What Book[s] Are You Currently Reading?

[sansradio]

Thought I'd start an analogous thread to the one about songs...mine is Imperfect Bliss by Susan Fales-Hill. What about you?

[arr&bee]

Once upon a time there were three...[umm never mind]!!!

[PeaceNHarmony]

'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt, the 'big novel' of 2014, and it's sublime.

[jobeterob]

The Goldfinch drove me nuts for being pretty slow.

I'm reading Motown: The Sound of Young America by Adam White is it?, with Barney Ales and a forward by Andrew Oldham.

I'm surprised how few fans on here appeared to read it. It is like a Motown Bible - but it doesn't have any of the crap about group members whining about lead singer and it has none of the gossip. But it has some fairly harsh facts that not all the fans would like to hear. And a lot about Motown's white staff vs. black staff, all presented very matter of factly. And a lot about how crappy it was after Berry went to Los Angeles and how they went through Presidents, some of whom weren't well regarded - like Ewart Abner??

[arr&bee]

Believing in magic-cookie johnson.

[lakeside]

'The Story of Edgar Sawtell"....http://www.edgarsawtelle.com/. Actually, it's a re-read. One of my favorites. Just finished "Bettyville". 5 big stars for that one.

[lakeside]

http://georgehodgman.com/

[jobeterob]

'The Story of Edgar Sawtell"....http://www.edgarsawtelle.com/. Actually, it's a re-read. One of my favorites. Just finished "Bettyville". 5 big stars for that one.

A super book

I thought Oprah was making it into a movie. What happened?

[theboyfromxtown]

I'm Never Write My Memories - Grace Jones

[sansradio]

I'm Never Write My Memories - Grace Jones

Fantastic! My better half gave it to me for Christmas and I haven't taken the plunge yet. Skimming it was rewarding in and of itself! What do you think of it so far?

[theboyfromxtown]

Fantastic! My better half gave it to me for Christmas and I haven't taken the plunge yet. Skimming it was rewarding in and of itself! What do you think of it so far?

It only arrived this morning. I'm checking through it now....but I'm gonna have to save it for break time especially after you said that just skimming through it is rewarding enough!

[arr&bee]

Ok duufuss,for the tenth time...see jane run...opps wrong post!!

[sansradio]

Finally tackling MARY WELLS by Soulful Detroit's own Peter Benjaminson. Very excited!

[lakeside]

Finally tackling MARY WELLS by Soulful Detroit's own Peter Benjaminson. Very excited!

I really enjoyed that book. A good read. Enjoy!

[lakeside]

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/482430.Echoes_of_a_Haunting
[[http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/482430.Echoes_of_a_Haunting)Just finished 'Echoes of a Haunting". Love the paranormal and esp. stories of real haunted houses. Some are ultra sensational and bordering on the ridiculous.....but, this one appears to be the real deal.

[sansradio]

I'm loving it, lakeside. I'm learning a lot that I didn't know about Ms. Wells. Mr. Benjaminson really outdid himself with this.

[sansradio]

Today, I started reading a novel entitled Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi. It's about a novelist who creates a character who comes to life, wreaking havoc in his marriage. Interesting stuff!

[splanky]

Today, I started reading a novel entitled Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi. It's about a novelist who creates a character who comes to life, wreaking havoc in his marriage. Interesting stuff!

I'll have to put that on my reading list. Love Helen's
work;she's quite an interesting person herself. Nigerian
descent,born and bred Brit, now living I'm told in Germany. What's Not Yours is Not Yours was a great read...Right now I'm reading A Pure Solar World about
Sun Ra...

[sansradio]

I'll have to put that on my reading list. Love Helen's
work;she's quite an interesting person herself. Nigerian
descent,born and bred Brit, now living I'm told in Germany. What's Not Yours is Not Yours was a great read...Right now I'm reading A Pure Solar World about
Sun Ra...

Mr. Fox is quite the mind-blower, with a lot of convoluted, fanciful twists; I highly recommend it.

Hadn't heard about this Sun Ra bio. Have you read Space Is the Place by John Szwed? It was published in the '90s; Szwed was my History of Jazz professor.

[splanky]

Mr. Fox is quite the mind-blower, with a lot of convoluted, fanciful twists; I highly recommend it.

Hadn't heard about this Sun Ra bio. Have you read Space Is the Place by John Szwed? It was published in the '90s; Szwed was my History of Jazz professor.

Dang, how fortunate for you!...John Szwed's book was fabulous. A Pure Solar World by Paul Youngquist is not strictly a biography per se
but more about Sun Ra's musical ideas and approaches. In fact Paul
cites Szwed's book as the definitive bio on Ra and I agree with him.
I wish some of our classic soul artists bios were as well researched
and written...I have to read Mr Fox...BTW, here's a link about Paul's
book, real quick. I'm sure you can find better ones...
https://utpress.utexas.edu/books/youngquist-a-pure-solar-world

[sansradio]

Dang, how fortunate for you!...John Szwed's book was fabulous. A Pure Solar World by Paul Youngquist is not strictly a biography per se
but more about Sun Ra's musical ideas and approaches. In fact Paul
cites Szwed's book as the definitive bio on Ra and I agree with him.
I wish some of our classic soul artists bios were as well researched
and written...I have to read Mr Fox...BTW, here's a link about Paul's
book, real quick. I'm sure you can find better ones...
https://utpress.utexas.edu/books/youngquist-a-pure-solar-world

Excellent! Much obliged. This looks like a must. I'm very interested in Afrofuturism as a concept.

