In my bag

HOT GIRL SUMMER

*Peeks Head In* Heeeey Book worms! I'm back! I would say I'm better but 2019 has not been holding back any punches. Adulthood is in full swing and "Hot Girl Summer" is in full effect. If you are not sure what a "Hot Girl Summer" is, let me fill you in. Fellow Texan "Meg Thee Stallion" (Rapper/Hot Girl) started a movement back in June for us ladies to live our best lives this summer.  I never received an official definition of what our best lives should be but my "Hot Girl Summer" has included traveling, learning, exploring, shopping, and simply being happy with myself. I have been super busy! Sorry for neglecting the blog. If you come here often you will see I've been off the blog for nearly 3 months. Time Flies when a girl is living her best life! I didn't forget about my book worms, I have a few reviews in the works and another bomb ass guess blogger dropping a gem soon. Here are some great pics of my "Hot Girl Summer"!

At the end of April I took a mini road trip to Austin, Texas. It was a fun little get away with one of my homegirls. We toured the library, visited the book store, and enjoyed the sounds of local artist playing at the Book Cafe. This library was huge and there were so many little spots to hide in and read your books. I loved the views from the patios outside, I could sit there and read all day. If you are ever in Austin stop by their local library for a stroll. It's a perfect outing for these hot summer months. 

Let's not forget the Main Attraction and the primary reason for my trip to Austin, Amanda Seales! Her comedy show was hilarious! We laughed so hard and enjoyed her authenticity. Amanda is really a gem. If you have a chance to catch one of her shows, GO! We loved it and we laughed hard. Smart, Funny, and Black a true Queen. Here's a pic of me and my girl at the show! I wore polka dots of course in support of Amanda's token phrase "Ok Polka Dots".  Get into it, she is great!

I spent the next few months really showing out. I went to a few parties, interviewed some friends on the radio, and of course the Travels continued. Here is a really cool pic I took at beach party. It was so much fun. I really enjoyed the time with family and friends on this day. All I need is a beach and great vibes, I'm good.

In the midst of it all I decided to get a summer job to fund all my "Hot Girl" activities. Say hello to your local FAVOR delivery girl. If you see me out in these streets, tip me please! 

 Then my birthday came and my imagination went wild! My pockets suffer when I let my mind roam, but so be it! So I decided to fly to ATL and check out the culture. I started off the trip by visiting Old Lady Gang Restaurant. If you are ever there get the Bob Marley drink, soooo good! My second day in Atlanta I visited the Atlanta House of Henna and got a brief henna lesson, practiced my own henna tattoo, and finally got a professional Henna tattoo. This was so much fun and so informative. I also visited the National Civil Rights museum and the Coca Cola Museum. Did you know Coca Cola was founded in Atlanta? Me neither, but I learned this summer, and it was such a fun museum! Here is a picture of me with the Coca Cola bear.

The birthday celebration was far from over, I had to stop by the Trap Music Museum before leaving ATL. AMAZING! I highly recommend to all. From T.I's gun closet to the Trap Kitchen this place is so fun. So many great photo opps and a great place for Trap Music lovers. I loved it! Here is a couple of pictures of me enjoying the TRAP.

As you can see I really enjoyed this trip. I also visited K.Michelle's lounge, Puffs and Petals. It was small but so cute and fun. They played the best music mix I've heard in a while. I had an amazing drink called "Cigar on the Beach" it was a perfect treat for my get away. I met some amazing ATL natives as well and they showed me around on my last night in town. Such a great trip and a wonderful experience.

This year I celebrated my birthday in the most perfect way. I traveled, I learned something new, and I met new and cool people. Mission Accomplished! 

