Highlights from Our Meetings
March/2008 February/2008 January 2008 December/2007 November/2007 October/2007 September/2007 August/2007 July/2007 June/2007 May/2008 April/2008
Thanks to Tamika and Yvette (there in spirit) for hosting this month’s meeting. We were able to partake in a genuine Easter Dinner, since some of us had to be content with Barbecue from a restaurant.
When Somebody Loves You Back by Mary B. Morrison garnered a 3.4 on a scale of (1-5). This book received mixed reviews from the members. You either liked or your didn’t. Those who are true followers of this series were fond of the story, while others found the story chaotic and unrealistic. With a host of characters with varying degrees of drama accompanying their storyline, you have to know these characters early on to appreciate their presence in this book. The defining message from the book was we are all sinners, but we all have the heart to love.
Business: Not much business was discussed. Those in attendance completed the final ballot for our books for next year. Those who were unable to attend and would like to vote, please contact me. Next month is our annual business meeting so all members should plan to attend. Things to think about: Hosting, fundraisers, community service projects and other bonding occasions for the book club. We also discussed our Slumber Party/Book Club Meeting/Bridal shower/Spa/Stripper day scheduled for June 21, 2008. We will look at the services offered at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa hopefully at April’s meeting. Congratulations to Yvette on the birth of her daughter, Kennedi Jordyn on March 11, 2008 at 3:32 a.m., weighing 6lbs 12 oz and 20 inches long! Indi won this month’s game. Bernita ended this month’s meeting with a special blessing. Imani!
Thanks for Valerie, Eris and Mary hosting this month’s meeting and everyone who brought the side items. Although there were no guests, we ate good.
Love and Lies by Kimberla Lawson Roby garnered a 4 on a scale of (1-4). This was a quick read that ended happily, but had you wondering what happens next. Those familiar with the Reverend Curtis Black were most excited about catching up with this all true persona of a man of the cloth. Those who have never read about the illicit Reverend, were still able to read this book and enjoy the drama and engaging plot. A few of us were not happy with the way Marissa’s situation in the end was handled. All we know is Karma is something else.
Business: Indi, our Activities Coordinator, gave us a list of events coming up in the next week regarding Black History celebrations. The Walk of Life is April 19, 2008, those who want to sponsor Carver High School may contact Bernita. Ya’ll kids are brilliant in plays, running for kings of their classes and such. Alrighty then! We ended our meeting with a benediction prayer by Bernita.
Thanks go out to Indi and Renita for hosting this month’s meeting. We had a great turnout for this month’s book discussion.
Thug-A-Licious by Noire garnered a 3.5 on a scale of (1-5). If you are a fan of urban fiction, you will enjoy this story. Andre Williams is a man who has the opportunity to improve upon his life, but he is a product of his street life and he cannot leave the past behind especially because of family, lovers and a host of children. Noire did a good job in member’s opinion with the character development and displayed a large of amount of realism especially with the graphic depictions. However, there were a number of us who found the book initially boring. One message to gain from the story was failure is not final.
Business: After careful thought, I stated we would not bring in new members this year due to our planning our 10 year anniversary and whether we still have the same members now or in 2009, I want to keep the group as is as we make these preparations. I also thought about the awkwardness of bringing new members when we are planning such a large venture. Um, all your children were on the honor roll. What? I couldn’t keep up with all the names so I am saying they are all brilliant. Congratulations to Valerie on her engagement. Um, she wrote you whole Editor’s note about. Something ya’ll don’t know is Cynthia is doing things. She is a member of the Buffalo Soldier’s Bike Club. Finally, February is our family and friend’s meeting. I am asking that you only invite folks you know and not random people who you are not familiar with. If you didn’t sign up for a dish, Valerie and I need to know because we want to make sure we have enough food for everyone. This is a BYOB affair meaning bring your own bottle. No paper products are needed for this meeting, so that is not a sign up item. The hosts are providing the meat and members are providing the side items, which includes desserts. Bernita ended our meeting with a benediction prayer. Imani!
Since I hosted December’s meeting, I don’t have much to say about it except I was organized in chaos enough to have everything done on time. Not sure why some of you thought I wouldn’t follow through is beyond me, because if I am nothing it is the keeper of my word. I just didn’t have the energy of the spirit of Christmas in me to put lights outside in the rainy weather.
