Tuesday, August 19, 2014

What I Believe

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place to share our Slice of Life. Read more slices or add you own here.

I just finished the book,  Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson.  The book is to be released later this month, but I received an advanced copy from some friends on Twitter.

This is an amazing book!  The writing is absolutely beautiful, and knowing that it is a memoir makes it even more special.

Toward the end of the book, Jacqueline writes a list of "what I believe."  I decided to use this as a mentor text for my slice this week.  This is unpolished and is certainly a first draft, because I finished the book just 30 minutes ago.


What I Believe

I believe in the power of a smile, given in an unexpected moment.
I believe that everyone deserves to be happy.
I believe in the power of words, words that heal and give hope.
I believe in love at first sight and love that lasts forever.
I believe in marriage, a connection of hearts.
I believe in second chances.
I believe in mornings and starting over 
each and every day.


If there is only one book you read this fall, please consider Brown Girl Dreaming.  I don't think you will be disappointed.

10 comments:

  1. What a wonderful recommendation for a WONDERFUL book...the top of my own summer reading!

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  2. I've been wanting to read it, ever since everyone started talking about it this summer. Not much longer now, I preordered it from my local indie bookstore. Love your list of What I Believe, especially mornings and starting over, each and every day and the power of words to heal and give hope. Wise words, my friend!
    I was thinking about you yesterday at the grocery store. The milk was dated Aug. 31! At least it wasn't September yet

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    1. That is so funny because the last one I bought was September and I sighed! Thanks for remembering my first post!

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  3. Amen!

    Can't wait for my book to arrive!

    Thanks so much for sharing this, Leigh Anne!

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  4. I am counting the days until I get to read this book!!! Thanks for the post. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your I Believe list!!!

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  5. I think I just might need to order this one! "I believe in mornings and starting over
    each and every day." This is a great motto for the new school year! Happy teaching!

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  6. Can't wait for my copy! I just finished "Hush" today - eerily like the news. She is such a gifted author.

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  7. I've heard so much buzz about this book, I just can't wait to read it! Love your poem - it's beautiful!

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  8. The line that stuck to me is the line I see many others commenting on - "I believe in mornings and starting over each and every day." I need that reminder right now. It's 3:52am right now and I'm up because I can't sleep. My daughter got very disappointing news about her swimming last night and I'm having a really tough time coming to terms with it. I'm really hoping that today is going to be a different day. If I don't believe that, it's going to be a long day! I can't wait to read the book :)

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