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Timely Reads

An unconventional memoir, a study guide and two romances. Plus, more library books! 

[3 books face-up: A Good Cry: What We Learn from Tears and Laughter, The Beginner's Guide to Karma, Only for the Week; books arranged atop fabric with a repeating pattern of suns, moons & stars; a small clock set to 2 o' clock covers the lower half of Karma] 


A Good Cry: What We Learn from Tears and Laughter by Nikki Giovanni 
contemporary literary nonfiction memoir 
William Morrow, reissued 2024 (originally 2017) 

In poetry and poetic prose, Prof. Giovanni* honors the people, families, communities, and places that nurtured and schooled and educated her. She shares insights from personal and professional lessons learned. 

from "The Tassel's Worth the Hassle: An Introduction" 
Sometimes people confuse school with education. School is a good idea. Education is the exciting trip... 

Her immediate family, friends, neighbors along with mentors and creative counterparts Dr. Maya Angelou, Ruby Dee, Rita Dove, and many more receive eloquent tributes and nuanced observations all delivered with lyrical precision and sharp commentary about herself and society offering an invigorating blend of humor and pathos. 

*How my VT Hokie brain always thinks of her. 


The Beginner's Guide to Karma: How to Live with Less Negativity & More Peace 
by Lama Lhanang Rinpoche & Mordy Levine 
contemporary nonfiction 
New World Library, 2024 

A dedication of merit, two exhortations, a preface, twelve succinct chapters that begin with a question and conclude with an exercise, three appendices, acknowledgements, notes, and detailed author bios all work in concert to encourage mindfulness and intention in a person's feelings, thoughts, speech and actions. Its practical approach to the philosophy of Karma is very accessible and engaging. 


Only for the Week (Forever Falling) by Natasha Bishop 
contemporary romance 
Zando/Slowburn, 2024 (originally published 2023) 

Destination wedding insanity amplifies the tension of challenging family dynamics and tangled romantic connections, and even though Dr, Janelle Cross longs to escape, she doesn't. Instead, she indulges in what's supposed to be a week-long vacation fling with her ex's best friend, entrepreneur Rome Martin. 

This super sexy romance is funny, poignant and compelling. The book layout is also appealing with a lovely beachfront dunes image preceding each chapter, the two parts, epilogue and behind the epilogue. Affectionate nods to Baltimore City and the DMV area included throughout this gripping romantic and family saga. 


A Man for Mrs. Claus by Rebekah Weatherspoon, author & publisher 
contemporary romance 
December 2024 

from chapter 26: 
"... You deserve to be a priority, not a consolation prize." 

This clever origin story for Mrs. Claus is a charming, whimsical tale that addresses themes on grief, duty, purpose, and the courage to acknowledge one's deepest heartfelt desires. Being seen and appreciated as a unique individual is another thread that resonates as particularly relevant. 

MORE books borrowed from the library! 
[a book stack of 5 paperbacks from top to bottom: Once Smitten Twice Shy, Work in Progress, My Inconvenient Duke, The Lodge, Let's Call a Truce] 
 
Treat yourself to moments of pleasure every day. 
Happy reading & creating, surviving & thriving! 



 

 

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