African Books

I am very happy I could locate this book. It is one of my favorite books, and one I insist being on my shelf. Thus, my copy was missing and I was pleased I could replace my copy. I am happy with the condition of the copy I just recently received; it arrived quickly, and I'm glad to have it in my personal library.

A fascinating and horrifying account of a slave woman's experience. While fiction, the story appears to be based on the life of an actual Hannah. Don't be put off by the long introduction. It becomes more significant after reading the narrative itself.

This book gives a great emotional account of the horrors of slavery. It is amazing the vocabulary the author had without being formally educated.

This book will stay with me for a while.

In her novel, Crafts illustrates her life as a slave over the course of many years. Starting at a place cursed by a linden tree, things only seem to get worse. Though she is taught to read, her teachers are punished and banished from her life. Her early years are filled with much more than learning, however. She witnesses many horrific aspects of slave life, which are depicted vividly by use of imagery and her colorful similes. In her story she attempts to obtain freedom with her new mistress, but the success is cut short.
By the middle of the story, the reader can easily assess that slave life is neither desirable nor easy. Crafts and her mistress are captured with only more hardships following. Crafts depicts for the reader her passing from one master to the next after her mistress's death. Things only continue to get worse until she brings the reader along with her on her flight to freedom.
Though met by a series of mishaps throughout the novel, Crafts finally obtains freedom to live life with her husband and her recently found mother. No doubt, the reader is happy to see something pleasant finally happen for Crafts. The reader is left with not only a sense of happiness for the author, but with a vibrant image of what it took to get there. The Bondswoman's Narrative is most certainly a good choice for anyone wanting a harsh, yet inspiring, account of what slave life was truly like.

As background for this slave's narrative, we are introduced to John Hill Wheeler, writer, who had published HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF NORTH CAROLINA, 1584-1851), who served as assistant secretary to the U. S. President Franklin Pierce (always one of my favorites) in 1854. There is a good photograph of Wheeler and a painting of his wife, Ellen, with her two sons by Thomas Sully who made the youngest look like a sleeping angel.

There is also a photo depiction of the abduction of his slave, Jane Johnson with her family, off the Steamer Washington on July 18, 1855, in Philadelphia "by force" by a gang of Negroes led by an abolotionist. Since he was unable to locate and reclaim his servants, Jane was subsequently replaced by Hannah -- who escaped in the Spring of 1857. He must have been a hard taskmaster.

One interesting thing (for me) was a mention of John Brown's (of Harper's Ferry, West VA fame) hanging in Charleston, VA. It was observed that he died as he lived, "game." He certainly was no coward.

I found too much redundancy in the introduction by Henry L. Gates, Jr., and the narrative itself. Absorbed in finding and preserving black culture in written form, he spends a lot of effort propounding on his conclusions, instead of the facts. Like a local writer involved in uncovering ancient history, he uses too many "that's" proving he is not scholary. To me, it shows a definite lack of education and too much emphasis on self promotion, so that whatever is printed will be thought or taken as the truth, the whole truth and nothing else.

As with all autobiographical material it is hard to tell what is fact and where the fiction begins. An old acquaintance now deceased who had been in the Merchant Marines in his younger years and received much enjoyment in bewildering strangers with his detailed stories, told me how he manufactured "truth." Add a few relevant facts which can be substantiated and names of real people and presto! it's history -- not fiction.

As with science, the individual authors are expounding on their own theories, not facts per se. It's the same in any field and any "case" history. Mr. Gates wanted to prove this narrative was authentic; therefore, he spent more effort with his "proof" than the slave's account itself.

Something that old can never be proven beyond a doubt. Now Clifford Irving's bogus biography of Howard Hughes was ill-timed. Had he waited until after the person's demise, there would always be doubt and nothing to prove he was a liar.

I don't believe a slave would know some of the words used by this writer. By including family background and descriptions of events, it is taken as the authentic tale of a real Hannah Crafts. He did too much surmising "what if's" to have run down the actual writer to New Jersey -- to have been the runaway slave from North Carolina.

