Thanks

Just wanted to say thanks for the support. I reached over 100 hits my first month blogging. Let's triple that. So tell a friend. -EG

The One That Got Away

The One That Got Away

By: C. Kelly Robinson

My overall critique of C. Kelly Robinson’s The One That Got Away is that it is a well written, real to life, stair-stepping 7 out of 10. The storyline, which is straight to the title follows a mid-thirty educated playboy reformed, Tony Gooden, chase after his college sweetheart, Serena. Did I mention Serena has two children (one that is a teenage case of puberty, emotions, and low self-esteem foolery) and a husband. Wait! The husband would be a rock in Tony’s way but he too has a few too many unfaithful issues that are all too typical for a man that was an athlete in college and moved on to the professional league.

I claim it’s true to title because Robinson provides each character with a realistic lifestyle, each educated and employed with an array of friends that truly know each other and can keep each other in check. My ultimate rating scored lower because Robinson who has the ability to put every character in your actual friendship/family circle, doesn’t keep me interested at least at the beginning. With only 272 pages, Robinson created a story with what I call stair-stepping drama. It wasn’t back to back or too much to seem unreal. There was also limited foreshadowing. However, by the middle of the book, the drama did come to life. For instance, a co-worker falls for another co-worker, an illegitimate child surfaces, family secrets show up, and a husband seeks revenge with the most unsuspected person. Robinson, I would say that…. (men watch this), you created strong male characters that support each other, take care of their families, and admit to their shortcomings in life and with women.

Yes, it is a bit of a love story with a soothing ending. C. Kelly Robinson, I applaud this work and look forward to reading more of your books. By the way, comment if you read this book or if you could move to another city to chase after the one that got away (oops that part of the book). Is there even “a one”?

As Always Keep the Pages Turnin’ -Eg

Oh, You Fancy, Huh: My Class Dilemma

Oh, You Fancy, Huh?: My Class Dilemma

By : Erika L. Green

 

Today, I need your help but not really. Lol I was reading an article today where the author said a guy asked her if she would move to a particular state. She replied (in her head) she would like to move back there, New York, but to the place it is now not the place she stated in when she was eating Ramen Noodles. He replies, “you too fancy”. Now those words made me think of a song (I heard played on the radio a zillion times as I traveled this past week) where the chorus says “nails done, hair done, everything done”, which implies this particular girl is FANCY!  I couldn’t tell you who the artist was but both the song and the article made me think of economic class issues.

In college, I remember watching an Oprah Show where she walked around Chicago asking people what class did they think they were in. I immediately told my girlfriend watching with me I know I’m middle class. I mean I had the two parent home, I went to public school but I never wanted for anything, pretty much everything in my closet hand name brands on it, I mean I even was a debutante (which had to coincide with middle to upper class). But to my dismay, I phoned The Green’s who responded with pure laughter. They replied we are probably lower class and at best upper lower… maybe working middle class. I watched the rest of the show and was a bit upset. I know what low class means, I thought. In the article I read, Ms. Andrews quoted bad language in connection to the lower class. I just thought that was for people from the hood. Fortunately, Oprah explained it to me. It all made sense after the show. I even set back and thought about how Sallie Mae had to contribute so much to my college fund. So are you too fancy? Do you even know what is your economic class? Well, I’ve included the definitions of the classes below and the links of the article and even the lyrics to the song. Be my guest to review both, and comment on your insight about class issues. I would love to hear it.

Class Breakdown:

Lower class: “working class”- term used to describe those employed in lower tier jobs (as measured by skill, education and lower incomes, often extending to those in unemployment or otherwise possessing below average incomes.)

Middle Class:  “professional managerial class”- Under Marxist theory, this is the ruling class or bourgeoisie; have reasonable amounts of discretionary income; salaried mental workers who do not own the means of production and whose major function in social division of labor is the reproduction of capitalist culture and capitalist class relations.” i.e. teachers, social workers, engineers, and nurses.

Upper Middle Class: higher status members of the middle class. Max Weber says it consists of well educated professionals with graduate degrees and comfortable incomes.

Source : Wikipedia

Article: Single Minded: Class Acts By: Helena Andrews

http://www.theroot.com/views/single-minded-class-acts?page=0,1

Song: Fancy By: Drake

http://www.directlyrics.com/drake-fancy-lyrics.html

P.S. I have read Helena Andrew’s book Bitch Is the New Black. I suggest if you like exposes about people’s lives in a bunch of mini stories , you should read it. It’s a comical view of her life growing up and getting through single hood, sort of. I give it a C rating. You be the judge.

 

As always keep the Pages Turnin’- EG.

