Author: Katisha Smith

Read This Book: A HANUKKAH WITH MAZEL by Joel Edward Stein and Elisa Vavouri

Post author By Katisha Smith
Post date December 8, 2020

A Hanukkah with Mazel by Joel Edward Stein (Author) and Elisa Vavouri (Illustrator)

Misha, a poor artist, has no one to celebrate Hanukkah with until he finds a hungry cat in his barn. He names this lucky cat Mazel, and Mazel inspires Misha to turn each night of Hanukkah into something special. Misha may not have money for Hanukkah candles, but he is a talented artist who can use those skills to bring the Festival of Lights to life.

A Hanukkah with Mazel was an incredibly heartwarming story that is perfect for family reading time. Even readers who are not Jewish can relate to the story of a struggling artist who experiences a bit of good fortune during the holidays. It is also possible for those readers to learn something new about Jewish traditions. For me, it was learning about the shammash. While I have heard about the menorah and latkes, shammash was new to me. A quick Google search showed me it is the Hebrew word for servant. In the story, it refers to the ninth candle in the Menorah used to light the other eight candles. I love when a story is both entertaining and educational.

Overall, A Hanukkah with Mazel is a sweet and endearing read that shows one can still have a simple but memorable holiday celebration. Sometimes those are actually the best!

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Read This Book: MY ÁNTONIA by Willa Cather

Post author By Katisha Smith
Post date December 7, 2020

Sponsored by Big Girl, Small Town by Michelle Gallen, now available from Algonquin Books.

Majella O’Neill tries to lead a quiet life in her small town in Northern Ireland—working at the chip shop, caring for her mother, and marathoning Dallas (best show on TV). Even though the Troubles supposedly ended years ago, her community continues to be haunted by the lingering divide between Protestants and Catholics. When Majella’s predictable existence is upended by the death of her granny, she comes to realize there may be more to life than the local gossips and the chip shop—in fact, there might be a whole big world outside her small town.

We are celebrating another author’s birthday! Today is Willa Cather’s (born Wiella Sibert Cather on December 7, 1873) birthday. Although she won the Pulitzer Prize for One of Ours, a novel set during World War I, Cather is best known for her novels about frontier life on the Great Plains including O Pioneers!, The Song of the Lark, and My Ántonia.

My Ántonia by Willa Cather

Enthusiastically received when it was first published in 1918, My Ántonia placed Willa Cather in the forefront of women writers and is considered her first masterpiece.

Evoking the Nebraska prairie life of Willa Cather’s childhood and commemorating the spirit and courage of America’s immigrant pioneers, this is the story of Ántonia Shimerda who emigrated from Bohemia with her family to the Nebraska frontier. The story is told through the eyes of Jim Burden, a neighbor who befriends Ántoniam, teaches Ántonia English, and follows Ántonia’s remarkable life.

I became familiar with Willa Cather in high school, but I never read any of her work until well into my adult years. My Ántonia was my first choice by circumstance, but my experience with the book made me want to read more of Willa Cather’s work in the future. I prepared myself for a long drag of a story, but I devoured this book! It is not often easy for me to quickly and easily digest books written decades ago, but Cather’s simple yet elegant way with words made this book feel like it was written by a contemporary author.

If someone asked me to describe My Ántonia, I would not be able to meet that challenge. Is this a book about childhood nostalgia? Yes, it is. Is this a book about friendship? Yes, it is. Is this a book about the beautiful landscape of the American West? Yes, it is. Is this book about love? Yes, it is. My Ántonia is one of those books that brings joy and leaves you wanting more, but it may also leave you without the ability to put those feelings into words. I am experiencing it right now. While I heap praise upon My Ántonia, I would be remiss if I did not also issue a trigger warning for xenophobia, racism, and suicide. It might not be surprising to encounter such content in a story taking place in the 1880s, but you should be warned if you’re looking for more of a feel good story to read at the moment.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Read This Book: CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC by Sophie Kinsella

Post author By Katisha Smith
Post date December 1, 2020

Sponsored by The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph.

Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism and conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs—creating an essential read for white people who are committed anti-racists and those newly come to the cause of racial justice.

How’s your wallet holding up after Black Friday (and Small Business Saturday) and Cyber Monday (and Giving Tuesday)? Mine was on fire over the weekend, but has since simmered. Thanks to some really great deals at all of my favorite stores, I put quite the dent in my credit card. With all my wild spending (and no end in sight), I started to feel like Rebecca Bloomwood, as portrayed by Isla Fisher, because the pretty sparkly things were calling me, and I happily answered the calls.

