Are you looking for a getaway that will restore your mental health, bring you back to your peaceful place and pamper you along the way? Well, meet @joyenlightened who gives us some serious travel inspiration by sharing her trip to the L’Auberge De Sedona spa in Uptown Sedona, Arizona. You won’t want to miss this! Enjoy! The year 2019 was quickly coming to an end and I was so grateful to have made it this far because it was a very emotionally trying year. The Christmas holiday was fast approaching and I was looking forward to some much needed rest and relaxation. I didn’t have any particular plans for the holidays. My children were going to be spending Christmas with their father because per the divorce agreement, he gets them on the odd numbered years. I had been preoccupied with organizing my Holiday Gala to raise money for Mental Health Awareness (It went really well!) that I really didn’t have much bandwidth to plan anything else until it was done. On Monday, after the Gala, I was met with an unfortunate circumstance of betrayal at work. Already weary from everything that had happened that year, my low emotional tank drained completely and was now on empty. I still recall the sharp pain I felt in my chest and head as I tried to process everything that was going on. I struggled to keep a smile on my face and keep my head up but this was proving to be an impossible task. I needed to heal but I didn’t know how to go about getting that healing. By Wednesday of that week, it became increasingly clear to me that I needed to step away from my environment to get some much needed healing. The first place that came to my mind was the red mountains in Sedona, Arizona which I had only seen in pictures. I had never been to Arizona before but something was pulling my heart there. Name: Joy Traveling Destination: Arizona Spa Stay: $2,797.73 (three nights) Plane Ticket: $677 Airport Transportation: $110 Spa: $415 Food: $145 I searched online for spa resorts in Arizona and fell in love with L’Auberge De Sedona. This beautiful resort is position around the magnificent red mountains. I looked at a few other places but my heart kept going back to this place. The nightly rate of was much higher than the other places I saw but I knew that was where I needed to be. The cost for 3 nights stay came to $2,233.00 + $564.73 for taxes for a total of $2,797.73. I have never paid this much to stay anywhere in my life. Even my work trips at fancy hotels in foreign countries didn’t cost this much and I have stayed at some really nice places! But did this cost deter me? No it did not! I was desperate and I needed help fast. I was paying for my healing, I was paying for restoration, I was paying for wisdom and guidance on how to move forward from this very emotionally sticky place. I booked my stay from December 24th to December 27th. I would be spending the Christmas holiday away from home. Something I haven't done in years. I would also be spending it alone. I looked up plane tickets to Arizona expecting to see a reasonable amount but also forgetting this was one of the busiest travel seasons. Airfare was $677 roundtrip ouch. Thankfully, I remembered that I had airlines miles from my work trips. Phew, that definitely came in handy! Next I had to booked airport transfer from the airport to the resort. Sedona is about 2hrs from Phoenix which is the closest airport. The airport transfer came to $110 roundtrip. Upon arriving in Sedona, the sights of the red mountains was breathtaking. I immediately knew I was in a spiritual place. Arriving at the resort, everything was as it was presented online. Carefully manicured and situated for a refreshing and healing time. The staff was friendly and ready to assist with whatever I needed. But I didn’t have an itinerary except my spa time getting massages and a facial. I walked into my room with soothing meditation music was playing on the TV. The place welcomed me with open arms and embraced me. I took a shower and put on one of the cozy robes they had in the room, then ordered room service. As I sat there looking at the wonderful meal in front of me and my glass of wine, I felt the ice around my heart start to melt a tiny bit. I knew I was where I needed to be. I enjoyed my meal and went to bed. It was a long day of traveling and a wonderful end to the day. The next day was Christmas and it was my best day in Sedona. My line up was brunch, facial, quiet mind massage and 5 course meal special for dinner that the resort was offering. It had been over 10 years since I got a facial. I have sensitive skin which is why I usually shy away from them but something made me get one in Sedona and I did not regret it. It was right there while getting the facial that the wisdom I needed to navigate the circumstances I was facing started flowing to me. I felt my strength returning. After the facial, I got the quiet mind massage. This treatment is