#Ayana Mathis

[blackinperiodfilms]

I try to find the beauty in things. On dark days I sit in my armchair looking at clouds and I am awed at how rain is made.

Ayana Mathis, The Twelve Tribes of Hattie

[queerauntie]

January Reads

This month was a GREAT kick-off to the 2023 reading year! As always, I can't thank my local library enough for access to all these wonderful books. While I have been exclusively using the library's audiobook collection, this year I've decided I want to start reading some physical books too, but remember: all forms of story telling is valid and no medium is better/superior to another!

I was very excited for the near year, specifically on twitter where i follow a LOT of educators. Why? Because of their TBR lists of course! And they had a LOT! This year, for those who aren't on twitter, it was a popular trend to finish the books on your shelf before buying new books. So like a book scavenger, I took screenshots and added every book I saw on my TL to my own TBR (I use The Story Graph app). Besides the Trixie Belden books, this month is full of those unknowing recommendations!

Without further ado, the books of January:

How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis

Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Trixie Belden: The Secret Mansion by Julie Campbell

Trixie Belden: The Red Trailor Mystery by Julie Campbell

Let's talk about the first book of the year, How The Word is Passed by Clint Smith. Smith did a really great job with this book, his perspective extremely potent. This book is a collection of Smiths experience visiting cities with ties to chattel slavery in America as he shares his thoughts and experiences at each location as well as the various degrees to which these sights share or skew (or in some cases, rewrite) their role in slavery. While some places do their best to preserve and share the full depth of what went on those 400+ years, some cities and memorials prefer to white wash over the history and tell their own, more "acceptable" version of events. What I thought made this book so impactful was Smith's personal accounts of his emotions and the consideration for every space he entered. It really stuck with me how he would contextualize the sizes of quarters and cells that enslaved Africans were trapped in. He holds space for the humanity that millions of people were denied. It was an honor to see the history through his eyes and learn even more about the effective blind spots we as white people have for the extent of racism. I highly recommend this book.

Book number two was recommended to me by a friend, and she had little faith that I would get around to it so I had to prove her wrong. I'm glad I did too because this book was surprisingly really good! The story follows Nora, a depressed young woman who can't find the will to live. She makes the decision to end her life, but instead she finds herself in the in between, suspended in time, surrounded by books. The Midnight Library, she discovers, contains every possible life she could've lived, every decision she didn't make, every path she didn't take. Nora is given the chance to find a book, a life, where she deems worthy of living. The journey Nora goes on is one of learning to love herself and seeing her value in life, not her potential, but her impact just as she is. It was a good ride, and definitely appealed to my short attention span as you get to jump through life after life with Nora, and just as you start to get bored, so does she. Then it starts all over!

Wow, this next book was another huge turn! This month honestly gave me so much reading whiplash, but in a good way, like the spinning teacups ride! The Twelve Tribes Of Hattie by Ayana Mathis was a love letter to Black Mothers everywhere. This book tells moms, "I see you and I understand." The Twelve Tribes of Hattie are about the 12 lives that a woman, Hattie, raised and cared for over her life. In a culture that demands so much of women, even more from mothers, it was very poignant that this book tells you the story of Hattie's life through the narrow lens of her role and relationship with her children and grandchild. Every family has a Hattie, had a Hattie, comes from a Hattie. This was a love letter truly and Mathis does a beautiful job, I was in tears throughout. A wonderful addition to any library.

Speaking of books I will be adding to my library, Conjure Women was a phenomenal book I also discovered thanks to the brilliant teachers of twitter! This story follows the lives of 3 women, a mother and daughter who are enslaved and the daughter of the white man that's enslaved them. The mother, Miss May Belle, was a midwife and healer who taught her daughter, Rue, everything she knew. Varina, the daughter of Miss May Belle and Rue's enslaver, grows fond of Rue at an early age and thus is also entangled in Rue's story. I really enjoyed this story because of its storytelling format. It's the kind of book that just opens a window into time and space, lets you observe for a little while, and then the window closes. It was beautiful and I will definitely be reading it again! This feels like a book you'll catch different things with each watch!

Holy CRAP y'all. I knew Legenborn was going to be good, great even. But I was not prepared for just how fucking mind blown it was going to leave me!! The story picks up right away and does not let you catch your breath! The writing is impeccable, and the characters are so amazing. Our protagonist, Bree, is a brilliantly developed character. This books weaves a story of grief, monsters, racism, magic, and the power of ancestors all in one wild ride! It was everything I loved about the fantasy of my teens without the weird incest (iykyk) and forced plots. I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel and I really hope it becomes a trilogy that gets a prequel trilogy that keeps growing because this world is a really great one I want to learn more about! If you haven't heard of Legendborn or haven't made your mind up about it, you run and enjoy the journey of a lifetime!

