Becoming by Michelle Obama (book review)

"Becoming" by Michelle Obama (Amazon)

 

Goodreads Rating: 4.69 stars

My Rating: 5 stars

Everyone is entitled to and should share their story with others. I love sharing my story with others and enjoy hearing others share their story with me. Don't ask me why I don't read many autobiographies or memoirs.  But after reading this, I will begin to read more.  

I requested this book for Christmas, in hopes to start a new tradition of receiving books as gifts.  I am so grateful that I have received it! It was a great read to start for the new year. 

"Becoming", is not only a snapshot of who Michelle Obama is, but it is a book full of her life stories and lessons she has learned during her lifetime. Her family, her childhood, her educational experiences, the people she met and encountered, the places she has been, and the tasks she wanted to accomplish, helped in her becoming. 

The life lessons that she was taught along her lifetime are ones that we can benefit from.  Lessons that prove that growing up is infinite.  We don't stop becoming!  Lessons that we don't need to prove anything to anyone but ourselves.  Lessons that if we first fix ourselves than we can fix relationships with others. 

 

I understand why this book has been the #1 Bestseller.  The writing is flawless, clear, and easy to understand.  This book was very relatable and you can sense Mrs. Obama is very down to earth. 

 

I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone, despite your political affiliation.  This book does not promote any political side, nor does it share negative thoughts about the current government administration.  If you need a good book that will make you laugh, smile, cry, and feel encouraged, please give this book a chance.  You will not be disappointed.

 

I was not compensated in any way for this review.  This is my honest opinion, nor am I sharing my political views with this review.

New Year, New Goals

I know that the month of January is almost over, and I know that I am late and a dollar short to sharing this post.  But better late than never, right?  Since my last post regarding my fall TBR, I took some time to read and reflect about my reading goals.

I enjoy reading, however at times I feel pressured to read a lot.  With book blogging, book reviewing, booktube, and other social media outlets that promote reading, I feel obligated to read, and to read certain types of books.  The pressure and guilt that I have felt has made me reevaluate my reading goals.  I don't want to feel pressure to read all the time (even though I do), and I don't want to feel guilty if I am not posting about what books that I am reading.  I would love to keep this blog as a book blog, however I have read several books over the past couple of weeks that have challenged my thinking about the world.  If you can look into my draft folder, I have many posts that I started, but never finished.  Few of them were not book related.  I am done trying to fit in and comparing myself to others.  There is so much that I have to say, whether it is about books or not.  But I want to be an encouragement to others.  If that means to encourage them in life or reading.

With this new year, I am throwing out the thoughts of comparisons and doubt and picking up thoughts of  confidence. 

With the new year, my reading goals are as following:

 

read more diverse books (especially works written by and about African Americans or people of color)

 

read more YA material that I can share with my children

 

read 1 classic a month

 

read 24 books this year (goal to read 2 a month)

 

recap or blog books that have been read

 

 

With the new year, my blogging goals are as following:

 

blog as often and stay consistent

 

throw out the idea to fit in

 

don't be afraid to blog about real life and stay true to myself, values, and morals

I know that the month of January is almost over, but have you made goals for this year?  The can be regarding your personal life, work life, or hobbies?  I pray that whatever goals that you have created for yourself, that you are able to smash them.  If you haven't made any goals, why? Never be afraid to wish for something and work towards it! 

Fall TBR

2 Years ago after our weekly library trip

The air is getting cooler, the leaves are changing color, and the days are getting shorter.  More time is spent inside than outside, so grabbing a good book and a hot drink seems be the "go to" during this new change of weather. 




My children will be the first to say that, I get excited when I see cool and cloudy weather.  Especially when it occurs on the weekend.  I would light a candle or my Scentsy warmer, fill my crock pot with Chili, make a pot of coffee, and lay on the couch with my book. 

Even though the fall season has begun back in September, it is perfect timing to share my fall TBR.  I love to read mysteries during this time, despite celebrating Halloween.  But this TBR is a mix of books that I wanted to read, but never got a chance to read them.


1. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
2. Coming of Angels by M.J. Banks
3. The Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
4. Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes
5. The First Love by Beverly Lewis
6. The Widows by Jess Montgomery     (this is an ARC)

I will be posting updates with my reviews of these books, and other if I have a chance to finish this small list. 

My question to all.  If you love to read, what season do you enjoy reading?  I love fall because of the cool weather and drinking hot drinks, however the summer season to me is the best.  I love not having a strict schedule and more time to read.  I also love when the kids are in the pool, it is some sort of sensory thing to have feet in sand, book in hand, and the smell of sunscreen.  Do not question my sanity.  I know that I am weird. 

Anyways, there are books to read and coffee to drink!

Happy Reading!

Booktubeathon 2018

The books that I will be reading for Booktubeathon will be:

"Here After" by Kate Brian

"How my Bookclub got arrested"  by Leslie O'Kanen

"Matilda" by Roald Dahl

"The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer

"Playground" by 50 cent

"The Ditchdigger's Daughters" by Yvonne Thornton

"Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina Garcia

 So the day has arrived for the start of "Booktube thon 2018".  If you are unaware of what this is, please check out this video. I love the booktube community and I love  what they are doing in the literary world, so I had to join in on the fun this year.  

 

By participating in Booktubeathon, there are 7 challenges to complete in order to receive the accomplished status of Booktubeathon warrior.  Many readers are participating all over the world to read 7 books this week.  Would you like to be one of them?  If so, I will be joining you and others as we tackle this crazy, but exciting week of reading.

 

Here are the challenges!

1. Have a coin toss decide your first read

2. read a book about something you want to do

3. read and watch a book to movie adaptation

4. read a book with green on the cover

5. read a book while wearing the same hat the whole time

6. read a book with a beautiful spine

7. read 7 books! 

 

 

Here are a few of my favorite youtubers with their TBR for the booktubeathon!

 

Booktubeathon 2018

Naya Reads and Smiles

Hailey In Bookland

 

 

 

Please join in the fun and ofcourse, Happy Reading!

 

 



The Road Home review

"The Road Home" by Beverly Lewis
Series: not included in any series
Pages: 316
My Ratings: 3 stars
Goodread ratings: 4.38 stars

Back of the Book:
As the sun began to rise, Lena Rose leaned against the cool pane of the bus window and gazed out at the familiar landscape of her life.  I'm leaving my family and everything I know behind.  She sighed, trying to keep her composure.  Grieving the death of her Amish parents and the separation from her nine close-knit siblings, Lena Rose Schwartz consoles herself that her new life in Lancaster County won't be forever.  Surely someday soon she will return to her beloved Michigan settlement, including her beau.  But even as she holds on to hope for a reunion with those she loves most, she discovers that Lancaster holds charms of its own.  Will she find the courage to open her heart to other possibilities?

My Thoughts:
Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres to read.  I long to escape the reality of city life at times to find myself in the Amish country life. So accepting to read Beverly Lewis's book was a no brainer.  Despite Amish fiction being a favorite to read, I was slightly disappointed with this read. I enjoy reading many books written by Beverly Lewis, however I felt as though this book and several of her recent books that were written, has been her best.  Even though the storyline was great and encouraging, I had a hard time starting this book.  Honestly, I had to set the book down twice because I felt bored. Even though the story begins with a tragedy, it didn't inspire me to read on.  Maybe it was because of one of my own moods, or a lack of desire to read, however I couldn't get past the first few chapters. 

Even though I had a hard time starting this book, once I got over the hump, I was able to finish the book.  Due to the family in the story having a tragedy, their faith kept them going with life, which held my interest in finding out what will happen at the end of the story.  The message that repeats throughout the story is "to have faith and trust in God".  The main character Lena, goes through a series of friendships and trust issues that stem from the tragedy in her family.  Her feelings about life are relatable and understandable.  The Amish faith and their way of life is often viewed as having it all together and full of faith.  As "Englishers" (what the Amish call us), we look to them as examples of being devoted to their faith.  To see Lena in the story struggle with her faith in the story is an encouragement to those whom may find themselves trying to come to grips with tragedies that happen in their lives. 

