Tuesday, July 27, 2010



DATE 7/27/10 – Number 16

In two weeks, I will be picking up my daughter Kendra from DC. She has been going up there for the last eight summers working. I am so proud of her. She has grown up to be the most beautiful and intelligent woman and I miss her more than she will ever know.

I enjoy going back home to DC and picking her up. We drive back and take our time listening to books and/or music on our iPods. Her iPod has over 1,000 songs whereas mine has an anemic amount of 400. She enjoys my selections, but pushes her selections all the time. I have more books and podcasts than she does and she enjoys them too. To me it’s the best time of my life. We get a chance to sing our favorite songs like Barry Manilow’s, My favorite things; Celine Dion & Clive Griffin, “When I Fall in Love,” from the movie Sleepless in Seattle and current stuff. We talk about everything under the sun and then she falls asleep and I continue to drive and listen to my music or book. Now and then I take small glances at her. I’m not one to love as one loves your mother, husband, etc. I mean, I love people, my family, friends, and associates, but I worship my grandmother and my child. I guess every parent does, but it’s different. She’s not just my child, she is my life. I really thought I would not be able to have a child since I had such a hard time getting pregnant. She arrived and I could not believe how big her eyes were. How much she looks exactly and I mean exactly like her father. She has a quiet demure and laid back personality just like her father. She has a way of looking at you with dark and wide opening eyes as if she is listening. She is listening and taking it all in, but her mind is on other things and I can see that. When I brought her to my grandmother to see her first great-grand child, my grandmother looked at me and said, “She’s not one of us,” She’s his {her father’s} whole family, just like when you were born, we knew you were not us, but your father.” I didn’t know what that meant. I figure all children are like either parents. Her and my Aunt Precious was always talking about "those" and "them" people. Never understood it until Kendra grew up and I saw, just like I see in me, I’m not “of them.”

I guess that is one of reasons I’ve never act like any one on my mother’s side of the family. To me they were true Kooks!

DEIDRE BERRY
THE NEXT BEST THING - $10.96

Tori Carter is dumped on her wedding day. The guy sends her a text message saying he is in love with another woman. She is pissed. Wouldn’t you be? Thru family and friends, she forgives and moves on. Then the guy shows back up. That has happen to me and I’m sure a few of you as well. I informed the jack-ass that you had your chance, you blew it and the sale is discontinued. Try that crap with your other woman. This woman has better things to do and I look good too! Besides, your damn ass don’t even read books!! Ok, Ok, I guess there was no need to say that, but I was pissed.

ALTONYA WASHINGTON

If you like Brenda Jackson’s Westmoreland Men (I love those guys – I got to find out who should play each one. I have my own ideas), then you will love the Ramsey’s – Fernando, Taurus and Moses.

A LOVER’S MASK - $4.32 (March 2007)
A LOVER’S REGRET – RAMSEY IV – $4.55
A LOVER’S WORTH – RAMSEY V - $4.55
A LOVER’S BEAUTY – RAMSEY VI - $4.55
A LOVER’S SOUL THE RAMSEY’S BOOK VII - $5.75
LOVER’S ALLURE – A RAMSEY ROMANCE - $3.55 - - -Journey to Scotland where Darby Ellis and Kraven DeBurgh embark upon a fiery, erotic romance that sets the stage for the next level of Ramsey mystery, drama and revenge
A RAMSEY WEDDING - $3.55 (JULY 2010)

MICHEL FABRE
RICHARD WRIGHT: BOOKS AND WRITERS - $15.00

This bibliography of Richard Wright's library and reading serves as a key to understanding the development and philosophies of this great writer and provides accurate information for the study of intertextuality (Ok, that word I had to look up – it means interweaving. He couldn’t say that?). The bottom line is, this is one of the many books about Wright’s works with a good view of some of the authors and their books that influenced his writing.

I’m going to throw this one in. This has got to be the longest title for a book.

JOSEPH R. GIBSON (Are you ready?)
TRAPPED IN RAINBOWS: THE PSYCHOHISTORICAL IMPACT OF TRAUMA AND TARGETED INFERIORIZATION ON THE EPIDEMIC RISE IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN-AMERICAN HOMOSEXUALITY AS EGO DEFENSE - $8.99
I read the one reviewer comments and it wasn’t bad, but very long.

