Www.tiptopwebsite.com



[pic][pic] |Restoration Book Club

“A place to be renewed and refueled”

September 2006

Volume 1, Issue 3

| |

|Restoration Book Club Baltimore, MD |

| | |

| | |

| |[pic] Newsworthy |

| |Who is Jasmine Larson? |

| | | | |

| | |

| |[pic] |

| |Spotlight on... |

| |[pic]…Sheila Thomas |

| | | | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | | | |

| |Sickle Cell Awareness | | |

| |Baltimore Book Festival |

| |[pic] | | |

| |SEPT. 29-OCT. 1, 2006 | | |

| |Friday, 5-9pm | | |

| |Saturday 11am-7pm | | |

| |Sunday 11am-7pm | | |

For more details go to:

|[pic] Is The Work Week Wearing you down? |

|Life has never been more fast-paced and stressful than it is right now. Most of us have become professional multi-taskers. Cell phones, e-mail, |

|blackberry’s and pagers have made it possible for us to be on call twenty-four hours a day, and the pressure and strain of juggling day-to-day tasks can |

|leave you feeling mentally drained and physically worn out. Below are the five golden rules for taking a minute for yourself to unwind during your busy |

|work-day. |

| |

| |

| |

| |

| |

| |

| |

| |

| |

| | |

|[pic] | | | |

| | | | |

| |Inbox | | |

Email us at: restorationbookclub@

| [pic] | Stepping to the Mic |

| | | |

| |Calling All Writers…. |

| | |

| |We are looking for a few good writers to showcase their work in our Stepping to the Mic section of the newsletter. We |

| |are accepting poetry and short stories. If you are interested email us at restorationbookclub@. We look |

| |forward to reading good things from you. |

| | | |

|[pic]Who Wrote That? |

|[pic] |

| | | | |

|Email the author at deankootz@ |

|Barnes & Noble University | |

|Online Course : The Husband | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| |[pic] |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| |[pic] |

| | | | |

| | | | |

| |[pic] |

| | |

| |Words to Restore |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

|[pic] | |

| | | | |

| | |

| |

|[pic] BOOK SWAP | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| |[pic] |

| | | | |

|Take a peak at next month’s selection | |

|[pic] | |

| | |

| | |

|[pic] | |

| | | | |

| | | | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| |[pic] |

| | |

| |ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS |

| | | | |

| | |

| | | | |

[pic]

-----------------------

Our August meeting was held at Bill Bateman’s Bistro and hosted by Kendra. Due to a change of venue, we were a few members short but no need to worry those present had lots to say about the selection.

Our August selection was A Sin and a Shame by Victoria Christopher Murray. In this sequel to Temptation, we are reacquainted with Jasmine Larson.

Some thought getting run out of town would have tamed Jasmine but in this book we found her back to her old tricks. This time her targets were a preaching father and son duo. The elder had absolutely no interest in her but that didn’t stop her from trying to capture his attention. The other she found unappealing that is until she learned of his celebrity status. Needless to say this book was full of Jasmine’s lies and deceit. She lied about everything from her age to the father of her child.

This book left plenty of room for discussion. Most of the ladies felt that Jasmine hadn’t changed and in fact may have gotten worse since the last time we saw her. We felt that she didn’t deserve Hosea especially after not being completely honest. With this being Christian Fiction we felt like Jasmine should have learned something from her past mistakes but unfortunately she did not. The only thing this novel did was discount the old saying “you can’t sin and win.”

The overall feedback on this selection was unfavorable. Many felt it was a slow read with an unlikable main character and a cast of naïve supporting characters. As our first venture into this genre we were very disappointed.

But there’s always next month…

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month

[pic]

Love Is...

