Black Books

This is one of my daughter's favourite books when she was in pre-K. Now she is going to[...], and still loves to read it and look at the pictures in this book from time to time. It is a lovely one!

Snappy rhyme and funky, expressive illustrations tell a quick and entertaining tale of boundaries, bad behaviour and the baby inside the bully. Our girls are just as tickled by this book now, at ages 5 and 7, as they were during its billions of readings in their toddler years.

My daughter LOVES this book and it's a bedtime favorite. Great artwork, kinetic style. We've been working on please and thank you, and this book brings it all home in a cute, engaging way. Beware though- at the zoo last weekend she yelled at the black bear "NO MANNERS AT ALL!" and told me he was trouble :)

This is a hilarious book! My daughter is 3 and she loved the fact that the misbehaving bear is her age. We read this book so much that she took over the part of the little girl's voice. It can be a little scary during the first read, because the bear implies he wants to "eat" her, but like other little kids, he's just all bluster when he can't get what he wants. So, for the first couple of reads, I inserted the word "tickle" for "eat", and read the book in a normal voice, just in case. Now, I act out the bear in a growly voice, with the "eat" word, of course, and she screams and laughs.

Don't worry, the bear's mother comes along to remind him to use his manners in the end! It also reminds my daughter to use her "please" and "thank you"! LOL.

My 3-year-old girl got this for her birthday, and just loves it. It's a bit scary, as the bear misbehaves, but it's also silly, and she enjoys seeing him get his come-uppance. The rhymes are fun, too. The art is a bit crude, but the story is very enjoyable.

When I first picked this book from the library I had two minutes left to pick a book. So, I look on a shelf this was the first book I caught on my eye. When we came back to school I didn't want to read it but once I past that first page I really wanted to read it, because it talks about the issues in my life. Such as, how I would get in trouble because I would pick pocket people.
They shot the guy for a reason. Maracas and Eddie know, as black and white on the streets are about to get a scholarship to a basketball school. They don't have any jobs so they can pay for the basketball camp for they can get accepted to the school, so they started robbing people's cars when they will go in the hardware store. Until one day a guy saw them robbing his car so he ran over there and Eddie pulled out his gun and shot the person. Maracas knew who the person was but just couldn't figure it out at the time. One day when Eddie's family comes over and they are taking the bus then Maracas knew who it was, it was... The next day when they went to school the cops come and arrest them for murder.
I think this book is awesome I recommend this book because it has action cover to cover. My favorite part was when they found out that they had killed the guy, but Eddie's family is on the bus, I like this part because it is intense because you want to know who the person was. I like this book so much I read it 3 times because it relates to the issues in my life. This book says that if you don't have a job than go do things like selling drugs or robbing people and when you do that you go to jail.
I think Paul Volponi is one of the best authors in the world, because he knows how to catch his reader's interest. Also, he doesn't wait to the middle of the book to give you the action part he gives it to you on the second page. I think Paul Volponi does that for he won't boar his readers. It is a really good book for teens.

I was really pulled in by this book and found it a page turner. It's got more than racial themes in it. It's also the story of friendship between boys, it's strengths and limits. Additionally, it's also the story of teenagers making poor choices and suffering the consequences of their actions.

You have two friends who are of different races, Eddie and Marcus, but they have pulled together and are tight friends through high school. Then, they both resent not having enough money for various things, and since the are both great basketball players and practices interfere with work, they decide to do some armed robbery to get some extra cash. They only do three hold ups, but things go wrong, and a gun is fired, and Marcus, the black friend gets arrested.

Eventually, Eddie is also arrested, and he was the one who shot the gun. The rest of the book circles around Marcus, and if he will turn is his friend or not since the police don't have enough evidence about the trigger man.

All of this is well written and fast paced. There is also a little romance between Rose, Eddie's sister, and Marcus.

What I feel keeps this book from being a great book, is the ending, which I will not reveal. I will only write that I think the ending keeps the character of Eddie from fully developing, and maybe that's more true to reality as he is only 17.

