Part II of the Christmas Fisaco!!

NUMBER 104 

Now, back to the story of the “freaking up Christmas with my part-timers.”  Let me make a correction, the party was December 17, not this past weekend.  

After the book club meeting with JAMES W. LEWIS, author of the second book, SELLOUT - $2.99;  I asked my friend to join me at the party. I go home and reheat the dish for the party and drive on down to the store. My friend is texting me and asking where am I, but of course I don’ t read it because I am driving. When I turned the corner of the street where the store is, I don’t see anyone and it looks as if it’s closed for the night.  

I drive around and park right next to my friend who proceeds to tell me that two of the co-workers closed the store and left.  So I stated, “you mean they left?” “Yes, and they said hi to me because they know I’m your friend.”  Well, we get out of our cars and stood in front of the store. I’m thinking, maybe I got the wrong store or place and re-checked my phone. No, the text does say 8:30pm at the store. Maybe everyone is just late.  

My friend and I continue to stand there and after about 15 minutes, I call the co-worker who had just left and ask where is she.  She stated she was on her way back with her sister, but they left to pick up a friend.  Then she asked if anyone was there, I said no, but will call her back in 10 minutes since she is coming back.  We are still standing there and it’s getting cold outside and another 20 minutes go by.  Remember, the party started at 8:30pm and it’s now 9:15 pm and nobody, I mean no got damn body has shown up.  Oh, I’m not mad,  I’m just thinking once again the manager, who has a bad reputation of lying has lied again. When I check my phone, after I call another co-worker who did not answer the phone, I see another text from the manager stating that when she left work earlier, she was not feeling well and went to the hospital.  The hospital wanted to keep her overnight, so she would not be making it.

It is now 9:30 and still not a got damn soul showed up.  I’m standing here with my friend, a hot dish and a Christmas card with money.  “Sorry I say to my friend, let’s go and sit and enjoy coffee at Starbucks, my treat.”  She asked me was I going to leave the food in my car.  I wasn’t going to do that so I took it two doors down and gave it to the guys working late over there.  I took the Christmas card out of my pocket, tore the card up and pocketed the money.  What kind of freaking, bull dozier crap was that?  

Oh, you know the next day, after church, I returned to the scene of the crime.  Lord and behold, the manager was there and told me that she told them at the hospital that she could not stay overnight and went home at 2am in the morning to be at work at 6am.  Now, do you believe that shit?!!! I did not and still don’t.  The other co-worker who “went to get a friend” and she just happened to be my “secret santa” told me and the manager that next year she was going to make everyone come or have their pay docked.  Do they really think I’m the most ignorant person on this earth?  I said nothing, just went on my business, worked and left for home.  Happy that I donated the food and kept that money in my pocket instead of giving it to ungrateful, stupid, don’t read, lying ass people. I cannot believe the utter disrespect to me. If no one wanted to have a party, they should have just cancelled it. I did not need to waste my damn money or time. But you know what?  I’m just going to pray for them and spend the money on books, hahaha!  

Here are the books I brought.  Some I brought two or three paperbacks to give away.  Now, that’s spending my “hard earned, part time killing myself to get out of debt and stay out of debt butt.”  It’s OK, it all comes out right at the end.  Freaking nuts!!!

Sellout

ALICIA SINGLETON - DARK SIDE OF VALOR: A SUSPENSE NOVEL - $9.99 - - - Lelia Freeman created a life for herself after growing up homeless on the streets of Los Angeles. When the horror has passed, Lelia vows to make a better life.  Now, Lelia spends her life trying to save children. As the director of ChildSafe Shelters, she is summoned to Washington and asked to serve on a committee that aids the children of a war-torn African nation. Life takes a dramatic turn when Lelia uncovers terrible corruption and is kidnapped for her knowledge.  Her fate is in the hands of Elijah Dune, a mercenary stuck in the past. Haunted by the loss of his daughter, Elijah is the only one who can save Lelia, but he believes she is to blame for his daughter’s death.

Dark Side of Valor

TAYARI JONES - SILVER SPARROW - Kindle - $1.99 and Paperback $11.04 - - - I brought two of her books for friends.

A coming-of-age story of sorts, Jones'sUntelling) chronicles the not-quite-parallel lives of Dana Lynn Yarboro and Bunny Chaurisse Witherspoon in 1980s Atlanta. Both girls-born four months apart-are the daughters of James Witherspoon, a secret bigamist, but only Dana and her mother, Gwen, are aware of his double life. This, Dana surmises, confers "one peculiar advantage" to her and Gwen over James's other family, with whom he lives full time, though such knowledge is small comfort in the face of all their disadvantages. Perpetually feeling second best, 15-year-old Dana takes up with an older boy whose treatment of her only confirms her worst expectations about men. Meanwhile, Chaurisse enjoys the easy, uncomplicated comforts of family, and though James has done his utmost to ensure his daughters' paths never cross, the girls, of course, meet, and their friendship sets their worlds toward inevitable (and predictable) collision. Set on its forced trajectory, the novel piles revelation on revelation, growing increasingly histrionic and less believable.

Silver Sparrow

VICTORIA CHRISTOPHER MURRAY - THE DEAL, THE DANCE, AND THE DEVIL - $9.99 (another one I brought two books from my “Christmas fiasco Party in paperback $7.48) - - - What would you do for five million dollars? Adam and Evia Langston have lived in their own little garden of Eden since the two married at the age of seventeen. Working their way up from the humblest of beginnings, the Langston’s have thrived beyond anything they could have ever imagined. Now they live in the finest home, drive the best cars, and indulge in all the trimmings that signify their massive success, but then the recession hits and rips apart the family’s financial stability. Unable to support their three children and other relatives, Adam and Evia find themselves drowning in financial trouble and teetering on the brink of complete disaster. With nowhere to turn, the Langston’s have no idea what to do.  Until Shay-Shaunté, Evia’s multimillionaire boss, comes to the Langston’s with a five-million-dollar offer that seems so hard to refuse. Will the Langston’s make this deal? Or will they recognize that the glitter of five million dollars may be far from gold?  Sounds like that movie, Indecent Proposal, with Demi Moore and Robert Redford.

