African Books

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.

When i first started reading it...i was almost ready to put it down because i was a little confused about what was goin on, and it started kidna slow, but once you get into it its really good!! by the end you'll be glad you read it. the character"(s)" were cool, and there was good drama and good surprises!! I would recommend this book!

Okay, I read this book today and I was totally prepared not to like it. I thought it was too discombobulated, until the actual storyline hit me and then.... oh boy!!!! what a read! Way to go Eric Pete. It totally blew my mind! What an imagination(?) The lengths Bianca went through to please her mate took her on a ride she wasn't fully prepared for. The same rings true in real life; don't take the the ride if you're not prepared for the journey. A must read!

This book had me flipping pages and on the edge of my seat. If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?

If you are looking for a quick read, with unexpected scenarios and twists and turns this book is for you. The characters are vivid and leave you with a shocking ending.

An intriguing creative tale centering on fantasy, sex & revenge at the whim and mercy of Bianca Coleman.

Tanner Coleman, an extremely successful business man who has control with "everything" in his life, stumbles on the knowledge that he has very little control with his wife, Bianca and only to realize a few tragedies later that his marriage is a failure.

Pumpkin, Bianca's sister-in-deed, reeks havoc in Bianca's world.

Rory, Bianca's "good" friend, bares a deceitful so-called secret that spear heads Tanner's public demise.

Henry, an unfortunate ex-employee of Tanner's tumbles into the world of Tanner, Bianca & Pumpkin. He's entered into a relationship with them that may cost him his life.

The author used ingenuity as he softened the blow with a hilarious scene just before the brutal rape scene.

The writing was a bit mind blowing. It lacked clarity at different points in the story, preventing a score of 5 points for my review.

Otherwise, it's a job well done, Mr. Pete... I look forward to your next publication.

I saw this book reviewed in People magazine and thought I would take a chance. I am glad I did. I enjoyed it and learned alot also.

This was a very fascinating account of the generations of a family that progressed from slavery to freedom to landowners. While they made many advancements in their lives, they never outlived the racial prejudices that followed them. Very well written and highly recommended.

I recently finished this book and was blown away at how attached I found myself becoming to the characters! This novel tells the story of three generations of African-American women beginning from before the civil war and ending in the Depression era, all fighting to break the bonds and stigmas of slavery. This story tells of their loves, struggles, families, deaths and births and how each moment impacted them and future generations. Each woman has a story of bonding (either voluntarily or forcibly) with a powerful white male to "bleach the line" as Tademy calls it, or making the Negro skin whiter to give the future generations of children better opportunities as they become passable as white. The story talks of the struggles of interracial love in prejudice times and the heartbreak it leads to. Just everything in the story is so moving and I felt pain for each trial the character went through and cheered for every joy that came their way. I found myself wishing I could just sit with the older generation women and just listen to more of their stories about their lives. I was infuriated with the ruinations that came to the family through the ignorant prejudice behaviors of the supposedly higher class uppitty Christians meddling in private affairs. But I understand that was the way of the times.

I can honestly say this book gave me one of the best perspectives of that era that I have ever read. It does well in displaying the advantages and disadvantages of each side of the color line and I applaud Tademy for bringing such a monumental work to the masses. The story was even more touching with the documents and pictures within the book as a constant reminder that while the book may have been fictionalized, these characters were at one time real living breathing people.

If you get a copy of this one, don't let go!!!

I am currently reading this book and it is an awesome book. I have not put the book down since I brought it. I am looking forward to read her next book Red River. Mrs. Lalita Tademy is a great author. She keeps the reader attention from the beginning to the end. It is a must read book that could be used in American Literature.

Happy readings!

Cane River is absolutely enthralling. The story of Elisabeth, Suzette, Philomene and Emily is heartbreaking yet uplifting. It reaffirmed my faith in family and love. Get this book, you'll love it!

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!