As a book of harsh, realistic fiction, I think this book has it nailed!

As a book of lasting, enduring literature, I think this book will be mostly forgotten in ten years and I fault the ending and the editor for letting that happen, because I feel this could have been at least better and a much more meaningful and enduring story.

That said, I do recommend this book and think it would give teen and adults a lot to discuss on a wide variety of themes such as friendship, race, honesty, and the US Judicial system.

This book stands with Children of the River as one of the best adolescent novels I have ever read. I thought about this book for weeks after reading it, and I am now working on getting it placed as required reading in our local school. The story is riveting and would capture the attention of virtually any reader, adolescent or adult.

"Marcs and Eddie are the stars of Long Island City High School's basketball team. Marcs is black and Eddie is white, but they got past all that "racial crap" and have been best friends for years." Quote from Black and White

Marcs and Eddie are going make it to the NBA. Everyone knows it. They have scouts coming to their games to see them play. Both know it will only be a matter of time before they get their big scholarships and then they can go to the pros.

The problem is both boys are from the inner city and have little money. They could work but that would interfere with their practices and games. So, they decide to make some quick cash. Everything is fine until one night when things go horribly wrong. Now one will have to pay for their mistake.

This is an excellent novel that I cannot keep on the shelf. My students love this book. Mr. Volponi does an excellent job of portraying the struggle these young men face. The ending shocked me and when I finished reading the book I couldn't believe what happened. Amazing read. Boys who are into basketball will especially like this novel. However, I think boys and girls who want a solid story with realistic characters will enjoy this book.

Paul Volponi has written two other young adult novels including Rooftop and Rucker Park Setup. His first novel was Rikers, which could appeal to teens due to its topic.

Here's another book, I wanted to read more...more...more! What great messages the author delivered in the story. Volponi speaks of "black and white" issues, but he also goes deep into the human soul and gives guidance on how to live a content, happy life. This book could be a self-help book on dealing with the "big and small" mistakes made in life, change, stress, and growing up!

As a high school teacher-librarian, I will certainly recommend _Black and White_ to my teen readers as a fabulous read.

There are numerous quotes I admire, but my favorite is: [school office speaking to Marcus mother] "I know he's made some mistakes. But that's what adolescents do. Marcus is the type of young man who's going to learn from what he did wrong. He's going to pick himself back up and succeed. And one day, other kids from this neighborhood are going to look up to him for that." p. 131

The book is open-ended at the end. But that's okay and will leave the reader content. There will be ups and downs after the final page and much food for thought in the reader's imagination.

When I first picked this book from the library I had two minutes left to pick a book. So, I look on a shelf this was the first book I caught on my eye. When we came back to school I didn't want to read it but once I past that first page I really wanted to read it, because it talks about the issues in my life. Such as, how I would get in trouble because I would pick pocket people.
They shot the guy for a reason. Maracas and Eddie know, as black and white on the streets are about to get a scholarship to a basketball school. They don't have any jobs so they can pay for the basketball camp for they can get accepted to the school, so they started robbing people's cars when they will go in the hardware store. Until one day a guy saw them robbing his car so he ran over there and Eddie pulled out his gun and shot the person. Maracas knew who the person was but just couldn't figure it out at the time. One day when Eddie's family comes over and they are taking the bus then Maracas knew who it was, it was... The next day when they went to school the cops come and arrest them for murder.
I think this book is awesome I recommend this book because it has action cover to cover. My favorite part was when they found out that they had killed the guy, but Eddie's family is on the bus, I like this part because it is intense because you want to know who the person was. I like this book so much I read it 3 times because it relates to the issues in my life. This book says that if you don't have a job than go do things like selling drugs or robbing people and when you do that you go to jail.
I think Paul Volponi is one of the best authors in the world, because he knows how to catch his reader's interest. Also, he doesn't wait to the middle of the book to give you the action part he gives it to you on the second page. I think Paul Volponi does that for he won't boar his readers. It is a really good book for teens.