The Deal, the Dance, and the Devil

CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE - PURPLE HIBISCUS - $7.93 Paperback - - - Fifteen-year-old Kambili's world is circumscribed by the high walls and frangipani trees of her family compound. Her wealthy Catholic father, under whose shadow Kambili lives, while generous and politically active in the community, is repressive and fanatically religious at home.

When Nigeria begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili's father sends her and her brother away to stay with their aunt, a University professor, whose house is noisy and full of laughter. There, Kambili and her brother discover a life and love beyond the confines of their father's authority. The visit will lift the silence from their world and, in time, give rise to devotion and defiance that reveal themselves in profound and unexpected ways. This is a book about the promise of freedom; about the blurred lines between childhood and adulthood; between love and hatred, between the old gods and the new. 

Purple Hibiscus: A Novel

ESTHER LAMNYAM - LOVE UNDER THE KOLA NUT TREE - - - $9.99 - - - A devastating accident brings to light a long-kept secret that now threatens to tear apart a family. When 5-year-old Micah Walker is hit by a car, the esteemed Dr. Morgan discovers that the boy’s father is not his biological parent. Find out how an act of infidelity opens onto a mystical path of spiritual awakening in a new, unconventional romance novel. After marital counseling fails, a visiting African queen begins to teach the Walkers and their friends also experiencing heart wrenching relationship drama laws and secrets of nature and ancient truths concerning men and women. These laws are constant, can’t be plea bargained, or manipulated. It is a journey that branches onto unexpected paths. This spiritual quest leads the queen to Dr. Morgan, who has a secret of his own that will restore the balance of power between men and women. 

LOVE UNDER THE KOLA NUT TREE. What City Moms Didn't Tell You About Creating Fulfilling Relationships

Let’s get out of the “mad-men” mood and start thinking now, before the new year begin, more positive.  It’s going to be a great new year, you’ll see!!

JAMES ALLEN - AS A MAN THINKETH - FREE - - - As a Man Thinketh" reveals how our thoughts determine reality. Whether or not we are conscious of it, our underlying beliefs shape our character, our health and appearance, our circumstances, and our destinies. Allen shows how we can master our thoughts to create the life we want.

As a Man Thinketh

Got to stick on one for Black History Year.  

LAWRENCE HILL - THE BOOK OF NEGROES - $19.99 - Paperback - - - Kidnapped as a child from Africa, Aminata Diallo is enslaved in South Carolina but escapes during the chaos of the Revolutionary War. In Manhattan she becomes a scribe for the British, recording the names of blacks who have served the King and earned freedom in Nova Scotia. But the hardship and prejudice there prompt her to follow her heart back to Africa, then on to London, where she bears witness to the injustices of slavery and its toll on her life and a whole people. It is a story that no listener, and no reader, will ever forget.

The Book of Negroes

MARILYN HERBERT - Bookclub-in-a-Box Discusses The Book of Negroes / Someone Knows My Name, by Lawrence Hill: The Complete Guide for Readers and Leaders (Book Club in a Box: The Complete Package for Readers and Leaders) - $6.39 - - - 

The history and terror of black slavery has been well documented in literature and film. Lawrence Hill’s new book doesn’t lessen the awfulness of the times, but adds a unique human dimension. Hill has created an uplifting and highly educational story about a shameful part of history. The Book of Negroes is sold in the United States under the title, Someone Knows My Name. Aminata Diallo was born free in Africa in the eighteenth century. She had a rich and lovely childhood until the day she was captured by slave traders and marched off to the coast in chains. Along with thousands of others, Aminata was destined for North America as a slave to white owners. She was eleven years old. Hill tracks Aminata’s story through the circle of her life. We travel with her to South Carolina, New York, Nova Scotia, London (England), and even to Freetown in Sierra Leone. Each step of the way, we learn about the horrors and immorality of slavery. As we look at and listen to these diminished people, we observe how they courageously work at overcoming the psychological hardships and limitations imposed by their imprisonment. Every Bookclub-in-a-Box discussion guide includes complete coverage of the themes and symbols, writing style and interesting background information on the novel and the author.

Bookclub-in-a-Box Discusses The Book of Negroes / Someone Knows My Name, by Lawrence Hill: The Complete Guide for Readers and Leaders (Book Club in a Box: The Complete Package for Readers and Leaders)

RACHELLE ROGERS KNIGHT - READ, REMEMBER, RECOMMEND: A READING JOURNAL FOR BOOK LOVERS - (That’s me all the way!!!) - - Spiral-bound - $10.87 

Read, Remember, Recommend: A Reading Journal for Book Lovers

MARY ANN SHAFFER AND ANNIE BARROWS - THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PIE SOCIETY - $10.00 

This book is not by an African American, but two white women, and one died recently.  So please do not get the impression that you don’t need to read this book because its not “black,” it still represents a time in our history, as in slavery, that evil roomed and it was stopped because “good men/women did do something to stop evil.”

There are always books that make you angry, hurtful, pissed beyond pissed and then turn you around with so much love and positive admiration, you wonder if you could ever live through what they had to live through.  It’s not slavery, but it’s close,  damn close, memories told thru letters of survival, death, heartache, lies, and so much hurt during at the end of World War 2 with remembrances of the Holocaust.  Don’t think you may not be able to read it because it deals with so much evilness, it’s the power of Juliet and the people she writes to and about and they write back of their spiritual and mental power to love and forgive.  

