Here is where I give a shout out, a hollah, a virtual hug and a huge THANK YOU to the book clubs, internet radio shows and other entities who are gracious enough to support my work. It is my pleasure, in turn, to support theirs...
Currently, we shine the spotlight on...
Elite Mindseekers Book Club!!!
Claps, applause, whistles!!!
I found out about this wonderful club when one of its members, Patricia Clendenen, wrote and asked me to send a note for them to share at their next club meeting. They’d read one of my novels, and had some questions. Y’all know how much I love, love, LOVE a book club, so I was more than happy to oblige. The next logical step was to invite them on my website as the featured club of the month. Like me, this is a group of members with busy schedules, so it took us a while to get together. But finally, we did! And it was worth the wait! I’m delighted to now meet and chat with the founder of this book club, Narcisse Springer. Narcisse, it is a pleasure to meet you!
Narcisse: I’m excited to meet you, Lutishia!
Lutishia: Elite Mindseekers is a classy name. How did you guys come up with it?
Narcisse: When we first decided to form a book club, all members were asked to submit potential names. One of them submitted “Elite Mindseekers” based on the fact that a good book can get deep into your mind, body and soul. In other words, some books seek your mind, body and soul! LOL. She used the word “elite” because we are an elite group of individuals. Our book club is not open to random individuals, mainly for confidentiality purposes. When discussing certain books, we sometimes tend to get carried away and share personal experiences and information. We live in a VERY small community where everyone knows everyone, so we wanted the members to feel comfortable sharing information and not have to worry about hearing it on the streets. This is why we are very selective on who we allow in the club. Everyone has to approve new members.
Lutishia: Ooh, gurllll….you know I want to do like my next book title and get “all up in your business!” LOL. How wonderful though to have a group of people with whom you can share intimacies, and know that your business will stay in the circle. Narcisse, was there a particular book, or event that inspired you to start a book club?
Narcisse: Yes. Believe it or not, most of us were brought together by Facebook. We started blogging with each other about a year ago, on one of the member’s pages. This became an addiction for some because we visited topics that folks are afraid to talk about: sex, drugs, domestic violence, community issues, etc… One of the topics was “favorite books” and/or “reading.” Many of us realized that one of the things we had in common was the love of books! When Steve Harvey’s book came out, someone suggested that everyone read the book and then we have a “meeting” to discuss the book. That’s how the book club was formed. The discussion was so heated and so much fun, that we decided to make it a once a month activity for book lovers.
Lutishia: That’s a fabulous story, Narcisse, and a unique one too. Had you participated in other book clubs before forming your own?
Narcisse: No, this is the first book club for 99% of the members.
Lutishia: How long have you all been together? How many members?
Narcisse: Our first book club meeting was held in October, 2009. We have fifteen members.
Lutishia: Tell us a bit about this group…your diverse careers for instance, married vs. single ratio, and anything else you think might be unique or interesting about members to this website’s visitors. Are there any closet writers in the group?
Narcisse: Our members include a mixture of cultures and personalities, which makes the meetings exciting and interesting. We have a total of thirteen females and two males. One male is an attorney and the other is an engineer at our local refinery. The ladies in the group are also successful, ambitious and OUTSPOKEN individuals. We have a paralegal, an executive assistant, a director, an accountant, school teachers, entrepreneurs, medical technicians, etc… This makes it that much more interesting when we get together. Of course, everyone has their past experiences and beliefs regarding all topics, so our discussions are always animated. And, of course, everyone walks away learning something…or teaching the others something.
Five of the thirteen female members are married. The other members are either divorced or single. What makes this group unique is everyone’s open-mindedness to reality and our ability to agree or disagree in a manner where there are no hard feelings. For example, you may have a happily married female in the group who declares that there is still hope for one of the single females to find love. Then you have a bitter single female in the group who rates all men as “dogs!” Of course, the happily married individual is going to take offense because she strongly feels that she has a grand prize at home. While you have the single females assuring her that eventually she will be singing the blues along with them.
Lutishia: Ha!
Narcisse: LOL! You catch my drift! Regarding closet writers, I believe we do in fact have a couple of those in the group who never really made the time to pursue becoming an author!