Have you had the opportunity to read Szwed's recent Billie Holiday book? He manages a fresh approach to Lady that I didn't think was possible, given the boatloads of Holiday scholarship over the years. Professor Szwed's a really personable guy as well; he was one of my favorite instructors.

[splanky]

Yes, sans, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Szwed's book on Billie. As a
rule I read musicians and singers bios and auto-bios all year round and
for some artists I'll read every take I come across. Billie, Coltrane, Louie, Miles and James Brown are all in that club for me. The recent bio
of James Brown did something most authors overlooked, actually
going to the people who knew JB personaly. Novel idea or what?....

[sansradio]

Yes, sans, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Szwed's book on Billie. As a
rule I read musicians and singers bios and auto-bios all year round and
for some artists I'll read every take I come across. Billie, Coltrane, Louie, Miles and James Brown are all in that club for me. The recent bio
of James Brown did something most authors overlooked, actually
going to the people who knew JB personaly. Novel idea or what?....

HA! Are you referring to Kill 'Em and Leave?

[snakepit]

MCC "Laws of Cricket"

[splanky]

HA! Are you referring to Kill 'Em and Leave?
Oh yes, that's the one. The James McBride book. Forgot the title for a
minute. This getting old thing can be a pain in the butt sometimes...

[sansradio]

Ha! Just started The Promise: President Obama, Year One by Jonathan Alter. A bittersweet read in today's climate if there ever was one.

[sansradio]

And now...THE REAL T by Eddy Hampton Armani. Popcorn at the ready.

[arr&bee]

I just finished-after the dance by jan gaye..and i'm onto-charlton heston.

[sansradio]

I just finished-after the dance by jan gaye..and i'm onto-charlton heston.

Jan's book was so hot that it was smokin'! What did you think of it?

And is the Heston book an autobiography?

[arr&bee]

I just finish[the fifty year mission]the history of star trek...beam me up scotty!!

[arr&bee]

jan's book was so hot that it was smokin'! What did you think of it?

And is the heston book an autobiography?the jan gaye book was informative,the heston book was and updated look at his life and career, both are good.

[PeaceNHarmony]

'Destined for War: Can America Escape China's Thucydides Trap' by Graham Allison. Excellent & recommended.

[sansradio]

It only arrived this morning. I'm checking through it now....but I'm gonna have to save it for break time especially after you said that just skimming through it is rewarding enough!

Okay, boyfromxtown, taking the Grace Jones plunge at last. Her ghostwriter's style strikes me as a little precious so far; hopefully, it won't impede my enjoyment.

[marv2]

My check book.

[arr&bee]

my check book.hey marv,i have one of those too...but the pages are all blank!!

[luke]

The Conclave. Going to Catholic schools got me all into Vatican intrigue [[God help me but a fairly good read)

[sansradio]

Grace's book turned out to be fantastic! Up next...Beverly Johnson's THE FACE THAT CHANGED IT ALL [[noticing a theme here?). 😄

[sansradio]

Moved on to Italian Folktales translated by Italo Calvino.

[theboyfromxtown]

Under orders to read Dora Bruder before the next school term

[sansradio]

I'm on to Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem.

[soulwally]

The Goldfinch drove me nuts for being pretty slow.

I'm reading Motown: The Sound of Young America by Adam White is it?, with Barney Ales and a forward by Andrew Oldham.

I'm surprised how few fans on here appeared to read it. It is like a Motown Bible - but it doesn't have any of the crap about group members whining about lead singer and it has none of the gossip. But it has some fairly harsh facts that not all the fans would like to hear. And a lot about Motown's white staff vs. black staff, all presented very matter of factly. And a lot about how crappy it was after Berry went to Los Angeles and how they went through Presidents, some of whom weren't well regarded - like Ewart Abner??
Still working my way through this, which I actually got for Christmas! It's excellent. Currently reading another excellent book, Carly Simon's autobiog Boys In The Trees.

[snakepit]

waiting for delivery of "The Last days of Detroit"

[Doug-Morgan]

"Divine Right's Trip" by Gurney Norman

When the original Whole Earth Catalog came out, Stewart Brand thought it should be, besides an "Access To Tools", it should also have some entertainment value, thus "Divine Right's Trip" was published inside the catalog, on the lower right portion of each page. It's a great little novel about a couple of "hippies", D.R. and Estelle, and their VW Bus, Urge. If your curious, this is the first page.....

http://www.wholeearth.com/issue/1170/article/206/divine.right's.trip

[lakeside]

"The Grip of It"
http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/books/

[sansradio]

THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER by Junot Diaz

[splanky]

THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER by Junot Diaz

Another great read. Junot's one of my grocery list writers. His Drown
sold me. Right now I'm finishing up Ben Greenman's Dig If You Will
The Picture, a look at the life and music of Prince. I do a lot of studying with non-fiction but I should be getting Mr Fox soon...

[sansradio]

Another great read. Junot's one of my grocery list writers. His Drown
sold me. Right now I'm finishing up Ben Greenman's Dig If You Will
The Picture, a look at the life and music of Prince. I do a lot of studying with non-fiction but I should be getting Mr Fox soon...

Oh, man! I'm dying to read that Greenman. And, yes, Junot is the man. He's due for another soon, I would think.

[sansradio]

Just started the novel Your Face in Mine by Jess Row. It's got a fascinating premise: A white, Jewish man undergoes a surgical procedure to become Black. Mayhem ensues. Grabbing the popcorn!

[sansradio]

Just started ASSUMPTION by Percival Everett.