I found the marked out words and phrases to be distracting (also detracting). It would have helped to have the edited parts left out; the 21 chapters would have sufficed without so much explanation and additions (in brackets). Instead of making this clearer, it befuddles the story itself.

I'm not a user of the word "that" which is grossly overused in newspapers today. About ten years ago, I typed the lengthy "memoir" of my ex-husband, a college English professor, and edited at intervals throughout. Of course, he proof-read every page before having the entirety copied and bound to distribute to members of his family. Sometimes, he agreed to my "clarifications"; at others, he'd say, "but we didn't talk that way." Growing up in a tiny hamlet between Shelbyville and Chapel Hill (where he'd been born) in Middle TN, and being about fifteen years my senior, he'd experienced things and feelings totally opposite to what I had in Knox County (East TN). My reasons to "edit" were for the benefit of those who'd be reading his memories, not to change events -- and he finally agreed with me.

Perhaps I should have left things exactly the way he expressed them, no matter how grammatically incorrect they were, as now that is what I am wishing Mr. Gates had done with this manuscript. The things he marked through seemed inconsistent vocabulary for such a young, uneducated woman confined in "the peculiar institution", and I'd have preferred not to have to think about them.

The textual annotations did not add to the story and were a bit too detailed. You can analyze a situation "to death." Some things are better left to the reader's imagaination.

This story is as old as the hills. Didn't he see the similarities between characters of this narrative and those in SHOW BOAT? Sad but true. Life is not always easy for those without power or money.

This book may have great value as a historical document, however, I evaluate it from the 'fun to read' point of view. I did not find it a greatly enjoyable read. It is written in the old novel style- "Perils of Pauline" comes to mind. Neither did I find that I learned much about it was like to live like a slave during that time. I am now reading a historical novel in which there are a few pages describing a slave market in the USA during the Revolution; which gave me a much clearer picture than Bondwoman's Narrative did. The description of how the field hands lived left me wishing to read more about that, and in fact, I felt I did not even get a good picture of how the house servants lived. There was quite a bit of philosophizing during the entire book so the author came across as an intellectual. In this respect, her comments about the death of a fellow runaway slave towards the end of the novel were very interesting to me.

I have read all of Beverly Jenkins' books that I can find, the historical as well as the drama. She is an awesome writer and keeps you in suspense. Her plots are well thought out and well written. Her love scenes are tender and erotic. I am going to ensure that my granddaughter reads all of her books so she will know how a man should treat a woman. How a black man should treat a woman. She is great. I can't wait for more of her books.

This book had my heart racing. Sarita is a very strong, compassionate, stubborn, plainspoken, and driven woman. She is the epitome of a strong black woman. She and Mykal are perfect for each other. What a man, what a man that Mykal is. All I can do is *sigh.* When they are together, it's like the sun meeting the sky, very intense and beautiful. Read this book and you will see a very powerful suspenseful love story unfold.

Man I wish I read this trilogy in order. Anyway I enjoyed this novel alot although the storyline didn't have the fast-paced, edge of your seat excitement that "Dawn" had. Here's another woman that's strong, independent and full of class and here's a man that's arrogant, bossy, kinda full of himself..and they make a dynamite couple. There were two incidents in the story that made laugh out loud: the part where Mykal threw Sarita over his shoulder while she was kicking and screaming and smacked her on the behind all while the members of NIA watched, then further along in the story Mykal took Sarita shopping at an upscale mall for lingerie but she wanted to go to Sears instead. The secondary characters were interesting and fun and at the end of the book where Mykal's grandmother makes an appearance was endearing. Well, two super fine (half) brothers down (Mykal & Saint) one more to go (Drake).

I can't help it. I love Beverly Jenkins. She truly knows how to write. Whether it's historical romance or contemporary romance she knows how to tell a story. I can't say enough about her. She's awesome. I love how she ties in her historical characters to the present characters, that makes it even better to me. I have almost all of her books and I love them all. Keep it up Beverly.

If you have not read any thing by Beverly Jenkins, then this can be a great place to start. Sarita Grayson is the director of a Detroit Community Center that is on the verge of being closed due to lack of money. Sarita decides to help a local drug dealer that ultimately puts her in danger in more ways than one. Mykal Chandler is artichete, rich and handsome. He is also the head of a covert government operation called NIA. Little did Sarita or Mykal know that their paths would cross and the fireworks that ignite.