Lutishia: Wow, your group sounds like so much fun! And for those closet writers…there’s still time! Where are you guys located? Or do you want to disclose this, since yours is a small community where one might try and infiltrate your group just to get the 4-1-1? ::smile::
Narcisse: I’ll share, Lutishia. We research any potential new members very carefully! We are located on the beautiful island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. All members were either born and/or raised here.
Lutishia: Okay, just for the record, Narcisse, I love to meet book clubs in person (hint, hint), love to travel, and always keep my passport updated! Do you host in various homes, restaurants, or a combination?
Our meetings are hosted at either the homes of the members, on the beach in front of a bonfire (::smile::) or at restaurants.
Lutishia: A bonfire on the beach? Sistah, you are speaking my language! Hum…I’m feeling a trip to the islands in my future! LOL. How do you choose which book to discuss, and what are some of your favorite genres?
Narcisse: For the past several meetings, books were chosen based on books mentioned on the entry applications. (One of the questions was “what is/are your favorite book(s)?”) Lutishia, I discovered your work on Black Expressions. I read the short description of Heaven Right Here. It sounded interesting so I ordered it. After reading it, I recommended it for the next book club meeting. When the members read the book, they realized that there had to be previous books relating to that one, so we all went online and discovered that there was a series of books related to Heaven Right Here. Several members ordered ALL the books. They are SOOOOOOO good!!!!!
Lutishia: Ahhh, thanks Narcisse. I so appreciate all of you guys and no, readers, I didn’t pay them to say this! Hand over mouth to Narcisse, “gurllll…your check is in the mail! Ha! Just joking, y’all…
Narcisse: We try to read a variety of books and not just read raunchy or naughty books, although we love those too! ::smile:: We read everything from fiction to non-fiction to inspirational, to books like The Secret and Why Men Love Bitches! Anything to spark up a good argument/discussion. LOL.
Lutishia: I LOVE the diversity of your reading selections. Like you guys, I read everything. Isn’t The Secret an amazing read? The truths shared in that book underlie my literary success. But I digress… Which book have you read recently that created the most interesting and/or lively discussion for your book club? Why?
Narcisse: Truthfully, Steve Harvey’s book created a heated debate. So did Why Men Love Bitches. Your series surrounding the church also piqued the interest of the book club members, and started a heated debate because there are several members who do not attend church regularly, using the excuse of the behaviors mentioned in the books. Lutishia, you’ve become one of our favorite authors!
Lutishia: Sistah…your check is definitely in the mail now! Big hug! What are some of the aspects that you look for in a good book? Is it the personalities of the characters, the specific storyline or plot, how you can connect to it emotionally?
Narcisse: All of the above! As mentioned before, a good book can captivate your mind, body and soul. We all LOVE to read!
Lutishia: If y’all could choose three authors, living or dead to have a conversation with, (besides me of course! :) who would they be, and why?
Narcisse: Steve Harvey, because there were several things mentioned in his book that the men, and a couple females, did not agree with. Yet, several of the other members refer to his book as a bible for women! LOL. Another author would be Mary Monroe. She wrote God Don’t Like Ugly…
Lutishia: I know Mary! We’re with the same publishing house. In fact, I’m going to see her soon at the L.A. Black Expo!
Narcisse: Wow, that’s great! Have you read this novel?
Lutishia: No, but I want to read her entire God series. I’ve read She Had It Coming and Deliver Me From Evil. Mary has a vivid writing style that captures the reader’s attention. That’s why she’s still at the top of this game after years in the biz.
Narcisse: She sure does. I think you’ll enjoy the series. God Don’t Like Ugly was set in the early 1900s, and we would like to know if it was based on a true story. It dealt with sexual abuse and molestation of a young girl from the age of seven or eight years old. The church requested that her mother allow an old ailing man to live with them since he was homeless. He started…(Note: portions of this answer was deleted to prevent spoiler for those who haven’t read.) Lastly, James Patterson! The Alex Cross series is amazing, but there are certain things that still remain a mystery. It would be great to ask the author about them.
Lutishia: I just got a two-in-one book at Book Expo—Private and Crossfire. My TBR pile is through the roof. Can’t wait until I have time to read, and you guys make me want to then discuss them with a lively book club like yours! Narcisse, this has truly been a pleasure. Is there anything else you would like those who check out this page to know about you and your club?
Narcisse: We are all business professionals who enjoy the company of each other, whereas we can unwind, relax, scream, shout, laugh, cry, and just have a good time while getting to know each other and be there for each other. All books tell a story. Some of those stories might be mine, some might be yours, but at the end of the day, we all live and learn!
