Culture Is Our Weapon

Culture is Our Weapon: Making Music and Changing Lives in Rio by Patrick Neate and Damian Platt, 2010 Penguin

IQ "I don't accept money from alcohol or tobacco companies and I say no to a lot of people. I've also realized that when you are successful, you will always attract criticism. But Waly Salomao, was was part of the inspiration for AfroReggae and my guru, taught me this: I don't have to answer for everything.[...]In the future, AfroReggae will be a social company. The focus of the company will be its social projects, but it will have the logic of quality and profit. at the same time, we will freely give the knowledge we have acquired to other social projects in Brazil and around the world." Jose Junior (head of AfroReggae), pg. 173

This is my first non-fiction review and I've decided I'm not going to rate it since I don't see the point of rating non-fiction (it's facts, the only rate-worthy thing would be how interesting it is and that varies from reader to reader).

Culture is Our Weapon is a chronicle of AfroReggae's history and it's impact on Brazil, specifically the favelas (a shantytown) in Rio. The book explains the differences between the asfalto and the favelas and how the government and police are failing the people who live in favelas (moradores). The asfalto is the city, where the streets are paved. In the favelas the streets aren't paved. The favelas are war zones (ETA: Ana has pointed out and rightly so that not all favelas are war zones, some are perfectly ok and safe. Thanks Ana!) between drug dealer (the drug trade is called o trafico) factions, the three factions are Commando Vermelho (CV), the Terceiro Comando (TC) and Amigos dos Amgios (ADA). AfroReggae is a group (really a movement) that uses music and culture to reach out to the young people who live in favelas whether it be thorough the main band, the circus, dance, computer classes and more. AfroReggae "is taking the favelas back-one song at a time." (back cover)

One of the things described in the book that interested me the most was funk proibido (also known as proibidao which is prohibited funk). I'm not sure how to describe funk, so I'll use the words of world-renowned funk DJ Marlboro "In its essence funk represents employment, citizenship and the reintegration of marginalized . It's a way for people to express what they feel through music. [...] expresses the day-to-day lives and thoughts of the people. I don't think anything in Brazil today has as much strength or relates as truly to what people think as funk." (pg. 58) Read the Wikipedia definition here Anyway prohibited funk is music that promotes lifestyles of joining the drug factions and committing violence and other criminal acts. As soon as I read about this I immediately drew a connection between this and some rap music in America. I want to make it quite clear that not all rap music is like this (I love some rap music just not all, mainly the ones that only talk about drinking, drugs, women and being gangstas. ugh). The only difference being that prohibited funk is illegal in Brazil. I thought it was interesting that music that glorifies a criminal lifestyle is illegal in Brazil (I mean how can you outlaw a type of music?) JB (a member of AfroReggae) says "Each probidao that the youth makes reflects a reality in the favela. But at the same time they encourage you to smoke, sniff drugs or even become more violent." (pg. 61) I just thought the parallels between funk proibido and some rap music was striking.

I also found it fascinating that some drug dealers do help the community, one named Roberthino de Lucas built a water park and a samba school for his community (Parada de Lucas) and he brought in a professional football team. This book provides a through history of Brazil and describes the present day situation in the country in a manner that is easy to understand. The work of AfroReggae of changing a community through the arts is inspirational. My only quibbles with the book were that I wished there were pictures of some of the places described so I could better visualize as well as some maps.

I really enjoyed reading about what AfroReggae is doing, I applaud them. As I learned more and more about the history of Brazil (especially in how the favelas came about and the racism that is always prevalent, the darker skinned Brazilians get treated far worse), the violence of the drug factions (youth become involved so young, by the age of five many young kids are already running errands for drug dealers which is a precursor to joining o trafico) the state of the police and government (absolutely deplorable, the police kidnap drug dealers who then pay them off huge sums of money to look the other way), the situation seemed almost hopeless. But AfroReggae is really working hard to lure youth away from joining the drug trade and helping them to become leaders so maybe in the future, the young people participating in AfroReggae will go into government or at least raise their voices enough to demand a change in the way the government (on the national, state and municipality level) operates. When I finished this book there is no doubt in my mind that the arts can save a community.

Disclosure: Received from Penguin. Thanks Gabrielle!

PS To clarify: Spanish is not the main language of Brazil, the main language is Portuguese (all the highlighted words in this review are Portuguese). I only point this out because too many of my classmates think Brazilians speak Spanish and I want to make it clear that they do not since this seems to be a common misconception.

So how did I do on my first non-fiction review, was there too much information (my fear of writing non-fiction reviews is that I will give information overload)? Be honest.

Waiting on Wednesday: Shooting Kabul & I Need Recommendations! Again

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm waiting on

Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai

Simon& Schuster

Release Date: June 22, 2010

Fadi never imagined he’d start middle school in Fremont, California, thousands of miles away from home in Kabul. But, here he was, half a world apart from his missing six year old sister who’d been lost because of him, as they'd fled Afghanistan. Adjusting to life in the United States isn’t easy for Fadi’s family and as the events of September 11th unfold, the prospects of locating Mariam in a war torn Afghanistan seem slim -- impossible. Desperate, Fadi tries every hare-brained scheme he can think of to find her. When a photography competition with a grand prize trip to India is announced, Fadi sees his chance to return to Afghanistan and find his sister. But can one photo really bring Mariam home?

Based in part on Ms. Senzai’s husband’s experience fleeing Soviet controlled Afghanistan in 1979, Shooting Kabul is a powerful story of hope, love, and perseverance.

From the author's website.

I think there is a huge lack of novels set in or about the Middle East for young readers and I want to read more about that partiuclar region. This book is middle grade and it sounds really cute and I have a feeling it may tug at my heartstrings :)

Wanted: Global Recommendations for YA/MG POC set in Europe

I'm participating in the 2010 Global Reading Challenge. I kinda sort of forgot about it. So I need some recommendations so I can list the challenge in my sidebar. I was going to do easy but now I think I'll try and do medium (it depends on how many recommendations I get!) because this is a hard challenge ( on the expert level you have to read 2 book about Antartica. I'm pretty sure there are no MG/YA books about POC set in Antartica. We haven't gotten that far yet!)

ETA: I do not need Anatartica recommendations (that would be for expert which I'm not doing. Sorry for the confusion). Thanks though! Also if you have time check my lists for other challenges (sidebar) to make sure I don't already have the book you are about to recommend a book already on there. And please make sure the book is about a POC (if you're not sure that's ok, but if you know there are no POC in the novel, don't recommend it here).

The Medium Challenge
Read two novels from each of these continents in the course of 2010:
Africa
Asia
Australasia
Europe
North America (incl Central America)
South America

Try to find novels from twelve different countries or states

Here's my preliminary list (I don't want to crosspost with any other challenges, I just love to make things harder for myself!). I need help with Europe and South America especially but feel free to give me any recommendations for any country that has a blank. Just needs to be YA/MG about POC set in the country listed. Thanks!

