tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84004554298211666612011-12-04T06:22:04.689-05:00Books & Other Passionssusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.comBlogger5591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-14041943703570521832010-09-04T13:09:00.004-04:002010-09-04T13:22:23.459-04:00

Every kid loves summer vacation but growing up I was also excited about returning to school. Back then I wouldn't haven't articulated it the same way, but I know now that school provided a kind of haven for me, a place where I could imagine and excel. School meant being with friends and supported by adults who cared about me.I see fall as a beginning, a time of year when things are both exciting

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-34636840435825018712010-08-31T07:18:00.008-04:002010-08-31T18:05:24.172-04:00

Ah, confession time. It's fall and I'm looking forward to new beginnings. That's not my confession; my confession is that I've realized it takes me a lot longer to accept change and to adapt despite my belief that I am open-minded and flexible. Clearly I'm not as much of either as I thought. I've been angry and sad for awhile because of some very difficult changes in my life this year. I

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-79488942669365955802010-08-30T07:33:00.008-04:002010-08-30T18:11:12.417-04:00

Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I've been in a reading drought so I am anxious to learn what's new and what I should add to my tbr for the fall. If you have recommendations, please share them with me at Color Online. I'm building a list.Currently, I'm reading The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar. I'd really like to know if anyone has read this and The Help and tell

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-40880474239329279872010-07-27T20:22:00.011-04:002010-07-27T20:52:19.910-04:00

A few months back, someone sent me a copy of Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson (See Ari's review). I carried the book with me on my bus commute with the intent to read it over a couple of rides and lunches at work. Well when I got to work, I shared the book with a co-worker whose son is a reluctant reader. She's always looking for something for him. Without thinking, I offered the book. Later

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-51347169554663199292010-07-27T19:10:00.004-04:002010-07-27T19:16:42.977-04:00

Arrgggggggggggggg. Cranky, tired and weepy. Why did it take me two days to realize I'm pmsing? Seriously, how long have I had a cycle? I am sick of being suzy downer. Maude, I really can't stand being in this funk- not now.Confession, I've fallen off the book mobile and I feel so ashamed. I'm afraid to step back into the truck. I imagine the driver giving me a look that says, "You've got a lot of

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-82797995021419758122010-07-25T16:17:00.005-04:002010-07-25T16:25:38.484-04:00

Here's what Linda Spangle has in store for us to do today: Tell yourself "I can do it." at least 10 times. Use this to cheerlead yourself through the entire day! In your notebook, write "I can do it because. . ." and then add a few supportive phrases such as "I'm capable of doing anything." Read your phrases often, using them to reinforce your goals and build your enthusiasm. Good luck! Looking

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-23155806731992110412010-07-20T22:19:00.005-04:002010-07-20T22:44:39.715-04:00

Wouldn't you know just when I'm finding my groove again, my pc decides to spazz out on me. It was down most of the day and when I could get on, I had a few other writing assignments I wanted to complete. Then I had a community meeting for my apartment complex. Then dinner.I confess I almost bailed. Then I thought how I'd feel if I couldn't get on tomorrow. Nope, do it now.Apparently, I have a low

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-40633453237145310462010-07-19T07:26:00.014-04:002010-07-19T08:50:57.384-04:00

Back in April I joined a group of co-workers in a biggest loser weight loss challenge. Eight weeks in, my cousin died. He was the ultimate health enthusiast. He trained every day and was a healthy vegetarian for more than two decades before his spinal injury two years ago and later the heart attack that killed him. Week nine, three weeks before we concluded the challenge, I injured my knee at

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-87355175075796752402010-06-11T07:21:00.004-04:002010-06-11T17:19:41.587-04:00

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. Services were yesterday. I want to thank two fine poets, January O'Neil and Maya Ganesan. When I'm hurting, I turn to poetry and in your words I found comfort. At the services I recited two works: "Take Care" by January O'Neil from her collection, The Underlife and "Invitation" by Maya Ganesan from Apologies To An Apple.

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-17594737764103144002010-06-02T20:20:00.011-04:002010-06-12T09:46:41.207-04:00

The older I get the more nostalgic I become. I spend more time each year thinking about my childhood summers, revisiting a time when my family was large and I felt secure knowing my family was close and I was loved. This summer's eve marks the year my familial net came undone. My cousin Michael passed away on Memorial Day in the early afternoon.I don't want to be in this space, this time so

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-17677516476879764822010-05-16T17:28:00.017-04:002010-05-16T20:47:27.514-04:00

Is blogging like riding a bike? I'm struggling to balance writing and reading and managing my off-line life. I miss being in this space though. Today, I begin again.It's spring so let's talk about cycles, specifically our menstrual cycle. Did you read Eva's post about the Diva Cup and the book, Flow? I still haven't read the book, but I can tell you about the Diva Cup, a wonderful, green way to

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-75698727295485162862010-04-12T07:23:00.000-04:002010-04-12T07:25:36.370-04:00

Friends,I apologize for being MIA. Full week and life in my household is equally challenging. Will update tonight and make my rounds of reading and commenting.If I owe you a book or an article, please drop me an email if you're concerned. Will mail all books this week.