The language of "Come on Rain" is as colorful and vibrant as the beautiful artwork. Karen Hesse uses just about every literary device in this book which makes it a wonderfully interesting teaching tool. At the same time, it is a melodic read-aloud, first creating a true sense of heat, and following with the refreshment of impending rain. When the Mamas join in, my eyes still well up (even after 30+ reads). Although Mr. Muth received a well-deserved award for his illustrations, Ms. Hesse deserves a literary award for her eloquent and evocative writing.

Karen Hesse captures a beautiful moment in this book. She expertly creates a scorching, wilting summer day with vivid images. My mouth was parched just reading it, and then the rain came. You'll love the images created here of the "bare-legged mamas" and girls, both from Hesse's beautiful writing and Muth's spectacular watercolor illustrations.

I found the book "Come On, Rain!" at our local library and immediately picked it up. The first thing you will notice about this beautiful book are the gorgeous ilustrations! The pictures in this book are lovely and the prose is so happy and full of the anticipation everyone feels on a hot summer day while waiting for a cooling rain. You and you children will love this book!

"Come on, rain!" are the fervent words of Tess, as she looks toward the sky with a great deal of anticipation and hope. It has not rained in 3 weeks. Therefore, everyone in Tess's neighborhood and city was hoping for rain to bring relief from the scorching heat. Well, the best part of this story is that it seems her fervent words finally reached the clouds; for "over rooftops, past chimneys, into the way off distance . . . clouds came rolling in." As soon as Tess realizes that her wish for rain was on the way, she quickly gathers her close friends together (and their mothers too) to run, dance and play in the wonderful rain showers that fall upon the city.

The watercolor illustrations of Jon Muth do an excellent job of enhancing the movement of Ms. Hesse's story. The opening illustrations of bright yellow and gold give readers a sense of how hot and oppressive the heat was for Tess's neighborhood and city. Gradually as the rain clouds moves in, hues of soft grays, brown, and greens are used to depict the moments just before rain falls from the sky. By the time rain actually comes, the illustrations are filled with splashes of pink, violet and blues, which represent the renewal of spirit and feelings of relief for all in the city. You know, this is more than just another weather story! It is a story that shows how rain, a powerful element of nature, has the ability to invigorate all of life!

This lyrical ode to the coming rain, accompanied by the soothing wash of lush watercolors, make Hesse's Come on, Rain! sure to please young children. In prose that reads like poetry, young Tessie bemoans the heat of summer while waiting with confidence that rain will soon come. Along with her multicultural friends and all their mammas, Tessie dances in gratitude for the refreshing wetness the rain bestows. While the lyrical prose is of such beautiful quality it could stand on its own, the soft watercolor illustrations portray the emotions of the characters in such lovely detail; the two, the prose and illustrations, combine to create a delightful work of art. Even with the vertical lines of rain which one would expect to stop the motion of the story, Muth manages to create a sense of flowing from left to right, page to page, in keeping with the cadence of the text by using achromatic colors for the backgrounds of most pages. Recommended for children ages 4-8. Public librarians may want to share this title in a storytime about rain, along with Bill Martin's Listen to the Rain.

A must book for anyone who wants to understand why so many black boys and men seem to be targeted by the society for failure, criminality, jail, etc. I highly recommend it and the rest of rhe volumes in this series.

As an educator who strives to find direction on how to break the negative experience in pre K-12 education for a high number of Black male youth, I find this book, along with the other two in the series, to be informative and innovative when it comes to establishing a marker for administrators to use in order to monitor the teacher-student relationship and provide the positive environment that is necessary for all students, especially the Black male youth, to succeed.

This book is a must read for parents of African American boys and boys of color.

