I’m a Book Snob
I’ve been reading since I was 3. My mom told me that I used to read newspapers for fun *nerd-dom alert*. I was the kid that enjoyed reading more than playing outside (hence one of the reasons I can’t ride a bike. Sharrap. Don’t judge me).
I enjoy reading but I don’t do it as much as I’d like to anymore because I’m busier than a hooker on $2 Tuesdays. But I LOVE a good book. I even consider myself somewhat of a book snob. I have a long list of favorites, which include but isn’t limited to: “Sula” by Toni Morrison, “The Broke Diaries” by Angela Nissel, “The Darkest Child” by Delores Phillips, “Kaffir Boy” by Mark Mathabane. I’m also a huge fan of John Grisham books (I’ve read ALL 50-eleven of his books) and of COURSE I stan for J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter! These books are my favorites because even years after reading them, I can feel their impact.
Some of my favoritesSidebar: Toni Morrison is a literary icon and rightfully so. She’s written some of the most impactful books in the 20th century about the Black experience. Although “Sula” is one of my favorite books, Toni Morrison is not one of my favorite authors. The rest of her books either underwhelm me, perplex me or just plain ol’ bore me (yeah I said it). Sometimes, reading her books makes my head itch. I like “The Bluest Eye” and admit that Toni does have a way with words. However, sometimes, she loses me on that way, and I forget my compass. I’m just saying… (I’m pretty sure I just committed Black Woman Blasphemy & Sacrilege. Please be gentle)
Anywho, on my list of favorite books (or books I’ll skim in Borders), one will not see a book written by Omar Tyree or Eric Jerome Dickey. I am sorry but “Urban Literature” is a genre I frown at. Any book that can be made into a BET Blackbuster is an automatic FAIL in my (slanted) eyes! My disdain for it came when I joined Black Expressions Book Club to win some random prize. In trying to order books I discovered that every other book they offered was a “hood tale” with an over-the-top title and cover. Or each book had some kind of sassy character in the front with her hand on her hips. Yes, LisaRaye might as well have been on every cover. WAY to encapsulate the Black experience, Black Expressions. 1-dimensional fools.
I did a Google Image search for “Urban Fiction” and this was the first result. See? Every cover should not have a Sassy McAttitudeSon on it. DO. NOT. WANT.This is where many folks will ask “You didn’t even like ‘Coldest Winter Ever’?” I answer with a scowl, a growl and a snarl. I know that “Coldest winter Ever” by Sister Souljah is a beloved book for Black folks, and I am here to say it is the most overrated piece of “literature” since Supahead’s 15th expose about her trite ways. I don’t hate it the book, because I do think it is an interesting hood tale. However, besides that fact that the writing is so elementary, it also doesn’t help that Souljah proceeds to spend half the book kissing her own *SS. What author makes themselves a character in their book and spend 5 chapters saying how awesome that character is? WOMP!
But I will admit that my contempt for Souljah is partly because I’ve seen her speak live and her views of live and love are skewed. Plus, Sister Souljah is a grown woman who still walks around in pigtails. WTF? Looking like an elderly 3rd grader. iCan’t. Pleasego saddown Souljah, and find ONE ponytail holder.
Then there’s Zane. Zane’s “erotica” books are so wack that they make Souljah look like Shakespearean prose. Zane is for the same folks who find soft porn on cinemax arousing. With books like “Dear G-Spot” and “Gettin’ Buck Wild”, Zane and her “urban erotica” trip me out. Super o_O.
I will say this though. If you list your favorite books as “Sisters of Alpha Phi Fuck’em”, “Coldest Winter Ever” & “The Bible” (in same sentence), please give yourself a papercut. You are out of order for even mentioning “The Good Book” in the same breath as those wack ones.
I’m ain’t judging folks who read Zane. I’m just saying to ME she’s wack. I’m not sure if Zane is an author or a fool with a pen. She needs a “Fool Saddown” Gift basket with a “Creative Writing 101″ class voucher. Zane is to writing what Rihanna is to acapella singing. She is to literature what LisaRaye is to acting. o_O And no I’m not hating on her hustle.
