African-American Books

I had only limited knowledge of this subject in that I had interest in a few of the Artists that I knew were represented in the book before purchasing it. I was amazed at the quality of the reproductions and the text included. There are multiple reproductions for each Artist giving you a great basis to explore the development of their work. I now feel that I can really grasp a personal knowledge of these Artists and it great to have fantastic examples of Art that is now due to market demands and deteriorating mediums impossible to own.
This book is probably the best investment I have ever made. It will go straight to the top shelf. Do yourself a favour and buy it.

The first volume of Souls Grown Deep is an essential book for any American folk art collector. Many of the great African American folk artists of the 20th century are covered and all have a short write up and some pictures. The only problem is that some artists get short change with a one paragraph write up (really short) and 2 or 3 small images on a single page. Clementine Hunter for example, gets this treatment. And Mose Tolliver gets much more space than Bill Traylor, possibly because most of the artwork shown is from the author's own folk art collection, but apparently the author doesn't have many Bill Traylor artworks compared to Mose T's. But it's such a large book that it will still be required for any folk art library. Beware, the second volume is just as big but seems like an entire book of filler. There are some interesting artists presented, but overall the quality isn't as high as the first volume. Perhaps because the artists in the 1st volume are already "established"' it's easier to see their place in folk art history whereas the artists in volume 2 are still relatively new. Both books have high production values in paper and binding. My recommendation is definitely buy volume 1, but be careful of volume 2.

Combine the literay precision of John Stuart Mill with the passion of W. B. Yeats, pour over the artistic brilliance of Cezanne and Rothko and infuse the philosophical profundity of Kant and Aristotle; the result is the monumental genius of Souls Grown Deep. An epic achievement, William and Paul Arnett's masterpiece transports the reader deep into southern America in which a genre of art is explored that rivals, if not puts to shame, any existing work anywhere in the world. Souls Grown Deep is a necessity for any individual even remotely concerned with understanding the very first thing about art.

This book is a marvel in both production quality and content. If ever a set of books deserved the "tome" designation, this set wins big. They opened my eyes to a world I hoped existed but feared did not. I have long appreciated and understood the contributions of African Americans in the arts, but often wondered why the visual arts traditions hadn't reached the heights that the music (blues, jazz, gospel, hip hop, R&B, Rock n' Roll), literary, athletic, fashion, theater, etc.. reached? I have also always been dismayed that many of the great African Americans have had to leave the south, and often this country, to receive recognition at all. It is an old story that is far to common. These books tell a different story. The art work is of the highest caliber, and often created with the humblest of materials?found wood, roots, house paint, discarded materials?yet the artists find ways to make the most glorious objects. It was certainly a revelation to see work that would rival what I see in the many museums in town, made by men and women who don't seem to have any regard, or perhaps knowledge, of these institutions. Work made for themselves, their families, or their communities enjoyment and education. The true meaning of art. It would be impossible for me to say which book I prefer. Both were so eye opening. Now that I have both, I can't imagine not having either. I hope that these volumes will find their way into the libraries and schools across America, for they tell a story that has long been unkown, which is unfortunate. Or, I fear, ignored, which is tragic. Kudos to both, and I hope that there will be a Volume 3. I must add that if you are interested in the "real" American story, history, art (of any kind), then these books are a must read (and look). And as a lover and collector of Twentieth Century art, I realize I have not been, up until now, told the WHOLE truth.

Gorgeous photos and very high quality printing and paper. The artwork is very interesting and continues to offer surprises further and further into the book. I enjoyed the stories and recollections of the artists which added a personal and human side to the visual splendor. The editors' own energy and passion for the subject matter shines through. This is a rare gift I will go back to time and time again.

A collection of essays wrote by african american and biracal young adults. The essays are about struggles the writers have been through while growing up, and on college campues. I throught all the essays were good.

A collection of essays wrote by african american and biracal young adults. The essays are about struggles the writers have been through while growing up, and on college campues. I throught all the essays were good.

