African Books

I loved this book. It was a very good read hard to put down. I can't wait to see what happens next with the Dixon Family!

I enjoyed reading the first book but the characters seemd one dimensional - this sequel fleshes them out a bit more. Kendra paints tasteful love scenes with her married couples and celebrate marital lovemaking as well as any Songs of Solomon quote - this is often overlooked by some Christian writers as if Christian people don't make love.
The hiccups that any married couple especially one that is having a baby is realistically portrayed which is better than the perfect courtship that Jessica and Greg experienced in book one (seemed too fairy taleish). This book reminds us how easy it is to lose one's faith and how easy it is practise Christianity when all is well and on the up and up but when one is faced with trials that is when the rubber meets the road.
The mothers contiunue to provid the comedy in the book especially the part when they confront Evelyn. Poor Evelyn does not the see contradiction asking God for a husband that is already married - mmmmm

I loved the original book-and was anxious to read this follow up book... well, I was not disappointed...I love the characters Greg and his wife Grace......I love their best friends.....
I was so sad when the story ended-I just love Kendra's writing and I think God has really blessed her and us the reader's.

I just finished reading the last two releases by Ms. Norman-Bellamy and I must say that she never ceases to amaze me with the unique way that she uses her craft. My workaholic lifestyle doesn't afford me the time to read as much as I would like to or even as much as I used to, but when my wife walked into the house recently and placed CROSSING JHORDAN'S RIVER and BECAUSE OF GRACE, in the center of my desk, I knew it was time for a break. My wife and I had read both of her previous novels and enjoyed them and these two were just incredible reads that we found hard to put down. Both of us agreed that we can see an improvement and growth in this writer's already great style and ability to tell a story. She'll always have two loyal fans in us.

My favorite kinds of books usually involve a detective and a crime. However, when it comes to Kendra Norman-Bellamy titles, I keep coming back for more. I have read all of her books that have been released to-date and Kendra Norman-Bellamy is yet honing her craft, getting better and better with each new book. The characters really jump off of the pages and come to life. This author really has her thumb on the pulse of the Black man. The characterization is superb. If I didn't know any better, I would think that Kendra Norman-Bellamy was a man prentending to be a woman writing books about men.

What a shame that Jesse James has become such a folk hero that visitors from other countries have heard of him, but they have not heard of the black cowboys, explorers, soldiers, and settlers who played a major role in settling the West. Michael Patrick, Cecil Williams, and Keith Conaway have done a great job in bringing this information together in one volume.

I think most readers will enjoy "The Black West in Story and Song as much as I did, so I recommend it to curious young adults or interested and informed adults. Dr. Wise's complete review of this book will appear in the next issue of the Missouri Folklore Journal.

I've been a reader of western fiction and history for years, but "The Black West in Story and Song" gave me a new understanding of the diversity of the settlers and explorers of the Old West. Keith Conaway's illustrations are stunning. Cecil Williams' songs capture the epic nature of the West. Michael Patrick's essays and biographical sketches make this book a great read.

I spent yesterday on our sunny front deck reading about black westerners and enjoying the drawings which are far more effective than photographs in this case. I think the size and design of "The Black West in Story and Song" are fortunate concepts too. The book shouts from a shelf or bookstore window and refuses to be ignored. It's an all around good job.

With biographical essays by Michael Patrick, lyrics and music by Cecil Williams, illustrations by Keith Conaway, "The Black West in Story and Song" provides a new and important information relating to an aspect of American history long neglected in a format that will charm, inform, and intrigue readers. Text, image, and song combine to provide the life stories of black explorers, outlaws, and lawmen; cavalrymen, foot soldiers, and scouts; cowboys, ranchers, and riders; as well as town founders, townspeople, and homesteaders. Michael Patrick's well researched text; Cecil Williams' perceptive interpretation of the livers of Black adventurers, explorers, and settlers in song, and Keith Conaway's forceful images are an important contribution to an understanding of the settlement of the West.