Reading this book revealed unfortunate truths that were not surprising to me at all. Serving as a public educator for over twelve years, it's sad but true as to why young black males at a very young age lose the desire, hope,and will to do better in school settings due to the facts listed in this book and many more since this book was written. I was overjoyed to see that Marcus Garvey Academy, a school that I taught at for eight years under the sincere leadership of Dr. Harvey Hambrick was mentioned. I was honored to read that Dr. Kunjufu took notice to how Marcus Garvey Academy in Detroit, Michigan and other schools assume pivotal roles in contributing to the solution to this horrible epidemic impededed on the futures and lives of young African American Males. Dr Jawanza Kunjufu did a great job at presenting multiple truths and the sad reality of how young black males are unfortunately targeted from the start.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues

This an Dr. Kunjufu's many other books are exceptional in the fact that he details the facts straight to the point. I enjoy his methods of writing without pullng any punches. I wish that I had read this before my son started grade school, but now he is in the 4th grade and he went from being placed in special education, to a 4.0 dean's list GPA. God bless the power of prayer and guidance. Anyone can change their situation. I also just finsihed my Associate in Business, and I am in my Bachelor's Degree program right now for Marketing. Of course I will go on to the Masters programs and Doctorates. Learn for life...

"Please share a priceless thought through literature" "Give God the glory"

Thank You Dr. Kunjufu

"The place was close to perfect." This is how Jonathan Luckett's awesomely gripping thriller, Dissolve, opens. According to manuals on creative writing, the first line of a story is important. It hooks a reader in. It creates the tone of the novel. It sets the stage for the narrative which is about to ensue. Nevertheless, Luckett uses this sentence to lull his readers into a false sense of security and comfort. It is the proverbial calm before the storm that is Dissolve which will have you not wanting to put the book down until the end. And even then one is left craving... for more like David Sands, the protagonist of Dissolve, who pines for Nona, the object of his affection who disappears after she and David spends a steamy night of unbridled passion. Following his encounter with Nona, David discovers that his mysterious lover maybe a woman who allegedly was murdered by her husband in the house next door to his apartment. From this point on, Luckett masterfully takes his readers on a roller coaster ride, wondering is Nona a ghost--a sensual succubus preying on David--or alive.

Take it upon Luckett to not only create an erotic, macabre tale filled with suspenseful twists and turns but create a work that challenges readers to rethink their views on women and female sexuality. Though set in contemporary times, the character Nona is an Afro-donning throwback to the seventies--a decade known for women's liberation and, doubly, the sexual revolution. In the story, we find that Nona is the wife of a possessive, controlling and (eventually) abusive husband named Malik. Malik's treatment of Nona and the strain it places on their marriage lead Nona to question why women are conditioned and socialized to be subservient to the men in their lives. Most importantly, she ponders the double standard our puritanical culture has upheld in regards to women who enjoy expressing themselves sexually. "Why is it, she [Nona] thought, as she absent-mindedly fingered her pubes, that men can go running the streets, sticking their dicks into anything that moves without a care or a worry, and yet, when women do it, it was a different story?" Here, Luckett proves that he wants to do more than entertain his audience; he wants to foster cerebral dialogue about the mores of our society. That is, are we moving forward or are we moving back? The author does this most excellently via the character Brehan, an artist who becomes smitten by Nona during the course of the narrative. Brehan is an enigma: he is a free-spirited thinker who questions what he is told and taught, instead of accepting information blindly. Brehan's opinions about love and relationships are, especially, revolutionary and radical even for this century we're in. He tells Nona: "'I believe in a wide spectrum of alternatives when it comes to loving someone--most people see two extremes: dating and marriage, with little to nothing in between. I, on the other hand, see an infinite spectrum of possibilities, and it is these possibilities that excite me to my core--it's what drives me to paint--to create. You feel me?'" That is a question, of many, Luckett's characters pose that may remain unanswered even after one reads the final page of the story.

Jonathan Luckett simply cannot be stopped. His works, themselves, are showstoppers. Just think Jennifer Hudson's singing "And I am Telling You, I'm Not Going," and how that makes you feel inside and maybe you might come close to how reading a Jonathan Luckett novel feels. And Dissolve is Luckett at his bone-chilling best.