I was really pulled in by this book and found it a page turner. It's got more than racial themes in it. It's also the story of friendship between boys, it's strengths and limits. Additionally, it's also the story of teenagers making poor choices and suffering the consequences of their actions.

You have two friends who are of different races, Eddie and Marcus, but they have pulled together and are tight friends through high school. Then, they both resent not having enough money for various things, and since the are both great basketball players and practices interfere with work, they decide to do some armed robbery to get some extra cash. They only do three hold ups, but things go wrong, and a gun is fired, and Marcus, the black friend gets arrested.

Eventually, Eddie is also arrested, and he was the one who shot the gun. The rest of the book circles around Marcus, and if he will turn is his friend or not since the police don't have enough evidence about the trigger man.

All of this is well written and fast paced. There is also a little romance between Rose, Eddie's sister, and Marcus.

What I feel keeps this book from being a great book, is the ending, which I will not reveal. I will only write that I think the ending keeps the character of Eddie from fully developing, and maybe that's more true to reality as he is only 17.

As a book of harsh, realistic fiction, I think this book has it nailed!

As a book of lasting, enduring literature, I think this book will be mostly forgotten in ten years and I fault the ending and the editor for letting that happen, because I feel this could have been at least better and a much more meaningful and enduring story.

That said, I do recommend this book and think it would give teen and adults a lot to discuss on a wide variety of themes such as friendship, race, honesty, and the US Judicial system.

This book stands with Children of the River as one of the best adolescent novels I have ever read. I thought about this book for weeks after reading it, and I am now working on getting it placed as required reading in our local school. The story is riveting and would capture the attention of virtually any reader, adolescent or adult.

"Marcs and Eddie are the stars of Long Island City High School's basketball team. Marcs is black and Eddie is white, but they got past all that "racial crap" and have been best friends for years." Quote from Black and White

Marcs and Eddie are going make it to the NBA. Everyone knows it. They have scouts coming to their games to see them play. Both know it will only be a matter of time before they get their big scholarships and then they can go to the pros.

The problem is both boys are from the inner city and have little money. They could work but that would interfere with their practices and games. So, they decide to make some quick cash. Everything is fine until one night when things go horribly wrong. Now one will have to pay for their mistake.

This is an excellent novel that I cannot keep on the shelf. My students love this book. Mr. Volponi does an excellent job of portraying the struggle these young men face. The ending shocked me and when I finished reading the book I couldn't believe what happened. Amazing read. Boys who are into basketball will especially like this novel. However, I think boys and girls who want a solid story with realistic characters will enjoy this book.

Paul Volponi has written two other young adult novels including Rooftop and Rucker Park Setup. His first novel was Rikers, which could appeal to teens due to its topic.

Here's another book, I wanted to read more...more...more! What great messages the author delivered in the story. Volponi speaks of "black and white" issues, but he also goes deep into the human soul and gives guidance on how to live a content, happy life. This book could be a self-help book on dealing with the "big and small" mistakes made in life, change, stress, and growing up!

As a high school teacher-librarian, I will certainly recommend _Black and White_ to my teen readers as a fabulous read.

There are numerous quotes I admire, but my favorite is: [school office speaking to Marcus mother] "I know he's made some mistakes. But that's what adolescents do. Marcus is the type of young man who's going to learn from what he did wrong. He's going to pick himself back up and succeed. And one day, other kids from this neighborhood are going to look up to him for that." p. 131

The book is open-ended at the end. But that's okay and will leave the reader content. There will be ups and downs after the final page and much food for thought in the reader's imagination.

I had the pleasure of meeting on of the authors at the Bookexpo in LA, and we talked a bit. His personal experience caught my interest, so I read the book. I have a lot of international military background, and the concept of this book, WWII veterans, Class of '49 West Point, having to activate themselves to save one of their members from an international plot in Iraq, was pretty thought provoking.