VICTOR MCGLOTHIN
EVERY SISTAH WANTS IT - $9.99
From Booklist, “Octavia Longbow is an exotic beauty raised on an Oklahoma reservation. While pursuing her master's degree, she also works as the producer for the number-one radio station in Dallas. Her ex-boyfriend is a famous recording artist, who she met in undergraduate school. Their on-and-off relationship has been full of good times and disappointments. She finally meets a handsome man who treats her the way she deserves to be treated. The obvious downside is that he is penniless, has a bike for transportation, and lives in the guesthouse of his friend. As she struggles to let go of the past and embrace the future, her ex gives her an ultimatum that requires she accompany him on a date. Unbeknownst to Octavia, her former lover and her future partner are acquaintances, and she has to come clean. Her decision to put what she needs first is the beginning of her finding what every sistah wants.”

WILLIAM H. BANKS JR.
BELOVED HARLEM: A LITERARY TRIBUTE TO BLACK AMERICAN’S MOST FAMOUS NEIGHBORHOOD, FROM THE CLASSICS TO THE CONTEMPORARY - $14.85

WAHIDA CLARK
THUGS AND THE WOMEN WHO LOVE THEM - $4.47
I think the title speaks for itself. Mrs. Clark is a New York Times bestselling author. Here’s more of her work:
THUG LOVING - $9.99
TRUST NO MAN - $10.20
THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE - $9.99
EVERY THUG NEEDS A LADY - $8.57 (Do you see a theme happening?)
PAYBACK IS A MUTHA - $4.47
PAYBACK WITH YA LIFE - $9.99
WHAT’S REALLY HOOD!: A COLLECTION OF TALES FROM THE STREETS - $9.99
SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY - $9.60 (This also includes Kiki Swinson who wrote the WIFEY series.
CHEETAH (WAHIDA CLARK PRESENTS PUBLISHING) - $9.99
Two women, Yanika Johnson aka Cheetah, a true thug and her best friend, Naj take over and run the drug trade in Newark, but there are many haters who will do anything to tear their empire down. We can’t have two women run the trade? Can we?
Be on the look out for her latest in the Tasha and Trae thug series, JUSTIFY MY THUG.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Late with the Blog



Number 15

There is no excuse for me not updating my Blog since July 20 and I am sorry for the delay. It started as a good work week, until all hell broke loose and I worked 9 days, 12 hours straight. I was out of it until I got to church Sunday morning and received a great blessing. I am blessed. I looked at the crap going around me and said to myself, “I ain’t got no got damn issues.” Sure I’m broke like everyone else. I’m living from pay check to pay check. I got bills on top of bills, but I got GOD and nobody can take that away. My kid, mother, ex-hubby and friends are doing as well as can be expected. Everyone I know has a job (Even though it is never enough money), you got a job. You got a job!!!

Let’s get to the free books first:

LESLIE KELLY
SLOW HANDS – FREE

RaeANNE THAYNE
DANCING IN THE MOOLIGHT – FREE

Now for the regular books, but with cheap prices:

DONNA HILL
AN ORDINARY WOMEN: A NOVEL - $9.99
Donna Hill is one of those writers who keeps you wondering if there is a good ending then turns around and socks it to you. All of her books are written the same way, but that’s a good thing. You never know what comes around the corner. Ross and Asha satisfied their needs until it’s too late. Friends and lovers do get back together, but it’s never the same. Other books by her:

IF I WERE YOU WOMAN - $4.32
AFTER DARY - $4.32
LOVE BECOMES HER - $3.85
THROUGH THE FIRE – $4.50
A PRIVATE AFFAIR - $5.04

PIECES OF DREAMS - $4.82
I brought this one. (I did like the cover). Maxine got dumped by Quinten years ago. They both have gone thru some hard times while separated, but now Quinten is back. Maxine got a good man and a secret that binds her and Quinten (I betcha it’s a baby, but I could be wrong). Will she go back to him or stay with the current guy? Here are others by her:
A PRIVATE AFFAIR – 5.04
LONGING AND LIES - $4.03
TEMPTATION AND LIES - $3.64
PRIZE OF A LIFETIME - $2.21

ALIYAH BURKE
AN UNLIKELY ENCOUNTER - $2.39
Ah!! Shucks now!! Sex in the bathroom with a man at the airport. She thinks after that she will never see him again and then you do. This time though, he wants it permanent. Girl, I’m getting this one!

