Book of the Week
Beyond Juneteenth
JUNETEENTH June 19th as Juneteenth, a day commemorated for the announcement of freedom to the enslaved in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. But the deeper story behind that date — and the wider national timeline of emancipation — reveals a far more complex, state‑by‑state journey toward freedom. It is a story shaped by delayed enforcement, resistance by local authorities, and communities who already understood their liberation long before anyone arrived to make it “official.”
By TREYTON SCOTT7 months ago in BookClub
The Last Memory: Chapter 8
"So, I will need my ID for this new job," Trenton said, taking a bite of her green beans. "Do you know where that is?" Pam looked at her closely before answering. "I know that I have it, but I will have to look to see where I put it."
By Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue7 months ago in BookClub
The Last Memory: Chapter 7
"What about that hardware store over there?" Trenton suggested, looking over at Pam. "I don't see how that could hurt," Pam said, pulling into a parking spot next to the store. "You go in and seeing they are hiring. I'm going to get a coffee from across the street."
By Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue7 months ago in BookClub
The Last Memory: Chapter Five
Trenton walked down the stairs, feeling the air cool down around her as she got to the bottom. The basement was dark and there was only one light bulb on the ceiling to brighten everything up. Trenton scouted the room for the dryer, finding it in the far corner of the room. She opened the door, pulled the clothes out, and set them on top of the dryer.
By Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue8 months ago in BookClub
The Whispering Woods of Eldoria
Elara lived on the edge of the Whispering Woods, a place both feared and revered by the villagers of Oakhaven. They spoke of ancient magic within its depths, of trees that moved and sang, and of the elusive Moonpetal, a flower said to bloom only once a century, granting wishes to those who found it. Elara, however, was not afraid. She felt a pull towards the woods, a quiet humming in her soul that called her deeper than any other dared to venture.
By Being Inquisitive8 months ago in BookClub
The Empty Chair: How Small Opportunities Turn into Great Success
The Empty Chair: How Small Opportunities Turn into Great Success In a quiet town, tucked between rolling hills and winding rivers, there was a small community hall where weekly gatherings took place. Every Thursday evening, people from all walks of life came together to share ideas, stories, and sometimes even dreams. At the center of the hall stood a long wooden table surrounded by chairs. One chair, however, always remained empty. The chair belonged to no one in particular. It was simply there, waiting. Some saw it as a symbol of absence, others ignored it completely. But for young Daniel, a curious boy with restless ambition, the empty chair was a mystery. He often wondered: Why does no one sit there? Could it be reserved for someone important? Or was it just forgotten? One evening, the town’s mayor announced a special meeting. “We are looking for fresh ideas to improve our community,” he said. “Anyone who wishes to speak may take the empty chair.” The room fell silent. People exchanged glances, but no one moved. The chair seemed heavier than ever, as if it carried the weight of responsibility. Daniel’s heart raced. He was only sixteen, and surely too young to speak among adults. Yet something inside him whispered: This is your chance. Slowly, nervously, he walked toward the chair and sat down. The room stirred with surprise. The mayor nodded, inviting him to speak. Daniel cleared his throat. “I believe small changes can make a big difference,” he began. “If we plant trees along the riverbank, we can prevent erosion and create a beautiful place for families. If we organize weekend workshops, children can learn skills beyond school. And if we encourage local businesses to collaborate, we can build a stronger economy together.” His words were simple, but they carried sincerity. The townspeople listened, some smiling, others nodding. When he finished, the mayor said, “Thank you, Daniel. Your ideas are practical and inspiring. Let us consider them seriously.” From that day forward, the empty chair was no longer just a piece of furniture. It became a symbol of opportunity. Each week, someone new sat there—sometimes a farmer with a plan to improve crops, sometimes a teacher with a vision for education, sometimes a mother with hopes for safer streets. The chair gave voice to those who had never spoken before. Daniel’s small step of courage sparked a movement. The town planted trees, and soon the riverbank blossomed with life. Workshops were held, teaching children carpentry, painting, and even coding. Local businesses joined forces, creating new jobs and strengthening the community. What began as a nervous boy’s decision to sit in an empty chair grew into a wave of progress that transformed the town. Years later, Daniel became a respected leader. He often reminded people of that first moment. “Success doesn’t always come from grand gestures,” he said. “It begins with small opportunities—like an empty chair—that we choose to embrace. When we act, even in the smallest way, we set in motion something far greater than ourselves.” The chair still stood in the hall, polished and waiting. It was never assigned to anyone permanently. Instead, it remained open, a reminder that opportunities are everywhere, waiting for someone brave enough to take them. And whenever a new voice rose from that chair, the town remembered Daniel’s lesson: that success is not about age, status, or wealth, but about the courage to seize the moment.
By Alhouci boumizzi8 months ago in BookClub
Granville T. Woods
In the late 19th century, when America was racing toward industrial expansion and the nation’s railways pulsed with unprecedented energy, one inventor stood out for transforming how people communicated, traveled, and understood technology. His name was Granville T. Woods, and although history remembers him as “The Black Edison,” his legacy shines brightest when recognized on its own terms: a visionary who reshaped modern communication and transportation through ingenuity, persistence, and unmatched creative intelligence.
By TREYTON SCOTT8 months ago in BookClub
Rise of Sarah Breedlove Walker
The Extraordinary Rise of Sarah Breedlove Walker: The Woman Who Turned Innovation Into Empowerment Sarah Breedlove Walker’s life began in the most unlikely of places for a future titan of industry — on a Louisiana plantation in 1867, to parents who had been enslaved only a few years before her birth. Orphaned by age seven and working as a washerwoman by the time she was a young teenager, Sarah’s early life was defined by hardship. But woven through those struggles was a relentless determination that would eventually carry her into the center of one of the most remarkable success stories in American history.
By TREYTON SCOTT8 months ago in BookClub
So I read How to Lose A Goblin in Ten Days
Jessie Sylva's "How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days" is a delightful gem that captures the whimsical spirit of The Princess Bride while carving out its own charming space in the cozy fantasy genre. This is a book that understands the magic isn't always in grand quests or epic battles—sometimes it's in the quiet moments of two unlikely people learning to share a space and, eventually, their lives.
By Parsley Rose 8 months ago in BookClub
