African Books

Truth be told is the best book i ever read it is very heart warming and can really graps your attention...she is...a significant writter...it is great book to pick up even if your not 25 or older

Ms. Skerritt was my teacher two years ago- and I still see her around. She really is awesome, I'm so proud to be able to say that I know her. Go Ms. SKERRITT!!

This book has it all: it's modern, funny, sad, serious, progressive; it's just simply "great"!; I look forward to its sequel! I used it in my class and the students not only identified with its content but, on the whole, they loved it!!
She has set a new trend for future novelist. Superb!

"Truth be told" is largely the story of second semester freshman Kahlila. She is a strong, independent and mature woman, particularly for a first year college student. Kahlila has a host of good friends, including old friends from high school who are attending the same college and new friends including her roommates Robyn and Desiree.

Kahlila's life is going good as the story opens. She's a popular, self-assured student who has a great friend in Desiree and a well-liked boyfriend Tariq. Things start to change for Kahlila once she enrolls in a Black Collective Responsibility class. A socially aware individual, Kahlila soon has the ear of the professor as she injects well-thought comments into the class. She also has the eye of the course's teaching assistant, the older and wiser David.

Though David is also involved in a relationship, he and Kahlila begin to develop a friendship as they are chosen to work together on a summer program for local high school students.

The novel explores their burgeoning friendship, as well as taking side journeys into the lives of Kahlila and David's friends and acquaintances.

The novel got off to a slow start for me and took me a couple of weeks to finish, though I usually finish a book in a couple of days or so. Although it accurately portrayed college life for many students, the raw language and great detail provided about the social lives of the students were drawn out in parts. Ms. Skerritt uses a variety of literary tools to inject uniqueness into her story telling - these included the opening tool of switching between narrators and was followed by the use of e-mails, letters, poems, and song lyrics. While such tools can add an interesting element to stories, I think she used too many, too often in this book.

Although the story of Kahlila and David was interesting and well develop, too many side stories were introduced but not thoroughly investigated or concluded for my likes.

Overall, I thought this was an interesting, if long, tale of the lives of African-American college students geared for teenagers to young-adults.

Truth Be Told tells the story of Kahlila Bradford as she evolves through her second semester of college at Franklin University. Kahlila is intelligent, beautiful and socially responsible. She has several good friends-Robyn, Desiree, and JT, as well as a popular boyfriend, Tariq. The only thing that Kahlila seems to be missing is passionate, unconditional love...then she meets Dave.

Dave Robinson is a Teacher Assistant for Kahlila's Black Collective Responsibility class. When the two are chosen to develop a summer program for underprivileged kids sparks fly and their connection is undeniable. The only problem is Dave is already in a committed, long-term relationship.

Rachel Skerritt has written an excellent debut novel that accurately depicts college life and first love. The characters are so well developed that by the end of the novel, they are like old friends. The story was crisp and had several socially conscious sub-plots such as teenage pregnancy, race relations, interracial dating, labeling and stereotypes, loyalty, and giving back to the community. This novel is so versatile that both teens and adults young and old can enjoy it. I highly recommend this novel and look forward future works from this author. I definitely hope a sequel is in the works.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This was awe inspiring. The wording was superb and the flow was impeccable. It spoke what my heart believes.

Dr. Laura B. Christopher

Through WE SPEAK YOUR NAMES: A Celebration by Pearl Cleage, African-American women have been honored in a way that will stand in history, just as their contributions have. This poem was written at the request of Oprah Winfrey to celebrate and commensurate the accomplishments of women honored at Winfrey's 2005 Living Legends event and ball. And the book concludes with a biographical sketch of each woman.

These women, consisting of civil rights leaders, actresses, writers, singers, etc., are all role-models to those who followed and are following after them. A few featured are Maya Angelou, Ruby Dee, Nikki Giovanni, Dr. Dorothy Height, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker and Nancy Wilson. Cleage's poem encompasses many of the known traits of these women, with themes of strength, sisterhood, honor, and courage, but also acknowledges their beauty and wisdom--showcasing them individually and also collectively. They are remarkable women who should be honored, cherished, thanked and most of all remembered. Kudos to Pearl Cleage and Zaron W. Burnett, Jr., for WE SPEAK YOUR NAMES and to Oprah Winfrey for the vision.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

It's probably one of the only poems I look to quote each day. It's about love, magic, determination, and above all else, the spirit of Black women, not only here in America, but around the world. I speak so many womens' names when I go about my day trying my best to follow the star God has allowed me to realize. And I hope I'm making them proud!

