This is one of the best things about book blogging: reading challenges. I think I've kept things under control this year with sign ups. And now, I may have spoken too soon. Without further ado, here's what I'll attempt to complete for 2011...

I'm super excited that S. Krishna brought this challenge back and looks to be a permanent fixture. I "discovered" Sri Lankan author, Romesh Gunesekera by participating in this challenge.This challenge focuses on Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. I'm at it again and plan to be a South Asian Explorer reading at least five books. The deets are here.

This one is my self-hosted challenge. Participants will read fiction by Black authors that's atypical of the Black experience usually portrayed in literature.
I will, of course, tackle the highest level of 5+ reads for this challenge. Check out the deets here and a growing book list here.

The GLBT challenge is back (thanks to Amanda and Jen) and I'm planning to read at least three books. I'm thinking I'll finally read some Jude Dibia this year for this one. The deets are here.

Reads4Pleasure is hosting her first reading challenge and it's a good one. I don't read a lot of chick lit anymore because it's been difficult finding good chick lit by Black authors. Well, she's got that covered and more of our sisters of color. Get the deets here. I'm going for the Novice level of 4 to 7 reads. 

Naturally, I'm participating in the POC Reading Challenge again. This is what BGBS is about. I'm participating at level five: 16 to 25 books. Here are the deets.

And last but not least, the Southeast Asia challenge is a last minute discovery. This challenge focuses on countries like China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines among others. There's simply a minimum of three books required which I'm certain I'll read and then some. Get the deets here. 

Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self 
Danielle Evans
September 2010
240 pgs.
Riverhead

Evans' debut collection of short stories are refreshing to say the least. Not only is this applicable to the content but also her writing. She brings her characters to life in a way that can be hard to capture in shorts. While some short stories leave the reader feeling unsatisfied or disengaged, Evans manages to bring a sense of completeness to much of this collection. She bobs and weaves through life's entanglements with a graceful urgency. Of course the standard issues, or "isms", are prominent in this work. however, they don't take away from the universality of the work.  

In "Snakes" (arguably the best of the collection) we get a story dealing with being of mixed-race. The author serves up subtle and shocking in this tale without seeming contrived. Her writing shines as she relays a strong loneliness and desperation of cousins Allison and Tara.

"Harvest" is a standout as it juxtaposes two college girls--one who donates her eggs to a fertility clinic and the other dealing with an unwanted pregnancy--masterfully.

Danielle Evans has pumped some life back into Black fiction that was lying lifeless in the malnourished body of urban/street fiction. My hope is renewed in bourgeoning Black authors who aren't merely in hot pursuit of a paycheck and false sense of glory when their "my baby daddy don't love me no more so I gotta go be a ride or die chick" novel makes the NYT bestsellers' list. So, thank you Danielle Evans for writing about the kinds of Black folks and situations to which the rest of us can relate. 


This book was provided by the publisher.