designed to assist guests in learning to turn off their mind and fully experience their massage. I needed to relax and I needed to shut out all the thoughts that were stealing away my peace. It was a 90 min massage and very well worth the price tag which wasn’t cheap. I paid $245 for the 90 min massage and $170 for the 60 min facial. Next was my 5 course meal dinner for $145. I went back to my room to get dolled up for dinner. By then I was feeling like jelly and feeling a lot warmer inside. My spirit was resonating with the place and I felt the healing taking place. I put on my fancy red dress to join the festive atmosphere and headed to dinner. I was alone… As I walked in the restaurant, I could see all eyes on me. Some probably wondering if I was meeting someone there, or if the person would join me later. Nonetheless, I walked majestically to my table to enjoy my dinner alone. There was a family of 5 next to me. A few minutes after I sat down, the mother/wife approached me and asked if I would join their table. They had made reservations for 6 people but one of her daughters was sick and couldn't join them. I hesitated a bit but they seemed nice so I joined them. We had a great time talking and sharing stories as we went through the 5 courses. The food was different from what I am accustomed to eating but it tasted good. I was full by the 3rd course. My heart was full of gratitude for the opportunity to come to Sedona and enjoy this magnificent place of healing. I spent the remaining time there eating, sleeping and I had another massage. It was finally time to head on home. On my last day, I went to check out the shops in the little town nearby. I bought two rings as a souvenir for my visit. I can say that I was definitely transformed by this trip. As I watched the mountains from my airport transfer on the way home, I knew that even though this stay was over, it was just the beginning for me. Something had shifted in me. I was no longer the same. I knew I would be back here again. This time, I won’t wait for my emotional tank to be on empty. I started my company Joy Enlightens which focuses on raising awareness about mental health. We all go through challenges but it’s important that we prioritize our mental state of mind and seek help and healing when needed. No one is immune to this. Joy Enlightens LLC host events and invites speakers to share about how we can go about prioritizing our mental state of mind. See www.joyenlightens.com for more information. Happy Travels Friends, Xoxoxoxoxox ROTR Are you interested in being featured in the ROTR Travel Inspiration series? Visit our Contact Us page to submit a request.

Bookstore: Half Price Books Number (#) of Books: 6 Total Price: $66.15 Scroll to the end to watch it on video! The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish: (Book Review| Purchase on Amazon| About the Author) Jay-Z: Made in America by Michael Eric Dyson: (Book Review| Purchase on Amazon| About the Author) Prison Letters by Nelson Mandela: (Book Review| Purchase on Amazon| About the Author) Blackout by Sarah Hepola: (Book Review| Purchase on Amazon| About the Author) 300 Writing Prompts: (Book Review| Purchase on Amazon| About the Author) Creative Writing Journal: (Book Review| Purchase on Amazon| About the Author) Happy Reading Friends! Xoxoxoxoxox ROTR

In celebration of my recent trip to Nigeria, I've gathered the list below for all ROTR readers interested in learning more about the land and culture. These brilliant Nigerian writers do a wonderful job of inviting everyone into the world they know so well. Enjoy! Love is Power or Something Like That by A. Igoni Barrett (Read Review| Purchase On Amazon| About the Author) An emotional fictional collection of stories about love (the good, bad and ugly), following people in Nigeria from all stations of life. My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite (Read Review| Purchase On Amazon| About the Author) The fictional storyline centers around two sisters protecting each other from the world that surrounds them while trying to find love. It just so happens that Ayoola, the younger sister, can't keep any of her love interests alive. A Particular Kind of Black Man: A Novel by Tope Folarin (Read Review| Purchase On Amazon| About the Author) A fiction novel eloquently detailing the challenging experiences of a Nigerian-American family living in Utah. Told from the perspective of Tunde, a first generation American. Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to let me know if you have read these selection! Looking for a tasty meal in Lagos Nigeria? Check out my post on three yummy restaurants for your next trip! Happy Reading & Traveling Friends! Xoxoxoxox, ROTR