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-26602705170075354572010-04-06T19:57:00.006-04:002010-04-06T20:59:03.376-04:00

It's Tuesday. That means it's confession time. Keeping this short. Dinner's ready. My confession tonight is about why I can’t lose weight. I could name a few reasons but you all would undoubtedly say "lame excuses" and tell me to step away from the table, and I couldn’t argue so I’m going to share the biggies with you and they are big. I don’t care if you agree with me or not.The truth is I

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-43849256181788562882010-04-05T21:04:00.003-04:002010-04-05T21:07:46.921-04:00

It's Monday. It's a day we give a little lov'n. Comments let bloggers know you're reading them. "I like this" in the comment section says plenty. Commit to reading and commenting to 5 blogs this week. Stop by the following links and drop a few links of your choice, too."Growing Up Asian American" @ Moms of HueMy parents immigrated from the Philippines in the 70s. Both had three jobs each at

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-51011790546742815702010-04-05T00:09:00.005-04:002010-04-05T00:31:20.582-04:00

Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I joined because there is no way I can review every book I read.Very hectic week. See my Sunday Salon post.Read:The Most Loved In All The World: a story of freedom by Tonya C. Hegamin, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera. This children's book tells a compelling story in a way small children can comprehend. It might raise some worry or

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-60208910439963511402010-04-04T16:45:00.008-04:002010-04-04T17:14:03.919-04:00

If you noticed the lack of posts last week, it's because I've been busy with off-line activities. In short order: I'm gearing up for an district contest with Toastmasters on Saturday. I'm facilitating our Brown Bag It Book Club at work on Thursday. On Friday, I'm launching a fit challenge with a newly formed club, The First Friday Fit Club. The fit club isn't officially running yet we've signed

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-82104442053842636272010-04-04T00:21:00.001-04:002010-04-04T09:18:59.215-04:00

Remember when you were a kid and getting new crayons was a big deal? Getting new books holds the same kind of magic for some of us big kids. Every week on Sunday, I post what's new in our box. I think crayons is a pretty cool metaphor for multicultural lit. Every week we receive a book at Color Online is a good week.This week turned out to be equally plentiful so I'm blogging here and at Color

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-4594970979761697222010-03-29T06:22:00.002-04:002010-03-29T06:24:38.744-04:00

It's Monday. It's a day we give a little lov'n. Comments let bloggers know you're reading them. "I like this" in the comment section says plenty. Commit to reading and commenting to 5 blogs this week. Stop by the following links and drop a few links of your choice, too.Getting Hatemail From Custer at Last Woman: Political & Cultural SnapshotsHow often do we ask young people to work with our

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-45279514854253635082010-03-28T22:44:00.006-04:002010-03-28T23:33:35.454-04:00

Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I joined because there is no way I can review every book I read.Read:Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate. Verse novel for younger end of YA. Familiar immigrant story told in a fresh an intimate way. Fits my YA and POC challenge.Wait For Me by An Na. I am biased. I love poetry and Na's prose reads like poetry. This is romantic,

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-63936201509661446832010-03-28T14:14:00.016-04:002010-03-28T14:59:09.894-04:00

Remember when you were a kid and getting new crayons was a big deal? Getting new books holds the same kind of magic for some of us big kids. Every week on Sunday, I post what's new in our box. I think crayons is a pretty cool metaphor for multicultural lit. Every week we receive a booka t Color Online is a good week.We received so many books that this week I'm blogging here and at Color Online

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-3824550114831944772010-03-26T07:10:00.005-04:002010-03-26T07:31:44.837-04:00

Remember my rambling about other passions? Tonight I'm looking forward to seeing this film. It's silly for me to say that I'm into films by and about women's issues, right? Closing out a great month with this film and you can expect to see more to follow.Oh, this is based on a book. :-) Will report back next week.Desert Flower Plot:Based on the world best-selling book DESERT FLOWER by Waris

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-21340509167892558072010-03-26T07:03:00.002-04:002010-03-26T07:28:10.686-04:00

Color Online is asking readers to check out Mr. Derrick Barnes , author of the wonderful children's book series, Ruby Booker. Powers that be don't think Ruby is bringing in enough sales (maybe if there was serious promotion behind the books more readers would be buying and reading) so for those who don't know Ruby or Barnes, Doret took some time to chat with the author. Show some love,

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-217829558489416552010-03-23T18:08:00.006-04:002010-03-23T21:27:51.986-04:00

It's Tuesday and I'm in a funk. That means this could be an interesting Confession Tuesday except I'm on serious time crunch. The kidlet is running track this season so I have a parent meeting. Oh, joy. Yes, that is dripping with sarcasm.I'm also on the rag and yes, I said on the rag. I did say I was in a funk, remember. Unlike some of my peers, I find nothing even remotely affirming about having

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-16792247102326814682010-03-22T06:38:00.004-04:002010-03-22T06:43:21.125-04:00

It's Monday. It's a day we give a little lov'n. Comments let bloggers know you're reading them. "I like this" in the comment section says plenty. Commit to reading and commenting to 5 blogs this week. Stop by the following links and drop a few links of your choice, too.Rest in Peace, Ai @ PoefrikaAi, who has described herself as 1/2 Japanese, Choctaw-Chickasaw, Black, Irish, Southern Cheyenne,

