African-American Books

James Baldwin is a tortured soul. He pours his whole soul onto every page. This makes him one of America's greatest writers. His word pictures take you into the church, on a picnic, into a country farm house and into the lives of all his characters. Long Live James Baldwin. In our hearts.

James Baldwin is one of the best writers
of all time. This semi-autobiographical
collection of short stories about different
male protagonists going to meet "the man"
which is different in every story is one
of the best story collections of all time.

Even today, after reading it, I could see
where there was a lesson to be learned from
each story. I wish James Baldwin was still
alive so I could tell him how much I love his
work. If you don't read anything else by James
Baldwin (although Giovanni's Room, Tell me how
long the train's been gone and Another Country
are also brilliant) read this, particularly Sonny's Blues.

The first story I read in this was "Sonny's Blues" and I realized there was more to it than just a story- and that the blues is more than just b5ths but a greater understanding of life - highly recommended.

James Baldwin is known primarily for his essays and his first two novels ("Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "Giovanni's Room"), but I often tell readers that the place to start is with his first story collection, "Going to Meet the Man." Baldwin's short fiction is more straightforward and accessible than are his essays (which are indeed excellent); each of the eight stories presents a different aspect of Baldwin's worldview; and unlike his early novels, where racism is treated as one aspect in the lives of characters, several of these stories confront the "racial issue" full on.

Baldwin's short fiction may be easier to read, but it does not avoid uncomfortable truths. In fact, some of Baldwin's most heated writing can be found in this volume, which was first published in 1965. It contains work written over a 20-year-period, including "Previous Condition," the first piece of fiction he ever published (in Commentary Magazine in 1948). A fledgling actor is torn between the black world of Harlem ("perfectly in his element, in his place, as the saying goes") and the white neighborhoods downtown. He stays at a friend's apartment in lower Manhattan, but has to hide from the landlord and leave the building at odd hours to avoid being seen by the other residents ("Why don't you go uptown, where you belong?").

Each of the other stories is unforgettable in its own way, but my two favorites open and close the volume. "The Rockpile" is an early (yet different) version of an episode in "Go Tell It on the Mountain"; two of Baldwin's strengths are his ability to capture the memories of youth and to present the complexities of family life. The incendiary title story that ends the volume depicts a white police officer whose racial attitudes were formed by a lynching he witnessed as a child. Baldwin pits the very real horror of the police brutality experienced by a young man who attempts to register to vote against the officer's wholly imagined fear of the oversexed black stereotype.

This last story--indeed, much of Baldwin's later fiction--has been criticized (by biographer James Campbell, for example) for lacking "a neutrality which Baldwin was finding harder than ever to maintain" and an unwillingness to "concede that somewhere, somehow, this corrupted man might incorporate genuine goodness." Such comments seem unfair on two counts: the actions of some racists, while "pitiable," are still beyond redemption or "goodness," and (more to the point) I don't agree that it's a storyteller's responsibility to make lemonade out of every lemon.

So ignore the critics who argue that Baldwin's fiction lost its shine as he grew older and more cynical and less "neutral," and pick up this excellent collection of stories. I think you'll find that their bluntness and honesty and gritty realism make up for whatever stylistic faults the critics might point to.

I am slowly understanding why Mr. Baldwin elected to leave the United States for more than a decade in the 1940s and 1950s. He apparently is on record as saying that he needed to flee because his anger was going to destroy him if he did not seek a respite from American injustice.

Upon reading this collection, I think I am really beginning to understand what must have been going through his mind. Read "Previous Condition" where a young African American man keeps being thrown out of hotels and denied jobs simply because of the color of his skin. There is nowhere he can go without meeting the hostile glances and conspiratorial whispers of people on the street simply because of his skin color. And there is a moment where it all came into focus for me, standing in the kitchen of his Jewish friend's Jules' apartment. And I quote:

"Oh," I cried, "I know you think I'm making it dramatic, that I'm paranoiac and just inventing trouble! Maybe I think so sometimes, how can I tell? You get so used to being hit you find you're always waiting for it. Oh, I know, you're Jewish, you get kicked around, too, but you can walk into a bar and nobody knows you're Jewish and if you go looking for job you'll get a better job than mine!" (78)

It is deeply disturbing to think that a person has the suspicion and rage of the world cocked against their temple, but that was how it was (and still is). I have read much about the Civil Rights struggle and as a Jew myself, have listened to many stories from members of my family about prejudice but these stories, they uncover something. After seeing what happened in New Orleans with Katrina and listening to the empty discussions of "good schools", No Child Left Behind and test score mania, it opens your eyes to the fact that performance, optimism and opportunity are perceptions that, when absent, can ruin lives in ways that are hard to qualify.

