African-American Books

What a sweet story of connection. My 4 yo liked it a lot, and i was moved to tears. Lots to the story.

What a beautiful story to show children that, despite our differences, i.e. age, race, family background, we still have some many important things in common. Characters have wit, charm and integrity. Story is very moving and good for all ages.

This is one of the best children's books I have ever read. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful (in language and illustrations) books I have read--period. Patricia Polacco is a master at bringing diverse, meaningful relationships to life. Every sensitive, mature parent should buy this book for his/her child!

Ms. Katz and Tush is an excellent choice for educators and parents to use when explaining diversity.
In the book, a young boy is introduced to an elderly jewish woman through his mother. The boy develops a bond with the elderly lady, and the two are friends forever.
This book enables children to develop an understanding about life in different cultures. It shows them that different is good and you can learn a lot from someone of a different culture.

This is the story of a loving friendship between an elderly Jewish lady from Poland named Mrs. Katz, and an African-American child named Larnel. Mrs. Katz lives alone in her apartment and doesn't have anyone to visit her. (It's not stated in the book, but, since this appears to be a predominantly African-American inner city neighborhood, one wonders if she was left behind by the Jewish community when the more affluent members moved to the suburbs? In real life it has happened...) Larnel's mother stops by to visit her every other day or so, and brings Larnel with her.

One day, Larnel gets the idea to give Mrs. Katz a kitten from the litter that was born in the basement of his apartment building. (Get the pun -- Katz/cats? Actually, the name "Katz" has nothing to do with "cats," but it's cute anyway.) Mrs. Katz names the kitten Tush, which is Yiddish for "bottom," because it has no tail. Larnel agrees to help her care for Tush, and from this sharing, a lifelong friendship grows.

The story is well-written, the characters are well-developed and "real." The illustrations are vibrant, beautifully done, and ethnically accurate. Well, almost. There are a couple Jewish bloopers. For one thing, the menorah sitting by Mrs. Katz's window only has seven branches. A Hanukkah menorah has nine -- eight for the eight days plus an extra for the "servant" candle. The seven-branched menorah mentioned in the Bible was specifically for the Jerusalem Temple, and is not usually found in the home. Since Hanukkah was mentioned in the story, I have to assume that this was supposed to be a Hanukkah menorah.

The second blooper is the scene in the bakery. Mrs. Katz is shopping for PASSOVER -- a time when no leaven is to be found anywhere in a Jewish home. It is not just a matter of eating matzoh. The entire house is cleaned of anything even resembling leaven, and even owning leavened products is forbidden. That being the case, why is she shopping for her Passover feast in a bakery, of all places? She is clearly pointing at a cake or some rolls, and these would NOT be served on Passover! So nu, maybe she's a Reform Jew and not so strict? But in that case, why is that very Hasidic-looking gentleman in the corner shopping there? Surely HE would not serve bread for Passover! (...)

These are relatively minor quibbles, given the overall good quality of the book. But when it comes to children's books, I insist on total accuracy with regard to Judaism, because these are the images that will stick in the mind for years to come. Granted, this is not a "Jewish" book per se, it's a multicultural book -- which is all the more reason to pay more attention to the Jewish details, lest the reader(s) be misled. For the bloopers I'm docking it a star, but it's still a great story and I highly recommend it to both Jews and gentiles.

The book showed up in a timely fashion and was brand new, just like it said online.

Terrance Hayes is a name you will see again. I promise you.

An earlier edition of this book came into my hands shortly after I worked with this wonderful poet at a seminar for younger poets. A wonderful first collection. So human it hurts. Get it now that it's back in print!

I just had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Terrance Hayes read at the University of Idaho. He was nervous, I think, and the room was big and strange, but this young man can write. He can really write. The new book--HIP LOGIC--is going to be terrific, and I'll bet each book that comes after will be better yet. A really splendid new talent.

I first became familiar with Mr. Hayes' work, when i saw his poem "Blackbird" in a 1995 double issue of ObsidianII: Black Literature In Review. It appeared opposite a poem I publshed in the journal. Every poem in Muscular Music, is a snapshot about African American life, and sings a song of america: "Late," "Goliath," "Something For Marvin," "Blackbird," "The Yummy Suite," " What I am..." The Black experience is all in here... I was laughing my ass off at " I want to be fat" and I'm a big guy.Expect Terrence Hayes to be a major poet in the literary canon.

