African Books

I was looking for a book so that my granddaughter could get a sense of how truly blessed she is to grow up in this century. I am not an avid reader and this was the first book I have read in a long time. The book was only 214 pages but painted a vivid picture of the life and times during the 30's. I read the book in 2 days and loved every word. Being one of the first blacks in a field that has been predomanently white for decades, I too was wrongly accused of doing things and suffered unjust conquenceses. Bravo to the author, please put this on your must read list.

This is a nice book to buy your child if you want to enlighten them on the way of life that existed long before their time where they can appreciate the resources and choices that are available to them in in this generation.

As a grammar-fiend, I must say that this book is really lacking. I realise it was written in the vernacular for a purpose, but really, after only 4 pages I found continuing to read the monstrous grammar painful. This book is practically a guide to how to speak as if one never had any schooling.

If I could've given this book 10 stars, I would've. I'ma 19 year old inner city black male--that said, I was on the verge of tears while reading parts of this novel, and crying isn't something regarded as "ok" to do where I come from (or for guys period). Emotionally maturation is a must when reading this. TRUST! This is my first review of any book. I've never felt so compelled to write one, to ask people "Hey you ever read a book called Billy?" The book is excellent, and I highly recommend it. And as far as the "grammar fiend" review up above--the dialect in the book is reflecting Southern talk from the 1930's and it only adds to the book, it captures the time period beautifully. Please (future readers) dont let that become an obstacle!! (And after the first 5-10 pages you get used to it)

1937. Mississippi. Two teenage girls. Two young boys, ages ten and twelve. A fight ensues and one of the girls ends up dead. The community is outraged and more interested in revenge than justice. Why? The girls are white and the boys are black. Should that matter? Regardless, it does. French unapologetically drops the reader right into the times with all its prejudices glaring. It's impossible to avoid an emotional reaction to Billy. The grief of the families' losses, Billy's confusion about what's happening to him as well as what happened during the fight, and the blatant racism all serve to make the reader question whether things have really changed since 1937 or whether all that racism really just boiling under the surface searching for any excuse to break free.

I bought this book in the 60's in the Time/Life edtion, but didn't get around to reading it until 1995, when I was in Jalalabad, Afghanistan for a few weeks. Of course, that was the perfect setting, but from any viewpoint in the world "Eastern Approaches" is quite close to the perfect travel book. I left my copy in the library of the American Club in Peshawar, trying to save luggage room for Afghan textiles, and I was very sorry to learn when I got home that it was out of print. Now it's back, and I look forward to reading it again while sitting in my armchair. "Eastern Approaches" is a great read, and never more relevant than today.

This is an exciting autobiography, which I have read and reread over the years. Of particular interest is the author's introduction into the SAS.

This book will become a permanent fixture in your library.

Pre WWII, Maclean finagled trips through parts of the USSR where no westerner had previously been, even crossing into Afghanistan from the north at one point. He spent much of WWI aiding Marshal Tito's effort to drive the Germans out of the Balkans. Fascinating stuff, this, eloquently written and he's a damn good storyteller.

This book is of great historical value. The narration is witty and elegant. I would recomant it to everybody interested in European history.

This is a truly unique book and comparable only with Churchill's 'My Early Life' as an adventure history. Some people write adventure books, some people have adventures but Fitzroy McLean, like Churchill, or TE Lawrence, is able to do both. A rare treat and very easy to read.

I really enjoyed reading this book in fact I read it twice. The bond that Eddie Levert has with his family is remarkable.The love and respect that he has for his ex wife Martha Levert is admirable, though they had their differences according to the book.Also even though Gerald Levert was a star he was always family 1st.I have read a lot of books about famous celebrities,and I have to say this one took the cake. Kudos also to Lyah Beth Leflore.

this is a very heart felt book i like how close they were as father and son and know how far to go with each other as friend

I love eddie levert as well as gerald levert I enjoyed the read and realize they shared a special relationship I will proudly add this book to my biography collection

I just received this book on Monday, December 17, 2007 and I finished it today. This is a lovely book to give to anyone as a gift. Regardless of how famous Eddie & Gerald Levert became as music artist. The family bond is powerful. The relationship of father and son is awesome. The mother of Eddie's children is given the utmost respect of how she held this family together with her love and strength. I'm a single mom and I learned so much about my own relationship that I had with my father when he was alive and the relationship I'm developing with my daughter.