CHICKEN SUNDAY is another one of my favorite Polacco books. This is a fabulous and emotionally touching story of an interracial friendship and the children's journey of love and service. Young Patricia (who has written another great episode about her rich and colorful life) and her two best friends Stewart and Winston (who happen to be black) want to buy the boy's gramma (Eula Mae) a hat that she has wanted but could not afford to buy. Since the death of her beloved babushka, Eula Mae also serves as Patricia's surrogate grandmother. The children witness an act of racism on the hat shop owned by the Holocaust survivor Mr. Kodinski. They were going to ask Kodinski for a job to raise the money to buy Eula Mae her favorite hat. Mr. Kodinski sees the children and assumes that they are responsible for the act of violence. Ultimately, the children redeem themselves by making Pysanky eggs for Mr. Kodinski to sell in his store. He tells them the story of his life and then gives the trio the hat. Naturally Eula Mae is thrilled.

CHICKEN SUNDAY is named after the chicken dinner that Eula Mae feed the children every Sunday after Church. This is another multi-cultural book teaching children that it is okay to have friendships with people who are different. Incidentally, Patricia remains close to these boys to this very day. It also exposes children to different types of racism. This book has a wonderful lesson for children and adults.

Although they are innocent, some young children make ammends for the harm done to a Holocaust survivor (the old man has the unmistakable tatoo on his forearm). You must purchase the Scholastic book on cassette for an even more motivating storytime (complete with music).

Poignancy, humour, and detail are hallmarks of Polacco's books...and Chicken Sunday shines in all of these. Our girls (5 & 7)loved it so much that they asked for it to be read again as soon as we got to the end. All the telling things of a child's world, including being unfairly accused, secret hidey holes, and longing to show an adult how much they love them, are there. In addition there is a wonderful richness to the language, with images such as "a voice like deep thunder and slow rain".

Chicken Sunday is a touching story of friendship and family. Patrica Polacco writes of a childhood recollection. Patricia and two of her childhood friends set out to raise money to buy the beloved Miss Eula an Easter bonnet as a "thank you" for her wonderful Sunday chicken dinners. The three children need to deal with trying to prove their innocence to Mr. Kodinsky and Miss Eula after being wrongly accused of throwing eggs at Mr. Kodinsky's store. The children decide to make Pysanky eggs and hope Mr. Kodinsky will let the children sell the eggs at the hat store. The reader can definitely feel the love between Patricia, the boys and Miss Eula. The realistic drawings and colors are a great addition to this already enjoyable story. Readers of all ages will truly enjoy this book.

This book speaks volumes . . . especially how a life can be changed forever through a simple act of love and kindness. It seemed that Miss Eula was a beautiful person who just loved and cared for everyone around her by continually demonstrating the true principles of faith, hope, and love.

This book truly emphasizes those things that matter most: a faith in God, a loving family, and good friends.

Chicken Sunday was not only heart-warming and touching, but to me it clearly stated the importance of allowing that little "light" within our hearts to shine no matter what!

This book is an excellent educational tool, and can be easily used in various thematic units such as: family and friends.

I have always enjoyed Patricia Polacco books and will continue to read them to my loved ones and classes for many, many years to come!

Rick was something else. While I enjoyed his music, his writing was concise and entertaining all the way thru and I really enjoyed the pics.
Great insight into a musical genius the likes we may never see again.
DJ
Stockbridge, GA

After doing some (in-store and online) price comparison, Amazon's prices are definitely the better bargain "hands-down".

If you like Rick James this book is highly recommended. It is a book you will not be able to put down.

THE BOOK IS ON FIRE. RICK WAS ONE TALENTED DUDE. UNFORTUNATELY ALL MOST OF US KNOW ABOUT HIM IS THAT HE LIVED A CRAZY LIFE. RICK WAS MUCH MORE THAN THAT AND THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO KNOW WHAT MADE THE MAN TICK.

Very entertaining and informative I could not put it down I purchased 3 for gifts

This was an excellent book. I found it most fascinating about Harriet Tubman. She was truly a great woman, far above her age and time. Great reading for anyone who is learning more about the underground railroad!!