Terrance Hayes has written a book where the poems have bite. These poems are hard-hitting, honest, sincere and yet suffused with "tenderness." "Yummy Suite" is one of the most powerful sequence of poems I have read anywhere that confront what is going on in our urban neighbourhoods today. I also loved "Late," "Goliath" and too many more to name. Here is a writer well worth getting to know. If I may riff on the Reuben Jackson quote that serves as an epilogue, Terrance Hayes' Muscular Music is a book that also "reveals itself" one splendid "black note at a time." Buy this book -- read it aloud and share it with a friend!

If I could wrap my fingers around Haley's throat and squeeze I'd be ever so happy. Steven, Carter and Michael are Neanderthals and Janet, Kimberly and Avery should let them grab hold of their hair and be dragged to the nearest cave. The Chase Family (sans Leigh), have serious issues.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Winters during a book signing back on September 1st. I purchased View Park on Amazon because I did not want to read them out of order. View Park was a mind blower and I could not wait to read Never Enough. I was turned on by how sexy and manipulative Carter was, and the deceit and lies that this book spun on a daily basis as I continued to read. Now that I have a thirst that only the life of Carter could cure, the thrid installment is highly anticiapated. The way that Ms. Winters developed the characters is unbelievable, it makes you feel as if you are the narrator seeing these happenings unveil from above. As if you were a fly on the wall. I give Angela her much needed applause for creating a series of unforgettable characters as well as storyline that will keep me guessing for years to come.

Janet Chase is the matriarch of the elite Chase family. Her life revolves around her family and their social status. The problem is her family has a life of their own and her social status is about to be ripped to shreds if she doesn't get a handle on things soon.

Kimberly Chase has the mother-in-law blues. But the infamous Janet Chase has sorely underestimated her favorite son's wife. Finding damaging information on Janet was hard, but when it falls into Kimberly's hands the rest is easy. However, the result isn't what Kimberly expected.

Carter Chase is sinking fast. Getting Avery was his only goal, one which he did everything in his power to obtain. Now, everything he did has come back to haunt him and for the first time in Carter's life, losing isn't only an option, it's inevitable.

Avery Jackson is an intelligent businesswoman in danger of losing herself in the politics of the Chase family. Will her love for Carter be enough to heal the most recent debacle with his father and his ex-girlfriend?

Haley Chase is young and reckless, her spoiled and childish attitude getting her into one mess after another. This time her antics bring on a near death experience.

What can you say about a dysfunctional family with more money than any of them know what to do with? You could probably say they get what they deserve or that money is the root of all evil. Either assessment would be accurate for the Chase family.

Steven Chase runs his beauty empire with an iron hand while his family falls apart around him. His wife, Janet is a scary updated rendition of Alexis Carrington (Dynasty) whose drug addiction is almost understandable, except that she brought it on herself.

The Chase siblings, shockingly, are a very loyal bunch. The brothers love hard and fierce, making any woman lucky to have them in their bed. The sisters are more than a little confused, but then look at their mother.

I think my favorite character was Avery because she's strong in her convictions. She's not easily swayed by the money and the power, yet she's vulnerable to her heart.

The title `Never Enough' doesn't begin to describe the drama and deceit in this book. Winters has penned a fast-paced novel guaranteed to keep you guessing. Saying that this was a page-turner seems woefully inadequate. Having to put this book down was almost painful. I personally look forward to the next installment of the View Park series!

Reviewed by: A.C. Arthur, Black Butterfly Review

When I first read View Park, I was hooked, and couldn't wait for the second book to come out. I just finished Never Enough, and now, I can't wait for the next one. I hope Ms. Winters reconsiders making this a trilogy. The Chase family is unlike anything in African-American fiction, and I could see way more than 3 books about them. I don't even think she's begun to touch the depth of these terrific and exciting characters. There is so much there. It's a gold mine. I can't wait for the next book, and this one is a pageturner...couldn't put it down!

