Not Reading What I Said I Would.

There is a need to change the list on the right side of this blog. 

It has been changed.

Some books were removed and some were added.

It may change again because it has become a working list.

There was a list put together at the beginning of the year, but you see, people are always trying to lead me into temptation and when it comes to books I generally follow. I have been distracted for the last ten years and I never read what I am supposed to.  Rather I read whatever I feel like at the moment.  As a result, I have read many many books not on the list.

And am I the only one who reads several books at once?  I just can't help myself; there is so much good stuff out there.

One of the novels I'm rereading is Julie Dash's Daughters Of The Dust.  (wasn't on original list)  It is the story of the Peazants, a family of former slaves who lived on a island off the Atlantic coast of South Carolina.  Part of the family migrates to the north, much like my family.   One of the themes in the story appears to be the loss of family culture due to being away from it while trying to survive in a new and demanding place.  This book reminds me of how I feel when I hear my family's Alabama southern accent with my northern ears.  To me they speak too slow, and they sound "country."  In fact, when I first heard it I thought some of them had a speech impediment. And yet they are a part of me.  I needed to read this book again.

I read The Big Fight by Ray Leonard with Michael Arkush.  I am usually not a violent woman, but I really enjoyed learning something about boxing strategy.  According to Leonard, you have to study an opponent's weaknesses and exploit them the best you can while pacing yourself.  I think many of Ray Leonard's boxing matches are on Youtube, but I cannot bear to see him do what he wrote about.  Fortunately, the book is well written and accessible, no blood or sweat included.

A few days ago I finished The Other Barack: The Bold And Reckless Life of President Obama's Father by Sally H. Jacobs.  This biography is clearly written and well researched.  The book sheds a light on Barack Obama's marriages, excessive drinking, job losses and god-given brilliance.  Also there is some information on colonialism, the Pan African movement, and Kenyan history.  I honestly don't see how the author was able to finish this book in just a few years.

So what are the right books to read?  There are so many bestseller, college, and classic lists on the internet.  Everyone has their favorites; you like what you like and you need what you need.  You won't necessary like or need what I do.  Me: I try something new and sometimes am surprised I liked it.  I just want everyone to read something sometimes, slowly or quickly, then think about what it means to your every day life.