I highly recommend these stories but be prepared to become deeply uncomfortable because Baldwin had a powerful case to make about American hypocrisy and he makes it.

I think this book was not titled appropriately. This book was an easy and juicy read like all the Geneva Holliday books, but it had no heat. It had a few sex scenes, but they were not hot at all. The storyline also wasn't that hot. The storyline was just busy. Here is a brief summarization:

Noah and his partner are separated because Noah's partner, Zahn wants to have a child and Noah does not.

Chevy ends up homeless because of irresponsible spending.

Crystal is dating a gigolo head-quartered out of Antigua. She is also sleeping with her former drug addict boyfriend.

Geneva is hooked on dieting pills that are damaging to her health.

Geneva Holliday has done it again!!!!! Heat, the third book in the Geneva Holliday series, is a great read. It kept me wanting more. I found myself upset when the book ended for the simple fact that the book was over. Loved it!!!!

this is a must read, I don't have a lot of leasure time; however, I will find time to read every book Ms. Holliday has written based on this hot and very exciting novel. I loved the book "Heat"

I loved this book and hated when it ended. Noah and his crazy neighbors had me cracking up!!!! The book was funny but also had serious parts and made me realize how one's life can change in an instance. I enjoyed all of Ms. Holliday's books and I can't wait for the next one. Keep up the good work.

If you enjoyed Groove and Fever, you'll definitely enjoy reading more on Noah, Chevy, Geneva and Crystal. These four friends have always had drama and this time around it's nothing different.
Noah's man wants to have a child, but Noah isn't feeling it. Their relationship is beginning to strain and Noah is trying to figure out if he loves him man or his childless life more.
Chevy is still Chevy, mooching off her friends whenever she can and living way above her means. Time's running out and she can't hold up the charade much longer.
Geneva is still doing everything she can to do something about her weight, and nothing at all. Even having a fine man that loves her isn't enough to make her accept her for herself. Can she throw away the crash diets for good and be happy?
Crystal is going through a mid life crisis and while she's running across the country to share stolen moments with a gigaloo, she's trying to get what she's missing in life.

I liked how this was part of a series, but you didn't feel like you missed something if you didn't read a book. You'd want to read them all of course because they all are great, but it isn't heavily required. Geneva Holliday did her thang once more and the novel is full of drama, humor and of course HEAT!

Reviewed by Leila

Real Divas of Literature

I remember reading this book almost 13 or so years ago, and I remember how much it meant to me then. This is a wonderful story of a boy with a hard life who begins to understand the bad path he is heading down, and his life is turned around by caring for a cat who needs his help.

I first experienced this story as a television film around 1969. It stunned me then, as a child, and I kept it in my heart for decades. Recently I came across a dog-eared copy of the novelization in a used bookstore and was stunned by the grip it still had on me. I am now a teacher and have presented the book to my students. They were similarly enthralled. It transcends generations, ethnicities, and economic barriers. It is a sublimely human story. I am so grateful to Jane Wagner for creating such a fine piece. It teaches so many things in so many ways.

"He's just gone bad, that's all...Stealin' and lyin' and I don't know what all." That's how J.T.'s mother felt. Yet this same J.T. secretly cared for a one-eyed, scrawny, junkyard cat full of cuts, scratches, nicks, and bruises from a recent battle. How could he be both good and bad? Why was he these two types of persons? Find out J.T.'s feelings--they're not too unusual. (A film was made of this book.)

A Non-Workbook, Non-Textbook Approach to Teaching Language Arts: Grades 4 Through 8 and Up

This book is a must read for all NYC students. As an educator I introduce it to grades second and up. I would like to purchase a copy of this on film. Amazon can you help locate a copy.

I loved this book as a child and I even remember having a little crush on the boy in the book and film (Kevin Hooks who went on to become a famous actor and director). My parents somehow got a hold of the film (on a reel!) to show at one of my birthday slumber parties in the late 70s. I'm now expecting my first child and can't wait until she's old enough to enjoy the story as well.