[lakeside]

Just in time for October...."This House is Haunted"....about the Enfield hauntings in England in the 1970's. Love the paranormal genre any time of year. Anyone have any recommendations? I think I've read most....but, am always looking.

http://whitecrowbooks.com/books/page/this_house_is_haunted_the_true_story_of_the_enfiel d_poltergeist/

[sansradio]

BECOMING RICHARD PRYOR by Scott Saul

[lakeside]

'The Woman in Cabin 10'.
http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/woman-cabin

[144man]

Slowly and surely I am getting through "Motown - The Sound of Young America".

[lakeside]

In a Dark, Dark Wood....by Ruth Ware



http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/In-a-Dark-Dark-Wood/Ruth-Ware/9781501112331

[sansradio]

Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi [[a re-imagining of the Snow White legend told through the lens of an African-American family passing for White)

[theboyfromxtown]

I bought Custodian of the Hummingbird - Al Kent

Looking forward to getting that

[sansradio]

THE FAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH: THE SECRET CLOSETS OF AMERICAN CULTURE by Anthony Heilbut

[lakeside]

'I Remember You'....by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/i-remember-you-by-yrsa-sigur-ard-ttir-translated-by-philip-roughton-8282488.html

[sansradio]

Redefining Realness by Janet Mock

[sansradio]

Surpassing Certainty: What My Twenties Taught Me by Janet Mock

[arr&bee]

The kennedy curse,BY EDWARD KLEIN.

[lakeside]

Member of the Family...Dianne Lake
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/inside-new-memoir-of-life-in-the-manson-family-w509988

[sansradio]

Member of the Family...Dianne Lake
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/inside-new-memoir-of-life-in-the-manson-family-w509988

Wow. My partner would love that.

My current one: UNDERGROUND AIRLINES by Ben H. Winters.

https://www.amazon.com/Underground-Airlines-Ben-Winters/dp/0316261246

[dylan]

Hey sansradio,
Here are a couple of podcasts you may be interested in:
EP 36, Scott Saul on "Becoming Richard Pryor" [[Jan 31, 2015)

A conversation with Scott Saul, author of the new biography, "Becoming Richard Pryor."
http://podbay.fm/show/379453196/e/1424667600?autostart=1 [[http://podbay.fm/show/379453196/e/1424667600?autostart=1)

Jennifer Lee Pryor [[Feb 23, 2015)

Richard Pryor's widow Jennifer Lee Pryor stops by Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend to talk about how she and Richard met, what she loved about him, what she misses about him, codependence, her relationship with his kids, drugs and threesomes, marrying, divorcing and marrying him again, her involvement in the upcoming biopic, executive producing and appearing in Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic, domestic violence, Richard's suicide attempt, other women, the N-word, Bill Cosby, Mike Epps and so much more. We also did a round of Just Me Or Everyone.

http://podbay.fm/show/379453196/e/1424667600?autostart=1 [[http://podbay.fm/show/379453196/e/1424667600?autostart=1)

[sansradio]

Fantastic! Thanks, Dylan, and welcome aboard!

[sansradio]

White Is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi

lakeside, this one might be right up your alley:

https://www.amazon.com/White-Witching-Novel-Helen-Oyeyemi/dp/0385526059

[sansradio]

The Center Holds: Obama and His Enemies by Jonathan Alter

[soulster]

I'm still trying to get my hands on "Fire And Fury". I'm told everywhere I go that it's sold out, backordered, and that as soon as anyone gets any copies, they're all sold within minutes. I don't want the Kindle version.

[sansradio]

I'm still trying to get my hands on "Fire And Fury". I'm told everywhere I go that it's sold out, backordered, and that as soon as anyone gets any copies, they're all sold within minutes. I don't want the Kindle version.

I thought I wanted to read it as well until I heard from liberal, moderate AND conservative voices that it's riddled with typos and inaccuracies. Let us know if and when you get your hands on one.

[soulster]

I thought I wanted to read it as well until I heard from liberal, moderate AND conservative voices that it's riddled with typos and inaccuracies. Let us know if and when you get your hands on one.

Every stinkin' day, the shithole proves that everything in the book describes him to a "T", with the "i"s dotted! From everything i've heard from progressives and moderates, and psychologists, it's quite accurate. The only people who don't like it and say it's fake news is shithole's supporters.

[sansradio]

Balm by Dolen Perkins-Valdez:

https://www.amazon.com/Balm-Novel-Dolen-Perkins-Valdez/dp/0062318667

[sansradio]

The Black Calhouns by Gail Lumet Buckley [a history of Lena Horne's family on her mother side by Lena's daughter]

[sansradio]

ELIZABETH AND MICHAEL: THE QUEEN OF HOLLYWOOD AND THE KING OF POP - A LOVE STORY by Donald Bogle

[lakeside]

White Is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi

lakeside, this one might be right up your alley:

https://www.amazon.com/White-Witching-Novel-Helen-Oyeyemi/dp/0385526059
Thank you sansradio...I'll definitely check that one out. Indeed, right up my alley!

[lakeside]

Anonymous....Christine Benedict....local author. I even know where that house is!
https://www.authorchristinebenedict.com/

[lakeside]

Just finished 'Kill Creek'. This one ticked all the boxes in the haunted house genre.
https://evilbookpusheroverlord.com/2017/09/29/kill-creek-by-scott-thomas/

[sansradio]

The Black Calhouns by Gail Lumet Buckley [a history of Lena Horne's family on her mother side by Lena's daughter]

Correction: This is a history of Lena's paternal grandmother's family.

