Push by Sapphire

Set for limited release in the U.S. in November, 2009, under the title "Precious" (with none other than Oprah and Tyler Perry behind it,) Push is the story of a young woman who lifts herself out of dire circumstances to go from feeling like "nuffin'" to loving herself and her accomplishments.

Claireece Precious Jones, who goes by "Precious" has not had an easy life. Poor, illiterate and obese, she gave birth to her first child at the age of 12 (after being consistently raped by her father since a very young child) and is pregnant with her second (also by her daddy) at the age of 16. Living with her mother who also verbally, physically and sexually abuses her daughter, Precious is a child who has fallen through the cracks of society.

When her junior high principal points her in the direction of an alternative school, (after suspending her over her pregnancy,) Precious begins to turn things around. Her teacher at the school, Blue Rain, challenges and nurtures Precious to overcome her past, deal with the present and look toward the future. Through her interactions with the other students and Blue, Precious learns to love herself and take care of herself and her baby.

Although this is a little book, it is anything but light reading. Written from Precious's perspective, this is a difficult book to read, due primarily to the graphic subject matter. Precious is an amazing character - just when it seems as if everything is going right for her, she receives news that would shatter most people. This is a unique work of urban fiction with an unforgettable heroine - I am looking forward to the movie, which won both the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Delicious by Susan Mallery

If you haven't already noticed, I'm on a bit of a romance kick right now - romance novels are like M&M's - you can't have just one! My latest choice in this particular genre is the very enjoyable first book in Mallery's "Buchanan Books" series.

Penny Jackson has never had it easy - she has fought her way to the top in the competitive Seattle restaurant field - and is enjoying having her ex-husband, Cal, desperately trying to hire her to resurrect his family's restaurant. While they come to an agreement beneficial to both of them, Penny is surprised to learn that Cal will be working with her as the general manager of the restaurant for the next few months, and isn't sure how she feels about having to see her ex-husband on a regular basis...although she notices he still looks good.

Cal Buchanan comes from a family restaurant dynasty, ruled over by his cold and controlling grandmother, Gloria. Each of the 4 Buchanan children, Cal, Reid, Walker and Dani were expected to go into the family business, and all eventually did, except for Walker, who joined the marines instead. Cal notices how radiant Penny looks, but knows they have already had their shot at happiness, and failed.

As Cal and Penny work on bringing back the restaurant, they also begin to grow closer and trust each other again. However, both are keeping secrets - big secrets - that could interfere with their burgeoning relationship. Can they overcome their past and build a new future together? Will Cal's grandmother interfere one too many times in his and his siblings' lives?

This is a solid romance, with plenty of challenges to the relationship but with the requisite happy ending. Those of you who enjoy this book will want to continue on with the Buchanan Family series, in which each of the four siblings are featured.