African Books

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.

This book covers a wide array of African-American spiritual songs across a variety of genres. It starts with spirituals from the slavery period and interprets the literal and hidden messages in these moving songs. It then moves succesively onto sacred compositions by such luminaries as Thomas Dorsey and interpretations of standard hymns. It ends with a review of modern sacred songs with impressive scores from writers like Andrae Crouche, Kirk Franklin, etc. I am enjoying it immensely!

This is a good book for the worshipper who wants devotions or to know the back story behind their favorite hymns. And the author's piano/vocal arrangements are for the most part playable and error-free.

That being said, this is a selective not a comprehensive collection of Gospel Music. I found myself wondering "is this song in here?" looking and being disappointed that it was not included. Especially the older Spirituals (out-of-copyright). There should have been more of these, instead of the traditional Hymn section, which is duplicated in many Hymnals. If the Hymns had to be kept, it would have been instructive to see the original and the "gospelfied" versions in print, side-by-side. That and the lack of footnotes and skimpy historical info (definitely more on the appropiation of Spirituals in the Civil-Rights era and the controversy concerning Dorsey's Blues-Gospel style in the 1930's-40's) make this book more for the casual reader than a resource for the serious student of the genre.

The newer Gospel and Contemporary songs are a nice touch, although I wondered at putting the copyright and publisher information in the back of the book.


Also a spiral binding would be good for those who wish to play the music...

In Ephesians 5:19, the Apostle Paul urges Christians to "speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in our heart to the Lord." Author Gwendolin Sims Warren follows this comprehensive arrangement in "Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit."

For Christians growing up in Church over the past half century, she answers the question, "I wonder about the history of the composition of this song . . ." Warren's contextualizing of these favorites provides an emotionally and spiritually moving interpretation and celebration of these songs that deepens their impact on the hearers.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care And Spiritual Direction, and Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care And Spiritual Direction.

This is a splendid book, written in an personal, informed, deeply intelligent and moving way by a wonderful woman. It is a perfect resource for those who want to know the history and inspiration of the songs it contains, which are, by themselves, inspired and inspiring.

In this collection, Ms. Warren presents straightforward and faithful arrangements of 101 psalms, gospel hymns, and spirituals. She relates brief histories of the songs and places them in the context of her Christian faith and experience.

Generously, Ms. Warren includes a couple of dozen Euro-American hymns and presents them in a similar context. Undoubtedly, these hymns stand in relation to and have even influenced some twentieth century black composers.

But it is the presentation of the songs from the Afican-American tradition that is most important here. The Euro-American hymns aside, this is a marvellous introduction to black American spirituals and hymnody.

I agree with another reviewer that this is a wonderful work to browse at random, but it is also rewarding to sit down and read it through. As you please.

Either way, when you come to the end of the book, if you've got a soul it will thirst for more...

I hope you'll be able to satisfy some of that thirst by hearing some of this music sung live by a choir and congregation that knows its business. Even if you're not a Christian, you may still find it rewarding to experience this aspect of Christianity first-hand.

After all, you've already heard this music many times before. It is the cornerstone for American blues, jazz, soul, and rock 'n' roll. It began in Africa, survived the Middle Passage, grew up fast in hard times in the American South, and lived to tell the tale. It's been around the world and back a million times.

And, speaking on behalf of the planet, the world can't wait to see where this music takes us next.

The theme of slave trade dominates the book.
However, it is neither monotonous nor depressing.
In fact, it was necessary to do so, because the book did clearly explain the political factors and social rules of an influential white society that has forged the irrevocable fate of slaves.
After reading the book, one might wonder what decisive role, did the Africans in Africa play in the slave trade?
The book also addresses the issue of the effects of religion on African slaves brought to the United States.
It is fascinating to read about how ethnic African traditions and deep rooted religious beliefs got mixed up with the teachings of a White Church in America.
We see here two divergent Christianities: A white Christianity and a black Christianity.
Equally fascinating is how African slaves tried to preserve their ethnic language, traditions and way of life, later to adopt a new form of linguistic expression stranger and incoherent to both the American white society and the oppressed black community.
The book is a chronicle of the human drama and social conflict; a conflict that one day will explode to create a new identity for African American in a capitalistic and threatening society.