I began reading this book, and, as I often do, attempted to read two books simultaneously. Well, the other book lost out when I began to read and turn pages in my read of Jonathan Luckett's Dissolve. This book is so mysterious that just when I thought I knew what would occur or just when I thought I had the characters figured out, I then was not certain. Mysterious, yes in deed! Well written, yes in deed! Great read, yes in deed! Great fiction, yes in deed! Pay close attention. But, do not at any time believe you have it all figured out and do not take a lengthy break....you will miss something. I was so pulled into the characters of Nona and David Sands, that I had to flip back pages to re-read and attempt to determine what really happened. My advice to the reader as you read this mysterious, erotic thriller of a book is to pay very close attention. Thank you Jonathan!
"Brandy" of the Diverse Divas Book Club

Wow...I am still pondering the conclusion of this thriller. Dissolve is a page turner with its sensual and very visual twists and turns. I could really feel David's painful search for love and Nona's desire to be fulfilled in life. I can't wait to read a follow-up to this!

Next up The Mating Game :)

- THJ

I could not put this book down! My heart was pumping the entire time!! And for a variety of reasons. Read it and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Just when I thought I guessed right about a situation in the book, I was graciously set straight. I never would have correctly guessed how this story would end. Check it out. You will not regret it. I have read all of Jonathan Luckett's books, and look forward to the next one. Jonathan Is a wonderful storyteller.

Come take a trip through time in this book Dissolve by Jonathan Luckett. Close your eyes and imagine a smoky lounge, mellow jazz playing in the background and a cool breeze floating by drawing your attention to the most beautiful creature you ever saw. Meet David Sands, a painter, who just moved into a nice lofty brownstone. As he gazes out the window he sees a vision of loveliness. It is a cool summer night and he sits watching shadows playing tricks with his eyes; a goddess so to speak entices him to sit every night at the same window hoping to get another look. But after a visit from the mystery woman she vanishes and he is on the hunt looking for love in all the wrong places.

Nona is a married woman who is very much in love with her husband, but realizes that maybe she married the wrong man. Malik is a jealous, controlling, over-bearing husband, who wishes to keep his wife locked away at home. Nona wants to be a free spirit, in charge of her life, and to model. With captivating good looks and a beautiful body, she is desired by all and her husband is not too happy about that.

David watches Nona from across the courtyard, when she suddenly disappears only to appear at his front door. Surprised and happy to have her so close they engage in unbridled sex and David is swept off his feet. He has to have Nona in his life or he will die.

Dissolve is a love story, mystery novel, and erotica all rolled up into one hell of a book. I could not put it down. The descriptions and details were so vivid I felt like I was a character in the book. This was a well-told story, and I recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story with a twist of an ending.

Reviewed by: Cheryl H
APOOO BookClub

Ain't no drama like family drama because family drama don't stop.. You will certainly enjoy this book along with others by Marcus Major!! This is a feel good book about how we deal with family, friends and relationships.

Marcus Major has written an eloquent tribute that delves into
the intricacies of family life, especially the nuances & intimacies of marriage. I also enjoyed his candor with the male aspect on views of marriage and friendship. I love this book! I can't wait to see how Jasmine evolves as a young woman.

I have been following Marcus Major since his first short story that was published in "Got to Be Real". Once again I have to say that I am pleased with his story telling abilities. Reading this book was like talking to an old friend telling stories about his families trials, tribulations, but the unity and love that keeps them together.

I would recommend this book to anyone, and I already have!

This is a very good read. The Moore family had real good members that made the story enjoyable to read. I would recommend this book to others.

This was my first time reading a book by Marcus Major and it I must admit it was really a great & refreshing read. The characters were well developed and I just love the way the Moore sons protected there mother and treated there own wives. All & All this was a good read and I recommend it to others..