I started reading this book on a Friday and did not leave my house for anything until I found out who survived and who found love and compassion.  One particular character that I cried and cried over, gave her life to stop a Nazi jerk from beating her friend because she needed to go to the bathroom and take care of a feminine nature.  My heart got filled with so much anger and a few letters later it got filled with so much love.  I’m still reading it over and over again to just keep that compassion and love in my heart for everyone.  Please, please read it.  Books can change your life and this one will also.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

What the hell are people thinking during Xmas!!

NUMBER 103 

I know it’s me.  I know dog gone well, it’s me.  Let me set the stage.  As you know I work a part time job (Go Dave! Go Michelle! Go Suzy! Get Out Of Debt!!).  I usually work Saturdays and Sundays only.  When I applied for the job, I specifically stated that I only want to work weekends because I have a full time job.  No more, no less.  Well, they asked if I could sometimes work Friday thru Sunday, no problem.  I worked a few times a little bit more, but, no problem with that either.  I received a text from the manager on Wednesday, Dec 21 asking if I could work Xmas Eve for a short time, no problem, I said yes.  A few minutes later another text asked if I was coming to the Xmas party that Saturday, Dec 23 at 8:30 after the store closed.  No, problem, I said yes.  Prior to that, a few weeks ago, a bag was placed on the counter asking everyone to pick a name for secret Santa, no problem, I did and started putting aside money to give to the “secret Santa.”  Since I really don’t know them all that well, I decided to give money.  I figure that would help a whole lot more than some damn Xmas gift that they would be nice and say, “Thank You,” but behind my back go, “What the crap is this.” 

The next text a few minutes later, ask that I bring a dish and my “secret Santa” gift, no problem.  I get up early Saturday morning, go to Costco and get a dish to bake (Yeah, Yeah, I know, no, I’m not cooking) and a card to put the money in that I saved over the course of a few weeks. 

Earlier that evening, I met with the Book Girl Groupies book club to Skype with James W. Lewis, the author of - - A HARD MAN IS GOOD TO FIND – $2.99 - - - We asked the usual questions, what other authors have you read and how long have you been writing, but since I know him from the Houston trip, I asked when is part two of this book.  You left me hanging and wondering what happens after the character marries and lives happily ever after?  Is Michelle still able to “handle” Daryl?  Do you know or researched any of these types of men?  Are you aware what Ave Gardner said about Frank Sinatra in reference to their love making sessions, “He weighs 110 pounds, 100 pounds of cock and 10 pounds everywhere else.”  He just laughed and asked me where I got that info from.  He is not aware that I research my ass off when reading any book.  He is a good looking and very handsome man who was Sky ping with us from his office at his home (I think from the background); with a “wife beater” white T-shirt on.  Looking good with the muscles, looking damn good and I saw the whole package when I met him in Houston a few months ago.  My review of his book is still the same, but now I want more. 

I read this book in two days and I laughed so hard after reading the first ten pages and didn't stop laughing until the end. I kept making comments on face book like, "Who gets their hair done at "El Cajon?" Is that a Mexican drug cartel for black women's hair? Who created "dial-a-dick," and when did "no soap, no deodorant, and no toothpaste become harmful chemicals! Boy, you’re but stinks. These are some of the crazy stuff Michelle goes thru while "dating," as I call then, "hard headed knuckleheads." I'm sure some men have run into the same type of women too! Sick, I say, just sick!!

Michelle, single, beautiful, and black is looking for Mr. Right, well who isn't? She meets some of the craziest, ding dong men I have never run into and hope I don't. One don't use "soap," one is a true freak, which even scared the daylights out of me, and one just huff and puff, but no action, if you know what I mean.

Michelle goes thru these dating tribulations and finally meets an intelligent, good looking Black man who reads, Daryl Jackson. And let me give you a quote from this good looking black man, "I love to read," he said, grunting, especially black fiction, believe it or not. I probably read more than I watch TV. I try to read a new black author every month."

Where in the HELL is he??? Where in the hell is he!! Must I continue with this dramatic arts class call "dating." Why Me!!! (Oh, that's me talking and I'm asking, where is he! not the book. I think I'm still asking!!)

After weeks of dating, dinner, traveling and everything else a woman likes, Daryl and she have not done "the thing that we do," and she is tripping with demented and deranged ideas in her head as to what's wrong with the guy. She finally confronts Daryl and gets the Biggest and I mean the Biggest surprised of her life. I mean big!!!!!

A Hard Man Is Good To Find

The story of the freaking up Christmas with my part-timers and My Boy James will continue in the next blog, stay tune!!  Let’s get to some books.

J J MICHEL – SECRETS UNRAVELED – 99 Cents

Secrets Unraveled

STEPHANIE CASHER – WHEN LOVE ISN’T ENOUGH – 99 Cents - - - Since I had the book club meeting with James last Saturday, it made me think of Stephanie’s book.  She is part of The Pantheon Collective (TPC) publishing company, which also publishes James W. Lewis books.  It’s something about that company that I seem to get a fuzzy and ”happoppy” feelings  because their books talk of love, forgiveness and so much pain, not fire hot romance, but reality where you actually begin to think you have a chance to essentially find someone, no matter the color, who fits you and you fit them.  The reality is, when you find someone and then you see another who moves your heart and soul, it’s not always the right thing to leave the other just because it’s not as great as you think and it’s always, always too late to come back.  Damn, love stinks!

Samantha’s second year of college started with heartbreak and betrayal. Lost, lonely, and robbed of all joy, she’d completely given up on ever finding love again when a chance encounter put her in contact with the man who would change her life.  Tony never believed in love at first sight – until he laid eyes on Samantha. But within moments of meeting her, he knew without a doubt that she was the woman he was put on this earth to love. There was only one problem – Angela, his girlfriend of five years.  Tony doesn’t want to hurt Angela, with whom he shares a rich history, but his connection to Samantha is undeniable. Angela, however, is not about to let the love of her life go without a fight.  When desperation takes a tragic turn, a chain of events unfolds that changes the course of all three of their lives forever. It is a heartbreaking tale of true love, terrible timing, impossible choices, and how you find the strength to go on when you discover that, sometimes, love just isn’t enough. 

