African Books

In Change Don't Always Come Jaylin Rodgers is still has His Way or No Way attitude. He has driven the two women he loves away from him and decides how to get them back even though he's still sexing other women. Scorpio does the unforgivable to Jaylin and he casts her out. Nokea has found someone she wants to marry but she still holds Jaylin in her heart. Which one does to chooses to get back? Will he change his ways?
You must read this book. There are some twists and turns that will make you go HMMMMMMM!!

Ms Hampton is an author you don't hear much about and I think she does an AWESOME job on her books. I love reading them...I read them in one day because they are so hard to put down. I actually rated this book a 4.5!!

I read this book in one day! Jay Baby is off "da chain" with his "plethora" of women! I just wanted to know how they all kept from killing each other because they all knew Jay was doing them all! I had a feeling Nokea was going to win out over them all but Scorpio was a bad "Sista" and had the "Whammy"...Brenda Hampton did her thing with this Book! Definitely for the mature audience. HOT! HOT! HOT

"Change Don't Always Come" when you want it to... the saga continues and Jaylin is still playin' games with the women in is life. Will he keep stringin' Scropio along like a puppet or will she wake up and get her self together... Nokea has flipped the game and now she is playin the game that got played on her. Will she be as good at it as Jaylin or will she get played again. The third time is a charm and Brenda M. Hampton has did this series of books well. Avid reader will love all three of this trilogy. [...]

Well, Well, Well the last book in this series was off the hook!!! I must say that after i read book two (My way or no way) the ending was so good that I couldn't wait to read part three just to see what happen, and then i sat back and thought about it and was hella mad at jaylin and decided to put the series to rest for a while and picked up something else, and it bothered me that i didn't finsih it so i started reading it last night and couldn't put it down. I stayed up all night long and had to put it to rest, and when i got to the end i was like "AT LAST"!!! I Loved way she brought the two people threw different changes in there lives and it almost made you think that this is it for them and they would never make it happen. And in the end I even cried for them!!....Great book Mrs. Hampton, and i do have the fouth book so i can't wait to start on it today.....THANKS!!!

I just like to say this was an excellent book. I loved all the drama and could not put this book down. I've read all three of the books and now waiting on Naughty by Nature. Brenda is an excellent writer. I read most of her books and she has not disappointed me. Jaylin was something else and Scorpio all I can say is wow. I did love the ending and like one of the reviewers said, I would also like to know what happened to Stephon. I was reading the introduction of Naughty by Nature and it does not mention Stephon at all and just wondering if he will be in the conclusion also. Oh well, you must read these books of her.

The characters in this book are four famous girls. There names are Galleria, Dorinda, Channel, and Aqua. Dorinda is there best dancer that teaches them the moves that they will need for there next chance to be on stage. Aqua is there best singer because she has such a great voice. Channel and Galleria are the ones who work together to write the songs and make the cover on there disk. Aqua, Dorinda, Galleria, and Channel meet Jackel Johnson and get this big chance to live there world wide dream. But Galleria says no and decides to turn her back away from this big chance. Latter her and Dorinda, and Aqua, and Channel meet down town because Galleria's dog gets stuck and shows up on live tv. You wanna now if they become friends again well you'll half to find out yourself by reading this magnificent book. This was typed by: Jenny

Hello.
I'm a Cheetah Girls fan. This book is special. Because it tells different stories from each girl.

Wishing On A Star: You mostly get to know Galleria in this book. So yeah, this is mostly about Galleria with The Cheetah's, Chanel, and the weird guy, Derek with this sidekick, Macarol. Spelling this right??? But anyway, this book is funny and fun!

Shop In The Name Of Love: Chanel uses her mothers credit card and she visits her stepmothers salon. Her mother gets angry. But later lends Chanel the credit card for one thing. Chanel buys more like 20 different things. Then, she gets in big trouble and has to work at Toto in New York....Fun in Diva Sizes. [ Galleria's mothers shop.]This book is hip and hot!

