Intimate Conversations with Mississippi Magnolias Book Club
BPM: Introduce us to your group. What was the first book you read as a Group?
MMBC: Mississippi Magnolias Book Club was founded November, 5, 2012 in Gulfport, Mississippi by Antionette Gates, President. MMBC officers are Antionette Gates, President, Ethel Smith, Vice-President, Taironzika Wesley, Secretary, Angela McNair, Treasurer, Photographers, Lisa Ladner and Kimberly Robins. MMBC currently have ten active members. Our first book read was Money Can’t Buy Love by Connie Briscoe.
BPM: Why was the organization created? Donate to charities or provide any services for the community?
MMBC: MMBC was created from avid readers that also happen o be members of Unity Festival, Incorporated, a non-profit organization. Yes, a few of us post reviews on Amazon. We contribute to all UFI events throughout the community; Thanksgiving baskets to needy families, books or prizes for the Children’s Book Jamboree, and sponsor Angel Tree children, at Christmas. MMBC members also volunteer at the organizations various functions including the neighborhood Unity Festival in March of each calendar year.
BPM: What type of books does your group read? Are there any genres that you will not read?
MMBC: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Erotica and Mysteries are group favorites. Some members thoroughly enjoy paranormal books as well. There is no genre that we absolutely will not read. A book excerpt does not help in the book selection.
BPM: Do you prefer to only read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors?
MMBC: The majority of books read by MMBC are by authors of color, but books have been chosen by authors who aren’t of color. MMBC members definitely support self-published authors. Any support given self-published authors help promote awareness of the book and enlighten other readers about both the author and their books. This action in turn will someday garner a larger following for the self-published author.
BPM: What are key factors that help a book remain on your mind long after the last page?
MMBC: A few key factors are great characters, realistic problems or events, and a fantastic location.
BPM: What authors have been able to capture your imagination and support far beyond the last page?
MMBC: Authors Beverly Jenkins, Francis Ray, Brenda Jackson, Marissa Monteilh, Janet Evanovich, Kimberly Lawson Roby, Eric Jerome Dickey, and the E. Lynn Harris have created characters with strong personalities, endearing qualities and life situations. They make you wonder about the characters and events they will write about next.
BPM: What legacy will your club leave for those watching in the community?
MMBC: Our goal is to improve our community through literacy and literature. We hope to bring a sense of joy, hope, and adventure associated with the love of reading, and volunteerism to the youth on the coast. It is our goal to further these efforts in future through a youth reading group or book club.
BPM: How may we find out more about your book club?
MMBC: For more information contact us on Facebook at Mississippi Magnolias Book Club @ www.facebook.com.