ALICE WILSON-FRIED
OUTSIDE CHILD - $2.46
Before Katrina New Orleans, this is a mystery in the world of native born New Orleans blacks, their communities and their abilities to succeed in their city. Alice takes readers on a tour of a place and society that has raised questions and enlivened curiosity since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. An “outside child” is one born a married man and unmarried woman; we’ve heard that one before.

NIOBIA BRYANT
MESSAGE FROM A MISTRESS - $8.96
A review from Amazon, “Through good times and bad, longtime friends Jaime, Renee, Aria, and Jessa have shared just about everything. But all hell breaks loose when Jessa texts them a shocking revelation: she's been sharing her bed-with one of their husbands. To make matters worse, she refuses to name which husband she's been cheating with. And all three wives have reason to worry....”

Niobia Bryant was born and raised in Newark. She writes romance, fiction and Urban fiction under the name of Meesha Mink. Here’s a quote from her, "The stories about inner cities needs to be as diverse as the people who live in these environments. Growing up on 16th Ave in Newark all my life, I know in a one block radius you could either have a single mother or a married couple raising their family, dope dealers or people working forty hours a week, a homeowner or someone renting a low income apartment. For me, urban fiction isn’t about glorifying the negatives in the ‘hood, but simply telling the real stories that do exist. As a writer and a reader I can always respect the gift of storytelling of ALL stories.” Other books by her:

LIVE AND LEARN - $3.99
HOT LIKE FIRE (Dafina Contemporary Romance) - $5.59
MAKE YOU MINE - $4.75

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Romance and little bit more!!!



Number 14

It’s Tuesday and I’m still having a great week so far. No major problems because I believe in solving any bullshit before it starts. You can’t always do that, but I’m sure going to give it a good try, each and every day. Besides, after work I left to volunteer at the library. The one place in the world I am myself 150% and nobody can take that away from me at any time or place.

Man! Some of these “Christian Books” are beginning to alarm me.

LOVELY, LUTISHIA
SEX IN THE SANCTUARY - $4.39
Two women, one with a good preacher husband, who also takes care of the bedroom and the other one with, well you know. Now, do the one with the "round about the way libidinous nature", pray or shoot the floozies who comes around? Other books by her on the Kindle:

HEAVEN RIGHT HERE - $8.96
A PREACHER’S PASSION - $8.00
REVEREND FEELGOOD - $8.57
LOVE LIKE HALLELUJAH - $4.47

PAMELA D. RICE
THE SUNDY MORNING WIFE (PEACE IN THE STORM) - $9.99
Preacher man is abusive to wife. She is covering it up, just like that movie, “Madea’s Family Reunion.” Didn’t Lynn Whitfield play her ass off?

JACQUELIN THOMAS
SAMSON - $9.99
New assistant pastor of a church in North Carolina is handsome and enthralling, but he has a problem with women. He lusts after them a bit too much and get’s into trouble. More books by Ms. Thomas:
THE PASTOR’S WOMEN - $4.32
THE IDEAL WIFE - $9.99
JEZEBEL - $12.99 (Now, that title sounds good!)
TEACH ME TONIGHT - $4.32

Now for our 99 cents books:

MONIQUE D. MENSAH
WHO IS HE TO YOU – 99 CENTS

ROY GLENN
THREE THE HARD WAY – 99 CENTS

JAREE FRANCIS
DRAMA, MY FAVORITE NEPHEW – 99 CENTS

ALAN CRAMER
GOD HELPS THOSE…… - 99 CENTS

SYLVIA HUBBARD
STEALING INNOCENCE - 99 CENTS
This one is a little different. Man gets kidnapped by girl’s Uncle to make girl pregnant to get inheritance of her dead husband. Man is mad, very mad, until he see’s girl. I enjoyed it. It was another way to look at a man trapped instead of a woman.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Gangsters and Romance