I don't remember seeing or reading a book on Harriet Tubman as a child. Wendy Lawton's account of Harriet Tubman's childhood life was very realistic to me. I could visualize the deplorable conditions of the slave quarters as well as the less than nice slave owners. The book is easy reading and peeked my interest right from the start. Well worth the reading.

Lawton does an outstanding job of putting the reader right in the "Quarter" house for slaves on a plantation in Maryland with the young Harriet Tubman, her family and close friends.

The reader anguishes with Harriet every time her master whips her. We pull for her to return to her family every time she is "hired out" to other slave owners. We rejoice with her when God answers her simple yet profound prayers. And we are challenged when a young girl asks God for the courage it takes to run for freedom.

I knew very little about Harriet Tubman before reading Lawton's book. Now I'll never forget her.

This is a wonderful piece of children's prose, by dynamic author and sculptor Wendy Lawton. As a teacher, it would be advantageous to include this as supplementary reading for your students, but also as an avid bibliophile, it is a great read like for everyone. Lawton has captured the reader in an engrossing and mesmerizing tale. Well written, superbly detailed, factual without being compromising, engaging to the child yet still approachable, this work truly is paramount. I cannot express in words just how much children can learn and will be edified by this book. It sparks lively class discussion, piques childrens curiosity and is a great introduction to adolescent literature. I compare this prose to Anne of Green Gables and also Little Women. I highly recommend it without reservation for all! Destined to be a classic! Great work Wendy Lawton!

This is a very engrossing book and one I could not put down until I finished it.

I normally do not like to read any book written in dialect. In fact, I will quite often go out of my way NOT to read them. I find they tend to slow down the read for me because I mentally try to sound out the dialect as I read. Very distracting.

But Wendy has done a superb job with Minty, and she managed to pull me in right at the start.

I think Harriet Tubman has been an inspiration to nearly everyone, regardless of race, because of her courageous actions once she decided "this is what I have to do!" and I am no exception. To see her story through the eyes of her youth is very enlightening...and heart-breaking.

Well written and well researched. A great read.

This was a great book and I loved the dialogue. I am not particularly fond of love stories but this is a cute love story. It is one of those books that makes you feel good and smile when you are done reading it. That Neola was a trip.

Cousins is raw, real and original! The dialect is flavorful. The characters are emotional. The passion is sensational! Fantastic writing.

This book is absolutely wonderful! It reads well and the dialogue is genuine. I couldn't put it down. I laughed, cried and laughed some more.

Cousins has a down home, hot and spicy, misty rain, warm slow dripping home made molasses, dip me in it with a fresh hand made buttermilk biscuit kind of flava.

All I can say is that I want to live in Sweet Water, North Carolina. If this place is not real, it should be. If the characters aren't real, they need to be.

Every page is gripping! Every love scene is inviting! Every plate of food is digestable! This author has an imagination that's out of this world! Her talent is unshakable!

Cousins is absolutely the best book I've read all year. The author keeps you captivated. The characters have such strong personalities you actually feel as if they are still with you when you put the book down. I didn't want to put it down until I finished. I would love to see this book in a movie! Excellent writing!

I ENJOYED THIS BOOK SO MUCH SO, THAT I AM LOOKING FOR THE NEXT BOOK AND IT'S PROBABLY NOT FINISHED YET!!!! DAMN, I DIDN'T GET MUCH OF THE CRAVING PART, BUT THE LOSS WERE RIDICULOUS!!!! I BELIEVE IF EVERY DRUG DEALER READ THIS BOOK WE WOULD HAVE A LOT LESS DRUG DEALERS!!! THE GRAPHIC WRITING,MADE IT SEEM LIKE A TRUE STORY!!!!! I'VE READ A LOT OF THE AUTHOR'S WORK AND HE'S ALREADY ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS A PHENOM W/ "NASTY GIRLS"!!! ONE OF THE BEST IN URBAN FICTION!!!ACTION PACKED,REAL, EXCITING, DON'T SLEEP ON THIS BOOK NOR THE AUTHOR!!!