[phil]

Florida Soul: From Ray Charles to KC and the Sunshine Band. Highly recommended !

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/510SyHsr1OL._SX345_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

[sansradio]

Prince: The Man and His Music by Matt Thorne

I received this as a gift about two weeks after he died and am finally going for it. It's a 500+ page exploration of the work. No idle gossip here, just a solid, exhaustive artistic appraisal. Loving it.

https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Man-Music-Matt-Thorne/dp/1572841877

[sansradio]

Rails Under My Back by Jeffery Renard Allen [a sweeping family saga likened to work by Morrison, Joyce, Faulkner and Ellison, among others]:

https://www.graywolfpress.org/books/rails-under-my-back

[lakeside]

https://www.bookpeople.com/event/susan-branch-marthas-vineyard-isle-dreams
Martha's Vineyard....Isle of Dream, Susan Branch

[lakeside]

https://us.macmillan.com/summerofnight/dansimmons/9780312550677/

Summer of Night by Dan Simmons

[sansradio]

A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James

The Man Booker Prize-winning novel loosely based on the assassination attempt on Bob Marley in 1976--16 pages in and I'm utterly spellbound.

https://www.amazon.com/Brief-History-Seven-Killings-Novel/dp/1594633940

[arr&bee]

The legs are the last to go-diahann carroll.

[sansradio]

The legs are the last to go-diahann carroll.

I loved it! Even better than her first book.

[reese]

WHITE MUSIC: THE BARRY WHITE STORY by Tom Rubython.

[sansradio]

WHITE MUSIC: THE BARRY WHITE STORY by Tom Rubython.

I saw this in Barnes and Noble; my partner and I guffawed all the way home about the clever title. Give us a review when you finish!

[Coppelia-Birdsong]

I just finished reading The Lost Supreme [[I cried several times, my baby Flo deserved SO MUCH better from so many people and from life itself) and Red Azealia by Anchee Min. I am also reading The Last Empress [[about the empress dowager Cixi), a book about Anne Boelyn and another about how to pick up weed and say really horrible things about people's mothers in Mandarin. It's very useful.

[sansradio]

I just finished reading The Lost Supreme [[I cried several times, my baby Flo deserved SO MUCH better from so many people and from life itself) and Red Azealia by Anchee Min. I am also reading The Last Empress [[about the empress dowager Cixi), a book about Anne Boelyn and another about how to pick up weed and say really horrible things about people's mothers in Mandarin. It's very useful.

LOL! Welcome to The Forum! Yes, The Lost Supreme is certainly a tearjerker.

[sansradio]

THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP by Charles Dickens

[Coppelia-Birdsong]

How did so many bad people hurt her? Why did they get away with it? Why would they e even want to hurt someone so sweet and hurt her so badly? I hope the pos who raped her is rotting in hell.

[144man]

The City & The City by China Mieville

[snakepit]

About to buy The Warren Commission report.

[nysister]

Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston
The Story of the Last "Black Cargo"

[sansradio]

Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston
The Story of the Last "Black Cargo"

Very cool. This book is a cause for celebration! Give us a review when you're done, please!

[Doug-Morgan]

Just finished...

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC by Michael Zadoorian

Set in Redford High School in the early-mid 70's. It's a good read.

[arr&bee]

I just finished[the hippest trip in america]which is of course the history of soul train by nelson george.

[lakeside]

"Anatomy of a Haunting"
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/anatomy-of-a-haunting

[sansradio]

So Much Blue by Percival Everett

[sansradio]

Stand Up Straight and Sing! by Jessye Norman

[sansradio]

We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550170/we-were-eight-years-in-power-by-ta-nehisi-coates/9780399590566/

[arr&bee]

we were eight years in power by ta-nehisi coates:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550170/we-were-eight-years-in-power-by-ta-nehisi-coates/9780399590566/wow i have that one too,i know ta-nehsi coates i use to work in the same building as his dad.

[sansradio]

wow i have that one too,i know ta-nehsi coates i use to work in the same building as his dad.

That is way cool. He’s become one of the great writers of our time.

[144man]

Slowly and surely I am getting through "Motown - The Sound of Young America".

Just up to page 169 of 400.

[lakeside]

The Little Stranger....Sarah Waters
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7234875-the-little-stranger

[sansradio]

Jam on the Vine by LaShonda Katrice Barnett

[Doug-Morgan]

Just finished Michael Zadoorian's "Beautiful Music" set at Redford High School in the early 70's.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Having recently discovered the music of Stock, Aitken & Waterman [[yes, they truly ARE the "British Motown of the '80s!), I just finished reading:

1) "PWL [[Studios) From The Factory Floor" by Phil Harding [[contains a sessionography and other unexpected treats );

2) "The Hit Factory: The Stock Aitken Waterman Story" by Mike Stock [[contains an excellent SAW discography);

and I'm nearly finished reading:

3) "I Wish I Was Me: The Autobiography" by Pete Waterman.

[lakeside]

Our House......Louise Candlish

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/a-good-hearted-mother-faces-the-ultimate-betrayal-in-the-twisty-novel-our-house/2018/07/23/5a11df8c-89e6-11e8-a345-a1bf7847b375_story.html?noredirect=on

[arr&bee]

The great gasbag,another book about our great president.

[sansradio]

Blessed Life by Kim Fields with Todd Gold

[nysister]

The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton, Lara Love Hardin, Bryan Stevenson

[sansradio]

Delicious Foods by James Hannaham [[an old college mate of mine):

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/mar/16/delicious-foods-james-hannaham-review

[sansradio]

The Good Lord Bird by James McBride:

https://www.npr.org/2013/08/23/213463031/a-little-onion-reveals-layers-of-history-in-good-lord-bird

[arr&bee]

A disease of the public mind by thomas fleming.

