Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America
by Nefertiti Austin
Motherhood So White (9/10/2019)
Motherhood So White was an interesting read, particularly as a white woman. I looked forward to reading it because I want to learn. It did teach me quite a bit about the different aspects of family life in the black community. I find that I was anticipating something of a reference book for black women looking to raise adopted children. I wanted to understand the challenges in a society that still is not as socially just as we would like. Alas, it was not a reference book but rather exactly what the title says “a memoir”. The author’s frustrations were really a core message in this book. I was pleased when she embarked upon the challenge of advocating not only for herself and her children but for future adoptive parents. The book chronicled her own growth as her children grew and that was very nice to be able to witness. She did a great job with descriptions both of the characters that formed her life and of her struggles throughout the foster/adoption process.
All Is Not Forgotten
by Wendy Walker
All is Not Forgotten will not be forgotten (10/13/2015)
This book is a very compelling read. Although the theme is a bit dark due to the situations that have been "forgotten" (or not), the twists and turns are very well done. Most parents, given the choice, would want to sweep away unhappy memories from their child's life. But, in this book, the ramifications are proven to be astronomical.
The character development made you really feel like you knew the people. Unfortunately, the choices made in this book made most every character someone I wouldn't choose to befriend.
I think this book gives a lot of food for thought and for this reason I think that it would be a great book club book. The discussion would be lively.
Calling Me Home
by Julie Kibler
A Ride to Remember (12/4/2012)
Calling Me Home has a masterful way of drawing in its reader. The car ride, to a funeral across country, brings together two unlikely travelling companions. The story the older woman shares with the younger woman is a story for all to hear. It bridges time, age and race in a poignant, bittersweet tale that impacts, not only the two characters, but anyone who picks up this book. I'm so glad to have read it and highly recommend it.
Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected - A Memoir
by Kelle Hampton
Bloom Gives a Very Special Perspective (2/5/2012)
Bloom, by Kelle Hampton, is an amazing look into a woman’s journey from the life she expected, to the life she was given. It’s an intimate, sometimes heartbreaking, memoir of letting go of the life she thought she would have and embracing her “New Life”. Sometimes sad, sometimes funny, this book is a very quick read because it’s so very difficult to break the bond and walk away. The photos make it all so real and bring the reader right into the folds.
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