I thought this was a very poignant novel it's goes through the ups and downs of their relationship and also what it's like to be in the music business. Although Gerald Levert will be missed his memory will carry on thru. Put it on your miss read list.

In July 2006, I saw the exhibit of the Quilts of Gees Bend at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco I didn't fully realize the importance of the quilts, so I didn't buy the book and regretted it. The quilts and their story, are haunting. Since then I have heard the quilts referred to as the the most outstanding example of US art.

Whenever I talked to quilters, I wished that I had the book to show them. Now I have it and I am very happy with the purchase. The book is beautiful and the photograhs of the quilts are great.

Because of the personal stories, the beautiful layout and large, clear colorful pictures this book was like candy to read. I learned about the history of the area, the closeness of the community and families, and the sharing and pride of a folk art. I love when people find an outlet for their art in surprising and practical ways.

The book "The Quilts of Gee's Bend" by William Arnett is a great book of history within a particular culture that is rich in resourcefulness and creativity. It easy to read if one enjoys life stories that are true and down to earth. The pictures complete the full circle of this culture- use what is available and enjoy the outcome. The world could learn a lot from this book. The Quilts of Gee's Bend: Masterpieces from a Lost Place

I remember the first time I saw photographs of the quilts of Gee's Bend in a magazine about seven years ago. I couldn't wait to learn about the amazing artists whose vision the quilts portray. This book is more outstanding than I imagined it could be. It is powerful, beautiful, sensitive, and historically accurate. I recommend The Quilts of Gee's Bend to anyone with an eye for artistic genius and a love for discovering a community of women willing to express themselves outside the box of convention. How refreshing and inspiring! Simply Exceptional!!

Who is more qualified to help provide us with a book about the quilts of Gee's Bend, but Mr. Bill Arnett who has championed the makers of these quilts and their works since 'discovering' them years ago in the tiny community of Gee's Bend about thirty miles southwest of Selma, Alabama?

The quilts first went on tour in 2002 and have been touring ever since. I learned of the ladies of Gee's Bend and their quilts from a PBS documentary first aired in 2003 and have anxiously hoped they would one day come to my part of the country. When, earlier this year, I found the quilts would indeed be coming to the Orlando Museum of Art, I purchased, The Quilts of Gee's Bend: Masterpieces from a Lost Place, documenting the quilts, and the lives of their various makers, with beautiful, full-color illustrations of the quilts.

In February, 2007, when I was finally able to enjoy the quilts in person, I was happy to discover the book had accurately depicted the quilts, and their makers, paralleling an exhibition that should be seen and appreciated by all.

I purchased a copy of The Quilts of Gee's Bend: Masterpieces from a Lost Place, for the art teacher of my children's school. This beautiful book encouraged her to take her middle and high school art students to the exhibition. The book helped the students to first see and read about what they were going to view and then became a superb keepsake of a most memorable trip.

Maybe the best book on AIDS since Randy Schultz's "And the Band Plays On". Osborne weaves an intricate and complex narrative incorporating several important themes of the history of AIDS in the Black Community. Whereas Schlitz covered the story of AIDS from Fire Island and San Francisco, Osborne starts his book with a history time walker. Along the way he describes the influences of seemingly disparate trends in destructive way of life for black people the real epidemic to define an epidemic that is as different in the Black Community as night is to day. This book is a MUST Read to anyone working in the field of HIV/AIDS. Case Managers, Program Designers and especially those who sit on Ryan White Title 1 Councils will find it every useful. It is an invaluable resource in comprehending not only the history of AIDS in the Black Community but a resource in understanding how to cope with the problems facing AIDS and the Black Community today.

This is one of the only books of its kind that I have come across; . By the end of the book's 10 chapters, you will have a clear understanding of each stage through which the Osborne trying to make you see the REAL Deal.. expectations of the individuals We enjoy the small change of political scandal - the revelations. Osborne's book makes an important contribution to a debate of whats really going on- a must buy!!!

Osborne's book charts the rise and fall of a hypothetical politician in an attempt to better discover what makes and motivates the species. The book is extremely well researched with a liberal sprinkling of anecdotes, facts and conjecture. The writing style is gloriously indirect and verbose in a very history teacher way, something that might not appeal to all, but which for me added to the joy of reading. Definitely a buy recommendation if you have an interest in a real vision of African American politics.

