Courtney’s Comments (group member since Jan 24, 2018)

Courtney’s comments from the The Digital Book Club: Create. Learn. Inspire. group.

Happy Summer ladies and gents! I hope you had the time to get started with Blindfolded :)
This will be our discussion thread so feel free to hop and and let me know your thoughts thus far! Also, please include any favorite takeaways or excerpts that resonated.

Here are my thoughts:

I love the opening of Blindfolded. How Cosey discusses the influences behind writing the book and the impact he wants it to have on the reader's views of faith was well explained. He didn't try to speak over your head, but instead down to earth to draw a connection.

Chapter 1 described what it looks like to have faith and the place it should hold in our lives. In the "READ" reflection at the end of the chapter, he asked a lot of thought provoking questions on the stage of faith we are currently in right now. Personally, I struggle with the "Inviting" stage. How about you all? Sidenote, I love when authors incorporate reflection moments throughout books. It gives me a chance to really takeaway a nugget or two from the chapter that can better my growth in life.

Here are some of my favorite nuggets so far:

**Because without faith, you choose to remain in the place you stand and will surrender your future to the thief that wears the mask of complacency, mediocrity, and "good enough". (PG 6)

**Where there is no discipline there will also be no faith and vice versa. (PG 9)

**Some attitudes and mindsets are holding your faith back formats fullest development. (PG 11)

**Entire page 16...lol

**If you want God's insight in your life, then your life and every aspect therein should be open to God's involvement. (PG 17)

Hey everyone,

"Becoming" was such a great read! Post some of your thoughts, favorite quotes, etc from the book to this discussion board :)

Happy New Year!

As the new year arrives, please use this week to note any of your favorite excerpts from this month's read by Jen Sincero, You Are A Badass Everyday.

Hey everyone!!!

Before November ends, please drop your thoughts and comments on our November Read, Shook Ones :)

Here is the discussion board for our October read, Hippie!

Please drop any thoughts and inserts you may have for this one :)

Naomi --- Omg! I literally laughed out loud when I began reading this book in the nail salon and the lady that was next to me was looking like "Is she really laughing at a book?"... lol Yup sis!

The funniest and most true opinion for me is when she breaks down the different friendships and how we have been one or all at any point.

Another funny moment is the page right before Chapter 1 begins when she explains the person in the back row of the plane trying to get off the MINUTE in parks.... I absolutely HATE it lol Like, please plan you travel accommodations better next time haha

This book is just sooo bomb and I'm trying not to binge read this.. I love books like this!

Some of my favorite excerpts:

Page 13: 4th paragraph, "In fact....Thanks for understanding".

Page 35: 4th paragraph, "Call me simple... to be on the same team at all".

Page 40: 1st paragraph, "Centuries... who we are".

Page 48: Last paragraph and few sentences, "But I'm judging... Do better, everyone".

Happy August :)
This month's book discussion will be led by Naomie :)

Hopefully everyone has received their book by now and can join in on the opening discussion this week by our moderator.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, comments or concerns!

Can't wait to dive into the conversation!

Any life lessons you all are getting from moments in her life that can be applied to any circumstances you've faced?

Liah --- Happy Motherhood <3 So happy for you!
That was such a great quote! A reminder to never give up even in the most trying moments of life.

Naomi --- I was so relieved when she described moments of subtle help either in prison or the hospital like it was a live play in front of me lol Such a relief because of the severity of her injuries and how disrespectful others were towards her.


Robbin --- Yessss! " The greatest crime in America as a black women is loving yourself and your people." It makes me think of the famous Malcom X quote, "The most disrespected woman in America, is the black woman. The most un-protected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America, is the black woman." I think the ideal to teach our children that we can be whatever we dream to be in America has grown to be one of the most important lessons in our life because that is where our self dignity, self respect and confidence stem from.

And yes, those comebacks were always shocking and inspiring at the same time.. it was like she had no ounce of fear or regret in her and willing to stand for her personal rights... so inspiring!
Actually, I don't remember if she even cried or described a moment where she broke down emotionally, which is powerful because while I've never been to jail, I can only imagine what it does to you on an emotional level.

Robbin - I think that's dope hearing about your inspiration behind suggesting this book. I had the same urge to gain more knowledge on our culture after reading about Malcolm X, who was just simply dope and amazing! So far I am really into this read! I love how she transitions from different moments in here life, not your typical autobiography template... I appreciate that haha

Hawa - Omg, I read your comment after I typed mine haha we appreciate the same things!

Chapter 2 was most interesting to me so far because it gave an instruction to who she is and how she became such a fearful and confident activist. I believe a lot of her childhood moments prepared her mentally to deal with racism and injustices in her adult life. A lot of what she said I could connect with because it still is present today.

