Tayari's Blog: Book suggestions?
Posted by TayariJones on October 1, 2005 10:06 AM
Filed under
Bookshelf
If you look at my appearances pages, you'll see I have been traveling like a crazy woman. And all that travel means lots of time on airplanes, which means that I have read a lot of books. This is good as books are good, but it also means that my "to be read" shelf is running low. If you've read something good lately, let me know what it is. Meanwhile, I'll let you know what I've been looking at:
I just got The Believer Book of Writer Talking to Writers. They have reprinted my conversation with Chris Abani. There's also a good one with August Wilson, which is worth checking out because he is so brilliant, but also because he is so ill.
Angela Henry sent me a copy of her latest, The Company You Keep. It's a mystery. The sister-detective is Kendra and she is really delightful. I read it on the way to Atlanta.
James Whorton, Jr. sent me Frankland, which I really like b/c I used to live in Appalachia myself. (Yes, me. Black me. In Appalachia.)
Mr. Moody sneered, (albeit good-naturedly), but I also read Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen. It was pretty funny and Hilma W. assured me that I had nothing to be ashamed of.
I'm re-reading Push and Erasure for my class. My friend and colleague Tyehimba Jess has a great new petry book called, Leadbelly. It's a biography in verse. Read it even if you think you don't like poetry.
So what's on your shelf? What should I read next? And don't worry if it's an old book. I am not one of those bloggers than can only read what's in hardcover. (wink)
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There are 12 comments on "Book suggestions?". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
October 1, 2005 01:44 PM
Comment #2, by Natalia Genteel
Hi, Tayari
First, let me say that I really enjoy reading your blog. Second, a book--well, a play, actually--that I have recently enjoyed is "Intimate Apparel" by Lynn Nottage. It's a quick read, and I think you might like it. Keep up the good blogging.
Natalia
October 1, 2005 04:51 PM
Comment #3, by Ladylee
I know you're not a romance/relationship novel buff (neither am I) but I read a few books that were deeply thought provoking. A month ago, I read a book that skirted the same issue as you discussed in your book The Untelling, titled The Million Dollar Divorce by R.M. Johnson. (The issue was more central in your book, though.) R.M. Johnson's The Harris Men and The Harris Family were standouts also...
Also, Cheryln Michaels book, Counting Raindrops through a Stained Glass Window, was an exceptional relationship/family issue driven novel. It really made me think, and it still has me thinking. It shook me up emotionally...
John Grisham's The Last Juror is another good one... It was a good courtroom drama with racial undertones...Had a few black characters in it as well, and it had me all weepy!
In light of the Katrina Disaster, I went back and reread two of my all time favorite books, Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler (both books are written in diary style from a young black woman's point of view, sort of like The Diary of Anne Frank--but kicked up a few notches--see my September 6, 2005 post about it). Your writing style slightly reminds me of Butler's in some respects...
I have many more suggestions, (I read a book a week, whereas you seem to read a book a DAY!--go get yourself a T.V.,Tayari;)(LOL)), but those above are SOME of the ones that stood out for me this year...
October 1, 2005 07:31 PM
Comment #4, by yasmin
Hey Tayari--I read erasure and push years ago and loved both of them! Excellent reads! Recently I read and would definitely recommend any of the following books:
Freshwater Road by Denise Nicholas
They Tell Me of a Home by Daniel Black
The Tribe by Gregory Townes
Each of these books is creatively crafted, unique and wonderfully written by first time authors. I look forward to reading future releases from these talented authors!
October 1, 2005 08:55 PM
Comment #5, by Lauren Cerand
I have read two exceedingly "quirky" literary biographies in the last week: The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll: The Search for Dare Wright by Jean Nathan, and Like a Fiery Elephant: The Story of B.S. Johnson, by Jonathan Coe. While very different in their subject matter, both are definitely enjoyable, meaningfully poignant explorations of extraordinarily expressive and sometimes tragic creative lives. Really beautiful books, and great to read while traveling.
October 2, 2005 12:24 PM
Comment #6, by Jennifer
Thanks for another good suggestion. I re-read Push and enjoyed Erasure so much so that I convinced my book club to discuss it. It was hard to convince them but it was worth it. I am currently re-reading I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou. Also reading What Mama Taught Me, Tony Brown; Bloodline, Ernest Gaines. I'm waiting for Zelda Lockhart's, Cold Running Creek which is due this month.
October 3, 2005 01:12 PM
Comment #7, by Ruth
I have just finished one of the best books I've read this year "The Untelling" and I strongly suggest it to anyone that love good story telling. The writing remind me of my favorite author J. California Cooper. It is a simple story but very well told. It is of secrets and family and what secrets can do to your life and your relationships with those you care about and those you keep your secrets from. I look forward to the author's next rendering.
October 6, 2005 11:07 AM
Comment #8, by mia
i'm reading a.l. Kennedy's: PARADISE right now and quite enjoy it.
Another one that is lying around here is Ben Marcus': NOTABLE AMERICAN WOMEN.
I like experimental prose and novels with an emphasis on language.
I just discovered your blog and enjoy reading your entries.
mia
October 10, 2005 01:10 PM
Comment #9, by terry Ventgen
I recommend Daniel Alarcón's "War by Candlelight" and Craig Lesley's "Burning Fences"
October 10, 2005 05:50 PM
Comment #10, by Tammee
Martha Southgate's "The Fall of Rome", Mosley's "Cinnamon Kiss"(both really good) and starting Chang-rae Lee's "Native Speaker"
October 13, 2005 04:34 PM
Comment #11, by Danielle
Hello Tayari,
I just finished reading "Dreams from My father: A Story of Race and Inheritance" by Barack Obama. Truly an excellent book.
I am now in the process of reading "The Power of a Praying Woman" by Stormie Omartian. This book reminds me to keep God first in all that I do, and to remember that the enemy is never to far away. By remaining obedient, prayerful, and faithful, the enemy will never survive! Amen to that!
November 13, 2005 09:20 PM
Comment #12, by Cie
I came across a book called SHELTERED DELIVERANCE, actually it was a gift for Christmas. I've never of the author (E. Claudette Creative) so she must be new - but doesn't matter, this book was unbelievable. It is about this reporter who becomes obsessed with uncovering a story after she has a series of nightmares. Turns out the nightmares are about a cult. It is almost frightening how she uncovers how sex and violence were the normal habits of this preacher. The images are vivid. She has a real comfortable story telling style. I guess it would classified Christian fiction; but I think it's just good writing about stuff in church. I've been meaning to Google her and see what else I can find out. If you know anything about her - please post it on your blog.
January 7, 2006 09:52 AM