As a fan of Pearl Cleage, I have never been dissapointed! Again, she shines.

i first heard the poem read on the TV special with Oprah honouring the legends and the youngun's, in the African American world.
Regardless of me not being African American, the poem touched me deeply and reminded me of the many women that have touched my life. this little book is definitly a keeper!

Thank you for sharing it with all of us that really do walk in the footprints of so many that have paved the way for us in this world.

I thought this one about Joey was just as great as Peytons story. Where does Adrianne come up with these characters? LOL! I loved how Joey was hilarious without trying to be. I thought her dude was cute and sweet even though she felt differently sometimes. I just loved it and will probably read it again sometime in the near future.

I've Loved all of Ms.Bryd and this one is great just like the rest I cant wait for the next one.

Well what can I say Ms Byrd put not only her foot but her whole body in this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Funny, sexy,entertaining did I say funny. She out did Measure of a man (the prequel) never thought she could. I read this last night in 4 hours I just could not put it down. Wow!

Okay, I am now officially a "Byrd Watcher". I will definitely be seeking out ALL future novels from Ms. Byrd. "When You Were Mine" is the second book in the Adams Family series and you will not be able to put this book down until the last page. I LOVE this family, they are funny as all get out! This book was HILARIOUS! The characters, main and secondary will definitely having you LOL at their antics throughout this novel. It was like watching a very entertaining romantic comedy. The storyline flowed effortlessly and the dialogue was quite witty. The chemistry between Ryan and Joey was electric. The love scenes were definitely HOT! I thoroughly enjoyed the verbal sparring between this couple. Ryan was definitely a man that knew how to sweep a girl off her feet, whether he was pretending or not, brother had it goin' on! I thought it was sweet the way he was always placed in a position to be Joey's "guardian angel" or her Knight in shining armor. And Joey and all her "spur of the moment" ideas were simply priceless. This was a very sweet, romantic read!

I was disappointed when I started this book. As I read I had a feeling of de ja vu, and it finally dawned on me why it was so familiar. The plot is a movie with Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline and Timothy Hutton made back in the 1990's.
Granted Ms. Byrd livens it up with her additional characters from the family, but the basic outline was the same.
Still, all in all, a great read.

I really enjoyed this book. As a female I couldnt relate to everything in this book, but there were many situations I felt kin to. He doesnt sugar coat the problems in his life, or pretend his change to Christianity was over night.
I would buy a copy for the male friends in my life to read, only I dont want him to think this man is correct on the topic of submission. For example he says his wife's friends would call to make sure she was cooking for her man. Maybe this worked for their relationship, however, I do not feel God has this outlined as a role for all women in marriage. Some of us are very successful in business and other avenues, we work more then our men or have men who enjoy cooking for us/shared responsibilities. He non-intentionally he belittles women, not his wife or other believers that live up to his standard, but every other woman out there. In his opinion all men in the game want is sex, and all women fall for men through this same avenue.
In the same respect, I think he is just ignorant to it; he handles homosexuality in an awesome and loving way. I found this to be right on!
I also liked the way he discussed his troubles in giving up smoking weed, this is a major topic for most people I know who become believers. I would recommend this book depsite its downfalls it is great for new Christians, especially young men who love hip hop as it is parallelled throughout the book.

I can't top what has already been said about this awesome book! It inspired me, challenged me...I could not put it down. I will be buying more copies for friends. I thank the Lord for Mykel (and Sheeri.) They have the amazing ability to be so passionate for Christ yet real and humble in their walk. Hey, I would love for them to write a book on parenting! They have great insight....Blessings Mykel and Sheeri!

It's about time!

Over the years there has been a brewing desperatation for someone in the hip-hop generation to stand up and be a voice for others who hunger and thirst after a relationship with God. Mykel Mitchell is that voice. He says what many people are thinking and simply cannot articulate. He helps his readers understand that you are more cool being a Christian than not. No pun intended.

I love his expertise on the hip-hop culture. I love the fact that although there was a huge transformation in his life, he didn't lose himself, because the reality is, the Lord can use all of us. Hmph! Look at Paul.