Africa:

1. Aya by Marguerite Abouet, Clement Oubrerie

2. Zahrah the Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu

Asia:

1. Guardian of the Spirit by (Moribito) by Nahoko Uehasi

2. Sold by Patricia McCormick

Australasia:

1. Deadly Unna? by Phillip Gwynne

2. The Pearl of Tiger Bay by Gabrielle Wang

Europe:

1. The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo (MG)

2. Lila Says by Chimo

3. The Black Canary by Jane Louise Curry (MG)

Why are all the POC books for YA/MG readers set in England, instead of other parts of Europe? I would prefer YA recommendationss for the Europe category so that's still open!

North America (includes Central America):

1. Grease Town by Ann Towell (off-color)

2. Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon

3. Raining Sardines by Enrique Flores-Galbis

South America

1. Exposure by Mal Peet

2. The Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau (is the main character a POC?)

New Magic Under Glass Cover

I'm trying to finish a book for male Monday but that may not happen so there probably won't be a review for today. So I leave you with this image (only Amazon has the new cover up, I couldn't find it anywhere so it has the annoying white background thing, sorry!) I found this via Christina's blog at Reading Extensively. Thanks for the heads up Christina!

I can now start planning my 200 (now 253-wow!) followers contest. It will involve Magic Under Glass, Liar, a book of your choice and some swag. And maybe more? I have about $20 to my name right now so be patient with me :)

New Crayons & Diversity Roll Call

New Crayons is hosted by Color Online
This Week in Review

Male Monday: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Life, Traitor to the Nation: Volume 1, Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
Tuesday: Soul Enchilada by David Macinnis Gill
Wednesday: Blog Awards & AWAM winner
Throwback Thursday & Off Color: The Throwaway Piece by Jo Ann Hernandez
Friday: Blogger Spotlight with Jeannine from Write On
Saturday: Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins

The Clone Codes by Patricia McKissack, Frederick McKissack and John McKissack

The Cyborg Wars are over and Earth has peacefully prospered for more than one hundred years. Yet sometimes history must repeat itself until humanity learns from its mistakes. In the year 2170, despite technological and political advances, cyborgs and clones are treated no better than slaves, and an underground abolitionist movement is fighting for freedom. Thirteen-year-old Leanna's entire life is thrown into chaos when The World Federation of Nations discovers her mom is part of the radical Liberty Bell Movement.

After her mother's arrest for treason, Leanna must escape as she is chased by a ruthless bounty hunter. Soon Leanna finds herself living among the Firsts, and nothing will ever be the same again. But what does The World Federation want with the daughter of a traitor? So much is uncertain. Danger hides everywhere. Fear takes over. With help from unlikely sources, Leanna learns the origin of The Liberty Bell Movement and how its members may have answers about her past-and her new reality.

As family secrets are revealed, Leanna must face startling truths about self-identity and freedom. Through time travel, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence, this exhilarating adventure asks what it means to be human and explores the sacrifices an entire society will make to find out.

-Hooray for more sci fi about POC! It's MG and it sounds really good. I love the whole 'what it means to be human' description and the slavery concept is interesting. Sent to me from Steph, thanks so much!

From Colleen-Thank you so much!
The Firefly Letters: A Suffragette's Journey to Cuba by Margarita Engle

Release Date: March 16, 2010

The freedom to roam is something that women and girls in Cuba do not have. Yet when Fredrika Bremer visits from Sweden in 1851 to learn about the people of this magical island, she is accompanied by Cecilia, a young slave who longs for her lost home in Africa. Soon Elena, the wealthy daughter of the house, sneaks out to join them. As the three women explore the lush countryside, they form a bond that breaks the barriers of language and culture. In this quietly powerful new book, award-winning poet Margarita Englepaints a portrait of early women’s rights pioneer Fredrika Bremer and the journey to Cuba that transformed her life.

-I love reading about Cuba, it's one of the top five Latin American countries I want to visit (besides Puerto Rico, Panama, the Domincan Republic and Mexico). This is definitely an unknown story, women's suffrage in Cuba.

The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle

Who could have guessed that after all these years,
the boy I called Lieutenant Death
when we were both children
would still be out here, in the forest,
chasing me, now,
hunting me, haunting me . . .

It is 1896. Cuba has fought three wars for independence and still is not free. People have been rounded up in concentration camps with too little food and too much illness. Rosa is a nurse, but with a price on her head for helping the rebels, she dares not go to the camps. Instead, she turns hidden caves into hospitals for those who know how to find her. Black, white, Cuban, Spanish—Rosa does her best for everyone. Yet who can heal a country so torn apart by war?

-Yes, more Cuba :D

Grease Town by Ann Towell

When twelve-year-old Titus Sullivan decides to run away to join his Uncle Amos and older brother, Lem, he finds an alien and exciting world in Oil Springs, the first Canadian oil boomtown of the 19th century.

The Enniskillen swamp is slick with oil, and it takes enterprising folk to plumb its depths. The adventurers who work there are a tough lot of individuals. In this hard world, Titus becomes friends with a young black boy, the child of slaves who came to Canada on the Underground Railroad. When tragedy strikes in the form of a race riot, Titus's loyalties are tested as he struggles to deal with the terrible fallout.

Though the characters are fictitious, the novel is based on a race riot that occurred in Oil Springs, Ontario, on March 20, 1863.

-This cover is like a reverse whitewash. It's about a white boy, but there's a black boy on the cover. Cool :) Granted, the story is about the friendship between a white boy and a black boy so it makes sense. I don't ANYTHING about the history of Canada so I'm really looking forward to reading this book.

Diversity Roll Call is hosted by Color Online and worducopia This week it's about diversity in magazines and lit journals I'm doing #1

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?

I'm looking at the February 2010 Latina magazine issue (JLO is on the cover).

Obviously, the ads all cater to Latinas. The ads feature cosmetics, household products, fashion and jewelry. The models being used all 'look' Latina (whatever that really means) and the adds are mostly all in Spanish. I do have a complaint that all the models in the ads are fair-skinned. Latinas come in all different colors and shapes (same thing for Asian, Black, Native American and white women) and skinny. It would be nice to see ads that featured plus-sized women, medium-sized women and dark-skinned women. Gay and lesbians aren't really left out because lesbians like to wear makeup and jewelry and need stuff from Target just as much as straight women so the ads are pretty inclusive. There's one ad for a breath freshener that features a man and woman couple so I suppose that could be considered exclusive. But there are no ads with people who have physical disabilities. Boo. The articles in the magazine are mostly all written by women and cover a wide range of topics from celebrities, to motherhood, to makeup, to quinceaneras, to history (last page about Gaspar Yanga who is a Black Mexican hero that battled the Spanish for Mexican independence. He founded the first free black township on Mexico. Awesome!).

So even magazines that cater to a more diverse group are still not completely inclusive.

