Books: Back to the Future?

Saw this and thought my bibliophile sisters would dig it...

ON THE FUTURE OF BOOKS: A CONVERSATION WITH SETH GODIN
Taken from zenhabits.net

The industry of publishing ideas has been undergoing a revolution for more than a decade, and where it’s headed is still an open question.

As a writer, I’m excited by the possibilities. But lots of writers (and publishers) find it all a bit scary...

Read more here.

December Discussion Update

Hey MBC Sisters!

"MINDING BEN"

Quickly: We're bumping our current selection, "Minding Ben" to January; and, consequently, "The Power of Now" to February or March, depending on the results of a forthcoming vote to switch to bimonthly. A few of you have requested that and I said that I'd pitch it to the rest of the group. Ms. Victoria Brown, whose been most gracious, couldn't join us today, anyhow. I've asked her about the possibility of a January Skype conference. Will let you all know!

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE TODAY!

Today is the Miami-Dade Public Library System's annual Friends of the Library book sale, where you can get books for ridiculously low prices. MBC Sister, Kelly, and I are heading downtown for lunch and thrift book shopping. Please, please join us if you can. Call me or email me at mahoganybookclubmiami@gmail.com to join us!

 

Always a pleasure reading with you all,

Ana

Want free books? Mystery Shop

Mystery Shopping was one of my broke college student hustles. It was pretty dag-on fun. I test drove cars, ate out (wayyyy too much), pumped gas, reviewed apartments, played with cell phones and more all on someone else's dime. Now, mystery shopping won't make you rich but it's a nice hobby. Oh, the glorious days. I had a lot more time and freedom on my hands back then.

I still get the mystery shopping gigs emails and, from time to time, I'll bang one out. I thought about fulfilling the one posted below in order to buy our latest read, "Minding Ben" but I realize that I'm tied up until next Monday. But the opportunity is here for grabs if anyone wants to jump on it. The deadline seems pretty flexible and, if the mystery shopping agency is desperate, you can sometimes negotiate an extra $5 or so. Keep in mind that you're also reimbursed for whatever bookstore purchase you make. Not bad.

Hit me up at mahoganybookclubmiami@gmail.com if you want to know more about free, legitimate mystery shopping opportunities!

-----------
Hello Shoppers…
Are you a fan of literature, a college student or just a great shopper looking to conduct a bookstore shop?
If you are any or all of the above, AboutFace has a great shop opportunity for you!
Pay:
$10 plus Reimbursement up to $4 for a small purchase
Location:
 Miami, FL 33176
Tasks:
Select one of the available scenarios and prepare for shop
Call your specific location before arriving and ask employee for store hours; take note of shoppers name and greeting provided
Act out selected scenario upon arrival; evaluate experience
Make any small purchase within the store (purchase does not have to be a book); retain receipt
Submit completed survey online along with your receipt of purchase
Due Date:
November  10^th
(if you can’t shop until after the 10^th, email me and I will try to work something out with you)
Log in details:
To view the details of this shop, please go to the link below and log in.  Your username is the EMAIL ADDRESS that this message was sent to.
http://aboutface.shopmetrics.com/
Interested?
Feel free to Self-Assign or contact me via email and I will add you…
Juliana Koons
AboutFace Consulting Corp.


Project Coordinator  |  o: 678.989.2290 x722   |  f: 678.365.3138  |  Can YOU AboutFace? ™

Miami Book Fair International



2011 MIAMI BOOK FAIR POSTER



It's that time of year again, ladies...so let's make a day of it!

In lieu of a book discussion this month, we'll instead be heading to the book fair on Saturday, November 19th @ 11am to beat the crowd. We can certainly carpool so hit me up at mahoganybookclubmiami@gmail.com if you're interested. Now, if you're meeting us there, you can text me (email me for the digits) or meet up at the McDonald's right there on 5th Ave in the middle of the fair between 10:30 and 11am. Wear comfy shoes. ;-) Here's a complete fairgoer's guide.

CAN'T MAKE IT ON SATURDAY, THE 19TH?

AUTHOR SERIES: If you can squeeze it in, I'm also going to go see Paul Farmer on Mon, the 15th @ 8pm. Farmer is a hero and was the subject of the amaaaaaaazing book Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. Tickets are $10.

NOT SAFE FOR KIDS: A few of you adored the satirical, button-pushing children's book "Go the F**k to Sleep" as we've discussed at length (smile) so you may be happy to know that there's a huge GTFTS event happening. Ummmmmm. I'm gonna pass on this one...LOL...but hit me up if you are going and may be you can tag along with another MBC sister? IDK.

BE A WIMP: Or if you're a Diary of a Wimpy Kid fan I promised my daughter, Selena, to take her on Sunday to meet the author Jeff so you can tag along then as well.