Stephen King is an American author most known for his popular horror fiction books turned blockbusters such as Carrie, IT, The Shining and Misery. If you are an inspiring fiction writer, the likes of Stephen King, Jodi Picoult and Danielle Steel are what you want to study early on. Their commercial success tops out at over 1 billion sales world-wide. In the year 2000 King published a non-fiction instruction manual of sorts coined, On Writing: A memoir of the craft. In it King narrates pivotal points and lessons in his life that he feels contributed to his writing success. Also, King shares basic writing advice for those looking to share his craft. This read goes well beyond the primary, "Write what you know" council and dives deeper into the motivation behind the craft, necessary elements of writing style and recommendations for rigorous writing routines to get you going. King doesn't promise to make the reader a great writer (he feels that's impossible, great writers are born not made), but he does give helpful frank guidance on what it takes to become one of the greats...or just better. Keep reading for a snapshot of the jewels offered in this book. "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." ~ Stephen King Click here to Purchase this book! Building a writers toolbox makes hard jobs much easier. A writers tool box should always include these three very basic items (at the least): 1. Vocabulary: This is the bread of writing, the most common tool of all. The key here is to use what you have to your advantage. In other words, you don't need a large vocabulary however you do need to use it in an entertaining way. Your vocabulary will get better as you read and write more often. 2. Grammar: This is the vehicle of communication. King points out, "bad grammar produces bad sentences". Every sentence should contain a noun and a verb, and it's perfectly acceptable if those are the only things present. This basic rule worked for some of those considered the greatest American writers of all time (think Hemingway). And it will work for you. 3. Style: As you become more a more active writer (and reader), you'll find your own style. King shared a few pet peeves of his own to get you started: Avoid passive tense. Steer clear of sentences such as: "That's so cool", "at this point in time", "at the end of the day". Never use unnecessary adverbs. Click here to Purchase this book! Stories and novels consist of three parts which doesn't always include a predetermined plot: 1. Narration: Moves the story from point A to point B and finally to point Z 2. Description: Creates a sensory reality for the reader 3. Dialogue: Brings characters to life "...while it is impossible to make a competent writer out of a bad writer, and while it is equally impossible to make a great writer out of a good one, it is possible, with lots of hard work, dedication, and timely help, to make a good writer out of a merely competent one." ~ Stephen King Stephen King recommends the following books for new/aspiring writers: The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. Warriner's English Grammar and Composition Notable/motivational quotes from On Writing by Stephen King: "Good writing is often letting go of fear and affectation." "Writing is seduction." "The sort of strenuous reading and writing program I advocate -four to six hours a day, every day..." "I lean more heavily on intuition [rather than plot]." Click here to Purchase this book! Happy reading & writing my friends! Xoxoxoxox RTOR

Sean Carter is an American businessman who, before riches, rose to fame due to his unique talent with the English language. The first in his genre of music (Hip-Hop) to reach billionaire status, Carter (aka Jay-Z) has since become a landmark in the African American story of becoming successful in America. A land where the rules weren't exactly built in his favor. Jay-Z Made In America (220 pgs.) begins with a Foreword written by Pharrell which describes Jay-Z's unique pre-recording preparations and intentional rise to Hip-Hop fame. Subsequently, the author, Michael Eric Dyson, goes on to introduce Jay-Z from his humble beginnings and argues why his contributions to the political landscape are underrated. Dyson, a Professor of Sociology at Georgetown, teaches a course on Jay-Z. In this book Dyson takes a thesis-like approach to backup a hypothesis that Jay-Z has substantially played a role in making America what is is today. He argues: Jay-Z's "artistic work has done what some of our most important academic work only aspires to achieve. He speaks to those in the underground economies, and they hear him." Click here to Purchase this Book on Amazon! The pencil illustrations throughout the book are an added treat for the reader and adds an experience that gives insight on Jay-Z's personal growth over the thirty years of his recording career so far. As Dyson divulges how Jay-Z has always weaved politics into his music, the illustrations take the reader on a journey of the rappers physical transformation. "Jay-z has given this country a language to think with and words to live