A collection of essays wrote by african american and biracal young adults. The essays are about struggles the writers have been through while growing up, and on college campues. I throught all the essays were good.

This book is a very well-done sociological study of African American/bi-racial college students and the telling of their stories to get to this point in their lives. The stories are diverse yet similar. Bright, misunderstood, sticking out like sore thumbs because they were of color and intelligent. That is not the way it is supposed to be. Why is it African Americans are ridiculed for being smart. I read Kunjufu's book some years ago when my daughter was in middle school, Black Peer Pressure: To be Popular or Smart. Why must you choose. I am trying to remember my childhood experiences. I cannot remember being ridiculed for doing well in school. It seemed that was the norm for my group and the kids seem to have more respect for one another. I know this is unusual. I think about my brother who is now a well-known cardiologist in the Bay Area and when I look back on it, he must have felt isolated because he was one of those super-smart, gifted students. From the first story of Prince which was heart-wrenching. He was truly a testament to the poverty and hardship. He proved he could succeed against the oods. So, it is with Malik who had a drug-addicted mother. These young men's stories is in contrast to some of the more affluent of the group. Maria, Rob, and Steve had all of the amenities to have a good head start, well-eduacated, financially secure, and good neighborhoods. However I must say, I was disappointed that these students felt they had little in common with other black students because of their status. And it seemed their attitudes were reinforced by their parents attitudes who seemed to feel if it's white, its right. I am trying to reconcile these parents with the generation that had to strive for basic civil rights in housing and education. Where was the pride in being black. Why were they not going to black churches and putting their children in contact with other young black people with groups such as Jack and Jill or church youth groups? I always thought it was the generation these students that lost the black pride, not their parents who I guess are in their forties, fifties, and sixties. Claudio and Alessandro had to do with the problem of being both black and Latino and all the trials associated with being of a double culture. So often in Latin cultures, children are told they are Latino and then they get out into the world where no one will let them forget they are black. That can be a rude awakening when culture and color clash. The bi-racial students angst of being between two world, not knowing where they belong. This story was also very well told in "Black, White,Other" by Lise Funderburg. Christina and Susanna's black fathers evidently had problems with their black identities. It seems in these and many bi-racial families they do no discuss race, as if not talking about it, it won't be a problem. But as they find out, these issues need to be discussed. Sure these kind of parents say they just want their children to grow up to be good, healthy individuals, regardless of race. Not in America where race and race matters are so pervasive. The editors forewords before each chapter, Janie Victoria Ward and Tracy L. Robinson among them were provacative, intelligent studies. I would highly recommend this book to high school and college student of African descent as well as their parents and students of black sociology. Very well done.

Souls Looking Back is a thought-provoking, engaging and critical work that solidifies the validity of personal narrative as form of interpretive research with a focus on critical race theory. Anyone who may posses any questions regarding the power of such representation should read, ingest and reflect upon the stories of the young people presented in this book. The editors splendedly synthesized these educational and personal memoirs within the context of personal identity, critical race, critical feminist and critical race feminist perspectives. I would strongly recommend this book for all those with sincere interests in anthropology, sociology, psychology, African-American/African-Carribean/Afro-British studies, and education. This book truly exemplifies the multiplicity of lives our young people of color experience.

Rev June in her book Spirit speaks to Sister's truly blesses us with her power-filled words. The book reads as it says, as a direct message from Spirit. The Very Reverent, June Juliet Gatlin, who is an ardent oracle, prophet of our time, singer and journalist, counsels on important topics such as spirituality, intimacy, beauty and the longings of the soul.
When I first read the book, I could not put it down, I felt as though I opened to a new level of Divine Truth. I recommend everyone, women and men, to read this empowering testimony of faith and love.

Caroline Shola Arewa, Author of Opening to Spirit,
International Speaker & Spiritual Life Coach.

Spirit clearly speaks to and through June Gatlin. This book touched my heart deeply and moved me to an even greater awareness of my sacredness as a woman as I walk this journey we call life. Thank you Reverent June Gatlin, for your gift of love.