This fast-paced novel was a killer read (no pun intended). Erick did his thang once again as he pens an intense and draw-dropping coming of age street saga that left no page unturned. Gory, cut throat, and uninhibited. I would expect no less from this author.

After losing his job from the WTC aftermath and moving in with his mother, Vincent decides to join his long time friend Tyriq and use the fast life to support his child and his baby's momma. Spoon, another longtime friend, warns him about the game, but once he gets a taste, the allure becomes too enticing. The more money he makes, the more Vinceint loses himself and his family. If Vincent doesn't find a way out and fast, he may fall as fast as the life itself. It is hard to work up, but the fall is easier and much shorter.
This book is great and shows how easily a new lifestyle can change not only your life, but those of everyone you love and care for. As you read the book you will continue to wonder how big is Vince going to get in the drug game. You can still see the innocence in him from the beginning of the story, but if we didn't know about the old him you would think he was ruthless. You wont stop wondering when is he going to get out like he promised. Unfortunately he takes too long and loses everything, maybe even his life too.

Crave All, Lose All brings us the story of Vincent Grey. As the book opens, Vince is a young dude, who much to the chagrin of his father makes VERY poor choices. After his father's death, and his subsenquent lay-off, Vince enters the world of hustling, under the tutelage of his longtime friend, Tyriq.

I must admit that initially, I only purchased the book in an effort to support Erick S. Gray, who is one of the hardest grinding authors on the circuit. I never had intentions of reading the book, because I read Nasty Girls, and had mixed feelings about it. However, on a bored day, I picked up Crave All, Lose All and started reading. The book, the characters, and surprisingly enough, Mr. Gray's prose (which I usually find distracting)drew me right in.

Crave All, Lose All paints a very vivid picture of a young guy who is drawn into a world that he knows nothing about. Once inside, he realizes that while he enjoys some parts of the game, he hates others...but it's too late to turn back now. He's in, and the only way out...is death.

This is a good book, by a hard-working author. Respect is yours, Mr. Gray. I give this book 4 and 3/4 stars.

Eric S. Gray has penned an unapologetic urban fiction classic in Crave All Lose All. Although born and raised in the mean streets of Jamaica , Queens, Vincent "Vince" Grey has everything he needs to live a decent, normal life. He has a father to guide and teach him. He has a mother to love and nurture him. He even has a chance to move out and go to college.

Vince goes from an unemployed loser to a independently wealthy gangster with certified street credibility within a few short months. That independence comes at a severe price. With blood on his hands and more than enough money to get out of the game, Vince finds his back up against the wall.

Although Vince is brought into the folds of a organization that poisons black communities for fast money, he quickly outgrows being a middleman for Tyriq. Once Vince becomes a certified connect for a Colombian cartel, the rival Jamaican crew that supplies Tyriq pressures him to erase Vince from the picture and regain control. Death certificates are issued left and right. Old friends quickly become bitter enemies living by the basic rule of the streets: eat or be eaten.

Vince was a character that had many layers. Equal parts love and lust, his relationship with women was a roller coaster at best. This includes how he interacted with every woman from his mother to a stripper he got close to.

The abundance of money usually magnifies a man's weaknesses. From strippers to drug runners and even toTyriq's main squeeze, Vince's lust for fast women seems to overshadow anything else that the game provided him. Although there was steamy sex, there was also the presence of heartache and pain that made Vince a believable character.

I enjoyed the plot twists of Crave All Lose All. The book is filled with sex, drugs and violence, yet it is unpredictable to the end. There are certain things I didn't cover in this review that were totally unexpected and readers will definitely enjoy experiencing on their own.

Joey Pinkney
Unbiased Book Reviewer
[...]

W. Eric Croomes writes from an eclectic sociological view of the relationships African-Americans face today. Researching deep into our past and bringing it all forward into today's world. Will make you think deeply. Not a book one can read lightly. I have found myself referring more than once back to this book in explaining relationships and the way we deal with them to young people I work with and to my own daughter. The poems are artfully written and thought provoking. The story of Kwasi Benefo will make you think time and time again. Why, how, am I making these mistakes in my relationships and how do they relate to me in the here and now. I have pages dog eared and underlined to refer back to. An important read and study into the psyche of the African-American relationship. I recommend this book highly!

