July 2.0

This Is My America by Kim Johnson

In her debut novel, Kim Johnson is about to enter the list of vaunted YA authors circle who deal honestly on issues of race with American youth of today (think Jason Reynolds, Angie, Thomas, Nic Stone). Set in a small Texas town and the world of high school, the protagonist, Tracy Beaumont, is a burgeoning school journalist with a tight-knit family scarred by their past, and a father who has spent years on Death Row. When the editor of their school newspaper is found murdered, the entire ugly cauldron of racism, police violence towards Black people, and the prejudice found in the microcosm of school, all erupt as Tracy's brother runs for his life while she must find answers to save her family. I raced through this book, admiring the research put into it and the credible characters she creates. Highly highly recommend adding to your TBR list.

Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West

This debut novel seared itself into my soul, making me catch my breath and hang on for dear life as I lived vicariously through the characters trying to 'save' Ruby King. In the Chicago life of a young woman who has lost her mother to violence, this author looks for answers. Everyone has a story to tell - the best friends, the parent, the pastor, the victims, and even the physical building of the church (the audio was stunning!). We see how abuse does generational damage, how pain cannot be outrun by one's descendants, how secrets can fester and how truth washes one clean. This book made my heart ache, but it also make it grow three times the size. 

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

Who am I? Reading and loving a Rom-Com book?! But this audio book was so much fun! Samiah is a smart, sassy, driven professional who is a tech-world badass. However, when she discovers her current man is dating two other women, confronts him and becomes a social media viral star? Well, her life is just beginning. The other two women become best friends, the new hot guy at work is calling every pheromone, and woohee life gets hot and hilarious! The author deals with race in the workplace, sexism, and ambition in a really thoughtful manner while still giving us tons of laugher and romance. 

Deacon King King by James McBride

This book is the story of a neighborhood in Brooklyn. It tells of Deacon, who shoots Deems, whose drug dealer bosses get involved in revenge, who want the dock boss looking for buried treasure, who wants the policeman to back off, who meets the minister's wife...and the story of the 'hood goes around and around. This book is getting tons of pub and attention, and it is written beautifully, yet I did not love it. So many characters to keep track of, a verbose writing style, and a slow start. I did love the final third where all the strings are tied together in a rather fantastic fashion, but this book takes some quiet and time to thoroughly process, at least it did for me.

Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

This plot line rocks - main character, Beauregard, needs money to dam up the burgeoning financial hole in his family and professional life so he returns to his old criminal role as a getaway driver. Along with that decision comes an aggressive number of issues, piled one on top of the other: idiotic partners, a rebellious son, a reluctant wife, and ghosts from the past. This author deals with the issue of generational violence and lack of opportunities for a Black man in American society, giving us a rollercoaster ride of a book. 

When You Disappeared by John Marrs

Looking for a mystery/thriller you cannot put down this summer? This book has you covered! Premise: husband of Catherine, father to three young children, walks out of his house one day and disappears. Twenty-five years later, he knocks on his wife's door to explain. Yep, that's it. What a ride through the secrets of their lives, the travels, the hardships, the deaths, the loves...you won't be able to put this one down. Well constructed by a talented British  mystery writer, this book will entertain you!

Wandering in Strange Lands: A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots by Morgan Jenkins

In order to more deeply understand the system of racism in America today, it is vital to understand the history of the Black migration, the largest movement of humanity in modern history. Over the decades post-Civil War until 1970, millions of Black left the South and moved North. They brought their cultural traditions with them, the Jim Crow laws followed them, and the lack of justice haunted them. This book tells the story of Morgan Jerkin's family, which is the story of millions of people. We learn of the traditions of the Geechee islands of Georgia, the cane fields of Louisiana, the connections with indigenous people, and the 'promised' land of California. It is a painful history, yet one that needs to be heard. Highly recommend the audio of this one - it is fascinating.