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!
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
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.
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!
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!
Hey MBC Familiy!
