Black Books

Willeford himself considered this his best book and if you read it you'll see why. Technically a novel, the book is really short storie with the same characters--four sociopathic swingers in Miami. Set in the seventies, the plot may have been too risque for its time, but with movies like Pulp Fiction and In the Company of Men invading our pop culture the bleak story is more timely than ever. A masterpiece of crime fiction.

'The Shark-Infested Custard' has the feel of other Willeford crime novels set in Miami (eg, 'Miami Blues'). It evokes the 1970s Miami atmosphere beautifully, and his characterizations of beer-swizzling, womanizing middle-aged men are very well drawn. Yet this novel is a departure from other Willeford novels, and I've read nearly all of them, in that it is actually interlacing stories rather than a straight novel. Four buddies who play together give tell their own story from their own perpectives. These guys get into mischief, and murder. It's all very believable.

Like most Charles Willeford novels, 'The Shark-Infested Custard' is probably best enjoyed by middle-aged/older men who can empathize with the plight of angst-ridden, hormonally drenched men who can't seem to grow up. Women are not likely to find it endearing whatsoever.


Bottom line: one of Willeford's better novels. Recommended.

Quentin Tarantino has admitted to being influenced by the writing of Charles Willeford, and the "The Shark Infested Custard" is the most Tarantinoesque of Willeford's novels. Too hardcore to be published in the 70's, it finally was released after the writer's death. Anybody who has seen "Pulp Fiction" will notice obvious parallels with Willeford's novel: for example, the first chapter (whose surprises, by the way, are given away on the back cover, so I'm not spoiling anything) ends with a drug dealer being killed when a gun "accidentally" goes off. There's lots of raunchy sexual content, scattered outbursts of violence, and a few small dollops of racism. The novel's heroes are four self-absorbed borderline sociopaths, and the story consists of four separate interconnected narratives. Incidentally, Tarantino is writing the introduction to an upcoming Willeford reprint; maybe he could film one of his novels and give Willeford's writing even wider exposure. ("The Woman Chaser" would make a great Tarantino movie...)

The Shark Infested Custard by Charles Willeford is hard to categorize, even harder to review and impossible to forget.
It's about four young men who are the best of friends. Four average guys who happen to be extremely shallow, selfish and misogynistic. To put it more bluntly, they're sleazeballs pure and simple.
Most of the action takes place in Miami. It's the 1970's. Larry is an ex-cop, Hank a pharmaceutical detail man, Eddie a pilot, and Don a silverware salesman. All four are tenants of Dade Towers, a singles only apartment complex. Life for them could not be better, especially when it comes to having plenty of promiscuous sex.
Willeford divides the novel into four parts.
Part I is narrated by Larry. In it, Hank makes a knuckleheaded bet with the other three. He stands to win $60 if he can pick up a woman at a drive-in movie. What starts out as a comic romp turns to tragedy as two people wind up dead before the night is through. (As an aside, this part of The Shark Infested Custard has since been republished as a stand alone short story entitled Saturday Night Special in a Willeford collection called The Second Half of the Double Feature, 2003).
Hank narrates Part II. He describes an ill fated affair he has with a mystery woman named Miss Jannaire. It's wickedly funny, and like Part I, has a killing in it. And there's an unexpected twist at the end which Alfred Hitchcock would appreciate.
For Part III, Willeford goes to a third person narration. By this time, Larry and Hank have moved out of state for career advancement. Eddie is shacked up with a rich widow who bores him to tears and Don has moved back to the suburbs to be with his wife, a woman he detests with a passion. This portion of the book is primarily about a harebrained scheme Don has developed to escape from his spouse.
In Part IV, the narration is once again provided by Larry. The Four Musketeers have been reunited and they celebrate their friendship and their overall good fortune. But there's a shocking ending which will leave you slack-jawed.
No one writes like Charles Willeford. The Shark Infested Custard is filled with riotously funny observations presented in deadpan fashion. The four main characters are truly remarkable literary creations. I think it's their complete and utter ordinariness that makes their selfish, antisocial behavior all the more disturbing.
This is a book like no other. Funny and shocking at the same time. Read The Shark Infested Custard. I can guarantee you will not be bored.