The characters are all introduced quite well, and they seemed very plausible, to the point of suspecting that the authors had built these characters quite closely to the men they knew in that class. I mentioned my own international/military experience because you can't fool with these things- you either know them or you don't, and it is impossible to provide the level of detail and the feeling of these places- Paris, Morocco, etc, without the author having been there, done that.

I found the politics a bit off-putting, I am pretty conservative and there is some serious "Bush-bashing" going on in the book, but all in all this is a five-star yarn. Doesn't mean the evil oil money fantasy isn't right, either, because that sure happens.

Worth the read. I urge the reader to take the time, because the perspectives and the flavor of the experiences in this book are darn sure worth it.

Thanks for the book, I truly enjoyed it

Rarely does a book appear that is entertaining, fast, exciting, believable, and straightforward about the reality of a world that is affecting us now. It is real, alive, and compelling.

The moment you turn to the first page of the story you know it has you. The authors have done an excellent job of preparing the reader for a very fast pace by providing a "Cast of Characters," "Locations," and Preface prior to launching the story. Taking the time to "get warmed up" causes the reader to want to jump into the book. The characters are believable and the reader instantly feels part of the story.

The pace is fast, believable, and easy to follow. The authors have not overcomplicated the text with unnecessary verbiage. They do an excellent job of describing locations, surroundings, the environment, and the feel of each location. Many of the readers will have been to some of the locals, making it all the more believable. Some of us having spent time in the military will have a special affinity for the commitment, bravery, honor, and very human attributes of the characters.

This is an important read that captivates you; and brings you up close to many of today's realities both home and abroad. The authors salt the story with insight into what is happening politically, militarily, and economically. The poignancy of the book brings to mind a lot to ponder.

I have never understood much about male bonding, but this book is a thriller, and bonding plays a large part. You will become very involved in the lives of eight brave men, all graduates of West Point where bonds forge strong. There's exciting suspense when seven West Point Graduates (Class of 1949) learn of the kidnapping of one of their late West Point brother's sons. That's when they band together to rescue him; a USA Major General on his way back from Iraq. Great plot! You won't be able to put this book down.

When a "quick read"patriotic novel provokes the readers senses so they react. then the reader knows that the authors have acheived the golden fleece of writing. The writers have transformed their written words into images,feelings, and responses that are real.
This is a form of hypnosis.
I "could taste the sand in my mouth".
BLACK GOLD GRAY is based mostly on fact- and cast in 2004 during the war in Iraq.
The bad guys are not terrorists but a Saudi oil minister, several European and American financial types, and an aged Nazi slime.
They conspire to increase the number of USA troops in Iraq.
They dont give a damn for their own countries but are in it for power and profit.
The good guys are seven graduates of West Point class of 1949==they are all around 80 years YOUNG, and are bound for a last reunion when a crisis erupts---They learn that the son of
one of their deceased 1949 brothers, has been kidnaped--Probably
USA government officials are also involved, so they decide to "muster
themselves" to rescue their brothers son--a USA major general
on his way back from Iraq. I tell you no more----
This book is not only a thriller but a geography,history,and sociology lesson as well.
The scenes are from WWII,Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq--AND ARE REAL.
The women are real.Probably the conspiracy was real...
That said this book is mostly about the power of male bonding-
powerful and still in tact after 60 years from cadet life.
It is also about what we all suspect to be true about the Iraq war: corruption and fraud and YES even treason going on
at the higrst levels of business and government.
THE BOOK REVEALS how hopelessly our armed forces are WEDGED into this tragedy because they are trained and sworn to obey civilian
orders-AND THIS IS HOW IT MUST BE..
Does Truth,Duty,Honor,Country prevail??? Yes, but at what a cost!
BLACK GOLD GRAY are the colors of West Point, and we dont have to be reminded that West Point belongs to all Americans
WHAT A BLOCK BUSTER MOVIE THIS WILL MAKE----READ IT FIRST.

A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS BEING THRILLED, ELECTRIFIED, AND HELD IN SUSPENSE!

MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR! A MUST READ!

