African Books

I got this book at a reading festival that my school had. As sson as we left the festival, I started reading this book. I couldn't get my hands off it. When I finished it, 5 days later, I read it over again. Not only if this an adventure book, but it is also very inspiring.

Countdown Review

I liked this book because it taught that you may live in two different worlds but people can be the same in different ways. Elliot first found out that he was the first teen in space. But little did Elliot know that it would change his life forever. Vincent a young Maasai herder, That gets involved with white man. When Elliot went in to space that's when Elliot talked to Vincent for the first time ever. When Vincent talked to Elliot for the first time, they started fine. The minute Elliot started to make fun Vincent's god Engai, Then Vincent Started to make fun of Elliot's god. After several days of fighting on the radio, Vincent and Elliot learned their dads were not that different to each other. That's when Vincent's dad grew ill and needed a doctor in the Maasai land, Vincent needed Sembeke's help to cure his father. At the same time, the space shuttle Endeavor started to have problems on board. Therefore, the space shuttle and its crew had to make an emergency landing in Africa. When the authority heard, they flew Vincent to were the space shuttle would be landing. When Elliot herd he wanted to stay in space but he no choice, To meet Vincent. When the space shuttle landed, Vincent and Elliot meet each other in person. They both realized that they weren't so different after all even know they had different beliefs.
The reason people should read this book is it teaches you that you don't have to be brother or sisters to be alike. I recommend this book to anyone who is into social studies and likes different cultures. In addition, for people who just don't want to read, this would be a great book to just pass time. And for someone who doesn't like to read like me I would read it over and over.

I got this book after grocery shopping. I was looking in the multicultural section because I desperately needed a book for a project in school. I looked at it and I didn't really think it would be that great but it was so good that an hour later I was asking my mom to get me a new book! The ending wasn't that great but otherwise it was the best book! All of the charactors actions were surprising. I highly recomend this book!

Countdown by Ben Mikaelsen

People from different cultures fight about many things. They argue about their religious beliefs, their customs, and their style of dress. In Countdown, by Ben Mikaelsen, a Maasai herder, Vincent Ole Tome, says that junior astronaut Elliot Schroeder wears pants in order to trap his gas. In this way the two boys exchange insults about each other's practices during conversations between the Space Shuttle Endeavour and Vincent's home in Kenya, Africa. From a Montana ranch near Big Timber, Elliot, a fourteen year old dreamer, was selected to be the first junior astronaut in space. Vincent's teacher and friend, the doctor Sambeke, arranges conversations between Space Boy Elliot and the African boy using a ham radio. During their conversations the two teenagers find they have little in common. They disagree about almost everything from the clothes they wear to the way their gods look. Elliiot wears pants while Vincent dresses in a red toga, or sheet. Vincent believes that his God, Engai, is a black female with a beautiful bald head. Elliot imagines a god who is a white man with long brown hair and a beard. Due to a difficulty with the flight, Endeavour lands in Senegal, Africa, providing a chance for the two boys to meet. Shuttle Commander Beaman and Sambeke offer wise advice to the boys, suggesting they listen to one another other more carefully. They should get to know each other before jumping to conclusions.The boys forget that the entire world listens as they argue and learn about each other. We recommend this book to readers who dream about friendships developing between people of different cultures. Two separate lives, two separate stories combine into one by the end.

Review by Mrs. Murphy's fifth grade class in Cut Bank, Montana

I have used this book with my 7th graders for the last two years and I have had good results with my students. I stopped another book we were reading as a class right after September 11, 2001 and had my classes read this book. There are many great lessons in this book. The two boys are from different cultures, have different Gods, and different cultural beliefs. I used these topics to lead many interesting discussions not only about the book, but how our culture and other cultures see each other and have different ways of working out our differences. I HIGHLY recommend this book as a teacher.

Every so often you are impacted by a compelling act, word or deed. Crossings gave me much to think about. There are dozens of books I have read and they mostly have left my memory bank. Not this book, it made a lasting deposit. E-mail me about Birmingham Pledge: attempt to end racism.

I have always been very interested in the role of race in our society. There is no real answer to the questions of its importance, but Harrington does an exceptional job in giving his readers nonbiased, objective research. He travels the country interviewing many different African Americans in different socioeconomic backgrounds, regions, and lifestyles. It is incredibly interesting reading about their different beliefs on the subjects he brings up, and their openness to discuss these things also intrigues me. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about race, whether it is your own, or one you want to know more about.