This book is excellent. Like someone said everyone of African ancestry needs to read this book. I had to buy my own copy.

This is an excellent book. I want every one of African descent to read this book. It is fantastic. This book is in my 10 list.

Early on the Africans were well aware of their ethnic identities, but over time, they were forgotten, and a new people emerged. Now this took generations. It was a slow and torturous process.

If you want to educate yourself about black folks in America and where they came from, and how they evolved, read this book.

This book is of decisive importance, for by studying the convergence of an African American nationality out of the various nationalities and ethnicities that people were brought here from Africa, Michael Gomez underlines the function of the African-origins cultures and the construction of an African-American culture in a process of resistance and opposition to the inslavement, dehumanization, and degredation that Africans and their descendants have face.

Contrary to many popular assumptions, Gomez shows that in colonial and early independent America slave holders and slaves were quite aware of the different African cultures and ethnicities represented among the enslaved. Trade patterns, affinities of slave buyers for certain types of ethnicities, beliefs that some peoples were good for some tasks, others for others, led to many concentrations of slaves from the same culture and language groups in colonial America. This ensured that Africans in American tended to preserve very much of their native cultures, religions, and outlooks.

Indeed, Gomez illustrates that in language and religion large sections of the African American people in becoming retained their African religion, and at first retained their African languages, and then began our own African American language (Black English) precisely because the context of the dominant culture and its language and religion were hostile to the human dignity of Africans in America and their descendants.

Gomez's solid research and clear evaluation of massive amounts of original sources upsets many ideas on African American history that were assumptions and not facts. One of the most important is the lateness and difficulty that Christianity had in gaining seizable conversions among Africans in America and their descendants. He suggests that only by the time of the Civil War were African Americans substantially Christian. Gomez demonstrates that except for an overly assimilationist minority among "freed" slaves, Christianity only caught on where African religeous practices were mixed into it. More importantly, Gomez explains the reason for the final victory of Christianity is that it could be manipulated to provide a rationale and hope of liberation from racism and oppression both metaphysical and physical, that the individual African religions could not provide. Gomez illustrates that what occured was the development of an African American religion, rather than the adoption of a European religion.

In the process, the reader will learn new and more accurate views of whence and when Africans were brought to America during the period of slavery. The reader will learn the general political and religious outlooks of the different major groups of Africans who came here. The reader will learn a survey of the historical, economic, and political upheavals in AFrica wrought by the slave trade.

This is a serious and important book, written at the highest level of scholarship. Thus, it is sometimes not easy reading and certainly is not written as a popular entertainment. Yet, even the casual reader who sticks with this book and turns to Gomez's notes and bibliographic material for more to read will be vastly rewarded.

A superb book that is a "must read" for every African African American man, woman and child. This book is the stuff of seminars, workshops and discussion groups at all levels. One of the fascinating positions exposed by Gomez was why it took the diverse ethnic Africans to achieve an African American consciousness. The depth of documentation was monumental. I always wondered why the color "red" had such significance in the African American "red clawt" tales. Gomez' book inspired me to research this aspect of African American tales. Thank you Mr. Gomez!

Expect Sunshine is a ray of hope for those in search of quality writing. Don't pick this book up if you have some where to go. You will not want to put it down.

For a first novel, Betty Bush has written an excellent story about love, family, fear and the south. The characters were wonderful, the setting was perfect and it is a must read for all. I look forward to her next novel.

Betty Bush listened to the old people. She wrote it down and in doing that, she let the sun shine in on some of the deepest darkest secrets of the Old South. Betty's book tells the stories we've heard told around the kitchen tables, in the barbershops and beauty parlors since we were old enough to listen. They are the stories our parents prefered we did not hear when they gathered, and shooed us away.Betty's book is the American story about our connections to our land, and our sad losses of the connections. She finds hope and strength in the human spirit and she warns us that if we don't wake up, we will all be sharecroppers for generations. This is a "must read" for anyone who wants to know the truth about why we are the way we are. Her book is filled with compassion, forgivness and love of life; it is a relection of her soul.