Even the title is intriguing, although it has little to do with the story behind it. After savoring the title, you will find that this is a real "buddies" yarn, consisting largely of first-person versions of the same events seen from different points of view. The four main characters, though differing considerably in personality and profession, have in common their age (mid-30's), residence (Miami apartment complex), and an interest in picking up women. In fact, it is the pickup game that leads to the inconvenient incident of the teenage druggie dying of an overdose in the car. Willeford uses this event to introduce the idea that these men are not just drinking pals but that their relationship pervades their lives in various ways. We see how they complement one another in collaborating to get rid of the body. And this sort of problem occurs a couple more times, since they do have this difficulty with handguns in that whenever a pistol appears, someone ends up embarrassingly dead. But Willeford disposes of the bodies between chapters, without bothering the reader with details. Because he is not writing a crime novel. These violent happenings are introduced to see how the four friends will react as a group. He manages to create plenty of suspense by dealing with how the group collaborates in solving their individual and complicated domestic problems. And he is inventive enough to keep the reader hooked until the end. Willeford's expert writing provides a transparent window into his characters' lives. He is so accomplished that you almost think you could do it yourself. As in other of his novels, he finds opportunity to satirize men's clothing styles (early on, he discovered the vein of humor uncovered by whoever induced men, or their wives, to believe that male clothing styles should change every year or so - remember the Nehru jacket?). I read this book while recuperating from minor abdominal surgery, and the description of the "makout" attire affected by one of the buddies put me in danger of literally splitting my sides. All in all, this book is among the best from an always superior writer.

Wow! I just finished this book & am amazed at the example Joe Massengale has lived by. If you're looking for a book on parenting & how to live your life, this is it. Character, determination, focus, love, confidence... what else can you say. Joe Massengale leads his life by example & instills all of the above qualities in his children.

I would encourage any parent or anyone looking for a blueprint on how they should live their life to the fullest to read this book.

As the father of two sons, ages 14 and 11, I found the book to be very inspiring, uplifting, and valuable. The authors deliver beautifully on the title's promise to tell a powerful story about how a father succeeded in raising six successful sons and the back cover's promise to articulate the ways in which the qualities of confidence, fortitude, pride, persistence, fearlessness, and focus are important for a successful life. But beyond that, the way the book is organized and the excellent writing gave the experience a depth of richness that was much greater than I anticipated and more pleasure than I could have felt justified in expecting.

We can all learn from Massengale. Each of us has our own story; our own past,our own struggles. What makes Joe's story special is how he transcended incredible adversity all the while teaching his children these invaluable lessons.

Joe Massengale is a remarkable man who's led an extraordinary rags-to-riches-to-rags-back-to-riches life...from fearing for his own poverty-stricken life in the days of lynchings, to working his way up to owning his own race horses in Hollywood. His biography alone would make an inspiring, thoroughly readable book -- but having it woven through such valuable lessons, and memorable object lessons, all in service of passing on hard-earned down-to-earth wisdom on something as crucial as character-development...well it makes this book all the more important. And how refreshing to have a "good for you" book that's so well-written! David Clow not only writes elegantly, but knows how to get out of Joe Massengale's way to let his subject's own distinctive voice come through clearly. That Joe Massengale happens to be African-American makes me wonder why Oprah Winfrey hasn't devoted an hour to him yet, but let me hasten to add - his lessons are UNIVERSALLY relevant. You do NOT have to be any particular color to "get" this wisdom, nor to need it. Turning children into responsible adults is the hardest and most important job in the world, no matter your color, age, station in life...or gender. Yes, I'm saying even moms can get something valuable from ths book. So could kids, single adults, you name it - anyone with an interest in the being, and shaping, productive, respected members of society. Only perfect people need not learn these lessons, and if you think you're perfect you need this book more than anyone! Need I mention, as I glance at the calendar, that this would make a HECK of a Father's Day gift?

