Book picks similar to
There's nothing I own that I want by Harrisene Jackson
black-women
family
memoir
memoir-autobiography
THE LUNCHEONETTE
Steven Sorrentino - 2007
Venturing out of the closet and feeling free (at last!) from small-town America, Steven found his niche among the quirky and kindred spirits of the city's musical theater hopefuls." "But on Christmas Eve of 1980, just after Steven arrived in New Jersey to celebrate the holidays, his father contracted a sudden and rare neurological disorder that left him paralyzed. Stepping up to the plate and back into the closet, Steven returned to West Long Branch to help the family out and to take over Clint's Corner, his father's luncheonette. He soon found himself at the grill flipping porkroll (the unofficial state meat) and serving a counter full of eccentrics including Googie the Gizmo, Half Cup Harold, and Steven's old high-school jock crush, Brent Jamison. And always at his side was the most colorful of them all, Dolores, the crusty head waitress with coke-bottle glasses, a wayward wig, and a particular flair for butchering the English language. From this unusual post, Steven watched as his ailing father refused to accept defeat. Confined to a wheelchair, yet determined and optimistic, Clint Sorrentino ignored all the medical setbacks and even managed to further his own career in local politics. Yet for Steven, the more his father triumphed over the obstacles, the more his own life seemed to stall." Guilty, confused, and stuck behind the counter, Steven made a shocking and desperate decision - not knowing that he was about to stumble upon the secret of his father's resilience. Steven had returned home to save his father, but in the end, his father saved him.
Pie 'n' Mash and Prefabs - My 1950s Childhood: A 1950s Childhood
Norman Jacobs - 2015
One solution was to erect prefabs on fields and open spaces to give temporary accommodation to those who had been bombed out. It was in one of these ‘modern’ boxes that young Norman Jacobs grew up through the 1950s and 1960s.
In a lively, detailed and humorous picture of a postwar Hackney childhood, Norman takes us back to an age of rationing, bomb sites, street markets, colourful characters and camaraderie. And in reminiscing about stodgy school food, jumpers for goalposts, Listen with Mother, greyhound racing, pie ’n’ mash, holiday camps, and the advent of American-style burger bars, he provides a glimpse into a way of life that has vanished for ever.
Set against a backdrop of Rock ’n’ Roll, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the assassination of President Kennedy, funny, poignant and sometimes sad, Norman’s is a story full of innocence and happiness that will take you back to the best of times – the days we thought would never end.
Fallin' For A Boss's Love
Misha - 2018
Unlike most her age, all she does is go to school and work, to help her mother pay bills, and take care of her younger sister, Khadijah. On her 23rd birthday, her friend Priya persuades her to go to the club for the first time. Yani encounters a man who seems like all the others, but she’ll find out that may not be the case. Handsome, aspiring rapper, Ramello, is a no-nonsense kind of man. He takes his love of music serious, and refuses to let a woman stand in the way of his career. Meeting Yani, he finds a woman that is not all about being with him for what he can do for her. They hit it off, but his past starts to interfere with what they can be. After shutting Ramello down at the club, he runs into her while she’s at work and shoots his shot again. This time Yani notices that he’s a sight for sore eyes, and finally agrees to go out with him. Mello has this cool, calm, and collected demeanor that wins her heart over, but women from his single life start to stand in the way. They’re popping up at shows and wanting to fight inside of clubs. Yani is a hard woman to crack, but will Ramello be able to open her heart? Will he be able to show her that all men aren’t the same, or will he end up proving her theory correct?
Pregnant by My Mother's Husband
Linette King - 2017
Having a friend that secretly resents you because they’re jealous of you is far worse than any ordinary beef you can think of. It’s way worse than having beef with your baby daddy’s wife but not quite as bad as when his wife is your mother. Find out what happens when Jade is faced with the harsh reality of being the other woman in the new hot series “Pregnant by my mother’s husband”
Anywhere but Bordeaux!: Adventures of an American Teacher in France
Jacqueline Donnelly - 2019
Hoping to escape her predictable American life in the States, she runs away in search of adventure and self-discovery.The story reveals daily life in France, and the encounters with wonderful and not so wonderful characters along the way.It is perfect reading for anyone tempted to run away and ideal for a book club.
