African Books

Anthropologies are a great way to review various books - fiction and non-fiction - in a specific category. "Black Like Us" opened my mind to new authors (such as Richard Bruce Nugent) that I would have never inquired about. I suggest this anthropology to anyone who is wants to know more about LGBT African-American novelist. The best thing is that the book is divided into chronological parts. The introduction to each part - Harlem Renaissance, Contemporary Writers, etc - is a must read. You get a history lesson, excerpts and brief bios of each author and time period. A MUST READ.

The popularity of African American same gender loving (SGL) fiction in this new century owes much to the wordsmiths of the previous one hundred years. Twentieth century black lesbian, gay and bisexual authors of fiction began writing in codes as complex as underground railroad communiqué, stepped tepidly out of the closet during the Harlem Renaissance, sought Eurohomocentric inclusion as late as the early 1990's, then burst out in full proud Africentric glory in the last half dozen years prior to the new millennium.

Black Like Us charts this evolution deftly. Although its editors-college professors and editors of works that meditate the writings of Huey P. Newton, Gore Vidal and Bayard Rustin-suggest a work heavy on academics, Black Like Us goes beyond its inferred pedigree.

From the turn-of-the-twentieth century writings of color-conscious Alice Dunbar-Nelson (Paul Lawrence Dunbar's lesbian ex-wife) to the unselfconscious pride and Africentricity of major SGL contemporary celebrities E. Lynn Harris, James Earl Hardy, and Marci Blackman, we are treated to 36 fascinating biographical sketches, each followed by telling writing samples.

Richard Bruce Nugent, the most identifiably gay writer of the Harlem Renaissance, is aptly represented by an excerpt from his hauntingly beautiful "Smoke, Lilies, and Jade" (1925) while Baldwin is wisely showcased by an excerpt from "Another Country" (1962) instead of the obvious "Giovanni's Room."

Langston Hughes' 1963 short story "Blessed Assurance" is a joyful glimpse into the life of a `brilliant queer' church boy while E. Lynn Harris breaks ground and gives voice to contemporary closeted and "questioning" African American gay and bisexual men who strive for self-acceptance in an excerpt from his debut novel "Invisible Life" (1991).

The works and lives of Alice Walker, Countee Cullen, Audre Lorde, Melvin Dixon, Thomas Glave, Jewelle Gomez, and Shay Youngblood, to name a few, are tightly presented in 555 potent pages.

Although a book as ambitious as this should be applauded for its rich historical, cultural and anecdotal detail, the omission of Penny Mickelbury, noted contemporary lesbian author of 8 popular out-of-the-closet crime novels, is glaring and baffling.

Nonetheless the SGL 36 showcased here, their carefully selected literary samples, and their equally as fascinating lives and times, comprise a work both vital and entertaining.

This is a bookshelf requisite for both hetero- and homosexual appreciators of Black Literature and culture in deference or even indifferent to sexual nature. It will gather little dust.

Black Like Us is a must have for those who love history and literature--gay, straight, black, white or otherwise. The introductory essays alone are worth the price of admission. B.L.U. is an instant classic.

In this world of the politically correct parry, it's good to know that the folks at Cleis Press do not suffer from the "me too" school of publishing. With BLU, readers are taken on an omnibus of writers that expand traditional boundaries of race and sexual preference. And it's about time. If you care about expanding your consciousness and folks who seek to shed light where there was none or little, then get a copy of BLU and get on the bus.

Black Like Us should be on every bookshelf of people of color. I was born in Harlem and raised in Brooklyn; my affinity for the Harlem Renaissance period is strong even today. Each chapter is divided from the1900ýs ý 2000, and they are appropriately named. A small biography is placed before the excerpt and what book it was taken from.