Lutishia: I couldn’t have said it better, Narcisse. Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me.
Narcisse: Thanks for featuring us! We really appreciate it!
Would you like to have your book club or internet radio show featured on this page? Would you like me to participate in person, via phone or virtual chat with your discussion about my novels? Please email me asap and I'll tell you how!
LutishiaLovely@yahoo.com
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In April, I had the thrilling experience of cruising with over 200 voracious readers and a number of authors as we celebrated the crystal anniversary (15 Years!) of the Romance Slam Jam. Founded by Emma Rodgers, Ashira Tosihwe and Francis Ray, this group embraces all forms of quality writing, but has a special place in their hearts for African-American romance. Recently, I chatted with Deatri King-Bey (with an insert provided by Emma Rodgers), to find out more about this amazing group.
Lutishia: Thanks for joining me, Dee. I know how busy you are!
Dee: You’re welcome.
Lutishia: Can you give us a brief history of when and why RSJ was founded?
Dee: Well, Lutishia, Miss Emma can best tell this story.
Emma Rodgers: In March, 1995, bestselling author Francis Ray had the bright idea to “do something” for the Black authors attending a Romantic Times Convention in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In the 90s, these Black authors did not generally draw fans at this mainstream romance conference.
This led to Ashira Tosihwe and I planning the first RSJ in 1995, at Black Images Book Bazaar in Dallas, Texas. Our original purpose was to bring readers of Black romance together with Black romance writers. The theme was “The Power and Pain of Black Love,” something Ashira Tosihwe borrowed from a Nikki Giovanni poem.
Francis, Ashira, and I launched an event that was momentous for the authors and readers. Donna Hill, Gwynne Forster and a few other authors were thrilled to be the headliners for the evening and to get so much attention from admiring fans. It was a love fest, which laid the groundwork for subsequent RSJ’s - an even bigger RSJ at Black Images in 1996, and a very successful Bahamas cruise and conference in 1997. The baby that was birthed in Dallas, Texas has grown up and left home in the capable hands of committed teams of authors and book club volunteers.
Dee: ::smiling:: The Romance Slam Jam has become a family of sorts. Each year we have our reunion and introduce our new babies (debut authors and new romance lovers). We network, teach, laugh, play, eat, argue (I said we’re a family, right?) and read. I hope to see everyone at next year’s Romance Slam Jam.
Lutishia: How did you become involved in the group?
Dee: I first started attending the Romance Slam Jam as a reader back in 2000. I’m a reader first, author second. So when I heard that a majority of my favorite authors would be gathering in one spot, and I could hang out with them like they were “real people,” I had to go. :) I just about fainted several times. Everywhere I turned, I was meeting authors whose work I admired. Then I learned that they actually were “real people.” LOL. We all had a lot of fun.
Lutishia: Did the book club begin at the same time as the organization’s inception, or did it come later?
Dee: I started the Black Romance Online Book Club in 2007, because many of the Slam Jam attendees wanted to stay in contact between Slam Jams. The online book club was a way that we could stay in contact all year and talk about the books we love so much.
Lutishia: And have you met that goal, to stay connected?
Dee: Yes! In fact, we’ve even had people become interested in the Slam Jam because they’ve happened upon the Black Romance Book Club.
Lutishia: How many members are in the Romance Slam Jam?
Dee: There are 427 members, but not all of them are active. I think we have quite a few shadow dancers, folks who read the post but don’t participate in other ways, which is okay. Some folks are just shy.
Lutishia: How many books do you review each month? Are they always romance novels?
Dee: We officially discuss one book a month, but we talk about whatever we are reading all month. The majority of our books are Black romance, but we also do women’s fiction.
Lutishia: How do you choose which book to read?
Dee: I ask the gang what they want to read next and we toss out ideas. Majority vote wins. If we haven’t discussed a debut author’s work or a virtually unknown author’s work in a few months, I remind folks we need to go in that direction, but that’s not usually a problem.
Lutishia: I know that classic authors such as Brenda Jackson and Rochelle Alers are constantly at the top of the RSJ readers lists. Who are some of the up and coming names whose great storylines have sparked interesting discussion?
Dee: Here’s a list of our last few official book discussions, and each was quite lively!