Who's Bout To Bounce: This one's magical. It's amazing how Dorinda has so many brothers and sisters. She really loves them. Miss Bosco [ Her Foster Mom.] Has an adoption party. But, the twist is, for " reasons" she can't adopt her. It's a good book.

Hey, Ho Hollywood!: This is a great book. Angie and Aqua's dad's girlfriend Aballa Shalla whatever. But they [ Cheetah Girls] perform at the Apollo theater and they lose. But this book is sweet.


This is one sassy book! Buy this lovely book!

It's Awesome!

Thank you for taking your time to read my review!

"Welcome to the Glitterdome." Galleria Garibaldi is a diva in training along with Chanel, Dorinda, Anginette or Angie for short and her twin Aquanette or Aqua. All of these girls dreams are to get a record deal, go to Hollywood and become famous. Galleria and Chanel have been friends ever science they were little. Galleria met Dorinda in a chat room and found out that they go to the same school.She met Angie and Aqua at a meeting but soon found out that they go to different schools. Dorinda loves to dance and sing but one day her dance teacher told her to try out for a dance compotion. Dorinda did not think that she would make it but she did. What would you do in her situation? Would you choose to just not to do the dance compotion or to leave the Cheetah Girls? The girls relationship is very strog because they help eachother out all of the time. This book is apart of a series. The plot of the story is these five girls are having a really hard time on finding a record deal so they can go to Hollywood. Will the girls be albe to find a record deal? Find out by reading this fantastic book.

"Welcome to the Glitterdome." Galleria Garibaldi is a diva in training along with Chanel, Dorinda, Anginette or Angie for short and her twin Aquanette or Aqua. All of these girls dreams are to get a record deal, go to Hollywood and become famous. Galleria and Chanel have been friends ever science they were little. Galleria met Dorinda in a chat room and found out that they go to the same school.She met Angie and Aqua at a meeting but soon found out that they go to different schools. Dorinda loves to dance and sing but one day her dance teacher told her to try out for a dance compotion. Dorinda did not think that she would make it but she did. What would you do in her situation? Would you choose to just not to do the dance compotion or to leave the Cheetah Girls? The girls relationship is very strog because they help eachother out all of the time. This book is apart of a series. The plot of the story is these five girls are having a really hard time on finding a record deal so they can go to Hollywood. Will the girls be albe to find a record deal? Find out by reading this fantastic book.

This is a great book! I first saw the movie and it was GREAT! So then I decided to read the books.It only took me about 5 days to read this book,because I got into it. It is worth every penny and you won't be dissapointed!

This book surprised me. Everything I read is still very prevalent in our world today. Caleb managed to create characters who demanded that you feel them. There were times when I wanted to jump in the book and do something myself! As entertaining as the characters and the story line was, the message was very clear. This book is a must read!

Eastside is a true coming of age story for the streets. Throughout the novel, the main character, Travon Robinson attempts to remain true to his older brother's, dying wish of him staying on the straight and narrow, all the while struggling with the negative events that bring him closer to the gang life he wanted to avoid. Caleb Alexander's story is well written, though very disturbing to read.The story paints a vivid picture of Travon's obstacles and challenges the reader to wonder what choices they would make if given the same limited amount of options as Travon. Caleb brings you face to face with the uneasy reality of gang life, thus throwing his readers on a roller coaster of emotion that will keep them turning the pages to an ending that will leave you breathless.

1. What did you like best about this book?
It really appealed on an emotional level, you can really empathize with Travon's struggle and there was very little if anything that was predictable.

2. What did you dislike about this book?
The disturbing information.

3. How can the author improve this book?
Nothing, I thought it was well written.

Caleb Alexander has penned one of the most emotional, yet compelling novels of the year with "Eastside". His writing is so controversially realistic that you definitely have to develop a gangsta mentality to finish what you started. But you best believe if you start it, you WILL finish it!!! Who you wit!!!!

