Lynn Emery's, Soulful Strut, Great for Book Group Discussion

Lynn Emery's, Soulful Strut, is more than just a fun romance. Monette, a woman who has spent fifteen years in prison for a crime she didn't commit is struggling to rebuild her life while on parole and awaiting a pardon. She has to deal with so many issues while rebuilding her life.

Monette has to learn "about having to cut ties with people who weren't good for them (p. 107)." Monette's family is always asking her for money. Monette's old friend from prison, Candy, seems different on the outside of prison. Jayson, a man Monette is dating, seems reliable, but Monette worries about being hurt again.

This book explores the constant battle many people who are rebuilding their lives, have in finding good friends who will not bring them down. Monette is searching for friends who are uplifting, reliable, honest, and kind. Will she find that in Jayson?

Emery, also examines an interesting social issue in Soulful Strut. Monette, has a radio show due to all the publicity from her prison release and Jayson, is on the show arguing with her. Jayson says, "Listen we can't keep claiming victim-hood on everything. Black Americans don't save enough money or practice some commonsense financial planning . . . No more whining (p.167)." Monette is extremely annoyed with Jayson's argument and replies, "You must have been living in another solar system. Racism is not figment of our imagination (p. 167)."

Literature and books are a cultural and historical lenses into our times and I really enjoyed reading arguments like these throughout Soulful Strut. Emery shows readers what African Americans can accomplish with hard work. Many of Emery's characters, seem to believe in what Jayson calls "victim-hood and refuse to make an effort in going after a education and well-payed employment.

Emery also examines issues that keep minorities from going after education and well-payed employment. Self-esteem, leaving old friends behind, and learning to have an achievement mindset all seem to be factors in Soulful Strut. Lynn Emery should know. According to Emery's bio on the back cover, she is a licenses clinical social worker.

In conclusion, this is a interesting and thoughtful book. I recommend it for book groups. This books will lead to some interesting discussions.

Works Cited

Emery, Lynn. Soulful Strut. New York: Harpertorch, 2006. ISBN-10: 0-06-073104-4. (372 pages).