[lakeside]

https://virtualbookworm.com/products/you-know-they-re-here
"You Know They're Here"....about the famous Hinsdale haunting in New York.
Just the right time of year. Clara Dandy/Miller, who lived there, wrote the
first book of the house... "Echoes of a Haunting".

[sansradio]

How It Feels to Be Free: Black Women Entertainers and the Civil Rights Movement by Ruth Feldstein:

http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/mobile/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195314038.001.0001/acprof-9780195314038

[phil]

Harlem 69: The Future of Soul by Stuart Cosgrove

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Harlem-69-Future-Soul-Trilogy/dp/1846974208

https://hastingsflyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/25705_image_39924031_851838758537187_3539388329936 027648_n.jpg

[lakeside]

The House on Poultney Road
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20521373-the-house-on-poultney-road

[sophisticated_soul]

I'm reading The Book Of Love but I don't know who wrote it.

[sansradio]

The Kid by Sapphire

[Philles/Motown Gary]

"Berry, Me, And Motown" by Raynoma Gordy Singleton. It's one of the earlier books devoted to Motown which I hadn't acquired. Frankly, after Berry had written about her pirating Motown records in NYC, I wanted no part of her. But after some of you were recently raving about how informative and revelatory her book is, I decided to take the plunge by buying a copy and giving her a chance. I'm glad I did. I just started reading it and I love it already!

[sansradio]

"Berry, Me, And Motown" by Raynoma Gordy Singleton. It's one of the earlier books devoted to Motown which I hadn't acquired. Frankly, after Berry had written about her pirating Motown records in NYC, I wanted no part of her. But after some of you were recently raving about how informative and revelatory her book is, I decided to take the plunge by buying a copy and giving her a chance. I'm glad I did. I just started reading it and I love it already!

It's a fantastic read. Enjoy!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Thanks, sansradio. I sure will! They haven't even gotten to the part where she and Berry start Motown, yet, on the surface, I like this lady already!

[jobeterob]

I have always thought it was a good book; I read it when it came out; was that in the 90’s?

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Yeah, jobeterob, the publishing date is 1990. I don't whether it was ever reissued in paperback form, but my copy is the hard-cover version.

[144man]

It reads like a novel. Easily my favourite Motown biography.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

You're so right, 144man. You feel like you're right there participating in the creation of Tamla/Motown from the ground up -- day by day, step by step -- amid each and every thrilling leap forward and every heartbreaking setback. The neat thing about Raynoma's writing is that while spinning her romantic tale between her and Berry, the simultaneous music aspect and Motown story never takes a back seat. I should have bought this book when it first came out.

[sansradio]

Like a Natural Woman: Spectacular Female Performance in Classical Hollywood​ by Kirsten Pullen

[arr&bee]

Becoming michelle obama.

[sansradio]

Percival Everett by Virgil Russell by Percival Everett

[lakeside]

Winfield....In The Shadow of the Woolworths
by Monica Randall

[sansradio]

The Sweet Hell Inside: A Family History by Edward Ball:

https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-688-16840-7

[sansradio]

Vanity Fair ​by William Makepeace Thackeray

[sansradio]

White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son ​by Tim Wise:

https://www.amazon.com/White-Like-Me-Reflections-Privileged/dp/1593764251

[Danno]

Strength of a woman - the Phyllis Hyman story. Just finished it today. Quite harrowing in parts. Not an easy read but pleased I got through it

[sansradio]

Strength of a woman - the Phyllis Hyman story. Just finished it today. Quite harrowing in parts. Not an easy read but pleased I got through it

Wow, lucky you! I’ve been trying to get my hands on a copy for years; I have an aversion to buying physical books and music online, so fat chance of me finding a copy in a store. Glad you found it rewarding.

[Danno]

Wow, lucky you! I’ve been trying to get my hands on a copy for years; I have an aversion to buying physical books and music online, so fat chance of me finding a copy in a store. Glad you found it rewarding.

Have to confess I got the kindle sir. The chapter on her passing felt like I was back in time. So sad to discover how she suffered throughout her life. Spooky how I then loaded a CD on random play. It went straight to you sure look good to me. Onwards to the one about Luther now.

[sansradio]

Have to confess I got the kindle sir. The chapter on her passing felt like I was back in time. So sad to discover how she suffered throughout her life. Spooky how I then loaded a CD on random play. It went straight to you sure look good to me. Onwards to the one about Luther now.

Silly me--I guess I'm too much of a Luddite to go the Kindle route. :D

You'll absolutely appreciate Craig Seymour's Luther tome.

[sansradio]

After Dark by Haruki Murakami:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17803.After_Dark

[PeaceNHarmony]

After Dark by Haruki Murakami:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17803.After_Dark
How are you thinking about it? I've not yet read any Murakami but am highly interested.

[PeaceNHarmony]

'The End of Eddie' by Edouard Louis

[sansradio]

How are you thinking about it? I've not yet read any Murakami but am highly interested.

This is my 10th Murakami read; it's delivering so far!

I highly recommend you start with The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle​; it's a magical-realism ripsnorter.

[PeaceNHarmony]

This is my 10th Murakami read; it's delivering so far!

I highly recommend you start with The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle​; it's a magical-realism ripsnorter.Thanks - sounds like a good starting point and I shall do so.