Greetings Reverent June:

Chapters in your book on Emotional Captivity, Power of Black Wombman, Ordained Relationships, and Intimacy are especially relevant to all Wombmen in our society. This information is absolutely powerful! and provides a spiritual and practical foundation for approaching relationships and intimacy in today's climate which is still plagued with misogynistic beliefs and attitudes.

I was both deeply touched and blown away by how utterly true and essential this information is, and yet, here I am a 47 year old woman and no one has ever sat down and told me these essential truths. Although some of it I knew instinctually, but to have had it presented and discussed with me would have been so valuable in my early and present life.

A "Right of Passage" workshop for young women and teenagers in which this information is covered would be a wonderful and empowering gift to the next generation. Please consider creating a follow up text and workbook for instructors regarding your teachings from this wonderful book.

Ever Grateful,
Charla Greetings Reverant June:

Gracious Reverent Gatlin,

Thank you for your power-filled words of love, Truth and enlightenment. The presence of that which is purely divine is felt through the word-breaths you speak on each page of this book-temple. Through this work, you have been a guide and teacher through dark spaces in my life, and have joined Spirit in lifting the vibration of my living, and of my very beingness. I appreciate and thank God for you. You help restore the daughters of the ancients to our rightful, sacred wombanness. Doors have flung open in the various levels of my heart's temple, and to you I am grateful. Many continued blessings along your earth's sojourn as healer, seer, and uplifter of Spirit's flesh!

Joy and praise for the Feminine side of Spirituality! And more Joy and more praise for our Sister June who allowed Spirit to Speak thru Her to Us with words that emanate such tenderness for Us. With words that radiate such love and healing for Us. With words that can only come and uplift the way a woman's words can do.

It has been millennia after millennia of words from the man's point of view. And not only have they been men's words, they have been White men's words. Word's from men who see an Almighty and Powerful God. Almighty and powerful being the very words that have beaten humanity to its knees. Words that have taken love for Spirit and turned us into God fearing and frighten people. Words that have spoken of women as evil, and weak and sinful in their body, mind and soul.

Women of all colors and cultures have been listening to the voices of the patriarchy telling them and telling men as well, that we have so much to correct about ourselves.

Rev June Gatlin heals those wounds with her choice of words. I felt as though her words where the healing caresses I needed after living a life trying so hard to live up to His expectations. I witness woman of every race and culture trying to live up to the words of the Patriarchy. We are told that many things about being in the female body is sinful and should be hidden. Words and meanings passed down from generation to generation telling women that they are weak and must strive to conquer all that their bodies represent.

As an Interfaith Minister and Interfaith Priestess, I work very hard at healing the many women who come across my path. Women who bare the burden of not really being made in His Image. Reverent June Gatlin lets them know that they are created as beautiful creatures. She tells Us that Divine Spirit" is your Mother Nurturer:Mystical. Omnipresence. Teacher. Healer. Endearing/Endurance. Your Refuge. Spirit is your Isness: Inspiration/Integrity. Sacredness. Nature. Essence. Sanctity. Stability." , "Spirit is eternal breath." and "Spirit is God. God is Spirit. One and same. God is your Originator, Giver of your breathing." and " Breathe Sister, breathe "

Her words heal because they intertwine Spirit/Divinity and God in such a way, that we are no longer separated from God, but instead are a part of Him created in the intention of pure love.

For anyone walking a Spiritual Path this book uplifts women to their proper place within Divinity. In reading June Gatlin's words a woman can feel her self worth as Divinely beautiful second to none.

I applaud June Gatlin for incorporating a feminist point of view without trashing any gender, race or culture. I applaud Reverend June for her courage to speak out and dare to make the Almighty and Powerful also a Loving and Giving and Nurturing God.

Thank you June Gatlin, for giving us Our Sacredness back. Thank you for telling us we are whole and complete.

I wait for more words from her to continue on the joyous journey of remembering where we came from and who we are.