Feeling good just because you're here

Smiling and not knowing why

Calling you for no reason

Sharing awkward moments

Kissing you good night; Waking up next to you

Wanting you around; Knowing what you like

Laughing together; Accepting your ways

Knowing what you're thinking

Finishing your sentences; Creating memories

Praying together

Being honest

Messing up; Working it out

Being close

Spending time together

Crying and Fighting

Making up

Making love

Crying together

Nothing without you in my life

Niya Ardrey

Copyright ©2006 Niya Ardrey

Welcome to the 11th annual Baltimore Book Festival! The mid-Atlantic's premier celebration of the literary arts features 200+ nationally known and local authors, poetry readings, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs/cookbook authors, children's writers and activities, live music, food and more than 75 exhibitors and book sellers.

Located in , the overlooks the festival site and offers the perfect location for a weekend outing.

This FREE Event includes…

• The LITERARY SALON is home to nationally known authors and panel discussions. Hear the secrets behind their stories and ask questions about their success.

• CHILDREN'S PARK offers children hours of entertainment with arts and crafts and the Storybook Parade on Saturday at 1pm!

• The KARIBU BOOKS STAGE welcomes popular African American writers and authors of books with African American themes.

• The FOOD FOR THOUGHT STAGE offers cooking demonstrations by some of the nation's prominent chefs and cookbook authors.

• The CITYLIT STAGE features a variety of literary arts including first time authors, panels on engaging topics, tips for aspiring writers, and insight into the book business.

• The CREATIVE CAFE offers short story readings, writing workshops, and panel discussions.

• The BALTIMORE THEATRE ALLIANCE gets dramatic, hosting comedy, drama, children's programming and presentations throughout the weekend. 

• The BCCC ALUMNI & FRIENDS TENT includes author readings, book signings, storytelling, spoken-word performances, and aerobic demonstrations and gospel finale.

• The BOOK FESTIVAL MUSIC STAGE offers a variety of tunes from local and regional bands.

…And much more.

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Because it is "back to school" month for most children, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America wants the public to reflect on the children and the adults whose lives, education and careers have been affected by this disease. The observance originated in 1975 when the Association and its Member Organizations began conducting month long events to call attention to sickle cell disease and the need to address the problem at national and local levels.

The effort to have Sickle Cell Month officially recognized at all levels succeeded in 1983 when the House of Representatives unanimously passed the resolution, introduced by the Congressional Black Caucus, asking President Reagan to designate September as "National Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month." The President signed the resolution in August of 1983.

For more information visit:



Q. When did you discover your love for books?

A. When I was about 11 years old and I was able to walk to the library by myself.  This allowed me to be transported to new worlds and have exciting adventures.  I loved all things Beverly Cleary.

Q. If you had a chance to meet any author past or present who would it be?

A. Sidney Sheldon, because he wrote my favorite book in the world, Master of the Game.

Q. Imagine you are going on a long journey and you are told to pack only one book, what would that book be?

A. It would have to be something that I've never read before.

Q. What is your favorite book turned movie?

A. Color Purple because it was very close to the book.  It was an excellent movie.

Q. Name one book from your must read soon list.

A. Split Second by David Baldacci.  He is one of my favorite authors.  If you've never read his book The Winner it is a must read.

From: Tonya Blount [mailto:tonyablount@]

Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 12:36 PM

To: Kendra Jackson

Subject: Re: Cha-Ching

Kendra,

 

Thank you so much, sis!  I appreciate the support of Restoration Book Club.  I love the name!  God is a restorer!

 

I'll be in Baltimore signing at Urban Knowledge on September 9th.  Maybe I will get a chance to meet some of you wonderful sistahs!

 

Stay in touch.

 

Blessings,

Tonya

 

PS...Thanks for sending me the newsletter.  I am going to read it right now!  

From: LaTonya Williams [mailto:latonyaywilliams@]

Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 7:34 PM

To: Kendra Jackson

Subject: Re: Thanks Again

Hello Kendra,

 

Thanks for sending me a copy of the newsletter. I really enjoyed reading it, and I wish I could've been there. It sounds like the ladies were pampered as well. I'll be in the Baltimore area signing at Karibu and Urban Knowledge bookstores in late October. Please come out and show me some love.