"Eastside" is the literary entrance to a look-see of gang life in the hood for real. If you loved 'Boys N The Hood' and 'Menace 2 Society' welcome to a more gut wrenching story than those two. Caleb's characters are so raw, they're cold blooded killers, but the love and allegiance that they bear for each other is stronger than you could ever imagine. He introduces us to Travon 'Tre' Robinson, who tries his best to stay away from the gang life because of the loss of his brother, but the pull of the hood is like a black hole, that continues to tug and tear at the young black men, that they either succumb to the life by omission or commission.

Caleb's plot is so addictive that despite the disgust that may emerge from the senseless killings, he keeps you enthralled with the slightest glimmer of hope that somehow, someone will be able to overcome the murderous antics and trials that follow. His depiction is so vivid, he challenges your ethics and provokes your thoughts in what could have been done different. Is there anyone or anything that could have stopped this treacherous, destructive craze that swept our country and captured so many of our African-American youth by the two greatest grim reapers of all times, the grave or the penintentiary. He addresses the stands that the mothers did try to make, although some may feel they were weak, he unveils all aspects of 'the life'.

Caleb Alexander's literary skills are magnificent and he will definitely continue to build a steadfast fanbase with his effortless, yet unique and original talent. Major, major props to you Mr. Alexander!!! Thank you for a wonderful piece of work!! Kudo's to you my brotha!

Elmira Robinson lost her oldest son to the gang infested San Antonio streets, so she'll do anything to ensure that her remaining child Trevon avoids the same fate. And when the same gang that his brother lost his life for attempts to induct Trevon she sends him packing to her sister's house for safe keeping. But can a new address change Trevon's fate? Even while trying to heed his brother's warning words from the grave how can Trevon escape the gang banging that's prevalent throughout his school and community? How can he avoid the pressure constantly being applied to him from his friends, his cousins and his brother's friends?

Eastside does way more than just highlight Trevon's struggle, author Caleb Alexander shines a brutal and yet honest light upon the gang violence that is still plaguing our communities. And although the portrayal is disturbing to read about is it far more disturbing for our youth that have to survive daily in these environments. And for this reason alone Eastside should definitely be required reading so an effort can be made much like Elmira Robinson's attempt to save her son.

How do you escape a hood you've been in all your life and live with the things you've done?

This is the story of Travon "Tre" Robinson walking in the shoes of his deceased big brother To-Low. All Travon can remember is their last conversation. "Tre don't ever join a gang. I do this so you don't have to" However, everyone around Tre is so deep into the gang life that he has no choice. It's either Blood in or Blood out.

Sent to live with his kinfolk, Tre has no idea how serious the hood really is. Will Tre learn to get down and live by the code of the 'Blood' or will he allow the last conversation he had with To-Low outweigh what's going on around him and live?

Eastside was so enjoyable that I really had a hard time getting my words together. Mr. Alexander really touched on every aspect of gang life, police corruption, and the relationship between mothers & their sons. Throughout the whole story, the author kept trying for Tre to stay positive.

Take a walk with Caleb Alexander as he introduces you to the hood. This is the real hood as far as I'm concerned. I've never read a book with so much violence before now. However, the violence paints a wonderful picture of one young man's struggle to live. Eastside is definitely a must read.

Reviewed by Angie
for Urban Reviews

If you have not had the chance to meet Frankie in person this is a great way to get to know the man who many swing dancers as myself has grown to love and admire. In person you would not see a 93 year young man but someone who is full of life! He always greets you with a smile and has a beautiful sense of humor. I have learned so much from him and admire him for being an example of how to live a full and wonderful life!

It's definetly a book I recommend for you to read even if you are not a swing dancer. And if you aren't one when you start reading the book, I won't be surprised if you start taking swing dance lessons after reading the book!

I made personally Frankie Manning and he is a sweet guy. Being myself a swing dancer, I enjoyed reading his unique journey through time. It is not a fiction, but a true view of swing dancing from a master. if you like the book like I did, read also books from Norma Miller (one of his partner). Thank you Frankie !!

If you love dance or swing music read this book. I even had Frankie sign my book at a dance in NYC. Well written and fun....the real deal.

