Janie Dempsey Watts

This is an adorable softback book. From an adult's perspective, the vocab has a few advanced words but the author provides a pronunciation guide in back (very nice!) and the story line explains them while staying in context. The drawings are vibrant and detailed but not too 'grown-up' artsie. I loved the family household dynamics; a young boy, an lively grandfather, TWIN baby siblings, and his active mother and father (who are a great decisions making tag team). The story is detailed and crisp but fun and frolic-y at the same time. I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to 're-gifting" this to someone I adore. ** I won a copy of 'Pap Pap Goes to Paris: And So Does Ricky' in a GOODREADS giveaway sponsored by the author, Janie Dempsey Watts… (altro)

An absorbing book of short stories that makes the reader long for more from each one... For the most part i could see any one of them becoming a full length novel, yet because they ARE short stories Watts draws you in and then leaves the what ifs and what's 'nexts' up to you.
The settings, the dialogues, the characters are so well written that you truly do crave more.

A favorite? That's a tough one. I think i have to go against the popular vote ( ERICE- which WAS excellent ) and choose Runaway Ruby Yacht for touching my heart.

Loved being given the chance to read this and would suggest it to everyone and anyone, no matter what your reading preferences are!… (altro)

I was reading this book aloud to my husband....which is time consuming but he enjoys it.....and oh lordy i was SOOOOO tempted to cheat and read on ahead on my own. It IS that good. I WISH there was more to come.
(I was a child during the time of the Civil Rights movement but i DO remember when they began mandatory busing from the city to the burbs and how awkward it was.)
The main characters Lola and Abednego are 'colored folks' and tell a story that resonates with love, fear, friendship and TRUTH. Watts puts the reader right there in the late 50's south and again almost a lifetime later, and thru her words gives visualization to what could have been and sadly, what was.
"History is a set of lies agreed upon."… (altro)