December & January MBC Selections

Hey MBC Sisters:

We are taking a hiatus this month since we're hopping on over to the Miami Book Fair. Have no fear, though! If you want to get a head start on the next couple of months' reads here's what you need to know:

DECEMBER 10TH @ noon. Location TBA.

We're reading the sassy and stirring Minding Ben by Victoria Brown. I think many of us will relate to this piece of goodness, as most of us have ties to the Caribbean. Peep the description:

At sixteen, Grace Caton boards her first airplane, leaving behind the tropical papaya and guava trees of her small village in Trinidad for another island, this one with tall buildings, graceful parks, and all the books she can read. At least that's what Grace imagines. But from the moment she touches down, nothing goes as planned. The aunt who had promised to watch over her disappears, and Grace finds herself on her own.

Grace stumbles into the colorful world of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, having been taken in hand, sort of, by a fellow islander, Sylvia. Here, she's surrounded by other immigrants also finding their way in America. From her Orthodox Jewish landlord, Jacob, to her wannabe Jamaican friend, Kathy, who feels that every outfit can be improved with a Bedazzler and a low-cut top, there's much to learn about her new city.
 
Most challenging of all is figuring out her new employers, the Bruckners, an upper-middle-class family in Manhattan. The job is strange--Grace's duties range from taking daily nude photos of her pregnant boss (a shock to her, since she's never even seen her own mother naked) to dressing in a traditional maid's costume to serve Passover seder. But Grace loves four-year-old Ben, and she's intrigued by the alternately friendly and scheming nannies who spend their days in Union Square Park, and by their constant gossip about who's hired, who's fired, and who, scandalously, married her boss.
 
As the seasons change, Grace discovers that the Bruckners have surprising secrets of their own, and her life becomes increasingly complicated and confusing. But opportunities appear in the most unexpected places, and Grace realizes that she's living in a city--and a world--where anything is possible.Book review here 
Book website here

JANUARY'S SELECTION (Date & Time TBA)

The Power of Now by Eckard Tolle. This reflecttive, perfect-for-the-new-year selection comes from MBC sister, Mercedes. Here's a summary:

To make the journey into the Now we will need to leave our analytical mind and its false created self, the ego, behind. From the very first page of this extraordinary book, we move rapidly into a significantly higher altitude where we breathe a lighter air. We become connected to the indestructible essence of our Being, “The eternal, ever present One Life beyond the myriad forms of life that are subject to birth and death.”

Although the journey is challenging, Eckhart Tolle uses simple language and an easy question and answer format to guide us. A word of mouth phenomenon since its first publication, The Power of Now is one of those rare books with the power to create an experience in readers, one that can radically change their lives for the better.

Pure Lyricism

Blue-eyed soul heart-throb, John Mayer, pens a masterpiece in his joint, "Splitscreen Sadness"

It's nicely arranged, to boot!



And I don't know where you went when you left me but
Says here in the water you must be gone by now
I can tell somehow
One hand on the trigger of a telephone
Wondering when the call comes
Where you say it's alright
You got your heart right

Maybe I'll sleep inside my coat
Wait on the porch 'til you come back home
Oh, right
I can't find a flight

We share the sadness
Split screen sadness

Two wrongs make it all alright tonight [4x]

"All you need is love" is a lie 'cause
We had enough but we still said goodbye
Now we're tired, battered fighters

And it stings when it's nobody's fault
'Cause there's nothing to blame at the drop of your name
It's only the air you took and the breath you left

Maybe I'll sleep inside my coat
Wait on the porch 'til you come back home
Oh, right
I can't find a flight
So I'll check the weather wherever you are
'Cause I wanna know if you can see the stars tonight
It might be my only right

[2x]
We share the sadness
Split screen sadness
(Two wrongs make it all alright tonight)

I called because I just
Need to feel you on the line
Don't hang up this time
And I know it was me who called it over but
I still wish you'd fought me 'til your dying day
Don't let me get away

'Cause I can't wait to figure out what's wrong with me
So I can say this is the way that I used to be
There's no substitute for time
Or for the sadness
(Two wrongs make it all alright tonight)
Split screen sadness
(Two wrongs make it all alright tonight)
We share the sadness
(Two wrongs make it all alright tonight)
Split screen sadness
(Two wrongs make it all alright tonight)
Oh, and the sadness, it's so right, it's so right...
(Two wrongs make it all alright tonight)
Oh, and the sadness, it's so right, it's so right...
(Two wrongs make it all alright tonight)
Oh, and the sadness, it's so right...
(Two wrongs make it all alright tonight)
Oh, and the sadness, it's so right...
(Two wrongs make it all alright tonight)

Next Up: "Olive Kitteridge" for October

Hey MBC Familiy!

We're reading "Olive Kitteridge," the 2009 Pulitzer Prize Fiction winner by Elizabeth Strout that has inspired many. This is new territory for MBC, in that it's a book composed of short stories. Perhaps this makes it an easy-read, which would be fortuitous since we have less than 3 weeks before we meet!