Number 13
I’m back to normal today, I went to church. I always feel pretty good after church. Today’s subject was an “unstoppable life.” How Jesus was at the beginning and will be at the end. You may have had a dream to get marry, start a business or anything and it did not work out. Let it go and move on. You may not realize it, but don’t give up, talk about the future and commit to it. Just don’t give the hell up!!! You know what your dream is. You want that guy to marry you? Either tell him or step aside and find the one who will marry you and be sincere with you as well as love you, only YOU!. You want to write that book? Stop complaining and do it. Write something, anything, every single day. You can’t stand your job? Keep looking and keep applying until you get. Do something every day. Do something!!! Don’t give the hell up.!

I’m not. For so many years I lived for my kid. That was my job. Ensuring my kid was given every opportunity with love, support and spiritual guidance. I was not going to let my kid stay in the “Ghetto” mentality and live as did. I grew up in a poor neighborhood, but my grandmother, who was 5 feet tall, could kick my ass from here to Heaven and if she had her sister with her, Aunt Precious, my ass was slimed and primed. My daughter got the same treatment. You stay on the path expected of you and since I gave birth to you, “Your ass is mine.” In other words, “I own you.” Not your friends, teachers, coaches, etc. “I own you, hair lock, feet, teeth (Don’t get me started on how much those Damn!!! Teeth cost me!!!). Now, I did not get all “Ghetto Mess” on her, but I kept her life and my life in line. I was not going to take the time solving bullshit problems which could be avoided. Even when her dad and I divorced, it took me a while to figure out that, “we” are divorced from either other, not the child. “We” are responsible for this child. Not friends, our parents, chums, or anyone else. I took the first step and said to him, “OK, we are no longer together, no problem, I will survive.” But, you are part of this group and you will help raise this child. You don’t have money to pay for child support? “Fine, I will figure it out.” But, you will see your child on a regular basis. You will know your child from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. If I have to get a part time job or play hooker for money, I will.” Your child will have a father and mother. Folks, it worked. It wasn’t the easiest, but it work.

Ok, Ok, I will now stop the long-winded talking and get to books on Kindle.

DONALD GOINES
BLACK GANGSTER - $5.59
DADDY COOL: A NOVEL (OLD SCHOOL BOOKS) - $5.59
CRY REVENGE - $5.59
DEATH LIST - $6.39
The original ghetto writer. A man who lived life as a pimp, created the original “Prince” from the movie Super Fly. Owned and operated liquor stores and big time dope dealer. He wrote about 30 books on his life while in jail. It may not be your thing to read gang banger stuff, but his stories of life in the ghetto is not much different from the stories of today. He knew how to tell a story with grind and vivid details. You are going to read more. It is a shame that some of his works are not as popular as other urban books. Only four are on the Kindle. The others you will find available at your local library.

KEITH LEE JOHNSON
SUGAR & SPICE - $12.99
PRETENSES - $14.99 (Almost as much as a real book, Wow!)
LITTLE GIRL LOST: THE RETUN OF JOHNNIE WISE - $3.99
Here’s a review Ms. Ellie, a member of Amazon – “No 'pity party' for Ms Johnnie. She was forced to 'sink or swim' and learned quickly how increased knowledge builds wealth. Her desire for love nearly leads to her downfall however, she recovers quite well. There is much to be learned from this young soul. Book 2 may require me to take notes.”

Keith Lee Johnson is also the writer of “The Honeymoon is Over,” “Fate’s Redemption,” “Hell Has No Fury,” and Little Black Girl Lost 1 thru 5. A former Air Force man, he writes in several genres including, suspense/thrillers, drama, and contemporary fiction. Visit his website - http://www.keithleejohnson.com.

TWEET (I’m not kidding – That’s the author’s name)
LOVE IS THE DRUG: AN URBAN LOVE STORY BY TWEET - $7.99

ALIYAH BURKE
A LITTLE WHITE LIE - $1.59
Tahnee Madison lies about who she is. She’s caught in it and falls in love with a white man she did not expect.