When Love Isn't Enough

TIPHANIE THOMAS – HEART STEALER – 99 Cents - - - Review from Krichie of New York, “I am shocked that this is a debut from this author. It was such an entertaining and thoroughly satisfying read from the first to last page. Randall looked out for Kayla when meeting her as a runaway teenager, and of course she has a crush on him that developed later into much more years later when Randall now sees her as a woman. Kayla was extremely proud, and would not take gifts from Randall. Often times I wanted to shake her and say just take the darn gifts! Of course they had their share of conflict, but their love was strong enough in the end to overcome it all. If you buy this book dedicate at least six straight hours to reading it because you will not want to put it down. I can't wait to read more about the people in Summerdale.”

Heart Stealer (Summerdale Series #1)

MARIA McKENZIE – THE GOVERNOR’S SONS - - 99 Cents - - - I love me some political and backstabbing nuts story.  Why the hell not, I work in it I might as well have some fun seeing how other “nuts” live.

The Governor’s Sons is a heart thumping account of forbidden love and political ambition in the deep South, a suspenseful tale of romance, deception, racial tension and ultimately, racial reconciliation within the powerful Kroth family.  During the summer of 1936, Ash Kroth, a young law student from a southern family of wealth and political prestige, falls in love with Kitty Wilkes, a beautiful “Negro” girl.  Nearly thirty years later, as a segregationist governor in the midst of civil rights turmoil, Ash is forced to confront the inevitable consequences of his love for her.  In 1965, Harland Hall, a black Civil Rights leader, moves to the capital city in an effort to quell the racial violence occurring not far from his mother's home. But what mysterious link does this young man have to the Governor’s past?

The Governor's Sons

JOEL B. REED – MURDER IN THE CHOIR (THE JAZZ PHILLIPS MYSTERY SERIES) - - 99 Cents - - - I also love me some “murder.”  When a famous black musician is shot down at his eightieth birthday celebration in a small settlement in rural Arkansas, no one can imagine why. Smiley Jones was a living legend, a sweet fatherly soul loved by all, and there is intense political pressure to find his killer. To solve the case the sheriff calls in Jazz Phillips, renowned former head of the Arkansas CID. Unfortunately, the governor calls in the FBI, whose bumbling senior agent almost blows the case.

Despite the incompetence of the senior agent, Jazz quickly discovers a dark side of Smiley Jones that yields a wide field of suspects. Narrowing down the list, Jazz discovers this is no simple murder and he finds himself plunged into the shadow world of national security. Jazz also discovers he is on the trail of an international assassin and finds himself no longer the hunter. He is also the prey of the man never seen; a professional assassin who leaves no loose ends.

Murder in the Choir (The Jazz Phillips Mystery Series)

DANTE FEENIX – BLACK BUTTERFLY – 99 Cents - - - This is book one of a three and I never heard of him and saw some good and some bad reviews of his books, but for 99 cents, I will at least give it a try.

Set in Baltimore City, I expected Black Butterfly to be just another urban drama. Guns, drugs, and gangsters. Predictable, but entertaining. However, amidst the violence, local slang, and dark backdrop there is an unpredictable, intelligent, and heart wrenching story. A single mother and her extremely intelligent young son share a close relationship built on support. The dynamics of that relationship is tested when the mother becomes a local celebrity on the first all black soap opera, Black Butterfly. She's ultimately sucked into a world of fame and the dirt that comes with it, when art imitates life and she's accused of murder! As she flees to clear her name she encounters bad guys and bad situations she ultimately deals with in an unpredictable fashion.

Black Butterfly

Got to stick on one for Black History Year.  

PAMELA SAMUELS YOUNG - THE SETUP - 1.49 cents - - - I call Mrs. Young, the “John Grisham” of black lawyer writers, she got the “Gift” and damn sure using it well.  I will buy anything and everything from this woman, she knows murder.

When a star running back is gunned down by a cop with a questionable history, the city of L.A. is on the verge of a racial explosion. Enter a lawyer who comes to the cop's defense . . . but a desire for justice hasn't nothing to do with it.

The Setup

Black Kindle Rocks!!!

NUMBER 102 

So now the word going around is that people are shopping in Barnes & Noble and other book stores, looking at books they want and using their Smart phone or whatever to go on line and purchase it, especially if the price is right and they can get it on Kindle, IPad, etc. 

Here’s more of the latest hoopla.  “Last week Amazon caused a furor in the book selling world with its reveal of a Price Check App consumers could use in bricks-and-mortar stores to get discounts at the retailer. Although the app did not include books, its announcement offered many a chance to slam Amazon as a ruthless corporation out to destroy the community bookstore (Too late if you ask me, they done that!!!) and, as Richard Russo claimed in the New York Times, literary culture along with it. Although the price check app is what continues to be discussed in the media, what has publishers riled, behind the scenes, is aggressive moves the retailer is making in its demands on co-op and discounts. A number of sources in the industry, all of whom spoke to PW on the condition of anonymity (oh, so nobody wants to give up their name, sure!), said the retailer is, in certain cases, threatening to stop selling titles from companies who won't pay up.”

I do not think that’s going to hurt the publishing industry that much.  Those suckers have taken money from us for years.  Got books selling for $25.00 to $35.00 a pop and some of them are lousy as hell.  Then the publishing companies are turning around and selling books to libraries when they have known for years that libraries do not sell the books but lend them out to people who cannot afford to buy their books.  And yet, they also know that our libraries, an intuition that has been around for centuries and has helped many people and in the last two years with the economy drowning down, help people who cannot afford a computer to look for jobs and improve their resumes.  Who in the hell do they think they are!  It’s over, buddy-boy, it’s over.  This is not new.  Many consumers have gone into book stores, saw the price and said to themselves, “Oh, hell no, I can’t afford that price, let me look around some more.”  Aren’t these same consumers doing the same thing for everything they buy?  I know I am.  

