My Week in Books {7/1/20}

Before moving onto some #minibookreviews, here are some recent posts:

• June 2020 Reading Wrap-Up
• My Week in Books {6/24/20}
• My Week in Books {6/17/20}

What have you been reading (and loving) this week?

Last Week’s Reads:

📖 How to Be an Antiracist by: Ibram X. Kendi

There isn’t a single doubt in my mind that every single person should read this book. Not just white people, but all races, all cultures, all of humanity. It’s important and it’s educational and it could really be the spark the world needs for change for the betterment of humankind. At the very least, this should be a part of every single high school curriculum across the United States.

The chapters are broken down into different aspects of racism, and what makes it particularly powerful is how Kendi provides personal accounts of his experiences that not only emphasizes the point, but also shows the reader that Kendi isn’t perfect in his journey to anti-racism either. It demonstrates that we’ll make mistakes as we navigate through this new territory but that that shouldn’t be a deterrent to learning and doing better.

Kendi is clearly well-educated and intelligent. He has a wealth of information that he has willingly offered to the world and I am grateful to have found his work. Unfortunately, there were times where I felt way in over my head…I know there is so much I may have missed despite the notes and highlights I made throughout the book. This would be a wonderful book to tackle with a book club because the conversations it would start would be incredibly valuable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📱 *** Majesty (American Royals, #2) by: Katharine McGee

This is the second book in the American Royals series, and if you enjoyed the first one, then pre-order this book (pub date: September 1, 2020) now!

American Royals ended on a total cliffhanger and Majesty picks up right where it lets off, and dare I say that Majesty is even better than American Royals?!?! As Princess Beatrice transitions to Queen, from young woman to woman, from second-in-command to commander, I was quickly immersed back into the alternate history of American Royalty that McGee so masterfully created. Not only is Bee’s transformation a central point of the story, but McGee further develops the other characters in this book: Jefferson, Samantha, Nina, Everett, and Daphne. I can’t wait to read the next installment! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Saving Ruby King by: Catherine Adel West

Some of my best recommendations come from Stacey (@Prose_and_Palate) so when she mentioned this one on her stories, I sought it out immediately. Since then, two more of my most trusted recommendation sources (Sarah and Susie) have also read it and loved it, so suffice it to say, I’m excited for this one!

It’s a debut novel and I was blown away!! The writing is lyrical…I read this book so slowly because I truly wanted to savor West’s beautiful writing. I can’t say enough good things about this book…I was deeply touched by the depth of each of the characters, how lies and secrets continually shook up these two families and affected several generations, and the life-changing strength a loyal friend can be for someone. Get this book immediately and read it!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

📱 Allegedly by: Tiffany D. Jackson

I finally got to this book that’s been on my TBR for awhile now and I’m mad I waited so long! Jackson created a story that grabbed me from the first page. It totally reminded me of Darling Rose Gold, but Allegedly is SO MUCH BETTER! My only complaint is that I found the ending was a little messy and a lot underwhelming. But leading up to that point…I could not put it down! This is a book that’s great to add to your Black authors/current events list, I will have a soft spot for Mary for a long time to come! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(Also, P.S. Jackson has a new book coming out on September 15, 2020 called Grown. I’m pre-ordering now!)

Currently Reading:

📖 Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by: Ibram X. Kendi

There’s a huge read along happening on #bookstagram and I’m behind, but I intend to try to get caught up quickly!

📱 *** The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by: Grady Hendrix

Can’t wait for this book…the synopsis is intriguing and I’ve read some intriguing (and some problematic) reviews.

(#partner #freebooks: All books noted by asterisks (***) indicate I received the book for free from the publisher, the author, or another promotional company to review. All opinions are my own.)