This important work should not have disappeared from bookstore shelves, and should be on every thnking person's reading list. By the way, it is also a pleasure to read as Harrington is a gifted storyteller, the mark of a firs-rate reporter. Walt Harrington talks frankly of those differences in style which often separate, perplex, and offend us. White and black social styles are different, but we can deal with that.What we seem unwilling to confront, in our social policies and our private assumptions, are the much larger and harder-edged gulfs between economic classes. Harrington's realization that poor blacks and whites have more in common with one another than with the wealthy, and his analysis of barriers to individual success put up by economically stressed communities, as opposed to racially segregated communities were brilliant. I find myself constantly rethinking my own work in education and in community building based on his work. This book is a must read for every college sociology class, political science professor, and business school graduate.Some publisher out there must recognize the worth of this book. Everyone who has read it is ready to give a copy to at least 5 friends! We can all hope Oprah discovers this work and puts it on her list so that it will gain the audience Harrington deserves.

Walt Harrington has provided America with one of the best accounts of race and racism in this county. Through many interviews with black people around the country, Harrington provides a vivid picture of race in America. His most important point is that all black people do not share the same views on politics, economics, and racism. The only ciriticism that comes to mind is that his book is too optimistic. Harrington insinuates that one day racism can be overcome. This comes after countless off-the-collar, racist comments from various white people he meets (one from a young boy playing basketball). While we must continue to try, white racism seems an insurmountable obstacle.

I absolutely loved this book. What a journey? As an African Canadian I've had a long fascination with the history and lives of my brothers and sisters to the south. When I was very young I would pore over my father's old Ebony magazines from the 60s absorbing all the knowledge I could about people who I found incredibly complex, strong, loving, generous, heroic....The many stories of courage, achievement and triumph made me very proud. Walt Harrington's book has allowed me to continue my fascinating journey. Today I have many African-American friends who are often astonished with my knowledge of their history and culture. Harrington's book is one that every American should read. Mainly because it's not a book about African Americans, as much as it's a book about America. Every chapter is a journey into complexities of American culture and it's people. They say that the best stories are true - this book is living proof of that. The fact that Harrington is white, makes this journey all the more interesting. Him experiencing things for the first time that we as Black people have long been privvy to is often funny (in a sad way). There are many examples of the accepted ignorance that white privilege creates. However, we find Harrington asking himself questions that would be so easy to sugar coat with a great white liberal response, but he instead answers with the unexpected - brutal honesty (what you suspect he is thinking, but would never say). Some of Harrington's experiences and stories scrape the depths of despair (Chicago projects), while others show the will of a people (Oklohoma cowboys). Harrington is generous in his writing style, recreating Black people's lives and experiences with the greatest detail and vividness. Walt, thank you for your commitment to expanding your horizons and allowing others to be part of your journey - I enjoyed every minute of it. This book is one I look forward to revisiting.

I am several months late when I read about the death of Mrs. Katherine D. Jones. A tribute will be conducted at the Romance Slam James in Chicago (04/30/08) for one of my favorite romance writers. I am truly sorry to hear of her passing and am shocked to learn that 10 days (05/07/07) after her last blog entry online that she had died on 05/17/07. It's never too late to say a prayer, so Mrs. Jones family will be in my prayers.

The books just keep getting better and better and I love the fact that
Bee & Speights are not teenagers nor are they in there 20's and thirty's they are 40 plus and I like that someone thinks that the marvelously mature still knows romance altho this is the last book in the series and I hate to see it come to a close this book is pulitizer prize material.
It's hard hitting from the very begining to the end. I shall miss the the sec but they will live on in our hearts. And so will Katherine who will be dearly missed in our hearts.

Serious writers of fiction should always savor the initiative taken to be flexible in writing in other venues outside of their areas of expertise. The late author Katherine D. Jones had taken much more than this initiative in her debut book for an upcoming series entitled DANGEROUS DILEMMAS. From the beginning this book is hot! Do we have control over whom we fall in love with? This is a question asked for the benefit of group discussions for this book, but I found the question a perfect lead-in to giving an analogy to this superb page-turning delight. Set in the idyllic location of Hilton Head, South Carolina, this is a perfect backdrop for romance, and a bit of suspense to boot! Let me set the stage for the drama...

Kayla Williams is the owner of her family's successful restaurant where secondary characters and a plan to upgrade is much more than she ever realizes. Complicating things, and surely adding to the plot is the contrast between past and present lovers. David Sutton her ex-boyfriend, whom is adamant and jealous of her aspirations suddenly reappears with an agenda all his own; Cole Lewis, the sexy and alluring patron to the restaurant throws his hat into the ring of romantic interlude. Sexual fantasies notwithstanding, Kayla experiences trials and tribulations trying to deal with the advances of both, while fielding the steady recipient of angst not reminiscent of the wise counsel always given by her erstwhile parents. Headstrong and determined, she attempts to find balance to her quest, and still remain true to her heart. But can she? What price would she pay trying to resolve mind over matter? Who gets the upper hand to her heart, Cole or David? Cole the savvy, owner of Full Flava Magazine, is on a mission and knows a winner when he sees one. Counter to his new found desire is opportunistic ex-girlfriend, Shelia Pickwell who has plans of her own in furthering her career. A calculating alliance with someone close to the both of them proves to be the catalyst that may have a bearing on who gets whom, and why. The dangerous dilemmas that Cole, David, Kayla, and Shelia face are par for this course, just to see which one will have the final score to settle, or run win with.