Televise the Revolution: A Prison Strike is Going on Now

Televise the Revolution: A Prison Strike is Going on Now

Yes, you heard me correctly. The inmates in Georgia prisons have gone on strike in what is being reported as the largest prison strike in American History. I know you didn’t know about it. Apparently, the media has taken a break to report  Mariah’s twins or WiKileaks foolery but the reality is inmates in Georgia prisons have united for a good cause. The cause is to gain attention to some of the inadequacies in their prison system. My question to you is could there really be inadequacies in prison. The purpose of a prison system is for punishment. Therefore, inmates according to the public (my opinion of the public) should receive at best standard living conditions: food, housing, and clothing. What about the rehabilitation aspect of this process? Well, I believe that’s the crux of the inmates’ arguments.  They’re demanding wages for their work (citing the 13^th Amendment-Slavery), educational opportunities beyond a GED, as well as vocational and self-improvement opportunities- to name a few.  According to the article, “wardens started triple bunking prisoners in response to budge cuts- squeezing three prisoners into cells intended for one.”  I think they don’t have a bad argument. If some inmates will be returned to society, then I believe they should be provided a plethora of opportunities while in prison. I am not at any point advocating that they receive down mattresses and plasma televisions but they are humans. Humans that are being given an opportunity to reflect on their misfortunes and possibly change themselves. The most ironic part of this strike is the unity being shown by the inmates. One of their leaders stated “We have the Crips, we have the Bloods, we have the Muslims, we have the head Mexicans, and we have the Aryans all with a peaceful understanding, all on common ground.” Truly beautiful! But before I sing Kumbaya, My Lord, I urge with all sincerity and respect that individuals would gain such unity prior to entering the prison walls.

Now, here’s the link:

http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/41235/the-largest-prison-strike-in-american-history-goes-ignored-by-us-media/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackernewsyc+%28Hacker+News+YC%29&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail

and let me know what you think (Post some comments). And as always keep the pages turnin’ –EG

Note: The article cited above is The Largest Prison Strike in American History Goes Ignored by the US Media by Joe Weber.

Wise Reading!

With as many times as I have heard or asked the question “do you know of a good book to read,” no one responded with the bible. Granted we all suggest it in times of despair, but forget about it during the most brief conversations. I even will venture to say that I’m not the only person to put the bible in the category of things I will read later. Thus, the other night I heard in my sleep, if you want people to read a good book, suggest the bible. For those of you that just can’t seem to find time, I pray my study for this post and once every week thereafter will force you to do so. And since my boyfriend (Kelvin) is a Sunday School teacher, I enlisted his help.

In my life, I have a desire for success but more importantly I wanted God to sprinkle wisdom over my success. Proverbs 4:7 (actually all of Chapter 4) gave me a little insight on what I would need to do to get wisdom and keep it. “Wisdom is the principle thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”

Kelvin’s notes:
After an in depth look into this, we will realize the responsibility that comes along with it. It starts off telling us to get wisdom. Wisdom is defined as knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action. What does that really mean? It means that first we must obtain knowledge. Knowledge in the word of God only comes from reading and studying the word. After we obtain this knowledge of the Word, we must next use it with just actions. Meaning that we must use this knowledge in the right context. It should not be used to impress others, to make ourselves look favorably to a certain crown etc… Now that we have wisdom, the Word says that we need understanding. Understanding is the ability to convey your wisdom to others that may not understand. For example: Wisdom is knowing that a car and an automobile is the same thing. However, no one would tell a 3 yr old to go get in the automobile. That is because as an adult we should be able to understand that a 3 yr old cannot comprehend on that level.
Wisdom is nothing without understanding. Unless you can convey your message to whatever crowd you are dealing with, wisdom does you no good. That is why the scripture ends with get understanding.

How does this relate in our everyday life though? Actually wisdom is used on a regular basis. When we decide to do what is right rather than wrong, it is because our wisdom has led us to that point and our understanding points out the consequences.

Everyday example: You are walking down the street and you spot a car that is turned on and the windows down. First thought may be that you could steal the car and get away with it. However, that is when wisdom kicks in. You have the knowledge to know that if the car is still on and the windows down, the owner is probably not far away. Not to mention that it is illegal to steal. Your actions kick in when you continue to walk down the street without bothering the car. At this point your wisdom has stopped you from doing something wrong. And that was all because your understanding of the possible consequences of your actions. Wisdom and understanding is constantly working on a daily basis. In order to continue in a positive manner we must continue to read and study to gain knowledge. After the knowledge we must use what we have learned in the appropriate context. Finally we must learn to convey our wisdom in such a way that others can receive it.

EG- The lesson is interesting but reading the bible still seems boring, Right?. Well, there is a character in the bible by the name of Solomon. The author of the bible (GOD) even went as far as to say there would never be a man as wise as Solomon. Why? This character was a young man from a father (King David) that stole his mother (Bathsheba) from her 1st husband by strategic methods. And when it was time for him to become king others tried to take his place. Once in position, this young character “heard” in his sleep a command from God. That was simple. Ask for whatever you want me to give you. Solomon’s response was simply give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong i.e. wisdom. God gave him that and things he did not ask for. Notice that because Solomon had wisdom (even at a young age) and understanding of the power of God, he was blessed. Now what a beautiful story!

