FLOYD’S BOOKCLUB – AUGUST

Posted on August 25, 2020 by

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In support of my brothers and sisters of Minority Populations of the United States of America, I will be sharing just one book per month for the remainder of 2020. Each book will relate the subject of Racism in some way, shape, or form.

I understand if this choice causes you to subscribe, or tune out of Floyd’s BookClub. That is certainly your right. However, I hope that we can all learn and learn together.

If you have a book that you think should be included in this series, please let me know! If you want to have a more in-depth discussion on the subject or any of the books that are to come, I am more than happy to!

Thank you for your support and understanding and willingness to grow.

– Jana M. Floyd

 

The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale

2020-08-18

“We’re asking cops to do too much in this country. We are. Every societal failure, we put it off on the cops to solve. Not enough mental health funding, let the cops handle it … Here in Dallas we got a loose dog problem; let the cops chase loose dogs. Schools fail, let’s give it to the cops … that’s too much to ask. Policing was never meant to solve all those problems.”

– Former Dallas Police Chief David Brown

Despite The End of Policing being written prior to Activism in 2020, you can almost see the events that lead to it (and even the response from government agencies) being predicted in its pages. As David Brown points out – We (the communities of the United States of America) are asking the police to do far too much. Ultimately, we are endangering their lives as well as our own.
The average time spent in a Police Academy is a little over 5 weeks. Think about that. Research suggests it takes 10 weeks to break a bad habit. It takes 7 weeks to grow a flower from seed and have it bloom. Climbing Mount Everest takes an average of 8 weeks. An armed police officer is sent into our neighborhoods with just 5 weeks of training.
Some of the many jobs we are asking our police communities to handle with their minimal training are school discipline, social work, and mental health interactions. In contrast, people choosing career paths in any of these areas are required to attend years of higher education and internships.
Here’s the thing. We all need to do a better job of educating ourselves on the subjects at hand. ie: Does defunding the police mean no law enforcement what so ever? What has already been tried? Has it worked? Why or why not? How does police training like Killology effect mindset? Would paying officers more squlish the social justice issues? Is the current policing system really the most effective way to protect and serve the citizens of this country? So on and so forth.
The End of Policing has done a really effective job of addressing some of the ‘heavy hitters,” looking at the reforms that have been tried, and offering further alternatives that should be considered.
The best part about this book is that you can fact check every single idea and proposal. The biography is AMAZING.
As tensions between communities and police will only rise in the coming days, I encourage us all to remember that we are all human, see past the fear and anger, and seriously consider the issues at hand.
Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 1 out of 5 Tears

 

If you want to read this book and cannot afford to purchase it, please send me an email.  I believe that educating oneself on these subjects is crucial and will buy you a copy.

P.S. David Brown has written a book titled, Called to Rise. I have it on hold at my local library.

FLOYD’S BOOKCLUB – JULY

Posted on July 31, 2020 by

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In support of my brothers and sisters of Minority Populations of the United States of America, I will be sharing just one book per month for the remainder of 2020. Each book will relate the subject of Racism in some way, shape, or form.

I understand if this choice causes you to subscribe, or tune out of Floyd’s BookClub. That is certainly your right. However, I hope that we can all learn and grow together.

If you have a book that you think should be included in this series, please let me know! If you want to have a more in-depth discussion on the subject or any of the books that are to come, I am more than happy to!

Thank you for your support and understanding and willingness to grow.

– Jana M. Floyd

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

 

2020-07-31

This. Book. Man. If there was one book I could make everyone read on the subject of Racism,  this would be it. Hands down.
It is my belief that we, as an American Society, cannot begin to correct ourselves unless we first see a ‘problem’ that is in need of correcting. DeAngelo lays it out many of our societies systemic race problems in such an easy to understand, yet firm approach. Not one caucasian American could read this book without identifying at least one area that they themselves can work.
I recommend reading with a pen at the ready. The amount of underlining and note you might want to take could give you hand cramps.
On that note. If you want to read this book and cannot afford to purchase it, please send me an email. I will send you a copy. It’s that important.  
Love Factor: 10 Billion out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 5 out of 5 Tears

Favorite Quotes: “I was socialized as white in a racism-based society, I have a racist worldview, deep racial bias, racist patterns, and investments in the racist system that has elevated me. I didn’t choose this socialization, and it could not be avoided. But I am responsible for my role in it.”