[sansradio]

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:

https://www.chimamanda.com/book/americanah/

[phil]

Under a Hoodoo Moon: The Life of the Night Tripper

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51HEk5Lc7NL._SX332_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

[sansradio]

Driving the King by Ravi Howard

A fictional memoir about the friendship between Nat King Cole and his chauffeur:

https://www.harpercollins.com/9780060529611/driving-the-king/

[lakeside]

The Bothell Hell House....by, Keith Linder
http://www.bothell-reporter.com/life/the-haunting-of-hell-house/

[sansradio]

Grace by Natashia Deón:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27037157-grace

[arr&bee]

The residence by kate andersen brower.

[sansradio]

Amazing Grace by Aaron Cohen

An in-depth examination of the landmark 1972 album by Aretha Franklin:

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/aretha-franklins-amazing-grace-9781441148889/

[sansradio]

The Cross of Redemption: Uncollected Writings - James Baldwin

[sansradio]

The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

[nativeNY63]

Dancing in The Streets[[?), Dr. Reeves autobiography.

[arr&bee]

Unhinged by amarosa

[nativeNY63]

The Guns At Last Light, Rick Atkinson [[WWII)

[nativeNY63]

Unhinged by amarosa
Was able to get my grubby mitts on this, finally! Omarosa was spilling all flavors of tea therein! And throwing oak tree-sized shade too!!

Must read, friend!

[nativeNY63]

You have to read Tina Turner: A love story. Takes reader by the hand, from her childhood to present. She tackles, deftly, all the rumors!!

[sansradio]

The Mother of Black Hollywood - Jenifer Lewis

[sansradio]

We the Animals - Justin Torres

[sansradio]

The Beat of My Own Drum - Sheila E. with Wendy Holden

[nativeNY63]

Concussion - Jeanne Marie Laskas
Still need to check out the Will Smith movie.

[nativeNY63]

The Mother of Black Hollywood - Jenifer Lewis
Great read, Sans. She loves being a character actress - "everybody's momma!" Humble star.

[nativeNY63]

Amazing Grace by Aaron Cohen

An in-depth examination of the landmark 1972 album by Aretha Franklin:

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/aretha-franklins-amazing-grace-9781441148889/
Recently the documentary, of the same name, was dropped. Unreleased after 50 years!

[nativeNY63]

That is way cool. He’s become one of the great writers of our time.

Read all his books! He's definitely gifted.

[nativeNY63]

The great gasbag,another book about our great president.
Joy Behar is hilarious. Reminds of Milton Berle.

[nativeNY63]

Blessed Life by Kim Fields with Todd Gold
Another good read. Liked the love she expresses for her mom, Chip. Beautiful relationship. And her devotion to her hubby too.

[nativeNY63]

The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton, Lara Love Hardin, Bryan Stevenson
Awesome read! Great storyteller! Should be mandatory reading at all high schools, detention facilities, and prisons.

[sansradio]

Great read, Sans. She loves being a character actress - "everybody's momma!" Humble star.

She signed my copy at The Strand. Lemme tell ya--what you see on screen is not an act. She's "on" 24-7. She was cussing the line out for moving too slowly. Hilarious!

[nativeNY63]

Eyewitness To Power - David Gergen

[arr&bee]

Traveling soul-the story of curtis mayfield.

[nativeNY63]

Anatomy of a Song - Marc Myers

[sansradio]

Florynce "Flo" Kennedy: The Life of a Black Feminist Radical by Sherie M. Randolph

[sansradio]

Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-Ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House by Donna Brazile

[robincooper]

Oh,
I found interesting review about Stephen King books

https://www.bestadvisers.co.uk/stephen-king-books [[http://[COLOR=#000000) and try to read them all. Currently on IT.

[lakeside]

'The People in the Attic: The Haunting of Doretta Johnson'. By Doretta Johnson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/482431.The_People_in_the_Attic

[sansradio]

Hollywood by Gore Vidal

[kenneth]

Just finished Michael Zadoorian's "Beautiful Music" set at Redford High School in the early 70's.

Really? That's where I went to high school! I've never heard of this book!

[sansradio]

Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue:

https://www.npr.org/2016/08/24/490100087/newly-american-dreamers-are-torn-between-love-and-disappointment

[sansradio]

The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6449290-the-girl-who-fell-from-the-sky

[Ifodes]

Lately I was reading different articles about Brexit and it is really curious, seems like it will go on for a long time without a final decision. I read that lots of Brits are looking at residency in Greece [[https://tranio.com/greece/residence/) and maybe will invest into Greece just to be able to obtain this card and be able to stay in EU legally.

[sansradio]

Lately I was reading different articles about Brexit and it is really curious, seems like it will go on for a long time without a final decision. I read that lots of Brits are looking at residency in Greece [[https://tranio.com/greece/residence/) and maybe will invest into Greece just to be able to obtain this card and be able to stay in EU legally.

Hi and welcome to Soulful Detroit!

While Brexit is a fascinating topic, I'd like to keep this thread devoted exclusively to books. Have you read any books on the subject?

In the meantime, I'm sure you'll find this ongoing thread of interest:

https://soulfuldetroit.com/showthread.php?16918-The-Brexit-Votes-Have-it-The-U-K-Is-Leaving-The-E-U

[Ifodes]

Hi and welcome to Soulful Detroit!

While Brexit is a fascinating topic, I'd like to keep this thread devoted exclusively to books. Have you read any books on the subject?