Jodie’s Choice by Deatri King-Bey
Living Inside Your Love by Gigi Gunn
Fixin’ Tyrone by Keith Walker
Bittersweet Love by Rochelle Alers
Captured by Beverly Jenkins
A Marriage of Convenience by Jewel Amethyst
Sizzling Seduction by Gwyneth Bolton
Body by Night by Zuri Day
Always a Knight by Wayne Jordan
As you see, we have a pretty good mix and thus far all of the authors have been able to attend the book discussions.
Lutishia: Wow, Dee. You guys are busy! But there’s nothing like a group of voracious readers! Is there one type of romance novel, i.e., historical, steamy, inspirational, that readers like versus another?
Dee: Actually, our ladies pretty much love it all. Of course some like traditional and some don’t. Some like historical, some don’t. And so on.
Lutishia: Which singular title would you say sparked the most intense discussion within the group? Which was the most memorable?
Dee: We’ve had so many discussions. They can all get pretty intense. Each one usually gets us to laughing at some point in time and talking about the perfect man. Each one is memorable for one reason or another. Sorry to sound politically correct, but in this case it’s true. Each discussion is special in its own way.
Lutishia: No worries, Dee. As a reader and author, I totally understand. When someone asks me who’s my favorite author or favorite book, I find that a hard question to answer. I love so many for different reasons. Having said that, Dee, do you have a personal favorite genre to read?
Dee: Fantasy and science fiction are my two favorite genres. Throw romance into these storylines and I’m HOOOOOOOKED.
Lutishia: Ha! I love it. Dee, I know that you have a book coming out. Can you tell us a little about it?
Dee: My newest novel, Journey’s End, is an eBook which came out April 1. Here’s the cover blurb:
As a child, Joy witnessed the brutal murder of her mother by a man with green eyes. As an adult, she has found an injured man with green eyes on her mountain. Though haunted by memories of her parents’ deaths, Joy can’t leave him there to die. Taking this man into her home stirs more than old fears. There is something about him that draws her to him. Something she knows she must fight against.
Jared has been lost emotionally since the end of the Civil War. When thrown from his horse and injured in the middle of nowhere, he closes his eyes and waits for death to take him. Death doesn’t come. Instead, he is woken by the voice of an angel and his will to live returns. But not just live. He wants to live with Joy.
Lutishia: Wow. That sounds like an amazing story. Yet another novel to pile on my TBR list! So you mainly write romance?
Dee: I write romance and romantic novels. Most of my titles are in print, those that aren’t in print go into print around six months after their release. Readers can view my website for updated information.
Lutishia: What is your website?
Dee: www.deewrites.com
Lutishia: Considering your busy schedule, I’m delighted that you took the time to chat with us, and have readers learn more about you and the Romance Slam Jam. Is there anything else you would like those who check out this page to know about you and this valuable, trail-blazing organization? the Romance Slam Jam?
Dee: Yes! I would love to invite everyone to Romance Slam Jam 2011, which will be held in Baltimore MD.
http://www.romanceslamjam.org/Conference/rsj2008/Conference%20Docs/RSJ2011Invitation.pdf
Lutishia: I join you in that invite, Dee. See everybody in Baltimore! Also, for every reader who’d like to be a part of a fantastic, online book club, here’s the link:
http://www.shelfari.com/groups/12038/about
Thanks again for your time, Dee. And to Romance Slam Jam, its founders and members…much obliged.
Would you like to have your book club or internet radio show featured on this page? Would you like me to participate in person, via phone or virtual chat with your discussion about my novels? Please email me asap and I'll tell you how!
LutishiaLovely@yahoo.com
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7 Virtues Book Club! (March/April)
Lutishia: I’m delighted to be joined by three “lovely ladies” from 7 Virtues Book Club – Lisa Moore, DeLisa New and club president, Diane New-Hardy. Thanks for joining me ladies!
7 Virtues: You’re welcome!
Lutishia: I’m going to direct these questions to you, Diane. Lisa, DeLisa, feel free to jump in any time.
Diane: Okay.
Lutishia: How did you come up with the name for your book club?
Diane: I was looking at a catalog and came across an item describing seven virtues. I thought this name would be great to call the bookclub since we believed in what the principles stood for. The principles are: Humility, Kindness, Compassion, Diligence, Charity, Patience, and Purity.