Every Woman Needs A Wife by Naleighna Kai garnered a 3 on a scale of (1-5). This was a story many of our book club members found too unbelievable. They really could not accept the premise of a woman teaching her husband a lesson by hiring his mistress. Although there were some laugh out loud moments, there were two back stories that were if they had been done as separate stories, would have been better for several of the Imani Sisters. The character development was well done, but the flashbacks were distracting and at times disrupted the flow of the novel. Even with the differing opinions about this book, the discussion on a book club level was thorough. We were able to discuss infidelity, trust and forgiveness.
Business: Very little business to discuss. The next few months there will be very little in business to discuss. Syllabus nomination ballots were done and over the next few months we will be completing that task as we gear up for our 9th year. A thank you note was passed around for members to read from Seressia Glass and an apology from BAM. Members read In the Bed with Her Boss by Brenda Jackson and Soul City by Toure. Members exchanged Christmas gifts and immersed themselves in the spirit of Christmas. We ended with a soulful benediction prayer. Imani!
Dabbo’s proved to be a wonderful choice for this year’s restaurant meeting. It had the cozy atmosphere for a meaningful discussion and the cuisine to sate one’s palate.
Betsey Brown by Ntozake Shange garnered a 3.5 on a scale of (1-5). This quick read garnered varying degrees of mixed reviews from our members, with several members not liking the ending. Shange used the historical time period to have one think about integration, racism, intra-racism and standards of beauty. By using Betsey as a focal point, readers are given a front row seat to the effects of integration. One thing for sure is that integration changed the black community and we are not quite sure if it was for the better.
Business: Not much business was discussed because we were still in the winding down phase from our literary event. I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their participation and commitment in making this an event that is still talked about. Kudos to each of you. Tameka’s son has chosen to attend FAMU. And to Yvette, congratulations on your pregnancy. I guess we should put a disclaimer on applications about pregnancy is almost guaranteed! This was a good meeting and thanks to all who attended.
A Sin and A Shame by Victoria Christopher Murray garnered a 3.7 on a scale of (1-5). Those who were wondering what happened to Jasmine after reading Temptation, got to see she was still up to her scheming and delusional ways. She is one villian who is willing to go to outrages means to get what she wants. Jasmine says she is a “Christian” since she goes to church and all, but her actions say something devoid of Christianity. All Jasmine scheming finds her falling in love with Hosea, but her old carnal ways threaten to derail the possibility of true happiness. Although not our favorite Murray novel, it still garnered high praise, although at times the story was slow it still maintained strong character development and wasn’t too preachy. Members remarked this story follows the bible story of Hosea.
Business: The event is right around the corner. We discussed the final details of the event. We finally have a book vendor, Books-A-Million; thank goodness because it was getting to be a real issue. Author’s gifts and guest gifts have been purchased. We have a photographer, printer for the program and agreed on themed baskets as door prizes. Our decoration committee consists of Bernita, Indi, Renita and Cashana. Further info regarding the event will be in the cover letter. We also had our last fundraiser, Fish Fry and we earned $404.97, which was not quite our goal but better than expected. It does mean a cut back in things for the event, but the occasion will still be nice. Our next meeting will be at Dabbo’s Prime Steak and Seafood off Vaughn Road. A menu is in your newsletter. Our reservations are for 6 p.m. and please try to be on time, in real talk everyone lets get there at 6:30 p.m. Congratulations to Indi’s daughter for making homecoming court. Thanks to Vicki and Eris for hosting our meeting. Bernita ended our meeting with a nice benediction prayer. Imani!
Forgivin’ Ain’t Forgivin’by Mata Elliot garnered 3.4 on a scale of (1-5). This is a Christian novel in the true sense of the word, with scripture references and reminders of what would Jesus do thought processes. The characters, although quite a few of them, were well-developed but over all the book was too long, very preachy and too detail as we say in our meetings, too much verbage. Members found the issues regarding the “flesh” to be very realistic, but they wished they were able to witness Cassidy’s character growing and garnering self-esteem.