In the meantime, I'm sure you'll find this ongoing thread of interest:

https://soulfuldetroit.com/showthread.php?16918-The-Brexit-Votes-Have-it-The-U-K-Is-Leaving-The-E-U

Thank you! Will read a proposed thread

[sansradio]

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey - Walter Mosley:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7951334-the-last-days-of-ptolemy-grey

[sansradio]

My Love Story - Tina Turner

[sansradio]

Queen of Bebop: The Musical Lives of Sarah Vaughan by Elaine M. Hayes:

https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062364685/queen-of-bebop/

[lakeside]

"Charles Manson's Creepy Crawly" by Jeffrey Melnick
https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781948924764/charles-mansons-creepy-crawl/

[snakepit]

"Reclaiming History- Vincent Bugliosi.

[sophisticated_soul]

"Go Slow: The Life Of Julie London" by Michael Owen

First ever hardback bio of 50’s/60’s Jazz/Pop songbird/actress and 70’s television icon, born Nancy Gayle Peck. The little lady with the small voice.

https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/go-slow-products-9781613738573.php?page_id=21

[MusicWise]

I'm reading "What To Say When You Talk To Your Self" by Shad Helmstetter, PH.D.

[sansradio]

Swing Time - Zadie Smith

[sansradio]

Just finished The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; just started Every Day Is for the Thief by Teju Cole.

[sansradio]

John Crow's Devil by Marlon James:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Crow%27s_Devil

[144man]

Tamla Motown, the Stories Behind the UK Singles - Terry Wilson [[2009)

[lakeside]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61PaWnvzHqL.jpg

[snakepit]

Reclaiming History by Vincent Bugliosi

[sansradio]

Supreme Glamour by Mary Wilson with Mark Bego

[lakeside]

House of Darkness House of Light by Andrea Peron
http://www.houseofdarknesshouseoflight.com/about

[NativeNuYorker]

I grew up listening to Sarah Vaughan. That was my mothers favorite artist. Do you recommend the book. I might download it if it's recommended and on Kindle.

[sansradio]

I grew up listening to Sarah Vaughan. That was my mothers favorite artist. Do you recommend the book. I might download it if it's recommended and on Kindle.

Absolutely! It provides interesting new perspectives on Sass's place in jazz and pop history as well as contextualizes her position as a Black celebrity in a pre-and-post-Civil-Rights-era world brilliantly. Very rewarding.

[nativeNY63]

Recently read Clive Davis' Soundtrack of My Life. The bomb! Included the Columbia, Arista, Sony& J Records years.

[sansradio]

Sweet Soul Music: Rhythm and Blues and the Southern Dream of Freedom by Peter Guralnick:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/890216.Sweet_Soul_Music

[nativeNY63]

Sweet Soul Music: Rhythm and Blues and the Southern Dream of Freedom by Peter Guralnick:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/890216.Sweet_Soul_Music
Read it last year. Well written.

[sansradio]

Read it last year. Well written.

I can't put it down. A helluva ride.

[sansradio]

Becoming michelle obama.

Just started it this morning! So excited.

[nativeNY63]

Just started it this morning! So excited.
It broke all kinds of records when it dropped. Rightfully so! Whatta life! Add amazing writer to a stellar resume. As an aside, read her brother's bio.

[sansradio]

It broke all kinds of records when it dropped. Rightfully so! Whatta life! Add amazing writer to a stellar resume. As an aside, read her brother's bio.

Didn’t realize Craig had written a book. Thanks! My sister was friends with him in college.

[sansradio]

Talking to Myself - Pearl Bailey

[sansradio]

The 48 Laws of Power - Robert Greene

[sansradio]

Long Division by Kiese Laymon:

https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/the-past-is-not-dead-time-and-race-in-kiese-laymons-long-division/

[lakeside]

Unwelcomed….by Deborah Moffitt
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51cJVUt5UZL.jpg

[sansradio]

Meet Behind Mars by Renee Simms

[sansradio]

My Life So Far by Jane Fonda

[sansradio]

The Beast Side: Living and Dying While Black in America by D. Watkins:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Beast-Side/D-Watkins/9781510716391

[lakeside]

The Circus Fire by Stewart O'nan
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/123619/the-circus-fire-by-stewart-onan/

[sansradio]

Chokehold: Policing Black Men by Paul Butler:

https://thenewpress.com/books/chokehold

[144man]

Come and Get These Memories, the Genius of Holland-Dozier-Holland arrived yesterday, and How Sweet It Is by Lamont Dozier was delivered today.

[sansradio]

Come and Get These Memories, the Genius of Holland-Dozier-Holland arrived yesterday, and How Sweet It Is by Lamont Dozier was delivered today.

Cool! Let us know how both are. They're both on my miles-long list.

[144man]

^^^ I have the big decision to make of which one to read first.

[sansradio]

^^^ I have the big decision to make of which one to read first.

Eeny-meeny... :D

[144man]

Eeny-meeny... :D

I haven't started either as I've been listening to "A Cellarful of Motown Volume 5" instead.

[sansradio]

Five-Carat Soul by James McBride:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/554118/five-carat-soul-by-james-mcbride/

[sansradio]

Let's Get Free: A Hip-Hop Theory of Justice by Paul Butler:

https://thenewpress.com/books/lets-get-free

[sansradio]

Postcards from Cookie: A Memoir of Motherhood, Miracles and a Whole Lot of Mail by Caroline Clarke:

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/postcards-from-cookie-caroline-clarke?variant=32207580332066

[9A]

Lately, we collect books, with good intentions, that remain in mint condition. We vow to turn off the TV and read for a few hours, but we can browse the Internet with the TV on.
I prefer biographies. We have Becoming by Michelle Obama, Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen and The Giant of the Senate by Al Franken. Right after I got the last one for Ralph, Franken decided to quit. Such a loss.