This is the first in a series of contemporary novels written by Ms. Jenkins. It is part mystery and romance novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. She has given each character unique flavor, sass and humor that guides the story. She also included history and connection to favorites from the historical novels. No one has mastered a love scene in quite that same way as Ms. Jenkins has.

This is the fourth time I have read this book and each time I find something new and exciting. !!! Thanks Ms. Bev.

Peace and Blessings!!

THIS STORY WAS SOMETHING ELSE BESIDE FAST PACED. SYNEDA AND CLAYTON ARE VERY WELL MATCHED IN EVERY WAY. THE AUTHOR IS THE REASON I PURCHASED THIS AND CANNOT WAIT FOR ANOTHER TO BE RELEASED IN THE MADARIS SERIES OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

wow as usual Ms. jackson makes us laugh cry go through the whole nine yards of emotion and thats why i cant stop reading her books. clayton what can I say about Clayton whoo i have been waiting for his story since i read Whispered promises and it was so worth the wait cause him and Syneda killed it. if u love Brenda jackson books then you wont regret reading this one once you pick it up you wont put it down until you are finished i guarantee it.

I absolutely loved this book...Clayton had my attention right away. I mean this book was so real and steamy that I could not put it down. Clayton sounds so scrumptious and then his character is so determined and bold...I love it!!!! I would recommend this book to anyone because there was never a dull moment and the surprises at the end I would have never guessed, I thought I had the mystery figured out but boy was I wrong. I love Clayton and Syneda...I can't wait to read the rest of the Madaris stories since I see that I read them out of order.

I love the Madaris Family. It is about strong black men who know how to love, cherish and take care of their black women.

Clayton is my favorite Madaris brother. He is good looking, fine, funny and smart. His and Syneda relationship moves from friendship to the bedroom and the fire works begin. It took one woman who would give him the challenge he needed to turn him from his womanizing ways. When you met your match, there's no denying. Loved this book, loved this man and I love Brenda Jackson! You go girl! I can't wait to read One Special Moment.

My goodness if you don't read the "Hideaway" series in order you are lost. So far I've read "Stranger In My Arms" and now "No Compromise", trying to keep track of whom is married to whom....the Kirklands/Coles/Delgados/Lassiters and so on is a major headache but so far I love Michael and Jolene's story. I don't know maybe I read it wrong but in "Stranger In My Arms", isn't Emily and Sara sisters? Anyway the love scenes between Michael and Jolene are HOT, the storyline involving April and Stanley was disturbing, and how Michael and Jolene met was touching. Ms. Alers can sure tell a story even if it's alittle confusing.

I waited for this book for so long and was not disappointed. I love the story of Michael and Jolene just as much as the rest of the Cole, Kirkland, Sterling and Delgado family stories. Rochelle writes some of the best love stories that I have read and I can't wait for her nest book.

Rochelle Allers creates the perfect alpha male characters. What woman wouldn't want a man who is protective, with a little possessiveness (in a sexy way)and is willing to give you anything your heart desires. Michael is mysteriously sexy and owns up to what belongs to him. Oh yeah, he is a great cook too! The love scenes were steamy and the story line was great with the suspence. This book was a great page turner.

Although this series has been out awhile, I am just now finding the time to read. I really enjoyed this book. All of the men of Cole-Diz, etc. are magnificent! They are tough and also tender. As with the other stories, this one had lots of romance with just a touch of intrigue. For all the romance lovers, if you haven't read this book or any of the others, I strongly advise that you do!

This seventh book in the Hideaway series is a great read and stands on its own. A good mixture of romance and intrigue and covers a real harsh subject domestic, drug and political abuse. Michael Kirkland is a real hero, and really knows how to look out for his lady- every woman should have one. Good to catch up on the other family members.

A woman's hat speaks long before she utters a word. So it says on the inside flap of this beautiful book of black and white photos of Black Women in Church Hats. From the first photo of Beth Hopkins and her mother to the last photo Sanclary Saunders with her hat, "without no veil," we are treated to respectful photos from the artful lens of Michael Cunningham.

