#2 What to Read (and watch)
2 books, 2 series, 2 movies + 2 bookstores
Totally intended to post this a week ago but then so much happened (a colonoscopy! Company from Saudi Arabia. All the kids home. Summertime. Eating ice-cream instead of writing…I know you understand)
Two Books:
Midnight Without a Moon by Linda Williams Jackson
On Goodreads, Linda writes: “I didn't know much about the Civil Rights Movement when I was growing up, even though I lived in a place that was steeped in its history. I didn't learn about Emmett Till until I was near adulthood, which is pretty shameful considering this all happened only a few towns over from my hometown and only a few years prior to my own coming-of-age years. But what really sparked my interest in centering a fictional story of my family's history around this historical event was a statement made by my mother about 10 years ago. She mentioned that she thought she knew someone who was involved in the murder. (For the record, there were MANY people--white and black--involved in that murder, not just two white men.) My mother's "remembering" of Emmett Till sealed the deal. I knew that I had to set my story in 1955.”
This is a truly remarkable book with exceptional “real” dialogue. Linda’s newsletter:
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
What would you do if your much-more-famous-than-you author friend died by choking in front of you? And you found her manuscript? What if you knew that it could be a monster hit if you reshaped, rewrote large portions, and made it your own? Is there anything wrong with…taking it? Does it make it any worse that you’re not Asian and she was?
What a juicy read. This book asks so many good questions and will make you feel many feelings.
Two Series:
My new hero is a woman name Miep Gies, one of the helpers hiding Anne Frank’s family and others in the Secret Annex. After the arrest, Miep kept Anne's writings in a drawer of her desk. Watch A Small Light (Hulu and Disney +) The whole family was riveted. An IMPORTANT show and SO WELL told. Finishing tonight!
Swagger on Apple+ . Featuring young men and basketball, I thought it might be too “swagger” for me, but it’s really good (also on Apple+
recommends thriller Hijack with Idris Elba…)Two Movies:
Coincidentally, I heard about the movie, Till, right after reading Linda’s book. Told from the POV of Mamie Till-Mobley, who became a civil rights activist after the terrible death of her 14-year-old son, Emmett. This movie should have been an Oscar-contender. Then read this. Do people ever really escape their crimes…I don’t think so.
Forget the critics, we loved The Little Mermaid (and the all-you-can-eat-heartattack-waiting-to-happen-popcorn).
That’s a wrap. Comments? Your recommendations?
Amy ❣️
Good Times at Two Bookstores:
It was so fun to be at Gibson’s Bookstore with YOU ALL and Kari Allen. Thank you!
Wellesley Bookstore was also wonderful. I signed some books, found a schnauzer in the stuffed animal bin (had to purchase, of course), and new friend and author Lisa Rogers came to see me.
Would you be so kind to leave a review of The McNifficents on Amazon or Goodreads? THANK YOU!
Good News and Story Links:
ICYMI: Ann Patchett recommended McNifficents from her Parnassus bookstore
Next Week: I’ll be giving away a few copies of The McNifficents
When in Boston: Go see the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. What a collection (and 13 missing paintings with a $10 million dollar reward…)
OOO - I really want to read Midnight Without a Moon. Thank you for the review and info. Enjoy time with the kiddos! And come the end of August, we really have to get back on track with this writing thing... :)
I really enjoyed the McNifficents. It helped me recover from knee surgery. Way to go. Another homerun. I love your amazing talent. Keep up the great work and can't wait until the next one comes out.