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-59778411311361292452010-03-22T06:36:00.005-04:002010-03-22T18:36:53.479-04:00

Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I joined because there is no way I can review every book I read.Read:Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan. This has been on my tbr for a while. I needed to change things up. I started this last night and finished it on my commute coming home. Blake is funny. Marissa and Shannon are believable and make a good argument that guys are not attracted

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-9054768101176838082010-03-21T08:48:00.007-04:002010-03-26T07:21:29.742-04:00

April 1, 1940Ihithe village, Tetu division, Nyeri District of KenyaEnvironmental and political activistIn a few decades, the relationship between the environment, resources and conflict may seem almost as obvious as the connection we see today between human rights, democracy and peace. ~Wangari MaathaiThe first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree. [She]obtained a degree

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-84396640108843911962010-03-20T22:15:00.032-04:002010-03-21T11:35:14.191-04:00

For me, it's about girl power 365 a year and during March my fanaticism- eh, my passion is deemed appropriate. I wanted to put this up earlier but life with a female teen is uh, well, let's say, requires spending less time here.With the exception of the adult sisters in the first title, the others have girl leads. Some show how girls from different cultures find a way to affect their own

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-24048512303597655832010-03-15T06:58:00.000-04:002010-03-15T06:59:39.104-04:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers and other sites of note. Post a link to anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link. Today, we celebrate International Women's Day. Read and comment. Your goal: Read and comment to 5 blogs this week.Give a little lovin'. This week's links:Retrieving Women's History @ Writers of Color 50 Book Challenge.Imam reviews

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-82760602167188697012010-03-15T06:51:00.001-04:002010-03-15T06:55:43.654-04:00

Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I joined because there is no way I can review every book I read.Just finished:Sweet Hereafter by Angela Johnson. My review is here. I loved this. Counts towards my YA and POC challengesFlower Girl Butterflies by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard. Lovely book. Great illustrations. Fits my POC challenge.Still Reading: Iran Awakening by Shirin

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-17453285481268790812010-03-13T19:54:00.015-05:002010-03-15T07:09:27.739-04:00

March is Women's History Month. To celebrate I am asking you to provide a short annotated bibliography of reference or history titles. If you don't own or haven't read any reference titles, what memoirs, autobiographies or biographies do you recommend? What women's book impacted you in an indelible way? Do you have any favorite books by women about women?Okay, I really want you to know the

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-71494093559647588272010-03-13T10:38:00.007-05:002010-03-14T17:26:20.119-04:00

sweet, hereafterAngela JohnsonSimon & Schuster2010Having read the other titles in the trilogy, I think sweet, hereafter is a deft closing. This final installment is about Sweet, a young girl we meet through Marley in Heaven. Sweet is odd; she wears knee high rain boots, isn’t obsessed with ipods or Facebook, drives a truck dubbed Alice and likes feeding ground hogs apple peels. She doesn’t fit in

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-21404317878517749882010-03-12T07:23:00.004-05:002010-03-12T07:28:39.611-05:00

March 12, 1952St. Louis, MissouriI support all people on earth who have bodies like and unlike my body...PoetPalestinian-AmericanWashington Report

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-51570472251064590832010-03-10T21:36:00.009-05:002010-03-11T06:58:31.136-05:00

On Fire For The RevolutionRoya and her sister were young college students when the Islamic Revolution swept their country. They had been part of history, rallying alongside their brothers for the overthrow of the Shah. On the day of victory, they took flowers to the Ministry of Justice where they interned. That’s when they were chided about covering their hair.The invitation to show respect was

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-45118035158305696222010-03-10T07:17:00.005-05:002010-03-10T07:26:47.224-05:00

January 19, 1969 Port-au-Prince, HaitiWriterHaitian-AmericanI wanted to raise the voice of a lot of the people that I knew growing up, and this was, for the most part, poor people who had extraordinary dreams but also very amazing obstacles. ~Edwidge DanticatinterviewBirnbaum v Edwidge Danticat

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-68831912126397010822010-03-09T07:02:00.005-05:002010-03-09T07:13:51.054-05:00

October 8, 1930Harlem, New YorkAfrican American painter, sculptor, author, illustratorI believe in being an artist as a way of life; my intention is serious, and I'm reading to challenge anyone who says what I do isn't. ~Faith RinggoldRead moreFaith RinggoldAfrican American World, Arts & Culture

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-70106103532900125832010-03-08T06:57:00.006-05:002010-03-10T07:28:23.739-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers and other sites of note. Post a link to anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link. Today, we celebrate International Women's Day. Read and comment. Your goal: Read and comment to 5 blogs this week.Give a little lovin'. This week's links:The Girl2Woman 200K Challenge for 200Million at Girl2WomanOn March 1,

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-79110047317595424582010-03-08T06:53:00.010-05:002010-03-14T17:34:45.845-04:00

Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I joined because there is no way I can review every book I read. Up this week:Finished:M+O 4EVR by Tonya Cherie Hegmain. This fits my LGBT challenge but when is any book, when are we ever just one aspect of our identity? This book is about friendship, the awakening of romantic and sexual desire, love, loss and yes, identity. This is

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-73521405145918479722010-03-07T10:20:00.007-05:002010-03-07T10:36:58.981-05:00