Devon W. Carbado sectioned the book into different time periods.During the Protest Era a quote jumped off the pages at me "To be white male in America and realize your gayness and find out your opressed is a very different thing than being oppressed all your life as a woman of color." In Harlem during the 1920ýs we witnessed a cultural firecracker with books like never before. I wonder how many of those books were written from Wallace Thurman's boarding house at 136th Street called the ýNiggerati Manor?ý There is an American Folk saying; if you want to keep something secret from black folks put it between the covers of a book. Nowadays that is not the case. With titles like Black Like Us and The Greatest Taboo by Delroy Constantine curiosity is winning. Black Like Us makes me feel proud of the many literary giants included in this work, empowering and sending us love.

It is the stories and quotes from this book that will keep Black Like Us as a reference tool on reader's shelves for years to come. Julie Blackwomon offers an excerpt from Voyages Out 2 titled "Symbols," a short story that reflects Julie's own life. She makes a very intriguing statement, "coming out of the closet is more than just a "gay thing" It is my hope that authors like these in Black Like Us help to cease the homophobia in the gay and heterosexual African American community. I thoroughly enjoyed this treasure and how it examines literature.

When someone comes to me with a difficult research line and is stumped, I recommend that they take the time to read Tony's book. It is well-written and serves as an excellent resource for ALL genealogists, Black or otherwise!

Black Roots delivers far beyond the stated expectations. Not only is it a one of a kind comprehensive guide for the new genealogist, but serves as a corrective resource for the more advanced researcher. Unlike traditional guides, Mr.Burroughs'largely first person, experiential accounts are so genuine, that he effortlessly, fervently and even humorously, challenges the reader to explore self, family and the human experience in general. He sets forth thirty-four(34) "traps" that the beginning genealogist should avoid, which is a unique feature to a genealogical guide. Traps are interspersed throughout the chapters and reviewed together in the appendix. One can surmise that some of these traps evolved from Mr. Burroughs' early personal blunders. Although the Book's title addresses African American research, his expert advice transcends culture/ethnicity.

Black Roots borders on over-kill; so, readers who shy away from intensity may not get beyond the first twenty-five pages. Mr. Burroughs states that his book is limited in scope, yet he leaves no stone unturned. His dictate for scientific methodology, discipline and tenacity throughout, may be somewhat intimidating to the faint hearted new researcher who thinks genealogy is "merely a hobby". Although he shares plenty of motivational lifts such as "Have fun and Don't give up", some may not see any amusement in the phrase,"the study of..." On the other hand, it would be difficult not to be trapped by Mr. Burroughs' fire and passion for the study of...genealogy.

Tony Burroughs provides myriad of valuable information that all African-American genealogists need. Beginners and experienced researchers alike can benefit from this informative read.

Tony Burroughs shares an exilirating experience of his journey regarding genealology research and findings. This book will lead you to greater heights! I found the book to be one of the most valuable pieces of information regarding my genealogy research. It lead me to find my family in Washington, Louisiana back to 4 generations. It was the most rewarding project that I ever encountered! What an awesome journey!

This is the best source for black genealogy that I have read. It was an easy read and hard to put down. Mr Burroughs gave good explanations and used interesting examples. When he introduced a new concept, he explained it thoroughly and gave an example of why or why not to do whatever he was explaining. I learned a lot of good habits from this book, especially about documenting sources. If you are planning to become a professional genealogist, this book is a good beginning and an excellent reference for your genealogy library. I know I am going to buy it and have already referred several others (who are beginners to genealogy) to read it and/or purchase it.

Andre Coleman's book Blackbirds Vol. 1 is a wonderful book about an
average African American family in the 50's. Through the eyes of the
McCray family we will see a part of history that we should never forget.

Mr. Coleman's book is a very powerful book and should be read by all
ages. He has a unique writing style that will keep you wanting more.

D.I.V.A.S. in Training! Book Club gave this book 5 stars! (KC Girlfriends Book Club's book club for AA high school aged girls)

Please follow the MrCray family through all seven volumes. Blackbirds
Volume 2 is due to release Spring 2008.

TaNisha Webb
KC Girlfriends Book Club President

Cons: A copyeditor could've easily covered the comma and line break issues. I was starting to get frustrated with Leona punking Robert repeatedly. In the beginning, it seemed odd for him to be such a pushover, especially within that time period.