Performed on the stage in 1975 by Ntozake Shange, pronounced (En-toe-ZAK-kay SHONgay), a playwright, poet and novelist. The structure for this play is choreopoem, a chorus of people reciting poems. Here, the roles are spoken from a group of black women, only identified by color of clothes, as in (lady in brown, lady in red, lady in yellow, etc.)

A departure written from the average play, the intent is clear, a voice for all black women who have suffered indignations, painful experiences from men. The language is strong offensive and obscene, but you get the point!

The colors depict a rainbow, and each girl is identified with a color that closes matches her style of speech. For example, lady in yellow speaks of love, high school, lost virginity, to bolder colors that speak of pain and tension. The cities they come from are San Francisco, Manhattan, St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Houston and Baltimore. The subjects range from youth, losing virginity, rape, abuse, rebellion, abortion, theft, social, political, etc.

The subjects range from youth, losing virginity, rape, love, theft, indignation. Some poems are done as a solo and with others, all girls chime in. Some titles of the 20 poems are: The messages are powerful. This is womanhood!

A televised version is available amongs the players are Alfre Woodard, Lynn Whitfield, and playwright Ntozake Shange herself. ...Rizzo

I was Lady in Red in when my high school drama department lauched a production of this book. I had no idea how much it would change my life. So many times I have come back to this book and the women speak to me. It is real and it is riviting. Now that I am...mmore mature, I would love to do this play again. Anyone with a daughter or a neice should read this book. This is one that Showtime or HBO should consider for a movie.

This book is absolutely amazing. It speaks to all the aspects that a minority teen girl goes through. It should be a Christmas present for every teenage girl. I loved this book.

This incredibly precious gem of a book was produced on Broadway back in the late 70's or early 80's but I was too young to see it at the time and probably would not have been able to relate to it anyway. In this prose poem, a "choreopoem" Shange depicts the hardships of African American Women in America. The different perspective of their lives is precisely and poignantly elucidated by the incredible and fascinating prose poetry of this book.

It is stunningly shocking that things that white Americans take totally for granted are just not part of the African American milieu in this country. Rape, pregnancy, domestic violence of the highest order, living in squalor and prostitution are all common place in so many of the African American communities of the 70's, 80's, 90's and now the 00's. Shange's representation of the perspective on rape is extraordinary. If an African American girl gets raped, she better not have ever been seen in public with the rapist, or there will be no conviction. Obviously it was invited. Not so with White Americans. But common place with African Americans.

A quick example of her wondrous lyricism are the following two lines that just give a glimpse of the different perspective that African American Women have toward American life:

"... we gotta dance to keep from cryin

we gotta dance to keep from dyin ..."

While the book is surely most meaningful to African American Women, it is recommended for all Americans so that the true reality of this dilemma and this shame can be absorbed and understood by all Americans. Perhaps if we all understood the conditions of the African American Women, something would be done about it. As of now, it is just not the same for people with black skin as it is for all other ethnic minorities in the United States of America.

When I was a little girl my mother was in a local acting group that traveled and put on this play. When I was about 13 years old I saw it in it entiretly for the first time. It was heartwrenching, funny, inspiring and contraversial. I loved every bit of it. Everyone especially women and men who love women should read it at least once, it provides an interesting perspective that you may be unfamiliar with. Being a black woman ain't always easy but it sure is beautiful, if you can find God in yourself.

Great! Book was received in perfect condition and in a timely manner. Thanks you!

Harrowing, at times bleak, but a superbly written memoir of a very special lady and the historical times she helped create.

Aside from being a celebration of the human spirit, Ms. Holland's Memoir offers a fresh, interesting, and unique glimpse into the early days of the Civil Rights Movement. This focus alone, I believe, renders the book meritorious.