by." ~Michael Eric Dyson Dyson brilliantly takes the time to analyze (mostly) popular Jay-Z song lyrics then references political landscapes that correlate common themes surrounding black culture. Nevertheless, the timeline of the lyrics doesn't always align with the political history referenced. Dyson argues Jay-Z has alway been ahead of his time. Add in the long winded paragraphs that couple the main subject with current influencers such as Lebron James and Barrack Obama and it's easy to get lost in the words. This read is better digested slowly, much like Jay's lyrics. Click here to Purchase this Book! Chapter Synopsis: (Chapter Title/ROTR digest) Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself/ "Jay-Z is America at it's scrappy...soulful, ingenious best." I'm the Definition of it/ Defining the "Hustle", there's levels to it I paint Pictures with Poems/ "He speaks to those in the underground economies..." Somewhere in America/ Unabashed "woke" capitalist aspirations What's Better Than One Billionaire?/ Warren Buffett appreciates Jay-Z Have you read this book yet? As always, you can connect with me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Or send me an email anytime. I look forward to hearing what you think! Happy Reading Friends! Xoxoxoxoxox, ROTR

The Nigerian diet consists mostly of rice, beans, plantains and meats: fish, beef, chicken and goat. Another large part of the cultural cuisine consists of porridge-like soups containing leafy green vegetables, stockfish, ground melon seeds, palm oil, and spices. The foods are always spicy and flavorful. During my most recent trip to Lagos, Nigeria, we visited a few tasty and trendy restaurants. Here I will share my favorites: 1. Farm City Restaurant: Location: 15 Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase I, Lekki, Nigeria Cool Factor: Located just off the coast with an awesome view, in a young hip part of town littered with popular bars and hangout spots. What we ordered: Jollof Rice, Plantains, Fried Fish, Grilled Catfish, Long Island Iced Tea (Click Here to Watch the Video) 2. The W Restaurant: Location: LASWA Yard, Under Falomo Bridge, Ikoyi 101233, Lagos, Nigeria Cool Factor: Located inside a boat port authority building. The eating area is uncovered (outside) with a view of all the passing chartered boats. The spot becomes a dance club-like atmosphere after hours. What we ordered: Chicken Suya, French Fries, Plantain, Grilled Croaker Frish, Jollof Rice, Creamy Seafood pasta, Heineken Beer. (Click Here to Watch the Video) 3. Cubana Grill Location: 17 Adeola Odeku St, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria Cool Factor: This spot is actually a hopping nightclub and these treats are usually only served after hours. The Catfish is seasoned with spices, peppers and inions then wrapped in six layers of foil before being grilled to perfection (click Here to Watch the Video)! What we ordered: Chicken Suya, Grilled Catfish Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter! Happy Travels Friends! Xoxoxoxox ROTR

Have you ever had a nervous break down in the middle of Winter while avoiding a few extra pounds by resisting the office holiday cakes and pies, shopping for the perfect Christmas present for EVERYONE, forcing a genuine smile to ANYONE in passing, and being bent on teaching the kids to cover their mouths during a sneeze (not after) just before your in-laws are due for a visit? Yeah, me neither. But if we ever do...right when those crocodile tears start to run down our pretty little faces, Rachel Hollis will be there in the Christian section of the bookstore, willing and waiting to tell us, "Girl, wash your face !", in her Weedpatch, California drawl. Girl, wash your face by Rachel Hollis is a non-fiction collection of short (embarrassing, heartfelt) stories about the author's experiences as a young woman in a world with great expectations. Hollis packages each lesson with the "Lie" that she believed which created her own unrealistic expectation of herself. Lies that Hollis believes haunts most women and prevents them from being the greatness God calls them to become. Click Here to Purchase this Book! Hollis shares events of battling her weight, being rejected by her husband, losing her brother at a young age, several failed adoptions, having one too many drinks (often), doubts about being a mom and so much more. At the end each chapter she lists the tools that helped her get though the tough times. These lists include A LOT of therapy. "... know this is one great truth: you are in control of your own life." ~Rachel Hollis Rachel Hollis' writing is clear, interesting and alluring. She is a master of giving the reader a felling of closeness to her down-to-earth charm with the superiority of being an experienced, proficient writer. Her story telling is honest and well timed as the reader is forced to self-reflect and check their emotions