When I returned from ATL I attempted to get back into my self care routine and It has been tough. I spent all of July celebrating my birthday and I have been paying for it. The older you get the more time it takes to recover, no one warns you about that. So the remainder of my "Hot Girl Summer" has been dedicated to me getting back to my goals. I am currently reading Stolen and will share my review here soon, It's a really great book so far. I am only working out 4 times a week now (I was at 6 days before my trip) but I have been working on maintaining a healthy diet (Atlanta food took me down, so good!) more so than working out because nothing changes if your eating habits don't. Chiiiilllle I'm never getting off track again for that long but I have had so much fun in the process. Life is for the living and honey I'm living! 

*Keep Your Head in the Books*

My mind playing tricks on me

SHOOK ONE

By Charlamagne Tha God

I was so excited to read this book! I follow Charlamagne on Instagram and I've always wanted to know more about him because I love him on the Breakfast Club. He has a twisted since of humor I've always related to. I heard about his first book "Black Privilege" from a friend and I added it to my "to read" list and then a few weeks later he announced this book was coming and I declared I was reading this one first. In the following weeks Charlamagne announced via social media he was going on a book tour and I spotted my city on the list, I was so elated! So naturally, I called up one of my dear friends and said girrrrl we going to see Charlamagne the God at Paul Quinn College and she was down for the ride, we bought our tickets and headed to Oak Cliff to support him and his new book. It was an awesome experience.

When Charlamgne announced he was writing a book about mental health in the black community it really caught my attention because I work with mentally ill people and I, myself have been diagnosed with depression. I couldn't wait to grab a copy. The cover also drew me in because I make that same face when something is bothering me. LOL. Life isn't easy and for people of color it can be even harder. There are so many expectations to live up to as a black woman. Am I smart enough, am I being gentle enough, am I helping my own people, am I in the right relationship, am I excelling in my career??? All these questions bombard my mind and the older I get the louder the voices become. I could totally relate to Charlamagne. This book has offered me some great insight.

Charlamagne tha God sat down with us at Paul Quinn College and discussed his book, his past, and his relationship with Kanye West. It was so enlightening. One thing about celebrities I am always intrigued by is that they are just like me and you. We have the same 24 hours as them but they push harder than we do, it's a mindset. His speech really inspired me because he talked about how he felt guilty for dealing drugs in his past and how he worked hard to overcome that lifestyle and move on to radio. We all have a past, and often times we feel stuck there but I've learned we can move on and do better. I was glad to be in the room listening to such great advice and everyone in the audience got signed copies of his book, it was such an awesome night!

My favorite Chapter of Shook One was Chapter 7 "Fear of Failure", it really touched home for me. After reading about where this man grew up and the trials and tribulations he faced as a black man I couldn't help but think, STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF. The last chapter of this book was amazing and captivating. Here is an excerpt:

This book, at its core, is about the power of evolution. About how we all have the ability to unpack all the bullshit, drama, negative energy, and pain we've been carrying around-and causing- for years and years and finally move on with our lives. To allow ourselves to be free and grow into the beautiful person that's always been inside us. I truly believe all of us are capable of that sort of transformation.

I do worry, however, that collectively we don't always give people the space to make those transformations.

What a word! I felt that for sure. Another thing I love about this book was how Charlamagne has a clinical correlation written by a Psychologist at the end of all his chapters. After hearing his story and point of view, the Psychologist breaks down what it means from a clinical point of view. It's like we're invited to sit in therapy with him, such a great concept!

Shortly after I started reading this book I was invited to be a Radio Co-Host on "The Kick Back Show". I must admit I was nervous and I questioned rather or not my voice could really be heard. Despite my fears I created social media pages for the show, invited and set up interviews for local artist/activist/entrepreneurs to "kick back"with us, and also created a YouTube channel. Despite all my doubts and fears I can hear the Universe telling me this is all lining up in my favor, there is no co-incidence, step into the light and embrace it! So here I am! The only thing to fear is fear itself! I have a lot more work to do and even if it doesn't workout and I'm not an overnight success, lol, I will always be grateful for the experience. Thank you Charlamagne Tha God for being my inspiration.