 

Be blessed,

LaTonya

 

From: Tonya Blount [mailto:tonyablount@]

Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 4:25 PM

To: tonya@

Subject: Upcoming Baltimore Booksignings

Greetings,

 

I will be in Baltimore, Maryland promoting Cha-Ching, September 9th.  

 

Cha Ching has been receiving great reviews!  Of course, because of the talk show I can't get to too many places to promote it (which I don't like because I love meeting new people) :), but hopefully, I can meet some of you! 

 

If you can, please stop by one of the signings.  I will be having some nice surprises and gifts for those who purchase my book! 

 

Saturday, September 9

2-4pm

Urban Knowledge - Mondawmin Mall

2301 Liberty Heights Avenue, suite 2001

Baltimore, Maryland  21215

410.523.0017

 

 

Saturday, September 9

6-8pm

Urban Knowledge - Laurel Mall

14828 Baltimore Avenue

Laurel, Maryland  20707

301.490.6221

 

Hey, if you are stop by and visit me at tonyablount or my website  

 

Peace & Blessings,

~Tonya 

 

The five golden rules for un-stressing your workday:

I will…..

….. make to-do-lists of appointments, projects and deadlines—getting these things out of your head and onto paper and you’ll feel the stress fade away. Check items off through the week and see how much you accomplish.

….. keep things simple, moving forward one step at a time.

….. not stress out about the little things.

…..clear my workspace of clutter—when your workspace is organized you feel more in control of what is going on around you.

…..know that I can only do so much—knowing this before the day begins saves you stress and aggravation. DO what you can and be okay; knowing the rest will be there tomorrow.

The author of this month’s selection is Dean Koontz. The New York Times has called his writing "psychologically complex, masterly and satisfying." The New Orleans Times-Picayune said Koontz is, "at times lyrical without ever being naive or romantic. [He creates] a grotesque world, much like that of Flannery O'Conner or Walker Percy ... scary, worthwhile reading." Rolling Stone has hailed him as "America's most popular suspense novelist."

Dean Koontz was born and raised in Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Gerda, along with their dog, Trixie, live in southern California.

The Danger of Giving up too Soon

By T D Jakes

Growing up, many of us heard this phrase from our parents, grandparents and teachers: "Never give up!" While many people believe in this theory, they often fail to demonstrate it in their lives.

In this "instant" age we live in today, people are no longer interested in process. We want to get to the bottom line quick! We’re into fast foods, online prescription refills, speed dial and DSL. Even the cell phones we use are designed to accommodate quick responses to everything. We use to stop by the pay phone to place a call, now we use cell phones to take pictures, download music, read e-mail and the like…you get the point.

It is often in the very process of achieving the goals we desire in life that we quit prematurely. However, the danger in giving up too soon is that we never arrive at the place God has predestined us to be. For example, we want a marriage that will last forever, but we can’t survive the storms. We want to lose fifty pounds, but we don’t want to exercise. We want a degree, but we don’t want to go back to school. Somewhere it has to end! Many people who are constantly challenged by failure seldom realize that it is their own fault. They sabotage their circumstances because of their attitude toward life. Often they are bitter about something that happened that they never got over.

Too many people buy into the myth that life is over when they’ve been dealt a bad hand. But the truth is someone else could take the very hand you’ve been dealt, and win with it! The same man you’re thinking about leaving, the same woman you’re cheating on, the same job you’ve threatened to leave a thousand times…someone could take these same circumstances and make it work.

You’d be amazed by the number of people who have the potential to do great things, but their hearts are contaminated with bitterness. Unfortunately, they allow the past to bleed into their present and pollute their future.

It’s much easier to see the bitterness in the people around you, but it could very well have happened to you without you knowing it. Some people cover up the bitterness they hold by saying things like, "I’m not bitter, I’m careful." "I’m not angry, I’m ready." But until you call it what it is, you can never be free from it.

