February Book (& Movie) Report

Looking back at the four books I read in February (the month Black History is observed here in the States), I realized that two of the books I thoroughly enjoyed were by black authors.

I have to be honest and say that I choose books to read for a variety of reasons: a friend's recommendation, a subject or storyline that interests me, it's the library book club selection, etc. However, I can't think of a time when I've chosen a book based on the author's nationality or ethnicity or race. So, it was just a nice coincidence that I read these particular books in February.

My sister actually mentioned that she was reading and enjoying Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes at the beginning of the year. Shonda Rhimes is the creator of Grey's Anatomy and several other very popular TV shows. In this book, she shares the story of how she decided to step out of her comfort zone and say "yes" to invitations and offers she would typically not accept. This was a really good read!

Shonda's decision to say "yes" to everything for one year literally changed her life. Not only did she attend a White House dinner and deliver a commencement address (among other things), she found the INSPIRATION to lose weight and get rid of toxic relationships and spend more time with her daughters. Her very unique voice makes this book a FUN read as she tells her (mostly) truthful story - she is a writer of fiction and makes up stories for a living after all! I definitely recommend this book (with the caveat that it has some four-letter words and adult content).

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore was the library book club selection for this month. This novel is about three friends who have been meeting at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat since they were juniors in high school in the 1960s. The story begins when these black women are older, their kids are grown and have moved away. We follow their current stories and learn their history through flashbacks in this very well-written book. The chapters alternate point of view as we learn about each of these characters.

Odette was born in a sycamore tree (literally) and is the bravest of the three, but she has recently begun to see ghosts (which adds some wonderful humor to the story) and has been diagnosed with cancer. She is married to James, a good man who loves and supports her through it all. Clarice was the first black baby born in the white hospital and is the first one to step up and take charge of any situation. Unfortunately, she has a philandering husband (like her father). Barbara Jean's mother was a woman of ill-repute and she was born on the sofa in a white teacher's home (because her mother was near the house when she  went into labor). As a teenager, Barbara Jean fell in love with a white boy, but she ends up marrying an older black man who is a wonderful husband to her. I highly recommend this engaging book!

In February, Robbie and I also went to see Black Panther, the newest movie set in the Marvel Universe. It was fabulous! (Of course, we are huge Marvel fans.) The movie is perfectly cast, and my favorite character was Shuri, Black Panther's sister, even before I saw the actress, Letitia Wright, share about her faith in God in this interview. I'm hoping this FUN and highly intelligent character will be appearing in future Marvel movies!

What books and movies did you enjoy in February?