If you have ever met Frankie Manning then you know that his sheer joy transcends his own physical presence to the point that it can fill a whole room! Frankie is truly an amazing and beautiful individual. Luckily for the reader this makes for a very inspiring book, which aside from being autobiographical in natures and having biblical stature in the Lindy Hop community, it's extremely entertaining to the dancer and non-dancer alike.

My only complaint is that it was so good that i never wanted it to end!

I love a guy that is still dancing at his age. Great stuff from the past and great photos. Frankie is not a glory hog or braggart - he gives credit when credit is due. Enjoying this book like no other.

Freedom summer is a story of 2 little boys one black one white who are friends during the desegregation movement. They really do not understand that skin color was supposed to make a difference in their friendship. An excellent book for the classroom showing that color doesn't matter.

An emotionally charged story for all readers, Freedom Summer is not a book to soon be forgotten. While its focus is on segregation, students of the current time can relate it to issues of bullying and prejudice. The painted pictures match the text and convey deep emotion through the use of color and texture. While the text is criticized for being overly contrived and romanticized in places, it often matches the message and mood of the pages. As a story for younger readers, it conveys a depth of emotion during a difficult time in history without overwhelming the reader with facts and information.

The story is told with a variety of colorful expressions and analogies. Illustrations are simply beautiful. The story was one that touched my heart and flooded me with memories of my own childhood, when this could have been my own town. I immediately shared the book with my own 9-year old granddaughter. Wonderful, powerful!!

This book won the Coretta Scott King award and the Ezra Jack Keats Book award. It is easy to understand why. Gorgeous illustrations belong in a museum; what appears to be oil or acrylic is rendered in a naturalistic, painterly style.

At the beginning of the book there is a historical note on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forms the basis for the action in the story. Two boys, one white and one black, are best friends in the deep South. They enjoy playing together in the summer in the river and on the fields. The black child's mother works as a domestic for the white child's family.

The summer of 1964 brings changes that some white people resent. The Act makes it illegal to bar blacks from businesses, public pools, and other places where they had been unable to go freely. Initially the boys were elated because that meant they could both swim in the public pool. But the pool is being filled in with asphalt when they arrive.

The level of hatred towards African Americans is palpable when reading Freedom Summer. It succeeds on all levels; a beautiful, educational, moving book. White attitudes are depicted honestly, but there are also open-minded whites who help the Civil Rights Act succeed. At the end of the story the two boys are entering a store together to buy ice pops. The reader is left rooting for them.

Have you ever felt bad because of how people treat you because of your color? Well if you have, you can make a connection with this book "Freedom Summer". "Freedom Summer" is about how two friends, no matter what people say, they continue being friends. That's how people treat one of them just because of his color black. If you want to know more about the book "Freedom Summer" just read it.

This review is more on a personal note, than an explanation of what the book entails (the other reviews have got that covered!). As a newly natural black beauty - I was still struggling with others perecptions of me and my "new" (e.g. natural hair). And of course - I was struggling with my own perceptions of beauty as well. This book allowed me to finally see that our hair is a unique source of pride that needs to be flaunted - not "fixed". Something shifted for me when I read this book, and I finally was able to own not only my new hairstyle (a budding 'fro) but to love my hair in its natural, uninhibited glory. Black women, regardless of our hair texture - straight, wavy, curly, kinky, nappy - we are all so wonderfully beautiful! Hallelujah - I FEEL SO FREE TO BE ME! This book is a must read - share it with every black woman you know - and encourage them to teach our children and our men how to live a life that says "black is beautiful". Spread the knowledge to people of other cultures as well! God bless!

Excellent book about black hair and black culture. Would recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about both and how they relate to the "American" ideal.

This book is great begining for people that are redescovering themselfes aftermaking the decision or are trying to decide wheter go natural or not. It helps you to understand how we got here , how black beauty is not well accepted and why. It make you wonder, questionning yourself and others, and in my case keep learning.

