And sometimes we need someone to just give us a chance. An opportunity to reveal our true potential.Continue reading “Book Review Time: The Editor”
Book Review Time: Ordinary People
Insightful realism collides with moments of the supernatural in this tale of relationships on the brink. In Ordinary People by Diana Evans, we are introduced to two couples: city-dwelling Londoners, Melissa and Michael; and long-time suburbanites, Stephanie and Damian. Each relationship has years of investment behind it, as well as, children in tow. And theContinue reading “Book Review Time: Ordinary People”