Mr. Cunningham's artistic eye is what really makes this book. Well, his subjects do too and Craig Marberry's text adds to the book, but it's really Cunningham's artistry that makes this one of the best contemporary photography books I've seen in a long time.

The women pictured in this book all have hattitude and believe me, it's a good thing to have and it's catching, I know, because after spending a delightful couple hours reading the stories that accompany the photos, with Billie Holiday playing in the background, I knew I didn't have any good hats and I have a lot of hats, baseball hats, floppy hats and a safari hat or two, but nothing really cool. But I'm gonna get a cool hat or two. Every woman owes herself a cool hat.

Reviewed by Stephanie Sane

Mike Cunningham pictures are outstanding! Wonderful book to give to someone as a gift.

K.B.

The photographs of these women and their remarkable hat is fascinating. I really like the interviews with the ladies, and the unique stories of their lives and times.

My only disappointment was that the picture are not in color. I would love to have been able to see those plumes and feathers in all their glory!

Orginally, I purchased this book as a gift and after browsing through it, I decided I had to have a copy of my very own. The photography in this book is excellent. The photographs are shot in black and white in order to focus on the church hats. The stories behind the hats are amazingly beautiful. I will never look at a black woman in a church hat the same ever again. I learned that each hat has a story that must be told.

I love to wear hats. I grew up in the South. My Mom wore hats to church every Sunday. She absolutely loved hats! Therefore, when I became of age I too became a hat person! It was like a family tradition. All the girls in the family dressed in hats on Sunday.
I love hats so much, I wear them every day of the week. During the week I usually wear cowboy hats or something sporty. However, on Sunday, it the dressy going to church hat. And if you are into hats, you will know what I mean about the, 'church hats'.
Being raised in the South, you were'nt completely dressed when going to church until you put on your hat and heels. To this day I do not go to church without a hat.
This book, Crowns, really takes me back. It's a wonderful book. It is on a table in my home and it makes for great conversation with visitors.
FANTASTIC BOOK!!!!!


Joyce Marshall-Hamblet

This book appears to be written for young people, but gives a good picture of the life of a Maasai boy, as well as his family. It is a quick read, not political, and very enjoyable. Having recently visited in this area, I wondered if our view of life there was accurate. Facing the Lion reassured me that what we saw was real and so was the charm of the people.

Narrated in the voice of a child as he grows up in a Maasai village, this is a quick, easy-to-read book for learning a lot about the Maasai culture (ie; before traveling to Africa, or for general interest). It was recommended by my travel agent and, while very simple, I will agree it is very well worth the read!

This book was absolutely fascinating to adults as well as younger readers.

I really liked this book. It is one of several that I purchased after coming back from Tanzania, and I have recommended it to others. The author is straight-forward about his situation, so I wouldn't recommend it to children under, say, 12, but it is quite moving as an adult book, though he wrote it for young people.

Facing the Lion is the amazing TRUE story of a Maasai boy growing up in Kenya. I first heard about this National Geographic book from my son's 8th grade world history teacher - it was on a summer reading list. B-O-R-I-N-G - right? Well think again. You will not be able to put this book down! The boy grows up tending his family's herd of extremely valuable cows - and that means standing guard at night when lions literally leap from the bush to decimate the livestock. The lessons that the boy learns from incredible adventure, adversity, and challenge in his African upbringing only serve to give him the drive, determination, and power to succeed at HARVARD. My husband read the book on a plane and now uses a number of examples in his consulting practice. A FUN read and a WONDERFUL book for ANYBODY - teens to adult.

This book was so refreshing, inspirational, and moving. I absolutely Loved it and would reccommend it to All. This was my first time reading your work Mrs. Thomas but it will certainly not be the last. Thank You for enlightening me. This book has really helped me with a lot of things going on in my life.

I ordered this book after reading Jezebel (by Jacquelin Thomas) and seeing all the glowing reviews for this book. This book was slow. The first 150 pages were just about Marin and her husband going to dinner parties and their children. The next half of the book was about Marin's use of drugs and her husband being upset with her. This book had no excitement whatsoever. I can't fathom all these 5* reviews.