Pros: I put cons up to show that I'm an unbiased reviewer, but regardless of that fact, I bought this book 100% because I really enjoyed Andre Coleman's last book. I didn't even know what the book was about, and I expected to like it, so I guess I'm not as unbiased as I thought I'd be. When I started reading it, my eyes widened. I don't know if I could have found a more fitting novel to read the past three days while I sat on a bus headed to Jena, Louisiana for the Jena 6 rally. I had no idea that this book was about racism in Louisiana and one family having to face the fear of taking on a town by defending their own, but as soon as my pupils met the words, I was off! This book gave me even more motivation to chant--not just for the Jena 6, but reflecting on the issues that were covered in this book that were so true to form (regardless of the book being fiction) that I could not avoid the emotions as I read. The incident with the flour and fights made me shake my head, pump my fist, and hope Lincoln's comments really did come true in regards to Franklin.

The uncomfortable part about Coleman's story was again, although it was supposed to be fiction, considering where I was headed, it's not like I could avoid the atmosphere of racism, hate, belittlement, hanging, and Black people having to make live or die decisions on a daily basis just because of the color of their skin. This novel had an eerily interesting plot, my nose was stuck in it every single time my group took bathroom breaks or between traveling to various rallies in LA, and finally people asked me what was it about this book that had me wrapped up in it. I recommended this book so much you'd have thought I got commission on it, but this was the type of book I wish everybody would've been reading on our way through the Midwest to reach Jena, LA. If the video on Emmitt Till that we watched on the bus wasn't enough ammunition, along with our destination and the Jena 6 case, this book put the icing on the cake. Excellent job, Mr. Coleman. I'm so very impressed.

Andre's style of writing draws you in and wraps around you so that you feel the characters come alive. I truly felt that I knew them. I finished the book in three evenings and I found myself thinking of each person throughout the day. I felt a myriad of emotions: anger, sadness, shame, frustration, sympathy, fear, admiration, happiness. It is heartbreaking to think of how these people were treated out of blatant hatred and pathetic ignorance. I admired their resiliance and determination. It was very educational for me as well as I did not know much about what happened during that period of time in our history. I am eager for volume 2 to continue my relationship with this proud, strong, caring family.

One of the most awe-inspiring books I have read in a long, long time. The emotion jumps off the page and reaches deep into your heart all the while ripping at your heartstrings. An emotional tale of racism and a look at the very similar parallels to the nation of race today. We have not come as far as we'd hoped. The McCray Family is one of love, strength, and the foundation found in a black family enduring heartache and struggle. The history that went into researching the true facts of what was going on in the rural south during the 30's and 50's made me sit back and reflect on where we have come from. I have shared this book with members of my family who also had a feeling of connection and understanding of who WE really are and the inner turmoil those who came before us went through. I can not wait for Volume #2 and the Revolution!
In the words of Joshua McCray - Freedom has no map.

Well done, Mr. Coleman, Well Done!

This is the first novel I have read by Mr. André Coleman and I was TOTALLY caught up in seemingly true to life struggles of the McCray family. This AMAZING novel although fictional is filled with a few real-life accounts of African American history that made the story much more SATISFYING. I could not put this book down! The minute I started the first page, I wanted to continue reading until I found out what would become of this strong, black family, who had to wade through the daily racism, hatred and ignorance which was so common during Jim Crow. The characters are well developed and each one has a distinct personality of their own that is quite MEMORABLE. Throughout this novel the characters will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, at some point you feel the intensity of their anger, sadness, fear, and even the little bit of joy they experience as they are faced with several life-altering decisions that could either strengthen this family's bond or tear them apart. Despite some of the editing issues this book still had a smooth flow and a very engaging dialogue. I often found myself crying, laughing and cheering with this courageous family as they took us on an EYE-OPENING and often HEARTBREAKING journey through our past. Congratulations, Mr. Coleman! I will be anxiously awaiting Volume II, so that I can continue this quite intriguing and educational, although imaginary voyage through our history with the unforgettable McCray family! A Definite MUST Read!