I've recently made the decision to go natural and as I did, I pondered, "Why do I have to 'decide' to be the way I naturally am?" It was then that I realized how unfortunate it was that black women, more than half, find their "naturalness" to be unattractive. I myself have gone through hair extensions, braids, and the dreaded relaxer that has damaged my hair and scalp for years. Now I wonder what it was all for. I wasn't being true to who I was.

This book helped be to know something that I should have already known: my hair. The history of black hair is one that is very interesting and telling. I learned more about my hair in this book than I have ever learned, even from members of my own family. There is also a sense of confidence one gets from reading books like these. I am letting all of my friends and family read it as well.

You will not be disappointed in your purchase.

If you don't already know, this book is definitely worth the time that it takes to read. The book goes into detail about the history of Black hair. Prior to slavery, Africans took pride in their hair. The intricate braid designs date back to that time. It wasn't until after the slave trade that hair straightening became common. Also, it's a little known black history fact that Annie Tumbo Malone was the first black woman entrepeneur to market black hair products. Madame CJ Walker actually worked for Malone before going into business for herself. This book chronicles so much history about Black hair. After reading this book, I was really encouraged to stop chemically processing my hair.

When all else fells have faith don't give up on love for GOD can bring you back together if only you continue to believe. They had true love for each other and faith to believe in their love there for they found their way back to each other.

OMG this book was off the chain!!! It is so true that with each Ramsey saga the stories get better than the one before. I am so glad Yohan and Melina were given a second chance. Yohan was ole so sexy and I was so excited to see Josephine wake up from the the fog I thought she was in in the previous books,but little did I know she has sown some of her own dirt!! Marcus and Houston finally got a little taste of the reprecussions they needed to face for all the years of dirt they had done. Quest and Mick had their baby, Quay and Ty became instant parents, County and Fernando finally decided to make it legal and Wade surprised them all. I can't wait until the next book. This is a must read and definitely in the league of Brenda Jackson's Madaris saga, Rochelle Alers' Coles, Francis Ray's Graysons and Melanie Schuster's Devereau/Cochran family!!! I highly highly recommend this book to readers looking for a story with romance, drama and conspiracy. Like I said it was Off the Chain!!! Altonya Washington all I can say is do what you do girlfriend cause I am a serious fan.

This book is full of passion and family secrets being reveled. There were truly moments when I was on the edge of my seat (the Fourth of July Party). Each book in this series just gets better and better. I can't wait for Mo's story.

AlTonya Washington returns with another segment in the lives of the Ramsey Family with A Lover's Regret. Melina and Yohan were college sweethearts that possessed a love so strong that they were confident no one could come between them. But Melina knew the truth about a secret that haunted Yohan and his family. Unable to live with the secret, Melina tried to tell Yohan but Yohan's father, Marcus Ramsey, who is the root of the secret, stopped her. Marcus also forced Melina with threats. Eight years later, Melina returns to finally face Yohan. However, she learned another secret that could prove to be more harmful to Yohan.

Washington's story is packed with suspense. The loving feelings shared between Melina and Yohan were felt as strongly as the hatred Yohan felt for his father, Marcus. However, having not read any of the previous novels, this reviewer was a little confused in the beginning of the novel as I tried to figure out why the entire family hated their father. As the story progressed it began to move quickly and put everything in place. Fans of Washington, I am sure, will not have as much trouble with this story. I will admit, I am now interested in reading the prior novels to put things in perspective.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

Ms. Washington has crafted an AWESOME series! The Ramseys and the scandalous secrets surrounding them and their circle of friends is a tale NOT to be missed. While reading the fourth installment many questions are answered. However, it seems just as this family discovers NEW secrets, another scandal or skeleton is just waiting to be uncovered. Once again, the cast of characters, heroes and villains are quite memorable. And if, the HOT & STEAMY reunion between Yohan and Melina doesn't set the pages of this novel on fire for you, then the SURPRISING twist and turns throughout will definitely keep you turning the pages. So, now that I'm caught up with this very entertaining series, I can hardly wait for Ms. Washington to put out the next novel!