If you get stuck remembering the characters, there's good, ol' Wikipedia! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_Kitteridge

Need to read on-the-go? "Olive Kitteridge" is available through the Miami Dade Public Library System FOR FREE as an ebook or audiobook for our digital divas!

And here's a handy but lengthy Elizabeth Strout interview

Rewind: Jay-Z's "Decoded"

I found myself Googling people, places and things while reading "Decoded." I knew about the old school MC's that he bigged up in his book, but what I didn't know was how much time Jay-Z spent under raps, pun intended. He put in a lot of time alongside notable artists before he finally made it big. I found some of the embarassing, obscure videos he mentioned (Jaz O's "Hawaiian Sophie" featuring Jay-Z was a riot!) He discussed seasons where he sold out, others where he stuck to his guns. He painstakingly detailed his rise to and transition from street hustle.

I enjoyed some parts of the book: his connection to Che Gueverra...his boycott of Cristal beverage...how Rocawear oddly came into being...how he ended up on the Obama campaign trail...

I loved his musical descriptions. I was particulary engrossed by his breakdown of "99 Problems," which is about anythiing BUT a b*&%$.

And so, friends, I found TONS to admire when it came to "Decoded." Still, there was no firework attachment or enthusiasm. It's not because I'm not a hip hop lover. I grew up crushing Pac and Biggie and Goodie Mob and OutKast. At times, I felt like a fly on the wall as Jay-Z masterfully described hip-hop's infant, toddler, youth, teen and, finally, full-grown phases. And, surely, my aloofness certainly isn't on account of the book being poorly-written. "Decoded" is a valuable addition to today's Black literary landscape. In the world of hip-hop memoirs, I'm sure "Decoded" is in a class of its own. This isn't my area but it's hard to doubt this prediction. I should also mention here that I was gripped by his segment of Oprah's Masterclass show. I felt a sense of familiarity as he described Marcy Projects, his album titles and more. It was purely accidental. Yet, watching the documentary was a great supplement to reading his book.

Why did it take all of my strength to finish the book by our MBC meeting date: September 17th?

I don't quite have the answer...and I can only speak for myself. I just know that it was a laborious read, for me. Make no mistake, though, I needed to read "Decoded." I understand Jay-Z much better. And I comprehend his cult-like following. Speaking of cult, I was thrilled to here his take on spiritual matters. To be sure, his spiritual leanings (dubbed himself  "J-Hova") often stirs controversy. Now I have a more enlightened stance on the matter. I find Jay-Z to be likeable, but I don't know that I would call consider him honorable. Still, I was elated when he and wife Beyonce' announced their pregnancy on the MTV VMA's. After reading his book, I found myself thinking, "there's no way their union would have been possible, had it not been for the power of music." The truth is that Jay-Z and Beyonce grew in far different eras, locations, social and economic realities.

 MBC friends, I rate "Decoded" 7 out of 10 (highest) stars.

Why pay for ebooks?

Did you know that if you live in South Florida you have access to the TIGHTEST public library system...one that happens to be the 6th largest in the country?

The Miami-Dade Public Library System allows card holders to download thousands of audio and ebooks FOR FREE.

Simply go to the MDPLS main site and click on "eBooks & More" Then follow the download instructions and browse the catalog for selections.

Best of all, they happen to have our current book club selection: DECODED by Jay-Z!

What to read during sad times?

Where were you on September 11th?

We've all been asked...and asking...that question in the wake of the 10 year anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center as well as the Pentagon. I'll never forget being a sophomore in college. I walked into geology class but the teaching assistant quickly ushered us back out, telling us that we were embarking on World War III since the Twin Towers had been hit by a plane.

I was confused. Now, this was pre-smartphones, Facebook and Twittter. MySpace was an underground hub for Indie music lovers. Basically, word-of-mouth was it. Adjacent to the School of Geology was the School of Journalism, or the J-School. It's known for its countless flatscreen TV's all broadcasting various entertainment and news channels. Crowds filed around the J-School monitors. Girls sat on guys' shoulders while peering at the screens. All of the stations showed one thing: the mayheim on the morning of September 11, 2001.

People were crying and began to rush home. Many were on their cell phones. Little by little, I inched my way to a place where I could see the captions on the monitors. It couldn't believe I was watching real footage; I genuinely thought it was a prank. Remember: this was at the height of Ashton Kutcher's wildly popular show, Punk'd. Finally, I made it home and my friends and I camped out in front of the TV for the rest of the day. I'll never forget the soot-covered pedestrians who looked like statues; the mass exodus on the Brooklyn bridge, the frenzied family members who tearfully searched for their loved ones...

We will never forget.