In this second intallment of the Chase family, the drama is brewing amongst the family members of the Chase family.....

Steven and Janet Chase the patriarchs of the family, the loving couple with a multi-million dollar empire will do anything and everything to protect the family even keeping a dark secret of her own from her beloved Steven.

Carter Chase becomes engaged to Avery Jackson whose relationship will be dampened by his lies of deceit. Michael Chase who is married to Kimberly Chase tries to wins Stevens approval, while Kimberly is trying to keep Janet off her back. Janet disapproves of Michael and Kimberly relationship as man and wife and will do anything to keep them at odds. Leigh is the doctor of the family who work all over the world in various nonprofitable clinics, who Janet tries to win back her love. Haley is the wild child of the family, always in trouble one way or another....

Never Enough reminds you of the Dynasty the filthy rich, the deep dark secrets, no one is good enough for the Chase children, and more money then they can spend....Never Enough will keep you coming back for more of the suspense filled drama. Angela Winters have created a very descriptive and well written novel. Kudos to you Mrs. Winters, can't wait for the third installment.

Tangerine
Reader's Paradise Book Club

i really enjoyed this book, i'm not even finished with it yet but some of the quality of the book was taken away by the poor editing! some of the chapters were missing entire words at the end! some of the sentences were gramatically incorrect and i kept reading them over and over saying...that's not right...we don't laid down, we lie down! stuff like that really took away from the book because it was a fantastic story. i really enjoyed the element of faith and how there are good vampires and bad vampires etc. it was realistic, like...if there WERE vampires, this is how it would be. either way, i would definitely advise this story being read, just please have an updated version!

This is a great read.

Great, because it has a common sense idea that is missing from most stories of this genre.

The genre, "supernatural horror," ultimately goes to a war between good and evil (yep, heaven and hell), because these would be the source of power in the story. So the ultimate source of power is on another level--not the level the story is about (our everyday homes and neighborhoods). But hey, the vampires, zombies, and other things have been around for a long time. And we are still here, too. Something we don't usually see in these stories must be equalizing the landscape, or else ordinary humans would have been gone a long time ago. What equalizes a vampire? They have supernatural powers, so regular folks are out-gunned. In any war, if the sides are not matched, the war does not last long. In the literature vampires, zombies, et al., have been around a long time. So what holds them in check? Doesn't have to be a "good" version of the evil creature--just something with power and method of its own that it can use to engage the enemy. That's war. Even a supernatural one would have to have this equivalence of power.

There are popular movies about renegades that have reason to hate the supernatural villains, but vampires alone would have over-run the world before most of these popular characters started. Besides, these stories are usually more about special-effects or martial arts or something--not really horror stories but more like action-adventure-martial arts-horror. Whatever. There's only one movie I've seen recently that is an exception to this, "Constantine." But since this isn't a plug for movies, let's move on... ;)

"Night Biters" revitalizes the role of the church in this type of story! Instead of the lame "Exorcist" angle in which the demons have power that is clearly uncontrollable, here the war could have lasted this long. God is on our side through supernatural beings at this level. That's what I was referring to before, when I said that ordinary humans would otherwise be gone. In run-of-the-mill horror stories a recurring theme is that the heroes are so outmatched they have to sacrifice themselves--and leave this plane of existence--in order to win. So in time they'd all have moved on, leaving us here. There must be something more powerful that fights here and wins often enough to balance the war against evil. This story touches on this with style; it's a story told intelligently in a way that makes sense.

So is it scary? Yeah, because the writer tells the tale in a way that evokes vivid images of what the characters are going through as all of these peculiar things happen. It's not a predictable story. I found myself liking some, and wondering if they'd make it...but it's war. Casualties are inevitable. How does it end?

Check it out! It's a great read!

Adrian Harper's Night Biters offers some fresh ideas to the fantasy genre. The magical compact disc is as effective a talisman as a ring or trinket in other period work of fiction. It also solidifies the effectiveness of hip hop in a way the reader will find appealing. Graffiti spray painting is also featured, skateboarding is taken to new heights and I will never see using a Super Soaker the same way.