This book needs to be in EVERY household, recording studio, beauty salon, barber shop, prison, school, group home and the like. It is a must-have! It will inevitably cause people to feel uncomfortable, and that is okay. When that happens, just know that is the Holy Spirit at work and don't try to blame the writer.

Lives will be transformed.

This book is a blessig for anyone who wants to know how GOD sees the hearts of this generation. The message of this work,could not have the impact it does ,without the ispiration of GOD. Thank you Mykel Mitchell for being obdient in completing this testament .

What keeps young people away from the church? What can be done to draw them in? Why would young people want to go to church anyway? These are but a few of the questions Mykel Mitchell addresses in his book WORD: For Everybody Who Thought Christianity Was for Suckas. Using his own life as an example, he shares his experiences in a vivid and honest manner.

He begins by explaining why he was turned off by churches and religion and then candidly explains the sense of despair and lack of fulfillment that led him to give it another try. He reflects on how his professional success, material goods and hip-hop lifestyle were not enough to provide a true sense of fulfillment. He reminisces about his journey back to Christianity and the struggles he encountered while trying to be not only a better Christian, but a better man. From there he goes on to discuss various issues such as sex, money, marriage, and forgiveness, all from the Christian perspective. Most importantly he notes, that while he has changed in many respects, he hasn't rejected his hip-hop style.


I can't express what a gem this book is. It is great for churches trying to build or enhance youth ministries because it highlights some of the reasons why some young people are difficult to engage. The book uses everyday language and hip-hop slang to explain some of the basic tenants of Christianity. As a result, it is a book young people can enjoy and relate to. This can be used to expose non-Christian teens and young adults to the faith and would also be a wonderful discussion tool for Sunday School classes and youth groups. Mitchell points out that commitment to God doesn't mean giving up having fun and being hip, but it offers the added security of knowing that God is working in your life and has your back. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

This book is a must have for any family. I have shared with family and friends many of the poems such as Learning to Read by Frances E.W. Harper page 26. It is so inspiring in times that require a reminder of how important education is and how much sacrifice has been made for us to have it! I enjoy reading it to my 2 year old and 3 year old because I am learning so much at the same time. I think this book is so important to have that I am now including this with my gift for every baby shower!

Read this book! It is a wonderful celebration of race, culture, and heritage. It has some of everything and is a great resource. It covers all different types of values and approaches each from different genres. I use this book every time I do a research paper because it touches everything that has worth.

Steven Barboza has done a wonderful job! It's the kind of book you can pick up again and again! Very entertaining and thought-provking. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book! A real find!

This book has everything that is traditionally and newly important to the African American. Not only are some of the leaders of literature included, but there are essays from leaders in all fields, science and technology, medicine, law, religion and education. All too often when the world gets its views of who our representatives are, it is none too flattering, I give accolades to Mr. Barboza for changing and challenging that. This book is sad, funny, inspirational and eccletic. One could not ask for a better read.

The book is like a library of our people's trials and tribulations. A collection of poems and stories that will inspire you to do great things. African Americans come from royalty and we can do anything because we are doers and achievers. I wish every "American" could read this book, perhaps African Americans wouldn't be looked down upon. I learned so many things that our people had accomplished that are not taught in school, but should be known and should be printed in text book form.

This book is now being used a bedtime ritual for my children. This means that each night I read a story or poem from the book to them, "about them (African Americans)". About their creativity, their inner strength for survival, their ability to do anything they want to do, about their ancestors that were forced to travel from afar, about their people who invented items that we use today, about their people that broke the color barrier, about their people who walked for freedom, about their people who used the pen to fight their battles, about their people who were forced to feign ignorance in order to survive, about their people who prayed and had faith that God would free them from bondage, about their people who loved each other and encouraged each other, about their people who stepped out there on faith.....

This book is awesome!

This book has inspired me to go back to school which is the least I could do after seeing what my people endured just to give me an opportunity to "step out on faith" "act accordingly" "mind my manners" "represent my hood" "believe in myself" "reach for the stars" and broaden my horizons. For they paved the way through sweat, tears, backbreaking work, picking cotton, washing Missy's clothes, raising Missy's children, eating in the backroom, riding in the back of the bus, being treated as second class citizens.

Thank you, my people past and present.

Thank you Steven Barboza (Editor) for having a vision and seeing it through.

The book is divine. All of her works are great. Judy passed away here in Tampa, Florida a few days ago and this great author and woman will truly be missed.