I truly enjoyed this book inasmuch as most romance suspense novels tend to lean more to the romance side as opposed to adding more mystiques to storylines. The author did an outstanding job in entangling a maze for readers to weave while realizing that his may be the best book that they would read this year. Strong words from me, but then again, I know a good book when I read one! I also loved how her love scenes were real and believable with just the right amount to elicit being there! That element coupled with a good storyline, setting, and back-story lends credence to a story that is sure to delight readers in demanding more of this author's works. I recommend this book for many reasons not expressed therein. Katherine D. Jones in no longer with us, as the Lord has called her home. There's definitely no bias in my prior affiliation as a friend as it is in me giving you just one more outstanding book to your shelves! Read it and know her to be the writer as I did!

Kayla Williams is a successful fast food restaurant owner in downtown Hilton Head, SC. She is a single, sexy woman whose rocky love life with on again/off again boyfriend David Sutton, has gone from bad to worse. She has given David too many chances, but after his disappearing acts, womanizing and drinking become too much, she ends their relationship...or so she thinks. Cole Lewis is much more than a handsome face. The successful co-owner of a hip-culture magazine, he can have his pick of any woman. But Cole has been there and done that. His break up with ex-girlfriend, Cassandra Pickwell, shows him that women are nothing but trouble. He makes the decision to swear off women while he takes the time to work on promoting his magazine. But after one look at Kayla, there went that plan.

This is a spicy, romantic suspense and adventure. Cole Lewis, Mr. Special, is a regular at Williams Family Diner. Kayla Williams now owns the restaurant founded by her deceased parents. Cole is every woman's dream and Kayla is his dream. Both are hardworking, successful professionals; both are hurt and somewhat reserved due to bad relationships; but both are strongly attracted to each other. While the two of them try to develop a loving, trusting relationship their psychotic exes from hell try to run interference. To find love Cole and Kayle must overcome personal obstacles while overcoming Dangerous Dilemmas.

Kayla and Cole have both had erotic dreams and fantasies of one another and they finally make the fantasies come true. Kayla and Cole both are a little gun shy at first because of past bad relationships. A man from Kayla's past decides that he wants her back and will have her no matter what it takes. He takes the term stalker to a whole new level because he is a stalker with contacts that messes with her personal and business finances. An old girlfriend of Cole's adds to the mix and all hell breaks loose. Great read that will have you on the edge of your seat until the end.

Ms. Dunbar did an excellent job in character development. Everyone can relate to Tina's growing up and finding her way through life's many surprises. It's a real eye-opener to see how middle class black folks live without violence and do have normal lives. Part of the fun and excitement of this novel was contemplating Tina's next move, and the excitement of seeing where Bruce's heart will eventually land. I could have wished for more pages to see the outcome for Tina and Bruce, but I can wait for the next novel. An excellent up all night read.

Reading "Dangling on a String" is much like watching a terrific romance movie. Each chapter of this intriguing novel flows smoothly into the next chapter which made it difficult to lay down. It as also delightful reading about African-Americans, portrayed as having moral values...no different than other races of people. The segment of events are so realistic that I felt like each chapter was quoting the life of someone I actually know. "Dangling on a String" is a MUST READ for both the romantic and the non-romantic reader.

I found it difficult to put this book down. It had all the ex- citement of a love story without it being too mushy. At the same time it read as a mystery because the the book kept me wondering if Tina would be able to overcome her feelings of dejection and depression. . I liked the way the author gave the readers an insight of Tina's background as a young lady because it showed that coming from a family with strong beliefs and moral values , it helped Tina to have the strength to overcome her sense of worthlessness and evolve as an independent, strong female.

Tina could be anyone of the thousands of young, Afro-American Women in our society who face rejection, divorce and single parenting. I believe the book is best at pulling the reader into the character of Tina and allowing us to see the Tina in all of us.

Ms. Dunbar did an excellent job in character development. Everyone can relate to Tina's growing up and finding her way through life's many surprises. It's a real eye-opener to see how middle class black folks live without violence and do have normal lives. Part of the fun and excitement of this novel was contemplating Tina's next move, and the excitement of seeing where Bruce's heart will eventually land. I could have wished for more pages to see the outcome for Tina and Bruce, but I can wait for the next novel. An excellent up all night read.

The heroine, Tina, is as intriguing as any notable J. California Cooper character we've ever encountered. Gloria Dunbar, the author, weaves a tale that smacks of "mother-wits" virtues. We cry, laugh, and dream with Tina; Bruce, the duckling who becomes a swan; Cassandra, a very wise {"kiss my butt, World"} friend, and a host of other people, and I deem them people_not characters in this "up all night reading novel"! Folks, you'll love and relate to this wonderful tale.