Not enough ppl take the time out to know themselves and in knowing yourself, you learn more of yourself and what you would want/expect from a mate.Too often women confuse love for cash, good/great sex, abuse, and even fear. Too often women live their lives praying for Mr. Right but taking everything and ANYTHING from Mr. Wrong bc we simply don't want to wait. Too often believing that "men are dogs", we don't take the time to find out why so many men behave the way they do. Women easily forget that men have feelings too and being masculine, it's harder for them to deal than us and being that women are overly emotional - we don't allow our minds to work for us as they should and lack trust when it's deserved. That is not excusing the men: Bc too often men don't want to waste their time getting confused in the chaos of a woman's mind and finding what's really inside her bc all they are wanting is the next nut. Too many men so quickly believe that a woman is out to get them for their possessions or whatever they feel their value is and are so busy guarding themselves that women get tired of chasing. Too often men settle for the best piece they can find and don't take the time out to make love or even begin to let love blossom.

Labor of Love: It's simplistic, yet so thorough when bringing the basics for a nourished relationship.The absolute truth when it comes to love and all the confusions revolving relationships when ppl dont take the time to resolve prior relationship conflicts and figure out what they themselves did to add to the breakdown of said relationship. Soo often women and men carry resentment towards each other for the abuse suffered at other mates' hands. Labor of Love takes the reader thru journeys into relationships that were successful, not so successful, and absolutely not meant to be. Learning experiences from men's perspective and women's perspective. T.Cass may be enlightening men and women when it comes to relationships, a tell-all description of the vicious cycles relationships revolve in and what needs to happen in order for them to be successful. Jasly and Sampson made an ideal couple - sexy, adult, fire-y, and still growing. Although both had problems beyond their relationship with each other, they attempted to grow with each other and to help each other grow and learn about love.

As an author, one thing I did find written wonderfully was the lack of overdescribed intercourse scenes!!!

Great first book from T. Cass, I expect many more from her.

We all have had our ups and downs with love and T. Cass shows how everyday people get caught up, hurt, and why we run from the thing we want the most......LOVE. Jaslyn and Solomon prove that sometimes love just ain't enough. A great read!

There's nothing better than love...

Ahh relationships...when they're good, all seems right with the world. Your outlook on life and love is positive, and you want everyone to be as happy as you are. But when they're bad, well let's just say that you're not quite so happy-go-lucky.

There's nothing like the chase, whether you're the chaser or the chasee, as Jaslyn Davenport and Sampson Tate discover in LABOR OF LOVE by literary newcomer T. Cass. Whether it's their first case of puppy love, or whether it's a more mature relationship, they experience the roller coaster ride that love can sometimes be. As time progresses and romances come and go, Jaslyn and Sampson, with the help of friends and family, are once again experiencing the LABOR OF LOVE, with each other. 'Round and 'round it goes, where it stops no one knows.

Relationships are tough work, whether you're just dating, or you have progressed to the marriage stage. In her debut novel, T. Cass has shown us the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows that being in love puts us through. This read was enjoyable and true to life. I look forward to reading the future works of this up and coming novelist.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

T. Cass does a marvelous job of holding her readers' attention and coercing them to travel down memory lane with characters Sampson and Jaslyn. This book is certainly a riveting tale of two successful people who have it going on in every arena of their lives except the one that really matters--- a loving and honest relationship. T. Cass shows us that being in love is important, but taking risks with the one you love can set you free. Labor of Love is definitely a page turner...

Jaslyn's Mr. Right is taking longer than she had hoped. Her two decade search is coming up short and disappointing. Instead of having a perfect man should she settle for a piece of man?

Sampson is only looking for Ms. Right Now. He is fine with holding it down with whoever wants to give up the booty to a fine, educated brother with a little cash. He has no plans of settling down. If they are not broke or crazy they don't know a good man when they see one anyway.

T. Cass doesn't disappoint as she gives us hope on this journey of friends, family and relationships.

Now I know that in a blues song when they sing about the back door, they are not speaking in sexual terms, they are referring to a cheating man making a quick exit out of the back door when the husband comes home! The book is very entertaining and informative!

If you enjoy the blues then this is the book for you. This book gives you the meaning of every blues phrase ever used in a song. This will give you an understanding of blues music like never before. Absolutely fabulous.