Funny Valentine

Love Yourself or Nobody Else Will. <3

It's February y'all! It's the month of love, black history month, and the shortest month of the year. Before February slips right on by I wanted to stop by and share with y'all what I've been reading. I was scrolling through Instagram one day and Ms. Logan Rena herself asked me to check out her book. I was so elated and I quickly added her to my reading list. She is such an inspiration and motivation. This book was such a fulfilling read I had to share it on Valentine's day because Self Love is by far the best love and this book is all about that.

Never Ask for Permission Again by Logan Rena is a self help guide to living your best life and finding your best self. The title says it all! It is a 7 chapter guide to Queendom. Honey I loved it. It was quick and easy to read and also uplifting at the same time. I am so happy she shared this masterpiece with me. Chapter 6 was an eye opener. It's titled "Let Death Teach You". This is for sure my LIFE TESTIMONY so it hit hard for me. In 2016 three people close to me passed away and it honestly broke my heart in so many ways but it was a time of BIG reflection for me. I kept asking myself "What will be your legacy?" and "How will you be remembered?" I decided to make changes in my own life that would make me proud of myself when it was all said and done. I really started to see the bigger picture. Now here comes Ms. Rena with Chapter 6 of her book and it all came together for me. The most high is so funny. He answers all prayers and reveals everything in his timing. If you need a little uplifting or just a quick read to boost your confidence please stop by Amazon and grab a copy of Ms. Rena's book. She's dropping QUEEN vibes in her book, get you a copy and get into it.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY. HUG YOUR LOVED ONES

*KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE BOOKS*

Pour it up

"Nobody said being a grown-ass woman was easy."

~Gabrielle Union

Ladies, we are definitely going to need more wine! This book kept me laughing and I found it very insightful. Gabrielle Union has been one of my "Celebrity Crushes" since high school. I've watched her in movies like "Bring it On" and "Bad Boys" and I've always loved her spirit. I know that may be weird to say because I've never met her or been in her presence but something about her has always made me want to know more about her as a "real person". When I first heard about this book I was so excited to read it. I was thinking surely this beautiful woman has probably had everything laid at her feet since birth, let me revel in the glory of black beauty, but to my surprise she is just like me in so many ways. I really felt like I was talking to one of my homegirls while reading this masterpiece. Gabrielle is so open and honest about her journey. After reading this book I low-key felt like I could call her  and say chiiiilllle me too, lets do lunch when you're in Texas. A girl can dream right.

There were a lot of "moments" in this book. These were times when I would stop laughing at some hilarious joke she made and say, Nickie (as if we're really friends right) I am so sorry that happened to you. Ms. Union has dealt with her fair share of pain and despair in her life and I am so grateful for her Transparency. After reading her words and often feeling like, ok she thinks like me, I am inspired! This book is 20 Chapters of Pure "Grown woman shit". Pull out your wine glasses ladies, you won't be disappointed. You can find this book pretty much anywhere books are sold, get you one!

Just recently I watched Gabrielle and D'Wayne's special on Own. It was amazing. Welcome to the world Kaavia! You're mom is awesome and an inspiration to us all. If you have a chance to crawl out of the books and catch some TV I recommend it to all.

*Keep Your Head in the Books*

My Homegirl wrote a Book

Chiiiiiile I had a moment and a Breakthrough!

Let me just say this book is definitely for the ladies. It is designed for us to have an intimate conversation with ourselves about what type of women we want to be, trusting God, and fulfilling our destiny.  It can be used as a daily journal or a daily read and "think piece" as I called it. I took several notes and I found it very easy to read. Let me introduce to you the most profound book I have read this year, Colliding With Destiny by Sarah Jakes Roberts. (She is my homegirl in my head. LOL) I enjoyed this book and it really has helped me face some demons in my own life.

It Gets Real...