SPRUNG WAS A REALLY GOOD BOOK.IT SHOWS WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE SO IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE AND YOU KNOW THEY WILL NEVER CHANGE. AND THE LOVEMAKING PARTS WERE REALLY GOOD.

This book was very realistic. didn't have a fairy tail happy ending. i could totally relate to all of the characters and not just the females.

cant wait for part 2!!

Have you ever had a man who showed potential and you stuck with him, hoping he would change to be your knight in shining armor? Have you ever tried to leave him only to be seduced by mental foreplay and end up in his bed and under his control, again? That was the story of
Stormie's life in Sprung by Fi Fi Cureton.

Isis was Stormie's best friend who was always looking for love. She looked for it so much that when it was dealt to her, she received a hand that would destroy the strongest woman. When it all went down, she was left with a priceless gift, lesson, and the greatest love of all.

Bianca, Stormie's sister, was living a fairytale. She had a husband who allowed her to stay at home, in their mansion, to take care of her four children and gave her everything she needed and wanted. The flip side is that she was lonely. What depths would her loneliness
pull her? Would she really risk it all for a few moments of attention?

Sprung is a great novel, however, there are grammatical errors throughout the entire book. The punctuation was off and though written in first-person, there were a few passages that were told in third-person, which could easily make the reader question who was supposed to be speaking. The strength of the plot, subplots, and characterization held Sprung together and made the grammar issues forgivable; however this could be a five star novel with better editing. I recommend this to urban fiction readers who like good, heart-felt stories and do not mind editorial blemishes.

Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier
APOOO BookClub

This is a page turner and really you do not want to put it down for it will keep your attention. I cannot wait for the sequel to come out in the Fall 2006 'Still Sprung'.
You can feel the characters emotions and can relate or know of someone within those situations.

I had the great opportunity to meet the author at the Queens Public Library at the Central Branch when it sponsor the Urban writers:Teri Woods, Richard Jeanty & Deborah Smith. It was Deborah Smith who introduced the audience to the author and encouraged us to buy the sizzling page turner book.
Ms. Smith you were not lying! It kept your attention!

this book is definitely a page turner, and the sex scene made me call my man!!!! I can relate to all the female characters in this book!

HELLA HOT!!!

Sandra Johnson is an amazing storyteller! She brought the account of St. John's Baptist Church and the seige upon it to life for all of us who have had the good fortune of discovering this book. It is the incredible journey of hate and love and the enormous range of emotions in between. It is also the tale of unlikely friendships, terrifying and horrifying events, injustice, and the hope and promise of racial harmony. This is a book that I personally hope will be brought to the big screen -- so all those folks who aren't readers will be exposed to this story. (Film producers: somebody out there please take note!) I firmly believe that the entire world needs to learn of Standing on Holy Ground -- it truly is one of the handful of "must read" books. It would be wonderful if every high school or college literature class would somehow use this book as required reading. It has much to offer about friendships, volunteerism, racial inequities, dedication and hard work, and perseverence in the highest form. We should each take it upon ourselves to spread the word of this book, for it was by accident that I learned of this extraordinary tale. I was not surprised that Ms. Johnson was awarded the coveted Christopher Medal for her effort in bringing this true story to life. I anxiously await her next book with her special gift to convey emotions, report facts, mesmerize the reader, and spin the tale to the upmost. Don't keep us waiting Ms. Johnson!!

A really good book - easy to read and follow. The author makes you feel as if you have known Ammie personally, along with all the other players in this story. For most of us, we have not been exposed to the prejudice and hatred that exists around us and the pain and heartache that is produces. It brought me to tears several times, but it also warmed my heart. I highly recommend this book to all.

I was introduced to this book by Ammie's daughter, Christy. Christy played an integral part in my new book "Angels and Quilt Pieces...Our Journey with a Katrina Family" - which will be available July, 2007. Christy was one of our "Angels" and gave us the "quilt pieces" story and theme.

