African-American Books

All three stories were well written. These stories deserve their own stand alone novel! They were great. All the stories pulled you in and you hated to see the characters go! I would love to hear more about Erin and Raimi as well as Tre' and Dr. Summer Lane.

All three stories were great. Francis Ray's story was about Samantha Clark, a former manager of a bed and breakfast. Samantha answer an ad for a housekeeping position and never expects to find the handsome Ethan Rawlins, a man still in pain. Shirley Hailstock's story is about a woman that was hurt when her prom date stood her up. Now he has returned and she is trying to fight the attraction that still lingers. Donna Hill's story is about a radio relationship expert that has no relationship of her own, when she meets the handsome program director, will all of that change?

If you only had one wish for Christmas, what would it be? Would it be something materialistic, or would it be to find love with that special someone, on the day that is set aside to celebrate the birth of the one who is the epitome of unwavering love? In WINTER NIGHTS, an anthology with stories from such notable authors as Francis Ray, Donna Hill and Shirley Hailstock, we are treated to three endearing stories of true love at its finest.

Though each story was your typical romance with the happily ever after ending, the authors managed to portray deep emotions that have you rooting for the characters as they embark on that often bumpy, but ultimately rewarding, road to love and happiness. Next time you're feeling blue and need a little something to bring a smile to your face, or you want to escape from the pressures of life, pick up a copy of the newly re-released WINTER NIGHTS. You're sure to come away with a full heart and the knowledge that true love really does conquer all.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Again my girl Ray out did herself with another great read! "Winter Nights" kept me up all night! I encourage everyone to go out and get a copy. They even have it in paperback now!

Francis Ray's, "Until Christmas" is a touching novella about a young woman who not only touched the heart of the high school principal, Ethan Rawlings, but Samantha also won the hearts of Ethan's twins, Alan and Alex. Samantha, aka "Sam," was hired as a combination housekeeper, babysitter temporarily, but only until Christmas. At least, that is what Ethan told the twins and Sam, as well as himself. However, it was much too late for all of them to abide by this decision. Each was starved for the other's affections and each had become too attached to give up. The twins, not only saw Sam as their housekeeper/babysitter, but they saw her as a friend. She could play ball and was not afraid of their dog. The twins' affection went deeper still. Although they were in contact with their grandmother, they were still minus a mother figure. Sam with her winning ways, not only because she was a good cook and let them help her in the kitchen, but because it was who she was, had become special to them and they wanted her with them full time. Not only had Sam become special to them and the twins had become special to Sam, but Sam had also affected the twins' dad. Ethan's feelings for Sam were more than that of an employer, more than that of a friend. Somehow, in that short time, Sam had imbedded herself into Ethan's heart. Was he willing to allow a new love interest into his life or was he still shadowed by the deceit and experience of his ex-wife and the deceased mother of his twins. Ethan thought he had a solution to the problem when he reluctantly agreed to keep Sam, "but only until Christmas." However, love does not have a set time to go away. Therefore, until Christmas, turned out to a lifetime of love for Sam, Ethan, Alan and Alex. "Until Christmas" was the best. Way to go, Ms. Ray.

"Kwanzaa Angel" was a sweet remembrance into the past with a chance to correct the future. Erin had been hurt in the past by Raimi, who had reentered her life. Would Erin give in to her feelings that never dissolved for Raimi and become involved in a new relationship or would she revert back into the past? "Kwanzaa Angel" was about the Kwanzaa celebration, but with a twist of love for Erin and Raimi. Good story.

"'Round Midnight" was about the New Year's celebration. I loved the story of Dr. Summer Lane, the psychologist who now has a job at the radio station as a counselor on the air. Her show airs around midnight. It is at the radio station where Summer meets Tre Holland, one of the bosses. Everyone thinks Summer is a snow or ice maiden because Summer stays to herself and does not socialize with the others. However, Tre is attracted to Summer and sets out to melt the snow. Summer also has feelings for Tre and wants the ice to melt from around her heart. However, after getting together, somewhere while the ice is melting another freeze comes along and the ice around Summer's heart becomes another block of ice. Summer and Tre suffer heartship and are temporarily separated. Tre sets out to recapture Summer's love and to permanently melt the ice. He knows a new year will be approaching and is determined to be in Summer's life when the new year begins. So, he sets out around midnight to make it happen. Will Tre succeed in his endeavor? Read "'Round Midnight" and see what the New Year has in store for Summer and Tre. Great story with just the right amount of heat.

When the realization of being adopted finally dissolves into normalcy, it becomes continual struggle with self-esteem and identity problems for Zora Bridgeforth, a twenty-nine year old trying to bridge the many gaps in her life. This is Zora's Cry, a good story from Tia McCollors that has both poignancy and a sense of belonging for those sympathetic to a character on a mission. Oftentimes happenstance and Providence are much more than willing accomplices where destiny has defined a presence. Zora finds this out while in search of for her deceased mother's bridal veil, coming across a letter revealing the circumstances surrounding her adoption status. Needless to say, this is unwelcome news to Zora as she vows to find her biological family and in the process confront issues that are necessary for her stability.