And let me tell you about those “bricks-and-mortar” stores, specifically Barnes & Noble.  You can see the writing on the wall when you walk into their stores and see the jive-time, overpriced toys and puzzles in the front.  You also see two tables of Nook products (I’m not blaming them, I got friends who stupidity brought one when I told them to buy a Kindle and subscribed to my blog, “my so call friends.”  Yeah, Right!! Lol).  The new “fiction” section is in the back and the cheaply priced, or as they call them in the publishing business, “remanders” and last year’s or years before fiction is in the front.  As you continue to walk around, there’s the huge “Teen fiction” and toys, puzzles, more toys, more puzzles abound.  Come on, we have lost Borders, who did display our books not on shelves, but book cases and now that they are gone, Barnes & Noble have moved us into the fiction section and unless you know what author you are looking for, you can be in there for hours looking and searching.  (That’s why I’m pushing my blog).  I saw that years ago when I arrived in Charleston a few years ago, a small, black own book store was opened by a guy who had to retire because the Navy Base closed.  I busted my but off to buy a book or two from him every month because I knew how hard it was to have a “Black” book in a city that did and does not support enough of our black authors.  Then Barnes & Noble opened up the street and he stated selling candy, sodas, hallmark cards, toys and fewer and fewer black books at higher prices than B&N.  They sucked him dry and he closed.  We have a kiosk in the Mall, but he sells mostly the “Drugged induced, pimp-mack-daddy-dingaling with big breasted! woman with all hanging out on murder charges” books.  Hey, some are good and some I’m just tired of, but I’m going to buy those books and give them to the drug dealers on the street.  Some body will listen to my crazy ass and read them.  God, I hope so!!

Oh, now come the hell on!!! We know how to create titles for books don’t we!!!

DAVID WEAVER - ME AND MY BITCH - 99 Cents - - -  What happens when a double crossed female goes to the greatest of all possible extremes to get her revenge? Absolute mayhem! This is a mind twisting, unpredictable, romantic nail biter from the same veins that brought you "A Love Story - 99 Cents A Love Story and "Bankroll Squad! - 99 Cents Bankroll Squad.”  The twists in this book are guaranteed to blow you away all the way to the last paragraph. This is that "I didn't see that coming" at it's very BEST!  Brisk paced and will not bore you even for a minute. A winding roller coaster of events that will leave you speechless. You will not forget this story!!

  That pisses me off) or they love the plot and ending and want more.  That’s what I mean by the “pimp-daddy” books.  Holler!!

Me And My Bitch

TYSHA, KAIE GOLSON, LaSHONDA DeVAUGHN and MIMI RENEE - I’D RATHER BE SINGLE - 99 Cents - - - An  anthology with four stories on women who have been through it all and pushed to the point where they just rather be single.  Tyra went from dating deadbeats to dating athletes. But living the good life came at a price, "The Skeletons In My Closet" - LaShonda DeVaughn, Author of A Hood Chick's Story I & II - They say in order to receive true and real love, we must all take chances. Will Kenneth end up being the real deal? Or will Rita end up regretting her decision in courting a young thug? "Taking Chances" - Mimi Renee, Author of Deadly Decisions and Pretty Bright - Despite years of women playing games to take her husband away from her, Jai was determined to hold on. Her best friend questions why she puts up with his infidelity. Jai reasons: It's just Something In His Backstroke. "Something In His Backstroke" - Tysha - Author of The Boss, the story of a female hustler, fairy tales should all have happy endings. Unfortunately, in Zoe's world each ending comes with a tale of lies.   "Sleeping With The Enemy" By: Kaie Golson.

I'd Rather Be Single

AIJA BUTLER - THE MIND’S EYE (MY NEMESIS) - 99 Cents - - A tragic storm claims the lives of Joy Anderson's family. Unable to cope with the loss of her husband and children, Mrs. Anderson awakes to find herself strapped to a bed, afraid of her own reflection. "My Husband and children are alive, their bodies were never recovered," Joy yells hysterically at the crowd of spectators expressing their condolences. Joy’s delusional sightings of her children and husband become the highlight of conversation for friends, family, and business associates. Samantha, Joy’s younger sister, is faced with a chance to live beyond her sister’s shadow. She must either choose to save Joy from her behavioral dysfunctions or her already troublesome marriage. Joy's Mother n Law continues to plan a memorial service Joy refuses to attend, while Sam's Husband Charles and business partner of Joy's late husband Justin sets his sights on a fund that could clear his name of all gambling debts. 

The Mind's Eye (My Nemesis)

AIJA BUTLER - VENGEANCE IS MINE - 99 Cents - - - Charles is making moves, Darrin is having trouble deciding the matters of his heart, and Sam is as nasty as ever. There is a million dollars at stake. Lines are crossed and bonds are broken. Will Joy uncover who her nemesis is? Is she her worst enemy?  The mind’s eye began with Joy’s loss of sensibility after her family is taken by the storm. Joy may appear crazy but she will not be taken advantage of, not if Lillian Andrew’s has anything to say about it.   

As Volume II begins Joy fights to decipher between her lust for revenge and the good natures she longs to promote as she clings to her need for attention and heroism.   Now that Lillian has made her debut Joy must decide whether Lillian’s shenanigans are warranted. Joy seeks comfort in her mirrored friend and begins to see just what her husband and conscious warned her about from the beginning. A hostile takeover is a foot as whispers of a million dollar check spark a loud chatter. Rumors of debt to some rather unsavory personalities, turn decent natures into scandalous rogues, desperation befalls party’s trying to relinquish the debt. A plan is put into action to discredit Joy’s right to Justin’s estate.   Sam conjures a plan to get out of debt and build a nest egg of her own. While her husband Charles takes advantage of Joy’s wavering consciousness. Both sisters look to uncover the missing link that has a hold on both Joy and Sam. Who will prevail? The truth unfolds as vengeful acts birth a sibling rivalry that tests the line between love and hate. The saga continues as Joy uncovers the myths of her family history and unveils the identity of her true Nemesis

Vengeance Is Mine (My Nemesis)

Got to stick on one for Black History Year.  