Lutishia: Wow, that’s beautiful. If we could master those virtues, we’d be earth angels! :) Had you participated in other book clubs before forming your own?
Diane: Yes. The previous bookclub that I participated in was formed by my sister and her friend. The name was Divas of the Sheets.
Lutishia: Hum, now that name could be interpreted in several completely different ways so I won’t even ask how it originated. However, I think Reverend Feelgood would feel right at home hanging out with those ladies! When was your club founded?
Diane: Our first meeting was in August of last year, 2009.
Lutishia: What inspired you to start a club? Was there a particular book that started this journey, or event perhaps?
Diane: I had attended the Faith and Fiction retreat last year and thought that forming this type of book club would be a different twist.
Lutishia: I believe my author friend Pat G’Orge Walker has participated at Faith and Fiction, along with a few other authors with whom I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. Great conference!
Diane: Yes it is a great conference. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Walker and others Christian fiction authors.
Lutishia: How many members are in your club?
Diane: There are ten of us.
Lutishia: Help us get to know your members, Diane. Are they single, married, mothers, career women?
Diane: Our ages range from Generation Y’s to baby boomers. We have it all - single, married, mothers, career women and a retiree.
Lutishia: Ooh, I love the diverse ages and statuses. That helps to stimulate discussion I’m sure. You know, Diane, I’ve found that those who start a book club often discover other benefits to a group of people getting together, and bonding around a mutual love of books. Has this happened to you guys?
Diane: Yes!
Lutishia: What are some of the other benefits that have come from forming 7 Virtues?
Diane: We get a chance to meet with friends that we may take for granted, or just talk to on the phone. We are planning a summer barbeque which is something we did in our old book club, so this gives us a chance to just hang out longer after discussing the book.
Lutishia: Nothing goes together better than good friends and good food! Where are you guys located? Are you all in the same city, and do you host in various homes, restaurants, or some other location?
Diane: All of us live in the Chicago area, except one member who lives in the suburbs. We take turns hosting in our homes, or at a local bookstore.
Lutishia: How do you choose which books to read?
Diane: The member hosting gets to select the book.
Lutishia: That makes sense…my house, my choice! Now Diane, I understand your group read Reverend Feelgood thinking it was Christian fiction. Oops! What were some of the parts about the story that you felt rang true or were appropriate when dealing with the Christian community. What parts of the story made you or perhaps some of the other members uncomfortable, and why?
Diane: The cursing and the explicit sex details! But I definitely feel that some of the things you wrote about are really happening in the churches today; especially how church members try to get closer to the pastor.
Lutishia: Believe it or not, the whole “covering” storyline was inspired by true events, and since the book’s debut, several readers have wrote that they too are familiar with situations where this either has happened or is happening now! But I didn’t write about it so much to expose anyone, but rather because I thought it was a unique perspective of how and why some people share their intimate partners.
While I understand why some readers find parts of my work uncomfortable, I find the whole thing interesting considering the fact that Christians live in the real world, with many watching ‘R’ rated movies and reading Zane! Why do you think we are so uncomfortable reading about what happens every day, when the book involves people who love God and go to church?
Lisa/DeLisa: Personally, Lutishia, I didn’t think the book’s content was that farfetched. I admit that thinking you are reading a Christian book and then getting a visual of the character’s activities was a little startling, but trust me, some of our members will be reading your next book! I think that when someone feels they’re reading a Christian novel, they think it would be more PG rather than rated R because you don’t want to give the wrong impression to non-believers or even believers that profanity and fornication is right, even if it’s something people do.
Lutishia: Okay, so let me make this disclaimer right now: LUTISHIA LOVELY NOVELS ARE NOT CHRISTIAN FICTION! Did y’all hear me out there? :) Excuse me for shouting, but gurlll… no matter how much this is emphasized, and even though these novels are labeled ‘fiction’ on the book’s spine, many readers still assume it’s Christian fiction simply because pastors and church members are involved.
As for your point above about ratings, I understand what you’re saying, but needless to say the folks I write about don't live 'PG' lives! ::wink:: They are a diverse group of people at different points of their spiritual journey – some not saved, some saved and struggling, and others who are living closer to the mark. They love God but might curse, screw, lie, cheat, steal (or have unsaved friends and family who do!), as they work towards those seven virtues defined by your club’s name! Ha! I don’t write about these topics to say they’re ‘right’, I write this way to ‘keep it real’! That’s why my books are labeled Mainstream Fiction, or simply, Fiction. Because Spirit wanted these real, authentic voices to be heard.