Yusef Komunyakaa uses such beautiful language to describe the horrors of war that it draws the reader in allowing us to almost see and feel what these young men experienced in the frightening and chaotic days of Vietnam. This work is written with intense emotion and love. It should be read by every American.

Dien Cai Dau by Yusef Komunyakaa is an artistic display of visual imagery through his writing. Komunyakaa's graphic depictions and strong language stem from emotionally charged subjects and lend themselves unselfishly to the works in this book. Since Komunyakaa served in the Vietnam War as a wartime correspondent, his ties to the detail and imagery that he displays in this book are unquestionable. The author allows the reader a safe passage back to the time and place of one of the most tragic wars in American history by painting individual pictures through each one of his poems. Komunyakaa gives the reader an opportunity to experience the knee-buckling power that war lends to a man's life. The chance to understand what might have been going through someone's head at that time and place is too good to pass up, even if you are not a war poetry fan.

There is more to Dien Cai Dau than just war. In this book of poetry, there is both powerful and graceful imagery. The poetry may depict a harsh or solemn scene; however, the imagery allows the reader to experience that scene to the fullest extent. Take for example this excerpt from "Roll Call"- "The perfect row aligned/with the chaplain's cross/ while a metallic-gray squadron/ of sea gulls circled" (p.15, 10-13). The poem that this image comes from is referring to a respect filled tradition that each platoon had of calling roll for those soldiers who had fallen in battle. The "metallic-gray squadron/ of sea gulls" (12-13) lends the notion of a fly-by of military planes, which is often done to honor those who have passed away or to commemorate a special occasion. Allowing nature, in this case the sea gulls, to honor those who fight to protect the land and rights of those who cannot protect themselves gives this poem a powerful meaning.
Another image that the author paints in our minds is that of the veteran after the war has ended. "Sometimes I can hear them/ marching through the house, /closing the distance. All/ those lonely beds take me back" (16-19). These lines allow the reader not only to see what a veteran would see, but also see why a veteran would not share his past as the author states in lines 13-15. It is with this type of imagery the author gives the reader a glimpse into the mind, heart and soul of a soldier who has been in war.

The type imagery displayed in "Roll Call" is rampant amongst the poems in this book. The demonstration of artistic writing and imagination that Komunyakaa shows in Dien Cai Dau is incredible. There are those who have never seen war and write as if they had, Komunyakaa lived this experience which allows him to put his visions of the battle field and of the somber results on the pages of his book. The strong imagery, life and emotion that Komunyakaa shows in this book are what make this book of poetry so fantastic.

The poetic memoirs of Yusef Komunyakaa in the book "Dien Cai Dau" are based upon the poet's various experiences overseas during the Vietnam War. "Dien Cai Dau" is a superb collection of wartime poetry. Yusef Komunyakaa is a Pulitzer Prize winning author who served in the Vietnam War as a correspondent and editor for a newspaper. The aesthetic imagery Komunyakaa uses within his collection of Vietnam War poetry wonderfully captures the explosive scenery and experiences gathered throughout his time spent over there during combat. This is a collection of Vietnam War time poetry well worth reading.

During one of the more impressive poems within the collection, "Somewhere Near Phu Bai," Komunyakaa and the speaker expresses his nighttime duty of watching the placement of the claymore mines. The claymore mines were being monitored because the enemy was known to rotate the grass floor bombs around, so upon engagement, they would blast onto the opposite forces instead of the enemy's. The poem begins with the line "The moon cuts through night trees like circular saw white hot" (1). The ominous image of the white moon cutting through the dark sky like a saw corresponds with the jagged, gloomy evening. The image of a moon is repeated throughout the poem as the speaker/man on duty describes "The white-painted backs of the Claymore mines like quarter moons." (14,15,16). Through repetition of the imagery Komunyakaa engrains the shadowy image of the night moon, and the fatal image of the bombs being shaped like moons as well. This is an effective correlation, because readers associate the night with the moonlike mines as does the speaker whose orders are to observe the mines. The claymore mines become his night. Comparisons and correlations like this occur throughout the collected poems allowing the audience to experience along with the speaker each wartime event. This is one of the wonderful attributes within Komunyakaa's writing because he really invites the reader to engage himself or her within the book.

Many of Komunyakaa's poems within his war poetry collection depict circumstances in which he remembers events during the war, and the recollections of these events reflect his emotions gathered during these experiences. Through the speaker's emotional stance, the book is successful in gathering an emotional response from the reader. The poet's ability to gather such emotional contact and responses from the reader constructs a memorable literary work. One brilliant poem within the book, "Roll Call," achieves the idea of gathering an emotional response from the audience. The poem describes a day in which a platoon of troops honors those that were killed during combat. The bodies are missing so the living war buddies are "lined up for reveille, ready to roll-call each M-16 propped upright between a pair of jungle boots, a helmet on its barrel as if it were a man" (4,5,6,7,8,9). The image of the surviving men "burying" their dead invites an emotional response from the reader. A response that is formulated on how one feels when a solider dies during combat.