The thing which brings this book the best form of credibility is Mrs. Daniels had access to the very subjects of the book. While I was reading it, I laughed, sighed, shook my head, smiled and many other feelings and words (some of which I cannot repeat) came out of me. For me, this was something I've seen for a while now. I'm happy I am not the only one who has felt these things and seen the things which were discussed in the book. It is not a pipe dream: the author, as well as the people she interviewed, don't give us a 1+1=2 solution to the condition of the corporate world for young Black Americans, because it would not be realistic. I would recommend this to any young Black American (or the old-school cats for that matter) who is looking to take that step to corporate America. It will open eyes for some and re-inforce existing ideas for others.

Black Power, Inc. is the book for which I've been waiting for quite some time. Daniels covers the real thought process of today's black professional, being a continuation of the previous generation's achievements, yet something altogether different. Today's black professional sees him/herself as a freedom fighter of a different brand, with corporate and entrepreneurial success as the new 'cause'. As I read this book, I found myself shouting 'Yes!' and 'Finally!' at the thought that there were actually others in the professional world who thought like me. The poignant analysis of the post-civil rights generation and its prevailing thought process was everything I needed to give me perspective and understanding of what my real purpose for acheivement has always been. If you are a young, striving, achieving, believing, competent, and driven black professional, this book is for you. This book IS you.

I must say that Cora Daniels is very insightful as she brings a voice to of us who are "Working While Black" I found myself nodding in affirmation to a lot of the things she made mention of. I discuss situations like the one's addressed in this book on a regular basis with friends and old college classmates. It is amazing how our careers span out over different professions not to mention cities and states yet we still can recall similar incidents. This book is a definite read if you are "Working While Black" or if you are not Black and wish to gain some insight into how your Black colleagues may feel.

Reading the book felt like one of the venting sessions that I need every now and then to keep my sanity. The book was a reflection of the many experiences that I have had and also have witnessed. It was nice to feel that I was not alone and that there is an answer out there and our generation will help find it.

What more can I say about this book that hasn't already been said by the other gracious reviewers... except read it. If you want to know what it's like to be a black person age 25 - 40 and work in Corporate America then READ THIS BOOK. If you want to know what your African American co-workers are going through daily then READ THIS BOOK. If you are responsible for a diversity program at a fortune 500 company then please READ THIS BOOK. If you are a Sista and you plan to enter Corporate America then READ THIS BOOK. Finally, if you are "Working While Black" then READ THIS BOOK... I promise it will make you feel better and increase your drive to succeed in spite of the circumstances.

I sure wish I could remember how I felt when I first read this as a child. And now, even as an adult, I can still enjoy it. When Henry was young, it was his young friend Jimmy Creech who loaned him money to buy a racehorse, and Henry's career took off. Now, as old men, it is Henry who helps his old friend Jimmy by letting him breed his mare The Queen to the Black at no charge. When the time was nearing for the Queen to give birth, Jimmy almost sold her, but because of his young assistant, Tom Messenger, he changed his mind and sent the Queen to stay at Tom's Aunt and Uncle's farm. Those who have read the book know of the ups and downs of judging when the foal is to be born, how to gentle the colt, and teach him manners. Tom grows much closer to his Uncle and Aunt and, when the time comes for him and the colt to return to Pennsylvania, he is sorry to leave. Back at the stables though is the colt's introduction to harness racing, and a name, Bonfire. So much information on harness racing to learn, you don't miss Henry, Alec or the Black, but get wrapped up in the relationship between Jimmy, his partner George, Tom and Bonfire. A great book by a great author, and I would certainly recommend it wholeheartedly even to those who have read it many times before.

A new twist on the series that still ties in to the racing theme. But this horse is used for harness racing at the trot instead of racing galloping. Although the characters are completely new, the plot is fun and it goes with the idea all of the previous books had with training and racing and one big race.
I loved this book.