Business: We spent quite a bit of time go over the literary event in November. We also discussed the fish fry on October 20th. Members are reminded they must bring their items to the next meeting or get them to a member by that time so we will have all items ready to go the day of the fish fry. Tickets were signed for and members must turn in the money for the tickets or the tickets on the day of the fish fry. Remember ladies this is the last fundraiser for the event. Right now we are working $1207.35 budget and we need the funds. I am already using my own money for this event, so even if you are unable to be at the fish fry, we need you to sell your tickets. We will be doing committees and final prep discussions at the next meeting for the event. If you were to follow up on items such as photographer, decoration items, book vendor etc. please be prepared to discuss on the 13th. We also discussed the Jena 6 situation as well as Tyra’s Town, which dealt with racism and preconceived notions regarding race relations. For those not in attendance, you missed a very good meeting.
Thanks to Indi for hosting our meeting this month and to each of you who brought a dish for us to enjoy.
5 Minutes and 42 Seconds garnered a 3.3 on a scale of (1-5). This was a read with for some an unsatisfying ending. The author gave readers a group of characters that were flawed and living in a questionable manner. With the backdrop of drugs this story was more than the time it took to get rid of the drugs should the police raid the main character’s home. Williams dealt with love from differing perspectives and dynamics and allowed readers to delve into their dysfunction with hopes of redemption. I just wish I had a better ending. Even with this issue the story was well-written.
Business: We had a lot of business this month. For the sake of space, I’ll put the important information regarding The Imani Book Club presents…An Evening With Authors in the cover letter. We currently have 10 authors confirmed and they should all be listed on the website when you receive this newsletter. We will have one last fundraiser for the event on October 20, 2007. This fish fry will be a more coordinated effort than the last few times. We will sign up for items at September’s meeting and will have them to our venue or brought to the meeting on October 13. Members who are able to participate will need to be at the venue at 9:00 am in order for items to be ready for the first sale at 10:00 am. Tickets & Flyers will be ready at the September meeting. I know several of you have prior obligations and will not be able to attend, but we really need everyone to sell as many tickets as they can. This event will need everyone’s participation, because I want us all to be able to relish in the hard work we put into making this event happen and see the fruits of our labor on November 10, 2007. We owe it to ourselves and the authors and the community who will attend. Congratulations to Indi’s daughter whose daughter is an apprentice for the Alabama Dance Theatre and will participate in this year’s performance of the Nutcracker. Congratulations to all of you and your children, because you are making each other proud. Imani!
Thanks to Cynthia and Sheryl for hosting our meeting and providing this one particular hungry soul with some good eats.
I Say A Little Prayer by E. Lynn Harris garnered a 4.1 on a scale of (1-5). Harris created a quick read with well-developed characters who gave a realistic portrayal of homosexuality and the issues surrounding the church. He dealt with the issues in a fashion to allow readers to see both sides of the equation and allowing his message to be heard. Even allowing readers to see that even if a parent supports you, it doesn’t mean they agree with your decisions or lifestyle, but they still can love you. No sin is greater than any other sin and sometimes all we can do is say a little prayer. I found one thing notable in the story was the question of where do gays go to worship when they love the Lord? Think about it.
Business:
At the time of the
meeting we still had not found a location for our literary event in November.
By now everyone should know we will have the event at Pete Peterson’s Lodge.
Next month we must really get down to planning and organizing because we have 3
full months to have this event ready to go. We are still unable to give full
accounting from the Party Fundraiser and as soon as all the money is turned in,
we will do so. Dues must be paid by August, unless arrangements have been
made. We also discussed having our meeting at a local art gallery, but decided
we would look at doing that at our Family & Friend’s meeting. The Darkest
Child was mention as a wonderful read, this is the second endorsement.
Insatiable by Heather Hunter was also a juicy read and Cupcake Brown’s
Memoir was good as well. Congratulations to our members whose children made
the Honor Roll. Renita proudly showed off her new weight loss. Also, several
members went to New Orleans for the Essence festival and it is sad to say that
although some areas have been built up (tourist), there are places still is
disrepair almost 2 years after Hurricane Katrina. Why want our country rebuild
This month we had a casual meeting at the Residence Inn for our annual slumber party. We enjoyed a relaxed meeting discussing the fundraiser and our reading assignment. Ya’ll missed Player’s Club, Mahogany and Best Man for those absent.