This is powerful poetry, so much that when I read it I feel like I'm there, watching him and the surroundings that he witnessed in his mind so well.

Some of his metaphors are almost magical in their quality, their effusiveness, and ability to draw you in. It's also helped by the fact that very few poets write about war like this. Sure, there've been the I Rhyme, You Die poets from the civil war or other periods of history, but nothing like this.

He talks about the soldier's main preoccupation: women, home, warm smiles, grenades, RPG's, and dying--of course. All the while you know that there's this inherent sadness he can't talk about while he's a soldier. That's what makes these poems run so deep. I especially liked the poem "Thanks". It was heartbreaking for me.

It's beautiful reading about these scars, sad as they may be. Being a Soldier is a tough man's job, and hopefully people will read this book of poems and realize that.

Yusef Komunyakaa is the kind of poet that wins people over with his honesty. I agree with Adam from Mercer Island when he says that "This is powerful poetry, so much that when I read it I feel like I'm there, watching him and the surroundings that he witnessed in his mind so well." The most impressive aspect of Komunyakaa's poetry is his ability to create realistic visual images within the mind of the reader. The poet does, as Adam from Mercer Island mentioned, make the reader feel as if they are a part of the moment. The connection created allows the reader to fully understand the depth of meaning in each poem. There are several poems within Dien Cai Dau that accurately depict this concept.
The poem "A Greenness Taller Than Gods" is an excellent example of Komunyakaa's use of imagery. The poem begins with, "When we stop,/a green snake starts again/through deep branches./Spiders mend webs we marched into./Monkeys jabber in flame trees,/" (1-5) It is evident from the opening lines that Komunyakaa has a talent for creating visual images. It is like the reader is there with his platoon marching through the jungle and taking orders from the point man. In each of his poems, Komunyakaa also shows the fragile side of the soldiers. In "A Greenness Taller Than Gods", the speaker conveys this fragility by voicing the fears of the soldier. Lines 9-12 state, "The lieutenant puts on sunglasses/& points to an X circled/on his map. When will we learn/to move like trees moves?". The soldier struggles to move like trees knowing full well that it is not possible to do so. The reader gets the idea that the soldiers attempted to do many things that verged on impossible, which causes the reader to sympathize with their situation. Another poem that causes the reader to sympathize with the speaker of the poem is "You and I are Disappearing".
In "You and I are Disappearing", the poet is describing a scene that most people would never want to see in their lifetime. The opening lines state, "The cry I bring down from the hills/belongs to a girl still burning/inside my head. At daybreak/she burns like a piece of paper." (1-4). The visual image created here is vivid, although disturbing. The poet goes on to use several similes to further describe the state of the burning girl. The picture that is painted in the mind of the reader is graphic and forces the reader to understand what the soldiers of Vietnam had to witness and take part in. The poem is a successful attempt at portraying the depravity of the Vietnam War.
Along with Adam from Mercer Island, I too enjoyed the poem "Thanks". This poem creates some very realistic visual images and makes the reader think long and hard about luck and fate. The speaker of the poem is a soldier who is thanking whomever was responsible for him living through the war. Although I agree with Adam from Mercer Island in that the poem is touching, I do not see how it would be heartbreaking. I believe that the overall feel of the poem is encouraging. It makes the reader feel like there is always someone or something watching out for those that we care about when they are at war. I think that "Thanks" is one of the most uplifting poems in the entire book.
Other than the visual images that Komunayaa creates, another strong aspect to his poetry is the way in which he looks at war. As Adam from Mercer Island describes, "He [Komunyakaa] talks about the soldier's main preoccupation: women, home, warm smiles, grenades, RPG's, and dying-of course.". In the poem "Between Days", the poet speaks of a mother whose son has died in the war. The woman does not want to face the fact that she has lost her son, therefore she pretends like he is still going to come home. This aspect of war, the ones left behind, is not a popular subject for war poetry. The poem is such an accurate portrayal of the things that mothers must feel when they lose their sons in battle. The heartbreak is so hard to bear that they just avoid the situation all together. The poet depicts the scene in lines 6-13 by saying, "The room is just as he left it/fourteen years ago, everything/freshly dusted and polished/with lemon oil. The uncashed/death check from Uncle Sam/marks a passage in the Bible/on the dresser, next to the photo/staring out through the window.". Komunyakaa portrays the woman as holding on when war is thought to be about letting go. The woman is faithful to her son even after fourteen years and the situation is both encouraging and heartbreaking. Encouraging in the sense that the woman is still willing to wait for her son and won't cash his death check, but heartbreaking in that the reader knows that one day she is going to have to face the fact that her son is gone.
Komunyakaa's poetry is inspiring. He takes war and puts it into images and concepts that even someone who has never and will never experience war can relate to.
Each poem takes a different look at the Vietnam War, or just war in general, which allows the reader to better understand the situations and feelings that come with fighting in a war. Komunyakaa is an excellent poet and truly has a gift for connecting to his audience. Dien Cai Dau is a powerful book of poetry that uses imagery to connect the reader to the speaker in each poem which, in turn, will bring a new understanding of the Vietnam War to anyone who reads it.