Hey, found me a Zombie black writer man.  You don’t find many black sci-fi writers, but once in a while I will give them a try, especially since I love old horror black and white movies.  

GERALD RICE - 30 MINUTE PLAN - Free - - - It's the dusk of the zombie apocalypse. What's left of mankind is huddled in the husks of the cities of the world. There are fewer of the walking dead, but they are just as dangerous as ever. After scientists come up with the brilliant idea of scent-marking them something goes wrong and a soldier is taken. When a fellow 'dog' decides to take matters into his own hands to rescue his comrade he finds the living dead have changed for the worse. 

30 Minute Plan

99 Cents Baby!!! Its only 99 Cents

NUMBER 101 

I know I’m behind.  I got so much to do and it ain’t shopping for Christmas.  My list is short, very short, my kid.  I have an idea what she wants and I got it earlier in the year.  Remember, I’m on a budget and if I don’t need it, I won’t get it unless it’s cash and cash only.  I want to retire one day and really have more fun than I am now.  I want to write more and better for my blog.  Can’t do that if I’m working every day and paying bills without a goal.  I got a goal and I’m sure it’s the same for you, Get Out Of Debt!  Let’s have fun and new news.  It’s been a trip the last few days and I got more books than I can read and sleep with.

Movies coming out next year with major African American players -

Think Like A Man - Based on Steve Harvey’s book with Taraji P. Henson, Michael Ealy (God!! that man got beautiful eyes and a beautiful body, OH!! OH!!), Kevin Hart and Gabrielle Union.  The comments I have read so far was either, no way I’m going to see it because the book was stupid or I’m going to see it.  I one of those who will go see it. March

Red Tails - Terrance Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr.  Based on the Tuskegee Airmen. January

No One Is Safe - Denzel Washington.  What more can you say.  Damn!!! I love that man.  February

21 Jump Street - You remember the TV show, now see it with Ice Cube 

Good Deeds - Tyler Perry is acting in this one (February) and he is also playing Alex Cross in I, Alex Cross coming in December 2012.

Scary Movie 5 - Anthony Anderson, Regina Hall and Kevin Hart.  Now that will be funny!!

Men in Black III - My Boy!!! Will Smith!!!  May.

I’ll give you some more later.  It does look like It’s going to be a good year for us.  Let’s get back to the 99 cents books.  They are truly making money.  On the USA top 100 books, 10 are e-books making over one million dollars.  You got to get your book out there, you just got to!!

TERESA D. PATTERSON – IN NEED OF A JOSHUA MAN – 99 Cents  - - - When Audrey Peterson walks into church feeling the need to purge past sins, she sees Pastor Raymond Dickerson and is immediately put off by his striking good looks. She unfairly assumes that he must be one of those hypocritical preachers, the kind that praises the Lord on Sunday and raises hell the rest of the week.

As Audrey opens her heart and listens to Pastor Dickerson’s sermon, she decides that her preconceived views may be wrong. There’s more to the pastor than a handsome face. She feels something that she can’t explain when she briefly shakes his hand upon leaving the church, and that “something” is returned by the pastor. He senses something different about Audrey from first glance. He sweats at the altar and has to brace himself before he can carry on with his sermon. He feels a connection, just like her, and finds himself turning to God for answers.

At first, Raymond is unsure of what role he’s to play in Audrey’s life. Once he receives confirmation from God that she is to be his “help meet,” he sets out to teach her about loving God and herself. He ends up being the “Joshua Man” who leads her out of the wilderness into a land of promise.

In Need of a Joshua Man

Here are others of her’s for 99 Cents

What About Your Friends

Headlines

VANESSA MILLER - THE BLESSED ONE (THE BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED SERIES - BOOK 1) - $2.99 - - - Joel Morrison proved his love for God when he lost all of his children in the 1952 Kern County earthquake. He weathered those hard times, and God blessed him with five more children. But now that his children are grown and living their own lives, Joel worries that the devourer has once again set his sights on the family that God has blessed.  For the most part, Joel’s children are successful and rich yet very unhappy. Joel realizes that giving his children more money will not make them happy, nor will it secure a place in heaven for them, when their hearts and souls are not fully committed to Christ. So, Joel Morrison decides to change his will in an attempt to teach his children a lesson in giving. He invites his children on a family vacation in the Bahamas to tell them that he will be giving most of his money away to charity. However, Joel’s declaration is not the biggest surprise of their vacation.  Shock waves are sent throughout the Morrison family, the likes of which they may never recover from.

The Blessed One (The Blessed and Highly Favored Series - Book 1)

BLAKE KARRINGTON - COUNTRY BOY - 99 Cents - - - Is he related to the Carrington’s of Dynasty (Oh, I just stuck that in here since it brought a memory of the fight scene between Krystal and Alexis). The book, according to Amazon, is a fast-paced, action packed urban drama set in the dirty south. The story takes you away from the bright lights of the big cities. Where drug deals take place on city blocks and Street corners, to the backwoods, dirt roads and trap houses of the south. 

  Follow Q and his close knit team of hustlers, through all their trials and tribulations.  