Ms. Holland tells the civil rights story from the perspective of individuals born and raised in the muck and mire of Mississippi's lethal brand of white supremacy and racial hatred. Through her eyes, we get a close-up view of what had to be overcome; and, what was required of ordinary folk brave enough to get involved in a situation that could and DID, literally, cost them their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

These unsung heroes deserve national attention and recognition if the story of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America is to be told in its entirety. But, if this isn't reason enough to add Ms. Holland's book to your 'must read' list, I believe the author's superior craftsmanship will certainly convince you her work is worthy of the acclaim she is sure to receive once her book gains a wider readership. And, above all, the Memoir is a magnificent read!

Usually, I find it awkward and sometimes unnerving to read books written in a black, southern, vernacular. However, as in the case of Zora Neale Hurston, Endesha Ida Mae Holland writes with such a pure and authentic voice, I found myself falling effortlessly into her rhythm.

I'm a voracious reader and the authors I most enjoy are great storytellers. My current favorite is Barbara Kingsolver, and my all time favorite is Zora Neale Hurston. Endesha Ida Mae Holland 'puts me in the mind of' both these writers.

She also reminds me of Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes & 'Tis). Like McCourt, Ms. Holland transports you back to her childhood and growing up years with such seamless ease, you find yourself sharing her heartbeat through every single experience she lives to tell about. Almost immediately, I found myself caring deeply about her; I grew to love her mother, her child, her neighbors, her friends; and, I found no strangers among those who populate her world.

What an exquisite gift of storytelling she has! I certainly hope she plans to write more 'from the Mississippi Delta,' because her talent is as rich and fertile as her source.

Obviously, I've become a devoted fan of Ms. Holland and her work ~ a designation I'm hoping you and I will soon share. Who knows, your reading experience with Ms. Holland may inspire you to join me in asking Oprah Winfrey to feature the author and her book on the Oprah Show, as well as making 'From The Mississippi Delta,' an Oprah Book Club selection.

I was moved to make this appeal to Ms. Winfrey because I believe we all benefit from an increased national and international exposure to brave and talented women like Ms.Holland. These women are profoundly inspirational and deserving of our applause and recognition.

Endesha's story, rich in its southern dialect is a remarkable story of triumph, and a testimony that affirms regardless of our past, our pain, our short-comings that within each of us is a tiny seed waiting to blossom. Her ability to surmount the many obstacles growing up in the Mississippi Delta (a black girl) in the 60's serves as a beacon of light for African Americans who are today experiencing the pitfalls of poverty and injustice. Endesha has shown us how a committed spirit can burst forward to claim all that the Almighty has in store for us. Dr. Lady, thank you for pioneering the way. Keep writing!

'Inspirational' has become one of those watered-down adjectives like 'brilliant'. Though we know certain words might signal something monumental, perhaps our frequent usage of them has lost some of the grandeur in their meaning. We no longer arch our backs or allow a goose bump to rise. Behold, along comes a work like From the Mississippi Delta: A Memoir. Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland turns the term, 'inspirational' on its ear. What is most remarkable about 'Delta'? Is it the phenomenal story itself or is it Holland's gift for unrelenting and witty story-telling? Holland never abandons humor even at the crux of tragedy. Her pen is as brazen as it is impeccably descriptive. She writes with an immediacy to jar the reader's sense of time so that we relive her most defining moments with bated breath. From Emmett Till's death to Dr. Martin Luther King's visit, Holland's simplest daily encounters mark turning points in American history.

Notably, 'Delta' celebrates the tenacious spirit of a true woman-child. Holland narrates from a clever perspective that never quite chooses between the wise narrator looking back and the rambunctious girl reaching forward. This devise is poignant. Arguably, young girls (in particular, young, black girls) are some of society's most disenfranchised members. When Holland employs that voice, the reader is humbled. One is reminded of Anne Frank's influence. When the worst aspects of humanity are articulated through the voice of a little girl, we see ourselves so clearly--vulnerable, restless, but especially hopeful. Thank you, Doc. Your struggle is instructional. Your literary prowess is an inspiration.