I was fighting tears before I finished the first chapter. I thought we had come farther than this. What broke my heart was not just that a few twisted individuals would commit such atrocities, but that the victims did not trust the system to come to their aid. That speaks volumes. We still have a long way to go and Sandra's book has made that abundantly clear. Those who helped turn things around for this church are true heros and much braver than I.
Betty Wilson Beamguard

STANDING ON HOLY GROUND is compelling and thought-provoking and reads like fiction, but becomes all the more riveting and terrifying when you realize it's a true, unadulterated story of the modern-day South and the racism that still exists. But it is also a story of triumph and how two women, against all odds, brought a community together -- a community that reached out beyond the town, the county and the state and effected thousands of concerned citizens in America. Sandra E. Johnson's prose is solid, unbiased, but also visceral an unblinking in its re-telling of the obstacles and challenges faced by two friends (one black, one white) and their fight to save a rural country church from hated and racism. This is a "must-read"!

Sandra E. Johnson has created a masterpiece in journalism! No bias can be found anywhere in her book--only the facts. As the story unfolds, one truly begins to feel as he or she were treading on Holy Ground (page after blessed page). Upon reading this book, no one can ever say againg that the truth is boring or that real stories must be embellished for artistic flare and entertainment. Johnson's words hammer home every riveting detail in a fashion that makes the reader feel as if they are gliding through a well-written novel. Who needs fiction when you can have this kind of truth?

Through telling of how diverse people banded together to rebuild St. John Baptist Church, Sandra Johnson shows the world that love, faith, hope and a spirit of unity can come together to work miracles. It is a message that she proclaims to us all and we're the better for it.

This is one of the best books I have read on Black life growing up in the 1950's and 1960's. It was a time of hard work and discipline for our parents as well as us. We had to learn to do without and work with what you had and be grateful for that, not like the kids of today. We all need to read this book, if not for the memories, for the kids to know what others had to go through to get where they are today and that hard work pays off. We were taught to respect each other and other people's property. It brought back many, many memories as I am an African-American as well. The way the author writes it's like you're right in the room with the family or involved in whatever situation was going on. I was brought up in the city, but my father was from down south, Texas, and he raised us the same way. It is a book for all ages, especially youngsters to see how it was back then, a real story of African-American History as well as being entertaining. A Must Read.

Survival The Will and The Way is a great book. I enjoyed it very much. I am a very picky reader and I need a book that will keep my attention. This book did just that. Every time I tried to put it down, I found myself picking it right back up to read some more. Reading about this family makes me realize how wonderful life is. Although they seemed to have it rough, they seemingly endured because of their love and togetherness. I felt for the family. The father was a bit too cruel for my taste, but it appears, however, that because of the way that the children were raised, they were better and more well behaved than many of today's children. - There was so much going on near the end, and it was so sad, I can hardly wait for the next book so that I can see what happened to everyone. (I hope that there is another one) Don't leave me hanging!

Like the author, I too was born in Alabama. Although I did not live with the conditions such as the ones that she describes in her book, I have had the opportunity to visit places like the one where she and her family lived. As I read Survival The Will and The Way, it took me home again. I could almost see the clothes hanging all around on wash day. I actually squirmed when the snake was fished from the water. For the most part, I felt as though I was there during each adventure. This book is very well written.

I believe that Survival: The Will And The Way is a novel that will be enjoyed by everone who has the pleasure of reading it. It is fresh as well as refreshing. As the events unfolds, one can visually/virtually experience each event. The cover first "caught my eye." And as I thumbed through the pages, I was hooked. The writer brings to life a time when the world was a better place. "The good old days!" Although those days might just about be gone, this book will hopefully help to bring back some of those olden days when life was simplier and Young.