I read this book rather quickly. I'd say it took me three weeks to read but chiiile I got stuck on the last chapter of this book for three more weeks. I dug deep and it really hit home for me because my own childhood was never perfect. To make a long story short, I was malnourished at 1 month old and had a seizure. I was taken to the hospital after some family members realized I was not "acting right". After this happened my aunt took custody of me and raised me as her own. She provided a good life for me and has always encouraged me to do my best. If I am honest though I still questioned if I was good enough growing up. Today my Mom (aunt) is my rock and I am forever grateful that God sent her to me. My biological mom passed away in 2007. It was a sad and confusing time for me, I struggled with so many emotions. I've had times where I was confused about who I should be. Then I was confused about how to feel at all. Now here I am in my 30's. I have two degrees and a decent job. Now who would have thought that little 1 month old in the hospital would survive and really thrive in life. When I read chapter 30 of this book I cried real tears. I prayed and I closed the book because I could not read past the story of the small infant in the accident. God has a plan for each one us. Sometimes our lives start off rocky and uncertain but we have to trust his plan. Collide with your destiny and get a copy of this book. Let it open up your mind and help you become the women you have always wanted to be. 

I hope everyone had a Safe and Happy Halloween!

I might be a writer

Girls Night Out

(Chapter 3) By TT

A whole month had passed and Elle was still getting the cold shoulder from Dante. Her phone buzzed, Elle fell back on the bed and sighed, she knew it was her sister Bobbi they'd been texting each other all day. Elle read the text, we need a girls night sis! Elle laughed and responded, I definitely need a girls night! Bobbi was 2 years older than Elle and they were really close. They loved talking to each other because they had a bond only they understood. Elle text Bobbi again, I will call you tomorrow to discuss details sis, I'm sleepy. Love ya! Elle flipped her phone to silent and headed for the shower. Elle was so confused about Dante and no matter how hard she tried,  she couldn't get their first date off of her mind. After her shower and a glass of wine, Elle sat at her computer to type an email to Dante. "Maybe i should just curse him out and be done", Elle sighed again knowing that wouldn't help. "I give up" she said after staring at the computer screen for five minutes. Elle stood up as if she was feeling like a new woman. " Hell yea I am going to have girls night!" She said while heading to her closet.

Bobbi was headed out for her morning walk, she likes to workout, eat healthy and take care of the earth. Bobbi started her morning stretch when she noticed her friend Alaina walking up. "Good morning Ms. Bobbi, blessed to see another day!" Alaina and Bobbi walked together most mornings. Bobbi enjoyed Alaina's company and Alaina enjoyed having someone to talk to, their friendship worked for both of them and they'd been friends for almost 15 years. Bobbi kneeled down to stretch and Alaina exclaimed "Girl, why after 3 months of begging to go out with me this man gonna say he not ready for anything serious right now?" Bobbi laughed, "Who Roy?" Alaina gave her a blank stare, "Girl yes!, Who else?" Bobbi tilted her head sideways, "I told you not to give Roy none" then she laughed again. Alaina began stretching too. "I don't understand Bobbi, why get me then push me away, men are retarded!" She stood up grabbing her foot. Bobbi started running in place, "You ready?" Alaina nodded. They ran through the park discussing Roy and men in general. Alaina asked, "How is Elle?" as they came to their 2 mile mark. Bobbi turned and said, "Oh yea! We are having a girls night out this weekend, you should come." Alaina smiled, " I definitely need a girls night!" Bobbi laughed, "I guess we all do!" 