between the pages. Click Here to Purchase this Book! (Chapter Titles) Introduction: Hey Girl, Hey! Chapter 1: The Lie: Someone else will make you happy Chapter 2: The Lie: I'll Start Tomorrow Chapter 3: The Lie: I'm not good enough Chapter 4: The Lie: I'm better than you Chapter 5: The Lie: Loving Him is enough for me Chapter 6: The Lie: No is the Final Answer Chapter 7: The lie: I'm Bad at Sex Chapter 8: The Lie: I don't know how to be a mom Chapter 9: The Lie: I'm not a good mom Chapter 10: The Lie: I should be further along by now Chapter 11: The Lie: Other People's kids are so much cleaner/better organized/more polite than mine Chapter 12: The Lie: I need to make myself smaller Chapter 13: The Lie: I'm going to marry Matt Damon Chapter 14: The Lie: I'm a Terrible Writer Chapter 15: The Lie: I will never get pass this Chapter 16: The Lie: I can't tell the truth Chapter 17: The Lie: I am Defined by my weight Chapter 18: The Lie: I need a Drink Chapter 19: The Lie: There's only one right way to be Chapter 20: The Lie: I need a Hero Girl, once you wash your face, hurry to Amazon and get Rachel Hollis sequel: Girl, stop apologizing Happy Reading Friends! Xoxoxoxoxoxo ROTR

Three words for you: BUY THIS BOOK! The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish is filled with drama you wouldn't believe had it not been written by Haddish herself, absolutely laugh out loud funny, honest and a bit uncomfortable. Haddish unlovingly earned the nickname "Unicorn" from elementary school classmates due to an ever growing forehead wart which initially was assumed a mole. This book gives the reader the experience of talking to Haddish like an old friend. Grab a glass of wi Alert: If you are a writing snob, please don't bother reading this book. It's an English teacher's worst nightmare. Haddish goes on to spill the details on being illiterate until sophomore year in high school, domestic abuse from her mother and husband (whom she married twice), her short stint as a Pimp (literally...hoeing women and men) and her sexual escapade with a handicapped guy who was surprisingly amazing in bed. (Click Here to Purchase this Book on Amazon) "Once I could read, man, it was like I had a superpower! I wasn't stupid! All them words made sense!" ~Tiffany Haddish Through the comedic expression, there are also vulnerable moments in which Haddish recognizes how unfunny so such trauma can be for anyone. After the reader first open their eyes from the deep belly laughs, then wipes the tears away from the deep sentiments, they will begin to root for Haddish as she details redemption: Finding her Jewish, Eritrean father, finally divorcing an abusive husband and standing up for herself while rising on the comedy scene. Chapter Synopsis: (Chapter Title/ROTR digest) Invitation/ "...I never want you to say I didn't invite you to nothing." Mascots and Bar Mitzvahs:High School Years/ First crush, first job and a booty assassin Laugh Factory Comedy Camp/ Being a property of the state while trying to be famous Family and Foster Care/ "...never good enough for anyone to love me." Titus the Boyfriend/ Pimpin' and Crusin' The Pimp Gets Pimped/ Getting back at Titus and making money Roscoe the Handicapped Angel/ Sometimes good sex comes at a surprise How I Got (Restarted) in Comedy/ Therapy and getting paid to be unfunny Dating/ Picking the same type of guys The Ex-Husband/ ...Long as crazy story The Long Road to Comedy Success/ Kevin Hart and a crackhouse Tiffany's True Hollywood Stories/ A Jada Pinkett-Smith, Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige blackout She Ready/ growing roses out of poop "I have to value myself properly. That's something I have had a hard time with in the past, but I'm getting better." ~Tiffany Haddish In The Last black Unicorn, Haddish admits that her comedy is often inspired by pain. However she graciously (and hilariously) tells an inspiring story of living through and thriving despite the trauma. Her thriving not doubt due to her blessed ability to see the humor in everything. This book is recommended for anyone looking for a good laugh and inspiration to survive the tough times. Happy Reading Friends! Xoxoxoxoxox, ROTR