Happy July :)
Stepping into the second half of 2018, The Digital Book Club will be diving into our first autobiography as a group. This month's discussion will be led by Robbin :)

I look forward to a great discussion this month!

Hopefuly everyone has enjoyed our June read :)

Brittany -- The "Curious George" word play is genius haha I love it

Naomi -- Interesting, I am inspired by variety as well.. I think that's why I love New York City so much. Also, I agree... you always regret how hard you were on yourself at the end of the road, but in the same breath without that thought love and encouragement to yourself do you think you would've persevered as hard and passionate.


Wrapping up, one portion of the book stuck out to me a lot that I keep thinking about and that is the role education plays in our creative thoughts and goals.

What are some of your thoughts with education and furthering your career? Specifically, how do you feel about grad school? Is it a necessity for you? Let's take it a step further and consider undergraduate as well.

I love the thought of just sitting still and being present in the moment with your thoughts to create ideas. Similar to what Elizabeth states, you have to allow time for ideas to come to you versus forcing them because you see others achieving certain goals or creating. Another idea I love that Elizabeth mentions is the idea of knowing when to let a thought/idea go and when to engage.

What I've personally experienced with creative ideas is seeing someone create a platform that I wish I pushed myself harder to create. Whether it's a business or podcast, I've seen my very own ideas be brought to life by someone else... which sucks, but I'm my only self to blame... that's why I pushed myself to get this book club started because it was an idea of mine that I thought deserved my energy to manifest.

"You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures. You can battle your demons (through therapy, recvovery, prayer, or humility) instead of battling your gifts - in part by realizing that your demons were never the ones doing the work, anyhow." PG 41

What are some points made by Elizabeth that interest you the most?

Another point that interest me is the idea of having a healthy balance of fear. How fear can drive our courage to create the ideas that come upon us.

How do you manage your fear when it comes to achieving your goals either short term or long term?

Hey everyone!!!

Hopefully you are enjoying some of the reads we have selected thus far!
I will be you moderator for this month! I will be posting some questions and quotes that stick out to me the most throughout the month. Please feel free to do the same!

First question that I always love to get to know about people - what are your passion points?
What quenches your creative juices ? (That was corny lol)

Amazing thoughts everyone... this book is amazing and I think men and women can get a lot from this read. I am so happy a lot of you suggested this upon signing up for the book club. I am on my last few chapters so I will post by final thoughts this week. Thank you Hawa for the not dropping the spoiler haha! I am going to revisit it on Friday and drop some of my thoughts about it.

I've gained ALOT of life lessons in this book so far, but the biggest one would have to be finding power in your voice no matter the situation, age, race.... whatever.... never be afraid to have thoughts and feelings towards something and sharing those thoughts or feelings. While Starr is a young girl I still think a people twice her age struggle with finding their voice and believing in a cause. We saw older characters throughout this entire book battle between speaking out and playing it safe and in a lot of those circumstances I believe Starr help them gain confidence in themselves.. specifically Uncle Carlos.

I’m at Chapter 10!

I just want to say the whole premise of this read is soooo interesting... like it's so many stories and everyday battles that many African American women face and we aren't even halfway through. Actually, I think different nationalities can relate to some part of Starr's story or at least get a better understanding of the battles we face as a community when it comes to police brutality and finding your voice as a woman.

first off, this book is like reading/watching a movie... i was immediately drawn into it and didn't want to put it down, this is the first time I've had this type of reaction to a book in awhile haha

Hawa - I don't agree with Starr's mother when she states the she was too young to have the talk. As you we can see it end up working in her favor because she recalled a lot of advice and tips her dad gave her in regards to dealing with the police. Specifically in this generation I think it's essential to have the talk with the "birds and bees" talk because both scenarios are being exposed to the youth at an earlier age versus 10 years ago.

I think as the story line builds she will slowly find her voice and create an action plan to help ensure justice for Khalil. Right now, I think she is harboring a lot of pinned up angry and other emotions that she hasn't had the proper time to heal, grieve or just be angry and let it all out.

I believe the Williamson Starr and Garden Heights Starr will collide when she starts to voice her opinion and speak more about the shooting with Khalil. I think her friends at Williamson won't fully understand the everyday struggle Starr face in Garden Heights.

Happy May, everyone!
This month's book discussion will be led by Hawa :)
Hope you were able to get started, don't be afraid to join the discussion!

Here's more about Hawa:

My name is Hawa. I’m 24 years old. I’ve always loved reading but last year was when I started really getting back into it and began building a personal collection of books. My goal is to read 34 books by the end of the year. Follow my book journey on Instagram at @hawa.reads 🤗

Hey everyone,

Please post any final thoughts or reviews on this read today if you can. You can post after as well :)

Thanks!