MARIE ROCHELLE
LUCKY CHARMS - $2.00
SOMETHING PUMPING - $1.42
TYCOON SERIES: DANGEROUS BET: TROY’S REVENGE - $1.42
BOSS MANN - $1.42 (I do like the title, whatever!)
From the two books I have read, these are romance stories of black women and white men (Now, don’t go on and pitch a fit), You know good and damn well it may come to that. Not because there are not enough good black men, of course there are, but aren’t not enough MEN. Period! You know these books are not bad. Pretty good love stories, especially when the cost is less than $3.00. I got to see if my friend Carolyn have every heard of her.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

LOVE and MORE LOVE





Number 12
I’m tied today. I worked my ass off, listened to complainers, meetings on top of meetings that do not accomplished a ding dong thing! Lunch was green beans, potatoes with sausage. I made it Sunday to have for lunch this week and I have to admit, it was good. Saved some money too! I left work on time and went to the only place I’m happy, truly, truly blissful. The Library.

My mind is lucid. My heart sings new blood. My soul sees a world no one can touch. No one can complain, talk down, eat me alive with disapproval. It’s me and my grandmother. It’s our “Royal Library of Alexandria in Egypt. It’s my home. It’s me.
I’m just damn happy!!!

Gwynne Forster
FOOLS RUSH IN - $5.04
Imagine being 8 months pregnant and finding out that your spouse had been having an affair, and has just died in a motel fire with his white mistress

SHARON EWELL FOSTER
PASSING INTO LIGHT - $8.59
This is the only book I found for the Kindle/iPad format, but she writes beautiful romance books with great characters

HONEY B
MARRIED ON MONDAYS - $9.99
SINGLE HUSBANDS - $9.99
SEXCAPADES - $9.99

MARY B. MORRISON
UNCONDITIONALLY SINGLE - $9.60
MANEATER - $9.60
WHO’S LOVING YOU - $3.99
WHEN SOMEBODY LOVES YOU BACK - $4.47

Who in their right mind don’t read Honey B (Mary B. Morrison)? Come on. This is one of the most serious African American Erotica author on the damn planet next to Ms. ZANE. My girl!!! Enjoy them all. You will want more.

SHONDA
SHE SLIPPED AND FELL - $9.99
I have not read this, so tell me thru Amazon what did you think?

MARILYN LEE
LOVING LARGE – YOURS, ONLY AND ALWAYS - $5.99
A plus size woman finds love. It’s an easy read with a good message and ending.

NENE LAVENDAR
THE GHETTO: A CLASSIC HOOD NOVEL - $.99
One reviewer thought the writer should go back and get some serious writing skills and the other reviewer through the book was exciting and that urban fiction readers would like it once they get pass the slang. Hey, hit me up with a review.

Monday, July 12, 2010

QUIET STORM





Number 11

I use to listen to WHUR in Washington, DC to Melvin Lindsey’s “Quiet Storm.” It was soulful melody and moody harmonious music. I still miss him. To this day, radio stations everywhere are using that format. The guy was more than smooth, he was beautiful. I was listening to my iPod today and one of the songs by the Isley Brothers made me think of him. I will go back to “church” tomorrow or Tuesday. Today, let’s talk about LOVE. That one word - - LOVE!!! It has taken down the Roman civilization, Captains of Wars, Presidents, and other desirable men. As Tina Turner states, “What’s Love Got to Do with it.” A lot!!

Usually I only give you books for the Kindle, but in this case the book below is an exception. If you have watched the TV show, “The Gates,” a vampire/mystery show on ABC, you may have noticed the good looking black tech guy. He has no character name since he was only on the one episode, but his real name is Kendrick Cross. He was on the cover of Ms. Grundy book, but now there’s a women.

SHAWNA A. GRUNDY
GOTTA HAVE IT (URBAN SOUL PRESENTS) – Paperback - $6.99

When you log into Amazon, you will now see a women. I tell you the boy looks damn good with no shirt on!!! Yummy!!! Oh well, I can dream.
Ashelei Thompson, beautiful and working in the music industry is fighting lies, scandals, etc. etc. According to my girlfriend Jessica, it got lots of eroticisms and a well written plot. I think the title speaks for itself, don’t you? She has only written this one book and it came out in 2007. Will have to contact her and ask when her next one is.