Blueprint for Black Power details a master plan for the power revolution necessary for Black survival in the 21st century. Blueprints posits that an African American/Caribbean/Pan-African bloc would be most potent for the generation and delivery of Black power in the United States and the World to counter White and Asian power networks. Wilson frames this imperative by deconstructing the U.S. elite power structure of government, political parties, think tanks, corporations, foundations, media, interest groups, banking and foreign investment particulars. Potentially strong Black institutions as the church, media and think tanks; industry; collectives such as investment clubs and credit unions; rotating credit associations such as Afrikan-originated esusu, tontine and partner are analyzed. Pan-Afrikanism, Black Nationalism, ethnocentrism and reparation are assessed, often misused and underused financial institutions as securities, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, underwriting, and incubators advocated, thus elucidating oft-negated opportunities for economic empowerment.

Blueprint for Black Power details a master plan for the power revolution necessary for Black survival in the 21st century. Blueprints posits that an African American/Caribbean/Pan-African bloc would be most potent for the generation and delivery of Black power in the United States and the World to counter White and Asian power networks. Wilson frames this imperative by deconstructing the U.S. elite power structure of government, political parties, think tanks, corporations, foundations, media, interest groups, banking and foreign investment particulars. Potentially strong Black institutions as the church, media and think tanks; industry; collectives such as investment clubs and credit unions; rotating credit associations such as Afrikan-originated esusu, tontine and partner are analyzed. Pan-Afrikanism, Black Nationalism, ethnocentrism and reparation are assessed, often misused and underused financial institutions as securities, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, underwriting, and incubators advocated, thus elucidating oft-negated opportunities for economic empowerment.

ECONOMIC DESTINY DETERMINES BIOLOGICAL DESTINY!This book although big and thick it really is the blueprint for power. It expands on what BLACK Labor White Wealth by Claude Anderson PHD talks about. This book covers all the bases. Mr Wilson's book shows how insightful he is about the problems we face today. He shows several ways how we can have heaven while we LIVE overnight if we do what he suggests. It shows how the power is within our grasp if we will only wake up and raise our consciousness of what is really going on, I was awakened several times in this book; Wilson names names of the organizations and the people in the organizations that are anti black. He names the black leaders that are anti black too. He explains what's going on and why it continues unabated. He talks about how the nation uses psychic warfare to keep African Americans down. He explains how they deliberately keep blacks out of higher education; yes, we do get an education but there are different levels of education. There's the education that will teach you how to use a computer and then there's the education that will teach you how to make a computer from raw materials. Big difference! He talks about how blacks have very few people who have this very high level of knowledge that can be used by blacks to be more valuable to the world. He explains how too many blacks have a consumer mentality not a producer mentality. He has charts and references galore showing startling comparisons between blacks and whites that should not be missed by anyone of african ancestry. He goes deep into the obstacles that are holding blacks back in spite of drive and determination to succeed(Think and Grow Rich a black choice IS NOT the last word on success). He really made me rethink whether or not it is probable not possible to succeed when starting with no money. Wilson says the odds are against it. Of course you can always find someone who has succeeded from all the ghettos in the world but what about the other people in the same situation who didn't have any money, no inheritance from parents, no references, no relatives, no insurance money coming to them because their parents just died, no money coming to them from an injury and no one to give you advice. This is why so many blacks find themselves in jail or working menial jobs according to Wilson. The author suggests an african centered consciousness that will help the weakest one of us and help all of us to see immediate progress. This book is truly shocking; over and over again he talks about the consequences of not raising ourselves up:BIOLOGICAL DEMISE! Really this is no joking manner; the author has me convinced and Black Wealth White Labor says the same thing that if we do not learn how to compete with white people we will go the way of the indians. It is imperative that we adapt this philosophy before it is too late.

The late Amos Wilson wrote a blockbuster with this book. In in he states why African-Americans are economically powerless. He also states how they are to achieve power. A book well worth reading.

A lot to read, but well worth the investment. This book, if taken to heart, should be required reading for all Blacks and anyone interested in the advancment of Black people. Every thing you ever wanted to know about the who, what, when, where and why of the Black condition and how to rise above White dominance is right here.