I think the whole topic of sexuality is rarely discussed openly and honestly among believers, but I believe it is an important discussion to have. Thank you, ladies, for joining me in it! (And letting me vent a little!) But enough about why I do what I do…who are some of your club's favorite authors, and why?
Diane: Angela Benson, Tiffany Warren, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Victoria Christopher Murray, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and you of course! All of these books leave you with positive messages.
Lutishia: Now, sistah, you did not have to mention me simply because we’re talking! But I appreciate being named among such talented writers. Angela and I are with the same agent, and ReShonda and I conducted workshops at the same conference last year. She is such a sweet soul. Love her! So Christian fiction is obviously a favorite genre of your group. What are some others?
Diane: Mainstream and Mysteries.
Lutishia: Which book have you read recently that created the most interesting discussion for your book club?
Diane/DeLisa: Your books, Lutishia - Heaven Right Here and Reverend Feelgood. Both of these books got a lot of good conversations started. Heaven Right Here is a good book because it had a message that really helped the women. Cy and Hope’s marriage was one that all women would awe over. Cy is a great husband, a forgiving one as well and even though Hope had so many issues, Cy was understanding and never gave up. It was great how you added...into the story which turned out to be a blessing because...(parts of answer deleted to prevent spoiler!) I liked how you mentioned abstinence in the book. This book had a lot of positive messages in it.
Now, Reverend Feelgood, on the other hand, was just like looking at a gospel All My Children. That Pastor had more women than Erika Kane had husbands and I didn’t think that was possible!! LOL!!
Lutishia: LOL!
DeLisa: The whole “covering” issue had our whole book club talking. We could not shut up and we really couldn’t shut up when one of our members said she knew a women who was actually with a man that had been with her grandmother and her mother and the woman didn’t see anything wrong with it. Yes, SHUT UP!! That’s what we said.
Lutishia: See, that’s what I’m talking about! I still can’t believe how many people have written me saying they know somebody who knows somebody. Like you said…shut UP!!!
DeLisa: She said the woman lived in the south. This book had us all roused up and we just couldn’t stop talking. It was like Gospel Zane!!!
Lutishia: Ha! I’ve been given the Zane title a few times. It’s okay, because I am very comfortable with topics of sexuality. Those are some of my favorite scenes to write…so steamy and romantic! She who the Son sets free is free indeed, baby, and this sistah is free! Ha! So tell us, what book have you read lately that you’d most like to become a movie? Who would play the main characters?
DeLisa: Sometimes it’s hard to think back on an old book so since we just finished Rev. Feelgood, I’ll stick with that one. I could see Megan Goode as Melody. Some of the members thought about Lynn Winfield as Katherine. As for Rev. Thicke, perhaps Morris Chestnut (not sure about that one), or Idris Alba. Destiny would be the daughter from “My Wife and Kids” and Nikole Ari Parker would work as Simone. Tyler Perry could play one of the ministers, probably Derrick Montgomery. I see Plain Pat as Nicki Micheaux with no makeup on.
Lutishia: Okay, DeLisa…you and 7 Virtues are hired as my casting directors!!! And OMG, if somebody with Tyler Perry’s phone number is reading this, just go ahead, call a brothah up, and have his people call my people. That is my dream…to have him direct the movie for Reverend Feelgood! From our mouths to God’s ears, for real!
What idea, event, storyline or perhaps bible story you love that you’d like to see made into a novel?
DeLisa: I love the story of David. I can’t wait to meet David in heaven!! LOL!! David had some issues, but even with all his issues God knew David’s heart was after the Lord. I would love to read about the story of David and Bathsheeba and how the brother raped his sister, slept with David’s wives, and my favorite part of all is when David had Urriah killed and the prophet came in there to bust David out and put him on blast. Oh yeah, that’s some good reading right there!!
Lutishia: Some fabulous reading, and talk about ‘R’ rated!!! And best of all, David was a man after God’s own heart! Spirit doesn’t judge the way we think, doesn’t think the way we do, and THAT’S a blessing!
Diane, I have thoroughly enjoyed this interview and I want to thank you, Lisa and DeLisa and your other members for being “Lovely Ladies”. Is there anything else you would like those who check out this page to know about you and your club?