Tom has to take care of the Queen, a retired racing mare who has been bred to the Black, a few days before she is suppose to foal. He stays at his Aunt Emma and Uncle Wilmer's farm. He soon has difficulties with his uncle and this causes problems with the colt. The colt comes unexpectedly and his aunt and uncle are very surprised and this makes his uncle reconsider some of the things he thought he knew. He pays more attention to Tom's methods and soon he and Tom are getting along well. Then the fair comes and Jimmy and George send Tom a letter saying that they'll be there and race Symbol. This is the start of a very long and lasting problem with Jimmy and also gets Tom more experience and ideas on racing.

This is a great book! The plot is wonderful and it is very easy to follow. If you have read any of Walter Farley's other books and have liked them well then this one will probaly be your next favorite book! It doesn't matter if you are a girl or boy, young or old, as long as you love horses and racing then you will love this book!

First there was The Black Stallion, then there was The Black Stallion Returns, then there was Son of the Black Stallion. Then the series went rapidly downhill. Of the entire (long) list of Black Stallion books only a few really stand out in my mind years later. This is one of them. Perhaps it's because Farley is writing with a new set of characters, and a new horse - a son of the Black raised for harness racing. Whatever the reason there is freshness to the people and plot here that was sadly lacking in most of the later books.

Jimmy Creech was old and tired. He had been harness racing at county fairs for over fifty years which was overcrowded with newcomers who raced at "night raceaways" and wasn't making much money anymore. Jimmy's only hope to keep on making money lay between the Blood Bay Colt and his yound driver and apprentice, Tom Messenger.

*If you like horses, than this is a great book to read!

The 6th Brick Maxwell adventure by Bob Gandt attempts to reach new heights and easily rocketed beyond my expectations. I won't give away the plot of Black Star Rising but it contains stealth jets, a confrontation with China and disputes over oil. It's like reading today's headlines! Another new plot, another new theater of operations, same great factual action. I don't know how you do it Bob but don't stop. Brick Maxwell is someone we can believe in. Bring him back soon!

This is a Don,t put me down novel . Greatly enjoyed all three of the authors books. Full of action and incident.

I never know quite what to expect from the devious mind of this consummate writer of military suspense. What I do know, however, is that each of Gandt's action-packed novels has proven to be even better than the one before. Who would have dared to dream, for example, that in Black Star Rising our very own military forces would join the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in defending its crucial oil resources from the marauding Republic of China. Once again, alter ego Commander Brick Maxwell transports us from the carrier deck to the killing skies as he engages his arch nemesis over land and sea. And, yes, just the right amount of earthly love and lust!

My husband reads all Gandt's books and LOVES them. Says he's one of the best aviation authors ever.

Bob Gandt's Brick Maxwell series is probably the most authentic naval aviation fiction being produced today. You even vicariously pull several "G's" as Brick's plane gets flung off the carrier's catapult or tries to roll inside his opponent -- it's that authentic. Gandt has a unique way of explaining the obscure naval term or aviator's jargon that keeps you feeling "with it" while not interfering in the slightest with the continuity of the plot.

Gandt's knowledge of contemporaneous world events and his continuous exposure to naval carrier operations help greatly in lending contemporaneous authenticity to each of his novels. Try his works -- you'll love them!

Christina Moore has done a fine job in creating a novel that takes us out of our day to day lives. It didn't take me very long to be engaged and stay engaged with this story of a woman who took on a job that none of us would ever consider, but she did leave her high pressured job, which we would all like to do at some point and went in the opposite direction and proceeded to sort out her life. I enjoyed reading this book very much and you will too!

From the opening line, "naught but lies." Author Christina Moore's new novel had me. Her "Maggie-the charter boat cook" story of exploring a salty historic schooner's past while trying to map out a new life for herself stands this fresh voice firmly braced among writers of the "down East" tradition.