Just like the Blues, "The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu" by Debra DeSalvo, is the nitty gritty real deal with stories and definitions from Blues masters, not from non-musician researchers who think they're the authorities. This book is informative and fun rather than dry and scholarly. You will not be disappointed if you buy it.

It's this type of work that will make sure the Blues and Blues history lives on!

Every reader will pick up something new about lyrics, terms and phrases, noted cities and neighborhoods, instruments, performers, lore, and other aspects of this always popular and colorful style of music. With occasional material from interviews with top names in blues and closely-related types of popular music in entries as long as essays of three or so pages to as short as a couple of lines, DeSalvo relates origins of words and phrases, gives examples when relevant, describes nuances in different styles, locates the origins and outlines the course of different traditions, explains details of instruments and techniques of playing them, and draws profiles of significant singers and instrumentalists. And she includes considerable colorful lore and terminology unknown to only the most knowledgeable aficionados which can only add to enjoyment of the blues with more casual fans. A lively, informative, eminently readable companion to blues music in all its history and manifestations.

This is self-described as an anecdotal dictionary of the blues, but it suffers some serious flaws and while there is some useful information, it is far from authoritative or comprehensive and while it has some usefulness, it can be improved in so many ways. There are some 150 words and phrases which Ms. DeSalvo, former Blues Revue editor, focuses on, in a volume that emphasizes the African roots of the blues, but at times does not focus on other meanings the terms have. One review in Blues & Rhythm notes the focus on sex and hoodoo, but oddly enough very little on traveling which is a significant theme of the blues.

Much is made of the fact she interviewed a number of blues performers and included the material with various entries. However much if not most of the interview material is irrelevant to understanding the language of the blues, or the entry. For example she briefly discusses crossroads focusing on the African conception which leads to a discussion of the Robert Johnson meeting the devil at the crossroad myth and notes that some believe it. Then she included a discussion of Robert Lockwood, Johnson's stepson which bears very little relationship to the discussion of the term. This would have been better included in a sidebar about Johnson and Lockwood. It would have also been instructive to include lyrics of several songs for specific terms to show contrasting meanings. As an example, Elmore James' 'Standing at the Crossroads,' clearly does not have the connotation that some impute to Johnson.

Also some of her sources are not exactly scholarly. In an entry on the Delta, she discussed Charlie Patton working for Will Dockery. She provides as her reference correspondence with Stephen Lavere. There are lengthy published biographies on Patton by John Fahey, and Stephen Calt and Gayle Dean Wardlow that should have been cited. There is no excuse to not citing these sources while citing private correspondence. Then there is this statement "In '34 Blues', Patton nails the desperation and anxiety of unemployment, but something good came out of leaving the plantation this time-Patton went to New York and recorded twenty-nine songs for the American Record Company. When these recordings were reissued in the mid-1960s, they sparked great interest in this Delta cropper who came to be known as the father of the blues." On the same page there is Patton's picture which noted he recorded for Paramount and became that label's biggest selling artist. It was the reissue of Patton's recordings by Yazoo, which presented mostly the Paramount recordings that led to this recognition of Patton's music.

Discussing Canned Heat which some strained to drink the alcohol from, DeSalvo notes that Canned Heat adopted their name from the Tommy Johnson recording and that the members of Canned Heat used their fame to help their blues heroes citing their collaboration in John Lee Hooker's "The Healer." Hmm, I would think that it was the classic double album, "Hooker and Heat," recorded when Alan Wilson, the Blind Owl, was still alive that not only was the recording that led to Hooker's crossover but it stands up with the best recordings Hooker ever made. It was an album the ghost band that is Canned Heat is today would be incapable of producing. Sorry for perhaps going off topic, but so many entries here go off topic. (Again sidebars would have been useful). However the fact she is so imprecise with this, makes me suspect the accuracy of some other entries.

She does include some suggested recordings, but more lyric quotes for the entries
would have been very helpful. Also there should have been more cross entries, such as in her discussion of policy numbers, cross references back to that entry should have been provided for some of the policy combinations. And there are numerous terms that are not discussed here. This is a really rough first effort and this work needs some serious reworking if it is going to be a useful tool, which probably also means she should find herself a collaborator and take into account the serious criticisms if she wants to put together a work that will stand up as scholarly and a reference.