In today’s society, we ask for success and wealth but not wisdom. Seek wisdom. As I matured, I realized reading the bible wasn’t boring. Further, this lesson provided confirmation that with wisdom you start looking at things differently. That’s how reading the bible will effectively change your life. Age can’t give you that wisdom-maturity. Remember, the character Solomon. From one author to another, God you out did yourself with this book. I hope this post helps you keep the pages turning and brings you closer to turning to the bible more. -ELG See Proverbs 4:1-7 and 1 Kings 3:9-15
( The next co-author in the word post (once a week) will be my dad, Elton C. Green, Sr.) on Men)

Getting To Happy By Terry McMillian

For a book to come out in 1992 and the movie-version to hit theaters in 1999, it’s amazing that it wasn’t until the year 2010 (actually 2009 but I was on a date and couldn’t reveal my affirmations out loud) for me to truly relate to the characters of Waiting to Exhale (WTE). I guess it also was because I am finally understanding what it means to be woman and all that comes with it. Needless to say, this book is the reason I decided to blog. I knew it had to be popular one for ya’ll to even want to check out my blog.  The plan was to actually read WTE and to analyze Terry McMillian’s literary growth. I did … read ¼ of the book, but the movie followed it so closely I grew bored. Read three other books in the meantime. But…

Getting to Happy. A mature read and one that will ultimately call you to reevaluate your happiness. I say mature because McMillian takes the opportunity to explore the many life crises, unpredictable, yet real-life issues affecting the world today. Not the world in the literal sense but the complexity in living day-to-day that births betrayal, sympathy, losses, and some of the most unexpected gains. Each character, Robin, Gloria, Bernadine, and Savannah, goes on their own journey of ups and downs, but retains the most important element of the story, friendship-the sisterly kind.  Robin has consumed her life with raising a child and work. Gloria has reached a comfort level in love and life but will soon have to shift it all but not by choice. Bernadine no longer has control over her feelings and though married again finds hurt among other of life’s surprises. Savannah finds love but settles with and without it. The characters have grown up, they’re 50 ish! What else did you think they would do? They’re mothers and grandmothers, too! The beautiful part of their growth is that they left the bull at the door. No more excuses for themselves (a few slip in though- they’re women). Just many self-realization moments.  A few of my favorites:

“I’ve finally realized other woman aren’t my competitors.”

“ I already felt like Cinder-fucking-rella except I didn’t have to wait for a prince to find my other slipper. I bought quite a few pairs with me.”

Needless to say, in attempt to give her readers the length of all her other books, McMillian expands the storyline by giving the reader a more in-depth look at the people that ultimately influence the lives of the four woman almost more than  the girlfriends themselves. As for the men in the book, fellas you would be pleased to know that the male bashing has calmed down a bit. Actually, quite a few prince-charmings arrive. For me, they didn’t wear shining armor, but were regular men that choose to be good men. A Single-Parent, a husband, and a surprising ex-husband. Remember the names Tarik, Marvin, Micheal, and oh yeah John! If you’re looking for a plot: we’ll call it middle aged black woman trying to cope with life. It’s great for any age to be quite honest. Check this quote from the book- “We thought boys would grow up to become decent men who would love us as hard as we loved them.” Note to young woman: its in past tense… some stuff never changes even with age. At least that’s what the book promotes. Nonetheless, keep the pages turnin’ because this book has a happy ending. Just like many of our lives will, despite the past.  A finality quote says, “I want to push the fast-forward button until I get back to happy.” Luckily for me, I’m starting today. Until next time…

Reading is Fundamental!

Today, I got a text from a close friend that said... "I have an interview today.. I need a good book." SMH If you would just pick up a book every now and then this would never  have happened. On the other hand, I think society has put many of us in a state of minute-reading. I mean who even picks up the newspaper anymore! ( I guess me.) The reality is that reading for today's society consist of a Facebook status update ( a minute), a text message ( a minute), or at best an email (maybe two minutes). Reading a newspaper could easily take you an hour or so on a good day. Do we even by magazines besides People? It would be great if we did because Minute Reading could cease. Who reads People for articles anyway? Who reads Bossip for long in depth journalism? No one. As my first post, I only ask that we end the minute-reading. If not for our own intellectual growth, for our kids and for decent discussion topics. I really hope this message was longer than a minute but I'm not trying to turn you against me so quick. Again, reading is fundamental for all ages. My site will hopefully give many of you a new desire for literature. So stay tuned and remember to..
Keep the Pages Turnin' -EG