Hell, if I could make a living creating badly-written novels, I would. Instead, iBlog :-/ Wait… maybe I’m on to something there. Hmm…
I DO have an idea for a book. I shall unveil it on Friday. It will take the literary world by STORM! THAT is how awesome it is. *Nods vigorously*
Category: My Life
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I dont like the Colored Purple so i guess its ok for you not to like Toni Morrison
*squints*
Does that book cover say "Polka Dotz and Stripez Publishing, Inc"? And then there are randomly placed dots and a single stripe on the cover. WOW.
While I agree with you, Luvvikins that hood tales and urban fiction burn my retinas and scar my sensibilities, I can't completely vilify them. Simply for this. At least they are getting otherwise non-reading mofos to pick up a book.
I have heard many a loud and obnoxious urban youth say "Yo, did you read The Coldest Winter Ever? I love that book. You should read (it)."
But therein lies the double edged sword… they may be reading… but its CRAPTACULAR "literature" with elementary prose and repetitive story lines and stunted character development. I guess, its good in that it gets people tor read, but they will definitely need someone to motivate/cultivate their tastes.
I guess I'm calling urban fiction the Nursery School of reading? I had a point somewhere…
::aside:: I once read Mary B. Morrison's book Soulmates Dissapate , because her niece and I went to college together. I wanted to fire her as a friend, her aunt as an author and the publishing house. Do they NOT read manuscripts before they print? Besides the over the top sex scenes (including a graphically described threesome o_O) it was rife with grammatical errors. For shit sand giggles I took my red editor's pen to that book and made it BLEED. Then I threw it out.
I forgot to mention, I went to her site to link it and it was blocked by my work filter for "Adult Sexual Content"
Mary… you doin' too much when folks can't research your 'literature' at work because it contains "filth flarn filth"
I read the entire Soulmates Dissapate series! they were really entertaining….and some scenes do make you cross your legs!
I guess I'm a pseudo book snob, I like the classics, some crime dramas, fantasy young adult (HP and Twilight series so far) but I do read Eric Jerome Dickey and the series by MBM I mentioned above. I don't consider them to be on the same "hood tales" level of books like B More Careful and True 2 The Game….but that's just me.
I understand the point of getting people to pick up books…and while I do read sometimes just to be entertained (I then reach for the breezy easy reads), I also like to be uplifted and captivated in a book… and the hood tales just don't do it for me…. oh. and I abhor Zane. When I was in college everyone was raving about Addicted. I did read the Sex Chronicles and could not believe I bought it–I gave it away and have not read anything by her since.
Hello Fellow Book Snob! Just had to say, the Darkest Child was the SHIT! I turned a few people on to that book.
*Continues reading*
*Ok, finished reading.*
Girl, iHate "Urban Literature". Sometimes, I don't even like the bookstore to have an "African American" section cuz I already know it's gonna be filled with bullshat. SMH I'm sorry, but I do judge people who read Zane and actually think that shit is good. You can get a pass if you read a book or two without throwing up because I have done so also. But, if you like Zane? NO BUENO!
*Sniggle @ filth flarn filth
Personally, my favorite author is E. Lynn Harris because he writes books that I can relate too. I do also read Zane and some of the other aforementioned authors and I like some of them and some I don't.
I will agree, that to the ones I don't care for as much, at least it gets others to read who generally wouldn't as Blackberry Molasses stated. HOWEVER, I also agree with her that it is a double edged sword because in a lot of those same urban tales that attract the urban youth are a lot of misspelled words and grammatical errors that some of their po' ignorant selves don't even catch, therefore, defeating the purpose of reading, IMO. However, to each his own. Everything ain't for everybody. And I ain't knockin' nobody… Jus' don't be the ignorant mofo who just flat out says that don't read-that ain't cute, boo.