Rachel Bagby is a gift to the tribe of women of the world. She demonstrates how the earth heals when women sing. Anything by Rachel Bagby is a great offering to oneself. It is also an excellent choice for a loved one.

A Masterpiece! Rachel, just thank you. For your sweet words, your raw nature, your goddess essence as it eminates across these pages - these fallen trees, that serve the purpose of bringing such a timely message to bare. What you have captured is at the heart of woman, the core of daughterness. May all women know to turn to these pages. May we all come to understand the kind of freedom, of liberation offered in these dancing pages of your tale. For all women you have answered the call. May we listen to what you are truly saying. May we free our tongues, give rise to our sounds. You give possibility a chance to live. . .thank you for holding the vision. Thank you for dreaming us into tomorrow.
I reccommend this to all daughters who are searching for true life, for their authentic selves. Rachel risks showing all aspects, her very multi-demensional nature so that we might become more accepting of ourselves. Her eloquent soundings invite us all to step into our skins and celebrate what we discover. Her book is an invitation, a beckoning. . .I pray more women find Rachel's voice, and use her words as a jumping off point! May we all be so free to find our rhythm, our true nature wanting to live us.

Divine Daughters kept me company on a recent cross-country plane trip. Tired as I was from travleing, book-touring, lecturing, etc., it was impossible for me to put this book down. It is more than an autobiography. It is a story for all daughters (As the author points out, all women are duahgters whatever else we are). Rachel writes to the bone and beyond, to the heart of the heart and the core of the creative self. Her love affair with sound, music, rhythm and life is infectious. In this book she rocks, rolls, muses, soothes and sets the soul on fire. Don't miss out on this one.

I understand Rachel's larger message about the divinity of daughters, all daughters, and the plight of all daughters. To tell her story, she both had to and chose to use her self--and all the life experiences of her self--as empirical evidence.

Her empirical evidence is compelling, profound, and sort of "fetching"; it's wrapped in intimacy, truth, and simplicity. There is something so genuine about it, and even now. . .so amazingly innocent. These things make it impossible not to be drawn deeply to her, to her story. Perhaps my greater truth is that her writing makes me reflect first on my own life in a deeply penetrating way, but soon after, I find I am filled with empathic connections to her life.

The lucky ones will be able to move beyond this place (her memoirs), and embrace the essence of her empirical data to be brought to a new place of understanding about the divinity of women. This is a place larger than her academic accomplishments, childhood family dynamics, sexual assault, life on the streets, or her husband's infidelity.

Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, not every woman (or man) is going to get that, and it is truly bittersweet because to present her empirical evidence any differently would be to take away from the significance of the data that supports her thesis.

It may be called Divine Daughters, but divine sons will also find themselves relating to the meat of what Rachel Bagby has to sing and this book does read like a song. Each chapter is preluded with a musical notation of the author's original music; each chapter peppered with lyrics and poems, pertinent and practical. It doesn't stop there, the poetry leaps into the prose and you only wonder - where's the live music? After reading Divine Daughters, I feel compelled to take advantage of Mother's and Father's Day, heck even phone calls home as opportunities to collect the family stories, the bone and marrow of my upbringing. As a baby boomer with aging parents, I am motivated by this book to get my act in gear, to fast forward the healing of the human species. And that starts right here with myself. And my family. This book is a compassionate guide to that wholing process.

Los Angeles Times, July 29, 1990
"DOMINO teaches the chants, clap patterns and jump - rope songs of the Virgin Islands, with a cassette recorded on playgrounds of St. Croix by author Karen S. Ellis; the syncopated rhythms are irresistible, and some of the lyrics quite salty."

The Orff Echo, Fall 1990, page 44
"All material is clearly presented with precise and easy-to-understand directions for the games and dances. To maintain authenticity, the words of the songs are written in a mixture of standard English and Cruzian, the dialect of St. Croix. A glossary is provided to assist with unfamiliar words and phrases. Especially interesting is the author's account of her use of an Orff Schulwerk-based approach to teach language skills to the children in a small island town. The accompanying cassette tape, available separately, includes nearly all of the items in the book, most of it performed by the children themselves. No one should miss the priceless rendition of "Ding Dong."