I am a librarian at a small public library with a very multicultural community base. In order to increase our poetry collection I branched out and ordered new authors. Mr. Daisy's book made it worth my while. Ever since receiving his book in early 2002, we have not been able to keep it on the shelves. People of all ages, races and backgrounds have found his poetry, "moving and inspiring", "comforting", and feel "he understands my world". This book is a wonderful addition to anyone's library, whether public or your home collection.

Kyran Daisy has captured the emotions that come hand in hand with strength, frustration, misery, rage, tenderness, desire, love, heartache, and heartbreak and shared them with his readers in a mesmerizing flow of phrases. Each new poem brought a new rush of goosebumps to my skin. I fully experienced his joy and his sorrow through his brilliant words.

I don't think there is a soul on earth who would not find their own personal truth in the experiences of Mr. Daisy. As one reads the verses, one wonders if the poet was actually right there, experiencing these emotions right beside them. There is so much wisdom in the words of this young man. He has such talent, and so, such a future in poetry!

I THANK KYRAN FOR CREATING A TRULY INSPIRATIONAL BOOK OF POETRY. IT MADE ME OPEN MY EYES TO THE EMOTIONS CAPTIVATED WITHIN EVERY STORY. THE BOOK IS BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED AS IS THE MAN HOW WROTE IT. WITH EVERY WORD ON THE PAGE ONE COULD TELL HIS LOVE FOR POETRY. THE BOOK MAKES YOU REFLICT ON THE PURPOSE OF POETRY; TO REACH DOWN INSIDE YOUR SOUL AND LET GO OF THOSE POWERFULY FEELINGS YOU NEVER KNEW YOU HAD. I HOPE THAT KYRAN FINDS THE MOTIVATION TO WRITE ANOTHER DELIGHTFULLY, MOTIVATING BOOK.

I cannot give enough praise and words to express my feelings for Mr Kyran Daisy's book of poems, Can't Nobody Take Me Away.His poetry is heartwarming, sensitive, perceptive, and emotional. Mr. Daisy is a creative writer. I highly recommend his book because it is a wonderful reading experience.

I cannot give enough praise and words to express my feelings for Mr Kyran Daisy's book of poems, Can't Nobody Take Me Away.His poetry is heartwarming, sensitive, perceptive, and emotional. Mr. Daisy is a creative writer. I highly recommend his book because it is a wonderful reading experience.

Great book for kids. I bought this book for a student who had won the foul shooting competition in his age group for NYS. He has not been able to put it down. He dreams of becoming a basketball star himself. I wanted him to read about someone who has achieved this dream. Very Positive Book!!

I just finished the book and i thought it was amazing. I thought it gave a lot of information about his life while teaching very important life lessons. I also learned a lot of information about Carmelo that I didn't know before. For example I learned that Carmelo's father died when he was only two. Before I read it I thought his father left him. I also thought that the fun facts at the bottom of the pages where really interesting. i really found the one about him being able to play for Puerto Rico in the Olympics really interesting. All in all I thought it was a really good book.

Carmelo Anthony is the best new nba player i've ever seen and it's great that he has shared his life story with us. After reading the book it made me like him even better and i found out i have something in commom with him my dad was puerto rican too, i didn't know that about him. Writing this book made carmelo more aprochable to his fans and it lets us know he's a real person just like you and me and that he really cares about his true fans. I love the book i can't stop reading it's awesome. The book is very inspirational he tells us to never give up and work hard for everything we want to be, he's just a great person

This book is an amazing book. For him to have shared his inner life with all of his loyal fans.The book contains 48 full pages of pictures fans will love not to mention the autobiography. I think his book helps children like me to remember the better things in life and to stay focused because as is saying goes "Halfdone isn't Done" short sweet to the point.

I ordered this biography of Carmelo Anthony as a Christmas gift for my son, a serious sports nut. After fighting over who would get to read it first (his sister is a big Carmelo fan too), he dove in and began to read. Several days later my son said to me, "Mom, this is a good book for me to be reading since Carmelo had struggles as a kid, too." (My husband and I recently separated and he's been struggling with that change.)

