Well that has not stopped me from stalking my library system's website for news on this book. And I am so glad it didn't. Tonight I found the book listed as ON ORDER!!!!!!! So I placed a hold for it, expecting to see that I was the 17th-25th person reserving it and I would get a chance to read it by the summer. But, ALAS, my position in the queue is NUMBER ONE!!!!! I am going to be the first library patron to read this book! I've never been a first like this before. I've looked up the book details on a few books to see how many check-outs it's had when it feels too new to be read even once (8 or 11 check-outs, but I don't think they even cracked the spine, who are these so called readers??!?).
It won't be easy reading this book, but it's premise is too common in our country. I've struggled over the shootings and killings of young black men in our country. It seems like it shouldn't keep happening, that there should be a system in place to prevent it, and yet people are still dying. Young people. Old people. Innocent people. This book stands out for many reasons and so does it's author. Jay is only 22. I am obviously jealous of this accomplishment, but also really excited to see someone so young excel in literature. It's such an inspiration.
Speaking of inspiration, I just finished Practical Magic. I loved the movie and struggled therefore with the book since it went in a few different directions. Also I hate when books don't have real chapters, but have 100+ page "sections." One thing I loved though were all the passages at the beginning of the sections. Here is my favorite from the end:
Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by your garden gate. Add pepper to your mashed potatoes. Plant roses and lavender, for luck. Fall in love whenever you can. (Hoffman 1995)
Labels: inspiration, Jay Coles, library books, new books, read more, reading list, Tyler Johnson Was Here
posted by Songs of Love at 11:51 PM