Six Lessons for Six Sons, written by Joe Massengale and David Clow provides a enlightening approach to providing your children with important gifts to guide them through life. The authors have identified the gifts that help individuals believe in themselves and develop the strength to deal with the inevitable setbacks we all experience, and rise above them. This book is extremely well written, unpretentious, and presents, in a simple straight forward way, six qualities that lay down a foundation for living a rich, admirable and principled life. Massengale and Clow do an outstanding job of presenting these lessons in a way that should inspire fathers (and mothers too) to look at the art of raising children to be productive members of society. It stands head and shoulders above all of the self help books on the market today.

The six lessons are ones that I wish I had in raising my own sons.


Kevin J. Lyons, Ph.D.
Editor, Journal of Allied Health

I bought this for my daughter's birthday and she was quite pleased with it. It's a very high quality sketch book for a very nice price. Will definitely purchase another

This sketchbook has an excellent, sturdy binding. The picture doesn't show it, but the book's white, spiral binding is exposed on the spine. This certainly isn't a flaw, I was just surprised it didn't look exactly like the photo. It is too large and heavy to carry around all the time, but it is fine for working at home. I am confident that it will protect my work from getting damaged on the shelf. So far, the pages have proven sturdy enough for collage and the few other slightly wet media I've tried. Overall, I recommend this product if you want to treat yourself to a hardbound sketchbook.

Well bound - no sticky wires to scratch or snag when you fold it flat. Works well as a sketch book, but offers the space for notes, journaling, illustrations, clippings, photos, and scrapbook work. Will buy again when this one is full!

I got this to use as a casual scrapbook for magazine clippings, and I LOVE it. It is also a very nice sketchbook, but works well for my purposes.

I bought these for my daughter who is really into drawing right now. Her papers were everywhere so I bought her some of these books. They are great quality, lots of pages and not that exspensive. I would also like her to be able to hang on to her drawings and watch her progress instead of having bits of papers here and there.

I had to read this book for my History of Slavery class, thought by the author. Dr. Morgan gave excellent insight in addition to his book. I would suggust this book to anyone for anytype of reading, pleasure and required.

Morgan's analysis will give anyone who wants to know more about slavery an immense amount of material. Comparing the Chesapeake and Lowcountry areas of the American colonies during the eighteenth century, Morgan discusses the economic and cultural sides of the different slave institutions and discusses black-white encounters. No matter how one may try to define slavery in one, distinct way, Morgan shows there is always an exception to that definition. I know Morgan worked for many years to produce this book and that this book is the culmination of an immense amount of research and analysis, but this book would make a larger impact if it was shorter. By the time I was done reading this mammoth book, I had a hard time remembering all the topics he brought up. For any history student, like me, it is worth reading, but make sure you give yourself plenty of time to understand it.

I had the pleasure of listening to this author lecture to in class during my senior year of college. Having the opportunity to discuss this book with the author made Slave Counterpoint come to life. Slave Counterpoint makes the topic of Antebellum slavery captivating for those interested in learning about the early days of slavery in the Cheasapeake Bay region. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has a sharp curiosity about early colonial history and wishes to be engaged in an honest account of events(I would recommend reading this book a couple of chapeter at a time).

Philip D. Morgan's exhaustively researched and extremely detailed text seeks to compare and contrast the social structure and overall formation of the slave systems of the Chesapeake, VA and Lowcountry, SC regions during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Morgan does not adopt a narrative approach: he offers numerous discussions-all of which are deftly integrated into his descriptive analyses-of how black cultures changed over time. Morgan spends the 700-odd pages eschewing monolithic portrayals of black culture at almost every opportunity, preferring to investigate complexity and contradiction rather than to resort to pithy judgment. This is an excellent, important read.

I have read no better detailed study than this book. Long but worth it due to the rich detail.

This is a simply fascinating work that weaves business history, marketing theory and techniques, economic differentiation, and overt and unconscious racism. The most interesting dimensions (for this unapologetic Son of the South) is the isolation of the feelings and thoughts of nostalgia that the Quaker Oats image of Aunt Jemima invoked and Manring examines in detail. He follows the work of James Young and illustrator N.C. Wyeth's creation and adaptations of the image from conception to modern politically correct adaptation.