GLORIA MALLETTE
WHAT’S DONE IN THE DARK - $6.99

Celeste and her sister Katrina are rivals. When Celeste’s hubby is found murdered, Katrina blames her for not “taking care of her man.” Now Katrina’s husband is very ill and a second wife shows up. Somebody see if this is a reality show on TV now because I suspect it is.

SUNSHINE ROYAL
HIDE & SEEK: WHAT’S DONE IN THE DARK
(THE HIDE & SEEK SERIES) - $2.99

Sisters, Neveah and Angel, play a hide and seek game to bring down a pastor because he’s a dog. One of them is going to develop some serious feelings for him and there’s a secret and it’s coming out.

MS. DOWNLOW
HER HUSBAND MADE HER DO HIM (VOLUME 1) - $4.95

Wife is mad hubby is having an affair, so she goes and have one too. Eventually they both get caught up in some stuff they can’t handle.

DEVON SCOTT
UNFAITHFUL - $3.99

Ok, hubby cheats with best friend wife. I’m getting a little tried of this, aren’t you?

MATA ELLIOT
FORGIVIN’ AIN’T FORGETTIN’ - $9.99

Quote from Amazon, “A heartfelt debut novel that debunks the myth that says to truly forgive, one must forget--a lesson learned in this story by a woman traumatized by abusive relationships and a widower who fall in love.”

NIOBIA BRYANT
GIVE ME FEVER - $4.47


Ohh! Now this is romance like my girl the writer Brenda Jackson. You see, strong, handsome black men do exist and not just in books. Jade and Kaeden are on a camping trip when “BANG, OH! BANG!” the sex is great and the love is better.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Church Folk



Number 10

It’s time to go to church. I got home from church this morning, started cooking dinner, and pressed or laid out my clothes for the whole week. Yes, I’m anal like that. I do not like getting up in the morning and looking for something to wear. A week or two worth of clothes is hanging on the door. I walk the dog, take care of bathroom business (There are many people out there who are not taking care of bathroom business – They stink), get the outfit for the day on, feed my dog, drink my coffee and on to work. Why waste time. No time to look for something to wear.

Let’s get started on the day. I love my church and I’m sure you do as well. It sets my week off and gets me through the rough days ahead. Does it for you?

MICHELE ANDREA BOWEN
CHURCH FOLK - $9.99
I read this book last year and started looking for her books. This reminds me of Payton Place for Black folks (For those of you who do not know Payton Place, see the movie with Lana Tuner (Yeah, I know, she’s white), but the movie is good. Essie Lee Lane marries a good preacher. A man who has to deal with sex, greed, politics and bad behavior of the members of the Greater Hope Gospel United Church (Long name I know!). You know how we are in church and Bowen’s writing put it out there. A pretty funny book too!

MICHELE ANDREA BOWEN
SECOND SUNDAY - $9.99
All right now, we are back in church at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. They have to select a new pastor and everyone got their own ideas of who it should be. We got the Diva woman, the holy woman, and the men who think (or should we say know!) that they are good looking and that every woman wants them. More plots to keep you laughing and crying and some weird characters. You will not be disappointed.

MICHELE ANDREA BOWEN
UP AT THE COLLEGE - $9.99
Here it is the year 2010 and there are still some women who believe in the Cinderella story. Yes, even me. Just maybe my version is a little different. I do believe there is a guy out there for me and you. I believe Steve Harvey when he and others say, a good black man does exist. I have lots of friends who are good black men. It may take some time, but they are out there. Just give it to the Lord, he knows what to do. With the backstabbing and divorce, Yvonne goes back home to find peace with the Lord. She also finds a good black man. There is nothing wrong with that, especially now. We need him more.

MICHELE ANDREA BOWEN
HOLY GHOST CORNER - $9.99
I laughed and laughed until I cried. Ms. Bowen knows church and she knows Baptist church people. You will meet Theresa Elaine Hopson, owner of “Miss Thang’s Holy Ghost Corner and Church Women’s Boutique.” (I’m not kidding). How come she can't find a man but her friend Baby Doll, with false teeth and horrible clothes, can?