(It told me my dayum comment was too long *sad face*)
Anyway, some of my favs are What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted (E. Lynn Harris), To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee) and A Rasin In The Sun (Lorraine Hansberry). The most important thing to me in a book (besides spelling and correct grammar) is not what reading level it's on or what it's about, but that it be entertaining and that I can relate to it on some kind of level. That's just me. That is all.
Re: Color Purple–Neither do I. Even as a youngin' I found it amazing that there was not ONE good Black male character in the entire book. As I got older, it became clear to me why–she doesn't like men, particularly Black men.
Have you read The Known World by Edward P. Jones? It's like 288 pages but not one word is wasted. Well that's how I remember it from a few years ago when I read it.
I JUST got through reading The Bluest Eye (after a Toni Morrison discussion over at VSB, I had stated how I cannot believe I never read it) and enjoyed it. But, I'm like you, Toni can lose me. It's like she's guiding me with a leash for several pages and then I suddenly lose grip of it. I tried (TRIED) to read Beloved because it was such an interesting premise…yeah, that book is back on Mama's bookshelf collecting dust. I plan to read Sula in the future, too.
Oh, snap, you just reminded me of The Darkest Child! I'm gonna grab that as soon as Borders sends me another coupon!
Hey, y'all.
@Luvvie: Great post! I love reading…always have & probably always will although like you, I don't have as much time for reading as I'd like. I read John Grisham, James Patterson's Alex Cross books and a lot of other stuff.
A Toni Morrison book I enjoyed reading & studying (read it in college for a class) is Song of Solomon. Some of her stuff is hard to get through but I liked this one.
It's funny that you have Mistress Me on there. I came across a tweet from the author on Twitter & clicked on her website. Her bio explained how she was someone's former mistress & that is what inspired her to write her first book….from that perspective. Not interested. I agree that many (if not all) of the urban lit books have titles & cover art that is out of control. Craziness.
I'm not surprised. A lot of Black Men don't like "Color Purple" and it is what it is. I see it as a chick flick. Albeit, a very dramatic one, but a chick flick, nonetheless
Good point. At least they are reading. But I truly don't know the less of 2 evils. Reading crap or not reading at all. Hmm… guess not reading at all is eviler.
And LMAO @ firing your friend for being related to Mary B. Morrison. And ain't enough red ink in the world for me to take to some of these urban literature books.
LMAO@ "filth flarn filth". I must use that sometime
I've not read "Soulmates Dissipate" and I'm in no hurry to do it. Eric Jerome aint HORRIBLE. I just can't w/ him. Last time I picked up his book, I think it was "Friends & Lovers" and I literally got to page 2 and said "EFF. IT. iQuit." I aint looked back since.
YES! I'm ain't gon lie. My eyes got misty when reading that book. Don't tell nobody though.
Yeah. People best not rock tshirts that says "Reading is for suckas". I'mo have to go IN at that point
Hmm… I think I've read it but I surely don't remember it. Guess I need to go back and reread intentionally
Glad u feel me on the Toni tip. She goes over my head sometimes. Reading her books can seem like a chore at times. But SULA? Sula is MY ISH!
I read Song of Solomon and the end had me scratching my head for real. But I enjoyed it.
HA! @ the author of Mistress Me on Twitter. Yes, I understand everyone has a point of view. But these cheap, low-budget book covers can kill a book for me before I open it. Yes, I indeed judge a book by its cover.
your thug needs more people. Like the Crips. Blue flag hangin on the left side
Nuh uh, saying that these "books" get people to read is like saying "at least Drug Dealers have to do lots of math". Unacceptable!
Cheaters is one of my favorites by EJD. I don't like this new thing he's doing trying to be a crime writer…uhh stick to the relationships stuff. I also read Pleasure and had some leg crossing moments as well–he does the sex way more tastefully than say Zane, IMO.
I agree I hate the african american section! but since I recession proofed my life I am strictly on that library card plan! I reserve online and then pick em up when I get my email confirmation. When I did buy a lot of books I almost always used Amazon, so still, I avoid that dreaded "section". LOL.
Song of Solomon is my favorite Toni Morrison book. I read it first in the 10th grade, I have read it twice since then. love it.