Despite the low rating and a slow start to the book, it was an easy and fun read.  There is limited Amish dialect to pronounce in the story and the story is easy to follow.  This book is considered Christian fiction, which includes Bible scriptures, prayers, and Christian views on life.  The is romance among some of the characters in the story, but it is limited to kissing, hand holding, courtships, and dating. 

Would I read another Amish fiction book again? YES!  Would I read another Beverly Lewis book again? YES!! However I prefer her book series since I can understand and follow the characters in the story. 


This review is based on my honest opinion and was not monetary compensated for my review, and because of my hones review I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 

The Hate U Give book review

 

Buy it here

 

My rating: 5 stars

Goodreads rating: 4.62 stars

 

 

Inside Cover: Sixteen-Year-Old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor black neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends.  The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer.  Khalil was unarmed.  Soon afterward, Khalil's death is a national headline.  Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger.  Starr's best friend at school suggests he may have had it coming.  When it becomes clear the police have little interest in investigating the incident, protestors take to the streets and Starr's neighborhood becomes a war zone.  What everyone wants to know is: What really went down that night?  And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.  But what Starr does or does not say could destroy her community.  It could also endanger her life. 

 

 

"T-H-U-G L-I-F-E, The Hate U Give Little Infants F*** Everybody, meaning what society gives us as youth, it bites them in the but when we wild out."  Tupac

 

My Thoughts:

WOW!  Imagine a picture of someone with their mouth open wide, well that is my response.  With all the racial tension in this country, this book spelled out true emotions regarding this hard topic.  The main character, Starr Carter is me when I was 16.  I grew up in the city where life was/is hard.  Where violence, drug dealing, gangs, and drama was or is still a problem.  Where children grow up in a lifestyle where it is hard to get out of.  Starr knows what life is like in both worlds and switches her specific persona with each location.  Once both worlds are combined, Starr is unsure how to be herself.  The emotions described from the characters in the books, especially of the main character are pure, honest, and real.  If you have never witnessed a police shooting or someone being killed especially at a young age, the author clearly defines how it can affect you mentally and emotionally. 

 

I recommend everyone to read this book.  White, black. Rich, poor.  City dweller or suburban resident.  Democrat, Republican. EVERYONE!  Our country is plagued by hate and violence therefore talking with those who seem different from us is hard.  We have opinions that we love to share but often lack respect.  This book will put you in perspective of those who are victims of gun violence, police brutality and poverty.  If you need great, urban read with Tupac quotes and young adult slang, this book is for you.  If you are looking for a book that makes you think of other people than yourself, this book is for you.  If you stand against racial discrimination and police brutality, this book is for you. 



Fall TBR 2017

It has been rainy and cool for the past couple of days, so with Labor Day in the rear view mirror, the Fall season seems to have started a few weeks earlier.  I am eager to enjoy the fall season with great books while wrapped up in a blanket and sipping on hot tea or coffee. 

Each month since the beginning of the year, I would create a TBR list of books that I would like to read during the month.  However, I would either forget to read the books or read other books and neglect the books on the list.  So after thinking about how to create my TBR's, I have decided to create seasonal TBR's.  Each season is about 3 months which gives me time to read all of my books and add new ones. 

My Fall TBR includes:

1 "The Coldest Winter Ever" - Sister Souljah

2 "The New Jim Crow" - Michelle Alexander

3 "Fatal Trust" -Todd Johnson

4 "The Proving" - Beverly Lewis

5 "Everything, Everything" - Nicola Yoon

6 Black and Blue

7 "Uninvited"-Lysa Terkeurst

8 "Coming of Angels" - MJ Banks

I know there are many great book releases this fall, so I am excited to see which book I grab to read.  If you have a TBR list or a list of books that you would like to read.  Comment and share!! I love to see what others are reading or planning to read.