**Summary**
Marin, an actress, meets Warner, a pastor, at a religious conference. Warner was 30 something and previously engaged to a woman who died of ovarian cancer. Warner stated that God told him that he and Marin were meant to be together. Marin felt the same way.

After a few months, the two married. Initially, Marin wanted to focus on her career, but when she got pregnant by mistake, Marin was so happy that she decided to put her career on hold. After 4 years and 2 children (Rylan and Gabriel), Marin decided to return to her career.

Marin had a hard time getting acting jobs. She was finally offered a Lifetime job playing a drug addict. Marin decided to try cocaine to get ready for the role. Marin got hooked immediately because she always was told she was a screw up by her mother, felt abandoned by her mother and father, and didn't feel like she was good enough to be a preacher's wife.

Warner found out about Marin's drug use and convinced her to go into rehab. Marin stayed clean for a few months, but then started her drug use again. When Marin left the house to do drugs, Warner cut off all her credit cards, bank accounts, and so forth. Marin ended up prostituting herself and was raped.

After a while, Marin moved to NY (she was originally living in California) with Tisha and another drug buddy. When Tisha and the guy got arrested, Marin went to rehab. While in Rehab, Marin found out she was pregnant.

Eventually, Marin turned to Warner and the two reconciled.

Pros: EXCELLENT writing! easy to read
Cons: Boring, nothing exciting happened in the story; the names in the storyline were pretty bad (Dru, Warner, Marin, Shirley, Garfield)--what kind of names are those for black people??

My main issue was Geneva though. She, being a single woman, pushes up on the pastor and this is Christian behavior? Whatever! Also, it appears that all Jacquelin Thomas' characters suffer the same fate. It kind of makes it pointless to read her books now.

This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. I highly recommend you read this book. It is definetly a tear jerker and is an item that belongs in every married African American woman's bookshelf.

I love Jacquelin Thomas books and this one by far is one of the most moving stories. The personification of redemption! Be prepared to stay up until 3am and pull the Kleenex out because you will need it! This book was truly a blessing to me and all my friends that I've passed it along too! I even bought a second copy as a gift for a friend =)

The book brings the stories in the bible to life...reading the book made the story of gomer and hosea make so much since. The one thing I do like is after you read the book you can turn in your bible to that story and see the similaries. God has truely given you a wonderful gift. Keep using it to gorify God

Travis Hunter knows how to keep his readers engaged and interested in his books. I felt like I was right there with Jermaine as he walked out of his old life and created a new one. His issues with his father may not be the same as mine, but the fact that we had that in common gave me more reason to see how the end of the book would be. I would recommend this book to any young man who thinks he can't get out of the streets and live a respectable life. Travis showed America that not all thugs desire to be thugs they're whole life.

"Outstanding Read". My niece is 15 and enjoyed reading all of Travis Hunter's books. They are very realistic and extremely interesting--"page turners"!!! I've read A Family Sin and thoroughly enjoyed it myself!!!
Keep up the great work!!!

This book was excellent from the beginning to the end. It was easy to read and to understand. I felt like I was there with the characters. I could not put it down and would highly recommend purchasing his books.

Once I read the first chapter I was hooked. This story had a lot of real life issues and once I read the first few pages I had to see what was going to happen next. Jermaine was a good bad boy who saw the need to change and found a way to do just that. He made some good decisions and also found a way to forgive those who wronged him in the past. This book just made my heart swim with emotion and I can not wait until Travis Hunter writes his next story.

I really enjoyed looking into the lives and struggles of the hood and also of african american men. Jermaine is a dude that has never worked and always hustled to make ends meet. He has a son of his own and decides that he doesn't want to let his son down and be the type of father he had. Jermaine's father Calvin was never in his life besides sending money. So Jermaine was left for the streets to raise him. Everyone has to deal with the decisions they make in life. Mr. Hunter displays that alot. People having to deal with their life's decisions in the end rather good or bad. But this is a powerful story the tells stories on so many levels other than what I have written here. Read it, you won't be disappointed.