'Yes, I indeed judge a book by its cover"
I agree! I think cover work (and titles) should REALLY be considered before a book is put out. Like what is your target audience? Do you think anyone outside of that audience would stop & pick up your book based on the title or cover art (since most of us don't read the summaries unless it first catches our attention). And yes, 'ha' at her being on Twitter…but then again, who isn't these days?
"*squints*
Does that book cover say "Polka Dotz and Stripez Publishing, Inc"? And then there are randomly placed dots and a single stripe on the cover. WOW."
@Blackberry Molasses: Yes, that's what it says & yes it does have dots & stripes on the cover…LMBO! From her website, I saw that it's her own publishing company.
Yer Most Highest Of Awesomelynessis,
Wow! You hit my Heart with this. I too have been a reader all my life. Reading has so expanded my views and understanding of people and the world. I love reading, especially non-fiction, because I can “experience” what I can’t myself in person. History has been a special one for me; the accounts of the actual battles for Bolshevism in Russia, circa 1917-1923, the incredible resistance at Stalingrad. A book I wept over, about the 20+ year struggles in Angola and its effects. I so well remember crying over the factual accounts that began coming out of Rwanda in 1994/95 in news magazines; I finally stopped reading the personal accounts because the heart couldn’t take anymore of the suffering, as I tried to self-identify with the pain. Reading expands you like hardly anything else, since you can’t personally experience all of it.
(con't. What else, right? LOL!))
I fell in love with the fiction of John le Carre’ ((David John Moore Cornwell) and have read most of his works, some several times.
Funny you mentioned Harry Potter. You know, I have read those books to my daughter at bedtime, lol. She loves them (and Lord of the Rings, another of my big fav’s). As a single-dad, those end up being such incredible times of “bonding”, reading to my girl as she snuggles in bed, all happy for Dad’s attention. She shares your love of these works.
(con't)
I can't do urban lit either. My friends in college used to call urban lit "nigglature." Some of my favorite book stores only put non-fiction in the "African American" section and mix the urban lit in with the rest of the fiction.
As for the Bible, well I’ll quote something I learned some time ago about President Lincoln:__Lincoln biographer William E. Barton wrote that Mr. Lincoln “read the Bible, honored it, quoted it freely, and it became so much a part of him as visibly and permanently to give shape to his literary style and to his habits of thought. When a delegation of African-Americans from Baltimore presented President Lincoln with a Bible in September 1864, he replied: "This occasion would seem fitting for a lengthy response to the address which you have just made. I would make one, if prepared
I know this isn’t so “IG”. But you the QUEEN a that, so I leave it to you.
Cosign with Luvvie and ChiChi: I love The Darkest Child as well. Both Omar Tyree and Sista Soulja came to speak at my alma mater and both deserved Go Sat Down awards. Sista Soulja for those pig tails (which she must wear all the time) and Tyree for talking like a held back 9th grader. Uh uh.
YESSSS Litey! I truly love the fact that books take me to a world that isn't mine and the way some folks weave the words makes me feel like I'm standing there WATCHING the events unfold. Nothing like leaving your own world to take a vacation in someone else's. Even for a little bit.
And I feel you. I can't read certain things b/c I get too touched by it. Same reason why although my degree is in Psychology, I chose not to practice it. I take folks problems home w/ me and ish. And it'd run me down.
Hmm… never heard of John le Carre. Any particular book of his I should pick up? And AAAAWWWWWW @ you reading Harry Potter to ur kiddies. My heart's all a-flutter, Litey!
Like you' I've been reading since tykehood. However, I must say that when I was 10-13ish and Goosebumps, BabySiter's Club and Annie of Green Gables was all read up, I fell into the "Urban Fiction/Erotica" trap. But…after I found several misspelled words, typos and grammatical errors, I realized that perhaps this genre of "literature" wasn't for me. I never have understood why Black authors felt all we were about was the hood, the "Industry" and sexcapades.