Country Boy

ANDREA CLINTON - “LIFE KNOWS NO BOUNDS: ONE WHO LOVES YOU MORE” - 99 Cents - - - Did you know that Andrea Clinton is the niece of legendary singer George Clinton of P/Funk and writes with the same Creative Genius her uncle writes in music.  Let’s hope she does in this book.  In "One Who Loves You More," Alisa is what her mother and aunt call a, "Money grubbing - Gold digger!" She wears this title like a tiara, never looking back, until she runs into Omar.   Inspired by Omar’s brand new Cadillac, money and his feelings for her, Alisa decides to take the advice of her great grandmother, "Always get a man who loves you more than you love him." But Alisa becomes so spoiled rotten and confused she can't smell the flowers because she always sees them as hidden behind bees.   Through it all, Alisa finds old sayings and bad habits don't mix in her story, "One Who Loves You More."  Inclusive is a message to young girls who like using men for money, jewelry, credit cards and more. This book by Andrea Clinton is an answer to the question, "What becomes of a Gold Digger?"  

"Life Knows No Bounds: One Who Loves You More" (1)

K. L. BRADY - WORST IMPRESSIONS: A ROMANTIC COMEDY (THE JANE SERIES) - 99 cents - - - I read her other book, THE BUM MAGNET - $7.99, and enjoyed the hell out of it reading about the “losers” in her dating world.  

Ever been a stand out who doesn’t fit in? Ever dream of finding the prince charming who can see beyond your clothes, hair, and shoes, to fall in love with the real you? I don’t think so!!! 

Meet Basketball whiz Liz Bennett, a clever tomboy who believes her first impressions are never wrong. She dresses down and lives her life under the radar in the high school social scene to keep her name out of the gossip mill. With two trouble magnet kid sisters and a mother obsessed with protecting her virginity, she's already dealing with more drama than an Emmy-winning daytime soap opera.  She’s also unlucky in love, at least until two popular new guys enter her life and the sparks begin to fly.

Trent Whitman, Liz's hot new admirer, pursues and woos her with his silver tongue and hazel eyes. He turns on the charm, and Liz believes she’s finally met “the one.” Darcell Williams, on the other hand, is a star football player, who sticks his cleats in his mouth from day one. When Liz sizes them up, she decides Trent is a dream and Darcell is a devil reincarnate.  During the Back-to-School dance, Darcell spews an oh-no-he-didn't insult that—in her mind—confirms she’s right about him from the first moment they meet and their feud is on and popping! But when a Bennett family crisis reveals Darcell's and Trent's true colors, will Liz's pride prevent her from accepting each for who he really is? 

Hey, it sounds kinda of cute for 99 Cents.

Worst Impressions: a Romantic Comedy (The Jane Series)

KEVIN BULLOCK - IN THE CUT - 99 Cents - - - After Manus is released from prison, he soon discovers that he has a seven-year-old son. While struggling to get his feet planted deep in the dope game, he becomes attached to the little boy. Being affiliated with other hustlers and robbers eventually jeopardizes his life as well as the child's. When enough guns go off and enough bodies get laid to rest, Manus better have enough money to buy his son from the woman who threatens to separate them forever.

I don’t know, it’s a maybe book.  There are times when, damn, I’m just tried f the Dope Drama.  What about you?

In The Cut

Got to stick on one for Black History Year.  

RACHEL HOWZELL - THE VIEW FROM HERE - 99 Cents - - - I won her book, NO ONE KNOWS YOU’RE HERE - $3.99 No One Knows You're Here on LibraryThing.  You can join them and every month they e-mail you a listing of books to bid on to win.  If you win, the book is e-mailed (in this case) or mailed to you to read.  The only catch is, really read it and post your review on LibraryThing, your web site or blog and/or on Amazon.  I’m posting my review on my blog and Amazon once I finish reading it.  So far, it’s showing me it going to be a good mystery, but here’s what The View From Here is about. 

The beauties and hardships of marriage; the betrayals and promises made between husbands and wives; and the grief of one woman haunted by secrets.  Nicole Baxter has always tried to control every element of her life, but that control is slipping away. She has issues. Abandonment issues. Marital issues. Conception issues. And she thinks her house in the hills is haunted. It doesn't help that her husband Truman spleens and climbs, making her worry more with each adventure he takes. As the two grow apart, Nicole makes decisions that may ultimately shatter her fragile marriage.  Her life changes on the afternoon she receives a phone call from the harbor. During a scuba dive, Truman disappears. No one -- not his diving instructor, not the Coast Guard -- can find him. Is he still alive? Or is grief making her believe the impossible?

The View from Here

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas!! - Well, maybe!

NUMBER 100

I made it to 100.  I'm so proud of myself.  I did not think I could do it, but I did it and I want to thank all of you for helping me get there.  No my goal is 1,000.  Oh, I will do it, you just watch!!

You cannot tell me that this year people were not “tripping” as much as last year.  It’s gotten worse.  We got women and men killing each other over bullshit.  We got kids being hurt and abused and no one is telling until it’s damn near too late.  We got folks looking for a job, any job, and folks looking for that dream job, which no longer exist.  I work with people who come to work to just socialize, talk on Face book and Twitter, have lunch then come back and “eat” lunch at their desk.  Or they just complain all day about how they have not moved up in the world and everyone else they trained have.  

OK, it’s not working for you.  It has been a bad year.  No money, or not enough, friends still looking for a job and you trying to better yourself and find a better paying job.  I know how you are trying (at least the ones who are really trying).  I know it’s so hard and tough right now and being that it’s Christmas, it brings out the worse and best in people.  You or someone you know may not have enough money/food/time to give their own families everything they want to give.  I know it’s hard, but for God’s sake, don’t give up hope.  Keep your faith.  Keep your positive attitude.  Keep writing your story.  Keep buying books by and about us.  I believe in you!! (You are and/or have subscribed to my blog, so you must be special!!).  Please believe in yourself.  Please.

As promised - 99 Cents books

NONA WESLEY - A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION (INTERRACIAL ROMANCE) - $ 99 Cents - - - From my searching and searching on the web (there are times I find some crazy ass things), I found that she writes lots of interracial books, so here’s a recap of this one and a listing of the others.  As I’ve told many women, “Do you want a color or do you want a good man.”  