This book grabs the readers attention from the very begining. It is well written with descriptive delight. Southern culture is vividly intertwined with the experiences of Ms. Bush as a child of southern farm life. The characters bring reality into the plot. The reader gets to really know them, as the story progresses into an experience well worth sharing. I look forward to more books by this writer.

Expect Sunshine grabbed my attention from the moment I started reading. It is one of those books that I could barely put down for long at the time. This book provides much insight into the struggles related to farming, particularly the plight of the African American farmer in earlier times. The story certainly is worthy of a sequel! When I finished the last page, I was dabbing my eyes with tissue. Great book!!!!

This is a great book for young black males. It has short biographys of several different black males who made it in spite of their challenges in life. It was positive.

Now, here's something we don't get everyday: a handsomely-presented portrait of several young Black men whose backgrounds vary in profession, background, region, and sexual orientation. We're treated to crisp, black-and-white photographs of these men accompanied by a few autobiographical notes. The stories they have to tell never fail to intrigue. I bought this on a whim a few years back, and it's been a nice addition to my library. Definitely recommended.

this book prove that all young black guys aren't how the media try to make them out to be.

The personal narratives and excellent photography make this book the perfect gift for any young African American. It is truly inspiring to read the words of the next generation and learn how they are coping with success in spite of the racism and negativity that is so prevalent in the 21st century. It is a perfect companion to AS I AM. The only draw back is that Mr. Okwu didn't provide contact information for these talented, handsome young men.M-E-O-W!

In a time and age when young, african-american men are not portrayed in the best light, J. Okwu provides an illuminating and insightful look into the lives of 40 of these men. Not only is his writing superb, but his artistic eye and layout design are quite impressive. I have passed along the book to a number of young, african-american men in my life. I hope Face Forward will inspire them as much as it did me.

Lawd, Lawd, Lawd and yes I said Lawd.. What a great book for the GROWN & MATURE! G.L.Henderson has so much fantasy for one to vision, however, reality and a spiritual message was soon to follow.

G.L.H. = Good Looking Handsome 1 is definitely about to wake up the favor for ADULTS and bring back the ROMANCE in a couples' RELATIONSHIP! One can't get mad for a MAN TELLING IT LIKE IT IS!

Keep up the GREATNESS!

My co-worker bought this book to work with her and told me to read it. I went to the hairdresser that day and finished the book in 3 1/2 hours, no lie. I couldn't put the book down. A definite page turner. It had everything love, lust, dishonesty and spirtuality. You must read this book. I'm looking forward to his next book.

I felt as if you had looked into my life and wrote about it. You seemed to have gotten into my mind and knew all of my thoughts and feelings... And the part where Jasmine is in the bathroom... Now I know why you are the "Fantasy Master"!:) I know a part of me wished it was me in the tub and a bigger part of me wished that it was me that was blind folded and whose body was being rubbed. When you read this book I feel everyone will be able to relate wheither you are a man or a woman. If you have ever loved or gave love you will find a part of you. And if you have ever fantasized about what good love feels like then this will help you. I know some men who could use some lessons from G.L. the REAL "Fantasy Master."

well i can say that this book is not just for older poeple but it's also for the younger ones. I am 18 years old and i find this book to be very real. It help you to walk in your fantasy and also walk into reality at the same time. Although G.L is my god-father i never seen this side before. He is a very deep person. And i have to say that this book shows just what kind of man he is. This is not just a regular book this help you in many ways then one. If you have not read this book please make it you business to do so. Trust me it is something you will love. This book shows you how to love , pray, romance,and most of all trust in God so that you can later trust yourself. But if i could rate this book a 100 that's what it will be! If you have read this book pass it on and tell someone about it. Help support! Love you dad From Your Baby Girls! Kema and CAM

This book held my interest from beginnig to end, I have never read a book that made all my emotions come alive. I cried, laughed and sympathized with the characters. I would have purchased the book for the prayer alone. It has a powerful message, my husband enjoyed reading it also. It gave us something to conversate about and he's not a reader. So Mr. G.L we look forward to reading your next book. Keep up the good work and may God bless you.