 

FLOYD’S BOOKCLUB – JUNE

Posted on July 1, 2020 by

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Welcome, to Floyd’s Book Club! Below you will find a list of the books I have read within the current month – complete with “Love,” “Weeping,” and “Donita” Factors. I even have links to the books on Amazon, for your viewing pleasure!

I sincerely hope that you find a book or two within this newsletter that catches your interest. Whether you pick one up at the library, a local bookstore, or on your E-reader – I wish you Happy Reading!

– Jana M. Floyd

The Deep by Alma Katsu

The Deep

Everyone knows the story of the Titanic. But, do we really?
This tantalizing tale weaves horror and suspense through the decks of the unsinkable ship.
Love Factor: 4 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

 

 

 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylorsmoke and bone

If you like the Maas’  or Shinn’s tales, this might be a series you want to check out.

Karou is a normal, human, teenage girl. But she was raised in a world that no other humans know about. The demons she considers her family are a secret from the rest of her human world. That is until mysterious black handprints begin appearing on their portal doorways. The Angels have come.

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots

*Donita Factor: This factor will tell you if there are any steamy bits in the book. The scale will be measured by Teapots of Steam. 1 being just a little steam and 5 being… well…. you get the picture.

 Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

blood and
Book Two of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series.
Love Factor: 4 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots

 

 

 

 

Into the Black Nowhere by Meg Gardiner Unsub

Boy Howdy, does Gardiner know how to write a page-turning thriller.

This is Book Two in the UNSUB series. You definitely need to read them in order. Check out Book One in April’s Issue.

 

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots

The Honey Don’t List by Christina Lauren The Honey

 

I have yet to meet a Lauren book that I didn’t like. This one is a little on the nose with its star TV remodeling couple. But I still loved it.

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor: 3 out of 5 Teapots

 

The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdich 

Butchers
The goal is too read every one of Erdich’s books. I’m slowly getting there. I don’t know how to describe this one… so you get a little blurb from the back cover.
From National Book Award-winning, New York Times-bestselling author Louise Erdrich, a profound and enchanting new novel: a richly imagined world “where butchers sing like angels.”
Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots

 

When We Were Vikings by Andrew David McDonald

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This is, hands down, one of the most beautiful books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Do yourself a favor…

The End.

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 3 out of 5 Tears

 

 

 

Smoke Bitten by Patricia Briggs 419YpOEZqnL._SY346_

Book Twelve in the Mercy Thompson Series. Read them in order. They are pretty great.

 

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots

 

Sage Volume 6-9 by Brian K Vaughan51I3xxRK-EL._SX323_BO1,204,203,200_

*Huge Mature Content Disclaimer Here*

Something no one told me when I started this series is that there may not be more to come. Which is upsetting. While I have LOVED Saga, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend knowing that it may not continue.

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor:  5 out of 5 Teapots

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaimen51Dn2vq+WfL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_

This isn’t Marvel’s version of the Viking gods, of that I can assure you. But it does stay true to the legends as far as I can tell. I recommend it if you are looking for some ancient gods and their tales of heroism.

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

 

 

The One and Only by Emily Griffin 41oceu+LKmL._SX334_BO1,204,203,200_

I picked this book up simply because I needed a quick romance to bury my head in. Imagine how thrilled I was to learn that there was football too! This novel took me through a range of emotions that I was not expecting. And that, I think, is a sign of wonderful writing.

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor:  1 out of 5 Teapots

 

If you would like to send me a book recommendation, become a guest reviewer, or just want to chat about any of the books in today’s issue – please feel free to email me or comment on this post!

FLOYD’S BOOKCLUB – APRIL

Posted on April 29, 2020 by

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Welcome, to Floyd’s Book Club! Below you will find a list of the books I have read within the current month – complete with “Love,” “Weeping,” and “Donita” Factors. I even have links to the books on Amazon, for your viewing pleasure!

I sincerely hope that you find a book or two within this newsletter that catches your interest. Whether you pick one up at the library, a local bookstore, or on your E-reader – I wish you Happy Reading!

– Jana M. Floyd

Saga Volumes 1-5 by Brian K. Vaughan51iUNDapNML._SY346_

Okay….. *Huge Mature Content Disclaimer Here*

I had been told so many times that I would like these Graphic Novels. And… everyone was 100% right. I LOVE THEM. The story is gripping, as is the artwork. There are 9 volumes published currently. I am trying to draw out the last four… but I am not a patient woman.

As for a description, I would say Romo & Juliet meets epic space war meets memoir.