Miss Young, Thank you for sharing your story. Your presentation was delightful, and the memories are enlightening and enriching. I too long for a form of discipline. I believe that if each and every child could have lived as you described, there would be less hatred and more togetherness. Sometimes folks have it so good that they forget just how good they really have it. Survival The Will and The Way describes the basic essentials needed in life: Love, respect, togetherness, a belief in religion, and a way of survival. Oh, how I wish that we all could have experienced growing up in a place like "Perote." Your Dad reminds me of my Grandfather. He was guick to pull his gun or knife. I especially enjoyed reading about "Uncle John and Doll", and how she could so easily set him off. Our family memories are precious ones. You were wise to document them. I was fortunate to be able to read them. The cover is attractive and sentimental. The size is perfect. And I like the size of the type. We have a hard back in paper weight size - perfect! You and your family have strong constitutions. I will pass this book on to my daughter. You have enspired me to attempt to document the life of my Grandmother in her honor,and for our memories. Thank you for the push! I know that your son and grandson are constantly reminded of the essentials. God bless!

Absolutely fantastic!!!! Some could ask for pictures to go along with it. However, I feel as though part of utilizing recipes is unwrapping the mystery of it's visual beauty. As a culinary student I find that not having pictures allows me to add my own touches to the dishes without visual bias.

I'm impressed with the author's use of authentic as well as contemporary ingredients and techniques. And I was quite taken by the vast coverage of the topic - appetizers, gumbos, salads, sides, entrees, desserts, lovely book!!

I love this cookbook. The recipies are well written and easy to follow! Try the Shrimp Creole!! You wont Regret it!!!

This book is excellent. I like it because the recipes are good for everyone to try. Chef Joe's cooking school in Savannah is a rare treat also for an activity during your Savannah weekend.
After he tortures and teases you with the sights and aromas, he gives you a meal you'll never forget.

I love this book. So far every recipe I have tried has turned out excellent. The recipes are easy to read and well written for the home chef. To date I have tried the Oven Roasted Rosemary-Garlic Chicken with Corn Bread Dressing, The Rustic Macaroni and Cheese and the Potato Salad to name a few. I just tried the Sweet Potato Pie and everyone loved it. The Authors did a wonderful job, and I have recommended it to my friends and plan on giving the book as gifts.

GOOD STUFF...I read this book and then decided I had to buy every book written by this woman. It is not your gushy romantic story. It is romance told from a modern woman's point of view. There is a little bit of everything in it. I do not waste my time with romantic books but if Eboni's books must be classified as such then so be it. One problem, she does not write fast enough for me.

EBONI SNOE DID A WONDERFUL JOB, THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME READING SOMETHING FROM HER(NOT MY LAST) I WAS AMAZED. I FELT LIKE I WAS NADINE. THE STORY LINE WAS SO VIVID I COULD PICTURE EVERYTHING FROM THE DARK CAVE IN THE BEGINING TO THE SHIPS ROOM AT THE END OF THE STORY. IF EVERY BOOK IS WRITTEN LIKE THIS ONE, I WONT NEED MY TELEVISION. GET THE BOOK AND ENJOY!!!

This book took me to a whole different level of romance. Eboni Snoe didn't do the usual I love him, why doesn't he love me type of romance. Or even the love at first sight type of romance. This romance novel was very deep! Nadine and Ulysses love/romance isn't just a physical thing. It is a spirital, mental and definetly a mental romance. By Nadine being PURE in every sense of the word made it even more romantic. And the fact that after Ulysses came to his senses, I like the way he went after Nadine instead of Nadine going after him! There needs to be more romance novels out there like this!

The author's first book was a classic. She must have personally felt every movement and thought; the characters seemed so real and personal. We are truly fortunate that this author has chosen to write her stories to convey her messages and provide enjoyment and excitement for all of her readers instead of for entirely commercial reasons. The world needs more authors like this to provide "real life" un-diluted dreams for all who chose to take advantage of the opportunity. We are truly honored to have had the privelege to have read her first draft. Don't stop til you get enough.