This next book was recommended by my bestie. They read Trixie Belden books as a kid and became fascinated with them, so a couple years ago they went online and worked hard to collect over 3/4th of the series- turns out these books were not popular and therefore it's actually pretty hard to find! Of the 39 books made, my library has the audiobooks for the first 4! I was quickly endeared to this series, Trixie Belden gives off major lesbian kid vibes- a tomboy who just has the closest female friendships... I will eat it up every time okay!! The stories feel like chewing bubble gum, stimulating and fun with minimal effort. They are engaging, vocabulary-expanding, delightful tales. The stories even have some ridiculously high stakes for this bright young teen and will keep you on the edge of your seat (but not for long!). And my favorite part has to be the alluding to the next book, which picks up almost right where you left off! A very comfy read!

Yearly Book Count: 7/?? Yearly Reading Goal: 50 Books

[litandlifequotes]

Maybe we only have a finite amount of love to give. We're born with our portion, and if we love and are not loved enough in return, it's depleted.

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis

[cdelphiki]

Random, but fav gothic book/novella/story?

I can’t say I have one, sorry!! I’ve been trying to read more lately so I can say I’m a reader but 😆

I’ll tell you what I’m reading right now, how’s that? The Unsettled by Ayana Mathis! Just checked it out yesterday so I’m not far in at all.

[otherpplnation]

928. Ayana Mathis

Ayana Mathis is the author of the novel The Unsettled, now available in trade paperback from Vintage.

Mathis's first novel, The Twelve Tribes of Hattie was a New York Times best seller, an NPR Best Book of 2013, the second selection for Oprah's Book Club 2.0. and has been translated into sixteen languages. Her nonfiction has been published in the The New York Times, The Atlantic, Guernica, and RollingStone. Mathis is a graduate of the Iowa Writers Workshop. She was born in Philadelphia, and currently lives in New York City where she teaches writing in Hunter College's MFA Program.

***

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[imaginebookscompany]

You'll Never Believe the 10 Books Oprah Can't Put Down Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul, philanthropist, and avid reader, has a knack for discovering and promoting exceptional books that captivate her audience. Her book club selections have become a cultural phenomenon, propelling countless titles to bestseller status and igniting passionate discussions among readers worldwide. In this blog post, we'll delve into the 10 books that have left an indelible mark on Oprah, books that she simply can't put down. "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead Oprah has described this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel as "one of the most imaginative and spellbinding books" she has ever read. "The Underground Railroad" is a powerful and poetic exploration of the horrors of slavery, following the journey of Cora, a young woman who escapes from a Georgia plantation and embarks on a harrowing quest for freedom. Whitehead's masterful storytelling and vivid imagery have left an indelible impression on Oprah, who praised the book for its ability to "redefine our notions of what it means to be human." Click the title above to check out the book!! "Becoming" by Michelle Obama As a close friend of the former First Lady, Oprah was captivated by Michelle Obama's memoir, "Becoming." This intimate and inspiring book offers a candid look into Michelle's life, from her humble beginnings to her time in the White House. Oprah commended the book for its honesty, vulnerability, and the powerful lessons it imparts about resilience, determination, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Click the title above to check out the book!! "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd This historical novel, set in the early 19th century, follows the intertwined lives of Sarah Grimké, a young woman from a prominent Charleston family, and Handful, the enslaved woman she is gifted on her 11th birthday. Oprah praised Kidd's ability to bring these characters to life, saying, "The Invention of Wings is a profoundly moving story that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the transcendent power of friendship." Click the title above to check out the book!! "The Twelve Tribes of Hattie" by Ayana Mathis Oprah was deeply moved by this debut novel, which chronicles the lives of Hattie Shepherd and her children as they navigate the Great Migration and the harsh realities of racism and poverty in the 20th century. She described the book as "a remarkable debut novel that explores the complexities of the American family with depth, honesty, and insight." Click the title above to check out the book!! "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison Toni Morrison's seminal work, "The Bluest Eye," has been a long-standing favorite of Oprah's. This poignant and heartbreaking novel delves into the devastating effects of internalized racism and the pursuit of beauty standards that marginalize and oppress. Oprah has praised Morrison's ability to "illuminate the lives of those who existed on the periphery of society" and to confront difficult truths with unflinching honesty. Click the title above to check out the book!! "The Book of Ruth" by Jane Hamilton Oprah was captivated by this novel's exploration of family dynamics, secrets, and the complexities of human relationships. "The Book of Ruth" follows the story of Ruth, a young woman who returns to her small Illinois hometown to care for her ailing mother. Oprah praised Hamilton's writing for its "emotional depth and richness," and the book's ability to resonate with readers on a profound level. Click the title above to check out the book!! "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver This epic novel, set in the Belgian Congo in the late 1950s, follows the Price family as they navigate the challenges of missionary work, cultural clashes, and political upheaval. Oprah was captivated by Kingsolver's vivid storytelling and the book's exploration of themes such as colonialism, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit. Click the title above to check out the book!!