Secret Keeper

Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins

Rating: 5/5

IQ "After all, during the first thirteen years of my life, nobody defined me first as a girl-not even myself. That did give me a strange kind of freedom. I remember thinking I could do anything, be anything, go anywhere...Perhaps I should be grateful that I was able to become a person before I had to become a woman. Not every girl gets that chance. Still, it makes me sad, but I don't quite know why." Asha pg. 104-105

This review is going to be in letter form to the author. I sort of stole this idea from A Striped Armchair, hope you don't mind, Eva!

First here's some background on the book. Asha, Reet and her mother must go live with their father's brother and his family while their father travels to America to get a job. Times are hard in India. The country is going through political turmoil during the time of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and there also economic issues as well, making it nearly impossible for Asha's father to get a job. Asha is the "ugly" one in the family as she's skinny and even worse, dark-skinned. Her older sister, Reet is the light, beautiful one who receives many marriage proposals. Before Asha's father left, he told her to take care of her mother and sister and Asha takes this responsibility very seriously. However, months are going by with no letter from their father asking for them to move to America and their finances are draining away, they are becoming a hindrance to Asha's uncle and his family.

Dear Ms. Perkins,
I am writing to express my great love for Secret Keeper. You made 1970s India come alive for me, even though Asha, her older sister Reet and her mother rarely left the house of Asha's uncle in Calcutta, I was still able to get a clear picture of the social, political and economical situations of India during this time.

There's something I need to get off my chest:The Ending! How could you do that to me??!!!!!!!!!! The ending was excellent, don't get me wrong, I appreciated the lack of cliffhangers and having most of my questions answered. However, this is one book that I didn't want to have a realistic ending, I wanted a happy ending. I want to demand it's re-written to satisfy me, lol.

Other than that, I loved everything. I even loved the ending, albeit begrudgingly and I did tear up. I understand why Nathalie would want to have dinner with Asha, she's amazing. Asha is the younger sister but she acts the way an older sister should and the way a boy would (her mother never had any sons). Asha is brave, determined and is going places. She loves school, especially reading and she dreams of being a psychiatrist (I'm not a fan of psychiatrists, but I would definitely hire Asha to be mine!). She has impulsive moments, but for the most part she hatches out a plan and thinks it all the way through before implementing it.

The other characters were wonderful as well. The budding romance (if you can even call it that) between Asha and her next door neighbor, Jay Sen was wonderful to read about. Jay is so sweet and he helps Asha to realize how beautiful she really is. I must admit Reet annoyed me at times because as the older sister she should have stepped up more than she did. All the characters had many layers that you skillfully peeled away to expose their true selves. Even the seemingly awful Aunt had her moments. I got to know Asha's family as she too became reacquainted with them. I thought it was interesting how Asha and her sister refer to their mother retreating into depression as being taken prisoner by the Jailor. It's quite a true anaolgy and I sympathized with Asha while she struggled to free her mother from the clutches of the Jailor.

More than anything this book opened up my eyes to how good women of my generation have it. I don't think girls my age (high school and younger) understand how bad women were treated in the past. We had so very few rights and it was even worse to be a woman of color. Granted, this story does not take place in America so the situation could have been better in America than in India. The older sister must get married before the younger, women are not allowed to walk around after they have their period and once your husband dies, you must wear a white saree and give up eating meat. It wasn't fair, women had very little freedom and could hardly achieve anything. This book also brings up questions concerning family relationships, how much we should do for our families and how often should we place them before ourselves. I think this is a common thing among women not just back then but today as well. Women don't always put themselves first and sometimes they need to.

Thank you for opening my eyes to another culture, time and place in a story that is absolutely enthralling. My only regret is that I waited so long to read Secret Keeper, I was missing out. I fully intend on reading the rest of your books.

Sincerely,
Ari

PS The one thing I couldn't visualize was the game of cricket. It essentially sounds like baseball so that's the image I went with :)

Blogger Spotlight: Write On

Welcome to this week's blogger spotlight in which I interview book bloggers that are POC or that review books about POC (meaning you don't have to be a POC to be featured, just dedicated to reviewing more books about POC). If you have any interest in being interviewed, email me or leave a comment.

This week I'm talking to Jeannine from Write On. Jeannine is an aspiring picture book author and incredibly optimistic and hard working, which I love. Read this interview so you are able to say "I knew her from way back when!"

1) Explain about your blog.

I started my blog almost a year ago at the suggestion of my very sweet husband. I was not so sure about putting myself out there, but I decided to take the plunge and I'm so glad I did. I love blogging and I love being a part of the blogosphere. My blog is basically about the books I am reading, my own writing journey and anything else that I deem post worthy.

2) What 2010 debut book are you most looking forward to? And non-debut?

I can barely keep up with what came out last year. I am pretty excited about The Girl Who Fell From the Sky. The title alone is intriguing.

RiC Note: Leave some recommendations of a non-debut for Jeannine!

3) What are your top five favorite POC books?

Push by Sapphire (I read it before the movie)
Fifth Born by Zelda Lockhart
The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips
Cane River by Lalita Tademy
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

4) Talk about yourself =)

Well in addition to being a pre-published picture book author (you gotta think positive), I am also a mom and wife. I am a proud dredlock wearing sister and avid reader. I am 34 years old (what I'm not ashamed) but people always think I am in my 20's. I love to laugh and make people laugh and of course I love chocolate. I am a scrapbooker, a list maker, a yoga do-er and basically a super cool girl.

5) If you could have dinner with two POC characters from any book who would it be and why?

Wow, big question. I think too big for me to even answer right now. I will probably lay awake all night thinking about it!! I can tell you two authors I wouldn't mind having dinner with. Sapphire (author of Push). I have never read a book that was so raw and real yet hopeful. I also would love to pick Jacqueline Woodson's brain. She writes so many different types of books and it just seems like she is magic. How does one person have so many great ideas?

Finally any advice to those who want to read POC? And to those who are just starting to blog?

My advice to those who want to read POC is just do it. It doesn't seem like something that should be a big effort. I think we are so lucky to have such a great blogging community to keep us up to date on books that otherwise might just fall under the radar. I have discovered so many new titles by POC that my bookshelf is about to collapse. If you are new to blogging, again I say just do it. My first few postings I didn't even make public until I got my confidence up

And we are so glad Jeannine got her confidence up, visiting her blog is truly enjoyable. I think she's very cool! Thank you for joining me Jeannine :)

Speaking of Jacqueline Woodson, check out this post on Jacqueline Woodson done by susan for the GLBT Reading Challenge (and sign up if you haven't already!)