MICHELE ANDREA BOWEN
MORE CHURCH FOLK - $9.99 (Comes out July 28, 2010)
You can’t stop now. You got to find out what happens to the church folk after 23 years. I will understand if you are a true Christian and maybe this book may not move you, but give it a try. You know damn well you see these same people in your own church!

Have you read the latest comment on Black women and Church? Check out this website - http://survivingdating.com/black-churches-how-black-churches-keep-african-american-women-single-and-alone

Saturday, July 10, 2010








Number 9
You know, if you have been away from the library for a while, you need to check them out again. You are broke, I’m broke, everyone is broke and money is hard to get with due to these hard financial times. Libraries have seen a very large increase in people borrowing books, DVDs, and CDs. They are using the internet, holding meetings and book clubs, and attending free classes. I’m a volunteer at the Charleston County Library in downtown Charleston and I have seen the increase. Many people are in there, not just to find books, but to look for jobs using the internet. Attend classes on how to start your own business, use Face book and other social sites to help locate friends, network or to just to look around.
That has always been the first place I go when I need a book or just to browse and feel what these authors are writing. It’s free and you will be surprise what you may find at your local library. Since money is so tight, borrowing from the library saves you money, but also buying your books for the Kindle or iPad saves too. Visit you local library and say thank you to the librarians. She or He will appreciate it.

HEY - - ONE DOLLAR OR FREE!!!!

FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT
ONE DAY AT ARLE - $1.00
Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was an English- American playwright and author. She was best known for her children's stories, in particular The Secret Garden (1911) and Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886). Her first story was published in Godey's Lady's Book in 1868. Her main writing talent was combining realistic detail of working-class life with a romantic plot. Quote from Amazon.

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
UP FROM SLAVERY – Free
A classic Black History read. This is one of those books where it is still required reading at school and colleges, but it should also be ingrained in every African American home. It talks about black economic empowerment, home ownership, self-help, and, yes we need this - high self esteem. I understand that some people will wonder why they should read this book, but as the old saying goes, “Those who forget the past will repeat it.”

W.E.B. Dubois
THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLK – Free
Another book that should be read by every African American. It is an easy read of the history of us!!! You can carry it around and prove to your friends that you know what you are talking about.

HARRIET ANN JACOBS INCIDENTS IN THE LIFE OF A SLAVE GIRL
WRITTEN BY HERSELF - Free
A few years ago, in my English class, this was a required reading assignment. I usually know all of the Black history books and their authors, but this was the first time I read her book. It did not feel like a history book, but a good story of how life actually was during slavery and how she survived. There were small hiccups that I did not quire understand. Selling her virginity for freedom, but in those days, did you have a choice? There are, of course, those who treated her like all were treated during that time, but she kept on going. Just like my grandmother did during her time and just like me. This is one of the few books from a woman who was actually able to record her life.

ZORE NEALE HURSTON and LANGSTON HUGHES
THE MULE-BONE: A COMEDY OF NEGRO – Free
Two of the most powerful African American writers. There is nothing more to say, just get the book, you will not be disappointed.

Friday, July 9, 2010

James Baldwin - Proud to be Black and Gay



Number 8

As I have stated before, maybe not as well as I should have, my grandmother, whom we called, “Muh,” her name was Virginia Hawkins. She started this love of books and reading in me. Two or three times a week, she and I would walk to the library a few blocks from our one bedroom apartment in the housing community of Lincoln Heights in North East, DC.

The first time I saw this huge library, at least to my 7 years of age eyes, my heart and head switch places. I could not believe that there was a place so beautiful, smelled so good and filled with shelves and more shelves of books. I shook my hand from my grandmother’s hard grip and ran to the first shelf. I took my hand and rubbed over the books of each shelf and pulled closer to make sure they were real books and not fake paper covers I have seen at other places. These were real books. Books I could borrow. I continued to touch and feel every shelf I could. Took a few down from the shelf and sat on the floor to open and smell them. To hold so really close to my heart. To read the first page and rub my hands inside the book. I was more than amazed; it was the beginning of my life. Books would consume me for the rest of my life. One of these I borrowed and have read and re-read over and over again was:

JAMES BALDWIN
IF BEAL STREET COULD TALK
Paperback Used - $3.50 or $10.04


Tish and Fonny, young, African Americans are trying so very hard to get a decent job, marry and get a home. They are young and in love in the 1970s New York, which was extremely hard for a black man accused of rape. I will always believe to this day that he did not do it, but this book takes you thru the hell both families go thru to get him out of jail. You've heard it before, her family is supportive and his family is sort of supportive, but his black father had his own hard time. This book, which was written in 1974, should still be read today by young African American boys/men to, hopefully, finally, help them realize that no matter what decade it is, being black is still hard without family, but with support, we can pull through any hell. I know I did.