November 18, 1945Tahlequah, OklahomaFirst female Chief of the Cherokee NationPrincipal Chief from 1985 to 1995I don't think anybody anywhere can talk about the future of their people or of an organization without talking about education. Whoever controls the education of our children controls our future.~Wilma Pearl MankillerWilma Pearl MankillerEncyclopedia of Oklohoma History & Culture

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-48687351631634333662010-03-06T09:50:00.002-05:002010-03-06T09:53:35.526-05:00

Color Online: Diversity Roll Call: Celebrating Women's HistoryMarch is Women's History Month. To celebrate I am asking you to provide a short annotated bibliography of reference or history titles. Call me a geek, but I enjoy reading them. I hoard reference books. Our girls and we, women, are bombarded with narrow, stifling images of ourselves. There is a lack of positive imaging. However, rather

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-18973539038217526092010-03-05T07:08:00.005-05:002010-03-07T10:35:00.593-05:00

June 19, 1945Ragoon, Burma now Yangon MyamarGeneral Secretary of the National League for DemocracyConcepts such as truth, justice, and compassion cannot be dismissed as trite when these are often the only bulwarks which stand against ruthless power.~ Aung San Suu KyiBooks by Aung San Suu KyiNobel Peace Prize

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-7406962056268770052010-03-02T20:18:00.004-05:002010-03-02T20:33:35.090-05:00

It's Tuesday, confession time. Tonight, I'm coming clean. I've been hiding out in the book blogosphere. Like another blogger, I'm confessing that I've been neglecting other parts of myself and my excuse has been I'm too busy book blogging. Well, I am busy blogging but I don't have to be.This blog says books and other passions but for too long, my other passions have cooled; no, they are

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-7498965217686820802010-03-01T07:05:00.001-05:002010-03-02T07:11:56.836-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers and other sites of note. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link. Make 2010 the year you commit to read and comment. Your goal: Read and comment to 5 blogs this week.Give a little lovin'. This week's links:Women's History Month at Rhapsody In BooksIn 1987, the National

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-44946816989654392122010-03-01T07:01:00.003-05:002010-03-14T17:35:10.643-04:00

Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I joined because there is no way I can review every book I read. Up this week:Just finished:Taneesha Never Disparaging by M. LaVora Perry. Really enjoyed this. Review this week.Tortilla Sun by Jennifer Cervantes. As I mentioned last week this has magic and the magic is real. The book deals with death and loss but treated in a way a

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-86174139384845664322010-02-27T18:26:00.007-05:002010-02-27T18:48:40.413-05:00

Ali asked us:1) Take a look at the magazines or literary journals you read. If you don't read them, pick one up from the library just for the heck of it. Look at the ads, the photo spreads, the authors and subjects of the articles. Do people of color exist in the world this publication presents to its readers? How about gays, lesbians, or people with physical differences?2) Do you know of a

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-51605313823974261872010-02-27T17:06:00.003-05:002010-02-27T17:08:10.595-05:00

Cross-posting from Color Online. If you like free books, come by. If you like a good book chat, come by.Community,I want take a moment to reiterate our commitment to connecting readers with books so this is a reminder about how to get free books from Color Online:Participate in CORA Diversity Roll Call. Each month, we will draw a name randomly to win a book from our Prize Bucket. Participation

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-3658046649124263582010-02-23T19:40:00.012-05:002010-02-23T19:59:00.233-05:00

It’s Tuesday that means confession time. Tonight I’m ‘fessing up about a couple of guilty pleasures. First: “Castle.” Love the show. I don’t watch a lot of TV but if I manage to remember what day of the week it is and the day hasn’t passed, I like to watch “Castle.” I don’t even know the lead’s name. I liked him in “Firefly” and I like him in this new show. I like Beckett’s character (too thin,

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-79601044630619670342010-02-22T07:16:00.011-05:002010-03-14T17:35:45.302-04:00

Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I joined because there is no way I can review every book I read. Up this week:Still reading:Awakening Iran by Shrin EbadiLast Night I Sang To The Monster by Benjamin Alire Saenz. See review at La Bloga. The male point of view requires a mental adjustment for me. No exception here but once I fell into step with Zach's train of thought

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-82344597153303036732010-02-22T06:22:00.003-05:002010-02-22T06:39:54.013-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers and other sites of note. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link. Make 2010 the year you commit to read and comment. Your goal: Read and comment to 5 blogs this week.Give a little lovin'. This week's links:Malcolm X at PoefrikaTeens that blog @ I'm Here, I'm

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-67657586357444233042010-02-20T10:55:00.003-05:002010-03-14T17:29:50.411-04:00

GLBT Reading: Guest Post: Jacqueline WoodsonI'm a guest blogger at the GLBT Challenge and yes, talking about my girlcrush, Ms. Woodson. Please come by.When Ms. Woodson explores race and sexual orientation, it’s always in the context of personal relationships. Her language and the dialogue between characters aren’t political but intimate and this matters. It is much easier to examine social mores

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-35723162043961427332010-02-16T19:43:00.010-05:002010-02-16T20:03:28.717-05:00