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Rebecca “Becky” Bloomwood lives in a fabulous flat in London’s trendiest neighborhood, hangs with a group of glamorous socialites, and has a closet brimming with designer clothes. The only problem is she can’t actually afford any of it. Not only does her job writing at Successful Savings magazine bore her to tears, it also doesn’t pay well, and lately Becky has been bombarded with letters from her bank she can’t bear to read. Rebecca tries cutting back (and making more money), but none of her efforts succeeds. Then a story arises that Becky actually cares about and her front-page article starts a chain of events that will transform her life and the lives of those around her.

There were so many times I experienced secondhand embarrassment while reading Confessions of a Shopaholic. Rebecca would be on the verge of doing the most cringeworthy thing, and I would just have to put the book down for a minute with a deep sigh. After remembering Rebecca is a fictional character, and it’s above me now, I would eventually return to the story and cringe while watching Bex fork up her finances one more forking time.

While I was often frustrated with Becky and her lack of impulse control when it came to shopping, I also found her predicament quite relatable. I too spent many years in my 20s overspending and paid for it greatly in my 30s. Like Bex, I justified a lot of purchases because of a sale, or it seemed like a one of a kind find. However, the truth of the matter was we both just didn’t have the best handle on our finances.

The other aspect of the book I appreciated was it mostly focused on Rebecca and her shopaholic ways. No punches were held because for the majority of Confessions of a Shopaholic, Becky was a mess. I liked the author not sugar coating the situation or trying to lighten the story with a love story. The “Boy Meets Girl” love story was secondary, and I loved that … even as a rom-com fan.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Read This Book: PUDD’NHEAD WILSON by Mark Twain

Post author By Katisha Smith
Post date November 30, 2020

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Today is Mark Twain’s 185th birthday, but he doesn’t look a day over 150. The New York Times lauded him as the “greatest humorist the United States ever produced.” William Faulkner called him the “Father of American Literature.” His novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (that many of you read in high school) is often regarded as the “First Great American Novel.” Did you read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in high school? I did not. Instead we read stories like The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and Pudd’nhead Wilson.

Pudd’nhead Wilson by Mark Twain

Determined that her baby son Chambers will not share her fate of being enslaved for the rest of his life, Roxy secretly exchanges him with her master’s son, Tom. The two boys’ lives remain entwined even as they head in very different directions. “Tom” becomes the heir to a fortune and goes off to Yale where he develops a habit of drinking and gambling too much. “Chambers” is set for a lifetime of servitude. Then a strange sequence of events, where the much-derided town lawyer David “Pudd’nhead” Wilson plays a key role, changes everything.

It’s been decades since I’ve read Pudd’nhead Wilson, and all I remembered about the story was how the word “Pudd’nhead” always made me chuckle. Before I told y’all to read this book, I had to revisit the story and see if the pudd’n had any substance. I am happy to report Pudd’nhead Wilson was still enjoyable, despite the story feeling slightly disjointed. That’s not surprising since apparently Twain quickly wrote the book as an attempt to stave off bankruptcy.

Although the story sometimes felt like it was all over the place, I actually found that to be the best part of Pudd’nhead Wilson because it was like experiencing two stories in one. There was the mystery involving Roxy, “Tom,” and Wilson. Of course, there was the main switched at birth narrative between Chambers and Tom. I was anticipating the big reveal and was nervous about the consequences for the involved parties, especially Roxy.

Overall, Pudd’nhead Wilson provides insightful society commentary about small town life and Antebellum America. If you’re excited about the story, but worried that it means you’re in for a long read, then fret not! Pudd’nhead Wilson is a short read for any avid reader even if you continue on to read about Those Extraordinary Twins.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Read This Book: WE ARE GRATEFUL: OTSALIHELIGA by Traci Sorell and Franâe Lessac

Post author By Katisha Smith
Post date November 24, 2020

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Franâe Lessac

We Are Grateful is a look at modern Native American life from the perspective of a Cherokee National citizen. The word “otsaliheliga” is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Follow a full year of Cherokee celebrations and experiences from the beginning of fall to the end of summer and learn what makes the Cherokee people feel grateful.

One of the immediate standouts for me about We Are Grateful was the focus on present day life of the Cherokee people. They live similarly to their fellow Americans by playing in the leaves during Fall, building a snowman in Winter, or gathering around the table with family to enjoy a good meal. They also observe their own traditions like enjoying the first harvest at the Green Corn Ceremony or commemorating the Cherokee National Holiday.