Diane/Lisa: Just that we are a diverse group of women who found a common hobby that has brought us together, even though we were all connected in one way or another already, sharing the love of reading is what brings us together every fourth Sunday to discuss the fabulous books one of our members has chosen.
Lutishia: Fabulous books read by fabulous ladies! It’s an honor to recognize you as March’s book club of the month. Blessings!!!
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Natural Sistaz Book Club! (Feb, '10)
In this, the month of love, I am so excited to feature a book club that has learned to love themselves unconditionally and to, in their words, “embrace our wonderful, natural selves”. Join me in a warm, virtual hug to the Natural Sistaz Book Club and its president...Trena Wooldridge!
Claps, applause, whistles!!!
Lutishia: Trena, thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me.
Trena: You’re welcome, Lutishia. It’s a pleasure.
Lutishia: So Trena, what was the first book you read that made an impact on you?
Trena: Toni Morrison’s novel, Jazz, was the first book I read that helped me understand how impactful reading can be, and the true power of words and an imagination.
Lutishia: Toni Morrison is probably one of the deepest authors I’ve ever read! I remember re-reading the first pages of The Bluest Eye, just to become accustomed to her voice, which is so unique. She’s definitely not a sistah to read with distraction in the background! So…had you participated in other book clubs before forming your own?
Trena: Yes. My mom had an active book club. She understood the importance of reading, constructive discussions and sisterhood. After leaving home and moving to a new city, I quickly realized I really looked forward to those club meetings, and decided to form my own.
Lutishia: Wow, a huge shout out to your mama! What an awesome gift. To this day, I remember my 13th birthday present from my mother…a subscription to American Girl magazine. For me, reading is not only fundamental…it is essential to a well-rounded life!
When was Natural Sistaz founded?
Trena: We held our first meeting on April 29, 2006. Our very first book discussed was Changing Faces by Kimberla Lawson Roby.
Lutishia: What inspired you to start a club?
Trena: My mom set the example, but my profound love for reading and desire to fellowship with like-minded women inspired me to start a book club.
Lutishia: And again I say…I love your mama! I also love the name of your club. How did y’all come up with it?
Trena: For the first several years, we didn’t have a name. Then, while walking to our cars after a meeting one day, we were having a discussion about natural hair. We noticed that by coincidence, each of the member’s hair was natural. All of a sudden, the name for our book club just hit us.
Lutishia: I can relate to the natural status, Trena. One of the best things I’ve ever done in life is lock my hair. So easy, effortless and beautiful! How many members are in your club?
Trena: We have six active members, but sometimes have had as many as ten women participating in discussions. Unfortunately, we lost one of our founding members to Sickle Cell Anemia.
Lutishia: Oh my…so sorry for your loss, Trena. Are there any male members in your group?
Trena: No, and we don’t plan on inviting any. We enjoy our girl talk too much!
Lutishia: Ha! I love it - a circle of strong sistahs discussing books. Help us get to know your members. Are they single, married, mothers, career women?
Trena: Lutishia, we are all of the above. Everyone in our club is thirty plus. We consist of single and married women. With the exception of one member, we are all mothers. Some of our members have careers outside of the home while a few are lucky to stay at home and be full-time parents. Everyone in the book club believes in the value of an education.
Among the group you will find engineers, analysts, biologists and healthcare workers. We have a couple that are returning to school to study new fields. Lately, the entrepreneurial bug has bit a few. For instance, I’ve set up a small lab inside my home and use volunteers from the club and their families to act as a focus group for my natural hair product experiments. The eclectic makeup of our book club is one of the things that keep us coming back. You just never know where the conversation will go because of all the experiences each woman brings to the group. I’m so happy they’re in my life and want to take this opportunity and give a shout out to Tiffany, Chiquita, Melanie and Wendy!
Lutishia: Wow, congratulations, Trena. I join in with that shout out! I spoke with Wendy earlier, and felt such a warm spirit. I’m going to try and squeeze Baton Rouge into my schedule this year. Far too long since I’ve been to Louisiana, but let me make a declaration right here and now and say Saints in the house as Superbowl champs! Oh, when the saints go marching in… Black and gold, baby! Who dat? :)
I’ve found that those who start a book club often discover other benefits to a group of people getting together, and bonding around a mutual love of books. Has this happened to you guys? What are some of the other benefits that have come from forming this group?