This novel is maybe not the best book in this series but even a "slightly below average" Hambly is better reading than many other authors. This book features vivid imagery, well-written characters, and a plot that really draws the reader in. As usual in this series, Hambly really brings New Orleans in the 1830's to life. I can't wait to get the next book in the series!!

I won't give away the ending -- I'll just say that I found this book to be very satisfying. The plot twists and turns were unexpected and I didn't see them coming. After reading all the books in this series, I had begun to "know" the characters and how they could be expected to act -- this book presented new character dimensions in behavior and perspective.
Great read, I can't wait to crack it open again next year!

This entry in the Benjamein January series is another winner. It does start out a little slow, but Barbara needs time to set the scene for her books. She immerses her readers so completely in her era and genre, that it's sometimes hard to surface to the modern world once beginning her books. Even though the book starts a bit slow, it builds to explosive force about half-way through and doesn't let up right until the end. Ms. Hambly's writing is absolutely dazzling, and Benjamin and his Rose are so real, that it's hard to believe that it's only fiction. The book takes place in the summer of 1835 and the main part of the action is set in some of the islands located around New Orleans. In it Ben and Rose are trying to stop a slave revolt. As they both know, everyone loses if slaves revolt. In the book we see gun runners, pirates, a hurricane and some old diseases that no longer are such a threat to humanity. This is a magically rich and poignant tale, and one of the strongest entries in this already strong series. Each book seems better than the one preceeding.

Hesione LeGros's murder as a poor, drunken prostitute is far removed from her younger days as the beautiful, fiery mistress of a pirate captain. The city guard is busy with the death of a white plantation owner, so it is left to Benjamin January to investigate during the grueling summer heat in New Orleans. But January's inquiries quickly take a backseat when disaster strikes closer to home. Soon, Benjamin and his sweetheart Rose are caught up in a tangle of conspiracies - gun running, slave revolt and pirate treasure. Forced to flee New Orleans, they work to untangle the many mysteries in the surrounding plantations and swamps.

This is the sixth book in Hambly's series about 1830s New Orleans and Benjamin January, well-educated freeman and seeker of justice. Hambly provides enough of a history recap for readers new to the series. The rich descriptions put you directly on the streets of the tarnished jewel that is New Orleans. Hambly is as effective as ever in her depictions of the many colliding cultures, the contrast of the lives of the haves and the have-nots, and the heartbreaking injustices and indignities suffered because of race.

One of the best things about this series is that the characters and relationships continue to grow and change. Benjamin and his friends and family are all complex characters. The villains however, seem to be almost over-the-top evil. The pacing steams along steadily until the climax, which is riotous barrage of action. Hambly does an excellent job of wrapping all of her plot threads together. I have one minor quibble - so many things were wrapped up, I'd be afraid for the series if I didn't know that the next book was already out.

Can there ever be too much praise for a writer? Well, if there is such a thing, Barbara Hambly is going to be in trouble. WET GRAVE is a historical mystery/adventure novel that takes places in New Orleans, the barrier islands of Barataria Bay and the riverfront plantations of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.

Living amongst the gens de couleur libre (free people of color) in the early 1800's, former slave Benjamin January is suffering through the summer doldrums of New Orleans, while the Creole elite have fled to cooler spots on the planet and the uncivilized Americans drink and brawl their way through the dog days of summer. Amidst the heat, humidity and carnivorous mosquitoes, the former mistress of a long dead pirate captain is murdered at the same time as a rich white planter. The authorities have no problem investigating the murder of the white man, but have callously ignored the murder of a poor, displaced black prostitute. Ben, as usual, takes it upon himself to ferret out Hessy's killer and finds himself caught between a slave rebellion and a hurricane - literally!

Surrounded by women, Ben is also caught up in the mini-dramas of his mother, his sister, and his companion, Rose, who all look to him for support during difficult times. Fortunately for Ben, Rose is more independent than his female relatives and rides out the adventure at his side. But even his sister, Dominique, surprises him, when she demonstrates a depth of character and surprising fortitude.

