Literature in Art Books

I have followed Kevin Powell's career from the days on MTV's Real World to his stint as editor at VIBE magazine to his memoir "Keeping it Real". He has compiled here a magnificent volume of Gen X African American writers who are intelligent and thought provoking. Where do I start? Well for one I have to disagree with the previous reviewer about Powell's anger. I think the introduction was a prelude to the rest of the great writing. Angry? I think not. He's just keeping it real. That said, this book is not just Kevin Powell, though he does have a moving essay that I read a few years ago in VIBE- "Live From Death Row" which gives the background of the label of Tupac Shakur, among others. There is other hip-hop journalism from Joan Morgan and Farai Chideya, two of my favorites. Scott-Poulson-Bryant's view of Puff Daddy in "This is Not a Puff Piece" is illuminating. I was thrilled with the essay section. Prolific writers such as Veronica Chambers torn between family and integrity with "Mama's Girl", Lisa Jones exploring multiculturism with "Are We Tiger Woods yet?", and Lonnae O'Neal Parker's revealing portrait in "White Girl". The criticism section has Erin Aubrey examing Ebonics/Black English in "The Soul of Black Talk". Poetry by Ruth Forman and Lenard D. Moore, among many others; fiction by Junot Diaz, a humorous, touching story, "The Sun, the Moon, the Stars"; Edwidge Danticat, Tannarive Due. There is a Dialogue section as well. The list of talent is endless; Paul Beatty, Danzy senna, Danyel Smith. Valerie Boyd's "In Search of Alice Walker" tells about going to Ms. Walker's hometown and the legacy there of Uncle Remus. I get exhausted just trying to remember what I have read. I purchased this book as a gift to myself on December 21 and by the end of the month, I have read almost over half the some 460 pages. And the bios, the bios are worth the price of the book. They give insight to the writers character and uncanny genius. I just found out that Powell edited another anthology "The New Black Literature" in the early 90s. I want to get that and make a comparison. This anthology is well worth every cent. Treat yourself real soon.

Kevin Powell, along with an impressive cast of literary characters, hip-hop journalists and elegant poets/writers has done an impeccable job of organizing and editing some of the finest new black literature at the turn of this century. Almost all of the essays, poems and articles are engaging, insightful and provocative-including some of those re-worked from his days as a Vibe contributor. Hip-hop feminist and Essence editor Joan Morgan offers a much-needed and honest feminist analysis of her thoughts on the misogyny of hip-hop and how it has effected her life with her essay, "Hip-Hop Feminist" and dream hampton follows suit with her candid piece, "Confessions of a hip-hop critic." In the fiction section there is a painfully beautiful and hilarious story by Junot Diaz entitled, "The Sun, the Moon and the Stars" as well as a piercingly accurate piece on the state of black literature and the exploitation of shallow African-American characters in the world of white publishing by Debra Dickerson entitled, "She's Gotta Have it." Among the other strong points of the anthology are intensely beautiful poetry provided by the likes of Nuyorican poet Willie Perdomo, a wonderful letter by Sarah Jones of "Surface Transit" fame, and an wonderful excerpt from Veronica Chambers' "Mama's Girl." Overall, this anthology is, to date, the most defining collection of Generation X and Y, proclaiming (rightfully so) that "The Word Movement" an impressive, eloquent cast of insightful scribes is akin to the Harlem Renaissance of the 20's and 30's and the Black Arts Movement of the 70's.

(that's funny! "minus one star for kevin powell's introduction" ... you get 'a helpful' vote for that one!)

er'body else done said the good thangs...
so all i can do is stand here with my hands
in my pockets and look silly while grownfolks
is talkin...

ive had this book for a few years now and i still havent read
all of it (some of the journalistic essays just dont appeal to me)... but ive covered over 90 percent of it...

poetry is my dominatrix, so i'ma fool for the poems.
some excellentexcellent writing...

...thank god my sister has about a billion books, otherwise
she might have realized this was missing from her collection by now.

The rest was brilliant, most loved Junot Diaz, the Sun, the Moon, the Stars. The fiction, poetry, and essays in Step Into A World were intense, thought provoking, and at times humorous reads. Then I'd find myself turning back to Kevin Powell's introduction wondering why he was so angry. He'd accomplished his goal of putting together an anthology that would go against the grain of the mass marketed African American literature that has dominated the book shelves. I'm happy for him, so why couldn't Kevin be happy too. Two words, "Anger Management", get some. No one wants to hear all of the "fight the power" rhetoric in the year 2000. Peace out, and keep hope alive.

I remain dubious about books that have a coffee-table look, but the poetry selections in this one are excellent (if generally fairly well known) and concordant with the illustrations. The pairing of these paintings with these poems is truly inspired at times. The idea sounds hokey: the production is not. This anthology is a winner for it poetry alone. The sequals have not been as good, but this is one to read.