I'm not sure I completely buy into Manrings total thesis, since as a child I always just thought of Aunt Jemima's big old smile as normal, and after all, who doesn't like pancakes? Her image to me meant "proud," "good cooking," and "skilled" not contented servitude as Manring proposes.

Still, this is a fascinating and challenging read.

Prof. Manring has accomplished something rare: an academic book free of jargon, a cultural history free of polemic, and a thorough analysis that never drags. She writes clear, lively prose -- this is a book for the general reader as well as the student of American history. Brava!

This book and its contextualization of Aunt Jemima or the mammy stereotype, as I refer to it, is well-written and thought-provoking. The material has been very helpful to me in exploring how this particular stereotype of black women functions in American culture and I will be using it as a key reference in my dissertation. Thanks.

Slave in a Box is a great study of the racism and sexism embodied in the birth of advertising. It is not only provocative but also chock full of great facts about the era--from the importance of paper bags in marketing to the story of an African American who actually wrote for minstrel shows. I am writing because I am a historian and used the book in my Industrialization of America class. The class generally hated it, because it is so detailed, but despite their response I recommend using it in a course. Our discussion was painful--black students said the book was "depressing" and white students denied that race had anything to do with the power of this trade name (they harped on the convenience, as if the stereotype was irrelevant!). I learned so much about them and so much about what we all need to do as teachers that I think it was a very valuable experience.

Very often, histories/studies of Aunt Jemima and the mammy stereotype are simply descriptive; this book does a great job of showing how Aunt Jemima's image and products were designed to complement/support ideal white femininity. My only criticism is that Aunt Jemima's presence on television and radio wasn't discussed enough. A great read for anyone interested in issues of race, gender and domesticity. I have recommended this book to many people, and continue to do so.

Prof Raboteau's book is clearly written and highly informative. He has an excellent sense of how to present his material in an engaging manner, and a sharp critical faculty. I enjoyed reading this book very much - as I also enjoyed his more recent books, A FIRE IN THE BONES and A SORROWFUL JOY, both of which I would recommned.

Albert J. Raboteau originally wrote 'Slave Religion: The "Invisible Institution" in the Antebellum South' as an expansion and derivation of his doctoral dissertation, little expecting it to become a classic. This updated version, twenty-five years after its original publication in 1978, includes Raboteau's response to some of the reactions he received over time from various audiences. Citing his friend and mentor Sydney Ahlstrom's prediction, the recovery of African-American history as a subject in its own right also served to revitalise the subject of American religious history, as African-American history cannot be told without a great part of the religious traditions, and the religious history of America cannot be told adequately without incorporation of the African-American experience.

Raboteau writes in terms of recovering voices, particularly for this study, the voices of slaves preserved in narratives from the past. This idea of recovering voices is a strong theme in liberation theologies, and applies in important ways both to secular and religious history (as well as present-day practice). Not only the voices, but also the actual events need to be recovered - as Raboteau points out, before the 1820s, far more Africans made the trans-Atlantic journey to the Americas unwillingly than Europeans of all nationalities and religions. The idea of European development of the New World obscures this important fact.

But just what was slave culture? Was this something distinct and unique? Were there multiple slave cultures? Raboteau, speaking in context of the religious, could not ignore the political, and argued that there were vital and creative means of continuation of African cultural influences, often overlaid with Christian and European influences, that provided what he calls a pre-political solidarity that, while not always directly challenging the institution of slavery, provided the kind of foundation needed for questioning of authority needed to break the mindset of the institution of slavery.

Raboteau claims that his primary intention in writing this text was the passing-on of unwritten traditions, oral traditions no longer heard; this goes hand-in-hand with the desire through historical methodology to increase wisdom along with the spiritual task of reflecting upon a tradition that stands a continuing challenge to the complacency exhibited by most of Christianity (not to mention individual Christians).