Throwback Thursday & Off Color: The Throwaway Piece

The Throwaway Piece by Jo Ann Hernandez 2006 Arte Publico Press

Rating: 2.5/5

IQ "We stick with our groups because we're all people of color. They're fighting the same battles we are. We have to fight whether we're doing it for ourselves or for each other. We help ourselves when we help those from another race." Jewel pg. 141-142

The Throwaway Piece tells the story of Jewel, a State Kid (the term used throughout the book to describe children in the foster care system) in high school. Jewel's mother, Angela is emotionally unstable, always looking for happiness in the form of a man, and her latest boyfriend comes before Jewel. Jewel is used to it and knows that she will be there to pick up the pieces. Jewel bounces from foster home to foster home until she finally finds when that seems a right fit for her. However, Jewel puts herself in several opportunities where she could blow it and have to leave the foster home.

My overall complaint with this book would be relevancy and the pacing of the story. The author had various chapters in different points of view. This can provide an interesting perspective on a story, but in The Throwaway Piece it seemed jumbled. There was no smooth transition between the different POVs and I was often confused as to who was talking and I didn't understand why they were talking. The book would jump from Jewel to Mrs. Clarke's (Jewel's social worker) to Raul Ortega (in his case, I didn't understand the relevancy of his story being told so early on in the book, it should have been pushed back further to coincide with other events). Oftentimes it seemed as if the author just wanted to share the backstory of all the characters, which is fine, but it was not done in a way that made sense. The story unraveled rather slowly as well, but it did pick up later on although not as much as I would have wished, it seemed to go from slow to suddenlyreallyfastandtragiceventsmusthappen.

I also didn't like the character of Jewel all that much. She had a sad story and I understand how her family life had a negative impact on her, but she annoyed me. especially how she talked, I honestly just thought it was silly. She would say things like "I not a kid." I didn't understand Jewel's reasoning behind speaking improperly like that, it was explained but I just thought it was immature and annoying. I also have a question; Are teens really so cruel to kids in foster care? "State Kids" are treated with such contempt, stores even have policies against them being in their stores (according to the book)! I've never heard the term State Kid, but I do know kids who are in foster homes and they've never reported being bullied or facing that sort of discrimination. So am I naive and this really happens or is it pretty rare?

I did like Jewel some of the time, she was sweet deep down (as cliche as that sounds) and I loved how she tried to be a matchmaker of sorts. Jewel did have more depth to her, she loves math but she also loves to write (it's rare for a YA protagonist to love both, they are either just good at all school subjects or they love one subject and hate the rest) and she made some great insights into the hypocrisy of not just the world of high school, but the adult world. I also enjoyed how open she was to learning about other cultures, specifically the Latino culture. Most of Jewel's friends are Latino and they teach her about their culture and most of them welcome her attendance at meetings they hold to discuss issues facing Latinos. The Latino characters are not an anomaly or some exotic thing, which I really liked. They just are. These characters could have easily been written as white, but the author made me them Latino/a. The supporting cast of characters were all my favorites (except Jewel's mom), I especially loved Ronnie, a boy Jewel tutors in math. The girl main characters were not as well developed as the boy main characters, I had a much better understanding of the guys. I thought the most interesting story amongst the many being told was the story of the social worker, Mrs. Clarke.

The Throwaway Piece ends on a note of hope, though it's rifled with sadness. There are some lighthearted moments and while I often grew frustrated with Jewel and her choices, I liked the book, especially because it made some great points about how some adults treat teens (ignore them, see us as all the same). I liked the supporting cast of characters more than the main character, but I really enjoyed Jewel's poems. This book is definitely for those in high school and up as there is a graphic sex scene.

Disclosure: Sent to me for review by the author. Thank you Jo Ann!

This is poem that Jewel wrote, it's one of my favorites (pg.41)

Wasted Mouth

My mouth, I'm told, is way too smart.
This is a confusing thought,
Gorwn-ups preach all the time for me
to get smart
act smart
think smart
Except when they don't like
what comes out of my mouth,
they call me being too smart.

They shake their heads and redict
how my smart mouth is going to
head me directly into trouble

A Winner & Blog Awards

The winner of my A Wish After Midnight Giveaway is...

BrownGirl!

Congrats BrownGirl, you have 48 hours to email me back with your mailing address. And thank you everyone for entering the giveaway and showing your support :)

Team Paul: 4
Team Judah: 2

Final Tally (including the people who didn't enter but commented just to share)
Paul: 6
Judah: 4

As it should be, Team Paul WINS!!!!!!! *Does a victory dance around the room* What now Team Judah?! :p

Sadly, not many of us could think of POC couples and I'll be posting about that this week for recommendations and a rant :)

I'm so behind on my awards post and I apologize x100 for that! Huge thank you to everyone who gave me an award. I have two others (I think?) and I'll post them next time.


The Fabulous Sugar Doll Award comes with some conditions:

• Thank the person who gave it to you.
• Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
• Link to the person who nominated you.
• Share ten trivia facts about yourself.
• Nominate ten more Fabulous Sugar Doll bloggers and link to their sites.
• Leave a comment on each alerting them to the award

Thank you Kelly from The Cazzy Files!

I pass this award to(so cute and sugary!)

1. Nathalie at Multiculturalism Rocks!

2. Melissa at BookNut

3. Lauren at I Was A Teenage Book Geek

4. Christina at Reading Extensively

5. Choco at In Which A Girl Reads

6. Heather at Book Addiction

7. April at Good Books & Good Wine

8. Jenny at Jenny's Books (she reads the end before the middle, like me! heehee)

9. Jessica at Chick Lit Teens

10. Jessica from Stone-Bow

Ten Trivia Facts-Hmm what have I not already shared?

1. I'm liking the show the Deep End on ABC, I needed a new law show after Raising the Bar was cancelled :( Anyone got any better recommendations?

2. My favorite colors are purple and blue

3. I love Pres. Barack Obama (that doesn't mean I won't disagree with him over issues but I love him and his whole fabulous family!)

4. I really loved the Princess & The Frog. I just wish they hadn't been frogs for the whole movie!

5. I was supporting the Saints (Who Dat) in the Super Bowl.

6. I'm a Cubs fan

7. All the race issues that have flared up this week have gotten me kind of down, so I need some future fun post ideas!

8. I love hosting giveaways-Being able to give away a book I liked or loved feels great (as long as I have my own copy, LOL)

9. Something I've been wondering: Do people mind text/IM speak in blog posts? (i.e. LOL, BTW, NBD, etc.)

10. I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. I thought I did (politics or community organizer or life-long volunteer) and then this blog came along and I started thinking, publishing house CEO.

This award is given to those who have given you awards back as a thank you :)
I received it from Abbey at QT Bookworm

Thanks Abbey!

This award goes to

1. Donna from Bites
2. Abbey from the Cazzy Files
3. Jessica from Eat Sleep Dance Read
4. Ah Yuan from Gal Novelty
5. Alexa from Hooked on YA Books
6. Lindsay from Just Another Book Addict
7. Browngirl BookSpeak
8. Ebony from Sizzling Publications
9. Jo Ann from Bronzeword Latino Authors
10. Zetta from Fledgling

Everyone should go visit the blogs that gave me an award and that I passed the award onto :)

Oh and a small request. If you see that I've already gotten the award you are about to pass on to me, please don't pass it on. I love receiving awards but I always forget to post them and then I feel guilty. At least don't give me the same ones during the school year, I have more time in the summer so I'm less likely to forget! Also, let me know if you feel the same way (so I don't send the same awards to the same people) or if you don't mind.