I also appreciated the continued education of the Cherokee way of life at the end of the book. In addition to the author’s note, there are definitions and further explanations for some of the Cherokee culture and heritage highlighted throughout the story. Along with that, there is the Cherokee Syllabary to help readers better understand the language.

The absolute best thing about We Are Grateful was the immersive experience of reading the ebook with narration. While the narrator read the story, the reader hears sounds associated with the book’s activities like ceremonial dancing and children playing stickball.

Tomorrow, many Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving, but for many Native peoples it is the National Day of Mourning because Thanksgiving is just a reminder of the genocide of their ancestors. We must leave behind the lie of “Pilgrims and Indians coming together for the First Thanksgiving” by learning the actual history of our indigenous population. Reading We Are Grateful can be a small first step.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Read This Book: THE KISS QUOTIENT by Helen Hoang

Post author By Katisha Smith
Post date November 23, 2020

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Stella Lane loves her job developing algorithms to predict customer purchases. However, the job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with has left her little time for dating. Having Asperger’s doesn’t help either. To get more practice in the dating department, Stella hires escort Michael Phan. Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate Michael’s kisses, she craves everything else he’s making her feel.

Reading The Kiss Quotient helped me discover I can experience the joy of romantic comedies in book form. This novel gave me Pretty Woman and The Wedding Date vibes with a side of “career woman with no time for dating” from almost every rom-com ever. I don’t often read romance novels, but when I do, I absolutely love when they include all of my favorite rom-com tropes.

However, one of the tropes I’m glad wasn’t in the story was our protagonist being involved in the magazine industry. That’s right! Our girl Stella is a full-blown math genius who’s killing it in her job! By the way, why does almost every woman in a rom-com work at a fashion magazine? I also appreciated Hoang making Stella the person with autism because the media usually present men as the people with autism. However, autism is not a boys’ club. We need to see more representation of women with autism.

I loved The Kiss Quotient so much that it is often difficult for me to coherently express those feelings. It’s sexy. It’s adorkable. It’s the perfect beach read. It’s so engaging that you could easily finish the book in one sitting because you won’t be able to put it down either!

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Read This Book: THE PRINCESS DIARIES by Meg Cabot

Post author By Katisha Smith
Post date November 17, 2020

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

For Mia Thermopolis, there is nothing worse than being a freshman with a flat chest who is flunking Algebra, but she is in for some surprises that will make life more complicated. First, Mia just found out her mother is dating her Algebra teacher. When her father comes for a visit, he drops the bomb that he is the crown prince of Genovia, which makes Mia a princess! On top of all that, Mia doesn’t have a date for the Cultural Diversity Dance. Can life get any worse?

Overall, The Princess Diaries was an enjoyable read for me, but I believe this book is best for a younger audience. Obviously, both senior and junior readers can enjoy this unique story of an unpopular teenager becoming royalty literally overnight. Since the story is basically Mia sharing her life and thoughts in her diary, the book reads like being inside the mind of a teenage girl.

As someone who hasn’t been a teenager in decades, I often became annoyed with Mia and her behavior. However, I had to remember Mia is still a kid whose brain hasn’t fully formed, so she’s bound to make mistakes. Although I was often frustrated with our main princess, Mia dropped a few gems here and there. In the end, I enjoyed this lighthearted read following Mia during the early stages of her princess journey, and I think you’ll enjoy it, too.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Read This Book: BECOMING by Michelle Obama

Post author By Katisha Smith
Post date November 16, 2020

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most compelling women of our era. As the first Black woman to serve as First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, established herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls around the world, encouraged her fellow Americans to embrace healthier and more active lifestyles, and raised two daughters under the unforgiving glare of the media.

In her first memoir, Michelle Obama invites readers into the world that shaped her. Becoming chronicles Mrs. Obama’s life from her childhood in the South Side of Chicago to the years she balanced motherhood and a demanding executive job to her time residing at the world’s most famous address with everything in between.

I am not one for reading memoirs and biographies, but I couldn’t wait to read the words of America’s first Black First Lady. Yes, after all of these years, it is mind-blowing we are still celebrating firsts. I’m happy to say Becoming was engaging from beginning to end. For me, Michelle Obama was the best First Lady and Becoming helped solidify that opinion. Reading Becoming inspired me to cultivate my strengths and strive to reach my fullest potential. Anyone who reads her memoir will certainly feel the same.