The Midwest Book Review, May 26, 1990

An oversized paperback with spiral binging and a 35 minute audio cassette introduce both adult and child listeners to traditional children's songs and proverbs from the American Virgin Islands, providing a unique opportunity to absorb the culture and sounds of an area which has received relatively little attention.
An oversized paperback and 35 minute cassette provides a unique opportunity to absorb the culture and sounds of an area which has received relatively little attention. More than just another ethnic song collection, the tape alone holds merit, the paperback/tape package is recommended above each singly: the book is an essential enhancement to the tape, offering a political and cultural review of the Virgin Islands, teaching advice to teachers who may be considering the tape and workbook for classroom use, and illustrated musical instructions and score sheets for the tape's songs. The small black and white photos of the children at play are particularly intriguing."

Come-All-Ye, Vol. II No. 2, Summer 1990 A Review Journal for publications in the fields of Folklore, American Studies, Social History and Popular Culture. "It is a thoroughly delightful compilation, of interest to folklorists, teachers and everybody else can enjoy it."

"An oversized paperback and 35 minute cassette provides a unique opportunity to absorb the culture and sounds of an area which has received relatively little attention. More than just another ethnic song collection, the tape alone holds merit, the paperback/tape package is recommended above each singly: the book is an essential enhancement to the tape, offering a political and cultural review of the Virgin Islands, teaching advice to teachers who may be considering the tape and workbook for classroom use, and illustrated musical instructions and score sheets for the tape's songs. The small black and white photos of the children at play are particularly intriguing."

Jim Cox Midwest Book Review

Dr. John Rickford Ph.D (1997, Feb. 28) Dept of Linguistics, Stanford University

I recieved Domino, and was impressed both by the book and the tape. It was enjoyable for my wife Angela and I--the similarities with so many songs we knew growing up in Guyana were so striking, especially for Angela. (As your photos show, these clap patterns and circle songs are more popular with girls than boys.) For instance, for "Brown Girl in the Ring," we sing, "There's a Colored girl in the ring, etc" and end with "She likes sugar, and I like plum!"

WRT the "Congo Saw" proverb on page 22--I'm pretty sure this is the same as the "Conguseh" we have in Guyana, meaning "gossip," so the proverb really means that gossip is worse, more harmful than working obeah. See the entry for _congosa_ in Allsopp's wonderful, just released _Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage_ (Oxford U Press).

Also, the wording for Mother Goose on page 39 seemed to us perhaps to be "Come look a me ya" ("Come look at me here") but it wasn't so clear. This is a wonderful achievement, Karen, and the kids must have LOVED the attention and interest you showed in them and their songs. I bet they missed you when you left.

This book, like other books in the Eat Smart series, guides the reader/traveler through the food history, best dishes, and regional favorites of the country. I loved having this while in Morocco, because I had a good idea what to order wherever I went. The book also gives you the phrases you need to both read the menu and order. It's simply an invaluable guide for those who consider food a major part of the adventure of travel.

I've been a fan of Joan Peterson's "Eat Smart" series ever since I discovered "Eat Smart in Turkey" and "Eat Smart in Brazil" in the 1990s. Now Ms. Peterson has come out with a new guide to the foods and foodways of Morocco, a country whose history is reflected in its richly varied cuisine influenced by nomadic Berbers, Arab conquerors, Sephardic Jewish settlers, and French colonialists. As the author states in the Preface, "What better way to get to know a culture than through its cuisine?"

This highly informative book provides an overview of Morocco's history, an in-depth look at the country's national and regional foods, and a selection of Moroccan recipes from appetizers to desserts, with color photographs of many of the dishes. But "Eat Smart in Morocco" is much more than an introduction to the culinary cultures of this fascinating country. It's also a practical guidebook that you'll want to take along on your next trip to Morocco.

One chapter gives helpful phrases (with their pronunciation) for use in restaurants and food markets. An extensive Menu Guide lists menu items alphabetically, with a description of each dish, followed by a Foods & Flavors Guide with a comprehensive list (and explanation) of Moroccan ingredients, spices, kitchen utensils, and cooking terminology. An extensive bibliography and very good index round out this book.

"Eat Smart in Morocco" is an indispensable companion for the intelligent traveler who is interested in that country's foods-and for anyone who wants to know what, and how, to eat in a Moroccan restaurant. Don't go to Morocco without it! Highly recommended. ----- Sharon Hudgins, author of "The Other Side of Russia: A Slice of Life in Siberia and the Russian Far East"

Joan Peterson, the culinary mistress of the EAT SMART series, returns to feed our continuing love affair with foreign foods and flavors in her latest book, Eat Smart in Morocco. As much a travel guide as it is a cookbook, Peterson shares her knowledge of the history and cultural significance of native dishes as well as the traditions and secrets of Moroccan cooks. Her culinary tribute to the land and its people should be part of an official welcome packet given to every foreign visitor when they first step on Moroccan soil. As she writes, "What better way to know a culture than through its cuisine." Particularly helpful to travelers are her bilingual menu, and food and flavor guides. Whether you're a novice or experienced traveler, Eat Smart in Morocco is the perfect reference for a memorable culinary journey. --Kimberly Ouhirra, President, Exotica Oils, Inc.