With regard to the task of preserving oral traditions, Raboteau's text is very good. He incorporates hymns and songs, poems and stories, historical accounts and academic analyses of various sources for the preservation of this important history. Raboteau includes pieces from original African languages as well as adaptations by those Africans already in the Americas. He describes in good detail various practices, such as the ring shout, as well as belief structures. For example, the preservation of elements of African gods and goddesses (and attendant practices) was often stronger in Latin America/Roman Catholic countries than in the Protestant-oriented United States; Raboteau discusses the various possible reasons for this, which include the greater possibility of syncretism and cross-identification of practices, but also the fact that, after a time, the majority of the North American slave population was native-born, whereas in Caribbean and South American locations, there was a constant influx of new arrivals from Africa directly.

Raboteau also discusses the paradoxical situation of Christianity using conversion as a justification for slavery. In the modern world we find it nearly incredible to think in these terms, but one of the rationales for permitting the enslavement of whole peoples was to convert them to the Christian faith - there was also the occasional idea (Azurara, for one) that there were not only spiritual benefits to the slaves, but also the contact of the slaves with Western civilisation was by itself a better state than that in which the people had lived as free persons. There was for a time a difficulty in permitting slaves to become Christian, for as Christian they would have claim on greater expectation of fair and equal treatment; colonials had more economically-oriented goals in mind, and often objected to any religious ideas that might jeopardise their profit margins.

Raboteau's description of the public institutions and the 'invisible institution' practices is intriguing. The public churches formed often with controversy within and outside the communities. The 'invisible institution' existed often as a forbidden aspect; slaves might be members of both the independent black church groups or congregations that were racially mixed (Raboteau mentions that some such congregations might have far more slaves than masters in attendance), but also participate in worship gatherings at night in secret locations, risking severe punishment to do so.

By the time of the Civil War, the slave culture was thoroughly Christianised throughout the South, according to Raboteau. Not all slaves were Christians, and Raboteau points out that the secular/sacred clash often present in the modern-day culture was present even the slave cabins, where secular music that provided antecedents to rhythm and blues would sometimes compete with the more religious-oriented calls to worship.

Raboteau points out that one of the criticisms of his text over the years has been that it is a bit 'too Christian', that its context and overall method looks too much in that direction. Raboteau accepts this criticism, as well as the critique that the voices of women were not as prominent as they might have been, given their importance in the preservation of slave culture and religion. For a work early in the field, these are gentle criticisms that in fact point to areas where, even to this day, further research and writing needs to be done to preserve the historical record.

Raboteau's book is an important milestone in the recovery of lost tales and voices. For any who want a full understanding of American religious history, this book is a must.

Slave Religion is a valuable text. The author does an excellent presentation of the experiences of our ancestors prior to their departure from Africa and their arrival on the plantations. I use this text in a course I teach, The History of the Black Church. The author is to be commended for his research.

Slave Religion is a valuable text. The author does an excellent presentation of the experiences of our ancestors prior to their departure from Africa and their arrival on the plantations. I use this text in a course I teach, The History of the Black Church. The author is to be commended for his research.

Some books are classics; "Slave Religion" is THE Classic in this genre. Raboteau, America's foremost scholar on African American religious history, weaves copious first-hand quotations with insightful, riveting commentary to provide a tremendous foundation for understanding Christianity among the enslaved African Americas.

Chapter after chapter, "Slave Religion" opens deeper and deeper layers of understanding. As you read, you sense Raboteau transporting you back directly into the historical experiences. His writing is so thoroughly researched as well as so adeptly penned, that scholar, student, and lay reader alike can equally enjoy and benefit from it. Peerless.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."

I love African American photography, and this book is a wonderful example of the images that we don't often see: the African American middle class. This makes an excellent gift for a history and/or photography buff.

I first discovered this little treasure while reading a book review in Ebony magazine. I was immediately drawn to this title because 1. it was by Du Bois, 2. the book featued pictures of African-Americans that were displayed during the World's Fair in Paris-1900. I enjoyed looking at the vintage photographs but the only downfall is that some of the photographs are not labeled and i would have also appreciated a longer description on the photographs. overall this is a great book for the entire family to enjoy for generations to come.