Building on traditional Liberal values and principles, Osborne brings new and often provocative thinking to every area of social Topics. He seems to have the need to encourage and support stable and secure families, a tougher prisons regime and stronger local government - as well as proposals for global governance reform and integration. A Luke warm attempt to gather the masses of awareness amongst a group of people who are and will always be a disease with their selves ...

Osborne book Examines what has gone wrong with of African American history and what can be done about it. This will be one of the most controversial books that you have to read for years to come. It tells you all of the things that where left out of your mainstream history books

This was my second read by Daniel Black. When he writes a book..he makes you feel what the characters feel. The Sacred Place was a historical masterpeice!

This story takes place in Money, Mississippi and starts off with a fourteen year old boy going in a store to buy a soda pop. Clement is from Chicago so he wasn't use to bowing down and being scared of people opposite his color. The lady behind the counter demanded that Clement place the nickel in his hand and when he doesn't it starts a war in Money, Missippippi!

I felt so many different emotions reading this book. The author will take you back to Money, Mississippi and you will remain a resident there until the last word on the last page is read.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to readers who like reading historical and 'back in the day' books! It was definitely a page turner! This book will stay on your mind long after you finished it. I can't wait for Daniel Black's next novel!

In every major event in life there is always a tipping point that happens that get the ball rolling. The killing of Emmit Til is that what gave African Americans the fight to create change and this book gives a great fictional account of those times. I pulled away too many nuggets to list but the words of this great author will forever be in my mind as I pay respects to the African Americans that gave their life in the name of freedom. His detailed descriptions put you in Money, Mississippi into the minds of those fighting for equality. I must read if you want a dose of what family really stand for and what can happen when a community comes together.

Dr. Daniel Black's The Sacred Place
In 1955, a fourteen year old Black child was brutally beaten and murdered in Money, Mississippi. Once again Black people were reminded that hatred holds nothing sacred. Dr. Daniel Black's historically-based novel, The Sacred Place reminds us that our children's lives are sacred. In the middle of Jim Crow segregation, black fathers, black mothers, black aunts and uncles, black sons and daughters, black sisters and brothers chose to make a stand in Black's "sacred place." Black's gift for storytelling is more than evident in this novel for I found myself transported to the Sacred Place--where hatred could not win, where peace, beauty, courage and tranquility squelched evil--just in time to feel pride in his characters, My People for their courageous stand to survive in the face of so much injustice. The Black Folks in The Sacred Place did not allow hatred to kill their spirit or mine. Dr. Black, thank you for your gift to all of us who remember how sacred our children are and how important it is to teach them the same.

This book is a must read. I have to admit that at first it's hard to follow the old southern grammer but once you get into this book it's hard to put down. It's a sad story that unfortunately must be told and if nothing else it shows the power of blacks in this country. When you read the book the characters jump off the page, during several chapters I was filled with sorrow and anger and their plight.

Daniel the one thing that I wanted more than anything else was to give them justice - and in your own way you did.

Anyone who picks up this book will have a better sense of what this country was built on. Share it with your children and your friends and family. Job well done.

This is Daniel Black's second book that I have read and I most say that this book is just as amazing as his first, "They Tell Me Of A Home." His books strive to teach the readers the history of our culture and the struggles our predecessors went through and overcame. His literary style is on a intellectual level that pushes the reader to bring themselves up to and that is what we need in our community. I encourage everyone to read this book and get a history lesson of what started the change in the South from the Black perspective. I heard of the Emmett Till story, but did not know all the details about his death and the catalyst of change it started. Big ups to Mr. Black and I can not wait for the next lesson...book.

This story was extroadinary, my first time reading a book by mcbridge...not the last the chracters seem to come alive...great story

Great book! Could not put it down. I'm off to find more that this author has written....

Entertainer Leslie Uggams, who started in network TV at age 6, has decades of experience on TV and Broadway. Uggams' voice translates well to audio, enlivening the story of a pre-Civil War slave breakout and a beautiful prophetic black slave who escapes only to evade an unusually dangerous pose of men. Historical events blend with a passionate tale of change and courage in an audio highly recommended for any general-interest listening collection.