Carmin Dolphy-Williams

Jael Reynolds a detective by choice, a Christian by Faith, has had to endure much. A young son to raise on her own,and a anal ex, along with the pressures of a successful career in a dominating world of men & bigots. It is one thing to adjust to when you have to work under the leadership of a woman, but add color to that title and you got blatant racism and hidden racism. Jael learns that you never know who your enemies will be. Jael has sacrificed much to succeed and also to find her way spiritually. She learns that even though she has done what was considered right, the devil has his spawns and there are times in a believer's life where they have to practice and battle that "No weapon formed against (me) shall prosper." and the fact that GOD said that he will "never leave you or forsake you." Jael is a living testimony that "He may not come when you want him, but he'll always be right on time." Life itself is hard, but racism and supremacy is real and very much around, you have to know that there are wolves in sheep clothing. Grant is what Jael needs, someone who is strong, connected and believes in having faith. You never know when your prince charming will be delivered. This story line was intriguiing and very captivating, you have to keep reading. You have suspense, mystery, romance, desparation, spirituality, maternal love, and much more in this book. TO THE AUTHOR JUDY CANDIS.... "JOB well done!!!" I look forward to reading more by Ms. Candis. If you are a Christian fiction reader or if you are not, I recommend this book!!!

Author Judy Candis has written a beautiful Christian Fiction mystery novel, one in which it is more than evident she spent a lot of time and love writing. Jael Reynolds was godly proud of her position with the police department as a detective with promises of a promotion to lieutenant in the near future, but not as much as she was humbled and thankful for her Christian walk and faithfulness to the Lord. Because of this, she is able to do her job and be a help to as many people as she can, but not even her eventful past, an arrogant ex-husband, raising her son alone, and the usual dealings of police work prepare her for what was lying beneath in her small Florida city.

For some reason, the unease Jael felt when the first drug dealer was killed would change her life as she knew it. The turn of events that followed appeared to be a serial killer taking out the local drug dealers, but that was just scratching the surface. As each event would unfold, it appeared to be one positive step towards solving the spree of killings, including bringing in the FBI. Even still things were not as they appeared to be.

Jael's faith was tested through the roof when her son and young friend were kidnapped because she had gotten too close to finding out about the true "White Power" hate crimes, who was involved and how they had covered their tracks. Stressed far beyond her limits, Jael found herself in a place of obedience by praying and waiting on God to move on her behalf as He placed people in her life and in the way of the ongoing investigation who turned out to be a help to her bringing those responsible to justice.

Author Judy Candis penned a beautifully written Christian Fiction mystery in which she took a lot of time to research and put into her story as it pertains to detective and police work. I would recommend this book to anyone who is going through a time in their lives where it seems they will not make it. In the face of adversity, there is God's mercy and His unfailing love and faithfulness. Rest in peace, Judy Candis.


Reviewed by Sharel E. Gordon-Love
Apooo BookClub

Somebody send some aspirin over to Publisher's Weekly, because you don't have to be Christian or African-American to appreciate this book.
The strong female lead Jael offers up a lesson in faith, applicable to all flavors. I don't typically read books because they're Christian, but this book gave me a new perspective on my own faith - I didn't feel like I was being evangelically pounded.
It's so good to see a woman lead character without super powers dealing with her problems and not passing them off on someone else, or waiting for a man to come to her rescue!
I laughed and cried when I read this book - then I bought it for my mother to use at her Bible study, glad to have this literary bridge to connect our religious gap.
Judy Candis writes books that stay with you for awhile. This is the second of her books that I've read --and enjoyed.

I would highly recommend "All Things Hidden" for anyone who loves suspense novels. The added dosage of Christian principles made this book even better. The lessons in the book go hand in hand with the suspense and situations Jael finds herself in.

This is a wonderfully original book to use with students when I talk about the Underground Railroad in my class. Like the other teachers who have commented, I have found that that my 5th graders loved the book, and we built upon it as we wrote stories and created some artwork.

I find it bizarre that anyone would use this book with young kids. A kindergartener does not know what slavery or the Underground Railroad is and is not developmentally able to understand those concepts. The book still works on some level, but the children really don't know what he is escaping from.

Instead of going through all the explaining, which the 6 year olds won't listen to, but will make you feel like you gave them a history lesson on the evils of slavery (duh!), read a book appropriate book for their age level.