When her company hosts a Hollywood-themed party, Viola Howard dresses as her favorite actress. Problem is, nobody seems to know who that is. Just as she's about to give up on a good time, along comes Elvis,  actually Vi's secret crush Jim Byers, who guesses correctly and shows her exactly who is King. Don’t men always think they are Kings?  Well, some actually are.  Once the party's over, however, can Vi and Jim go back to a working relationship, or will Jim ask Vi to love him tender?  Elvis is dead!! Let it go people, let it go!

A Little Less Conversation (Interracial Romance)

Better Than Chocolate (Interracial Romance) - - 99 Cents

Get Lucky! (Interracial Erotica) - - 99 Cents

You know what’s weird, I never knew it was that many erotic and right down nude book covers out there.  Ding Dong, if I see one more half naked but in my face, I’m going to scream!!!

AHMAD WILLIAMS - STOP TAKING ALL THE COVERS - - 99 Cents - - - This series of short stories is for those that are searching for, or are now in, meaningful relationships. The ironic thing about being in a meaningful relationship, is that most of the disagreements couples have are over trivial matters! This work is a compilation of experiences communicated to me by couples that I have ministered to, as well as gracious people that I have had the opportunity to speak with over the years. I am certain that many of the stories and anecdotes you read in this book will prove to be ones that you may very well relate to. You will read about everything from issues arising from not putting the toilet seat down to one partner not wanting to be intimate on the same night as the other. I encourage you to sit back and enjoy this humorous work, written with love, to those who have had good times and bad with their partner. If your relationship is on the rocks, consider trying to patch things up, because chances are, if you move on you will just meet someone else with habits that get under your skin.

Stop Taking All the Covers

JADA TEMPLE - A HOE IS A GARDEN TOO! - - 99 Cents - - - I don’t think I need to tell you what this book is about, young, stupid and pimping.  But, hey, it’s short and cost one dollar.

Well, my e-mail friend contacted me and here are his books.  Of course I brought them and will drum it down your “reading mind” to buy it too.  Got to get the world out.

A Hoe is a Garden Tool

ALAN CRAMER - BOURGEOIS (AKA) BOOJEE (DETECTIVE HONEY SINCLAIR) - - 99 Cents - - - She’s back!!! Detective Honey Sinclair is back. A prominent doctor has been killed in an apparent home invasion, but Honey’s street instincts tell her there’s more to the story than what’s being told. The only witness to the crime is the doctor’s beautiful wife.  Doniece Mowbe wants out of her marriage. But since her husband made her sign a prenuptial, there’s only one way to get rid of the man and keep the money. She plans the perfect murder. And the only cop who suspects she did it is on the verge of being fired.  

Bourgeois (AKA) Boojee (Detective Honey Sinclair)

Now I know why I like this guy.  I love mysteries.  

ALAN CRAMER - CHRISTMAS IN THE HOOD - - 99 Cents - - - It's Christmas. Brandy and Kyle's relationship is strained because they don't have, during a time when its all about giving.  This story is an Urban Fiction remix of The Gift of The Magi.

Christmas in The Hood

K’WAN - THE LEAK - Free (I said it, FREE!!) - - - The Leak is a complimentary short prequel story that leads into K’wan’s hit novel, Welfare Wifeys.

The Leak

JAMES PATTERSON - KILL ALEX CROSS - FREE PREVIEW: THE FIRST 27 CHAPTERS - Free - - - You might as well get this book since Tyler Perry will be playing Alex Cross next year.  Personally, I want Idris Elba from “Luther” or Michael Ealy from “For Colored Girls,” he played the Vietnam vet and in the movie Takers.  They just look damn good and to play a character who grew up around the hood in DC, they would fit.  Of course Tyler, could probably pull it off.  We will see in 2012 and he is also playing in “Good Deads” with Thandie Newton, Gabrielle Union and Phylicia Rashad.  The movie trailer states, “Right before his wedding, an affluent man (Perry) develops complicating feelings for a single mom.”  We will see. 

Kill Alex Cross - Free Preview: The First 27 Chapters

BLAKE KARRINGTON - TRAPSTAR - - 99 Cents - - - Brianna Cambell had a tough road to travel growing up in a household where she was unwanted. A constant reminder of her mother’s indiscretions, Brianna is unwilling to continue to be the target of her step father’s anger. She leaves her suburban life style for the streets of Charlotte NC. In true Charlotte faith Brianna is linked up with Treshawn Nash, a local hustler. Tre has lived the alternate life; raised by his grandmother who showered him with love in the midst of violence, drugs, and poverty. The two are made for each other. Brianna provides the genuineness and innocence Tre has longed for. While he gives Bri the unconditional love she desperately needs. However, when tragedy strikes their world is turned up side down.

Trapstar

Got to stick on one for Black History Year.  

This woman knows how to write romance without the slutty, Toys R Us sex romp. Just plain old fashioned romance.  Come on, you know there are times you just want to read and be romantic.  OK, even I had to take a few steps back on that line!!  Her books are just good, damn good!!

BRENDA JACKSON - SPONTANEOUS (HARLEQUIN BLAZE) - 86 cents (strange number if you ask me) - - Kimani Cannon knows she's in trouble the second she lays eyes on 6'4" of luscious male. The best kind of trouble, too...mm-mmm! Duan Jeffries turns out to be the perfect man (that’s in my dreams too!!), charming, considerate and the best lover she's ever had. Too bad Mr. Delicious is just a one-night stand.  (Yeah, too bad, sure, why not!!!)  

Until Kim needs a date to her mother's (fifth) wedding! Duan's willing to act the part of her fiance as long as it means full benefits. More amazing sex? No problem!

Then Kim finds out that Duan's got his own private agenda. Suddenly, she doesn't know what to believe. Her head and heart are telling her to be careful. But the sensual thrumming in her blood is turning out to be much more persuasive.