First book I read on my Kindle and what a delight. This well written story flows well. Great character development. Excellent editing. Couldn't put it down.

Song Yet Sung is beautifully-written. It does an amazing job of bringing to life slavery, the quest for freedom, and the effect of both on people involved. This is, in a way, the defining story of American culture, and I look forward to the day when we've work out enough of our racism issues so that it's more fully explored in American literature.

I guess my only complaint about the story is that it was so wound up in current racial issues that it distracted from the story. I mean, seriously, we're following all these awesome characters chasing each other through swamplands, and all of a sudden we have to hear about how modern rap lyrics are too angry.

Hopefully we'll get to a place as a culture where we can have stories and movies about runaway slaves that are just high adventure, making every kid dream of planning an escape with her friends.

I just saw "Amazing Grace" about William Wilberforce
and the ending of the British slave trade. There is little doubt that the Ricky Braithwaite who is a relatively young black teacher in England
is the breeding product of such slaves used by sugar planters
in British colonies. In arriving at their destination a large percentage died in the crossing. An even larger number usually died each year as
a result of over work and underfeeding. Genetically this actually tended to make the black slaves superior to their white masters in many ways.
Survival makes very good people.
But the question is not if Braitwaite was as good teacher a teacher as
he is a writer, but have conditions improved since 1959 when he first published this. From hearing about the life of Amy Winehouse who is a very popular British singer, one tends to think they may have actually gotten worse in London's East End, not better?
So for all the popularity of the book and movie of this book,
not a lot of attention was really paid to his lessons in understanding
and care for the poor and hard pressed of all races.
Amy Winehouse was expelled by a Weston type for being independent and different. Progressive education has been replaced with regimentation and discipline. Braitwaite made the point that music, even classical music, got through to these children, but in California we spend money on contact football instead? In California E. R. Braitwaite wouldn't be allowed to teach in an high school. He doesn't have a recognized teaching credential.

During my school days, we had an extract from this book as one of the lessons in our English subject. The lesson was named "In the Grip of Prejudice". After reading the lesson, I just wanted to read the whole book. ER Braithwaite has handled a touchy subject aesthetically.

Highly recommended! :-)

A very enjoyable book. Braithwaite tells an inspirational story about both teaching kids but also overcoming prejudice as a black man in post WWII England. I'm a new teacher and hope to develop the type of relationship he had with his students with mine some day.

When Mr. Braithwaite took the job as a teacher, he never expected his students to be barbaric savages. Though tempting, Mr. Braithwaite didn't give up, teaching the teenage rebels to call him "Sir" and treat him and others with self-respect. With hard work and dedication, he turned this class of deliquents into a class of young men and women with class.

This book is thoroughly motivating. It is a story that is unforgettable and one to look to for inspiration. This book is a definite must read!

I remember having read an extract of "To Sir with Love" during my school days and have been wanting to read it ever since. Unfortunately I never got around to doing so for quite a while. Recently while browsing in a bookshop, my eyes fell on the book and I decided to pick it up.

The book is an extremely inspiring autobiography which chronicles the life of a 'coloured' teacher in a particularly rowdy neighbourhood of London.

Written in an extremely touching, charming (and ocassionally witty) style, the author talks about how he has to deal with racial sterotypes. It is uphill all the way for Braithwaite as he counters the cynicism of his impressionable students and, ocassionally, that of his colleagues also. Slowly, he wins over the minds (and in the case of Pamela Dare, heart) of his students as he tries to wipe clean their minds of prejudices (racial or otherwise).

The book was also filmed starring the ever-charming Sidney Poitier in the lead role. See the movie after reading the book.

Having ten authors contributing to one book sounds strange at first, but when you think about it; it is one way in which to assure that the story remains fresh throughout the book. Sekou and his colleagues have created a novel which highlights each of the author's individual talents with words and yet keeps the story line flowing in one direction. I found this book after looking up T'kalla on the web, he was one of the spoken word Poets who moved me when I first got into the Poetry scene. I hadn't heard about him in a while so I googled his name and discovered he was a part of this project. I am glad I did and if you have not read this book,please go and do so right away.