Vicious by Brandon Massey garnered a 4.0 on a scale of (1-5). The words to describe Massey’s book were that it was well-written, suspenseful, and movie-worthy with vivid imagery. Although we all pretty much enjoyed this read some of us were left feeling the ending needed more of a closure. The overall suspenseful nature and the believability of the novel kept the pace moving meaning it was a quick, but enjoyable read. Some of us will never look at dogs and long road trips the same again, and let’s not forget members who refused to read the story at night. I didn’t think it was as scary as his previous works, but I enjoyed Massey’s ability to make you scared. Kym our main character learned a valuable lesson and the message resonated to our members that life is too short not to follow your dreams, but um, beware of your dreams!
Business: We discussed the fundraising party and I was complimentary on
everyone’s effort to try and sell their tickets and the fact they all seemed to
enjoy the party. If you haven’t turned in your ticket money do so by July 13th
or email Bernita with your total to be turned in at the July meeting. We need
to have an accounting for the event by July’s meeting to determine venue, date
and the type of authors we will get for this event. FYI, the
This month’s meeting took place at Dabbo’s. We had a room to ourselves and had a wonderful waitress, who made the experience enjoyable.
Casanegra by Blair Underwood, Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due garnered a 4.4 on a scale of (1-5). Although for some members the story began slowly, most of us found it to be a wonderfully written suspense novel that kept you guessing until the very end. With a hero most of us would sop up with a biscuit, the characters displayed realness and the storyline was rich with diverse themes. Readers were given a glimpse into the Hollywood lifestyle and the underbelly of law enforcement. There were some clever moments and juicy romantic scenes. Without giving away too much, know the main character, Tennyson, comes full circle.
Business: We will discuss goals and future fundraising ideas at July’s meeting. In June we will have a Spa/slumber party/bridal shower. If you haven’t informed Indi of your spa services, at this time it is too late. We are asking that all members converge at the Renaissance by noon. This is a bonding event as well. Everyone who attends must bring a minimum of $20 to cover food, stripper etc. The book club can cover the room, but there are no funds for anything else. You are welcome to bring your own snacks as well as alcohol. There will be a few guests at this event, but we will have a book discussion. No business will be done at this meeting. Congratulations on your children’s successes and family members’ promotions etc. What? I can’t read my writing and I am not going to leave anyone out, so this was the best way to do it. Bernita closed with our benediction prayer offering hope for the graduates and each other. Imani!
Javonda and Bernita cooked for us ya’ll and it was delicious. I mean we had a full meal. Even if some of us got lost trying to get to the meeting.
My Husband’s Girlfriend garnered a 2.4 on a scale of (1-5). We had a good discussion on the issues and themes brought out in this story. One good question was could one love somebody more than themselves in order to have that other person’s needs met. Basically, most of us could agree we must love ourselves first and not do anything we would feel uncomfortable doing or compromise our values. There was also a discussion whether this was a Contemporary fiction or Christian fiction. Although, I personally stated this story and the way it is written would not fall within the Christian fiction genre for varying reasons, members felt the religious theme throughout the story gave the story that Christian fiction feel. Here is the author’s response: “Hey Cashana, It's good to hear from you. Wow! I really like your question. No one has ever asked me that before. MHG is definitely not Christian fiction. It falls under contemporary fiction. …” For members the pacing was slow and the storyline questionable, however, the writing was solid.
Business: This was our annual business meeting and we took short work of finishing our business discussions. Dues of $35 must be paid by August 2008. Folks signed up to host meetings. Angela Benson will be joining us for the discussion of the Amen Sisters; hopefully I’ll have a date by next meeting. We will no longer send out birthday cards, they will be done electronically by Bernita. Goals will be discussed at a later meeting. We discussed our upcoming Spa/bridal shower/slumber party meeting. Members signed up for spa services and if you haven’t please get with Indi ASAP. This event is an all day bonding event and a celebration of our Imani Sister’s upcoming nuptials. Members are asked to bring $20 for the June meeting to cover food and other incidentals (smiling). Members who had perfect attendance were recognized. With a prayer of benediction we were able to conclude our meeting! Imani!