As her journey unfolds she gets involved with the annals of a sisterhood that promotes discipleship, thus meeting the acquaintances of three other women sympathetic to her plight. Meet Paula, Monet, and Belinda, if you will. As it is with all situations when women come together, real truths and intimacies are revealed through testimonial revelation and common causes are amalgamated into one. Thus, is the bonding attributes of true friendship...and through it, Zora manages to overcome much more the emotional issues she faced.

I liked the fact that the author truly gave readers a chance to discover what it means to have the means to circle the wagons to confront issues on a spiritual tip, complete with the recipients gaining value from it. The book moves along with a pace that forces you to want to know how Zora ends up taking advantage of her newfound friends' camaraderie. In the process, the author gains my respect for writing a story with a storyline that give meaning to setting to play a defining role in writing without being complacent. I think too, that there will undoubtedly be readers that can identify with characters that benefit from lessons derived from persevering once a mission is at stake for clarity. I rate this book four stars out of five, and feel that Zora's Cry can be heard over the din that is apropos when looking for a soothing read. Thank you Tia for writing from a perspective that is fresh, original and full of imagery! This truly is an inspirational read for men and women who respect how friendship and the love of God can propel priorities for practical use in life.

There aren't a lot of good christian fiction books on the market and one I find one I want people to read it. This book brought tears to my eyes. I don't want to give away the story but its great for any women's ministry group that would like to do something different. Read the book and then discuss the questions in the back or make up your own questions. Great for young women wanting values for keeping pure until marriage.

Four women with very different problems end up attending P.O.W.E.R meetings, Purpose Oriented Women Equipped and Righteous. They're not sure they want to be there, and at first they are reluctant to open up and share.
There's Zora Bridgeforth who recently lost her parents in a tragic accident, just a few months before the date of her wedding. While going through their papers, Zora discoveres that the people she called Mother and Dad were not really her birth parents. She was adopted. She's still trying to work through her grief and now she has been hit with this.

Monet Sullivan, Zora's best friend, is helping plan for the wedding. Monet is single, and hasn't had much success playing the love game. Tired of being disappointed in her relationships with the opposite sex, she's ready to give up, but God has a plan.

Paula Manns married for status and money and it turned to ashes in her hands. Her husband is seldome home, he's gambling away their money and she suspects he's having an affair.

And then there's Belinda, whose mother has cancer. She and her husband, Thomas, have just adopted a six month old daughter, Hannah, and Belinda is the primary caretaker for her mother. She's stressed to the max, with no relief in sight.

Zora's Cry is a heartwarming, touching story about four women struggling to make sense of their lives. It's a tribute to the strong bonds of sisterhood, and as the four women strive to overcome the roadblocks in their journey to God, we learn from their situations. When Belinda is overwhelmed by the changes in her life, she complains to God about being taken by surprise. He replies, "You may be caught off guard, but I never am."
No, He's not, and that's one of life's greatest blessings. Tia McCollors characters are realistic and well developed. I thorougly enjoyed reading Zora's Cry, and I'm happy to recommend it.

Power,and Faith and God, These women share there stories with each other and with the power, and faith and God they learn to handle what ever was put in there paths. These was some praying sisters and these are the sisters I would want in my life.I had gave this book a 3 but by the time I was finish it made me thing about things in my life.We all need a power group in our chruchs. Goodreading

this was my first time reading this authors work and it was a blessing to see how we as woman can be there for each other and help with the walk this story was easy to read and the character are people we all know that may be stuggling with diffcultes in life and have no one to share them with i will read her first book keep using your talent

There are many good books of reference on African American history published. However, this one ranks among the best. Well written, user-friendly layout, addressing a broad range of topics, this is recommended for a home or classroom library to teach that all members of a society contribute to its advancement and that our society must be inclusive of all members. Every child can be proud of his or her cultural and historical heritage in a country created by immigrants.

The author states in his introduction that this book is not to be viewed as a text book, but rather to be used as supplement. It's a rather comprehensive supplement with captivating text! This book is organized in easy reading segments that are all numbered 1 thru 1001 & also divided within 6 Parts (Sports, Culture and Religion. . .). I feel as if the author is talking with me personally. History boring? I don't think so with this book! I plan to use this book with homeschooling as well as "homeschooling" myself! Can't wait to learn more of what I missed in school!

It's not easy to write a comprehensive history book that is also engaging and user-friendly. Author, historian, and professor Jeffrey Stewart found the way. In 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History, he pens a concise yet encyclopedic narrative that highlights the people and events underlying the amazing story of African American history.

