I have always loved to read and write. As a child, I would write letters and wrap them as gifts to my family members. My brothers and cousins would tease me about being adopted because I would sometimes prefer reading and writing instead of playing and getting into trouble with them. My happy place has always been when I am reading a good book!
In January of 1997, I relocated to Washington, DC. I had a green Isuzu Rodeo with an Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) tag on the front and an Alcorn State University tag on the back. One day, I came home to find a note on my truck but I was so afraid that it was a ticket. This note was from a fellow Alcornite and sorority sister! I called her and we instantly clicked! Those conversations resulted in her inviting me to her book club meeting. That was over 24 years ago!
We started out meeting on Sunday afternoons and concluded by early evening. We would enjoy great food, good discussions about the book selection and analyze various life issues including family, love, relationships, politics or work issues. Over the years, many of our selections became movies, series and best sellers! We have read a wide range of authors including Toni Morrison. Terry McMillian, John Grisham, Connie Briscoe, Mitch Albom, Victoria Christopher Murray, Donna Hill, Debbie Macomber, Tayari Jones, Natalie Baszile, Beverly Jenkins, Jasmine Guillory and James McBride to name a few of my favorites.
Our book club meetings became so much more than just a club discussing books but blossomed into a sisterhood. A mutual bond of love, admiration, support, and refuge. We have book club babies that have grown-up to give us adorable book club grandbabies. We have welcomed new husbands and have supported each other during various losses of family members. We have supported each other during all major life events and provided guidance and love during various critical moments of distress. Our sisterhood is a shining example of I Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing and Proverbs 17:17, a friend loves at all time, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
I love this group of ladies and salute them during Women History Month! Each member, Andriae, Michelle, Roz, Talitha, Mildred and Sherri -- all make an outstanding contribution to society in their various fields.
Our book club, Sister Soul Literary Guild, doesn’t have by-laws nor officers, but what we have is the most important thing and that is a love for each other and our common love for books! I love each of them and encourage you to find a group of sisters and or brothers to share this journey call life. This Remarkable love affair with books turned into a beautiful Sisterhood that has definitely made a world of difference for me and I know it will do the same for you!
With Love,
Dr. ReShone
Sending lots of love, Dr. ReShone! It’s has been a honor and privilege to be your friend and sister! Thanks for your love and support over the years...appreciate you in more ways than you know! Love you, Sis!
Michelle