I used to love buying oversized "coffee table" books on sale at Borders. I would stock up on potential gifts. Great bargains. About dogs, cooking, travel, assorted topics.

A couple of years ago I bought Ralph a beautiful book by Al Kent called Custodians of the Hummingbird. It is a big thick book. There supposedly is a reference to Ralph in it, but he hasn't opened the book. It sits on his desk.

[sansradio]

What Happened, Miss Simone? by Alan Light:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/530033/what-happened-miss-simone-by-alan-light/

[sansradio]

Black Cool: One Thousand Streams of Blackness edited by Rebecca Walker:

https://softskull.com/dd-product/black-cool/

[arr&bee]

A promised land-barack obama.

[sansradio]

A promised land-barack obama.

Can't wait to get my hands on it!

[sansradio]

Montaro Caine — the first novel by Sidney Poitier. Standard airport fare, but capably written and enjoyable:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/132129/montaro-caine-by-sidney-poitier/

[splanky]

Five-Carat Soul by James McBride:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/554118/five-carat-soul-by-james-mcbride/

That's the dang book I forgot to add to my reading list as I begin my retirement!
Thanks, sansradio...

[sansradio]

That's the dang book I forgot to add to my reading list as I begin my retirement!
Thanks, sansradio...

Aww, cool! Enjoy yourself and it, my friend!!!!

[nativeNY63]

Just devoured Obama's A Promised Land. But Michelle's Becoming is far more compelling. Barack tends to be a die hard pol. wonk. Which weighed his tome down in places. Great read nonetheless.

[sansradio]

Just devoured Obama's A Promised Land. But Michelle's Becoming is far more compelling. Barack tends to be a die hard pol. wonk. Which weighed his tome down in places. Great read nonetheless.

Sounds about right [[LOL). I'm still excited about it. Thanks!

[nativeNY63]

Sounds about right [[LOL). I'm still excited about it. Thanks!

If I read the Foreword correctly, Obama is going to drop a second volume. To take on his reelection and 2nd term. Probably be out in 2021.

[sansradio]

If I read the Foreword correctly, Obama is going to drop a second volume. To take on his reelection and 2nd term. Probably be out in 2021.

Yes, indeed...to be followed by a third.

[sansradio]

O, Africa! by Andrew Lewis Conn:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/232106/o-africa-by-andrew-lewis-conn/

[arr&bee]

Caste-isabel wilkerson.

[sansradio]

Just as I Am - Cicely Tyson

How lucky was I to get my hands on this? Every Barnes & Noble in the NYC metro area is sold out. The bookseller at one location told me they had SIGNED COPIES--and had an in-store event scheduled! I scored mine at a mom-and-pop today. Totally immersed. She's an idol of mine.

https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/books/cicely-tyson-memoir-read-online-1121259/

[splanky]

Just as I Am - Cicely Tyson

How lucky was I to get my hands on this? Every Barnes & Noble in the NYC metro area is sold out. The bookseller at one location told me they had SIGNED COPIES--and had an in-store event scheduled! I scored mine at a mom-and-pop today. Totally immersed. She's an idol of mine.

https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/books/cicely-tyson-memoir-read-online-1121259/

Every single dayum Barnes & Noble in the city.....But now with 2 feet of snow
on the ground I don't think I'll be trekking around to try to get a copy just yet...RIP, Cicely...

[sansradio]

Every single dayum Barnes & Noble in the city.....But now with 2 feet of snow
on the ground I don't think I'll be trekking around to try to get a copy just yet...RIP, Cicely...

That's right, you're here as well! I got mine at McNally Jackson in Soho. They still had a few on Saturday. Hopefully, you'll score one soon after this blizzard. Even Amazon is out of stock.

[sansradio]

Rage Is Back - Adam Mansbach:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/311437/rage-is-back-by-adam-mansbach/

[sansradio]

Rising Star: The Making of Barack Obama by David J. Garrow:

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/rising-star-david-garrow?variant=32206550794274

[sansradio]

Unbreak My Heart - Toni Braxton:

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/unbreak-my-heart-toni-braxton?variant=32122247643170

[sansradio]

The Water Dancer - Ta-Nehisi Coates:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550171/the-water-dancer-by-ta-nehisi-coates/

[sansradio]

Zone One - Colson Whitehead

I've owned a copy of this for 11 years. Couldn't bear reading it at the height of the pandemic:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_One

[lakeside]

Mab Segrest | Administrations Of Lunacy [[https://mabsegrest.com/administrations-of-lunacy/)

[sansradio]

Mab Segrest | Administrations Of Lunacy [[https://mabsegrest.com/administrations-of-lunacy/)

Whoa. Gotta hunt this up.

[lakeside]

Whoa. Gotta hunt this up.

This was personal for me sansradio...as I worked over 25 years in a psychiatric
hospital. It's a scholarly work. The research is phenomenal. Check out the
author's bio. She's impressive.

[sansradio]

This was personal for me sansradio...as I worked over 25 years in a psychiatric
hospital. It's a scholarly work. The research is phenomenal. Check out the
author's bio. She's impressive.

Anything scholarly, especially in the African-American and American studies fields, is more than welcome for me. And, yes, Segrest is incredibly accomplished; several professors who were clients at the bookstore I managed assigned her work.

I didn't realize that you had a professional background in a psychiatric hospital. You and my sister would have a lot to talk about; she's been a shrink at Houston's VA for 30 years.