Soul Enchilada

Soul Enchilada by David Macinnis Gill 2009 Harper Collins (Greenwillow Books)

Rating: 4/5

IQ "Speaking a language is nothing like truly understanding it." (Sadly I didn't record what page this quote was on or who said this, I think it's a quote by Pesto)

I love the description of this book so instead of writing my own, I'm sharing it. I love the tagline too "The Devil is in the Details". And I love this cover. In short, I love the overall appearance of the book (although I realize this is more of the publisher's input than the author's)

Girl meets boy at a car wash.
"Dog," she says.
"Dude," he says.
And probably this would have been a sweet teen romance. . . .
If Beals hadn't been sitting next to her in the car.
If Beals hadn't been a supernatural repo man looking to repossess her car.
And to possess her.

David Macinnis Gill delivers the whole enchilada. With a side of soul

The girl would be Eunice "Bug" Smoot, the boy would be Pesto. Bug is an orphan, her mom died in a fire and her father has never been around. Bug was raised by her aunt and her grandfather until her aunt died. Bug's grandfather gives up his soul to the devil for a car, a 1985 Cadillac Biarritz. However, after Bug's grandfather dies he skips out on the repo man. The repo man (Beals who is a demon that works for the devil) then comes for the car and for Bug's soul, since Bug unknowingly signed a contract giving up her own soul if her grandfather did not give up his.

I am beyond amazed that the author has never lived in El Paso, Texas. The way he describes the atmosphere and the culture of El Paso, you would swear he's a native. I felt absolutely immersed in El Paso. We mostly meet the multicultural world of El Paso, Latinos and African Americans. He also has the voice of an Afro-Latina girl down pat. I found her experience as a "coyote" (a term used by the Latina girls in her neighborhood to describe someone who is half-Hispanic) completely genuine and I appreciated her seemingly endless sense of humor. However, like all people, Bug has flaws and her optimism does leave her at times. All the characters are great from Bug, to E. Figg (the lawyer) to Snaggletooth (Bug's arch rival in basketball). Everyone had a story and the author weaves them all together in a way that doesn't feel rushed. The author lets everyone tell their own story in their own way and time.

The world the author creates is fantastic. A world in which there are seemingly hapless demon hunters (NAD, men whose job it is to track down spirits and kick them out if they stay past when the expiration on their visa) who play video games all-day, witches (Pesto's mom), a lawyer who deal with the devil, foul smelling demons and of course the devil. David Macinnis Gill re-invents the image of the devil and demons, demons can be anyone and the devil is a pretty decent guy (he's a jerk but also funny and stylish). I especially liked how the demons started out as seemingly normal people and then they would transform into disgusting creatures complete with maggots and a foul smell, ugh I could practically smell the horrid aroma of rotten eggs and other things!

I did think Pesto and Bug could be sort of annoying, the constant "dude" and "dog" was funny at first but quickly grew old. I also didn't like the development of their relationship, they became friends first, but they became friends really fast, considering how they went to the same school but he was a year older than her (Bug is 18, Pesto had already graduated). My final quibble with the book was how often Bug reiterated that she had to be tough, I think the readers could have picked up on their own that Bug is a tough cookie. It may seem silly but these few things did annoy me significantly, especially the way Bug always said "dog" and Pesto constantly said "dude", I don't many people who constantly use those words when addressing people and I would have liked them use some more creative greetings.

I would highly recommend Soul Enchilada. This book is really creative from the overall appearance of the book (tagline, cover, title), to the descriptions of El Paso in both the location and the descriptions of the people who live there (humans and spirits/demons) with a three dimensional cast of characters. I enjoyed most parts of this book, there were just a few details that added up to a small annoyance. I would highly recommend this book, it's fun and imaginative and it puts a whole new twist on the Faustian bargain. 8th grade and up

Male Monday: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Volume I, The Pox Party

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Volume 1, The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson 2006
Candlewick Press

Rating: 5/5

IQ "He replied, 'What is in my Heart is not simple'.
& I says, 'Then you han't listened.'
& He says, 'I listen, & cannot understand its Speech.'
& I says, 'Then it ain't your Heart you hear. '" Private Evidence Goring pg. 260

I can't describe this book. If I do, it will give something away. So if you haven't heard of this book, read it. If you want to read this book and something is stopping you, read it now. If you've already read this book, what did you think?

Octavian is being raised by a group of philosophers and scientists. He lives in luxury, with the best of clothes and food. His mother is charming, an African princess and treated like royalty. Octavian is happy in his home but he does not understand what his guardians are studying and he wants to find out. He searches the house and the answer and journey that the answer sends him on is truly horrifying.

M.T. Anderson is a truly gifted author, the way he describes things is just sigh worthy, starting on the first page, "I was raised in a gaunt house with a garden; my earliest recollections are of floating lights in the apple-trees. I recall, in the orchard behind the house, orbs of flames rising through the black boughs and branches; they climbed, spirituous, and flickered out." You can turn to any random page and find an example of language being used beautifully, "The breeze itself was warm; the islands soft with moss; the loons calling melancholy in forgotten bays, and Life in all its operations seemed unspeakably generous." pg.95 However, I do think the way language is used in this book can make it a difficult read. The words are true to the 18th century (both in spelling and meaning) and references are made to classic Greek and Latin writings and events. The book is long and I imagine it would be a most frustrating read for a reader who is forced to read the book and continuously stumbles over incomprehensible words.

I also think this book did an excellent job of detailing most of the worries people had in the days leading up to the American Revolutionary War (the book ends in 1775). It shows the attitudes of the Tories, the Patriots and slaves. The events chronicled will make you cringe. The pox party concept is absolutely disgusting and the author describes the smallpox disease in a nauseating way. And it gets worse. But through it all, I was unable to put the book down.

The story is mostly told through Octavian writing in a journal, but it is also told through letters, stories, Psalms and public announcements. at one point, Octavian crosses out six pages of writing, all the reader sees is black ink. The result is heart-wrenching because you can imagine what has happened and you feel deeply for Octavian. An issue that is never explained is why the book is called Octavian Nothing. Octavian's last name is Gitney. My guess is that Octavian did not want to be associated with the last name of Gitney and felt that he never truly belonged to any family thus resulting in him naming himself Nothing.

This is historical fiction at its finest; authentic, captivating and more than a little appalling (the details described not the way the book is written). I'm eager to read the sequel and I think this book is a must-read even if you don't like historical fiction, Octavian's story is compelling and will suck you in. High school and up.

This is perhaps one of my shortesr reviews, but all I can say is READ THIS BOOK.