As the Smoke Clears: The inspirational true story of surviving Greece’s deadly wildfires, overcoming devastating loss, and discovering a path to renewal
Zoe Holohan - 2021
Saigon Kids: An American Military Brat Comes of Age in 1960's Vietnam
Les Arbuckle - 2017
military brat during the early Vietnam war years in Saigon The early Vietnam war years through the eyes of a U.S. military brat: In May of 1962, Naval Chief Petty Officer Bryant Arbuckle flew to Saigon to establish a new Armed Forces radio station. Next to follow were his wife and three boys, Leslie among them. Saigon Kids is the candid, recondite slice of fourteen-year-old military brat Les Arbuckle's experience at the American Community School (ACS) during the critical months of the Vietnam War when events would, quite literally, ignite in downtown Saigon. In 1963, Saigon was beautiful, violent, and dirty - and the most exciting place a fourteen-year-old American boy could live. Saigon offered a rich array of activities, and much to the consternation of their parents and teachers, Les and his fellow military brats explored the dangers with reckless abandon running from machine gun fire, watching a Buddhist monk burn to death, visiting brothels late at night or, trading currency on the black market Coming of age in the streets of Vietnam War torn Saigon: When Les first arrives in Vietnam, he is a stranger in a strange land, expecting boredom in a country he doesn't know. But the American social scene is more vibrant than he expected. The American Community School is a blend of kids from all over the globe who arrived in Saigon as the fuse on Saigon was about to ignite. As the ACS students continue their American lifestyle behind barbed wire, Saigon unravels in chaos and destruction. In spite of this ugliness - an ever-present feature of everyday life -- Les tells his story of teenage angst with humor and precocity. Coming of age tale with a twist: The events leading up to the Vietnam War provide an unusual backdrop for this coming-of-age tale with a twist. Saigon Kids will also make a perfect companion to the documentary film (sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts) currently in production. The film chronicles the lives of -military brats- living in Saigon in the volatile years from 1958 to 1964.
Adored By A New York Drug Lord
Tya Marie - 2018
An endless bankroll, access to the latest designer clothes, and the envy of every chick on the block are all part of her fantasies when she meets Ward, an up and coming dope boy. When Ward stakes a claim to the beautiful Normani, she accepts without hesitation, a decision she makes without considering the consequences that comes with dating a dope boy. The lifestyle Ward provides is as lavish as Normani expects, but she soon pays the price for being a thug’s solace when she’s the victim of a botched murder-suicide. Unable to return home, Normani is sent to live with her estranged aunt in Brooklyn. It is there that Normani lays eyes on a shiny red Lamborghini with no idea that its owner was going to change her life for better and worse. Uriah “Urban” Mackenzie has always been held in a high esteem throughout the streets, and not because of his charismatic charm, deep chocolate eyes, and politician’s smile. Urban is the head of “The Trust,” a prestigious crime organization known for running guns, human trafficking, and funneling millions of dollars in cocaine throughout the East Coast. Urban leads The Trust with an iron fist, refusing to allow anyone to one up him lest they deal with his wrath. He has New York City in the palm of his hand, with everyone bending to his will, except a bold and brazen Normani. Love has never been on Urban’s radar—even with a longtime girlfriend on his arm—but Normani’s beautiful eyes and damaged smile pulls him in. Soon Urban finds that he's willing to risk the life and legacy he’s built to see if the grass is truly greener on the other side.
Kaine and Karma 3: Luvin' A Savage
Sha Jones - 2017
With her dangerous outbursts and inability to let go of Kaine, she puts a new spin on the phrase "baby mama from hell!" Once she finds out that Karma is now expecting a child with Kaine, she turns up the heat on the beef that she has with Karma and wreaks havoc! Her level of rage is at an all time high, and she's now digging her cat claws deeper into Karma's flesh. In the midst of the drama, Kaine desperately tries to hold on to the undying love that he has for Karma while trying to keep Tameka under control, which seems almost impossible. After many intricate blocks and obstacles in Kaine and Karma's relationship, things start to get better, but their happiness comes to a screeching halt when the events cause abrupt changes in their lives. Secrets and lies pour out, and when an unexpected event bumrushes Karma like a speeding freight train, it hits Kaine where it hurts, sending him into a frenzy. The new beginning that Kaine and Karma planned together becomes a life and death situation, and with the odds stacked against him, Kaine has to make an unfortunate decision that will finally end all of the drama. In this last installment to Kaine and Karma's love story, there will be more scandal and infamy that will leave you gasping for air!