Your take on Ms. Morrison is correct; I feel the same way. Same with J.K. "I own England and made up words" Rowling–I reread the series every few months to argue with other geeks about mythical creatures and John the Baptist/Jesus and the Biblical meanings behind everything
SMCH at me breaking my comment down.
Anyway:
I've found one Black author who does smart fiction so far (word to Zadie Smith), but she isn't even American. Where are the American black authors who aren't living fairy tale lives ("He was a gay bi-sexual lawyer by day, doctor by night with 14 wives and 2 boyfriends….delve deeper in Typical Atlanta Day") or having yawntastic sex?
Oh, you forgot about "Fly Girl." Tricks were STANNING for that little fast tail girl, lol.
I feel bad.
Not because I don't agree with you (I do agree, Toni doesn't know the meaning of punctuation; how can you have a 500 page book with 4 sentences? I think I'm crossed eyed permanently.) but because as a writer myself, I find it hard to stay out of the "Urban Literature" lane. I write something, and whether it's something I brainstormed about or something personal, it always end up reading like the cover should be the one you put up. I'm trying to step my writing game up; I'm not trying to end up on your page (in a bad way) or have my publisher tell me they got Lisa Raye to do the cover.
One person told me those stories are needed because "they hood stories for aggins that can't read". No, you don't need to reread that last statement; yes, I worded it just like he said it; and yes, I no longer communicate with him.
Dang Kindred! Just taking the wind out of my sails and shit **pouts**
I gave up on fiction in the 70's after reading one too many iceberg slim classics ("black girl lost" indeed! deee-pressing). I'm mostly into black history/social science and political issues/civil rights and american history. I can be entertained and learn at the same time. Its always nice to keep one's existence in perspective and be able to say that we baby boomers lived in most interesting times.
He's written a few book. This one is about Black salve owners in a fictional town in VA.
Well Luvvie you know how much I cosign this post, as we talk about this often… I did read an Omar Tyree book when I was in high school, and even then it was juvenile and poorly written to me, and I wasn't even a book snob back in those days. That was when I would read anything not chained down….
i loved this post….and i'm with you on toni morrison. some of her books i love and some of them just make me want to smack her. WHY must her stuff be so confusing? but as much as she drives me crazy at times, i want to stab myself in the eye when i read omar tyree, eric jerome dickey, zane, and stuff like that. don't get me wrong – i still read them but it makes me sad to see how poorly written they are. i don't understand how their editors let those books go out like that.
me and you part ways on coldest winter ever. notwithstanding souljah's huge ego, i effing love that book!
i LOVE 'The Broke Diaries'! definitely one of the funniest books i've ever read=oD hey, question luvvie…are you nigerian/of nigerian descent?
Looooooovvveeee to read…. love books. I'm a fellow Rowling stan…and don't judge me, but I'm a Jane Austen stan, too. *straightens geek hat*
welcome to the Ig, jlac! I'm assuming you're new coz it only takes one visit to Luvvie's eCrib to realize she's Nigerian!!
You know I love your blog..and of course you have your opinion on Zane and other urban book reads and readers..
I must say..I read anything entertaining from Zane, to Noire, to Stephen King, then I'll come back and read Teri Woods, then turn around and read Toni Morrison, then go back and read Michael Crighton and then one on oprahs book club then back to J. California Cooper
My point is..a good story to one person may not be good to another..and vice versa…and I hope we aren't judging one person's intellect based on what entertains them. I know some super intelligent people all up into soap operas and tyler perry movies….and I know some high school only educated people who read sci -fi and nietzche…
Im open minded to many types of books..many genres..and we shouldn't judge or bash a person (not that you did that) because they read Erotic urban fiction
Luvvie we are so –>here<– From the first sentence of this post, I was shaking my head in agreement. I began reading @ age 3 too.
I've given this urban "literature" a shot or two and I was just. not. impressed. Over the top sex scenes + illogical grammatical errors = Brown Baby Jesus weeping.
Also, though I stan for Miss Toni Morrison like no other, I completely understand where you are coming from in reference to her. Another great novel by her is Song of Solomon. It's not one of those that you need to read fiddy'leven times in order to understand it.