Her way with words transcends the female-male mold with dialogue and observations that put you there, but not always from a woman's point of view. Her penetrating descriptions of the crew, the captain & mate, and her own position of cook help you understand what makes a Maine Sailing Vacation so special. It is the boats, the weather, and the islands to pick and choose from. Mostly it is the special feeling you get from her descriptions of the routine of preparing for the paying guests, taking care of them aboard for a few days, and then sending them ashore with memories they'll never forget. Memories of quiet nights anchored in a cove with passengers and crew telling stories on deck under millions of stars. Days spent learning to hoist sails while keeping the peak and gaff even and seamanlike, and then sweating the halyards home with just manpower and smarts. There are no winches aboard this boat, never have been, never will be. Learning to steer a course "out there" leaving a razor straight wake to nowhere and yes, meeting the weather that sometimes goes foul, reveling in it's power and this hundred year old boat's response to the challenge.

"Black Swan" is a novel that reads like true confessions, like a historic peek into a past indiscretion long hidden, or a dream of escape we will never act on, but escape in our minds nevertheless. It's a novel you can give to your granddaughter, grandmother, or treasure yourself and hope for a sequel before the sheets grow cold.
-Captain Conrad Brown, author of Gold Bars, Chartering Your Boat for Money Gold Bars

The book is well written. The action keeps the reader on the seat. Enjoyment of adventures and imagination at work. The work is a pure genius

Written by sailing aficionado Christina Moore, Black Swan is a modern-day nautical novel. When Margaret Noonan deserts her stifling corporate job and her comfortable but humdrum marriage to pursue adventure upon the Maine coast she remembers fondly from her childhood, she gets more than she bargained for. Working as a cook aboard the schooner Black Swan, she prepares meals for a dour crew and sulky, disappointed passengers. But soon she discovers the Black Swan's dark secrets of smuggling and murder, and must find the resolve within herself to look at her new life straight on rather than through the rose-colored glasses of her childhood memories. An engaging and memorable novel, especially recommended for anyone with a love for the open sea.

Reviewed by Lisa Kisner for Reader Views (6/07)

Margaret Noonan left behind everyone she knew and loved to sail on the seas as her father and grandfather before her. Chasing lost youth and facing an uncertain future, Margaret leaves her position as a vice-president in a large corporation to become the cook on the schooner, Black Swan. Margaret must learn to deal with an incommunicative captain and an unfriendly mate; she discovers life on the schooner is not as idyllic as she had hoped. As Margaret grows suspicious of the schooner's real purpose, she focuses on pleasing the passengers and learns to revel in such accomplishments as baking fresh bread for passengers in the temperamental schooner's oven.

I found this book captivating from the first page. The author writes about something most of us dream about but never dare to do -- leave everything and begin a new and adventurous life. Each chapter alternates between Margaret's first year and her third year aboard the Black Swan. By doing this, the author is able to contrast the struggle and the rewards of Maggie's life aboard the schooner and her search for happiness within herself. The nautical terms and routines are accurate, yet not overwhelming. Readers will find themselves aboard the Black Swan, rocking and swaying with the schooner. The story and characters are believable; in fact, I looked more than once to double check that this was a work of fiction, so real the story appeared. I have already recommended "Black Swan" to several of my friends.

This is my fav book. Ever since i found it at the age of 13, i've never been able to let it go. I lent it to a friend in high school and never got it back. I was elated to find it on amazon. I loved it so much I named my firstborn Adam. :) I cant wait to read Mossrose. I never even knew there was a sequel...so i'm real excited. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a true romantic. It has everything a book should have and then some. It really is a true romance. The best ever written. Thank you Day Taylor for writing something so wonderful, i could only hope that my novels be nearly as good as The Black Swan.

I have read the Black Swan by Day Taylor many, many times since it first came out. The book is so riviting, I could hardley put the book down. This book has everything that any reader of gothic romance books are looking for: romance, danger, pirates, evil men and the culmination of the Civil War. The sequel to the Black Swan, Moss Rose, is just as good as the Black Swan. I must have read these two books ten to twenty times and it still holds me in it grasp. There have been very few books that can hold my attention that many times. I think Day Taylor is one terrific writer, I wish she would write more books like these two. Keep up the good work, Ms. Taylor.