A compelling tale about a little explored area of art: the back door dealings of the players and how it affects artists. Already thoroughly familiar with Dial's, Holley's, and Arnett's tales, this was still a real page turner. Having some professional experience with one of the players that enters the story late, I can vouch that Dietz's description of the "character" is pretty accurate. It's a tough call as to what Arnett may be trying accomplish (it's all pretty gray), but he has helped bring American vernacular art to the forefront of the contemporary art scene. This is one of the best books about art written in the last few years.

What is art?- you really answered this question! Through the many people you probobly interviewed, you probobly learned this too!!! I just absolutly LOVE THIS BOOK AND I RECOMMEND IT TO PEOPLE OF AGES 10 AND UP!!!! You must have worked really, really hard!!! Good Book and Exelent work!!!!

I absolutely loved this book! I think that you must have put a lot of effort, work, and time into this masterpiece. Love the word usage and the story overall. I hope that you write more books.
Great Work!

Highly entertaining peek into the art world -- what is art? How do you find it and create a market for it?

The artists in The Last Folk Hero are charming people whose talent is brought to light by an unlikely character from Atlanta.

Well researched, well written and fun read.

Andrew Dietz brilliantly captures the layers of race relations, exploitation, white liberalism and the dynamics of individual egos. As Lonnie Holly captured in his piece "Mystery of the White in Me" (the artist and a photo of this piece are featured in the book), Dietz's exploration of the line between artist promotion and exploitation demonstrates that nothing is as black and white as it appears.

As a reader that knew little of the history and politics of folk art, it did take me a while to get drawn into the book (I was hampered by the fact that a house guest started reading my first copy and was so drawn in to the story that I let him take it with him), but once I got to the third chapter I could not put it down.

What a fine performance from this hitherto unknown writer of nonfiction books. I cannot believe, having read this book, that I know--however thinly--what life must be like inside prison walls, and then outside in an altogether new kind of prison. Hopkins draws brilliant sketches of a life torn by inevitable forces of evil and goodness. Thankfully, goodness prevails. Even better, Evans Hopkins has lived to tell us about it. Kudos.

Evans Hopkins grew up in Danville, Virginia during a turbulent time in history when his town, like many, were resisting desegregation at every turn. As he entered into his teen years, Evans became more and more frustrated by what he felt was a black community that easily accepted the mistreatment they were forced to live with. This eventually led to his involvement with the Black Panther Party, an organization with ideals more in line with his hands on approach to obtaining civil rights. Eventually, his involvement with the organization increases to the point that he persuades his parents to allow him to move to North Carolina to live among the comrades at the nearest Panther chapter.

After working with the North Carolina chapter for a while, Evans had the opportunity to go to California and work at the headquarters of the organization. Deeply idealistic, he was quickly disheartened by the inconsistencies between what the party preached and what they practiced. Ultimately, he fled California, fearing for his life -- but this is just the beginning of a downward spiral. When he returns home, he must obtain employment not only to support himself, but also his newborn son and his then estranged girlfriend. He begins working for his father's landscaping business, but is frustrated by the meager wages and backbreaking work. Soon the lure of fast money wins over, and he finds himself facing a life sentence. The next phase of the book focuses on the difficulties of prison life and all of the life changes he encounters during his incarceration. Evans examines his choices and mistakes, and rediscovers his love for writing. Finally, he talks about his new beginning -- his life AFTER life. In this portion of the book, he shares about his period of readjustment to life outside of prison, changes among his family members, and his blossoming writing career.

LIFE AFTER LIFE is more than a memoir, it is a character study. What is more impressive is that Evans Hopkins is able to look back on his life and reflect with honesty and openess. He not only shares about his life, but he also puts the lives of many of the people he encountered in his journey into a meaningful social context. Written in an conversational style, LIFE AFTER LIFE is an easy read that touches on any number of important topics.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

"Life After Life" is a true and enlightening description of a young man's rage and finally his redemption. Evans Hopkins' well-written autobiography vividly describes his good and bad personal experiences. Many of them stemmed from his personal attitudes towards people he was in contact with. Fortunately, with support from his family and other positive people, he was able to a new look on life. These changes encourage Evans to have and practice more positive thinking and actions. His writing is an inspiration for lost people. It should encourage those who are failing to strive, to seek life's positive path.