I must admit that I've never been one to purchase and actually read a book of poetry but this one was truly different. This is not your average book of poems. Through this literature you experience various avenues of life as well as cultural events that take you back to the beginning of the Civil Rights movement and beyond. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Dance in the Dark..." and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys reading.

Powerful. Dance in the Dark is a romantic masterpiece. Each page illuminate heart felt words that move in a rhythm that captivate the spirit. The author of Dance in the Dark pours himself into this beautiful work. Only one that has truly taken a look inside of himself can write like this. It's not difficult at all to hear his voice throughout the book. Mr. Croomes has learned to "Dance in the Dark" and challenges us to dance as he leads us on a journey of spiritual truths of love that dares us to find purpose.

This book was wonderfully written. Readers will understand how the author relates not to just one but many aspects of our lives today. Highly recommend.

DANCE IN THE DARK offers reflections that explores the concept of love and culture in the African American community from past to present day. Along with poetry, Croomes incorporates history and mythology as he addresses the complexity of the issues at hand and how it has impacted us as a people. Croomes offers several interesting pieces throughout the book including "Letters to Eve," "The Edge of Love," and "Diary of an Ex-Queen".

When I first picked up W. Eric Croomes' DANCE IN THE DARK, I was looking forward to seeing a different but unique perspective from the poetic standpoint. While DANCE does offer a beautiful variety of poetry, the heavy commentary that is presented throughout takes away from the book's overall essence.

While Croomes offers poetry that is both passionate and intriguing, my main criticism is that the various essays take away from the book overall. There were times where I felt that I wasn't reading a poetry book due to the content at hand. While I found DANCE IN THE DARK to be interesting, from a poetic standpoint it didn't captivate me as other poets have. Despite this, I do commend Mr. Croomes on a worthy effort.

Reviewed by Kanika (Nika) Wade
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Daughter's is about a Gullah family, the Peazants, and neighbors on the barrier island on the Georgia & South Carolina coast. The primary characters are Eli Peazant, Eula Peazant, Elizabeth Ayodele Peazant, Cousin Amelia, and a host of eclectic characters.

The story is primarily coming from the prospective of the oldest daughter and first child of Eula and Eli, Lil Bet(Elizabeth).

The Gullahs/Geechees are unique AA communities. During slavery, they were distributed on all the barriers islands, which are isolated from the mainland. There were numerous Africans from various nations and ethnic groups from West and Central Africa.

The whites abandoned the islands because the mosquitoes were making a feast of them and malaria was kickin' their butts. So they left overseers and managers to work the Africans(property), beat the Africans, and pretty much whatever they wanted as long as it was profitable and insured their wealth. As a result Africans were able to maintain much of the their culture, unlike the mainland Africans, who were exposed to white society and live in close and intimate proximity to them.

Amelia is the grand daughter of Haagar and the daughter of Myown. Her mama and grandmama left the island some years ago, and Amelia doesn't know too much about them. Before she ventures there as an adult she has a very negative perception of them. She has an opportunity to go the island and research for her dissertation. This is an opportunity to become acquainted with her family who still abide by many of the old African ways and traditions. She was completely out of touch with her heritage

The backdrop of the story is Ibo Landing. Ibo Landing is AA folk tale of how the Ibos(Southeast Nigeria - Bight of Biafra) formed a ring(ring shout) and called down the Great Spirit and flew/or walk back to Africa after getting a brutal beating from the overseer. Another variation is that they drown themselves after a brutal beating for not working fast enough or doing it wrong. A cat-o-nine tail(whip) was one of the whites' favorite torture tools for Africans.

I highly recommend this book. It is a pleasant read and takes your mind to another world.

Question of the Day?