Yer Mostest Excellent Awesomelynessis,
Two things (can one comment section suffice, lol?):
John le Carre`: Read the trilogy first (though each could stand alone; best altogether).
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (book 1); The Honourable Schoolboy (book 2); Smiley’s People (book 3).
You will be engrossed in his character and situation development, best of the genre.
Then single works of: The Little Drummer Girl or The Russia House.
After that, anything he’s written.
Now, on all this “Hood writing” literature. I’m, unfortunately, old enough to directly remember NWA (NOT the airline) and 2LiveCrew. To remember the excuses given for the ugliness of the content. The “it’s keepin’ it real” line, the “it’s our real story” deal. How you could even be “racist” if you didn’t appreciate its presentation. That this was the “Real black experience”. 20 years later, we see something very different now, don’t we? About the acceptance of the imagery, the ingraining it as a legit lifestyle. “Hood” books are the literary equivalent. To present the same well-worked over story of “hood-life”. As if this is all there is to “blackness”, its sum total, if you will. It seems the same old self-destructive and self-acceptance of this, and only this, as “Authentic Black”.
Not a very good road to go down. If Rap, Hip-Hop, etc have taught us anything.
Hate me for it.
I loved Bluest Eye and Song of Solomon but read other Toni Morrison books and didn't enjoy them all. I am an avid reader as well and although I can be picky about a lot of things, I am not a book snob but that's cool for the peeps who are. I only say that because I have read tons of hood books, just because, I read everything. And you're right, they are a mess. You know it's bad when you hide the cover of your book when people ask abt it.
For various reasons, I can't stand Zane, oversexed, no plot, etc. but I think those books are for hard-up older women, who can't or just don't get any. I have to say that I can't lump EJD, E. Lynn, Terry Mcmillan, etc in the urban lit. category. That's the problem with some libraries, bookstores, etc. they put all Black people under the same umbrella but you won't see a Danielle Steele novel next to a James Patterson novel. Terry, EJD and others are (for lack of wanting to think of a better analogy) the Tyler Perrys of lit. and the hood books are like Menace II Society, Baby Boy, etc. Yes, they all have Black characters but they aren't all the same.
I'm not saying you should change you reading habits but those different types of books shouldn't just be lumped together just because Black Expressions considers "Bitch" and "Milk In My Coffee" to be cut from the same cloth. Eric Dickey was at one time one of my favs but his books range from relationships to assassins, to mistresses, etc. I have never read a book where he talks about B*tches and Hoes. I'm not saying that you are saying this, I was just intrigued by the discussion.
And if that all to un-IG for this here “Awesomely House of Luvvie”, then feel free to:
Tape My Mouth Shut.
Wouldn’t be the first time I been told to shut up! (And, truthfully I should do that sometimes, lol).
Hush, Litey! Any and all comments are welcome. IG or otherwise.
Here at AweLuv, we's fam
LMAO! So I'm not the only one who wondered why she insisted on rocking pigtails on speaking events. o_O to Soulja
YES!!! I LOVEd Babysitter's Club. Stacy was my favorite character. I loveded her. And J.K. Rowling is my hero. Her imagination is better than anything that could come out the Barney bag. I stan for her.
Hmm… never heard of Zadie Smith but I will keep her in mind. And "Flyy Girl" was THE book when I was in 8th grade. EVERYONE loved it. "Gurl did you see when…" lol Be in class getting in trouble for discussing the angst of "Flyy Girl"
"yes, I no longer communicate with him"
THIS made me cackle. You've made a wise choice. Glad you feel me though. Toni got the tendency to make me rock back and forth sometimes from confusion. But when I GET her, she's good
MESSAGE! I'm all bout that, Bogart. I had to read "Assata" in college and its stayed with me since. I shoulda put it up there as one of my fave books.
I KNEW u had it! (c) Jimmy Early
LOL @ u stabbing urself in the eye. Zane does induce the same thing in me. She makes me wanna slit my wrist.
And I know a lotta folks love "Coldest Winter". I figured half of people would disagree with me.