For a minor history lesson on myself, let me first say I've been around romance novels all my life. My mother, I swear, kept hundreds and thousands of them around. But in my mind, something was wrong. I didn't figure it out until I was older. When I was about 16 I picked one up for all of five minutes and tossed it to the ground thinking, 'this is awful!'. Two years later, I had the honor of picking up A Sheiks Spell and that started it all. I instantly became an avid fan of Multicultural Romance novels thanks to Ms. Snoe. She opened up a world for me that was previously unknown. I like to call it 'A land of romance books that I can RELATE to'. As a result of this, I have the 95, 96 and half of the 97 season of Arabesque novels.

To this day, Eboni Snoe is and will always be my favorite author. I had never heard of the Island of Eros before reading this book, but as the main character, Nadine, learned more about the small Island of love and herself. I found that I did as well. The adventure, the romance, the drama, the excitement, the whole book itself kept me turning the pages until hourslater I reached the end. I would recommend this book to everyone, and I have, because it's a well written novel that deserves praise. I would alsotake it one more step and recommend any book Ms. Snoe has everwritten. She is and outstanding writer and I look forward to reading any of her up and coming releases.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a stronger reach for the author over some of her other work.
The characters were easy to follow even though I read this book out of order in the series.
The story was about what fame and money can do to a person. Greed and all those other terrible things destroyed so many lives. I wont tell the story but there was one topic touched on here that, while it unraveled, I was on the edge of my seat!
Though I found the various storylines in this book sad in some ways, it was an enthralling read that held my interest all the way through. I can see Ms. McGriff got her editing problem resolved too. It was a better-written book then the first one by her that I read. And I can say, she still tells a great story. You're on your way Ms. McGriff. Keep up the good write!

The rain of fears, the reign of tears...the temporary rain of a winter season, the temporary reign of fame the temporary rain of...I'll say no more about that.
Devon's reign at the top of charts was far from permanent-as he might have thought at one time, being a headliner for nearly five years or so (which can be a life-time in today's music industry). With his private troubles at home, made public, his popularity and career are damaged when Devon backs out of a video contract in order to seek solace and regrouping time after Kim's indiscretions brings his once bubble-safe existence crashing down around him-much like a cloudburst. (Kim, whose secrets have driven her to near insanity, fights against insurmountable obstacles to keep her footing only to finally give in to the pressures of her inner haunts) Can either one of them ride out this storm to safety? Will they make there together? These were the questions I asked myself as I read on, noting the invasions to their once (thought to be) perfect marriage by-Stockard, Micah, Mia, and Rene.
Eljen, Jimmy, Destiny, Tearza, Maji, Hugh and the rest, all made a strong showing here in this (my understanding to be the last) installment of The Majestic Series. Jimmy was true to his no nonsense-make-a-million-a-day persona. He does work my nerves. I can't imagine what Destiny sees in him-besides his good looks and billions of dollars.
Some of the topics here in this book are touched on by the Author in such an, `eye-popping' way, that I was instantly filled with so many different emotions that I didn't know whether to feel sorry for the characters or angry.
I feel mixed emotions about the closure of the series but, I'm sure, Jimmy and the others will show up again somewhere along the line. If nothing else, they will stick with me a long time
--E. Thompson, J.E.T. Inc.

I was not expecting what I got in Temporary Rain. Though the beginning started out with bringing all the old favs back, I was soon hit with so much unfamiliar stuff--new thinking, new acting...ohmigooness.
And the topics touched on here in this story were deep. I mean, I'm not a spoiler but, there was some serious mess going on in this book. I really didn't know which way it was gonna end.
Drugs, sex, and as always, music and money.
From the little blurb thing, you would right off the bat think that Jimmy was in some mess again, but no...and then you sort of get the impression that it's Devon, but no...
You just have to read it, and of course Ms. M, has a wonderful back drop story that just sort of covers up any holes without taking away from the main story. ...

Devon Swanson is at the top of his game. He has a beautiful family, a budding musical career and is surrounded by glitz and glamour. Devon's wife Kim however, never dealt with her childhood issues and it is her descent into abyss and the surrounding family members' reactions that make this fifth installment of the Majestic's Secret series a hit.