The writer skillfully depicts the story's teens as youth who regret some of the poor choices they have made and the impact those decisions have on their families while ably avoiding stereotypes. He also offers some interesting views on vampirism viewing it more to an addiction than a spiritual damnation reminding the reader that there is always hope. Filled with clever twist and surprises, Night Biters is a delight.

This is no R L Stien! This book has a diverse group of hip hop characters from the Bay Area that are actully intelligent and not based on stereotypes. The book has teens in the Bay dealing with regular teenage issues, as well as vampires gang violence. The characters are cool, there's African American's, Vietnamese, Latino's, Filippino's, Jews, Goths, ravers, taggers and possibly dirty cops and a guy who eats a rat. If you LOVE hip hop, or you're from the Bay Area you need to read this book. I love Night Biters because it's real hip hop, it's not derogatory or dogmatic, it's just real and entertaining.

The book is written in the style of how Traffic and Crash were made as movies. A ton of individual stories, all intertwined into one explosive plot. Read this book, you won't be disappointed. The story is based on actual events in 1999 leading up to the change of the century in the backdrop of the worlds most integrated group of cities. Two teens come here to spend the summer and find that some of thier friends have become vampires and are dealing with personal issues like abusive stepfathers, drugs, gangs and police (damn taggers!). Doooooood read it!!!

Night Biters is my favorite book, I visited the Bay Area and have saw the old Montgomery Ward building. It was too scary a building for me to enter but not a vampire. I also like that us Pinoy's finally got some recognition and respect in a book. Dragonbrush is my dog I liked the way he and Tioni looked out for one another and how he showed that he really appreciated her. Jamilah is cool but too stuck up for my taste, I wouldn't want my sister taking all my favorite clothes just because she wants them. But in the end they all looked out for one another.

NOBODY'S FOOL is a terrific sports novel that shows the changing heart in a relationship that grows in depth as the story unfolds. It's football better than FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS told in honest down-to-earth writing.

Paul Hemphill, likely the South's finest writer, has in the past written about country music, NASCAR racing and minor -league baseball. Now he brings his considerable powers to high-school football. "Nobody's Hero" is as exciting and drama-packed as the end-of-the-season championship game between two arch rivals. But what truly sets Hemphill's work apart and above other sports-centered novels are the complex and very human relationships that form the backdrop for the big game.

Paul Hemphill's works are marked by carefully drawn characters of complexity and sublety as befits a great writer who has delt so effectively in stories with a Southern context. His Birmingham upbringing, his Auburn U. 'education" and his Atlanta experience provide the football background and the racial context for a story of recovery and redemption in the modern South.

You don't have to be a football fan to appreciate this beautifully-written story of a man who finds out he's a lot better than he -- or anybody else -- thinks he is. It's a novel of redemption, and it's full of flesh-and-blood characters who grow and change -- people you find yourself caring about.
If you are a football fan, you'll appreciate "Nobody's Hero" all the more. It captures the grit and the glory of high school athletics, the kids who play and the adults who guide them. And it's a great read.

Hemphill's hilarious Long Gone was made into a movie, but Nobody's Hero is better. A former award-winning sports writer and a southerner, Hemphill's description of the relationship that develops between a down-and-out ex-jock from AL and a young African American athlete is beyond believable. You KNOW these guys and pull for them. And, their story is seasoned by the insertion of two salty female characters who are completely captivating. The reader can't help wondering what happens to these characters next so, Paul, how 'bout a sequel?

Take one rape and murder case, add a misunderstood child, and mix it all with some good old Southern hospitality, and you get a ghost tale that will make your skin crawl. Phantom Nights is an absorbing tale of murder, lust, racism, greed, and guilt. If you liked To Kill a Mockingbird or the film, In the Heat of the Night, you will find much to appreciate here.

Priest Howard, a wealthy Southern gent, has just died. Moments before his last breath, he accused his son, Leland, of being a thief in front of his black nurse, Mally Shaw. Leland is sure that Mally has evidence that will sink him in the upcoming elections. In the hopes of retrieving the evidence, Leland pays Mally a "friendly" visit, which ends badly for Mally. Leland covers up the evidence and believes the incident is over. There are only two problems. One, there was a witness. And two, Mally's ghost can't seem to rest until Leland's sins are brought to light and punished.