Hello, my name is ReadingOnTheRun and I have a confession: I am addicted to non-fiction literature. I love biographies, autobiographies and/or anything that is a personal account of someone's journey. I am thankful for those who share stories of their human experience so that in these stories others may find consolation, knowledge, joy, redemption, laughter, warning, spirituality and choices... those that share pain, sorrow and fear...those striving to connect through celebration and Innovation. This holiday season, as we spend time with those we choose, let us share our authentic stories around the dinner table so we can uplift, inspire, console and truly connect. For time is limited and the present moment is most valuable. Here are a few current remaining unread selections from my 2019 reading list: Jay-Z by Michael Eric Dyson (Read Review | Purchase from Amazon| About the Author) Blackout by Sarah Hepola (Read Review | Purchase from Amazon| About the Author) The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish (Read Review | Purchase from Amazon| About the Author) Prison Letters by Nelson Mandela (Read Review | Purchase from Amazon| About the Author) My Spiritual Journey by The Dalai Lama (Read Review | Purchase from Amazon| About the Author) Tough Love by Susan Rice (Read Review | Purchase from Amazon| About the Author) Finding My Voice by Valerie Jarrett (Read Review | Purchase from Amazon| About the Author) Trouble Maker by Leah Remini (Read Review | Purchase from Amazon| About the Author) Happy Reading Friends! Xoxoxoxoxox ROTR

One single quote from this book by the author describes it's journey in total summary: "People on the winning team rarely notice the game is rigged." BLACKOUT by Sarah Hepola is a memoir chronicling how Sarah's perfectly good middle class life led to a series of alcoholic blackouts. The book opens with Sarah coming out of a blackout spell, in Paris, France, naked lying next to an unknown man, not knowing who the hotel room belonged or what happened in the moments prior. Subsequently, the reader is taken on a journey of sneaked sips, sloppy stair falls, drunken dinner dates, intoxicated trysts, inebriated conversations, tipsy decisions and befuddled friendships. Heploa found a successful career in writing creative non-fiction well before the memoir BLACKOUT took flight. The author lists a resume of editor, music critic, travel writer, film reviewer, sex blogger, beauty columnist and high school English teacher. All gained and maintained with a bottle hidden in her workbag. The second part of the book is dedicated to the sober journey which Heploa admits is usually the boring part of most non-fiction books about addiction. However, redemption is the most important part. These pages describe Hepola's revelation of privileged existence encumbered by a handicap: Addiction. (Click Here to Purchase this Book on Amazon) "People sometimes ask me how someone can drink so much and still keep her job. But drinkers find the right job." ~Sarah Hepola Chapter Synopsis: (Chapter Title/ROTR digest) (Prelude) The City of Light/ Blackout drunk sex in Paris Women Who Drink/ American cultural expectations of booze and the female gender Part One: 1. The Beer Thief/ It always starts by sneaking sips of beer from the refrigerator 2. Starved/ Drinking (and starving) for attention 3. Dressing In Men's Clothes/ Hiding the pain and physical flaws 4. Drink More At Work/ A little sauce to get ahead 5. The Stranger/ A lead up to the Paris incident 6. The Life You've Always Wanted/ "A writer in New York: the phrase that compensated for nearly anything." (Interlude) Beginning/ Getting sober in the hallway closet "AA was a humble program. A program of suggestions, never rules. It was a place of storytelling, which operated on the same principle as great literature: Through your story,I hear my own." ~Sarah Hepola Chapter Synopsis: (Chapter Title/ROTR digest) Part Two: 7. Isn't There Another Way?/ Looking for a boyfriend at Alcoholics Anonymous 8. Extremely Uncomfortable For The Group/ Repairing drunken destruction 9. Binge/ Burgers over booze 10. Sex/ Sober sex 11. Power Ballad/ Recognizing sober potential 12. This Is The Place/ "Every sobriety tale is a cliffhanger." Sarah Hepola's experience as a high school English teacher is noticeable. The writing style is liken to Young Adult literature though very adult topics are sprinkled throughout the read: orgasms, vibrators and a whole chapter dedicated to sober sex, for sure a slight nod to her experience as a sex blogger. I would recommend this book for those interested in a light hearted read about a very serious topic. (Click Here to Purchase this Book on Amazon) Books that inspired Sarah Hepola while writing her very own memoir: Dinking: A love Story by Caroline Knapp Different Seasons by Stephen King Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien The Big book by Bill Wilson Happy Reading Friends! Xoxoxoxoxo, ROTR