"The Road" by Cormac McCarthy Oprah has described "The Road" as "one of the most harrowing and haunting books" she has ever read. This post-apocalyptic novel follows a father and son as they journey through a desolate and dangerous landscape, their bond tested by the harsh realities of survival. Oprah praised McCarthy's ability to create a "profoundly moving and unforgettable story" that resonates long after the final page. Click the title above to check out the book!! "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett This epic historical novel, set in 12th-century England, follows the construction of a cathedral and the lives of those involved in its creation. Oprah was enthralled by Follett's masterful storytelling and the book's ability to transport readers to a different time and place. She praised the novel for its "richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and vivid depictions of medieval life." Click the title above to check out the book!! "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini Oprah has described "The Kite Runner" as "one of the most powerful and profound books" she has ever read. This novel, set in Afghanistan, explores the themes of friendship, betrayal, and the quest for redemption. Oprah was deeply moved by Hosseini's ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of love and forgiveness. These 10 books, each a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of literature, have left an indelible mark on Oprah Winfrey. From historical fiction to contemporary narratives, these works have challenged her, moved her, and inspired her in profound ways. Oprah's passion for reading and her ability to connect with books on a deeply personal level have made her a beloved and influential figure in the literary world, inspiring countless readers to embark on their own journeys of discovery through the pages of these remarkable books.

[nellie-elizabeth]

Book Tracking Check-In! 3.13.2024

Haven't ended up making these posts quite as often as I thought I would, but let's do a check-in!

GOAL 1 BOOKS: OWNED & NOT READ (9 as of 3.13.24, 2 are preordered)

The Crimson Campaign - Brian McClellan

Lord Byron's Novel: The Evening Land

When We Were Orphans - Kazuo Ishiguro

The Dispossessed - Ursula K. Le Guin

Dawnshard - Brandon Sanderson

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter - Brandon Sanderson

The Sunlit Man - Brandon Sanderson

[The Adventure Zone - Suffering Game] - preordered

[What Doesn’t Break (Bells Hells)] - preordered

~~~~~~~~~~

GOAL 2 BOOKS: BOOK CLUBS! (2 as of 3.13.24)

The Unsettled - Ayana Mathis

Babel-17 - Samuel R. Delany

~~~~~~~~~~

GOAL 3 BOOKS: RE-READ OLD BOOKS (35 as of 3.13.24)

Peter and the Starcatchers

Peter and the Shadow Thieves

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon

In Cold Blood

The School Story

The Wish List

Walk Two Moons

Bud, Not Buddy

The BFG

Crime and Punishment

Adam Bede

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

The Princess Bride

The Blithedale Romance

Olive’s Ocean

Our Only May Amelia

The Valley of Secrets

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl Who Played with Fire

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

Prince Caspian

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Silver Chair

The Last Battle

Gathering Blue

The Host

Beloved - Toni Morrison

Mama Day - Gloria Naylor

The Accursed - Joyce Carol Oates

Ivanhoe - Walter Scott

The Cricket in Times Square

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Slaughterhouse-Five

Charlotte’s Web

The People in the Trees

~~~~~~~~~~

GOAL 4 BOOKS: CONTINUING SERIES/AUTHORS

Books are available & not read:

Powder Mage & Sequel Series [5]

Locked Tomb [1]

Red Rising [6]

Singing Hills Cycle [2]

Discworld series [13]

Brandon Sanderson Novels [17]

NK Jemisin [1]

Chronicles of the Avatar [3]

The Machineries of Empire (Ninefox Gambit) [4]

Saint of Steel [4]

Kate Alice Marshall [1]

______________________________________________________________

My Reading Stats in 2024 So Far: 18 TOTAL

GOAL 1 BOOKS: OWNED & NOT READ [9]

Promise of Blood

The Mighty Nein Origins - Fjord Stone

Words of Radiance

The Last Hero

Harrow the Ninth

The Narrow

A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings

Edgedancer

Red Rising

GOAL 2 BOOKS: BOOK CLUBS! [3]

The Robber Bride

The Glass Hotel

Wylding Hall

GOAL 3 BOOKS: RE-READ OLD BOOKS [5]

The Magicians Nephew

The Hobbit

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Cages

The Horse and His Boy

GOAL 4 BOOKS: CONTINUING SERIES/AUTHORS [1] (Most included in Goal 1)

The Rise of Kyoshi

[antonio-velardo]

Antonio Velardo shares: What Can Literature Teach Us About Forgiveness? by Ayana Mathis

By Ayana Mathis American fiction has always grappled with sin, atonement and mercy. In the second installment of an essay series on literature and faith, Ayana Mathis examines what we can learn from forgiveness. Published: August 24, 2023 at 05:01AM from NYT Books https://ift.tt/ilxA0hB via IFTTT