The characters are clearly drawn. The prose is written in a lyrical style that is poetic. This has real Southern flava. Has there ever been a more despicable character than the Bobby Gambier's mother-in-law? Leland Howard is the perfect bad guy, who starts out the book a suave, confident politician and gradually shrinks to a pathetic shrimp with an oral fixation. Readers who enjoy murder mysteries, ghost stories, or Southern fiction will love this so it has wide appeal. Read it in the summertime with a nice, tall glass of lemonade.

OK this is the 3rd book I've read by John Farris and I have enjoyed them all. This one is deeply satisfying. It's just a perfect supernatural thriller. Great plotting and characters.

You cannot do justice to this book by revealing the plot. What John Farris has created here is something very complex, deep, emotional, scary and timeless. John Farris never ceases to amaze me -- I wait for each of his new books with great anticipation and he never disappoints his readers. By the way, his publisher should really release the latest of the Fury book series: Avenging Fury. Why is it not on the shelves?? It is very sad that Farris is not more widely recognized and publicized. He has a unique voice and his previous books should constantly be in print and re-discovered. His publisher should really pay more attention to their greatest writer and make all of his novels available again -- mine are starting to fall apart!

The number one question I ask myself when I started this book is why haven't I heard of John Farris before now? My local bookseller at the time recommended the book after Mr. Farris had a booksigning at the store last year. I bought the book but it's sat on my TBR stack all this time. After reading this book, I have to admit that Farris is definitely a diamond buried beneath a ton of black coals of other less talented bestselling writers. This was the first time in a long while where I took the day off and read a book cover to cover. No skimming. Every word...every turn of phrase is literally an artistic masterpiece. I tried to research the author on the web, but he seems to be as much a phantom as the Dixie Traveler. Majority of the characters are multilayered and you do come to care for a great deal of them-none more so than Alex. Highly, highly recommended.

John Farris pulls out a classic....
I've read many of John Farris's novels and stories over the years but I was not prepared for how this left me, days after in fact. Stories rarely come this well written anymore. The bestsellers you see in the stores rarely come close to this
storytelling greatness yet John Farris remains obscure? I just love to sink into a period story(this one from the 50's)with such detail and with a touch beyond the grave. Excellent story. Reminds me how I felt when I read the great Joe R. Lansdale's classic tales 'THE BOTTOMS' and 'A FINE DARK LINE' which both have similar themes and terrific storytelling magic. This is sure to be one of the best of the 2005.

this is my 1st book by this author and although i enjoyed the book and its a book to read slowly to take your time to enjoy,i am not a fan of her's with this book.It has a good rythm and flow.

I just finished reading Plenty More Love and I completely enjoyed this book. It was such a sweet love story and the drama with the arsonist added excitement as well. It has become my favorite book. I have not read the first two books in the series, but I will as soon as I can get my hands on them.

I not only enjoyed the story and plot but I am extremely pleased with the writing. It was well written and professionally done. This was a well thought out, fast paced, action packed story.

This is a wonderful love story. I wanted it to last forever, but I couldn't wait to solve the mystery. I could not help but turn page after page to uncover the mystery behind the fire, and to know more about the love and desire that Johnathan & Lisa shared for each other. Their love unfolds beautifully. The reader will feel like this is a couple they know and they are a witness as the relationship develops. The storyline is very realistic. It is very similar to a real life situation I've experienced. This book is in the top three books I have ever read! I will, without a doubt, recommend this book to anyone without a second thought. I loved Plenty More Love!

This is such a wonderful love story. This is a book that I know that I will read over and over again. The mystery behind the fire was an added bonus to the book. I felt that it could have been a 500 page novel. Johnathan & Lisa shared so much love and desire for each other. As a reader, I felt that I got to know the couple and what their relationship was all about. Loved Lisa's character. She was strong and didn't play any games. She was from wealth, but worked hard to prove herself to others and mainly to prove herself to herself. Way to Go Ms Townsend. I have recommended this book to co-workers and other friends. Wonderful story,with love and respect developing to the very end and still had lots of passionate moments.