Where You Go, I Go: The Astonishing Life of Dr. Jacob Eisenbach, Holocaust Survivor and 92-year-old Full-Time Dentist
Karen McCartney - 2015
This is the story of two brothers clinging together for survival after their family perished in the wrath of the Third Reich. Younger brother Sam clings to Jacob and voluntarily boards the Nazi death train with his brother when they came for Jacob. They struggled horrifically, and when the dust cleared at war's end, only one of them survived. Dr. Eisenbach is a 92-year old dentist practicing in Southern California. His fascinating and terrifying story is a page-turner. He has shared his longevity secrets and his sunny philosophy, as well as his forgiveness of his Nazi tormentors.
The Wild Child
Anne Baker - 2007
There's no problem with mousy Hilary, but Isobel is a wayward beauty who can never forgive her plainer sister for stealing her boyfriend, and will be pregnant before she marries. Worse, the father of Isobel's baby isn't her new husband – and when the truth comes out, her marriage is likely to hit the rocks. Hilary's life seems to be moving along more calmly, until her husband is badly injured in an accident. And as she takes charge of his business Hilary also faces the discovery that her adored children are struggling at school. There's hope if the sisters can pull together at last – but can they ever put the past behind them?
Team Us
Denetra Shuntelle - 2014
DEM BOYZ is a crew who is ran by DeMoni, his younger brother Kashawn and their best friend KeyMarley. Loyalty is tested and friends quickly become frienemies. The people you put all your trust and faith into will betray you the worst. Who can be trusted? Secrets are revealed that will either make or break the crew! Will DEM BOYZ be able to protect the sheltered women they love most? If so, at what cost? Enter the lives of 18yr olds Golden and Nickayla. These best friends have it all! Brains, beauty, money, Power and respect. Golden has a bright future ahead of her, but hits a slight bump in the road. She has 2 very overprotective big brothers that love her more than life. She has a boyfriend who in her eyes can do no wrong! Everything that glitters surely is not gold! When the wool is snatched from her eyes will she be able to handle the truth? Nickayla has been holding on to secrets of her own. The heart loves who it loves no matter the circumstances. What happens when webs of lies and deceit slowly unravel? Once everything is out in the open, who will be left standing to pick up the pieces? You can truly expect the unexpected.
Running from Love
Natisha Raynor - 2015
Being a part of a dysfunctional family has left him with deep emotional scars and when it comes to women he loves them and leaves them...until he meets Serenity. Serenity is nursing a broken heart when she meets Intellect and her gut tells her not to get involved but her heart tells her otherwise. From the beginning they have a love hate relationship and have mastered the art of making up to break up. Will Intellect finally let down his guard and be the man that Serenity deserves or will she give up on him and move on with her life?
Just Right for Me
Shaytrece - 2017
From the sandbox to the trap house, you name it, the three of them had more than likely done it. Now, they were all embarking on a new era in their lives, starting with the move to Detroit Michigan. Their transition from thug life to the legit world came with its bumps and bruises, but through it all, the three friends were always there for one another. Micah had his issues with the love of his life, Lauren, who was also like his best friend. After he relocated to Detroit, Lauren hit Micah with the news of a baby coming aboard their rocky friendship. Then there was Marcus, who couldn’t prove to his in-laws that he was good enough for his woman, Harley. She was a spoiled rich kid who fell in love with a hustler. However, her parents had other plans for her life that didn’t involve Marcus. Kingston or King had his longtime girlfriend, Megan, whom he’d strung along for his own convenience until his last break truly broke what he and Megan had built since middle school. Not only were Micah, Marcus, and Kingston close friends, so were the women in their lives, including Micah’s sister, Melanie, who had male issues herself. Take a ride with this group of friends as they go through the trials and tribulations in their lives while looking for the one who is just right for them.