It it the last photo in this book that I believe leaves the most indelible impression on my mind. The photo is of a young woman/girl smiling as if she hasn't a worry in the world. One cannot help but be moved inexpressively by her picture.

The book is composed of photographs of black Americans that were part of the world exhibition showing the "progess" of men in the 1900's. W.E.B. Du Bois put the photographs together for show to contradict the negative stereotypes of blacks of his day. In each of picture you see men and women at work, play, or just in imtimate photographs meant to give to a loved one, friend, or to show their own personal achievement and status to the world and their community.
There are black Americans of every beautiful hue in the book from dark to very light, each a protrait of personel dignity and integrity who did not make Faustian deals for fame and forturne like all to many blacks in the popular culture of Hollywood and the media today, especially if they are exceptioanlly light. The men and women in this book challeged the prejudices against them instead of catering to it, a lesson for anyone regardless of race, religion, or sexuality.

This is a book that should not be purchased by only blacks, but whites as well and others seeking just to understand the history and diversity of black America beyond what popular culture wants you to think or sell you.

The story of the pictures that W.E.B. Du Bois collected for the Paris World's Fair in 1900 is really inspiring and fascinating. He had only four months to make an entire exhibit -- when the vast majority of exhibitors participating had far longer. Years in some cases! And yet Du Bois triumphed. Plus the pictures are beautiful and surprising. Don't miss this book if you or your family is interested in American History.

W. E. B. DuBois says in the opening page, A SMALL NATION OF PEOPLE
is "an honest, straightforward exhibit of a small nation of people,
picturing their life and development without apology or gloss, and
above all made by themselves..." This book displays
portraits of African-Americans in a way that shows the progress made
in the 20th century, and they dispel the negative connotations we've
grown accustomed to seeing in the media, in the newspapers and even
in the history books of today.

Once part of the Paris Exhibition, these pictures speak volumes
individually and collectively and show a special type of pride, a
certain strength that isn't displayed in commercial venues such as
movies. It was wonderful seeing all types of buildings, landscapes
ranging from Georgia to Washington D.C. and also seeing businessmen,
such as Warren C. Coleman, the owner of the only Negro-owned cotton
mill in the United States at the time the picture was taken.

With essays by David Levering Lewis & Deborah Willis, centered
around the beautiful portraits of a culture, A SMALL NATION OF
PEOPLE, is a must-have for every African-American or those interested
in the diversity of our race. From the hairstyles, to the clothing,
to the actual hue of the skin, this book talks to you and shares the
pride of a people determined to make it despite having recently come
out of slavery.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

After reading Too Deep for Tears and All We Hold Dear, I opened this book with anticipation. It did not disappoint me. This time, the story focuses on the Rose women ~~ Mairi, Aisla, Alanna and Ena, Aisla's daughter with Ian Fraser. And this time, my questions about Lian and Genevra have been answered as their stories after leaving the Glenn have been told. It's a relief to have those two back in the book again!

Ena is a young girl soon to be a woman ~~ she's on the edge of childhood and womanhood and a lot of the story focuses on her and the choices she had to make. Aisla is still grieving for Ian, her love of her life and Alanna is disappointed because she has only one child ~~ she longs for more children to fill her home. Together, they live in peace with Mairi in the center. Drawn home after sixteen years of living elsewhere, Genevra and Lian came to visit. All of these women ~~ bound together by blood relations and by grief have learned the simple fact that united ~~ no one can break them.

It is a beautiful novel ~~ oftentimes too wordy (and sometimes, repetitive in passages) ~~ it draws the Rose women back into your imagination and their stories they tell are still very powerful. The reason why it's a four stars instead of a five ~ too wordy. I find myself getting impatient with a lot of the drawn-out scenes ~~ and find myself skipping ahead. That is my only complaint about this wonderful novel!!

This is a perfect book for those long autumn nights ahead ~~ so enjoy it!