It's Confession Tuesday. There are times when what I need to address involves others but they didn't sign on for Confession Tuesday, I did. And then there is Lucille Clifton's passing. Often when I'm really hurting, I reach for poetry. Today is one of those days. Ms. Clifton's words match the burden I'm feeling.Rest in peace.gloria mundiso knowing,what is known?that we carry our baggagein our

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-58487041811302757022010-02-16T19:00:00.008-05:002010-02-16T21:42:18.303-05:00

Lanker is perhaps best known for his book and exhibition of portraits entitled, "I Dream A World: Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America." The debut exhibition at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. set attendance records for the 111 year old museum in the nation's capital. Currently, his book "I Dream A World" is in its 14th printing. These last two weeks, I’ve been reading a

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-52072944566680565722010-02-15T22:03:00.010-05:002010-02-16T07:07:59.099-05:00

I thinking I'll continue with this meme because there is no way to review every book I read.Finished:The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. Loved it.8th Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Ruday-Perkovich. Really enjoyed this. It's harder for me to relate to boys so when I do, I know I have the author to thank. I might start reading more MG books.Still reading:Awakening Iran by Shrin

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-67319873462560975892010-02-15T21:41:00.003-05:002010-02-16T18:36:14.850-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers and other sites of note. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link. Make 2010 the year you commit to read and comment. Your goal: Read and comment to 5 blogs this week.Give a little lovin'. This week's links:How To Raise Racist Kids at Geek DadSongs for your Valentine at

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-72281519631024929962010-02-14T12:52:00.003-05:002010-02-14T14:17:37.308-05:00

Some things are worth repeating. I'm cross-posting this in its entirety.Spicing it up this Sunday. I hope this alternate image has piqued your interest because this week's topic is not polite Sunday conversation. Real life isn't always tea and biscuits either so shall we get to this week's query:Do you read urban/street literature? How do you define it? What does it provide readers, particularly

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-67997642458339260972010-02-13T18:17:00.005-05:002010-02-13T18:43:02.609-05:00

Saturday Six is an exercise where you try to describe your reading for the week in six sentences.It's been a very good week for me. I finally finished The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Tate. I leisurely read this YA title over a couple of weeks and I thoroughly enjoyed this Newbery Honor book.I'm currently reading 8th Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Ruday-Perkovich. Do read Ari's

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-24299406417732211742010-02-13T12:49:00.002-05:002010-02-13T12:51:04.556-05:00

Color Online: A Wish After Midnight Release Giveaway!Elliott does an excellent job of recreating 1863 Brooklyn and the tumult of the time, including the roiling anger against those who could buy their way out of military service that led to the deadly Draft Riots in July, the back-to-Africa movement that galvanized both white abolitionists and free blacks alike, and the overarching danger of

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-90433031486869027692010-02-09T06:02:00.002-05:002010-02-09T07:00:40.420-05:00

Happy Birthday Ms. Walker and happy birthday to me, too!February 9th, 1944No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow. ~Alice WalkerToday is Confession Tuesday and today I am confessing and celebrating. Today Ms. Walker turns 66 and I turn 45. I confess I feel special for a lot of reasons including sharing a birthday with a beloved writer, an amazing woman.I

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-65023160755854122992010-02-07T22:04:00.008-05:002010-02-08T21:18:42.097-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to an article, contest, interview, poem- anything you think deserves a little lov'n.Leave comments here, too. Let us know what you checked out. Commit to reading and commenting to 5 posts this week.Drop those links and check these out:Mother Writer T-shirts to support Doctors without

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-31888794051229327922010-02-07T18:39:00.004-05:002010-02-07T19:05:05.158-05:00

We’re currently having a discussion about Children of the Waters by Carleen Brice at Color Online. It’s a story about a young, educated black woman who despite having Lupus has a pretty good life. Then her half-sister shows up and Billie discovers not only that she was adopted, but also that she’s half white. Now Billie is a sister who prides herself on been culturally and spiritually grounded.

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-64107841129737398062010-02-06T13:16:00.018-05:002010-02-06T14:15:10.445-05:00

I’ve been here 350 years but you’ve never seen me.~James BaldwinBlack History month has provided an opportunity for another reader response. Today, I wrote the following reply to a review of The Listeners by Gloria Whelan at Rhapsody in Books:Teachers and librarians,While this book looks lovely please remember that children need contemporary and fun books about black people. Black History should

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-59205581524547725322010-02-02T06:26:00.002-05:002010-02-02T06:27:24.882-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers and other sites of note. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link. Make 2010 the year you commit to read and comment.Give a little lovin'. This week's links:The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind @ Guys Lit WireBooks I've Cherished @ Cynical, Ornery, Sublime, LushLooking to

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-22563562287581255172010-01-31T13:54:00.024-05:002010-02-02T06:29:15.811-05:00

For this assignment, I want us to shift from the importance of representation and focus on how difference or a different perspective changed us in a meaningful way. Have you ever read a book and the character's perspective opened you to ideas, beliefs or realities that you had never considered? Tell us a about a work or an author whose body of work changed how you looked at the world, others or

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-32960259942540973542010-01-30T19:27:00.005-05:002010-01-30T19:41:43.648-05:00