After reading the first four installments, you wonder what the deal is with Kim; all is not as it appears. What is Kim hiding and what is the powerful hold that forces Kim to behave as she does? We witness everything that Kim ran from come to the surface and climax. Devon however, continues to be the faithful and patient husband and loving father. Watch as Devon relates his pain and agony of his failing marriage and family, only to be ambushed into another world that he cannot begin to comprehend. New characters are introduced along with the recurring characters of the first four books, however their actions all play a part in the story being told and the book does not lose its focus. 

Michelle McGriff has given the romance literary world an excellent final installment that is glittered with action, drama and finally compassion and understanding. 

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

KUDOS, MICHELLE...
This novel is a definite page turner that hooks you from the very first page. Although it is a sort of spinoff from the Majestic Series, new readers of this author will find Temporary Rain is a novel that can stand alone.

Temporary Rain is a novel that is filled with shocking secrets and an unpredictable ending. I'm sure any reader of this novel will be so pleased that they will want to seek out and find the previous novels to this series to add to their collection.

Having grown up during the civil rights era, I find this book has great teaching potential for the non-violent movement. Today so many children see the violence on TV and in real life and this book depicts the historical highlights of the era. James Ransome's illustrations are a complement to the clever rhymed verse and his collage technique on the front and back covers and the inside covers tells the story in pictures. I think the sequence of the book portrays the main events of the era that ultimately changed the way of our nation. This is a book for everyone. The rhymes convey the message in a concise manner which the youngest reader can understand. I think this book should be in every school library.

This book is an excellent teaching source for young students to learn about Martin Luther King's dream and how it inspired a nation to change. I have used this book to teach civil rights, comparison/contrast, and voice using Six Traits.

This Is The dream, by Diane Shore and Jessica Alexander is a history packed book, with an opening statement by Martin Luther King, Jr. that sets the tone for the lesson to come in history.

"White Only", "Colored Waiting Room", these are the signs that you see in the beginning of this book. It starts with a time when we as a nation were fighting for the basics of equality - the Civil Rights Era, and takes you straight through to today's society where the signs that you see are no longer racially motivated.

This Is The Dream provides a timeline marking the stages that this nation went through to make civil rights a reality. Reading the text and looking at the pictures, made the struggle seem just a little more tangible for me as an adult, so I can imagine the impact that it will have on the mind of a child. Kids of all ages can and should read this book.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the phenomenal illustrations by James Ransome. His pictures are most certainly worth a thousand words.

This is The Dream, should be a requirement for all schools.

Reviewed By: Eleanor S. Shields, Black Butterfly Review

Many of the reviews already state this, but let me just reiterate: What a fine classroom tool you will find in "This is the Dream"! The story of the civil rights movement is summarized in simple, effective rhyme. It is perfect for all ages. The beginning pages clearly portray the injustice of "separate but equal" and Jim Crow laws. The middle of the story displays the tremendous strength of those who fought, not with guns and fists, but with walking, sitting, marching. Finally, we see the today we have taken for granted. It is a powerful witness to children of what once was and what could be again if we let predjudice take hold once more.
What I particularly enjoyed was the authors' choice to not reduce the movement to the hard work of a handful of people. History books tend to single out Rosa and Martin as the impetus and the leader of the movement. Such status is misleading for children. It was a peaceful militia of millions, a team effort. This book shows the bravery of the many nameless people who changed our country.
I believe this book would be a very worthy Caldecott winner. James Ransome is a "due" illustrator. If you haven't seen his work in other books-especially "Visiting Day" and "Under the Quilt of Night"- I'd encourage you to check it out. He is a master of depicting the subtle emotions of the human face. In "This is the Dream" his rich oil paintings brings history to life once again. And his use of photographs in his artwork is daring and innovative.
This is a suberb, important book.

As a first grade teacher, it is sometimes hard to find a book about the civil rights movement that is age appropriate. This book has a simple rhyme and beautiful pictures. These pictures simply show the differences before, during, and after the movement. The students in my class were speechless. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!