Bobbi and Elle were always called twins growing up because they looked just alike. Bobbi was shorter than Elle but they had the same complexion and eyes. Bobbi kept her hair shaved off as an adult but when they were kids Bobbi and Elle both had long curly hair. Elle called Bobbi later that morning to discuss the weekend. "Are you coming here sis?" Elle asked as soon as Bobbi answered. "Yes i will be there Saturday morning, I will leave Monday morning. Does that work ?" Bobbi asked. "Yes, I heard about this VIP Lounge we can go to,  my Co-Worker knows the DJ", Elle sounded excited. "I don't know Elle, last time we went out thinking we were gonna get hooked up we didn't" Bobbi sighed. "Look I promise we will have a great time, we will have our own section, bottles, and access to the DJ booth!" Elle exclaimed. "Then we can do whatever you want to do Sunday!" Elle tried to sound compromising. "Ok sis" Bobbi smiled, "Lets turn up!... I do have one condition though, can Alaina come?" Elle looked at the phone with a smirk "this girl is a trip" she mumbled away from the phone. "You know Alaina is extra Bobbi, make sure she can handle herself, but that's your friend sis!" Elle thought about Alaina's loud voice and how annoying she was when they used to get drunk and go out in college. "Is she still loud?" Bobbi busted out laughing, "Leave my friend alone, she has toned down a bit" Elle smirked at the phone again and laughed. "Well ok let's turn up then! See y'all on Saturday morning. I'll make Brunch!" Elle was excited and ready to put Dante out of her mind.

Elle woke up early Saturday morning and begin cleaning the house. Elle was excited that her big sister was coming to see her.  After Elle was done cleaning she grabbed her purse to run out to the grocery store. "We need some snacks and I need some groceries", Elle said to herself while making a list. Elle pulled into the parking lot of the store excited about her weekend. It was early so the store was pretty empty except for a few old people and the people who worked in the store. Elle grabbed everything she needed and headed to self-checkout. "Your hair is so pretty", she heard a woman's voice behind her. She turned around to see who was complementing her and noticed the little boy hugging the woman's thigh. She smiled and said,  "Thank you, You're son is so cute." The little boy smiled and Elle smiled back. "What products do you use?" The Curvy lady asked her. "I use a little bit of everything if it smells good Elle smiled again." They both laughed. Elle walked up to the counter and begin checking out her groceries.  The little boy walked up behind her finally letting go of the woman's leg and smiled, "You're pretty!" he started laughing and then went back to where his mom was standing. Elle laughed at his child-like demeanor. "He is just too cute!" She exclaimed. "Well he gets that from me and just a little from his daddy", the curvy woman joked. Elle finished scanning her groceries and her and the curvy lady had small talk about grocery prices and "self" checkout. They both walked out together still having small talk and laughing like old friends. "Hey, I am having a girls night tonight, we are going to the VIP lounge have you heard of that?" "I have, but I have never been", the curvy lady explained. "Well you are welcome to come join us tonight..", Elle stopped mid-sentence. "Wait, I'm so sorry, duh you have your son!" The Curvy lady laughed. "I can leave him with my mom or his dad no worries, what's your name and contact info, I'd love to go out, It's been so long." Elle smiled and told her what her name was while putting her info in the curvy lady's phone. "We will probably get there about 10pm, text me when you make it and you can sit in our section." Elle waved goodbye. "See you later, nice meeting you!" the curvy lady waved good bye as well.

Elle pulled up in her parking lot and started taking things in the house when she heard a horn beeping. "Hey baby sis!" Bobbi exclaimed from her Truck in the parking lot. "You are so ratchet!" Elle said sarcastically. Bobbi turned the music up. It was the melodic sounds of Lil John and the Eastside boys. Elle began dancing in the parking lot while Bobbi hyped her up and then they both laughed hugging each other. They were both happy to see each other. "Girls weekend!" Alaina yelled behind them. "See, I can't" Elle mumbled. "Stop", Bobbi said laughing and asking what's to eat. They got all settled in and started planning for their weekend. "What's for brunch?" Alaina asked. "I don't know yet", Elle started scratching her hair. "Maybe some banana pancakes, eggs, and turkey bacon." "Mmmmm, that sounds good Bobbie exclaimed from Elle's room. "What are you doing in my room?" Bobbi peeked her head out, "being nosey, is there a problem?" Elle laughed at her. "Well I need a mani/pedi and we need some girl talk ladies cause I thought I found the one last month!" Elle sighed. "It's gonna be alright girl" Alaina added. Elle smiled at Alaina, "So how's your love life?" Alaina sighed, "Girl what love life?" they both laughed. Elle looked at Alaina again realizing how much she had matured over the last 5 years. "It's good to see you, I'm glad you came." She said sincerely. Alaina got up and grabbed Elle for a hug, Elle was surprised. "I love you!" She said while squeezing Elle. Elle squeezed back, "Ok girl, don't kill me now". They both laughed. Bobbi came out of Elle's room holding her newest sex toy. "Awe look at my girls." Elle screamed and ran towards Bobbi, "Give it back now, that's brand new!" Bobbi laughed falling on the couch. "Damn, sis it's that bad out here" they all laughed. Elle went back into her room to put it away. "Dang Bobbi stop going through my stuff, you always do that and I have never liked it." She said with a serious face. Elle walked into the bathroom and closed the door dramatically. Alaina and Bobbi laughed again. "I'm sorry sis, I was just playing!" Bobbi tried to sound sympathetic. Elle walked back out into the living room smiling, "I accept your apology." Bobbi frowned and smirked at Elle. "See y'all be doing too much!" Alaina exclaimed. "I'm ready to go to the nail shop!" "Shut up Alaina, we going girl!" Bobbi said as she and Elle started grabbing their things.  They all jumped in Bobbi's truck and headed to the nail shop.