Cheating this week's Saturday Six Sentences. On Monday at Color Online, you'll find an interview with Carleen Brice author of Chidren of the Waters. On Friday, we're hosting our first group book discussion of Ms. Brice's latest work.There's more: "Sins of the Mother," adapted from Carleen's Orange Mint and Honey, starring Jill Scott and Nicole Beharie airs February 21st on Lifetime.Join us for

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-40590828538826312132010-01-30T19:26:00.008-05:002010-03-14T17:28:33.982-04:00

The Negro Speaks of Rivers, illustrated by E. B. LewisLangston HughesDisney - Jump at the Sun Books2009I picked up this book for a couple of reasons, first because its the Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Honor Book and the poem is by Langston Hughes. I confess I didn't know who E. B. Lewis is but after reading this book, I made it my business to learn more about the illustrator.While I knew

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-41792028980312491002010-01-26T20:57:00.008-05:002010-01-26T22:12:03.523-05:00

It's Tuesday. Today, I have more of an admission rather than a confession and maybe it's not an admission since I'm stating something obvious: I'm a bull in the china store. I suppose a confession would be that I'm not bothered by breaking things and making noise.I don't know when it happened but I know when I realized I had been conditioned to be nice and to play to get along, I got mad. I

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-82063574605357931092010-01-26T20:52:00.004-05:002010-01-26T21:37:52.362-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers and other sites of note. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link. Make 2010 the year you commit to read and comment.Give a little lovin'. This week's links:A Dispora of Children (Adoption of Haitian Children) at Currents Between The ShoresChildren's Picture Book

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-50576832244189654512010-01-24T18:58:00.020-05:002010-01-24T21:56:31.181-05:00

I have spent the entire weekend blogging and reading about books. Just when I was going to get away from my monitor I stumble up Unsung YA Heroes (scroll down to second list). I could not resist. Without my usual long-winded intro here are a few of my unsung YA Heroes:The First Part Last by Angela Johnson. It's a story about a teen father. The main characters are African American. But this isn't

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-14009824891554288002010-01-24T07:38:00.008-05:002010-01-24T12:23:30.430-05:00

Well clearly it's not Saturday which makes this late. I tell you what you work full-time, publish two blogs, manage three Facebook pages, launch a boycott and then adjust your protest because of the publisher's limp apology that nonetheless distracts folks so you shift gears, waging the same agenda albeit 'boycott', read (that's the foundation of all of this, right?) raise a teenager and do what

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-29180680489750216872010-01-23T21:25:00.006-05:002010-01-23T21:56:52.858-05:00

Blog brown, people. This is as straight forward as it gets: Read brown. Pam is hosting this challenge. There's currently no time frame. You don't have to list your titles in advance. Every month or quarter (depends on volume; let's make it necessary to make it every month) you'll find a space to link to your reviews.Let us be clear. We want publishers and retailers to know we value and read POC.

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-27705009077321507732010-01-21T20:17:00.001-05:002010-01-21T20:20:19.939-05:00

Thank You Bloomsbury but I'm Not Ready To Kissand make up.Whitewashing- * Fails to accurately represent race and diversity * Says people of color do not matter * Denies readers positive and diverse representation * Is socially and morally wrongBloomsbury regretted the Liar mistake. The publisher failed then as they have now to acknowledge our valid criticism. They have failed to denounce

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-73876830735528218642010-01-20T23:09:00.010-05:002010-01-21T12:44:50.704-05:00

Dear Bloomsbury:It has taken me several days to compose this letter. It took time to stop reeling from your latest whitewashing incident. I was so affected by this abhorrent act that my rage constricted my throat but silence doesn’t serve us. I have given considerable thought to what I want to express here. I want my message to be clear. I’m a woman on a mission. I am a parent who has been

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-53736668309842403962010-01-19T21:18:00.016-05:002010-01-19T23:23:57.629-05:00

I confess, after the multiple trainwrecks that derailed the real issue which is race and representation, I was seriously thinking of complaining tonight but then I thought about the women who inspire me, women who refuse to be silent and whose voices remind me I am not crazy, I am not delusional and I have a right to be angry. Thank you to my friends, Zetta, Colleen, Neesha and Justine- writers

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-19554149073134023992010-01-18T10:50:00.007-05:002010-01-18T11:15:34.019-05:00

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?I am celebrating MLK in true form: I am protesting. I am calling for a boycott of Bloomsbury because of their continued whitewashing practice.At the Story Siren several bloggers have rallied around her when she asked if she were wrong for not noticing race is an issue. Her supporters not only supported her but

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-56252665418693943032010-01-17T17:28:00.007-05:002010-01-17T18:58:10.880-05:00

Wanting MorRuhksana KhanGroundwood Books2009After reading Zetta Eliott’s review of Wanting Mor and reading another mention of the book at GA Novelty, I thought, Once again, a book I’ve read and enjoyed and not reviewed. I’m writing now though because Zetta and I have divergent views on the book. We’re both feminists and we share a lot of the same views but this time, we see culture and faith

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-45517518314070796012010-01-17T10:57:00.009-05:002010-01-18T15:42:14.947-05:00

I've been offline for a few days and I come back to learn that Bloomsbury is mocking us once more. I stopped at Fledgling and Zetta alerted me to Ari (the most amazing teen blogger on the planet) at Reading in Color who alerted me to Ah Yuan at Gal Novelty (clearly becoming my other most favorite teen blog to visit) and Ah Yuan directed me to Bookshop. Kudos to Bookshop for calling Bloomsbury