What is your basket name or nickname, and do you know why you were given it? Elizabeth's is Lil Bet. During slavery parents weren't allowed to give their children names. Your child wasn't yours. It could sold off at will or the parent(s) could be sold away. The slave master assigned names. So the family gave their children secret names to be used for the family and close family friends(like family). This tradition still continues throughout Africa America. However, most of us don't know why we have the nicknames or how it came to be. It is just something we do. I don't believe too many have thought why. What is your

I arrived late to this book. It is more than ten years old and I feel as if I just missed a friend who had waited for me as long as they could, but had to leave. I've always been curious about the surviving tribes of Afrika (I chose to spell it that way)that live off the coast of South Carolina. I've often wondered what sets them apart from the rest of us. What made them so different? Now, I know. The book was fascinating. The story was beautifully written and I was entertained as well as educated. I loved the "old" ceremonies and the "lies" (which I believe)that actually gives Afrikan people living in this country a look into their history. Our people have always had strong belief systems and these have survived. They are alive and well today. I would encourage anyone that has read this book to follow up with other books that will let us see the history of our people without judgement and the ability to live and survive independently of outside factions. A triumphant and informative work of literature.

Wow...the "Geechees". I'll be seeing you soon.

Daughters of the Dust is a very moving, mystical journey full of haunting imagery and simple pleasures. It is the story of Amelia, an anthropology student, who has to decided to study the people of Dawtah Island as her thesis. Dawtah Island has been a mystery to her for as long as she can remember. Her mother and grandmother were born on the island. Her grandmother seems to despise everything about the island especially the people and their ignorant and backwards customs. In direct contrast her mother's fondest memories are of her life on the island, she remembers being truly happy there. Amelia has only visited the island once and was in awe of the simplicity of life there.

It is decided that Amelia will live with Eula and Eli, her aunt and uncle, while she studies the culture and customs of the island. Initially she finds the residents of the island reluctant to talk to her. They consider her an outsider and fear she will not understand them. As the islanders become more familiar with Ameila they begin to open up and share their stories with her. Through their stories she realizes their culture is rich in customs; they live in harmony with the animals and elements. They live a simple life but they control their own destiny and revel in life's simple pleasures. Their stories also tell of the joys of love and heartaches of lost or unrequited loves.

Reserve a couple weeks to read this one, it's a "ponderers" delight.

Daughters of the Dust is set on the Sea Island. The story follows the lives of the Peazants. In one sense, it is historical fiction in that the plot refers to the slave trade in explaining how the residents arrived on the island. The author also interspersed some of the history of the Africans and Native Americans in explaining the characters. Finally, she also uses the oral tradition of Africans to further allow the reader to see into the heritage of the characters.

Amelia grew up with her father, mother and maternal grandmother. The dynamics of the household are disturbing to Amelia. Her grandmother, Hagar, is bitter and runs the household with an iron fist. Her father spends much of his time at the family business. Both her grandmother and father tend to verbally abuse or ignore her mother who just seems to suffer through it all. Amelia is the only bright spot in her mother's days. Amelia vaguely remembers trips to the "island" and her mother's family. She has a lot of curiosity about this facet of her family. Neither her father or grandmother has anything nice to say about the island but her mother seems to long for the island. Amelia decides to go to the island to "study" her family with her mother's blessing and against her father & grandmother's wishes.

On the island, Elizabeth befriends Amelia. Elizabeth is the one who has ventured away from the island and furthered her education. She routinely works for two older white women on the "mainland" as well as teaching on the island. Elizabeth is Amelia's guide to not only life on the island but their family's history. Elizabeth, like Amelia, must chose between staying with family or following her dreams.

The supporting characters in Daughters of the Dust are colorful and endearing to say the least. There are children, teenagers, elders, newlyweds, hopes & dreams realized and lost in the lives of the supporting characters: they each have a tale to tell. Ms. Dash does a great job of telling a "story" with strong African-American women of character. I would recommend this book to anyone that is curious about the history of Africans in America and enjoy reading about the challenges of family life.

Leanna Bailey
R.E.A.L. Reviewers

This was such a well written book. The way Julia Dash developed the characters and described the scenery of the Gullah Islands caused me to want to visit South Carolina myself. I recommend this book to anyone.