Becoming made me laugh out loud and even shed a few tears. Whether you’re a Michelle Obama Stan or a hater, there is something in this memoir for you. It will either make you appreciate Mrs. Obama’s grace and optimism, or it will entice you to devour every piece of content she creates. Either way, you’re welcome.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Read This Book: SLAUGHTERHOUSE-FIVE by Kurt Vonnegut

Post author By Katisha Smith
Post date November 10, 2020

Sponsored by White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad

Called “powerful and provocative” by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author of the New York Times bestseller How to be an Antiracist, this explosive book of history and cultural criticism reveals how white feminism has been used as a weapon of white supremacy and patriarchy deployed against Black and Indigenous women, and women of color, often offering a soft face for brutal tactics. Taking us from the slave era through the centuries of colonialism to the modern workplace, White Tears/Brown Scars is “exactly the kind of book that every ally needs to read right now” (Cosmopolitan, A Best Nonfiction Book of the Year)

Happy Veterans Day to all of the people who have served in the military! Veterans Day always holds a special place in my heart as a former military brat. For 20 years, my dad served in the United States Marine Corps. Although Veterans Day is a celebratory holiday where we thank and honor those who have served, today’s book recommendation is a classic that reflects upon the darker side of military life.

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Centering around the infamous firebombing of Dresden during the Second World War, Billy Pilgrim travels through time from prisoner of war to family man on a journey that reflects our own fractured lives as we search for meaning in what we are afraid to know.

Slaughterhouse-Five is considered both an American classic selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time and one of the greatest anti-war books.

Have you ever read a book where you know it is trying to tell you something insightful and profound, but you’re just too dense or uninformed on the topic to pick up what that book is putting down? Well, that was me while reading Slaughterhouse-Five. Although I was often not fully understanding the story as a whole, I did enjoy the book. However, I would have benefited from reading this in school or with a book club. Discussing the story among other readers sounds like a better (and more enlightening) way of dissecting Slaughterhouse-Five then trying to find answers on my own with the help of Google.

Slaughterhouse-Five is one of those books that is hard to talk about because there are so many elements that come together within the story. There’s the science / speculative fiction element thanks to Billy traveling to different times in his life. There is the obvious war element since a major portion of the book takes place during the infamous bombing at Dresden of World War II. Of course, there is the satirical humor that really makes this book standout from other anti-war novels. Only Vonnegut, someone who has experienced war, can eloquently walk that fine line of highlighting the absurdity of war without dismissing its gravity.

When you’re ready to pick up Slaughterhouse-Five, prepare yourself for an interesting read. But, don’t go at it alone. Find a reading buddy. Next time I decide to take Slaughterhouse-Five for a spin, I will do the same.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Read This Book: SAFE HOUSES by Dan Fesperman

Post author By Katisha Smith
Post date November 9, 2020

Sponsored by A Drop of Midnight by Jason Diakité

He traced his Black ancestry through time and across continents. What he found is a story only he can tell. From hip-hop artist Jason Diakité comes a stunning account of growing up between worlds. A Drop of Midnight is Jason’s remarkable memoir and an unflinching look at not only his own history, but also that of generations affected by the trauma of the African diaspora, then and now. Jason draws on conversations with his parents, research, and personal experiences to paint a vivid picture of race, discrimination, family, and ambition. Prime members read or listen for free.

Today is World Freedom Day! This day is a United States federal observance declared by President George W. Bush in 2001 to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe. In honor of this day, I am recommending an excellent spy thriller that takes place both in the present and during the late 1970s when Berlin was in the grips of the Cold War.

Safe Houses by Dan Fesperman

In 1979 West Berlin, Helen Abell oversaw the CIA’s network of safe houses that act as safe havens for field agents and case officers. Helen’s world is upended when she overhears a meeting between two unfamiliar people speaking a coded language during a routine inspection of an agency property. Before the day ends, she witnesses another unauthorized encounter that will place her in the crosshairs of one of the CIA’s most ruthless and powerful men. Her attempts to expose what she witnessed will lead to repercussions expanding continents and decades when a young man is arrested in a farm town in Maryland for murdering his parents.

What I enjoyed most about Safe Houses was the main protagonist was a female spy, but she wasn’t Jane Bond. Of course, there is nothing wrong with the femme fatale in the espionage game, but I appreciated reading about a “regular gal” like Helen Abell working as a CIA agent. She is smart, almost always has her wits about her, and always trusts her instincts. Safe Houses being based on historical events likely helped the story feel more grounded and Helen Abell feel more related.

I also really enjoyed Safe Houses being a two-for-one mystery. While Helen attempts to find solid evidence to prove a history of wrongdoing by a powerful CIA handler, Anna tries to figure out why her brother shot their parents while they were sleeping. In the end, both stories merge for a very satisfying ending.

If you need something to keep you away from doom scrolling online, then Safe Houses is an excellent choice.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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