Trena: This has definitely happened to us. In addition to forming lasting friendships, we have discovered that our book club meetings have served as socialization/therapy sessions. While discussing issues that are relevant to our lives as women, we have found ourselves relating to each other, consoling each other, and realizing that we are more alike than different. The club has also given us the opportunity to discover new cuisine throughout the Baton Rouge area as we meet at a different restaurant each month.
Lutishia: That was my next question, Trena, whether you guys met in member homes or in a public location.
Trena: We started off hosting at member homes, however it was decided that the meetings needed to be a time of escape from reminders of everyday responsibilities. We now meet monthly, at different restaurants around town. If our book has been turned into a movie, we’ll meet at the theatre and then discuss the differences between the movie and the book. The great thing about our chosen hosting arrangement is that we usually discover new parts of town we didn’t know existed. It has let us see the true growth of our little metropolitan area, and do our small part to contribute to the local economy.
Lutishia: Good for you! Natural and conscious, which is so important considering what your economy has had endured as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
Trena: Exactly.
Lutishia: How do you choose which books to read?
Trena: We read books suggested by book club members. We usually make a schedule for the year that includes the book and restaurant for each month.
Lutishia: Does your club choose one book a month? More?
Trena: Only one. With busy career and family lives, we wanted the club to remain more fun than become an added responsibility.
Lutishia: Who are some of your club's favorite authors, and why?
Trena: We read books from authors of various cultural backgrounds. Our favorites are diverse. We like Kimberla Lawson Roby because of the the cultural references, and the fact that the novels are written from a Christian perspective. Dan Brown’s novels are thought provoking page turners. After reading The Da Vinci Code, we decided to go to Italy this coming summer.
Lutishia: How exciting! I spent a week in Rome last May and absolutely loved the city. That history can rub shoulders with our modern world, coexist in the same place, is amazing. I was actually surprised that one of the highlights of my time there was the Vatican. It’s simply stunning. Enjoy ladies!!!
Okay, I interrupted you. Sorry, sistah, but that news about your upcoming Italy visit got me excited!
Trena: We’re excited, too! Okay, other fave authors include Mary Monroe. We loved everything about the God Don’t Like Ugly series; James Patterson, because we are drawn to the Alex Cross character and the way James Patterson seems to relate to and accurately depict the distinctive characteristics of the African-American community; and Greg Iles. He is a southern writer with very suspenseful storylines. His stories have provoked some very animated discussions.
Lutishia: I love your diverse reading tastes! Each type of genre brings its own richness to the literary environment so it is wonderful that you ladies embrace different styles. Which book have you read recently that created the most interesting discussion for your book club?
Trena: Million Dollar Divorce by RM Johnson.
Lutishia: Okay, why did I just think of Tiger Woods? Guess that title would be, mega-million dollar, huh? But I digress, especially considering my next question. Since this is the month for lovers, what romances have you read that warmed your heart?
Trena: A Special Summer by Victoria Wells.
Lutishia: I’m a fan of many romance authors, including Brenda Jackson, Gwyneth Bolton and my favorite, Zuri Day. (For full disclosure, I must state here that Zuri is my alter-ego! ::wink::) Do you guys have some romance favorites?
Trena: Victoria Wells and Brenda Jackson. We haven’t really read a lot of romance novels as a book club but we plan to add the genre to our calendar this year.
Lutishia: Well, then I must highly recommend Zuri Day. She’s a new author, but her current book, Body By Night, and the one coming out in March, Lessons From A Younger Lover, are must reads!!!
Trena, I have thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, and look forward to meeting your group when I’m in the area. Is there anything else you would like those who check out this page to know about you and your club?
Trena: Thanks, Lutishia. As I stated earlier, we keep our book club fun. It is not a super structured event. Sometimes the book becomes an afterthought and the meeting turns into a therapy session. And that’s okay. We are an eclectic group of women. The uniqueness of each member has inspired us to embrace our natural, wonderful selves. Everyone didn’t always embrace natural hair or bare skin but over the years we have learned to love what Mother Nature has blessed us with. Sometimes you have to open yourself up to new experiences, new people and new book genres to truly learn more about yourself. I guess that’s it. Ciao!
Lutishia: Well said, Trena. Ciao, bellas!
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