Plenty More Love, a novel by Christine Townsend, tells the tale of two best friends who admit to family, friends, and finally themselves, their desire to have more that just a friendship.

Lisa Stevens, an executive tom boy that enjoys spending her time being anything but ladylike, discovers while dating this wonderful guy, that what she wants most, is to tell her best friend her true feelings and to initiate a romantic relationship with him.

Jonathan Hill, an all around likeable fire chief who spends most of his spare time fixing old cars and selling them, is facing a dilemma because he has strong feelings for his best friend Lisa, but does not feel worthy enough to let her know how he feels.

Ultimately, Lisa decides that enough is enough and fixes herself up in her best "hoochie mama" attire and heads over to the fire station, only to turn heads and knock Jonathan's eyes out. While doing so, she hand him an ultimatum; let's be together or end our friendship. With the realization of his possible loss, Jonathan has no choice but to admit his feelings.

The relationship starts off fine, but becomes more difficult as Jonathan saves Lisa's life after someone tries to kill her in a fire. Someone is out to get Lisa and Jonathan does everything possible to determine who it is after the woman that he loves.

As in life, most people discover that a best friend is a keeper whether male or female. In this novel, Ms. Townsend shows her readers that your best friend can also be the love of your life. What I got from this story was that not only were they best friends, but soul mates. In my opinion this is a "add to my wish list" type of novel, because Ms. Townsend takes you down the path of true friendship and love.

Reviewed By: Eleanor S. Shields, Black Butterfly Review

This complex and compelling first novel about pain in its many manifestations has incredible resonance - certainly an award-winning, worthwhile read!

The novel opens with a lesbian S&M scene through which the author reveals a family history informed by tragedy and adversity so bizarre that the family believes they are cursed. The family history is told by Po, the youngest of three children born to the Childs'. The children grow up believing that deceased relatives make regular visits to the family to foretell the onset of happy or sad times. Uncle Ray is determined to kill himself and the family endures multiple failed attempts on his part to achieve his goal. Having grown up in an environment where ghosts abound and insanity flourishes, the children develop coping mechanisms that allow them to survive the family but lose themselves. From drug addiction to self-mutilation to family abandonment, the Childs' children attempt to cover up, or perhaps unleash, the pain of generations of trauma.

"Po Man's Child" accomplishes many things on many levels. The novel is steeped in supernatural beliefs and familial experiences that shape the lives of the characters in self-destructive ways. The story demonstrates how one's inability to challenge and resist beliefs that do not enrich their lives will only lead to destroying it. Blackman has written a highly symbolic, multi-layered narrative that informs and entertains. The writing is superb. The story is intense and expertly imagined. This is a fabulous debut novel by an extremely skilled and daring writer. I look forward to more of her work. Highly Recommended.

Po man's child is the story of Po who's a lesbian who at the beginning of the book has checked herself until a mental hospial. She also has problem with cutting herself all the time. The book is mostly Po thinking back while she is in the hospital of her youth, we meet her Uncle Ray who's always trying to kill hisself but is never successful, we also meet her brother who only wants to talk to his imaginary friends, her parents, and her grandmother. Po and her white lover Mary always like to play games with cutting themselves. You want want to miss reading this book, it is really good.

In 'Po Man's Child', Blackman skillfully interweaves three crucial days in the life of the protagonist Po, with a depiction of her earlier years and the family whose 'curse' she shares. This remarkable first novel, full of memorable characters, conveys both the despair of mean lives and the hope of human empowerment.

This book broke my heart and throughout the proceeding chapters helped me mend it back together. I was completely absorbed and invested in every member of Po's family. I encourage anyone who is or has ever been a part of a family to read this book. If this debut work is any indication than Marci Blackman is on her way to being one of the most important novelists this country has produced. I cannot wait to read what she delivers next.

I enjoy you sharing your knowledge,wisdom and journeys.You are an inspiration to us all.Thank you.From one artist to another.

Cassandra Dillon(Author of "Reality Poems")

Writer Carolyn Heilbrun recommended Nikki Giovanni to me and others at the Chicago Humanities Festival in 2002. I read Giovanni's poetry yesterday and was carried away. My favorite poem in Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea is the one about Richard Williams, tennis father extraordinaire. Read this poem to your father; you and he will smile together.

