b'The First Reads livelydiscussionsfocusonmorethanthebookof After gathering the members of the group, Joycethemonthastheybrainstormsolutionsforsocial recommended they read the Curtis Black seriesproblems, talk politics and catch up with one another. by Kimberla Lawson Roby, an African AmericanIts interesting getting to know each other, sharing author from Rockford, Illinois.Joyce actually metandrespectingeachothersopinionsandlearning the New York Times Best Selling author whilefromeachother,saidCarolyn.Themembers living in Illinois, read and fell in love with the bookappreciate that they can talk about anything without series. Kimberla excited the members of the cluboffending each other.We laugh at ourselves, at each when she accepted their invitation to join the Zoomother and have a great time together, Anita chuckled. interview for this article in IMARA Woman.SheThemembersdescribethemeetingsasarelaxing characterized her books as fiction centered based onsister circle filled with fun, joy and laughter.real life issues. When I outline my book and map theJoyce said at their last meeting they were having so story line, I choose two or three social issues whichmuch fun that it drew the attention of a young lady are prominent in the story line, Kimberla explained. who was seated nearby. The young lady was having She says thesuch a good time Curtis Black serieslistening to them demonstrates whatshe took pictures of happens when menall the books. When of God say that Godthey continued their called them to a lifediscussion outside, of service to lead Hisshe said another people and they dolady pulled up and something commented on what totally opposite ofa good time they were what He has calledhaving. The group is them to do. Pastorthrilled at the silent Curtis Black isimpact that they are the main characterhaving on others as in the book andAfrican-American Kimberla chuckledHerStory Book Club meets via Zoom with Author women.when she describedKimberla Lawson Roby (center) The ladies all say that how she gets ideas HerStoryhasbeena for characters in her books. In my own city a lot ofblessing, especially during the pandemic.After being peoplesaytheyknowwhoImtalkingabout,sheconfined for almost two years, they look forward to smiled.Book club members also agree that there is atheironce-a-monthgathering."Weareallsocial Curtis in every family.However, Kimberla assuresbeings and need each other to thrive," says Carolyn. them that, having been in church all her life, Curtis isThe book club gatherings provide the opportunity to a mixture of pastors that she has encountered throughexperience that social connection. Some of the clubs the years. After reading the first book in the series,futureplansincludeencouragingyoungmenand Casting the First Stone, the book club unanimouslywomen to become writers, using their education and agreed that they did not like Curtis, especially Shirley.expertise to mentor and support young people reach That dislike came as no surprise to Kimberla becausetheir chosen career path, going into schools to coach her readers often say what they love about Curtis isstudents in reading (especially those that have fallen they all love to hate him.Other book titles in thebehindduetothepandemic)andvolunteeringat series include Too Much of a Good Thing, The Best KeptHarvest Hope to help needy families. Anita says she Secret, and Love and Lies.The book club is currentlylooks forward to the good that will come from their reading Love and Lies, which is the last book in thesisterhood. HerStory is more than a fun-loving book series, at least for now. club, its a club with a purpose. More than a Book ClubTheHerStorybookclubmeetsonceamonthon ThursdayatalocalrestaurantinColumbia.Their IMARA23'