*Shout out to Ryan Johnson for the loan!*

Love Factor: 10 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor: 10 out of 5 Teapots

*Donita Factor: This factor will tell you if there are any steamy bits in the book. The scale will be measured by Teapots of Steam. 1 being just a little steam and 5 being… well…. you get the picture.

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly 514NoKH2sDL._SY346_

This book is billed for 5th to 9th grade. I just. I don’t know about that.
David is 12 years old and still mourning the death of his mother as his father gets remarried. When he hears his mom’s voices beckoning him, he follows it to a confusing world of dark fairytales.
*Also, shout to Ryan Johnson for this Christmas Gift!*
Love Factor: 3 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

UNSUB by Meg Gardiner51qPy8RtPQL._SY346_

I am sure I heard about this one on a podcast, though I have no idea which one. Ironically, this story takes place over Easter – which happens to be the week I was reading it.

Caitlin’s father, a police detective, had been consumed with catching the serial killer dubbed The Prophet. With only six months into her own detective career, The Prophet makes a dramatic re-entrance. As much as Caitlin and the team of investigators need to keep the case professional, The Prophet gets personal. And Caitlin struggles just to keep her head above water.

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots

The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans41kuOQ1OVIL

Read all of Evans’ work. ALL OF IT. Some of you may remember the huge popularity around the Film, of the same name, in the 90’s. Maybe that is why I held off on reading this once. I was foolish.

A tragedy befalls a girl and her horse one winter morning. While neither should have lived, they both came out of it emotionally and physically damaged. Only the Horse Whisper can help the begin to heal.

Love Factor: 10 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor: 1 out of 5 Teapots.

Crescent City by Sarah J Maas51YjGqYZJ+L

The long-awaited new series from Maas. *Insert Hallaulueh Chorus here* Huge Thank You to Victoria for loaning me her Advanced Reader Copy, even though I didn’t really start it until a couple of days before it was officially released. 

I admit. This one is vastly different than her other two series, and it did take a few minutes to get into it. But the end is WORTH IT. And I cannot wait for the next novel in the series.

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

*Donita Factor: 2 out of 5 Teapots.

 

If you would like to send me a book recommendation, become a guest reviewer, or just want to chat about any of the books in today’s issue – please feel free to email me or comment on this post!

FLOYD’S BOOK CLUB – MARCH

Posted on March 26, 2020 by

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Welcome, to Floyd’s Book Club! Below you will find a list of the books I have read within the current month – complete with “Love,” “Weeping,” and “Donita” Factors. I even have links to the books on Amazon, for your viewing pleasure!

I sincerely hope that you find a book or two within this newsletter that catches your interest. Whether you pick one up at the library, a local bookstore, or on your E-reader – I wish you Happy Reading!

– Jana M. Floyd

The Dark Horse by Craig Johnson 51KgPQMgigL

Our favorite cranky and yet so loveable sheriff returns!
Walt Longmire houses a female prisoner in his jail for a neighboring county. The woman has confessed
Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

 

 

 

 

Junkyard Dogs by Craig Johnson

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A missing finger, an unlikely love affair, and some junkyard dogs that just might take a chunk out of you – The sheriffs and deputies have their work cut out for them.
Love Factor: 4 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

Hell is Empty by Craig Johnson 

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When convicted prisoners escape in his county, Longmire has to track them and their hostages deep into the Bighorn Mountain range. Walt goes head to head with a deep winter blizzard and begins to lose his grip.

 

Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

 

The Institute by Stephen King

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*Trigger Warning* – This book includes the physical and emotional abuse of children on a corporate level.
Luke is a child genius prodigy, applying to Cambridge 12, is kidnapped in the middle of the night. He wakes up to a room that is almost identical to his own. The other kids he encounters keep warning him about the shot and dots. Luke can’t help but wonder what surreal hell he has fallen into.
Love Factor: 5 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

Dangerous Alliance by Jennifer Cohen

51Z9VycY59L
Please note, this is not a book written in a Jane Austen style, as Shades of Milk and Honey is.
is obsessed with Jane Austen novels and strives to live her life as the heroines in those beloved books would. But as her family begins to dance a tightrope between ruin and stability, she finds it increasingly difficult. Even more so when Victoria learns that only her marriage to a wealthy and influential man can save her family.
Love Factor: 3 out of 5 Hearts

Weeping Factor: 0 out of 5 Tears

If you would like to send me a book recommendation, become a guest reviewer, or just want to chat about any of the books in today’s issue – please feel free to email me or comment on this post!