During times like these the nation unites in gratitude, hope, remembrance and sobriety. Many of us are examining ourselves. If you're in the reading (or journaling) mood, let these great works stir you:

The Bible
9/11 is a teachable moment. After recounting where I was, I explained to my daughter that my generation is now called the "9/11 Generation". No doubt, this tragic event is the single most impactful event for those who were high schoolers and twenty-somethings at the time of the attacks. As a family, we read Ecclesiastes 3, A Time for Everything. I was touched that President Obama read Psalm 46 from one of the sites. The Bible, without question, is a balm in seasons of pain.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (and it's all small stuff)
Want perspective? Get this little book! My favorite entry is "Do One Thing At a Time," since I've come to grips with the fact that I suck at multi-tasking. I learned just this morning that the author Richard Carlson passed away suddenly in 2006 from a heart attack. Wow. In researching him, I discovered that he was truly a man who walked his talk!

The Purpose-Driven Life
A cozy, easy-to-read but hard-to-forget guide to living godly and missional lives. When I think of this book, I think of the quote "On your capstone there is a sunrise and a sunset. What matters is what you do with the dash in the middle."

The Last Lecture
A sweet, tender little book jam-packed with wisdom on one's legacy, vision and calling. You'll be simultaneously broken and uplifted. Dr. Randy Pausch died of pancreatic cancer but he left behind a beautiful heart song about living. It all stemmed from a viral lecture. It's so awesome that I'm going to letcha have the goodness below!

Pure Lyricism

I'm crushing this song right now. Loving everything about the video as well. Enjoy the lyrics!

There's too many things that I haven't done yet

Too many sunsets

I haven't seen

You can't waste the day wishing it'd slow down

You would've thought by now

I'd have learned something

I made up my mind when I was a young girl

I've been given this one world

I won't worry it away

But now and again I lose sight of the good life

I get stuck in a low light

But then Love comes in

How far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

Many the miles

How far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

But send me the miles and I'll be happy to follow you Love

I do what I can wherever I end up

To keep giving my good love

And spreading it around

Cause I've had my fair share of take care and goodbyes

I've learned how to cry

And I'm better for that

Sing how far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

Many the miles

How far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

Send me the miles and I'll be happy to

Follow you Love

Red letter day and I'm in a blue mood

Wishing that blue would just carry me away

I've been talking to God don't know

If it's helping or not

But surely something has got to got to got to give

Cause I can't keep waiting to live

How far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

Many the miles

How far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

But send me the miles and I'll be happy to yeah

How far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

Many the miles

How far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

Many the miles

Been talking to God don't know if it's helping or not

Many the miles

Many the miles

How far do I have to go to get to you

Many the miles

Many the miles

Oh send me the miles and I'll be happy to

Follow you Love

There's too many things I haven't done yet

Too many sunsets I haven't seen

National Book Week Challenge

The designated week is almost over (August 20-26 marks National Book Week) so let's get in on the celebration by taking part in a cute little challenge.

The rules: Grab the closest book to you. Go to page 56. Copy the 5th sentence and paste in the comments. Don't forget to include your name as well as the book title.

Here's a start:


MBC Sister Cheryl-  "They also hoped we could discover our history through the very product of our peddling."  ~Magic Ciy: Trials of a Native Son


MBC Sister Ana-  "He passed along Klan information to the assistant attorney general of Georgia, an established Klan buster" ~Freakonomics

National Book Week

National Book Week celebrates the freedom that lies in literacy.

In honor of National Book Week, Mahogany Book Club is giving away a copy of Jay-Z's Decoded to the first person to correctly guess which book this passage comes from:

I chose to write about Black boys rather than Black men, because the destruction of Black men does not occur upon their arrival into manhood, or on their eighteenth birthday. the destruction begins when they are boys, and until we can pinpoint those years and what takes place, it will continue. I do not wish to ignore Black men, I simply chose to focus on boys, for numerous reasons. Firstly, correcting the problems of Black boys may eliminate the problems for the future men. Secondly, it is considerably easier to educate, which is a one-step process, than it is to re-educate, which is a two-step process. Two of the most successful sports organizations, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Dallas Cowboys, have consistently fielded good teams, because they produced their players internally, with one step education, rather than trading and buying older players, which necessitates a two-step orientation.

Email mahoganybookclubmiami@gmail.com with your answer.

Best wishes!

Next Up: Jay Z's "Decoded"

I'm not even gonna lie; I don't know much about Jay-Z and can only name a handful of his songs. I've heard he's a talented maverick, a dark 'Illuminati' devotee and everything in between. I like that I get to "pick his brain" and that this book is not the typical run-of-the-mill biographical sketch. I hear that it's essays, or social commentary. He has a cult-like following, for sure. Chances are, I won't become a fan. But once I read this book I look forward to having something thoughtful to say when he comes up in conversation.

Here's a video about his "Decoded" project:




Click here for another interview.