Holding a book of poetry or essays by Nikki Giovanni is like holding a gift of joy in one's hand. In this slim volume called Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea, we get both genres. Some pieces have both; they start off as a poem and meander into essay form as in the self-titled offering, "Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea". What does H. Rap Brown have to do with NASA and Martians? Well, in this poem/essay, she ties it all together and somehow it all makes sense.

In "Twenty Reasons to Love Richards Williams, Giovanni pays tribute to Venus and Serena Williams' father; "He makes white folks crazy (PS and the black bourgeoisie, too)". "Don't Think" is but six powerful lines and "Blackberry Cobbler", now one of my favorite poems, is reminiscent of childhood and grandmothers. Tributes are paid to James Baldwin, Rosa Parks, and there is another Aretha poem. In these tributes, a ground work of black history is laid before she bestows the honoree with ultimate adulation.

As in Love Poems, her previous collection, Giovanni gives you words of wisdom, love, and conscientious discourse. This is a book that you will find yourself picking up again and again and wanting to share with others. This is poetry- Nikki style.

Dera Williams
APOOO BookClub

In order to read this book properly, you'll have to heat a cup of tea and curl up under a warm blanket in front of a crackling fireplace. Make sure your feet are covered with thick, wool socks. You'll also have to check your preconceived notions about the world at the door and open your mind to seeing the same old things in a new way. Nikki Giovanni promotes thought.

In "Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea," Giovanni tosses gold dust into the air and allows it to cover the world with great insights and wit. Her "Poems and Not Quite Poems" elicit smiles, tears and introspection. One gets the feeling of sitting at a wise grandmother's kitchen table as she cleans collard greens in a sink full of pale green water. Giovanni's words run clear.

She praises Richard Williams (father of Venus and Serena Williams) for committing himself to his daughters' dreams. She honors Aretha Franklin. She shakes a disgusted head at President Bush and former Vice President Al Gore. She even has a few words for Susan Smith, the woman who drowned her children in her abandoned car.

Giovanni speaks of her childhood and of the people who influenced her life. In this book, she sings an old, comfortable melody.

"Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea" is an interesting read. It leaps about from topic to topic like a wild rabbit exploring the countryside. Although some won't agree with all of her views, Giovanni is to be respected as a voice in our history - speaking out where others have gone mute.

I loved this book of poems and not quite poems. I have so many favorites but the one I liked most was "Twenty Reasons to Love Richard Williams". When I read the title I was thinking who is Richard Williams...maybe some one she once dated. As I started reading it I realized who she was talking about. This poem is so funny yet so VERY true. I actually read it twice. There were several others that I enjoyed like "Aunt Daughter and that Glorious Song" and "Bring On The Bombs: A Historical Interview". As I read these I was sort of lost at first and then I realized that they were about James Weldon Johnson and Daisy Bates, I love the way that she tells the stories of those two events in history. I do wonder if "Aunt Daughter and That Glorious Song" is a true story. I also enjoyed "What We Miss", which was some what therapeutic for me becuase I lost my mother last year and many of the things that I miss about my mother were written in this poem. And "He Blew It" just speaks for itself.
I love Ms. Giovanni's writing and this book is one of my favorites. She is so truthful about everything that she has written here. It is like she put on paper what everyone has been thinking.

Beneath the blanket of cultural arrogance that - even today - refuses to acknowledge the contributions made by its own citizens, is a truth that has been beautifully presented here by Ms. Willis. The images and text fully support what writer Richard Wright wrote, that, "OUR HISTORY IS FAR STRANGER THAN YOU SUSPECT, AND WE ARE NOT WHAT WE SEEM." Brava, Ms. Willis, and thank you.

This fabulous book deserves all of the praise it has earned. In addition the final chapter, "Photography of the 1980s and 1990s," includes an amazing section of modern art photgraphy, unmatched in any other photography collection in print today. Astonishing and utterly original works of young African American photographers Albert Chong, Pat Ward Williams, Chris Johnson, Terry Boddie, and Calvin Hicks are just a few highlights. In addition, Ms. Willis, a MacArthur Fellow, brings a clear, assured, and scholarly voice to her narration of this wonderful collection. No public or school library can afford to be without this book. The notes and the index are terrific. Also worth mentioning is that the prints are big enough, the paper is top quality, and the color reproduction is excellent. Deserves more than five Amazon stars.