Stewart organizes his work around six sections: Gretat Migration, Civil Rights, Science, Sports, Military, and Religion. This is a book you can read cover to cover or one article at a time in any order.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction .

This is a wonderful wealth of information written at a level that easily read and interpreted by students. It should become an addition to every classroom library.

Took me absolutely forever to read this book - months! But I loved it and certainly learned a lot. Stewart is to be commended for pulling so much information together in a marvelously cohesive book. Prints and photographs are terrific. And for those who want more on the subject, and there is more, believe it or not, there is a black history calendar, a desk calendar, also chuck full of history and info.

OK.....so here I am.......the author.....writing a review for MY book. My Brer Rabbit first came into the world eight years ago and I'm still very proud of him. Of all the stories for children that I've written, the Brer Rabbit stories are the best and my favorites. I get a special joy out of seeing so many children and adults get a kick out of hearing and reading Brer Rabbit's stories. I am a performing storyteller so I have the opportunity to share these stories often, out loud, entering Brer Rabbit's world and sharing with my audience what I see and feel. I become that rabbit, that fox, that bear, et al and I bring my audience right along with me. The stories in this book, especially when read aloud, with take you into Brer Rabbit's world where you are truly welcomed and the FUN is non-stop. ENJOY!

This is a very good book that my son loves to read over and over again at night:) It not only is entertaining for children, but it teaches them a lesson.

As the parent of an African-American child, it is very important that I expose my daughter to the richness of her legacy - Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends has assisted in this exposure. Karima Amin has compiled a vast variety of interesting, comical, and spirited stories that were once shared among my ancestors - my appreciation cannot be expressed. I read the collection to my daughter practically every night (per her request - she's two) and there is no book that makes me feel quite this proud. The stories are in the tradition of oral storytelling - teaching as well as entertaining. If you are interested in a book that performs these duties and keeps your children asking for more, then Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends is the book for you. The book is complete with the history of Brer Rabbit (an excellent, added feature) and is guaranteed to remain in your hands once your child has left your lap. Please - share these beautiful words with your children!

November is a chilly, leafless month where I live in Western New York. However I just finished re-reading The Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends as retold by performing storyteller Karima Amin, and it was like drinking a magic spring tonic. Instantly, I found myself transported to the warm, sun-drenched, dreamy world of Brer Rabbit and his myriad animal neighbors. The text of each story wraps and winds its way around the lush color illustrations by Eric Copeland, with a sprinkling of big, bold, bouncy exclamations of "Bookity-Bookity", "Splishy-splushy", and "Lippity-clippety" jumping out to grab your attention at just the right moment. The stories have a universal appeal because they reflect the "life lessons" we all struggle to learn when growing up - to pay attention, to get along with your neighbors, to use your natural abilities, to take time to laugh. Of course, these stories didn't appear out of thin air and the book includes insightful background on the historical context of these classic African American tales and their even-earlier African origins. The only way the publishers could have improved upon this well-done project would have been to offer a cassette or cd/book read-along package. That would have allowed readers the pleasure of following along as Karima Amin brings to life these charming oral tradition folk tales.

I give The Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends to every new baby I know! As a parent, grandparent, early childhood educator and school board member, I am thrilled to find a book that meets my criteria for excellence. Karima Amin has skillfully combined the richness of the vernacular language with current concepts and expressions familiar to today's child. The colorful, active illustrations also draw us into the wonderful world of pranks, surprises, and fun. Sections on the African storytelling tradition, the Southern plantation world of Brer Rabbit, and the animals native to Southern USA deepen our learning and appreciation of the treasured tales we have in this lovely book. Brer Rabbit and Friends is perfect for lap reading, group reading, dramatization and learning to be a storyteller. Karima Amin's Brer Rabbit is truly every child's pal!

I first read about this book in the New York Times. I went to Amazon and ordered it. It's an amazing work of fiction. Even more than that it's a real inside look at addiction, and the addiction crazed world of gambling. If there's one novel you should read this summer this it.

Preston has done it again. This guy keeps pumping out good books like Florida gives us sunshine and babes on the beach. I read this book in less than 48 hours, the story was very entertaining and easy to read, yet very deep and raw. I like his style, I like how he brings you around and delivers the punches when you least expect it. I love Grisham and Preston had a style that reminds me of him.
Thanks Preston...keep them coming.

Roger Pereira

No Shame in His Game...

All or Nothing by Preston L. Allen is a gambler's confessional. I have read many books about gambling, but have never read anything that felt as personal as this book. Many times I gasped as I read to what lengths a gambler would go to chase his or her addiction. P is a married man with a family, a bus driver by profession and a gambler by addiction. There seems to be nothing in the world he loves more than gambling. Be it the lottery scratch-off tickets, slot machines or Vegas Casinos. P places nothing before the game.