I read this book a long time ago, and it still stays in my mind as one of the best books I have ever read. What a beautiful love story.

From the Back Cover:
A fiery yearning that defied every rule!
Adam-a legend in his own time, an outlaw in his own land, the daring captain of The Black Swan who risked his life to lead slaves to freedom...

Dulcie-the dazzling, reckless daughter of Savannah's most prosperous slave breeder...

Theirs was an impossible, rapturous love-flames of passion challenged their hearts as savagely as the fires of battle consumed their beloved homeland. Joined together by the sweet agony of their desire only to torn assunder by the brutal horrors of wwar, they lived for the one radiant moment that would united them again...

Sweping from the pride and charm of old New Orleans to forbidden Caribbean forests throbbing with voodoo drums; from the haughty elegance of New York City to the raucous, romantic bravado of Nassau's exhilarating port; here is the splendorous saga of fierce ecstasties, violent truths and wild dreams...

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This book has a sequal called "Moss Rose".

I first read this book when I was in my teens, and it left a lasting impression as I have remained interested in this style of writing ever since. Day Taylor's writing style really makes you connect with the characters and leaves you unwilling to put the book down for even a second. Adam Tremain is a man who could make any woman swoon and his incredible story from adolescense in the pre-war south to his privateering adventures as a man to be reckoned with leave you wanting more from this writer. I regret to say that I have lost my copy of this book over the years, but consider it to be one of the best books I have ever read, and reread.

I read this book about 3 years ago and think it is a very good look at what bi-racial African/Americans go through. At first, I didn't understand the turmoil and angst one goes through who is bi-racial. The bir-racial people I always knew classified themselves as black and most of them did not appear to have a problem with that. Most of them had white mothers who raised them but they didn't consider themselves as denying their white heritage. Society including blacks see them as being black because it is so hard sometimes in distinguishing a bi-racial from a black person with two black parents. Oftentimes a full-blooded black looks more white than a bi-racial. Also a lot of it is all you have been raised, how the parents involved feel about race. Anyway the author does thorough interviews regarding this issue.

Funderburg does an excellent job of finding biracial people and asking questions that help them to explain their understanding of race and how it was formulated. My husband and I plan to have children and I have reseacher biracial children and identity for the past two years. Black, White,Other helped to answer a lot of the questions that we have had and I have also share this information with other mixed couples. As licensed therapists this information will be passed on and used to help other biracial people and their parents through tough times. Some of the stories were sad and some made me mad because of the way the children were treated but I found this to be very helpful expecially with clients because life is not always happy-go-lucky Funderburg does an excellent job of saying this though real people's lives. It is an easy read.

I Really Enjoyed this Book because it is Honest.it deals with America's Greatest Problem Race.this Book takes a look at Multi-Racial Culture it's effects&Outlooks.fitting in&still trying too Remain ones Self-Indenity.it tackles Social Issues&The World at Large.Multi-Racial Children are Beautiful but Society at Large still thinks of the One Drop Of Blood Rule.People Should Be Allowed too be Proud of all The Beauty that is their Creation not Be Limited.cuz that is what makes Everyone Unique.Very Powerful Book.

The book was filled with people from every walk of life and every age. Having a biracial black and white marriage and raising biracial children, I found the book helpful in reading about other experiences; however many of those experinces were negative compared to our family's.

I would have liked to have read about more positive experiences. It is a great book for people who would like to know first hand about being black and white in our American culture.

Black White Other is a simple yet graciously objective read. It is written in such a simple style that it is like meeting a good friend for a coffee.

It is a series of interviews with 70+ black/white biracial people of a great array of age, gender, and life experience.

Although the subject mater, 'race' is often genralised, the people in this book are all approached as individuals in every way. With very different lives,personalities and opinions.

For those of you that are of mixed race, you will find this book very comforting, there are many people that understand you. For those that aren't in our situation, don't be afraid to sit down listen to these voices, embrace the lesson and let it manifest in your life.