Page 31 - BCALA Winter 2018

practical. If you’re wearing heels and suddenly have to run for your life... you’re dead.” The reason I enjoy this quote is because as a librarian I enjoy dressing professionally for work, but finding a good pair of shoes is equally as important. Because I am on my
feet a lot, high-heels are not the most practical shoes to wear for me. As for Lord doing stand-up comedy, it is as equally as important to be comfortable in performing.
Another practical quote that was memorable is, “It’s very important to travel. You have to get out of your
zip code, go to a different Wal-Mart. It really broadens you.” In this particular opener to a section “On the road,” she tells her experience of traveling around the world for shows. Lord had traveled graciously abroad and domestically while bringing her stand-up to the Navy and Armed Forces. Essentially, Lord’s stories in this chapter give the reader a sense
of appreciation for not taking life for granted, and by traveling it will broaden your horizons. Throughout the book, Leighann Lord kept true to herself. She mentions in many places in the memoir how she gives
BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 31 advice about life as a comedienne.
Lord is honest about the comedy profession. Also, in the memoir,
she mentioned how some gigs are a bit questionable to one’s morals or affects their freedom of speech. Most important, Leighann Lord debunked the typical stereotype of an African American woman and comedienne. This talented woman had a way in combating those challenges of being a comedian.
Book Review: Tahira Ahmad’s Snapshots: Silent thoughts In Words
By Linda Jolivet, Laney Community College.
Over 30 “free verse” poems share
the inner thoughts of the author, family woman, and poet. These inner reflections echo universal thoughts and concerns of a mother, daughter, and thoughtful human. A few of the poems are prayerful expressions, others are thoughts on love, life, earth, community, and hopes and dreams.
The work “Who Am I?” reflects upon the oneness of all humanity, as does “The Earth – Like a Home” and “A Wish”. “For All Little Girls and Boys”, and “Girls and Boys Who Rocked Our World” are inspirational poems which are certain to be appreciated by young
people. I recommend this title for young adult and adult collections.
(Editor’s note: Ahmad is a member of BCALA. Purchasing and other information is available at https:// www.amazon.com/Snapshots- Silent-Thoughts-Tahira-Ahmad/ dp/1480858153 )