When Mary and Martha called Jesus to come see about their brother Lazarus, it took Him a while to get there. In fact, Jesus stopped along the way to address the concerns of other people, while on the way. When He finally arrived, rather than thanking Him for coming, one of the sisters said, "Lord if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died." They blamed Him and were bitter.

Like many of us, Mary and Martha failed to realize that God can resurrect anything. Just because life places you on pause, doesn’t mean you have to stay there. Just as Lazarus was resurrected, God can resurrect the situations you’ve given up on. And no matter how old you are, He promises to make your latter years greater than your past if you ask.

Decide today to pursue your dreams at all cost. God has a blessing for you, a supernatural release that will push you into the great future, you desire. Remember, never give up! The best is yet to come.

This excerpt was taken from the series entitled The Favor Factor.

style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say

It's in the click of my heels

The bend of my hair

The palm of my hand

The need for my care.

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman

That's me.

[pic]

save the date...

← Sept 23 – Sheila T. hosts meeting

← Oct 28 – Nicole hosts meeting

← Nov 18 – Lanine hosts meeting

In this issue

Spotlight on… 2

Baltimore Book Festival 3

Stress Relief… 4

Inbox… 5

Who Wrote That? 6

B& N Online Course 7

Words to Restore 8

Book Swap… 9

Thank you, Victoria Christopher Murray for being our Author Spotlight for August.

Thanks to Tonya Blount for keeping us in the loop. (

Thank you, LaTonya Williams for mentioning us on your website.

Thank you, Niya Ardrey offering your poem for our Stepping to the Mic section.

Restoration Book Club would like thank you for reading our newsletter. Please send your comments on

The Restorer to restorationbookclub@ .

"One woman supplementing another until we are all strong enough to stand on our own"

COMING THIS MONTH

September 5, 2006

← Beyonce B’Day

September 12, 2006

← Justin Timberlake Futuresex/Lovesounds

September 19, 2006

← Fergie The Dutchess

← Chingy Hoodstar

September 26, 2006

← Janet Jackson 20 Years Old

← Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore Uncovered

← Omarion 21

← Ludacris Release Therapy

← Sleepy Brown Mr. Brown

Title: Barnes & Noble Book Club: The Husband

Course Type: Online Instructor-led Course

Estimated Completion Time: 8 hour(s)

Session Length: Sept. 5– Oct.3, 2006

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to discuss The Husband with the author, Dean Koontz.

In his latest novel, the masterful author once again combines thrilling suspense with characters whose dilemmas go right to the heart. In The Husband, an ordinary man--landscaper Mitchell Rafferty--is presented with an unthinkable nightmare scenario. When his wife is abducted, the mysterious kidnappers demand an absurd sum in return--an amount that anyone knows Mitch doesn't have. But what they do know is that he'll do anything to get Holly back. Anything.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to share your thoughts about The Husband with the author and book lovers around the world. Our easy-to-use discussion forum is open 24/7, so you can participate whenever you choose. All you need to get started is a free account with Barnes & Noble University -- sign up today and get ready to join the conversation.

For more information:



DO YOU TAKE THIS WOMAN?

RM JOHNSON

Your husband cheats then gives you permission to sleep with any man you want, who would you choose?

For those of you who are looking for something “good” to read in between meetings. We are initiating a book swap. This will allow us to share books that we know others would enjoy.

On our website, we will list both available and requested books. Members may send emails to RestorationBookClub@ with books that they would like listed.

Restoration Book Club

“A place to be renewed and refueled”

We would love to hear from you…

Email us at restorationbookclub@

Visit our website at restorationbookclub

Dean Koontz

“Music can soothe the soul and energize the body”

“…pursue your dreams at all cost.”

Have you read any good books lately?

-----------------------

7

6 TYPE TITLE HERE

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download