Hey Jlac! Yes. Broke Diaries made me cackle out out on the bus when I read it. Folks were looking at me like I was crazy.
And yes, chica. I'm Nigerian.
Ya kno, I've never read a Jane Austen book. My mom owns "Pride & Prejudice" and I still aint picked it up. I need to read one of her books for real
I agree, True. I know what I find entertaining would make some folks just blink and side-eye me. Lawd knows I love some random ish. What folks read isn't equal to their level of intelligence. But I do frown on those who only read Urban Lit. Please pick up a book in the next shelf over, whatever that is.
*hug* It' nice to meet a fellow "book snob"! What the masses call "urban litereature" i simply call NIGGLATURE. That crap dulls my senses. I LOLed when you said you mentioned Sistah Soljah kissing her own azz for half of the Coldest Winter Ever. Made me think of my most hated author–Omar Tyree. He did the same thing in Fly Girl and thats when I knew both he and the genre weren't for me. That and the fact that he did a lecture at my school and said he was this generation's Richard Wright. Die Slowly and Painfully Mr. Tyree.
Oh I actually did like Song of Solomon, although the end perplexed me a bit.
Ooooo *adding to Visual Bookshelf to read in future*. Thanks Litey!
Litey, if this comment was a pair of shoes, it'd be a pair of Red Suede Loubotins. THAT is how awesome it was! I heart it!
lol! i KNEW you were nigerian, i just didn't want to assume=o) heeeeeey, nwanem! lol
I started reading them b/c I am such a JKR fan. I read an interview she did n she talked about how big an influence Austen was on her. Once I got my head into the era the books were written in, I really started liking them. For the time that they were written, the women portrayed in Austen's books are very independent and self-assured, determined to find happiness not just security. Which was a big dang deal in that time. *adjusting pocket protector*
Kudos to the white boy from the white chick.
I need to get back on that plan, but I love buying/owning them. *Insert Lil Llama sad face here*
Oh shit! Imma steal that! Thanks in advance. "Nigglature"…LMAOL
I detest "urban literature" and I don't even look at it when i go to Borders or wherever.. I've tried reading Zane..but I started to get a headache. I am open to trying again but every time I do knock my head and manage to crack open some urban lit.. I'm sorely disappointed and have a " why don't I like this again…oh yeah!!" moments
Luvvie,
I feel you about the hood lit genre even though I am big fan of Sister Souljah's. The problem is that most of the books are not well written though IMO TCWE was. The ironic thing though is that critics of her latest novel Midnight bash the book for this very reason. They wanted another Winter- bitchy, materialistic, and drama-filled. What they got was a deep-thinking, deep-feeling urban hero who loved his family, culture, and faith more than anything. They got the antithesis of the "urban lit" novel. I think that it is a popular thing and almost cliche to bash "urban lit". I have many problems with the premise behind the genre- trite drama-filled storylines, stereotypical half-naked black female images displayed on book covers, poor editing- but there are a few diamonds in the rough. As for Zane- I like some of her books, for entertainment's sake. But I do agree that a steady diet of just Zane and maybe even Souljah is limiting. I don't think it is a problem that urban youth are attracted to these books for this is what many of them know. My problem is that these are the ONLY books that most of them will read.
Preach….I have to agree with you on eeerthang except the Toni Morrison rant onlhy because I love her so much. Sula was the book that started me off but my absolute favorite is Song of Solomon. But this is what makes us all unique what is cavier to some is simly frank n beans to others.
When I read The Coldest Winter Ever I never quite understood why Sistah Souljah was a character…I just kept thinking this makes no sense, vain much. The other thing was it too extra long to read the ridonkulous book because of the venacular not that I have an issue with slang/ebonics whateva you wanna call it but damn seriously can we form a proper sentence. Although There Eyes Were Watching God was in venacular but it was just soooooooo much better.
In any event I've never read Zane and have absolutely no interest. Friends would agree I to am a book snob but I don't care. When you look at my book care it is overrun with Toni Morrison, Sylvia Plath, Chaim Potok and Shakespeare (sorry but Shakey is the man).