If it's Black History Month, why not read a fun biography. The Pinkneys have written a lot. Bill Pickett, the cowboy, might be fun or you could read Ella Fitzgerald, and then read her song A Tisket A Tasket, which was recently published as a picture book. Just don't make little kids listen to explanations of every bad thing that happened in history. They don't understand and it just confuses them.

In teaching preschoolers and elementary students about the Underground Railroad, a tricky topic even for grown-ups, this book is a godsend! I recommend it to all teachers, parents, any one who is trying to get the idea of Freedom Seekers' journey north across to their children. Amazing illustrations are a big part of why it works so well, but even without them the story is easy for young ones to understand. It uses animals--always a favorite with kids--and is quite suspenseful. It's my favorite children's book on the Underground Railroad to date.

This book is a wonderful story depicting a run away slaves journey through a portion of the Underground Railroad, uniquely from the point of view of the animals who help him. The drawing are wonderful expressions of worry, fright, excitment, and joy. I would advise this book for any child, young or old, and for any classroom.

As a fifth grade teacher, I am always looking for a book to entice my students and help them to gain background knowledge. This book is a phenomenal find. It puts the reader/listener right into the fear and terror of being a runaway slave from the very first sentence. But, more than that, is the unique way the author has chosen to present the story. I can think of no better book to present the topic of point of view. Not only is the story told from the point of view of the forest animals that the runaway encounters, but the illustrations NEVER alter the affect. Each picture shows the runaway from the eye level/view of the animal that is reacting to his presence. It is a very powerful book.

This story has generated intense discussions as to whether or not they believe the animals consciously helped the barefoot escape the heavy boots, or whether the occurrences were merely coincidental. The students embrace the tone of the book and will often discuss how they originally did not care for the illustrations because they were too dark and made it difficult to see the details, but soon realized that they mimic what the barefoot is seeing -- a potent tool in immersing them in the story.

The students were so enthralled by the way the point of view of the story was presented that they asked to write their own stories based on the point of view of our classroom pet, S'mores the Guinea Pig. Some choose to write from their own pet's point of view. Each and every one of the stories were wonderful to read, and though some may have been lacking in conventions and spelling, EVERY one of them shouted with an author's voice that was astounding.

I ordered this book to use as a read aloud with my fifth grade's class study of the Civil War. Little did I know that it would be a valuable tool for teaching point of view. This is a wonderfully suspenseful short of a young slave's escape through the woods on his way to the first stop on the Underground Railroad. What makes this story unique is that it is told from the forest animals' perspective. Well written, well illustrated, and destined to become a classic. Wendy

I am fast becoming an Byrd fan. The military plot adds to the richness of the romance. This is a great love story that does not go over the top with unreal story plots. Pick up this book you will not be sorry.

being a part of a military family i know a bit about the job it takes for the uniformed member to face. and for the family too... thanks for the great story and timely issue... great job ms. byrd.

A chance meeting brings air force fighter pilots Sydney 'Serious 'Garret and James 'Jett' Colton together, and the instant attraction is undeniable. But a Vegas marriage and several misunderstandings would send them on their separate ways.

Three years later when Sydney's plane is shot down, Jett is determined to find and rescue the love of his life-his wife.

Can love really conqure all?

In the case of Sydney and Jett, yes it can!


Adrianne Byrd's Blue Skies, will keep you turning the pages until the end. The interaction between the characters is so engrossing you can't put the book down. The sexual tension is palatable and the loving hot!

In the past military themed books have never appealed to my literary taste but I must admit I found Blue Skies quite 'tasty'. And so will you!

Ok, I will admit that when it comes to books about the military I would not even give it a second look, and although I am a new and huge fan of Ms. Byrd's work, I was still kind of skeptical until my friend (the one who got me hooked on Ms. Byrd's books) convinced me to give it try. I must say that I am glad she did.

I really enjoyed the plot and the characters of course. Sydney was on point, a woman who didn't take no mess. And loved it when she would put Jett in his place. Now Jett, that is one "hunk of a man" from the way Ms. Byrd described him, and I was just really feelin the chemisty between those two and was definitely feelin the love between Syd and her bro. One more, Ms. Byrd did not dissapoint and I encourage old and new readers of not just Ms. Byrd but any book to give a book a try. Don't just judge because of the plot of the book, read it and give it a chance, cause like I said, I am glad I did!