It was 9pm time to get dressed for the club and clothes, shoes, and hair was everywhere. "See, she messed up my nails, I wanted them shorter!" Alaina complained. "Girl come help me with these lashes", Bobbi said to Alaina from the bathroom. "You almost dressed?" Elle yelled while putting her heels on in the bedroom. "Yes!" Alaina said while putting on Bobbi's lashes. "We about to turn up, girl Dante aint shit!" Alaina exclaimed. Elle and Bobbi started laughing, Alaina was feeling her pre-club drinks and they could tell! "I know right, how he gonna ghost me after acting like our first date was the shit!" Elle exclaimed. "Girl you never know what that man got going on." Bobbi was always the voice of reason. Elle picked up her phone, she went to Dante's contact info and pushed delete. "Ok y'all he's dead now, R.I.P!" Elle said tossing her phone onto the bed. "I need another shot!" They all took another shot and called their Lyft to the club. "Oh we lit tonight" Alaina started laughing. She loved to see Elle tipsy. She always thought Elle was a little stuck up but when she was tipsy they had fun. "Oh, I invited my homegirl to the club, she cute! Her son was so adorable!" Elle told them on the way to the club. "What homegirl?" Bobbi asked. "I met her today she seemed like a cool girl." Elle said while feeling her drinks kick in. "What's her name?" Alaina asked. "Girl ... I.D.K" Elle said realizing she never asked. "I forgot to ask her, but I told her mine!" Elle started laughing and dancing in the seat. The Lyft driver turned the music up. They all danced and laughed until they pulled up to the club. "Girl look at that line, your friend better get us in!" Bobbi was skeptical. "C'mon sis!  Let's party!" Elle loved to dance.

Elle walked right up to the door and showed him the text in her phone. "How many?" The Door man asked Elle. "Three right now and maybe one more later." He allowed them in. They walked in and it was empty except for a few people, but they were early.  The music was bumping and Elle exclaimed, "Lets go to the bar!" Bobbi looked at her sideways. She had never seen Elle drink so much. "Slow down, I don't want to carry you out later!" She said trailing behind Elle to the bar. They made their way to the DJ booth as more people came in and sat at a small table with two chairs. "Um, I thought we had a booth?"Alaina said looking at the small table. Elle's phone started to buzz, she read the text, Elle I'm here, I'm at the bar getting a drink, where are you? Elle didn't recognize the number and she'd had one too many drinks, "Who the hell is stalking me?" She showed Bobbi the text. Bobbi laughed, "That's your homegirl crazy" Bobbi took the phone.   Hey homegirl we by the DJ booth, Elle has on a red dress! Bobbi handed Elle the phone back. "She is coming over now!" Elle nodded her head and then her song came on, Independent by Webbie.  She started dancing and having a good time. Elle felt like she was finally getting over Dante. She spotted her curvy homegirl from the grocery store. "Heyyyy!" Elle waved while still dancing, she pointed at the small table where they were sitting. "There's my little table girl, they did me wrong but I am having fun! I'm glad you came! You look cute!" She said really fast. Her new homegirl smiled realizing she'd had a few drinks. "This is nice, I like it." Her homegirl said while looking around and sipping her drink. She was happy to be out on a Saturday night, she knew it was a much needed mommy break. They all danced and had fun together. Elle introduced everyone and they all took turns sitting down until they were ready to go. "I gotta get outta here it's too many people now!" Bobbi exclaimed at 1am. "I know girl, some guy grabbed my butt twice, talking about oh excuse me!" Alaina said in an exhausted tone. "I have definitely exhausted myself." Elle laughed. "Let's get out of here ladies." Her new homegirl said seeming tired as well. 