This history of black photographers covers 1840 to modern times, presenting a wide-ranging set of images and social and artistic observations which should intrigue a diverse audience, from artists to those interested in black history. Black and white images accompany in-depth text coverage of the artists and their times in this first comprehensive history of black photographers.

... For more than a century, according to Deborah Willis, curator of photography at the Smithsonian, black photographers deliberately used their work to counter prevailing racial stereotypes and enhance racial pride. Her monumental portfolio of photographs by these artists, studio owners, and itinerant "painters with light" does more than counter stereotypes; it defies attempts to generalize about its subject.

People in this arresting collection of pictures are caught up in all kinds of ordinary pursuits--reading, working, dining, marrying, praying, talking, playing games, posing in lovely clothes, getting haircuts, making music or speeches or dinner--in a spirited, generally trustful relationship with the camera. Clearly Willis's criterion as she selected photographs was, as she says in the text, "expressive power."

Still, white Americans viewing these pictures are likely to bring to the experience the same old images of slavery, Civil Rights marches, and past or present media caricatures of black life that they've drawn from school and popular culture all their lives. Perhaps the delightful photographs of children in the book will take on ominous overtones because we know of future trials the childish mind can't predict. But such a reaction can keep us from realizing that what's on the child's mind may be partly the point.

For example, two Boston children have been posed in front of ornate ironwork, wearing starched lace dresses (it's 1910) and starched bows in their hair. They look beautiful--and stiff, and miserable! Good little girls, they've let Mother dress them up today, but they seem to want to tear off those enormous bows, jump the iron fence, and tumble around on the grass like anyone else their age.

Another example: Malcolm X crouches to hold his two daughters in his arms. He's talking to little Attallah, his eyes warmly upon her. But she turns away from her father's handsome face to stare unhappily at the audience, as if asking us just to go away for a change and give her some private time with Dad.

If the original vitality in these photographs can't keep us from calling up the preconceptions we carry around with us, this may actually be useful. The book's very freshness about what seems familiar makes us realize how old and worn-out our assumptions can be. Thus the photographs can (as Willis says in her introduction) "create a new ý historical consciousness that has the power to rewrite history itself."

But "Reflections in Black" is more than a documentary that can provoke useful debates within ourselves and between groups interpreting past or present culture. It shows that despite their commonalities black photographers have a long history of debating with each other. Is their medium an art or an engine of social progress? Should photography make mementos for its subjects or involve and change its viewers? The competing purposes and conflicting angles of vision represented in the book are part of what makes it fascinating.

Best of all, the book is marvelous for simply wandering and wondering through:

A remarkable series by a photographer who eventually lived in Seattle presents a man in three poses- - seated for his formal portrait, then hanged for murder, and finally laid out in his coffin.

Women in the book are gloriously unpredictable. Billie Holliday rehearsing with Count Basie looks like a Fifties coed in sweater, plaid skirt, and ponytail. Zora Neale Hurston smiles like an angel instead of with her usual impish brass.

Men? None are alike. A nattily dressed man waits at a bright window, fedora tipped up to let in the view, papers gleaming mysteriously in the background. A lined, leathery cowboy smokes a cigarette, his arms roped with tendons. Seattle's own Jacob Lawrence looks like a serious man at twenty and equally serious midway through his life, midway up a stepladder, in reverie.

Elsewhere, a lonely stony beach caresses the eye with dark grays and liquid silver. And beside a brick building draped with a gigantic sky-blue banner painted with the face of Malcolm X, a black cowboy rides through a golden field.

"Reflections in Black: A History of Black Photographers, from 1840 to the Present" comes awfully close. The photos vividly chronicle the Black experience in America. From the famous to the not so famous, all the joys and sorrows of a people are marvelously presented in this exquisite document. The accompanying text is entertainingly informative. The authors have truly outdone themselves.

I will be purchasing a few copies for friends. Others, I will tell to get their own.

It's THAT GOOD!