New Crayons

New Crayons is brought to you by Color Online. In this meme I share what books I got for the week, crayons being a cool metaphor for multicultural lit.

Meh news: When I went to the library this week, all the YA books on Haiti were checked out (Every time A Rainbow Dies, Ruined, Touching Snow) So my question is; would people rather me go ahead and do part of the Haiti review week, this week? (I have 3 books for it) Or should I hold off on the week until I can review all the books the same week? Comment with your thoughts please!

From the Publisher

Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson

Joshua Wynn is a preacher’s son and a “good boy” who always does the right thing. Until Maddie comes back to town. Maddie is the daughter of the former associate pastor of Joshua’s church, and his childhood crush. Now Maddie is all grown up, gorgeous—and troubled. She wears provocative clothes to church, cusses, drinks, and fools around with older men. Joshua’s ears burn just listening to the things she did to get kicked out of boarding school, and her own home.

As time goes on, Josh goes against his parents and his own better instincts to keep Maddie from completely capsizing. Along the way, he begins to question his own rigid understanding of God and whether, as his mother says, a girl like Maddie is beyond redemption. Maddie leads Josh further astray than any girl ever has . . . but is there a way to reconcile his love for her and his love for his life in the church?

-I loved My Life As a Rhombus (and no I will not link to that review because it is embarrassingly bad and I need to re-do it over the summer) so I was beyond pleased to receive Saving Maddie. Thank you Jessica from Random House!

From the Book Fairy (aka Lyn)

We Were Here by Matt De La Pena

The story of one boy and his journey to find himself.

When it happened, Miguel was sent to Juvi. The judge gave him a year in a group home—said he had to write in a journal so some counselor could try to figure out how he thinks. The judge had no idea that he actually did Miguel a favor. Ever since it happened, his mom can’t even look at him in the face. Any home besides his would be a better place to live.

But Miguel didn’t bet on meeting Rondell or Mong or on any of what happened after they broke out. He only thought about Mexico and getting to the border to where he could start over. Forget his mom. Forget his brother. Forget himself.

Life usually doesn’t work out how you think it will, though. And most of the time, running away is the quickest path right back to what you’re running from.

-Yes! A book by Matt de la Pena (I wish I knew how to make a tilde). I love the last line of the summary and I've heard great things about this book so I'm quite anxious to read it.

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkles

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado. Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

-I loved Perfect Chemistry and while this book does sound eerily familiar to Perfect Chemistry, I'm excited to read it and see if it's any different.

From the Library-Haiti Week

Anacaona: Golden Flower, Haiti, 1490 by Edwidge Danticat

With her signature narrative grace, Edwidge Danticat brings Haiti's beautiful queen Anacaona to life. Queen Anacaona was the wife of one of her island's rulers, and a composer of songs and poems, making her popular among her people. Haiti was relatively quiet until the Spanish conquistadors discovered the island and began to settle there in 1492. The Spaniards treated the natives very cruelly, and when the natives revolted, the Spanish governor of Haiti ordered the arrests of several native nobles, including Anacaona, who was eventually captured and executed, to the horror of her people.

-Well thanks a lot Amazon for the spoiler (not really). Anyway, I love the Royal Diaries series and I want to read all the ones they've done about POC royalty so hooray for this book!

Behind the Mountains by Edwidge Danticat

It is election time in Haiti, and bombs are going off in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. During a visit from her home in rural Haiti, Celiane Espérance and her mother are nearly killed. Looking at her country with new eyes, Celiane gains a fresh resolve to be reunited with her father in Brooklyn, New York. The harsh winter and concrete landscape of her new home are a shock to Celiane, who witnesses her parents' struggle to earn a living, her brother's uneasy adjustment to American society, and her own encounters with learning difficulties and school violence.

-I think I read this book awhile ago and enjoyed it so I'm eager to re-read it.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's day and a great long weekend for reading!

Blogger Spotlight! Color Online

Today's blogger spotlight is on susan from Color Online.
Susan is basically my blogging godmother. She really helped get me started, she gives me advice and encouragement when I needed and I can always talk to her.
She's amazing because not only does she post at Color Online everyday she also maintains the Color Online Facebook page and her own Black-Eyed Susan's blog. She also started Readers Aganist WhiteWashing (RAWW). She is beyond amazing! I don't know how she does it all.

1) Explain about your blog.
I started Color Online the blog initially to achieve two goals: teach young women how to use the blog application to express themselves by journaling or publishing creative writing and also to promote women writers of color, the work of writers we were regularly introducing to our young women. I hoped the blog would inform, support and promote to a larger audience.

What makes Color Online special is our focus on women writers of color. There are sites dedicated to African American readers, AA writers or women in general. We defined our scope so we could introduce our young charges first to women who like them and then to expose them to other POC women writers. We want them to see the world beyond their own experiences. Many book blogs focus on book reviews. My online background is founded in message board communities and my love for literature is based on discussion so we talk about literature. Interaction is central at Color Online.

2) What 2010 debut book are you most looking forward to? And non-debut?
Going to skip because I have to cheat on #3

3) What are your top five favorite POC books?

I read a lot of YA but I love adult literature, too. I will focus on recently read books and I’m sticking with women writers of color with female leads. This is the fairest way for me to
narrow down to six YA and one adult.

A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott
The Rock and The River by Kekla Magoon
The Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins
Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger
Down To The Bone by Mayra Lazara Dole
Mare's War by Tanita Davis
And my one adult title, and not a recently read, The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat

4)What can be found at Color Online?

a) New Crayons- weekly feature highlighting POC books we’ve added to our virtual
library
b) Color Me Brown Links- links to reviews to bloggers who read and review POC
titles
c) Color Online Quiz. Weekly. Win free book of your choice
d) Sunday Salon- Weekly query related to literature, culture and literacy
e) Color Online Reviews- written by staff and members
f) Women Writers of Color- regular feature highlighting established or emerging
writers
g) Color Online Love Alert (COLA)- highlighting bloggers, writers, sites that
promote and celebrate multiculturalism
h) Color Online Book discussion- new feature. Monthly reads. Will alternate
adult/YA titles
i) Poetry Friday- we feature poetry written by women of color
j) Giveaways- we give away books every opportunity possible. We believe books
are to be shared.
k) Book Loan- we have books for loan. Maintaining this library means more
readers have access.

Site has multiple access points to make navigation easy. Check out our writers menu tab and our general site tab. Sidebar images are direct links to Color Online articles or noteworthy articles at other sites.

5) If you could have dinner with two POC characters from any book who would it
be and why?

Two? You’re killing me. I’m going to say Genna from A Wish After Midnight because she is the girl I wish I had been. I’d like to think if I had been in her situation, I’d have the courage she did and I’d share with her that more girls than not have felt they didn't fit in and they struggled with their identity. I'd like to talk to Amabelle from The Farming of Bones. I’d want to tell her how much it hurt to know how alone she was, that I thought no one should suffer that kind of pain alone. I’d tell her that she was loved and someone cared that she was going through what she did. I’d tell her I mourned her death.