They all gathered their things and headed for the door when her new homegirl stopped, "OMG, hey Rob!" she said to a tall smooth dark skin man standing by the door. "Hey Kiera!" he said reaching out for a hug, she hugged him. "Its good to see you, you look great!" Kiera said remembering him looking different in high school, but now he was cut and dressed nice. "How you been?," He said looking at Kiera's curvy figure. "Great, I just stepped out with some friends, It's been years since I've seen a club." Kiera and Robert laughed. "Well we are headed out, good seeing you." Kiera tried to keep it short so she wasn't rude to her new friends. "Ok, keep in touch, hit me on SnapGram, RobertWorksOut." Robert leaned in and whispered to Kiera. "Ok I will do that." Kiera said walking away. "Girl he is fine!" Elle said as they began walking away, still feeling her drinks.  "I know, he didn't look that good in high school." Kiera said while holding the door. They all walked out laughing and talking. "Well I drove here.", Kiera said heading towards the parking lot, I can drive everyone home. "No girl we don't want to put you out of your way, we can Lyft, but thanks for coming out we had so much fun!" Elle hugged Kiera. "I enjoyed y'all too!" She said as she began walking to her car. "Be careful!..." Elle said realizing she still didn't know her name. "I am horrible, Whats your name?, I need to lock you in!" Elle said waving her phone. Kiera put her info in Elle's phone. "I'm Kiera" she smiled as she handed Elle back her phone. Elle waved bye as they both walked their separate ways. "What was her name?" Bobbi said as they got into their Lyft. "Kiera" Elle said. "That's My new homegirl!" They all laughed. Their Lyft driver drove them home.

Hey Bookworms! It's national book month and it's our Anniversary! 

It's been a whole year since we've been keeping our head in the Books! Thank you to everyone who stops by! I can't wait to bring even more to the blog over the next year. 

Don't forget to subscribe if you read the blog often. I hope you like my story! It's getting juicy! LOL. 

If you have an Instagram account please follow us there too! @thebookxchange

*Keep Your head in the Books*

Unshackled

Unshackled by Gene McGuire is a God Send. This book was so inspiring and captivating.

Gene spent over 30 years in prison and during that time he found God and changed his life behind bars. Gene's book tell's about the Murder that led to his imprisonment and life behind bars. He leads us into how he finds his faith and the people he met along the way. Gene is another reminder of how Amazing God is!

It took me a couple of months to read this book due to my busy schedule but I think I could have finished it in a week if I had the time. This book is 15 chapters and about 300 pages. It reminded me of one of those true crime stories you watch on the ID channel. It's a story of redemption, faith, and overcoming in the worst circumstances. I kept thinking while reading the final chapters if he can change his life in prison then we can change anywhere and no matter the circumstances with faith in God. What a great message from Gene! I love this story.

Gene is currently in Texas since his release in 2012. He does motivational speeches, book signings, and church ministry throughout the DFW metroplex. He is so encouraging and supportive. I look forward to hearing him speak soon.

Please grab a copy of Gene's book.  I recommend it highly. You won't be disappointed.