Ms. Byrd has done it again! This book is AWESOME! Her "At Your Service" novel told a wonderful story about two intelligent, funny and very talented airmen! It had new love, extremely HOT intimate scenes, betrayal, suspense, and a love recaptured. This book was a page turner from beginning to end. The instant fireworks between Sydney and Jett made "Blue Skies" a thrilling romance novel. Sydney Garret was born to fly, her character was on point, she was a woman who didn't take "NO STUFF". I enjoyed the heated challenges between Sydney and Jett. Now Jett, "What a man"! Jett was "sexy as all get out". The man could challenge me anytime, anywhere, from the way Ms. Byrd described him, brotha', had it going on. I was really feelin' the chemisty between Syd and Jett. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, they only aided in adding more spice and sparks to this great military tale. This book was definitely a tear-jerker, and there were also moments where I couldn't help but LOL. Way to go, Ms. Byrd...Keep 'em coming!

I loved this book and the characters - so much so, that I want to know what happens to them after the book ended. GiGi should turn Cajun Moon into a trilogy! I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

This book was outstanding! Fantastic! Wonderful! Highly Enjoyable!!! and I could go on and on and on. There is joy, sadness, romance, and love. Ms Gunn, I can hardly wait for your next book. If it is anything like Cajun Moon....I will not be disappointed.

All of those words don't even begin to do justice to what a wonderful read CAJUN MOON was. I won't bother with the plot summary because most of the other reviewers have done a great job at that. I will say the level of story-telling in this novel is excellent and it may very well be one of the best romance novels I've read in a while. Gunn takes her time with the story and ends up weaving a tale that makes you feel like you know these people and you root for them to find love. The characterization is rich and deep. The plot is the best of what character-driven novel can be. I loved this novel. When I first started reading I wonder how the author was going to work with Aiden's character. He could have come off a "creepy-stalker-dude" but instead he came off as a man with a deep, enduring, life-long love for not only his woman but his brother. I would love to meet the person who could finish this novel with a dry eye! It is truly a breathtaking, excellent, amazing work of art! Kudos Ms. Gunn! Well done!

Cajun Moon satisfied the need for a good story in me. Cajun Moon resonated. Everything about it, the characterizations, the settings, the emotional impact of the backstory all came together to form an exquisite reading experience. To all you seasoned multicultural romance readers out there: This book is like the one that got you hooked on romance in the first place. The story gets into your head and you find yourself reading at a slower pace toward the end because you don't want the story to be over. If you read the book's description you already know who the characters are: Sassiere "Sassy" Crillon has been Roux Robespierre's girl since they were old enough to know what puppy love was. They've been together for twenty years and engaged far too long in my opinion. Sassy catches him with his pants down and breaks off the engagement. It wasn't the first time she caught him cheating, after all. On the very night her heart is ripped in two she goes into hysterics and hits her head, knocking herself out. In her unconscious state she's rescued by Aiden Symonds who knows more about her than is normal for a perfect stranger (but we won't go into that)and taken home. It appears that Aiden has been waiting for the chance to pursue Sassy, and that night she fell into his arms. He will do everything to win her. In the meantime, Roux will do everything in his power to get her back. But what does Sassy want? Now, that's the question! Ms. Gunn has written a story that is multilayered and rich in tone and imagery. You will feel as if you're in New Orleans, San Francisco, NYC and Napa Valley. What's more, there is a mystery to be solved, and secrets to be revealed. You've got pathos, fiery passion, and a little bit of history to sink your teeth into.

Don't miss this excellent novel!

When I purchased "Cajun Moon", I did not know what to expect; however, as I began to read, I could hardly put it down, yet I had to slow myself down as I got toward the end. I so enjoyed each of the characters and I fell madly in love with Aiden. The descriptions of the various places in New Orleans were so precise that I wished I was there; and, the development of each character was such that I thought I knew them. As Aiden and Sassy danced to their favorite song, "The Very Thought of You", the tune began to resonate in my brain. I went to my computer and played the song and have added it to my list of songs to learn.

I was sooooo happy with the ending--I was afraid something crazy was going to happen to one of them and they would not be together. I loved Aiden's appeal to Sassy in San Francisco that it brought tears to my eyes (when a man loves a woman) wow!! And, in turn I loved Sassy's appeal to Aiden on the ski slope. What a great love story. That book stayed with me for several days, so that I could not begin to read anything else.