Advice for those who are just starting to blog?

In the beginning, be more of a reader/commenter at other sites. Get a feel before you start-up

a) Visiting others is the fastest way to find options for what you want to do and how.

b) Interaction fosters community and interaction will increase traffic to your site

c) Relax. Experiment and give yourself permission to decide what you want

Finally any advice to those who want to read POC?

There are more sites and activities than there were when I began blogging. There’s no excuse for not being able to find POC. Here’s a short list of blogs, challenges and clearing house sites:

The Happy Nappy Bookseller
Crazy Quilts
Paper Tigers
Multiculturalism Rocks
American Indians in Children’s Literature
Color Online
Asian In The Heart, World On the Mind
Cynsations
Charlotte’s Library
Mitali’s Fire Escape
A Chair, a Fireplace & A Tea Cozy
Fledgling
Cynical, Ornery, Sublime, Lush
Chasing Ray
Gal Novelty
Into the Wardrobe
Black-Eyed Susan
Brown Paper
White Readers Meet Black Authors
A Striped Armchair
Things Mean A Lot
Rhapsody In Books
Flip the Page


Challenges/memes
POC Reading Challenge
Color Me Brown Links
CORA Diversity Roll Coll (hosted by Color Online and Ali at Worducopia)
Social Justice Reading Challenge
Writers of Color 50 POC book challenge

Sites
Readers Against WhiteWashing (Facebook)
Diversify Your Reading
RAWSISTAZ
African American Science fiction Writers
Writers Against Racism Series at School Library Journal

Thank you so much for this interview susan! Everyone go check out at Color Online.

Peacebuilders: Daisaku Ikeda & Josei Toda, Buddhist Leaders

Peacebuilders: Daisaku Ikeda & Josei Toda, Buddhist Leaders: A biography by M. LaVora Perry ARC
Forest Hill Publishing, LLC

Release date; March 16, 2010

Rating: 4/5

IQ "Sometimes we lose in life, but that doesn't mean we'll always lose." Josei Toda pg. 36

So I'm really not sure how to review an early reader biography. This is my first such review so bear with me, it's going to be basic because I think there is only so much you can say. But if you think I can say more, leave a comment telling me so and I will edit this review to include it, I definitely want feedback on this one.

First a word about the publisher, Forest Hill Publishing. Forest Hill Publishing looks for stories about organ and tissue transplants. They also only accept stories about Buddhism and its principles which I think is pretty neat (how many publishing companies for children can you think of that publish about a religion in a non-preachy way?).

I finished this book feeling satisfied and at peace. There's something about reading about the beauty, calmness and peacefulness of the Buddhism religion that always puts me at ease (OK so I've never heard another book about Buddhism exclusively, but I have read books that touch upon the subject and I have attended a few services). The story of Daisaku Ikeda & Josei Toda is told in a factual, non preachy way. The author is not trying to convert people to Buddhism, she simply wants to share the history of her faith.

Josei Toda was the second president of Soka Gaaki (a Buddhist organization in Japan) and he was mentor and teacher extraordinaire to Daisaku Ikeda who is the current leader of the SGI (Soka Gakkai International, the world's largest Buddhist organization). Mr. Ikeda would not be the respected and revered leader he is today without the guidance of Mr. Toda. Mr. Ikeda took an organization that Mr. Toda really helped to build and increase membership from Japan to all over the world. Japan was the foundation, Mr. Ikeda became the third president of the SG after Mr. Toda died and expanded SG into the U.S., Canada and Brazil, thus creating SGI. Mr. Ikeda is an amazing man, he works hard to promote peace (every year he sends the U.N. a proposal for world peace and the removal of all nuclear weapons!) and he has met many famous people (including Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela and Corazon Aquino). He is a true inspiration.

There were some confusing parts in the book, for example the first half of the book is about the story of Mr. Ikeda and Mr. Toda, and the second part is about their history, it's essentially the same thing and I think that could be combined. Also, in the beginning it wasn't clear during what war Daisaku lived through, it wasn't until the end of the book when I got to the timeline did I realized it was WWII (which I suspected but it could have been another war in Japan that I didn't know about). The author makes good use of images that help readers visualize both men and their Japan.

This story is quite accessible to all young readers I think they will read it and learn something. It's not funny but there are some light-hearted moments and I think this book can help promote tolerance and understanding of the Buddhist beliefs. We need more books like this that help explain about faith and the leaders of the religion in a way that people can understand and not feel as if that religion is being shoved down their throat, it helps promote global awareness in our young and that is something society desperately needs. ages 8-11

Note: I will most likely not review another early reader book. This has nothing to do with this book, more to do with the reading level. Interesting story but the wording and concepts was too simple (perfect for the intended audience though!)

"A great inner change in just a single person will...enable a change in the destiny of all humankind." Daisaku Ikeda (Wonderful quote!)

Disclosure: Received from the author, thank you LaVora!

The Shadow Speaker

The Shadow Speaker by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu 2007
Hyperion/Jump at the Sun Books

Rating: 4.5/5

IQ "History is change. The great change, the change of my father, the chance in Kwamfa, the change of my mother, the change of me. The reason anyone writes history is to record big changes. If history is change, then I'm definitely a part of it." Ejii pg. 10

The Shadow Speaker tells the story of fourteen year old Ejii Ugabe who is a shadow speaker (which means exactly how what it sounds like) living in Niger in 2070. There has been a nuclear fallout that has produced A Great Change across the world. People with special powers are born (like shadow speakers, they are all called metahumans) and countries are falling apart, separating and coming together. The world as we know it today is totally different from the world of 2070. Ejii's father does not embrace this change and as chief of Kwamfa (the town Ejii lives in) tries to implement traditions in the old way (wearing burkas, girls marrying young and having no say in anything, etc.). Ejii witnesses her own father's death and with this death she is given a grand opportunity to help not just Kwamfa but all of Earth. She sets off across the Sahara desert and encounters creatures both good and evil, friends and foes.

I think this book has officially made me a sci/fantasy fan. (A Wish After Midnight and Silver Phoenix helped introduce me to the wonders of the genre). I loved it, and my only problem and the reason I just can't give it a 5 is because of the ending. The ending is so suspenseful and I haven't heard anything about a sequel being written and thus I am left with many questions (the romance, the fate of the world, of Ejii)!!! So if a sequel is being made someone let me know and I will change the rating because otherwise this book was marvelous.