As a writer, I was given this book as a gift by my best friend. It is like no other poetry or art anthology I have seen. The colors, thoughts, images, and ideas combine to form a breathtaking view of life and all its idiosyncrasies. Wisdom shines through the pages. I highly recommend it.

I truly enjoyed reading this anthology. I own numerous collections of poetry but have never found one that combines poems of such passion with such beautiful art (art that in fact echances the poems). I hope that Kate Farrell will continue to put together such collections of verse as this one. This book containes a number of poems that I remembered reading a long time ago, wanted to read again, but could never find. I am glad that some of my searching has ended. This is a tremendous and admirable achievement. I highly recommend it.

This is one of the most beautiful poetry anthologies I have ever read. After I finished reading through it the first time, I read it twice more during the same weekend. The poetry is at turns passionate and serene, and the art works are an added bonus to a beautiful and worthwhile book which leaves you feeling as though the world will, no matter the latest fear or disaster, continue on a path as carefully laid as the stars are placed in the heavens. I highly recommend this anthology.

Col Rich Hemenez has created the finest and most complete compilation of Marines in the media I have ever read. The reader finds a virtual treasure trove of information about Marine related books, as well as movies and television shows starring ex-Marines or featuring actors playing Marines. This book is truly the definitive source about Marine Corps activities in the public eye; it is a must have for researchers, libraries, and trivia buffs.
Ron Brown, author of A FEW GOOD MEN: The Story of the Fighting Fifth Marines

AS A FORMER HISTORY MAJOR AT DARTMOUTH COLLEGE (MANY YEARS AGO), I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED TO BUY AND READ THIS OUTSTANDING HISTORY OF THE MARINE CORPS. EVERYTHING IN PRINT, MOVIES, TAPES, ETC. IS LISTED. IT IS A FANTASTIC WORK OF ART AND I HATE TO THINK HOW MANY, HOURS AND DAYS RICHARD L. HERMENEZ SPENT IN COMPPILING THIS MASTERPIECE. I RECOMMEND THIS HIGHLY TO ALL MARINES AND OTHERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF THE CORPS. SEMPER FIDELIS, PAUL W. GLOVER JR.

The author has provided a most valuable and long needed reference works for anyone interested in Marine Corps History. Much of what is known to us of our military history and heritage has come to us from those who have set down in writing their personal experiences, perceptions and thoughts of events know to them. And many of these writings, many of them diaries, personal letters, etc. have eventually developed into, books, movies, television productions, etc. Browsing through the pages of this new book, I have found listed many of the films and books I knew as a very young man, and, in part, through which I knew that I would one day earn the title of U.S. Marine. I also found in these pages many more resources which I had forgotten, been looking for, or had never known of. What a great way to find that training film I saw way back in the early '50s--was it William Bendix who portaryed the master mortarman of the Marine Corps, Lou Diamond, or was it Ward Bond as other Marines have argued over the years? What about that movie titled "Retreat Hell?" Is it true that Col. Pete Ortiz, the famous OSS Marine of WWII, had a part in that movie? How many books have been written about the Marine Raiders of WWII? And, what about Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines? What was that referring to? Now, at last, all of the above questions, and more, can be searched out in one single volume. The book has provided us a means to relive, remember, and reconsider those many experiences of many years ago. Semper Fidelis Dick Gaines GySgt USMC (Ret.) 1952-72 GunnyG@hotmail.com

Colonel Hemenez's amazing compilation of Marines in performing arts is a Public Affairs dream. Listing thousands of Marine-related works in novels, poetry, plays, films, and many other different genres, this book is a must for any Marine, former Marine, library, or historian. Colonel Hemenez has ingeniously filled a vast hole in researching Marine Corps History through the arts. In the close to 15 years I have shared with the Marine Corps, I have never read a book that has told me as many stories about the Marine Corps. It is great to see how powerful a force the Marine Corps has been in the artistic and popular culture.
Semper Fi,
GySgt Barry Pawelek, Marine Corps Public Affairs, 1987-present

A wonderful little book for the youngest to the oldest to enjoy -- beautiful information about the rainforest!

A Walk in the Rain Forest is a wonderful introduction to the tropical rain forest- its plants, animals, and people. The book tells the story of XYZ- a small ant- and his journey through the rainforest. The beautiful pictures and simple text appeals to children of all ages. Additional factual information appeals to older children. This is a great book to use in the classroom to help introduce children to the wonders of the rain forest

This is a colorful look at different Rainforest creatures, written by a teenager. It follows a frog introducing animals you might meet in the Rainforest. It is not quite as good as her other book Under the Sea. I would recommend it for 4-8 year olds, it can be wordy.