Elle magazine released an interview with Beyonce in recognition of her partnership with Adidas for the IVY Park fashion line. In it Beyonce answered burning questions from the Beehive while modeling select Couture fashion pieces paired with IVY Park staples. The original article will be published in the January 2020 edition of the magazine however the online version released this month and the blogosphere is on fire. There is no doubt that Beyonce and Team screened the questions before submitting the answers and ELLE chose to print what their research tells them is most relevant and/or entertaining (...must sell magazines and get clicks!) but why was there not one question asked (or answered) about what the Queen B reads? Beyonce answers questions submitted via email, facebook and instagram (she admits that she doesn't know her Snapchat handle). Fans ask about fashion, work-life balance, owning her creations, running a company, staying grounded as a celebrity, weight fluctuations and her most hated question to answer (Are you pregnant?). As one of the most celebrated figures in pop-culture, Beyonce is the epitome of what young people today aspire to emulate. Her beauty, talent and work ethic tends to take center stage in the media however, as a Beyonce fan, I notice the hard earned efforts by her team to project the smarts needed to build and sustain the Beyonce brand. Beyonce runs a company of hundreds of people at any given time, earns some of the highest revenues on tour and owns creative control and rights to most of the content produced by her companies. The know-how of being a successful business woman and entertainer isn't gained by osmosis. Though not everyone is an avid reader, every successful person must read something! The ultimate fan food is to know what the influencer knows, to think how she thinks, to win as she wins. Therefore, Beyonce I ask the following for the benefit of the entire #beehive: 1. What are you currently reading? 2. What book has been most influential to your success as a twentieth century woman? 3. If you could only leave one book behind for your daughters/son when you are gone, what would it be? If you are not Beyonce, feel free to answer the same questions in the comment section below. Knowledge is wealth, let's share it accord Happy Reading Friends, Xoxoxoxoxo ROTR

Imagine traveling to spend an ordinary Thanksgiving with your partner and family. After a satisfying meal followed by loving (and snarky) conversation, you scurry off to a hotel to cuddle, settle in for the night. Only, while you are asleep the police kicks in your door, drags you out of the room, slams you to the floor then charges you with rape. An American Marriage is a fictional, yet all too real, story of the complexities created by being wrongfully accused and convicted of a crime. This story is not about the crime, the accuser, the conviction or prison life. This story focuses on the impossible decisions of those affected during the aftermath. It highlights that the wrongfully accused is only the center of the devastating destruction which then ripples to those beyond what a court room will ever see. Roy, Celeste and Andre are middle-class African American friends living in Atlanta, Georgia. Roy and Celeste are married for a year and a half when this tragedy strikes their young marriage. Both families rally around Roy to help him during this catastrophic journey however Celeste struggles with being married to an innocent but invisible husband. "Time is hard on a woman" ~Celestial Hamilton The author, Tayari Jones, does a wonderful job of creating depth within the characters layering the progressive story with past events causing the reader to constantly reevaluate judgements. The novel is told in first person from the point of view of the three main characters and written in part epistolary (a novel written as a series of document/letters). Chapter Synopsis: (Chapter Title/ROTR digest) Part One: Bridge Music Roy/Introductions and The incident Celestial/ The Incident and letters from prison Part Two: Prepare a table for me: Andre/ Offering comfort to Celestial Celestial/ Reflections of marriage Roy/ Getting out of prison Celestial/ Black love is Black Wealth: Falling for Roy Roy/ Falling for Celestial Andre/ Reappropriating love Roy/ A nourishing friend: "Are you still married?" Celestial/ "...Pray[ing] for forgiveness for doing nothing wrong" Roy/ Finding familial closure, uncovering secrets Andre/ Parental wounds, advice and "I'm getting married" Roy/ Goodbye to a nourishing friend Celestial/ "Is it love or convenience?" Roy/ Dear [biological] dad, going to re-claim my wife Part Three: Generosity Andre/ Roy we love you and one another Celestial/ My husband is getting out of prison Roy/ She didn't divorce me or change the door locks Celestial/ Seeing Roy again after so long Roy/ Seeing Celestial again after so long Celestial/ "Time can be hard on a woman" Roy/ Weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning Andre/ Spending the night with Big Roy Roy/ Digging through the past in boxes Andre/ "The third most terrible person in the world" Celestial/ ...the intention of saving them both Andre/ Love cannot change it's shape Roy/ Giving our marriage another try Epilogue/ Where we all belong "It costs you to hurt people." ~ Roy Hamilton" Tayari Jones, in this presentation of a long debated subject, toggles questions of recompense, loyalty, love, friendship and black life in America. This book is recommended for anyone in the mood for a good story and quality storytelling. Happy Reading Friends! Xoxoxoxoxo, ROTR