Today the IWSG Book Club launches our May discussion about what we are reading. It doesn’t have to be a book club selection just something you are excited about. Let’s all share what we are reading, and perhaps, we’ll find something to add to our own TBR lists. Click this link to go straight to the discussion. I’m currently reading Brides of Maracoor. I plan to start others but want to finish this first.
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In April 2023, I completed 1 and ½ titles. My goal was 2-3. I had to DNF one title and decided to hold off on a picture book for a while. I am still on track with my Goodreads Challenge.
Below you’ll find my star ratings and review tags for each title I completed in the indicated month. You can also click the images to see the thorough reviews. There may even be a video for you to watch below, but I make no promises.
So tell me, what are you currently reading?
Did you read anything interesting in April?
Are you going to try the May theme challenge?
Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.
Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click hereto learn more or sign up.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through to make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any amount I make goes towards my dream to host a book fair in Hampton Roads, VA. Please see my About page for more details. Thank you for your support.
Optional Monthly Question: It’s holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?
My answer to this question is, it depends. I think it changes from year to year. This year I’m playing catch up but that has mostly to do with the fact that I took a month off from blogging, social media, and socializing (outside of family), and even reduced my reading and writing. After a few recent traumas, I needed some time to process.
As far as goals go, I’m using this time to get a head start on my goals for next year. My first order of business was to get rid of the newsletter I’ve been struggling with for years. I’m done. I know every author should have a newsletter, but to what end? It hasn’t benefited me personally or been a creative outlet for me. I still wholeheartedly believe that authors should have a way of reaching their followers and fans, which is why I’ve decided to focus all my effort, moving forward, into maintaining this blog, my Youtube channel, and my Patreon community.
I’m even encouraging people to follow me on Patreon for FREE and receive my monthly updates- Oh, wait, that kind of sounds like a newsletter… That’s because it’s a free email subscription just like a newsletter would be. So that’s where I am. I won’t be heartbroken if people refuse to follow me on Patreon but I’m also not going to keep struggling to make something work just because everyone says I should.
Below you’ll find my star ratings and review tags for each title I completed in the indicated month. You can also click the Goodreads links to see the thorough reviews. Below the book image(s), you’ll also be able to watch a video of my monthly reviews, if that’s more your style.
I didn’t do a separate Goodreads Challenge video this month. Click below to watch my November book review video, if that’s more your speed.
Now, on to the personal updates.
I took a month off and feel much better for it. My Thanksgiving was not as restful as I would have liked, so I’m hoping a Christmas will be more laid back.
I got some really cool new glasses and would love for you to watch my unboxing video.
I’ve been feeling disconnected from the writing community for a while now. I attend events when I can and that helps, but I wish I had the time to do more. I’m blessed to live in an area that has a very active writing and bookish community, but I’m usually working during the times events are being held. I’ve been thinking of trying to host a Zoom social (with or without appearing on camera) for writers to simply connect, no pressure to produce anything but maybe have some fun with writing prompts, or just talk about our insecurities. I’d love to know if any of you’d be interested in something like that. (Wonder if the IWSG will ever have a video group?)
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Are you catching up this season or taking it easy?
Did you read any good books in November?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog. My response time has gotten slower but I’m still making my rounds.
Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #30).
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter
I am not a fan of short stories in general, though they are growing on me, and I’m not a fan of intense, emotional, realistic dramas (I read a lot of fantasy and sci-fi), but I enjoyed this book, if enjoyed is the right term. This book, this collection of stories, is more of an experience that you either appreciate or not. There are moments that I enjoyed, but overall this book is a reaction seeker. It’s not really something you enjoy, but something you experience and react to.
Many aspects of this collection made me very uncomfortable, but if it didn’t I’d wonder about the kind of person I am. I know myself very well and understand that I intentionally stay away from certain topics, but that doesn’t mean I’m afraid to address those issues head on. I’ve recommended this book to many people because it is powerful. I’m sure there are others who’ll receive it even better than I have, but for now, I’m glad to have had the experience and am ready to return to my world of fantasy. 😉
I do not recommend this book to children, and only recommend it to teens under strict parental supervision. This is an intense adult read worth experiencing.
This review has been posted to GoodReads. If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
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In November 2022, I only managed to start and finish one book and I’m okay with that. 
