Their Vicious Games is a unique fun time. It contained so much more than I expected.  Rich people definitely run the world and can get away with anything, including murder.  Even when rich people state they are not contributing to the status quo, but are still not active going against it is very well portrayed.  And how this game is considered a good thing is still beyond me.  People were subtle while being cut throat for sure, so you can’t always underestimate people.  I enjoyed the strong female lead Adina.  She is young, but knows her place in the world and how to navigate life on her own terms.  I loved how the book showed that one slip up can cause a ripple affect.  But resilience is always key.  She definitely has that.  This is a great book that is bold, yet subtle at the same time. A great read. 

Indian Killer is a big book of characterizations of what it means to be Indian, entitled white people, white people obsessed with Indians and Indian’s not liking white people. I am only using the word Indian because that is what is used in the book.  It is from 1996. This book is entirely too long and the payoff was not there for me. I just wanted to get through it to find who the killer was.  There seems to be a supernatural element that I didn’t expect that completely threw me off.  I hated many of the characters (sh*tty white people) that go out of their way to either abuse native culture for their own gain or target natives as an excuse for rage.  And Truck can kick rocks. I enjoyed the descriptions of Seattle. Accurate nostalgia. Overall, good writing, but was a big book of psychological profiling.

The Seven Necessary Sins of Women and Girls was a lot of effs.  Mona is loud, bold, and comes with receipts. She don’t care about your feelings. Her 7 principles (sins) are on point.  She definitely got the cussing part down.  Her advocacy for violence and being angry is something to think about.  Mona for president.  #metoo #Ibeatmyattacker

White Horse is a fun time, the bar and the book.  Family trauma is real. Then add in culture and it becomes a mess.  The grandad’s reasoning for doing what he did, then it’s supposed to be all OK because he quit drinking pissed me off so much.  And Jack, please.  Men suck at times. While this book seemed to lack emotion at times, it was rich in folklore, history, and lives having been lived full of all that entails. Glad I read it. 

Gun is a unique take on the urban dilemma of poverty, drugs, gang violence, black on black crime, and struggle while also incorporating legend, supernatural elements, and religion. The plot was awesome and would make a great movie.  Many real and raw elements of an all too real society where violence rules and innocent people are caught in the midst.  You really do feel for Omar and Kizzie and the horrible situation they are forced to endure. My heart was pounding a few times.  While I appreciate the multitude of perspectives, I would have preferred to not be in so many people’s heads. However, it does give a well rounded view of everyone involved when you have gang violence taking place: gangsters, innocent civilians, religious people, and the police. Now I am not a fan of excessive cussing and use of the n word. This book has that included throughout. So if that is not your thing, bypass book. The language is appropriate for content. And while this is a standalone, there is set up for a sequel and certain things that were not explained that may be done in the next book.

Overall I enjoyed this book.  Violence corrupts and is seductive.  This book shows all sides of that.  Makes you question if vengeance is wrong.

SGJ is not for me.  The Only Good Indians is the second book of his I have decided not to continue.  50% and I had enough.  The writing is confusing where you gotta work to figure what he is saying and it seemed like lots of filler. I was completely lost as to what was even being talked about. I liked how Lewis went down the rabbit hole of his mind piecing together things, but it was utter ridiculousness.  Then book went out of left field.  However, it just wasn’t interesting enough for my tastes.  Thanks, but no thanks. 

Big Black Stand at Attica is a gripping tale of yet another injustice in the history of black people in America. It made me sad and angry that there was little regard for the prisoners due to race.  But also the disregard for the guards caught up in the chaos. I now see why prisoners don’t feel like they have anything to lose when they revolt.  Great graphics, and story.  

The Black Panther Party is a long book.  Lots of great info from the inception to the ending of the Black Panthers, including the FBI’s attempt to disravel the organization. The Black Panthers had good and bad ideologies; most of the good things do not seem to be well publicized by mainstream media then and today.  The environment that fostered the desire for an organization such as this is still prevalent today sadly.  This book has too much information to absorb in a couple sittings.  This is a book you take your time reading and studying.  Images are beautiful, fine lines and well illustrated. Job well done.  

March book 1  is a great book to learn about the life of icon John Lewis.  I enjoy the narrative historical format.  Very easy to understand and the black/white graphics are beautiful.  My only gripe with the book is the small lettering in the dialogue.  At times, hard to read. It looks like wavy lines, but there are words and unless I squint up close and look over my glasses I had no idea what it was saying.  So much so that I started skipping over those parts. 

Leslie F*cking Jones is an intimate look into the talented Leslie Jones. I love how she is a non-traditionaI person in Hollywood, yet thrives.  I admire her work ethic, owning her truth, and calling people out. This book was absolutely hilarious, just like her comedy. She exudes confidence throughout her book, but she also has a vulnerability of someone that has had a difficult life. Her comedy helps her get through it.  I enjoyed reading her story and look forward to seeing more of her work.