It is easy to forget the personal voice of violence, private and collective. It is even easier to distance oneself in dates, place names, and events. - this number of human cargo shipped to that port, the price that could be gotten for a "prime" young man, the political and societal arguments swirling around the economics and morality of the slave trade.

Day of Tears strips away all defenses and makes the listener or reader come face to face with the terrible loss of losing a beloved and becoming lost to loved ones. Parents were torn from their children. Husbands were wrenched from their wives. No photographs to hang in a place of honor and remembrance. No letters to cherish and serve as the voice of memory. Once the loved one, family member or not, was bought and began the journey to the new plantation, he or she was as good as dead, but worse - those left behind or carried off to a different place by a different owner knew that the loved one still lived, still struggled to survive.

Available as an audiobook, it is well worth the effort to track it down in this form. Although marketed to school-age audiences, it does not read as geared for that audience. Excellent for classroom use as an opening to a discussion on the realities of slavery. Characters are powerfully developed, presenting the variety of survival responses to an inhuman existence. Rather than simple caricatures of the different positions on slavery common at that time, even the accusation of being an "Uncle Tom" is no longer relevant. Highly recommended.

I read this book to understand what my daughter had been assigned to report on. And since I've read it, I am so excited to have discovered a truly gifted author who has many more books I can explore.

Normally, I don't like dark stories about slavery because of how difficult it is to experience the senseless cruelty of it. This story truly illustrated that cruelty. However, the dialog format allows you to get more absorbed in a "conversation" than just experiencing a painful piece of history.

Lester explains that he wrote the book to give voice to those "who did not have an opportunity to tell it for themselves." Because history only tells of this incredibly large slave auction and the details of the white slave owners and sellers, Lester fills in the details of the experiences of the slaves during this incredible event and after.

I loved how he allowed us to peak into the minds, emotions and motives of parties from all sides: the slave owners, the southern people absorbed in the slave culture, the slaves, both old and young, as well as those who disagreed with slavery and how they walked out their beliefs. And just when you were reading an account of a "villain" or a some other character whose views you disagree with, Lester would hit you with a profound, provocative statement that would transcends all social, economic, or others barriers and speak to any human condition, compelling you to take stock of where you really are on your own "road to independence."

This book is no easy read though it is a fast read. It confronts you with the consequences of institutionalized hatred, ignorance and greed. It also forces the reader to search his or her own heart to discover what part they play in their own contemporary environment of backwardness and to open one's eyes to the residual effects of this often "forgotten" institution of slavery.

This is NOT what I expected--I expected an actual story of slaves and their experiances but instead it is a book of a Play told in story form, where it gets confusing and frustrating trying to piece together who goes with whom. The author also leaves you hanging in the end--the final chapter starts out as if there is more then suddenly it ends and is over--nothing more. Many threads were left untied and hanging and those that weren't were short and not too sweet--very confusing but great on historical facts aside those which were also short not much to this book and certainly not worth buying--borrow it from the library instead.

The main character in the book called Day of Tears by Julius Lester is Emma. Emma is a young black woman, and she lives a life as a slave. Emma is faced with very many challenges. She is the nicest person in the book. In this story Emma is a slave for this man that has no name in the book except "master." Emma thinks he would NEVER sell her, so at the slave auction she told all the other slaves that they had nothing to worry about because he wouldn't do that to them. The master's daughter who is nine falls in love with the slaves and treats Emma like her mother. Master doesn't like that because his x-wife was a "slave lover" and he didn't want that for is daughter. Emma tries to run away with others but it doesn't work and they get caught. Master is very upset with Emma, and threatens to sell her. She can't believe her ears. I really like this book. Its non-fiction book and it's great. It was one of my favorite books. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Day Of Tears by Julius Lester is about slavery in the mid 1800s and how slaves felt about getting sold off at a slave auction. The book is also in dialogue. The characters in the book reminisce about their experiences with the slave trade, and what happened on the day of the auction, and also how they are feeling.

The book was very interesting. I think its good enough to read. It really shows how the slaves were feeling about having an owner, for example they didn't like getting sold off to mean owners.