bookgang
Host of the Book Gang Podcast- celebrating debuts, backlist books, and under-the-radar book gems. š. Lover of the simple life and sharing on MomAdvice.com since 2004!
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bookgang finished a book
The Good Parts: A Novel
Evann Normandin
0bookgang commented on bookgang's review of People of Means
In the 1960s timeline, Freda has been relatively sheltered from racism in her community, the daughter of a wealthy Black family, thanks to her father's work as a doctor. Fisk University and its town's residents, situated in Nashville, aren't faring as well as they experience a very different version of the world.
Johnson shows Freda's very human struggles, offering a heart wrenching realization when faced with the separation of bathrooms for Blacks and whites when she needs to use a public restroom. This prospect of division is so distressing that she pees outside, shaken and humiliated. When her life becomes entangled with an activist, she must decide whether to follow the carefully fought-for and laid-down path carved by her parents or risk her privilege for others.
In the 90s timeline, Freda's daughter, Tulip, lives a life mirroring her mother's. As the Rodney King trial spurs protests on the Chicago streets, she feels called to use her PR credentials in morally gray ways to help the movement. As she fights on a public platform, she also must fight on a private one as she navigates racism in her workplace. As another woman of means, she risks sullying her family's reputation to stand up for what she believes in.
Although this book sounds heavy, it's filled with sly humor, a solid love triangle, and page-turning details on the early college days of some of the most memorable civic leaders. Bahni Turpin lends her unforgettable voice to the audiobook narration that brought Johnson's researched worlds to life.Ā
As a white person of means, I am reminded of the importance of peaceful protests and lending our voices to causes, especially when we have less at stake than most. I can't wait to discuss this book with you for our book club year!
4bookgang commented on ianthereader's review of Evil Genius
I believe Claire Oshetsky is the true evil genius.
1bookgang commented on tomandmabelsmom's review of Evil Genius
First of all: I am dying to go to the trampoline park with Celia and Helen. Every time I assumed I knew where this book was going, it took a completely different twist- I am obsessed with the ride this took me on. For anyone who loves a weird girl book, true crime, chaotic journeys, or also likes to cope with a little dark humor. TW: DV, SA, and homophobia descriptions
1bookgang commented on a post
There was a point in this book where I realized I was physically incapable of putting it down, and when I finished it I had to sit even longer to process what happened.
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bookgang paused reading...
Dark Sisters
Kristi DeMeester
0bookgang commented on a post
Is it just me or did anyone else find it hard to imagine this in the 1960ās?
The setting and language makes it feel like a whole century before that! I kept picturing them in 1800ās clothes and then they mention her driving a car or whatever and my brainās like, āwait, reset the imagery!ā Haha
5bookgang commented on a post
Is it just me or did anyone else find it hard to imagine this in the 1960ās?
The setting and language makes it feel like a whole century before that! I kept picturing them in 1800ās clothes and then they mention her driving a car or whatever and my brainās like, āwait, reset the imagery!ā Haha
5bookgang commented on a post
The more I read and the more I learn about her, the more I feel like Isabel has got to be neurdivergent
3bookgang commented on a post
bookgang commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
What are some of your favorite book clubs you participate in in the online space? Can be anything from discord to fable to storygraph to whatever other platform is used. Just want to join more book clubs!
13bookgang commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
š With only seven days left in the year, I am curious to know if you have reached or are near completing your personal 2025 Reading Challenge goal here on Pagebound? I am only one book away from attaining mines (currently sitting at 50%). Yay!
45bookgang commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
merry christmas, pagebound club! I was wondering if any of you have suggestions for books that discuss physical disability (bonus points if itās about a chronic illness or autoimmune disease)? Iām happy to read about this in any form, whether thatās fiction, memoir, non-fiction, or something else! I know this is a pretty general request, but I wanted to keep it intentionally broad so as to gather more recs. thanks all :)
41bookgang commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
š āļøI have been debating buying a Kindle for so long and am not sure if it's worth the purchase.
After hearing SO MUCH about them I have to ask the big questions:
Are Kindles actually worth it? Is it true that you have to buy books once you get one? Is it a waste or do you actually use it? Do you prefer reading an actual book or using a kindle? Is it mostly for travel purposes? Which model is the best? Is it mostly for aesthetic purposes? Is it cost effective because I usually almost always check out from the library?
Honest and genuine reviews please!!!š¦«š¦«š»š»
44bookgang set their yearly reading goal to 125
bookgang's 2026 Reading Challenge
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