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-18276007946204417512010-01-11T06:29:00.000-05:002010-01-11T06:30:18.768-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers and other sites of note. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link. Make 2010 the year you commit to read and comment.I've discontinued the giveaway because it's clear you don't need the giveaway as an incentive to support and check out others so on with the links:

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-40103618267931679852010-01-10T21:20:00.013-05:002010-01-10T21:53:11.499-05:00

Graffiti Women: Street Art from Five ContinentsNicholas Ganz, Nancy MacDonald and SwoonHarry N. Abrams, Inc2006Female writers have always been in the vanguard of the graffiti movement, though often shunted to the sidelines by their male counterparts. This exhaustive volume places them front and center, featuring 1,000 full-color illustrations from some of the world’s most prominent artists,

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-644973266358906532010-01-09T19:03:00.016-05:002010-01-09T22:45:18.868-05:00

I realize given the economy I should not complain about my job but it is seriously putting a cramp in my blogging life. The upside is that I ride the bus to work so I am reading. Here's a rundown of what I've read for my challenges. With an any luck, I'll spend the remainder of the weekend writing reviews and other blog posts in advance.YA challengeBeneath My Mother's Feet by Amjed QamaClimbing

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-92168328721650911192010-01-09T13:38:00.005-05:002010-01-09T14:06:15.638-05:00

Okay, I couldn't not join Reading the World Challenge at Papertigers.org. Majorie is a great multicultural literature proponent and a lovely person. Of course, I've rationalized that this challenge overlaps with my other challenges so here's the details:Choose one book from/about/by or illustrated by someone from each of the seven continents –AfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustralasiaEuropeNorth

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-43513416664923964482010-01-05T06:19:00.003-05:002010-01-05T06:25:50.655-05:00

It's Tuesday. I was going to wait until this evening when I actually can sit and think for a whole ten minutes before DQ is hovering over my shoulder either complaining I'm not listening or asking to get on FaceBook. Today, I'm sharing my Icebreaker at my Toastmasters group. I've been a past member but this is a new club at my new job. What do you think I should share? Someone asked me about my

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-51877153255523974402010-01-04T06:30:00.001-05:002010-01-04T06:31:41.507-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link. Make 2010 the year you commit to read and comment.I'm discontinuing the giveaway because it's clear you don't need the giveaway as an incentive to support and check out others so on with the links:Middle Grade Fantasy,

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-10757026482774608682010-01-03T12:44:00.003-05:002010-01-03T12:48:31.574-05:00

Hi everyone! January's mini-challenge here at the Challenge That Dare Not Speak Its Name is a simple one. What we'd love for you to do is take a moment to write a paragraph or two on why this challenge and/or this issue is important to you. Once you do, come back and link your post up here.This challenge and the challenges that face the GLBT community matter to me because members of this

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-34151902795751141192010-01-01T11:16:00.021-05:002010-01-02T14:03:09.272-05:00

Minutes ago, yes, minutes. The outcome of the Cybils 2009 shortlist distressed me enough to write about it now. Here's the good news:From our database: * Total eligible books across all categories: 939 * Books read by at least 1 panelist: 931 which is 99.1% of the books * Books read by at least 2 panelists: 894 which is 95.2% of the books * Unread books: 8 which is 0.9% of the

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com97tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-21047350640981930242009-12-29T18:45:00.007-05:002009-12-29T19:27:35.949-05:00

Readers, I need you to give it to me straight. Do I need to let go of my hope for connection? Over the past the year, I've done some serious blog hopping, commenting and participating in a variety of online activities and events. I've just signed on for several challenges for 2010. I confess I'm a joiner. Before the Internet, I hung out at coffee houses, joined clubs and served on committees.

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-15455405348355224142009-12-28T06:17:00.000-05:002009-12-28T06:18:04.720-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link and be entered in LLM Giveaway.This week, I'm focusing on articles that fall under the social justice umbrella. I hope you all had a great extended weekend with your families. I did. My eldest flew in from San Diego. I was

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-90533398584437307692009-12-27T12:14:00.009-05:002010-03-14T17:31:47.275-04:00

Stealing Budhha's Dinner:a memoirBich Minh NyguenViking2009Stealing Buddha’s Dinner is a good and uneven story of a Vietnamese girl who grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the early 80s. Bich’s family escapes Saigon in 1975 and are sponsored by a Christian Reformed Church family in what Bich describes as a sea of blonde and blue-eyed people. The memoir chronicles how the narrator struggles to

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-33187748956198286662009-12-26T00:01:00.007-05:002009-12-28T06:18:25.852-05:00

Over a course of several months, I have enjoyed reading more reviews of poc books and have left comments but that wasn't enough. I wanted dialogue. For example, there have been times when I've finished a review of a classic or staple African American book and I've thought, "That's it?" Now you could argue, "Well, Susan why don't you write a review yourself?" Fair question. Here's the deal: The

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-17809483085783476592009-12-25T18:15:00.012-05:002010-01-09T13:22:42.624-05:00

S. Krishna is hosting this challenge for 2010. She writes:This challenge is to encourage people to read books by South Asian Authors – South Asia being India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Please not that it does not include the Middle East! The books can be from any time period, contemporary or classic. There are four different commitment levels: 3, 5, 7 or 10. There will be prizes.