Question Luvvie how do you feel about the whole Tyler Perry play circuit?
Faith
I'm a little late. Speaking ill of Toni Morrison isn't blasphemy in my book. I've read most of her work and it just goes over my head. People always rave about it and I thought it was just me. I deceided maybe i was too young(teen/early 20s) and said I should re-read since I'm older(early 30s). I just haven't/don't have the desire. Shoot me! Glad to hear I'm not along in bewilderment of Toni's writing.
I've been called a book snob before……….and that's fine. I won't just read anything.
Yeah I also enjoyed "Bluest Eye" and "Song of Solomon". The others? Not so much. I'm also willing to pick up a wide range of books, from sci-fi to Danielle Steele but these hood books are the one I've found to be the worst-written in terms of ish like grammar, syntax, and just poor editting. I understand colloquialism should be used in some books but there's no excuse for misspelled words.
E. Lynn & Terry McMillan, I'd admit, aren't on the same levels of bad like Zane. They are decent. If I could make an edit, I'd actually remove Terry's name from this post. Her books are not badly written.
Oh Litey. You make this House o' Luvvie" even Awesomer. Keep 'em coming
*Hugsies* back at ya. And LMAO @ "Nigglature."
But umm… Did Omar REALLY refer to himself as the new "Richard Wright?" I'da thrown a tomato on the stage at him.
Yeah I pick up an "Urban Lit" book and cant get best page 2. Most times, iQuit at the cover.
I read her new book "Midnight" and have very strong opinions about why I DO NOT like it. I even wrote a review for it. Maybe I'll post it one day. My dislike of that book has little to do with how it was written, and ALL to do with the content.
And yes, the urban youth reading "Zane" doesn't kill me. The fact that they won't go one shelf down to pick up Zora Neale is what sucks.
Yeah I figured half the folks who read it would disagree w/ me on Toni. But Toni's an icon and I'm not taking that from her. She's gifted w/ words but I'm sometimes to simple to grasp some of her meanings. Over my head ,it foes.
And YES! Souljah just HAD to put herself in "Coldest Winter Ever". It wasn't even necessary.
And in the oxymoron of the day, I actually admit to being entertained by Tyler Perry plays and I own them all. Yes, it makes no sense. But his plays make me cackle. I can't help it. THAT is my confession.
Welcome, fellow "Don't always get Toni" Club member
LOL next time someone calls you a Book Snob, reply with "i'll be dat"
He really did. My face was stuck! And this was after he was busy fussing at the crowd about black young adults not reading. At a PWU, in a room full of reading negros. After he made the Richard Wright comment I stormed out all dramatic like, shaking off on of the event organizers while telling him this was some isht. If I EVER see that pitty pat "author" in the streets I will be telling him about his wack nigglature writing self.
Don't classify EJD in the urban lit category. He might have released that type of book in the past, but I think he finally realized it's so cliche. I picked up his new book yesterday (Resurrecting MIdnight) and was pleasantly surprised to find that the cover was toned down a bit from his previous books and it's really a thriller/mystery not urban lit. You can't even tell what some characters are. Some are Filipino, Russian, etc. and the book takes place in Argentina. EJD is the man!
I'm soooooooooooo excited that you didn't like Coldest Winter Ever. NOBODY else seemed bothered by her writing in herself as a character. I, unlike you, HATE the book and Sister Souljah with a passion.
Say, how you really feel! LMAO! I am with you on believing Zane books are overrated. John Grisham is one of my fave authors as well!
I agree on your feelings of Toni Morrison. I also gotta tell you, if it's entertaining I may not purchase it, but I'll use my library card and read it! lol!
ok i cant believe i haven't visited your website. i love it, if you haven't researched yet zadie smith wrote a book called white teeth which was very popular here in England, but i thoroughly enjoyed it. you should read it if you haven't already.
mic check 1,2,3, mic check 1,2 ALL HAIL LUVVIE!!!!
this needs to be shouted from the rafters whilst thou holdest the Good Book!