The book hit the spot (for both my children) in every way. It is well written, has great photos, is very timely and of great interest to kids.

Highly recommended!

My daughter and I loved the addy story's wonderful story for girls to understand a bit of history told in a way that they can relate to . slavery is a tough subject and they really make the characters come to life enabling the reader to have compassion and insight to their lives . I only wish they had more addy story's so we could continue to follow her journey.

Of all the Addy books, this last one was my favorite as a girl. (I remember crying when I finished it)-by no means do I want to give away the end, but this book really illustrates the consequences reaped by the civil war. Though written for younger girls, I would even recommend this for older people to read because adults would probably be able to grasp the deeper meaning of this book- that perhaps we ought to take a lesson from history. Our prejudices and arrogance led to the enslavement of part of our race, which led to hate and violence. We still see these things today and so perhaps by reading books like these, that go back to times of hardship or war, it makes us see that there will always be consequences to our actions, and oftentimes it takes a generation or so for it to take its harsh affects.

This is another in the American Girls series about Addy Walker, a ten-year-old African-American girl living in the America of 1865. With the war over, but so many ex-slaves displaced, Addy and her family still hope to find sister Esther. In yet another winter, Addy finds the good and the bad, gain and loss, and hope and the cost of freedom.

The final chapter is a historical look at the post-Civil War years, with Reconstruction, segregation, and the Civil Right Movement. This is another great Addy book, one that tells the unvarnished truth of life for African-Americans in America, but in an uplifting way. My eleven-year-old daughter is now the proud owner of the Addy books, and an Addy doll. She loves these books, and the young lady in your life will too.

Breaking the original overemphasis on the experiences of white girls, the Addy series remains one of the most realistic ones written.

The process of escaping from Slavery and starting over in a "free" society only to discover that society does not actually regard you as an equal either is not the happiest topic in the world, but it needs to be told in order to learn from our mistakes. The authors could have sugar coated the harsh realities of that world, but wisely chose to tell the whole truth to their elementary age target audience.

If ever there were a case where the Congressional Medal of Honor should be given out to a team of Children's Literature writers and illustrators, this team certainly has earned it.

In this installment, Addy is reuinted with her baby sister ester after what seemed like an eternity. While the previous reunions with her father and her brother were also emotional, the symbolism of shadows moving forward in a Church is especially powerfull. Her beloved Uncle Solomon has died, but has found peace because of his brief status as a free man.

The end of the book, which provides a historical recap is especially touching because it goes all the way into the civil rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's. Considering many public school districts give this portion of American History little attention (whether on purpose or not) I feel it is especially important for young women to read this particular portion of the American Girl's series.

This story is about a young American girl named Addy. In "Changes for Addy", Addy gets a letter from a women named Bertha Miller saying that she has found Addy's Auntie Lula, Uncle Solomon, and Addy's baby sister Esther. They were going to Philadelphia to give Esther back to Addy's momma. When they find Auntie Lula and Esther outside a church, Auntie Lula explains that Uncle Solomon has died and she, Auntie Lula, may die too. The joy of Christmas for Addy is washed away, leaving only the sadness of death. Is Addy's Christmas ruined? Or will Addy find joy in the happiness of the Christmas? I would highly recommend this book to a friend. This book is a tiny bit better than "Happy Birthday, Felicity" because Addy has way more adventure than Felicity. Connie Rose Porter is an awesome reader and writer.

The stories are inspiring and uplifting for Women, Men and Children of all colors And Especially so for African Americans. Beautiful!

This "serving" of the Chicken Soup for the soul shows the vision, way of thinking and feelings of AfroAmerican women, which have had a so great role in the shaping of the recent history of the USA. I've missed more stories from the "old days", more stories told from grandmothers to their grandchildren and I think the book would be richer with them. Also, it doens't show the sad face of the racism many of those women have suffered and even if it's extremely hard and sad, it's not less true and it must be told in order to avoid such facts being repeated.