Congratulations on a great love story and a command of the English language and the ability to paint a picture/scene with words that held my attention to the very end. I had to slow myself down toward the end because wanted it to last forever.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Ivanhoe, who put the 'ho' in Ivanhoe. What a supportive and loving character!! And, I suspected toward the end that he was "the one".

Thank you Ms. Dunn for such a wonderfully written and entertaining book. All the best to you in your future endeavors and your "new characters".

I had to buy this book when my friend Nikki Shearer-Tilford told me that the story she wrote, I am My Sister's Keeper, had been published in this book. I read her story first, which I knew would be insightful and really touch my heart so deeply that I wanted to read more of her stories. I started reading the other stories and I felt good that we as African Americans can share our experiences so that the other cultures will have a better understanding of who we are as a people. We as a people have suppressed our emotions and feelings for so many centuries for fear of retribution by the dominant culture that the stories gave me a sense of joy and love to be able to finally write about our experiences on how we continue to overcome every day. Now we must share these stories with our children to strengthen them and show them the path that God has ordained for all of his children who step out on faith no matter where the road leads. I'm purchasing another book for a young lady I know who is feeling the pain and of others who are suffering and she doesn't know how to help them. I think the stories will encourage her and renew her faith in God.

I am still reading the my book, but so far have enjoyed it immensely. The book is the best I've read from the Chicken soup for the Soul writers. I've enjoyed all the materials they written. I've shared them with lots of my friends. But this one is Special. I've told my friends that they need to purchase this book. Most excellent educational reading stories.

I've just purchased Chicken Soup for the Soul Bible. It is excellent.

I had shunned the chicken soup series a few years ago. As inspirational as they were they were not representative of the diversity in the western world and too eurocentric. When I heard about this book I thought I'd give it a try and it's nice to read something different yet very inspirational at the same time. It helped me understand a culture different from mine yet similar at the same time. I hope a chicken soup for the south asian's soul will be next, profiling stories of those who trace their origins to the indian subcontinent and relating to their religions, cultural values and so forth in the north american context.

This collection of stories embraces African-American culture by nurturing the soul and encouraging one to excel in all things. The stories deal with our history, family, the power of praise and worship, lessons learned over time, triumph over controversies, accepting who you are and making a difference in the world. The stories will leave you feeling loved and filled with confidence about being African-American.

Everyone needs to read a warm, loving and inspiring story every now and then. All of the stories are uplifting, but there were a few that especially tugged at my heartstrings. "I Owe You an Apology" pays tribute to our African-American men by honoring their greatness instead of constantly complaining about their shortcomings. "Where's Your Notebook?" describes one father's weekly lessons to his sons, each family should be so involved. "The Lady at the Bus Stop" acknowledges the privilege of education while recognizing that someone else paved the way before her.

I plan on purchasing this book for all of my friends and family, as it is one to be shared. This is one to keep in your personal library, next to the bed or on your bookshelf at work and to hand down for generations. No matter what your problem, Chicken Soup for the African-American Soul can see you through.

Reviewed by Monique Bruner for Loose Leaves Book Review

I have read many in the chicken Soup for the Soul series and like me many of you might only buy the ones that seem to call to you like if your a mother you get the mother one and if your a sister you get that one etc... But I tell you this sometimes you learn your best lessons or gain more from books that are not in your normal realm of reading or that has a cultural background that is not the same as yours. I mention this because I am Caucasian/American Indian and I learned more and received more from this book in the series than any other one I have read. The stories made me laugh, cry and rejoice! Here are some of my favorites in the order in which I was moved by their stories... Confessions of an Ex-Con By Dennis Mitchell, Something Unbelievable (Mary Spio) , Ripples in the pond (Tyrone Dawkins) The Opening of a New World (Malcom X) Black Children DO read (Wade Hudson) Remembering Eric (Tracy-Clausell- Alexander) In Sickness and in Health ( Dorothy C. Randle) It Runs in the Family (Jarralynne Agee), Life After Death ( Ivonne Pointer).

As an avid reader and member of Oprah's book club I read a lot of books. "Confessions of an Ex-Con" by Dennis Mitchell was one of the most powerful stories I have ever read. WOW, talking about someone who has overcome obstacles and uses those experiences in his seminars to help others transform their lives! This book is a MUST read. My life has been forever changed for the better. Dennis Keep using the talents God has given you to make a difference.