10-1-05

As a woman myself, this book is a great read. It touched me in places, that had long since died. Its the journey of four women, sisters, from all different corners of the world. They come together, for there fathers funeral. This book is the discovery of what every woman goes through, the discover of strength, they didnt know they had, of friendships that are reborn again, and learning to trust your heart. Read this on it will take you on a journey of yourself also. Let it make you cry, laugh, and smile so big, you think your heart will burst. A MUST READ BOOK.

I love all of Kathryn's books and SOMEWHERE LIES THE MOON has to be one of her best. Oh, what am I saying? They're all terrific reads, brimming with emotion, fully developed characters, plots and rich settings. Suspense lies inside the hearts' of these characters, and she keeps you wondering about them long after you've closed the book. All of her books are keepers for me, I just wish she would write faster. It's probably one of the reasons why many don't know about this wonderful author. If you like richly told novels, real novels with characters that stay with you for years to come, don't miss this book.

Kathryn Lynn Davis is the kind of writer you rarely see anymore. In this world of instant gratification, it seems like no one takes the time and care to write really satisfying, evocative stories--but Ms. Davis is the wonderful exception. SOMEWHERE is a book you can truly curl up with and enjoy for hours on end, savoring its characters and settings, its passion and wisdom. Like THE SHELL SEEKERS or THE THORN BIRDS, it will give you days of pleasure and you'll wish for it never to end.

This book is a compilation of some of the best living contemporary "Black Poets" alive today, and I am honored to be included in it. Latorial Faisons, E. Joyce Moore, Waset, Marcus Harris, Kilolo Mwasi, Lynette C. Velasco, Lin Ross, Mikaylah Simone, Padmore Enyonam Aghemabiese, Kayla Harris, Keisha Harris, Sara DeGraff, Alice Paris, Roslyn Nichols, Vusi Moloi, Mark Anthony Thomas, Cheril N. Clarke, Shelia Goss, Sabas Whittaker, Beverly Black Johnson, Pam Osbey, Jernell Rosenthal, and so many more... I could go on but what I am basically saying is that the very best of the best are all gathered in one place...

Yes, I am a man,
A Black man
But my manhood
Is not a demon
Caught between
My humanity
And the purr of
My zipper

(Excerpt of "True Manhood" by Lin Ross)

I am
A Black woman
Srtong beyond definition
Standing tall by my words
Humming a song to defy my place
And claim my space till time
Looks over me with tears

(Excerpt from "I Am a Black Woman" by Padmore Enyonam Aghemabiese)

And lastly just to give you another sample...

And transforms deteriorating slums
Into safe heavens for little angels to fly
No matter how many betrayals,
I will not surrender.
I may fall but will not stay down.
I will always get up
So the show can go on.
My name is Woman.

(Excerpt from Sara DeGraff's, "I am the Unsung Hero")

To put it as simply as possible, this is a collection of powerful stuff!!!

The emotions it will touch upon are varied and many and it will surely cause a few tears, and reflections and deep contemplations.

I'm honored to be included and consider it a blessing to have my words in such a fine and important piece of American Contemporary Black Literature.

Chase Von

Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak

I don't mormally read poems, but these Songs of Hope are the best I've read for long while.

Words used to depict the essence of this book
Offer no justice - for this read
Is a must read, to understand
The confirmation within ourselves
Conveyed in such a form

Yes, like the phoenix
Hope will once again - amass enliven

No formula exists for good poetry, no rhyme or reason explaining why some sticks to us, adhering to our psyche and identifying our emotions, while others drift away, unnoticed, into the breeze.

Songs of Hope, compiled by Sachel, is a collection of poetry that spans the range of emotions, from love to frustration, acceptance to intolerance, black affirmation to quiet indecision. The poetry contained within this wonderful treasure made me cry, laugh, and give four snaps for ingenuity and creativity.

"She's realized that loving
Not giving up on the black man
Is key
So she's chosen to start with her brothers, uncles, cousins, nephews
Sons and grandsons
For she knows
The viral power of love." p58

With topics mimicking life experiences and ramifications, this was a very enjoyable compilation. Many of the poems affirmed and qualified black women and men, reminding of our role, our strength, our power and our love. A breathtaking display of poetic purity, Songs of Hope is a passionate appeal for the world to take notice.

