Che-Michelle Tales

Hello readers,

October has been both productive and stall-worthy. I have had time to read books, but I haven’t had time to write about what I’ve read.  I think I read at least eight books in October and finished five out of eight. I have written several posts this month for a few of the books; I’ve fallen off my streak of blog posting after October 17.  Below are the books I have read, as well as the books I plan to finish in November. Also, Happy Halloween to all of those who celebrate. In a surprising turn of events, most of these books are, as an associate told me, I have an un-themed Halloween book list. I mean, I read books about night people, magical Innkeeping, death, and personally, I believe any story set in New Orleans deserves to be on a spooky list.

Books I read:

Mark Ronson “Night People: How to be a DJ in ‘90s New York City”. If you are not sure who Mark Ronson is, he was one of Amy Winehouse’s producers, who gave us hits such as “Rehab” and “Valerie”; he won Producer of the Year for her 2006 album, Back to Black.  His biggest hit to date is “Uptown Funk” with Bruno Mars, and he contributed to the 2023 soundtrack for “Barbie: The Movie”. In the book, you learn about Mark Ronson’s early life, from birth to around the early 2000s, his life in New York, and his career as a professional DJ.  Mark Ronson’s life was utterly different from Mariah Carey’s. I might do a comparative analysis of the two books.  He lived on the Upper East Side of New York and was around celebrities and entertainers since he was around 2 years old. He met and was watched by Robin Williams while his mom was throwing a party in New York. The book definitely showcased the problems of rich kids and how they are allowed to explore life without fear of danger. As he matures, he becomes focused on becoming a DJ, name-dropping classic DJs who cultivated the 90s music scene.  Ronson’s book is eye-opening to the world of drugs, nightclubs, and the life of a person of the night.   I need to dedicate a proper blog post to this book. In the late 90s and early 2000s, Mark Ronson discusses the explosion of Bad Boy and other great musicians, conveying a sense of being both a fan and a peer in the music industry.  Since he is sober, I would give this book 3.5 out of 5 club sodas.

Nnedi Okorafor’s “Remote Control” is a testament to Nnedi Okorafor’s ability to craft books that draw you in and refuse to release you until the story is told. I think I finished this book in one day, or maybe two. We are introduced to Sankofa, a girl who had a reputation for being the daughter of Death. As the story unfolds, and she brings the past to the present, interweaving Fatima and Sankofa back into a whole person, you realize that death is a lonely and misunderstood concept.  Sankofa is a fantastic protagonist, a balance of clever, witty, and loving desires, while understanding that she is unable to settle in a world that has advanced and changed. I would love to reread this book and delve deeply into the themes and narratives that explore grief, adolescence, found family, and confronting reality.  Again, due to the protagonist’s age, I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 orange Fanta sodas. This book deserves its own dedicated post and in-depth analysis.

Sangu Mandanna, “A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping.”  I am a fan of Mandanna’s books; the last book I read was” The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.” That book was a treat.  In this book, we meet Sera Swann, a witch searching to restore balance. Initially, the book begins as a quirky story with a mismatched cast of characters. A budding young witch who lives with his cousin and her aunt, a misguided gardener who knows nothing about plants, a sweet but lanky Knight, and Sera. I forgot to mention a talking fox and a rooster that is not natural.  The book is a warm hug when dealing with the madness of the real world. As Sera’s story unfolds, you realize that Sera’s experiences are similar to life experiences, where sometimes, to have the life you desire, you have to sacrifice something you hold dear. This book is 5 out of 5 wine glasses.  Again, I hope to write a more in-depth blog in a few weeks.

Books that I started and will finish because I need to know:

Elisa Bryant, “The Game is Afoot.” We are back in Mavis’ life, a few months after she solves the missing person case from “It’s Elementary.” Now, we are dealing with the PTA, kids’ Soccer games, and planning her second grader’s birthday party.  Add in a mysterious death, her ex-husband, and a new boyfriend. Mavis!!!! I need to know how you will manage all of this. I started this book in August, but I was sidetracked. However, I am coming back to you, baby, in November.

P. Djeli Clark’s “Ring Shout” is another book I started in August and was sidetracked with. Set in 1920s Georgia, Clark offers an alternative history about three women who hunt demons in the state.  I really enjoy exploring African American culture in the South from the post-World War I era. It’s a creative take on the idea of Black Women hunting demons in Georgia. If you liked Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” this book will tickle that itch, and the audiobook is haunting.  I need to find out what happened; I left after a fire and an unexpected battle.  Hopefully, I can finish this book, just not in time for Black Speculative Fiction Month.

Danielle Archneaux “Glory Daze” We are back to being in the world of Mrs. Glory Broussard and her red hats, quips, and shenanigans!  As soon as I got this book, I read it non-stop. Her shenanigans are even more top-tier, going to a concert and showing her ass. Investigating the murder of her ex-husband and just being who she is. I love these books and can’t wait to find out what will happen.  Who Murdered Sterling? Will Delphine ever not be in a messy romantic situation? I am committed to finishing this book by next week.

I hope you enjoy this blog.

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle

Mark Ronson – Penguin Books UK | Official Site. https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/campaigns/mark-ronson-night-people

PS I write my blog to be basic understanding. I am not writing to win a journalism award or to be overly critical.  I write for fun and because I want to discuss the books I have read. So many times, I would read a book, and people would cut me off or give me a blank stare out of boredom. I do not always want to read a thought-provoking book; life is stressful, and I still use reading as a way to allow my mind to escape from the stress and reality of life.