Did you have a book that still moves your heart and soul?

Friday, July 2, 2010



I have been told, and there are some times when I feel that dark message inside my soul telling me to give this blog up and do some serious writing of the Great African American Novel, but, it’s not working, it’s just not working. I have always had a love of reading and books from the time my grandmother walked me to library. We were poor and living in a poor neighbor, and there were times I did miss a meal or two, but when I was with my grandmother, I did not care what I ate, slept on or lived, as long as my grandmother and books were with me.

She grew up poor in Athens, Georgia and moved to Washington, DC when she married my grandfather. To keep from turning this into a “Black History” story, suffice to say, I was raised by her. Even though we had very and I mean very little, my life was always, always complete when she was around. I prayed all the time to keep her here on earth because I did not think I could go on living. I gave birth to her first great-grand child and she lived loved enough to meet and hold her. She also read to my daughter just as I did and at times (My kid is 21 years old and in college), my kid still ask me, every once in a while, to read “Junie B. Jones,” because of my funny voice.

I guess I’m going on and on. My message, I’m not giving the hell up!,” People may not buy my subscription to this blog, but I’m not about to give up and not bring to every single person I can, books, books, e-books, Kindle, iPad, books and more books. Hey, books below:

Ahmad Aleem Williams - HOW DO I GET OUT OF HERE – IT’S ONLY 99 CENTS

The sequel to “HOW” series, ‘HOW DID I GET HERE?” which is $9.99 - -
“Preston Brown is one of the most elegant and upcoming stars in the African-American community; who has destiny written all over him. He has everything a twenty-five year old man could ever want in life: a miraculous looking wife (Delight), kids, dog, and a career lined up after seminary school to top it all off. Although, very intelligent and keen with words you will find out how Preston's strengths will ultimately turn into his center of weakness. Preston finds himself in a series of unfortunate events that makes it difficult for him to even believe in himself after some time. Preston's ambitious attributes meet the test when he finds himself caught up with a woman that attracts him in every way. Preston soon finds himself in a dilemma of whether to stay married or get a divorce. The first of a three part series will read to you a story about failure, struggle, and redemption at its greatest capacities. Find out how the consistent faith of his wife delivers him from evil and how Preston finds humility as the greatest spiritual relief he has ever felt.”

Deja King - THE BITCH IS BACK - $9.99 – Part 3 of Ms. Precious Cummings. The Hood Queen.”

Deja King - RIDE WIT' ME - $8.64

Dr. XYZ - Nasty (Zane Presents) - $9.99 – Now, you know you got to get your freak on with Nicola and Carlos. The ride is hell and back!!

Zane - HEAD BANGERS: AN APF SEXCAPADE

AlTonya Washington - THROUGH IT ALL - IT’S ONLY 1.00 DOLLAR - -
Xavier Garrett's dangerous career as a homicide detective finally prompted Vanessa Garrett to end their marriage. When a murder occurs at the publishing house where Van works, Xav heads the team handling the case. When it's discovered that the killer is targeting the company's executives, Xav goes to great lengths to protect his ex-wife. The situation is far too close for comfort and reminds Vanessa of everything she gave up when she left her sexy ex-husband.

Angela Nichelle - CUPID'S ARROW – ‘IT’S ONLY $2.99 - -
Safina Ralph is single on Valentine's Day. She's determined to have a good time in L.A. away from her home in Chicago with her friend, Lynn. The two of them have exclusive passes to Red, the hottest nightclub on Venice Beach. Just as the festive atmosphere begins to coax Safina into the party mood, she notices someone, or something in the rafters, shooting arrows into the crowd of unsuspecting party goers below!