I found this book in my quest for interesting books for a course I was teaching on the rainforest. At the ripe old age of 15, Kristin Joy Pratt (now Pratt-Serafini) developed this lovely book. Her illustrations take you on the journey through the rainforest with XYZ the ant. As the reader explores the ABC's, s/he also learns about the life within and the biodiversity. Words, facts and colorful illustrations will encourage discussion about this habitat and make learning the ABC's and exciting journey.

This guide to writing is as meaty as a textbook and as fun as a Disneyland theme park --- it's like a guided journey into yourself. The author has learned firsthand the therapeutic value of writing and she offers an excellent guidebook to help you understand yourself better and become a healthier person through your own writing.

Whether you write in your journal to express your emotions, fears, and goals, or whether you branch out into poems, stories, or essays, writing can help you learn that you are okay. It can be your place of refuge and illumination, your comfort from the stresses and confusions of your life. You can learn who you are and what you want to do with your life through writing. As the author says of herself, "Most of all, writing brought me home. As I filled up journals, I felt my life had meaning. I felt I belonged and was welcome on the page. No one could ever take this away from me." This may well be the greatest value of writing.

In the book the author discusses how to find your favorite place to write. It may be a space in your closet, a spot under a weeping willow tree, a table in a deli, or a quiet corner at school. Writing is one of the most portable occupations --- all you really need is paper and something with which to write. Along with suggesting how to find your ideal journal and even your favorite pen, pencil, or marker, she suggests things you can write and lots of fun exercises to get you started. You can freewrite your way into ideas, brainstorm your freewriting into new ideas, cluster your brainstorming, and sort your clustering, each time going deeper into your thinking until you've developed and organized an idea. While she explains how to write stories, poems, and essays, she includes definitions of all those terms you learn in English class, like the difference between tone and voice. Not only are her explanations easy to understand, but she also pumps you up to dive into her exercises and start writing yourself.

You want something interesting to get your thinking started? Try imagining the story of Cinderella from the stepmother's point of view. What was Cinderella really like? Maybe everything wasn't all roses for her family, you know. Or try imagining yourself when you're 25. What will you look like? What will your job be? Move in your imagination to when you're 50! How will your thinking and attitudes be different? What will you know then that you wish you knew now?

I recommend this book highly. An inviting format, lots of writing examples from teens, and tons of quotes and "Did You Know?" notes in the margins make it interesting to read. And writing really is better than just thinking about a problem, because thinking keeps everything in your head but writing it down empties it out of you and onto the page, so you're free from it. You also won't forget anything because you can reread what you've written. When you see the patterns of your thinking, you might be surprised to see some solutions to your problems as well.

--- Reviewed by Tamara Penny

I found this book very helpful for my writing. It gave awesome tips and pointers on how to write well and how to keep up on your writing. Before I read this book, I didn't write on a regular basis. Sometimes I would get writers block and just put it off, and I was horrible at journals. Then I read this book, and I started writing every day, even if they were random ramblings.

I just got this book as a present from a friend. It has been extremely helpful and will be wonderful if you decide to, or already do write

This book will be a good resource for any writer, from beginners to the experienced. It contains ideas to help you to start writing along with help for revision and information about being published. Anyone interested in writing will enjoy this book.

This is a great book for those interested in Science Fiction. It helps the laymen understand scientific concepts and is written in a way that is easy to understand. We often see scientific books as being hard to understand, being too mathematical and way above our heads. This book is definitely not that way. If you want to learn about science, this is the book. There is a section on creating an alien life bearing planet, detail by detail. A section on spaceships and space stations, and a section on designing a future. There is even a section on remodeling humans. All this in an understandable format. Writers will find it of unmeasurable help in their writing science fiction.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is starting out writing science fiction. It is very easy to read and understand, and it discusses topics frequently found in science fiction. Not only does it have information about world-building, but it also covers topics like aliens, space travel, and futuristic civilizations. If you're just starting out, or if you just need some guidelines in your fiction, check this book out.

Though I read this straight through, this is really more of a reference book. It covers chapter-by-chapter the various areas of science that a science fiction writer might find useful, starting (not surprisingly) with space and spaceships. Other topics include designing a planet, aliens, designing a future, nanotech, intelligent machines, and alternate universes. The authors do a good job of pointing up common cases of bad science, from lasers visible in space to human-alien halfbreeds and other Star Trek-type errors. They also point up shining examples of science fiction stories that are based on particular concepts and make suggestions based on other ideas that haven't been fully mined yet.

Definitely a worthwhile book.

I am just starting out writing science fiction, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in writing in the genre. It is not a "how to write science fiction", but rather a handy reference book. It the various areas of science that a science fiction writer might find useful, with chapters devoted, inter alia, to: space and spaceships, planets and planet design, aliens, designing a future setting, nanotechnology, intelligent machines, bioengineering, and alternate universes.