"Trust. True Manhood
Does not rest
Imprisoned in
Fruit of the Loom
Or Hanes Boxer Briefs.

Yes, I'm a man,
A Black man
But my manhood
Is not a demon
Caught between
My humanity
And the purr of
my zipper." p34

About the Book:

In Songs of Hope, Sachel carefully discovered poetry in its purest form, manifesting poetic art into a rich harvest of colorful expressions and memorable rhymes. You can be sure that this collection of poetry will not drift away, unnoticed, into the breeze.

Key Positives:

- Well over 50 poems
- Diversity of topics and writing styles adds texture and warmth to this collection
- Poetry well written and imaginative

Key Negatives:

- Not sure what the picture on the cover is

Rating:

Rating 4 out of 5 mice

Recommendation:

Buy this book...

- If you're a poetry lover
- If you appreciate diversity
- If you're looking for a great gift

Reviewed by a.Kai of Read Zone Book Reviewers

Songs of Hope is a collection of thoughts and inspirations in the most lyrical, emotional, and thought-provoking form of art there is - poetry. Great writers from Shakespeare to Poe to Ms. Angelou have utilized poetry to create some of their most memorable works. Songs of Hope features a superb juxtaposition of new and veteran writers expressing themselves with lyrical virtuoso. There are a variety of different styles from a smorgasbord of poets presenting works from both the male and female perspective. It doesn't matter - whether you're a fan of the written word, someone who finds the rhythm, pacing, and rhyme of poetry hypnotic, or just someone looking for inspiration - this collection truly sings of hope.

I love how the book goes, while the ending is interesting it was not how i hoped originally, but now i want to read the other books to find out exactly what happens. Pretty Shocking i thought, what they went through in detail. One not to be missed.

this book has a different view from the very beginning. no book has done what this book does. ben counter is a very talented writer and the twists and turns never end. all i can say is that if you are a fan of the warhammer galaxy then this book is a must. if you are new it is still a great book. so good i read it twice in 1 day.

If you're interested in Warhammer 40,000 and the Black Library, the Soul Drinker series is definitely the one you must read! William King is great and Dan Abnett is also incredible, but Ben Counter rocks. I've read the complete Soul Drinker series (Three books so far)and his Grey Knights novel, which is also state of the art. The storyline of the Soul Drinkers is something completely new in the Warhammer 40k world. In the other series you learn about the adventures of superhuman Space Marines warriors, totally committed to the Human Empire and the Golden Throne.
The Soul Drinkers are different, as they, after being betrayed by those they once served and protected, search for a better way to serve their Emperor, without obeying to a Human Empire which is completely corrupted in their minds. Not to tell too much, get the first book and drown in this marvellous story of Space Marines Chapter which is declared heretic by the Empire and hunted down all over the galaxy.

Interested in space marines? Familiar with the 40K Universe? If so, this is a remarkable book. The book makes heavy use of the language and concepts described in other novels and the game books themselves, making this a poor choice for new players.

INCREDIBLE story! Lots of twists and turns, very well imagined, constant action, interesting characters. You can tell from the writing that the author has a great passion for this story, and really enjoyed writing it.

This book is about the "Soul Drinkers" Space marine chapter. The story starts off w/ the Soul Drinkers assualting a space station run by rich & corrupt family; the Van Skorvolds. The reason for this assualt?? To recover a ancient artifact that had been stolen from the Soul Drinkers hundreds of years prior. But, the Imperium and Adeptus Mechanicus have other plans for the space station and the Soul Drinkers missing artifact, the Soul Spear. This throws the Soul Drinkers into a conflict with all they have ever known and with the Imperium, to which they have dedicted their lives to defending.

This tale stretches from the battles on the Van Skorvolds space station to a Chaos rife world under the power of Nurgle; the God of Death and Decay. Don't over look this book. If you like the universe created by the folks at Games workshop and produced by their publishing company, The Black Library. You'll love this book!! There is also a second part to this book on the way, called "The Bleeding Chalice".