This book is essential for anyone who agrees with the idea that the leaders of the Civil Rights movement didn't do all the work. Evans Hopkins writes in gripping prose about his life story, and is among the first to shed light on the Panthers from a first hand comrade point of view. The book not only is insightful but inspiration. It brings back to light the struggles of a time all but forgotten and is the best book in the new canon of works written by activist of the movement.
Not only is it a piece about the movement, it shows how the movement affected his life and virtually everyone's life. And it is truly a story of rage and redemption that provokes the reader to find the redeeming qualities in him/herself.
Must read doesn't say enough!!!!!

Life After Life is an exalting and dynamically written memoir that is destined for great literary achievements. This polished and brilliant author, Evans Hopkins, has revealed and characterized the epitome of growing up as a young man embroiled between manhood, family, and acceptance in a society notorious for its unjust boundaries and inequalities. His fascinating story will surely ignite your soul.

Mr. Hopkins was profoundly inspired to prove that life changes begin with self-motivation,love, and the courage to reintegrate into the environment that was eager to cast him out. With heroic pride and a strong will to empower himself, he has endured the litmus test for human consciousness.

We can all derive encouragement and insight from this extraordinary book. At best, the perspective wisdom to bear witness to positive change and influence others to recognize their own obligations toward a more harmonious humankind.

Black or White, young or old, male or female, gay or straight can appreciate the glimpses of life portrayed in The Mee Street Chronicles. Ms. Lennon artfully transports the reader to times and places that come alive through superb storytelling. This author captures the ambience so well that the reader becomes an invisible spectator within every scene.



Demonstrating courage possessed by few authors, she has been willing to share some of the most intimate details of her own life struggle. If you have traveled similar roads, you will nod in recognition. Whether your life includes comparable experiences or not, put this book on your "must read" list!

Frankie and I went to Indiana University together. She showed her writing talent during the her college days. Life has perfected those talents. I can relate to her stories of her childhood because regardless of where you grew up, as a Black child at that time our parents all taught from the same book. Once I started reading, I almost could not put the book down. The stories were woven in such a way that you will feel as if you are standing in a corner watching the action. I am proud of the strong woman she has become.

Thankfully I got to see the process of this work being produced but even being in on that aspect of it didn't prepare me for the impact it would have in the world of literature and me personally. Frankie is adept in weaving stories that are at both times personal and communal. What I mean by that is when I read these stories I know I am reading about Frankie but the feeling that they give me lets me know I am reading about my sisters, mother, grandmother, aunts, friends, and on a certain level even myself. The stories transcend so many categories in an outstanding way. You owe it to yourself to get this book and be fulfilled...

The Mee Street Chronicles: Straight Up Stories of a Black Woman's Life by Frankie Lennon has been one of my favorite books that I have read as a college student. The author uses an authentic way of telling her stories by using anecdotes and descriptions of the events that happened in her life and the lives of the important characters she introduces to the audience. All the stories in this book have been very exciting to read, but one of my most favorite is "The Code", in this story I feel a deep personal connection to the author due to our cultural similarities. Overall it was a great book to read since I originally thought I would not find a connection to the stories due to our different cultural backgrounds, but it was a shocker to familiarize with some of the stories. I have already recommended the book to a couple friends and would recommend to a lot more people because it's such a great book to read.

Franke Lennon has written a moving, honest, difficult and, ultimately, a life affirming memoir. Her amazingly Norman Rockwell-Huck Finn childhood in Knoxville is tenderly rendered only to slyly transmorgrify into the struggles that a young black woman growing up in the Jim Crow Bible-belt South would face upon the recognition of a forbidden same sex attraction.

Ms. Lennon's clarity in realizing and struggling with her lesbianism is achingly rendered and all too familiar to anyone who has felt like an outcast, not always because of outside forces, but due to an internalized self-loathing.

Her first female love leaves an indellible mark on her; a scar, if you will, and this woman--Stacey--haunts throughout this powerful confessional.

Throughout her life, Ms. Lennon struggles through many things--her sexual nature, alcoholism, watching close friends being taken away by AIDS, sexism, racism--but forever the cock-eyed optimist, she tells a tale of falling down and getting back up in classic style.