I found the book to be well-organised and easy to read. All sections are written in a clear, easy to understand manner, assisting the non-scientist layman in writing convincing science fiction. One of the best features, in my view, was that the authors point out all the "wrong science" blunders common to science fiction, thereby helping you to avoid them. They also point out examples of excellent science fiction and how those authors used known science in a convincing manner.

The only significant shortcomings of this book relate to its age: it was printed in 1993 so the science risks becoming dated as we move further from its publication. Additionally, this means that it has gone out of print and one can only obtain used copies. However, there is nothing newer out there that covers all the areas that The Writer's Guide to Creating a Science Fiction Universe so it is still well worth it.

I have also read the Science Fiction Writing Series (edited by Ben Bova) "World Building" and "Space Travel" and I preferred The Writer's Guide to Creating a Science Fiction Universe. There is nothing wrong with the Bova books, they were excellent as well, but I found Messrs. Ochoa and Osier's book easier to read and more insightful. Plus, it is nice having everything in one place. On the other hand, the Science Fiction Writing Series books are more comprehensive and still in print.

i really liked this book. It gave tips on how to raise my daughter to look for a good Godly man. Also it gave me insight into the responsibilities of a husband. As a result i am not going to tote burdens that i am not supposed to carry. I have taken a better attitude of service to my husband (when things don't seem fair). Even though my husband refused to read the book,I started a family practice of the 8 fold anointing in the book every day. And immediately I have seen changes in my man going starting to go out of his way to serve me. I would really like to see a part two-with more to say on immaturity. how it is identified and how to kill it.

276 Pgs. Boys you can really learn things from this book!

This is a book written by a Pastor that explains how and why men that are characterized as "A Momma's Boy" are formed or produced. It has lots of information for guidance if you truly want a little bit of heaven in your home.

I would suggest this book to both married and single men and women as heads-up on life in the future of becoming a wife or husband.

After 40 years of marriage, I left my husband for many reasons, including disrespect and insensitivity. After 4 months I went back, with firm convictions and expectations. I will buy this book for more help to continue in my marriage, and to share with my husband. It takes great forbearance to live with another and thrive.

This book has the best wisdom of any book I have ever read except the bible. If you want to be the best man possible take this book and get ready to be the man you have been made to be. Practicle step by step rich advice for young singles and old married. Buy this book and enjoy life!

These are such great books. I have a few books so far and plan on getting the rest of the series. My kids love these books. They make drawing so easy anybody can do it!

I bought this book for my daughter who is 4. This book is great but would recommend for a 7 or 8 year old instead. For younger kids I would recommend the I Can Draw series.

This book is a great start to teach young artists-- 1 grader and higher-- to draw people. It teaches kids to sketch, i.e. draw lightly first. The step-by-step instruction is very clear.

Not only is it a great book for introducing drawing of knights and castles, the author apparent is also fluent in the vocabulary of this yester-year theme. My first grader and I get to know the names of different weapons, name of different parts of the castles and the names of "things" people wear. A double treat!

Great product for kids that wish to learn to draw without expensive art lessons. My daughter, age 9 has several books and is creating a wonderful folder of art and bonus I can even draw and my talents are very limited.

Through the use of basic shapes like circles, ovals and triangles, children can learn to draw a variety of creatures from the sea. You can start with easy sea shells and move on to the more complex shrimp and octopus.

The Clown fish begins with a simple oval and the instructions take you through a instructional and visual journey. All the steps are sketched out making the drawings super fun and easy to copy. A pencil, eraser and colored pencils are all you need. You could also paint the final drawings.

The pictures include a cute Sea Horse, Sea Turtles, Crab, Shrimp, Coral Reef Fish, Dolphins, Whales, Anemones and many more...

1-2-3 Draw books are perfect for new artists learning about the basics of drawing and this book will provide hours of fun activities. Once you learn how to draw the sea creatures, you can then put them all in one picture with a coral reef.

~The Rebecca Review

Having been introduced to the 1-2-3 books at our local library, I was excited to see the ocean life being released as the aquarium is one of our children's favorite places to visit. They love to draw the different types of sea creatures and the way that the illustrations are broken down, even very young children can create a fish that resembles the actual creature. I love all the 1-2-3 books and we use them regularly.

I now have plenty of great pictures that my daughter has drawn with confidence. As time goes by she gets better and her pride is a wonderful gift to us. If your child wishes to draw it is a great way to introduce them.

This book is easy enough kids to have a good time with. Many of the drawing instructional books are too hard for elementary schoolers. My 8 year old used this book to learn how to draw a canary that looked like a canary.

Our family has other books in this series and we love them. If you think you are challenged when it comes to drawing, these are the books for you. My kids and I sit together and draw for hours, and I have as much fun as they do. I even sent some to my nephew for a gift, and he loved them as well.