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-80224484980580505192009-12-22T20:17:00.010-05:002009-12-22T21:01:21.425-05:00

It's Tuesday evening. Just me and my guy. It's quiet and for the first time in weeks, there's no clamoring, no noise or drama. DQ blew out here so quick on Saturday she caused a mini gale of her own. She's relaxing with the comforts of cable and her cousin's company at my sister's, and we are enjoying a little downtime of our own.I received some lovely cards. Thank you all. My secret santa sent

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-84820730177978739972009-12-21T06:29:00.002-05:002009-12-21T06:30:32.436-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to an article, contest, interview, poem- anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link and be entered in LLM Giveaway. Deadline is December 23th. I'll leave this open to readers outside of the US and Canada, but instead of shipping a book, I'll email you a gift card. It's too

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-50488541783843399452009-12-20T11:45:00.007-05:002009-12-20T13:05:44.234-05:00

It's been awhile since I've written a Sunday Salon post here. It's also been too long since I've had any real quality reading and writing time. I'm surprised that the number of followers continue to grow here. Actually, I feel guilty and embarrassed about it. I write sporadically, nothing particularly insightful nor creative yet many of you are showing up here.Anyhoo, today I'm glad I've had a

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-89111983254017251032009-12-16T06:35:00.005-05:002009-12-16T20:56:08.119-05:00

It's Wednesday and again this is late. It's late because I felt too depressed and uneasy about writing about how I'm feeling. Then I found inspiration. So for my first mini confession, I confess that more often than not I need to read others first for inspiration.Now what's bothering me and a sad confession. I have a problem with the glorification of ghetto mannerisms. There is huge difference

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-51306342731342793362009-12-14T07:00:00.001-05:002009-12-14T07:00:52.537-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to an article, contest, interview, poem- anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link and be entered in LLM Giveaway. Deadline is December 14th. I'll leave this open to readers outside of the US and Canada, but instead of shipping a book, I'll email you a gift card. It's too

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-57417018779746228292009-12-13T09:53:00.002-05:002009-12-13T09:59:41.495-05:00

From the organizers of Social Justice Challenge:Reading opens new worlds to us and can sometimes expose the injustice in our own. We have all been powerfully moved by the injustice we have learned about in books and decided we wanted to host a reading project that would encourage us to learn more about these issues in the world. We have chosen to focus each month on a different area of social

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-61163907247275251572009-12-12T19:22:00.009-05:002009-12-12T20:51:17.460-05:00

December is a busy month. I try not to stress despite how hectic it can get. I love Christmas. I love the holidays and everything I associate with them. If there is a time when I cling to the nostalgic, it's this time of year. For CORA Diversity Roll Call, I asked participants to address one or more of the following:1) Favorite children holiday books from your childhood2) Favorite children

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-71968419555431006242009-12-12T10:37:00.006-05:002009-12-12T13:37:13.984-05:00

Time for Saturday Six. At Color Online I mentioned we received a copy Come With Me, a collection of poetry for children by Naomi Shihab Nye.The poems are whimsical, fun and insightful. I didn't read much poetry as a child. I'm playing catch up. What I have noticed over and over again is how sophisticated and simple children's poetry is, how it appeals to me the adult and the child I imagine I was

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-33123680440854798652009-12-08T06:33:00.004-05:002009-12-08T06:42:30.431-05:00

It’s confession time and I’ve had a couple of things I’d like to address but both arenas warrant prudence. After all this is public space. Once you put it out there, it’s out there.Let’s go with the micro-culture I’ve been sequestered in for the last ten weeks. For eight hours a day, I am in classroom with eighteen other people listening to an instructor who must cram our brains with industry

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-8574817555844700092009-12-07T06:29:00.003-05:002009-12-07T06:37:03.327-05:00

Little Lov'n Monday is a day we celebrate the work of fellow bloggers. Between now and Wednesday, post a link to an article, contest, interview, poem- anything you think deserves a little lov'n. Leave a link and be entered in LLM Giveaway. Deadline is December 9th. I'll leave this open to readers outside of the US and Canada, but instead of shipping a book, I'll email you a gift card. It's too

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-71718782474588249532009-12-05T20:48:00.029-05:002010-01-09T13:25:22.633-05:00

I am joining another challenge (I’m pitiful I know), the GLBT: The Challenge that Dare Not Speak its Name! I’m hoping a few choice challenges will help me focus in 2010.The basic idea of this challenge is to read books about GLBT topics and/or by GLBT authors.The challenge runs year-round, and there will be three levels of participation:· Lambda Level: Read 4 books.· Pink Triangle Level: Read 8

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-33680351441985887202009-12-05T20:48:00.024-05:002009-12-05T22:20:28.494-05:00

I am following Mr. Maurer's, of Coffee for the Brain, lead. The idea is to talk about what I've read for the week regardless of how many books in six sentences.This week it's very easy to keep to the limit. I'm only reading one title at the moment, Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall, a classic women's lit title for Women Unbound.I'm very early into the read but from the onset, I knew I was

susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com0