Well, this second helping of Chicken Soup for the Afrian-American Soul is for women and everyone who loves them. When you need something to feel good fast, gulp down one of the tasty short stories, seasoned just right. When you want to lift someone up, treat them to this unforgetable treat that they will gobble up. Get ot as a gift for yourself or someone else-- a gift that will keep on giving because of the memorable and inspirational feel-good stories packed inside a beautifully bound cover.

I'm really enjoying this book. I'm formerly an avid reader who recently has been so busy that spending time reading and finishing a good, thick book has been quite a challenge. I like this book because while I'm commuting or waiting in the doctor's office or whatever I can choose at random any of these short, stories and get a quick "pick me up" a little lift in my spirits that gets me through my day in a better frame of mind.
I definitely reccommend it!

I have enjoyed reading about the joys, the struggles, the good and the bad of this wonderful culture. Women have many roles, moms, daughters, sisters, aunts, wives, friends. I have enjoyed reading about all of these roles from personal experiences and veiws of the writers. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys good reading and want to know more about the phenomenal black woman.

This is an excellent book. All African-American women should read it to understand their position and purpose in the Kingdom.

This book makes us look within ourselves to find the God that lives within us as well as helps us seek deliverance from things that hinder God's plan for our lives. Such an annointed book! This guide helps us to seek the holy spirit as our guide daily in all areas of our complex and sometimes stressful lives. Talk about spiritual growth and maturity - it's ours if we choose it! This books shows the map and gives directions on how we get there. I highly recommend it to both young and old women of every race and walk of life!

This book is the only one of it's kind. It is a spiritual bible, in a sense, for women of color. Buy this book, my sisters! You won't be disappointed! You will be enlightened like never before!
It answers many unanswered questions.

The teachings in this book is so touching and timely for African American women who seek to allow Christ to live through them and to make a better world for themselves, family, friends, church and the world. Every person of African descent should read this awesome book filled with holy scriptures to guide the reader. My profound thanks to the author!

This book will truly change your life if you consistently apply the principles taught. The author is empathetic, clear, and inspired. She tells you exactly what you need to do in order to experience the peace and purpose of God in your home, work, and life in general. Read this book more than once, and be prepared for a challenge. Some of her words are hard to take, but they're true and Bible-based.

Great book. I've learned so much about Maya Angelou and am fascinated by her life.

I am not African American, not African, not American, and this book was such an eye opener. It is so rich in humanity, it is a pleasure to read. Each one of the 6 books is written with a distinctive voice as a person is maturing. Maya has a way of writing that is refreshing, intimate and profound.

Through her eyes we become aware of the distinctive culture and values that her characters share or challenge. We see the need that every person has to live life fully and the questions we all need to answer about who we are and what are we here for.

I particularly liked the "All God's chhildren need traveling shoes" best. this book is a must for people who seek to accept that we can be different, yet valued.

It is a distinctive book because it is written in a way that lifts the spirits and intrigues the intelect. .... "to the determination to be no victim of any kind".

I happened to hear her speak at a lecture series. She spoke for an hour and I was interested to read more about her life. I am only on page 280 but this woman is amazing and her writing style is so crisp and clear, it is as captivating as she was as a speaker. I enthusiatically recommend this book.

I purchased this book after reading, "I know why the caged bird sings", I found myself captivated by the spellbounding aura of maya angelou and in a thirst for her story purchased this book. I have drank her words readily and my only regret is that like all great things, the pages shall run out and my feast shall come to an end. This is a wonderful gift for any Maya Angelou fan, it branches outside of her poetry and makes the goddess of words appear a little more human.

Other than Maya's poems, I have never read her autobiographies. WOW barely describes what I read and felt. I always thought of Maya to be just what she is....a poet, an author. To read how her early life was, I see how her life's experiences brought her to where she is today. Not only does she speak honestly, her style of writing makes one feel they are her in the books. The size of the book may seem intimidating, but I could not put it down. I had to schedule myself to study for my class and read this book!