Barbara Hambly delivers everything you would ever want to experience in a novel - mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance - all in a flawlessly researched package. WET GRAVE is the sixth installment of the Benjamin January mystery series. Although it is the first of Hambly's works that I have read, I was not deterred by starting in the middle of the series. In fact, it just whets my appetite to go back and start the series from the beginning. WET GRAVE is excellent fiction supported by excellent historical research. (RAW Rating: 4.5)

Reviewed by Kim Anderson Ray
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I had been reading about the genius of Zora for several years, but I had no idea of what she was about. I heard Valerie Boyd speaking about her biography on Zora C Span. She spoke about Zora with such love and respect that I felt that I had to get the book. In Boyd's hands, what is generally portrayed as a tragic life becomes a story of triumph. In spite of poverty, sexism, and racism, she was able to produce important literary work which is now being recognized as such. The story of her early life in the south, her life in Harlem, and her later years make a great read. I loved this book.

Morris Johnson

While Zora Neale Hurston was truly a great writer, she also did an amazing job of documenting her beloved Florida's history. Taking advantage of President Roosevelt's W.P.A. project and doing her best to get around Florida noting stories of black America that are still available to us today.

'Wrapped in Rainbows' does a terrific job of wrapping all of this plus her excursions to New York and her otherwise sad life in this very well written book. Good luck getting out of this book without a tear shed. I feel this is a must-read for anyone wanting to know the life of an author or of life in Florida during Zora's lifetime.

A side note: Something not mentioned in this book or anything else I've read about Zora is if she ever ran across her contemporary and, I feel Northern doppelganger, Dorothy Parker. Though both had different career milestones, both were also after certain career and personal goals that were never met and both were nearly the same age. This is something that really dogged me while reading the book and noticing the similarities. The big difference between the two is that Parker was a depressed sort and Zora did her best to keep looking up. As well we all should.

This is a very good book on the life of Zora Neale Hurston. It is very detailed and written very well. If you are interested in the life of this famous author this is for you.

Valerie Boyd blew breath into Zora Neale Hurston's remarkable accomplishments. I felt as if I was riding alongside Zora while Boyd narrated the different scenes;Zora was like a felt tip pen, as creative as could be. Of course, I wasn't ready to get off the ride, but I believe Zora lived a fulfilled life with little bumps and potholes or life lessons along the way.

Valerie Boyd does what most biographers cannot; she makes facts as savory as fiction. As a great admirer of Zora Neale Hurston--the woman, I had long been searching for a piece of work that captures her emminence and vitality. I stumbled across "Wrapped in Rainbows" at Borders and resolved then and there that I HAD to have it. I do not at all regret this choice. Order this book, and I guarantee that it will be one of the best investments you ever make! The chapters on the Harlem Renaissance and Zora's involvment with it are magical, and the sections detailing Zora's friendship and eventual fued with Langston Hughes are fascinating. I can't say enough positive things about this biography. If you admire the spunky and talented Ms. Hurston, you will NOT be disappointed.

A wonderful collection of the historical and the traditional songs. This is one of the best hymnbooks of any kind to be published in recent years. It took me back.

this is a wonderful book. It is full of new and old songs.

GIA, the publisher of this hymnal, is a Catholic publisher. This book is not a Catholic hymnal unlike "Lead Me, Guide Me", GIA's "turnkey solution" to gospel-style music for Catholic services. Also, the lyrics have a lot more "I", "Me", "My" and "Mine" in the lyrics than would be appropriate for Catholic litugies. This is not a quibble; just a bit of information for potential Catholic purchasers. Those matters aside, this is a fine product, packed with impressive new material and old favorites that will add much to spirited worship.

This hymnal has all my favorites in it. Even the responsive readings are biblically solid. I love it. My pastor does too. The pianist at our church loves to play these hymns.

This song book has wonderful spiritual, God-loving songs. It is a great source for getting your congregation in the spirit of 'singing praises to our King'. Introduce it to your choir or congregation and you will be forever greatful for the joy it will bring.