A collective novel woven together by ten writers,
without any previous discussion of the story line.
Sekou starts the story and Kiini Ibura Salaam,
Elizabeth Clara Brown, T'Kalla, Natasha Tarpley,
Korby Marks, Shange, Kim Green, Leticia Benson
and Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie each contribute a
chapter. Sekou starts the story with Dante, a writer
who fears commitment and is tormented by his nightmares.
As the chapters unfold Dante falls in and out of relationships
with beautiful women, each woman gives him something he needs
but he searches for more. Unable to find peace within. After his
breakup with Sheron a beautiful exotic dancer, Dante finds out
how much of a friend Malik, his so called bestfriend is when he
comes boasting to him about how he is dating Sheron. Feeling
hurt and betrayed Dante heads to Jamaica for a writers workshop
where he finds more erotic adventure that leaves him tormented inside.
Treasure, who always seems to read his mind and know his needs had
given him a new journal as a gift and made Dante promise to write in it.
Dante discovers just how much a treasure this new journal is when he starts
to pen his soul, painting the pages with his emotions and finally after
releasing his hurt he finds redemption.
Each writer gives you their own spin on erotica, spirituality and love as
they move with Dante on his journey to self. The chapters flow sweetly from
one writer to the next. A wonderful collaboration from ten gifted writers.
The story is indeed well balanced, An arousing erotic adventure that keeps
you turning the pages.
We voted this novel Best Collective Story for 2003

reviewed by; Dawn
2/25/03

Honestly, it's been awhile since I read a book that fast, but this one kept me up one night until I finished it. The writers are all superb. I was inerested in every metaphor and detail. I just loved it and was so happy to read a book with this type of modern & relevant story PLUS the top notch writing. I'm a fan of Kate Chopin, Toni Morrison, Albert Camus and the like so I love an eloquent phrase, literary flourish and clear visualization as I read. I was inspired to write more myself, beginning that very night at 4am. The main character's story is also one that would appeal to anyone with a personal endeavour fueled by unrelenting passion, particularly artists. I would say, however, that part of the enjoyment was my familiarity with the social scene and personalities in the book. Well written is well written though, & although there are 10 writers, the journey is seamless. I highly recommend this book.

The first African American serial novel written by ten authors detailing the erotic journey of a young man's quest for redemption. With different writing styles, this tapestry of fiction unfolds without a hitch. Each author wrote their own chapter with Sekou writing the first and last.

When Butterflies Kiss is loaded with redemption and desire. It is the story of a young man coming of age and finding his own place in the world. The first of ten authors begins the story with Dante, a poet who has more than one woman in his life and many desires.

Butterflies are very mysterious critters, imagining them kissing is tough. The correlation between Dante's struggle with life and the butterflies is truly a work of art.

As sensuous and erotic as its classy cover, this beautiful and tantalizing novel will knock your socks off and make your toes curl... literally! So grab a glass of wine and some "honey and lime" and get ready to experience what happens WHEN BUTTERFLIES KISS.

WAS THIS A BOOK OR A MOVIE! For B.L.U.N.T.'S debut she put her foot in it, it's a damn good job. She had to know first hand what the street life entails. If you are into hustling, gun play AND gritty sex With a storyline that deals with love, revenge, betrayal, loyality, friendship and rare illness this is a MUST READ and just think there's a part two, you go girl!

Blunt is a great writer who paints a picture of hood sagas perfectly. cvhino was a ladies man and bornhustler and i latched on from page one. Good job. Keep up the great work.

Chino and Donell are best friends, right as Donell gets out of prison from doing a 6yr bid, Chino comes up with this plan to rob his connect for approximately 1 million dollars, putting his relationship with Lisa (the woman that has bidded with him his entire bid) in jeopardy, considering that the streets were what put him behind bars in the first place, but Donell feels as if he owes his boy this for holding him down and looking out for his girl. Long story short the plan backfires and you will see there is a lot of backstabbing and betrayal in this story. The question is who will survive the outcome of all the mayhem it will bring?

this will have you out of your sit still holding the book!!!it should be a movie

Sometimes you wonder how people could be so immature, dumb, and naive. But it definitely happens!!! But it was a good book overall, can't wait to read the 3rd of the trilogy. The sequel: Dead Man's Venegance was even better than the first!!! 5 stars for that. BLUNT definitely has a challenge on her hand to end this deserving of the rest of the story. My book club loved it, anxiously awaiting the final chapter!!! Don't let us down!