Earth in 2070 sounds cool but a bit scary too. I love the world Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu has created and I especially love how it's sci fi set in Africa and Africa is one of the leading powers during this time. Between shadowspeakers, windseekers, smoke, the Aejej and jinnis. And of course Jaa. I can't fully explain the wonder of Jaa but I will try, she is essentially the most powerful woman in the world and she has two husbands (a nice change from the usually male polygamists, she is a female polygamist). She is fierce, fierce, FIERCE! I don't know how else to describe her. She's beautiful, brave and a good leader. But she also has flaws (that I can't share because that would spoil it). The best way to explain her is to use this quote "Jaa was a madwoman and the sanest individual Ejii'd ever met. She was so sharp in mind that she hadn't had to think before [...this is a spoiler that I shall not share!], so sure she was of her actions. She knew exactly what she was doing, Ejii thought. And she regrets non of it." (pg. 195) So there you go, Jaa is the craziest wisest person there is. The author fully emphasizes this point. Half the time I loved her and the other half I was suspicious. Jaa and Ejii have a love/dislike relationship and the author describes it so well, she keeps you in suspense.

Africa is described as one of the more forward thinking continents. The author has a captivating, wild imagination. I also thought it was interesting that even after the world is full of so much technology (like an e-legeba), magic and modern creatures (flying carpets), there were still some old world traditions such as storytellers, polygamists (the male polygamist is old world, but Jaa having multiple husbands is more original) and slavery. I thought the most intriguing aspect of this world besides the new technology/creatures/metahumans was the fact that there were still slaves. why would a world so far forward still need slaves? Just one of the many questions that the Shadow Speaker brought to mind (along with questions about what life would be like after a nuclear explosion and what technology has in store for us, the negative and the positive).

The Shadow Speaker is action-packed and enthralling. The characters are all well-developed and the world is completely believable, if I live to 2070 (I'm too lazy to do the math to see if I would still be alive so pardon my bad math) I wouldn't be surprised if the world turns out the way Nnedi Okorafor Mbachu (well some parts anyway!) This book made me think but most importantly it was thoroughly enjoyable. 8th grade and up.

Throwback Thursday: Orphea Proud

Orphea Proud by Sharon Dennis Wyeth 2004 Random House

Rating: 4/5

IQ "Have any of you experienced that kind of loss? There you are living a little peanut-butter-and-jelly-type existence, surviving school, answering e-mail, seeing a flick, counting the days until your escape from the dray prison walls of high school and the ruthless eye of the sadist who himself your guardian and BINGO! Fate trips you up, cracks open your chest, yanks out your heart, cuts it in half with a sharp pair of scissors, and then stuffs it back inside of you. And the world tells you to keep on going." Orphea pg. 56

Orphea Proud is told in an interesting narrative. Orphea tells her story to an audience during an open-mic night, she's a writer, but it took her awhile to work up the courage to perform at an open-mic night. Orphea realizes that she loves her best friend Lissa, and is lesbian at a young age, but she keeps it a secret because she isn't sure if her feelings are true. When she turns 16, she acts upon these feelings and shortly thereafter, Lissa dies. Orphea has already lost her father and mother, Lissa's death is the final blow. She has to live with her half-brother Rupert who she does not get along with. This novel tells the story of Orphea struggling to remember and heal from her loss, accept her sexuality, face prejudice and find her family. I think this poem is the best intro to the book:
Despite appearances, this isn't a book you're
holding
This is a stage, with a soaring painting taking shape before your eyes.
A big-booty poet at the mike, and a seat right in front, just for you.
This is a place where wise old ladies live and boys act like horses.
This is a vision of love that was crushed and brought back to life.
And this is my story. I'm Orphea Proud
Welcome to the show.

Orphea has a very distinctive voice. The author has such a way with words, especially in describing grief "My mind was filled with images. Images of her, like photographs stuffed into a drawer so full that it could no longer move. A stuck drawer, stuffed with pictures of our lives completely out of order, chaotic, careening clips of our own private movie." (pg. 56). While Orphea is a lesbian, this book is less about her sexuality and more about recovering from the death of loved ones. Orphea didn't have much love for her father, but she loved her mom, Nadine. After her mom died, Lissa is the only person Orphea can really trust and they become even closer. I could easily see an Orphea attending my school and even being friends with her. The author makes the point that we are uncomfortable when faced with death and we don't know how to comfort those who have lost loved ones, so we ignore them or act awkwardly. Orphea recognizes this, but she doesn't mind because she wants to be left alone. Orphea shatters when Lissa dies, but not in an annoying 'get over it' kind of way, it's sad and pathetic but you feel so bad for her and just want to give her a hug because her life is just bad at this period in time.

I loved how the author connected Orphea's story to the legend of Orpheus and Ophea does mention it herself, since her mother named her after Orpheus (otherwise I might not have made the connection) but once this connection was made, I realized the two stories were similar, which I thought was a cool touch. I didn't really understand the point of Ray, a boy that Orphea befriends. He didn't add much to the story for me even though 'es in it a lot. I don't think he was completely necessary to the story, he's a 14 year old boy who loves to paint and gallop like a horse. His story was interesting but random, I don't think he really helped Orphea grow. Orphea's brother, Rupert is such a jerk. Boo. He was a bit of a cliche, the religious, protective brother who doesn't want a lesbian sister, but he was also a bit more original in some other aspects. I couldn't figure out his wife, Ruby. She was just there, hovering in the background, not very well-developed. On the other hand, I loved the brief mentions of Orphea's two adult friends, Icarus (more Greek names! Except not really a connection to the Greek myth as far as I could tell) Digits and Marilynn Chinn. They were loving, eccentric characters (shady pasts but good hearts). Orphea's two aunts were great as well, Aunt Cleo and Aunt Minnie. The friendship and love between Lissa and Orphea is well-written, you understand why they are such good friends and why it's so hard to let go (well, you can imagine how hard it is to lose someone but Orphea is really devastated). The author did a good job of describing rural Virginia and it's prejudices and the story had an interesting twist that I didn't seem coming (it was a little odd but it was still intriguing). I think the book could have been even better with more audience interaction, most of the conversation is one-sided with Orphea responding to a question the reader doesn't hear/see.

Orphea Proud is a captivating book. Orphea travels from Pennsylvania to Virgina to New York and it's a journey you will readily want to accompany her on. While Orphea struggles to accept her sexuality, it's not really the main focus of the book, it's more so about healing and love. I enjoyed watching Orphea grow and gain the confidence to reach the point where the book starts off with, her triumphantly sharing her story with us. I want to close this review with another poem I really liked. I highly recommend this to all GLBT teens as well as all of those who like reading poetry and to all who have lost a loved one. High school and up (not sexually explicit but some language that could be considered offensive).

Everybody has got a story has to tell
Everybody has got an eye
The truth is what you want to see
In your body's mind
Your mind and mine clicked like gold
You whispered that my hand was old
The lifeline long though fractured at the palm
Was it this hurt that you foretold?
You with your soul of an ancient seer
Next to my thumb did you glimpse the slippery road?
Or was it my future you felt when I held your hand in
mine
My bitch friend Fate, dying to get on a roll
Still, I am yours, embraced by time
Those moments when we touched enshrined
Forever in my body's mind
-pg.62

Throwback Thursday was the idea of Taste Life Twice. You review older books (in my case books published before 2007).