Preston L. Allen goes below the surface with his tight prose and personal insight throughout the novel. There are times when it feels as if all he is going to write about is a game, then he will hit you with a choice P made in regards to his gambling and you are left stunned. In one passage, when P discusses what he did after the death of his son, it is absolutely amazing. Reading how he would win tens of thousands of dollars and almost immediately gamble it away will have you feeling his pain. The reader will also ache for his family who had so much faith in him and was often unaware of how much he was actually losing. All or Nothing is a true gambling expose'.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in a novel on a gambler's mindset or anyone who enjoys a well-written, thought-provoking novel.

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

What Fyodor Dostoevsky did for The Gambler over a hundred years ago, Preston Allen does for his bus driver "P" in All Or Nothing. A degenerate gambling addict on a losing streak, "P" will do anything for the big win, believing that one vast win will save him. He gets that win, and many more, and along the way you meet all different types of gamblers. Allen proves that this addiction crosses all barriers and does not discriminate on race, ethnicity, sex, age, or class line. Anyone can be taken prisoner and held hostage by this addiction, and intellect has nothing to do with it. "P" is a lovable, warm, and generous guy, and you are rooting for him all the way, but in the end, Allen proves that no matter what the stakes are, no matter how much you win....it is never enough. A fascinating, heartbreaking, beautifully written "must read" for anyone interested in the topic of gambling, or gambling addiction.

This book is in my top 3 for stories about compulsive gambling. The other two are "Nicotine Dreams" and "Stung". I really enjoy reading about people with gambling addictions and these are 3 books in which the addiction rings true. Thanks for the great story. Loved the writing style.

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.

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.

"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.

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 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.

I have only recently purchased this book and must say that Lisa Jones is hilarious! Her analysis about everything in black pop culture from big bottoms to blaxploitation puts a humorous spin on race in the United States. I really enjoyed how much of herself (Jewish, Black, woman) she put into the novel. I wish that she would continue to make essays such as these and keep them aligned with current events.

Though some of the events she talks about are dated news events (Mike Tyson rape and Dr. Dre assaulting Dee Barnes), her appropriately hilarious outlook makes reading her essays relevant even today.

I highly recommend this book.

My mum gave me this book a couple years ago and it opened my eyes to different ideas about race. I'm 15 and a few references to the old days are above me but this book speaks to me. It's the perfect cure for an identity crisis and Ms Jones thought processes are deep and humorous.

I especially love the essay "Tragedy Becomes Her" and "Is Biracial Enough". The essays in part 2 - Bring the Heroines made me think about the maltreatment of black women and gave me more reason to be proud of my mum and grandma's and aunties.

It's a good book to give to young black women especially to help them see that they are worth more than people will lead them to believe.

Pure genius.

She needs to write another and another and another. I thought I was actually there in her memories....real time....in color. I have read this book several times and I am suggesting it to be read for a book club I belong to. A great read!!!!!

She needs to write another and another and another. I thought I was actually there in her memories....real time....in color. I have read this book several times and I am suggesting it to be read for a book club I belong to. A great read!!!!!

I purchased this book when I was still a teenager, and to be honest, I dont remember what attracted me to the book. I like to consider it one of those moments where fate leads you to somthing that will make life-journies a lot easier.

Bulletproof Diva became "my bible" I carried it in my bookbag along with my schoolbooks and dreamed of becoming a woman like Lisa Jones who so eloquently articulates her lessons her passions, her battles and her life. I am now 26 years old, and my worn dog eared copy of this book (which has survived a building collapse, two moves and several tempermental boyfriends) is still listed as a favorite.

I hope that it will inspire, elevate and nourish your soul, as it has mine!

I did not know that the person who created the blood banks was black. Charles Drew had to deal with a lot of grief in his life, but he believed in himself and he had great friends. They kept him going.

When he ran out of money during the Depression he almost dropped out of medical school and returned to being a coach of a college but he didn't.

He figured out, what other people couldn't- a way to save lives with blood preseervation.

This was a good book and its well written. It reads like a novel

I thought this was a really good book. I learned a lot about what life was like for Black people 50 years ago.It was really hard. They couldn't go to school or become doctors . When they were sick they couldn't go to hospitals. I didn't know about blood types until I read this book.

This is the kind of book that should be in the hands of every young man in America. Drew overcame the odds and didn't complain. He just did it and lives were saved.My wife bought several copies of this book and gave it to all the boys in our son's scout troop.

My science club read this last week. I was surprised at how primitive medicine was just a few short years ago.

Reading about Dr. Drew and all the challenges he had to face made me more determined than ever to become a doctor.

Charles Drew watched his baby sister get sick. He wanted to save her life but most schools would not let him attend because he was black. He said he "Dreamed High" and found a way. He became a surgeon and helped others become surgeons. He was a great man. I'm glad I read this book.