"Eat Smart in Morocco" uses significant historical facts to trace the rich culinary treasures of Morocco and its land. Readers can become more familiar with the culture and civilization through this guidebook and delight themselves with recipes from various contributors. The guidebook confirms that we can touch the heart of another culture through the flavors of its food and experience a gastronomic journey.
----Rafih Bengelloun, chef/owner of the Imperial Fez restaurant in Atlanta

This book is one of a type I was not familiar with: books for travelers who are also "foodies", that is, people for whom trying the local food is one of their main pleasures while traveling.

This book will let foodies explore Morocco's rich and unique cuisine in thier homes before leaving via descriptions of both the food and its context, and it even provides recipes to try first. Once in Morocco, there is a directory of regional cuisine, and a menu guide with transliterated Arabic names of dishes to help in ordering. I find Moroccan food some of the world's best and most varied, and this book makes it accessible to everyone.

I've traveled and worked in Morocco off and on for the last 35 years, and can attest that the recipes and descriptions are well-researched and accurate. Readers should enjoy this book, as a travel guide or as a 'virtual' trip to Morocco.

A Fantastic and Inspiring Book. Elston Howard was a great man who had guts and charisma. This is a must read for ALL baseball fans and even non baseball fans! Enjoy!

MRS HOWARD AND MR WIMBISH DO A SUPERB JOB IN TELLING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF FORMER YANKEE GREAT ELSTON HOWARD. ELSTON DESERVED A MUCH LONGER LIFE. THIS IS WRITTEN WITH MUCH HONESTY AND SENSITIVTY. . FROM THE JIM CROWE LAWS TO ARROGANCE AND PREJUDICE, ELSTON HOWARD FACED MANY BARRIERS ALONG THE WAY TO STARDOM. HE WAS QUITE A PLAYER AND DESERVED MUCH MORE RECOGNITION. THIS BOOK BEAUTIFULLY DESCRIBES THE TRADGEDY, TURMOIL, AND TRIUMPHS THAT CAME TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY. A MUST READ FOR ALL YANKEE FANS AND HISTORIANS OF BASBALL. A GREAT READ.

I enjoyed this book tremendously. It's not just a well written story, but it seems to give true insight to life inside the Yankees during one the franchise's most notable eras. Mickey, Yogi, Elston and company made history together. Arlene stood tall in her role as the first black Yankee wife and Elston prevailed with honor and sportsmanship during these difficult transitional years. Mrs. Howard and Mr. Wimbish's collaboration deserves kudos and more readers. Even long suffering Red Sox fans (just like me!) won't be disappointed.

The story of Elston Howard's climb through the baseball ranks during the height of the Jim Crowe laws is not to be missed by anyone who likes baseball or history. His widow Arlene sees his great rise and tragic end to a debilitating disease with the eyes of an old-fashioned story-teller: passionate and dispassionate, an actor on the stage and an observer from the audience. A must read for baseball fans, black history buffs, and those who want to know what it was like to live inside a separate America during one of its greatest and worst eras.

For those of us who grew up in the 50's with the Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants all in New York, it is a great story evocative of those days told from with a fine eye and keen perspective. A must read for young and old alike - a story that should never be forgotten. Elston Howard's widow is direct and unsparing in this straight forward narrative of their life together with Baseball.

The book is well written and unlike most books I've read, incorporates a multifaceted approach to self improvement. It teaches us to love appreciate and ourselves unconditionally, celebrating our beauty both inside and out. I disagree, however, with some of the advice found in the last chapter of the book on "spiritual power". Although the tips are well-intended, I believe they strayed too far in the religious direction. According to this book, one must know that God's "a given" and the truth that "We are all connected to the omnipotent, omnipresence called the Creator." In my opinion, this book could have remained more secular in this respect.

Finally a book that celebrates the beauty of Black women in every shape, size, and shade. This book, filled with stunning photographs of beautiful Black women, offers practical advice on hair care, skin care, nutrition, exercise, and self-care. Not just a cosmetic make-over, but a total body make-over. There are recipes and tips for creating a luxurious in-home spa environment with ingredients you may already have in you home. It's like having the indispensible information in every issue of Essence, right at your finger tips.

Finally a will written and thought out book for a person thats in the dark. A informative book that gives you your own spa at home. Complete with a little spirit and fitness for the soul. It has all the advice of a big sister. Thank You For Time You Put Into This Grreat Book!

The creators of Essence magazine have put together a beautiful, informative coffee table book for black women to better their mind, body and souls. Filled with exquisite color photos and easy to understand information will keep you reading in one sitting.

A must-have for the Essence woman's bookshelf.

I love it!

The Essence Total Makeover book is wonderful. It provides all kinds of insights into black skin and hair care. The illustrations and pictures are great. I have always had questions about my skin and how to care for it. I have finally found the answers to my skin and make-up care questions. Thank you, Essence, for writing a beauty book for African American women.