This was a very good story. The pros and cons I saw are below:

Pros:
1. This story was very thoughtful. I even cried, in parts. I hate stories with shallow, soap opera-like drama. This book was FAR from that.
2. REAListic--the story did not end as just a "happily ever after" story.
3. "Page turner" and very exciting and interesting in the second part.
4. Well developed characters in the second part.
5. The story was never predictable or cliched.


Cons:
1. The fist part of the book had poor character development. The plot moved so fast and characters were in and out of the story so fast that the characters had no time to delelop.
2. I think that because the plot moved so fast, in the first part, I had to keep going back to make sure who was who and to clarify what happened.
3. The story ended at a TERRIBLE time. I do not object to the way in which it ended; I just think the story should have continued on for another chapter or two. There should certainly be a sequal to this book.

I reccommend this book. However, the ending is bittersweet--both sad and happy. It does not have a "happily ever after" type ending and I like that. It is more believable.

272Pgs - This is my personal view of this book.

It did not grab my attention at all. At the fourth chapter, I was looking for my receipt. More Women are becoming Soul Searchers today and if you are a Title Seeker like myself meaning (a title of a book can prompt you to purchase) this book will definitely be a lesson well deserved.

This is book could be named, "When A Man Loves a Woman." Bishop really loved Abeni and she loved him back just as hard.

This book is awesome! It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. The characters really come to life in this book--you feel what they feel as you read this wonderful book!

It's been awhile since I've ordered a few books and rather than bore you with the same old rave reviews, I just have a few things to state. The book kept me up until my eyes could not take it anymore; The character Bishop in the book was fascinating. I won't go into details but the fact that it deals with FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) which is going on in certain tribes in Africa paints a picture for me to better understand the culture. Althought I don't agree with it. Pick the book up and you will not be dissappointed.

I have been reading Acts of Faith for several years and find it to be the perfect morning read. It sets the tone for my day and helps me remember how blessed I am and how much I need to grow. It often reminds me of lessons that I have forgotten.

I lost my copy at a hotel a few months ago and missed it tremendously, so I had to reorder.

If everyone could learn these lessons, we would be a better world.

GET THIS BOOK! READ THE MEDITATIONS! We need inspirations and meditations and affirmations...THIS BOOK IS A TRIPLE HITTER!!!
I purchased this book when it first came out (Over ten years ago) and at that time I read each meditation daily and FAITHFULLY. Over the years I have had to tape the cover to protect the cover from wear and tear. I also marked the dates of my affirmations, and as I re-read the meditations/affirmations (yes I continue to read the daily affirmations-life doesn't change, there will always be stuff to go through)
I had a chance to see how God has moved me through the various situations I found myself confronted with and also to reflect on how I have grown. I thank God for this book and for giving us Iyanla, who had the wisdom and discernment and OBEDIENCE to write it. I often give this book as a gift when I see folks who are at a place of contemplation; So I recommend this book 100%. Don't be afraid to use it during the happy and not so happy days that will come to past. I have two copies one at home, and one at work. Enjoy!

I had read several other books by Iyanla before I started with this one and I have to say that I have never read another book that give's one so much information and yet is so accessible. Iyanla has a way of making seemingly esoteric issues very relatable and very understandable, and very easy to apply to your everyday life. "Acts of Faith" is definitley in that vein. I would also recommend 'Until Today' by Iyanla which I believe is a more developed version of 'Acts of Faith' in that the daily passages are longer and she give daily affirmations and activities to complete on each day.

Excellent collection of opinions and advise for inspiration and reflection for all aspects of life.

This book has inspired me. I have found several meditations that apply whole heartedly to my life. I have retyped and copied several of the quotes and taped them to my refrigerator or put them on my bulletin board at work. This is a book I needed years ago.

This book has given me insight and inspiration on several different topics. Since I bought it a few years ago, I have yet to put it down. I'm always reading this. I have become more pleasant in certain circumstance because of something I've read here.

For anybody facing lifes highs and lows or debating whether or not to start meditating this book is one you should have. It's so nice to have a book that focuses on the daily ins and outs of being a person of color.