At the chore of this collection of stories (although I found it to be one marvelous story of an incredible black woman and the many compelling chapters of her life) is a never-say-die mantra. Frankie Lennon, like Molly Brown, is not about to be blown over by the bigotry of others.

Oh yes, it took her a moment to get there, maybe even a good part of a lifetime, but get there she does! When she has her 'Hell No!' moment(s), you'll cheer. When she finally says 'Hell yes!' to life, tears will fall between the hands you so furiosly applaud her with.

This book is a brilliant affirmation and should be read by anyone who questions their place at God's unconditional table because of man's narrow stupid conditional rules.Looker: A Novel

This wonderful book was a joy to read. Alex definitely has a way with words and it will be no surprise before a major publisher snatches him up. The brother in the book however was a sex fiend *lol* but I loved the poetry and I loved how the character initially found himself.

This book was so good that it kept my attention and entertained me as well. I found myself laughing outloud and softly crying at some emotional parts of this novel. I would recommend this book highly for those who love to read and those who would LIKE to read a good novel, but just haven't found the RIGHT one. Alex Hairston did a marvelous job on this novel and I can't wait to read his next!! Surprisingly many men are finding this book to be good...probably because they see themselves in Eric Brown, Jr.

I consider myself a pretty avid reader. I happened upon this author as i was going to lunch one day. He was out there sell ing his book and talking with people. I thought to myself if he is working this hard to promote his book I can spend the money to buy it. All i can say is that it is not a waste of time or money. He gives you a funny, sexy and often very touching look at a life most people would consider a pretty normal. It is worth the time spent reading it. Once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down.

This book was extremely well written. I could see the characters as I read. The life of the lead character was one to which most of us could relate and was interesting enough to hold ones attention until the very last word. The poetry was powerful and at times erotic. The book was hard to put down and I was sad when I was finished. I kept rereading the last page. I look forward to the second book from Mr. Hairston and some more of that poetry.

Several months ago, I was asked to read this book. Let me be first to say "never judge a book by its cover". I read 100 pages in a few hours. This is a coming of age, love story that takes on a very indept look at the life of Eric Brown. It was funny, true to life and at times over the top (but that does not mean that it could not happen) and romantic.

Alex's writing is clever and to the point. He does not waste a lot of time telling you the story eventhough sometimes I think he give you too much information (I liked the vacation on the island but I did not need that detail explainaion of the room decor). For his first novel, I think that Alex has written a very clever book that is different from a lot of the other stories that we are reading. I thought the poetry was really good. My personal favorite is "BLACK". Once you met Alex, his appeal will no doubt convenience you that the book is worth reading.

And speaking of covers- The illustration was made by his teenage son! That is very impressive.

Congratulations Again Alex!! I look forward to your next novel from BET books.
Peace and Blessings!!

Mr. Aiken is a prolific writer and pours his soul out lyrically. The title speaks for itself and will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Enjoy his emphatic expressions of love, inspiration, and revolution. You won't be disappointed.

It was enjoying to read, even though I'm not into poetry and inspirational books but I did enjoy it for the most part. Especially You and Me, I really liked that, it hit home.

I thought that Mr. Aiken's poetry is phenomenal, thought-provoking, and inspirational. I especially liked the poem
"Domestic Violence," which re-opened my eyes to the injustices that face my people.

I'm hardly an authoritative critic of poetry. In fact, I don't really know much about poetry at this point. The only poet I know something about is Emily Dickinson, and Vaughh T. Aiken's "My Soul is not For Sale" is about as far from Emily Dickinson's style as one can get. So, I don't know how much use my thoughts will be on this book, but I'll share what I can.

What I sense from this book is a man searching, and in many instances finding, his true identity. What is also very evident is Mr. Aiken's identification with his people and pride in his own culture. I found this a breath of fresh air, and a reminder of a world I once lived among. I lived in a mostly African American neighborhood during my teen years; and the prose in these poems, the cultural signifiers, really take me back and make me long for what was one of the happiest eras of my life. I really miss the African American community.

My Soul is not For Sale is filled with poems of love and inspiration. One of my favorite poems in this book is "Domestic Violence." It metaphorically displays how a certain group of people have been constantly beaten down and disenfranchised by its own country, namely The USA. Vaughn T. Aiken has written thought provoking poems and they're an excellent read for college students or anybody who wants to be inspired.