To view the entire bestsellers list visit http://books.aalbc.com/bestsellers.htm and look out for our best selling books for the entire year – to be posted in January 2007
 

Authors You Should Know

Quincy Troupe
http://authors.aalbc.com/quincy_troupe.htm

Troupe is the author of 17 books, including 8 volumes of poetry, the latest of which is the Architecture of Language. He also co-authored The Pursuit of Happiness by Chris Gardner, a major motion picture staring Will Smith. Troupe received the 2003 Milt Kessler Poetry Award for Trancircularities: New and Selected Poems, selected by Publishers Weekly as one of the ten best books of poetry written in 2002. Currently Mr. Troupe is writing an auto-memoir. The Accordion Years:1965 to 2005.
Two of Troupe's books, Miles: The Autobiography (1989) and Snake-Back Solos (1979), have won the American Book Award.
 

Wanda Coleman
http://authors.aalbc.com/wandacoleman.htm

Coleman is the author of Bathwater Wine, winner of the 1999 Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize. A former medical secretary, magazine editor, journalist and scriptwriter, Coleman has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation for her poetry.
 

Herb Boyd
http://authors.aalbc.com/herb_boyd.htm

Boyd is an awarding winning author and journalist who has published sixteen books and countless articles for national magazines and newspapers.  Brotherman—The Odyssey of Black Men in America—An Anthology (One World/Ballantine, 1995), co-edited with Robert Allen of the Black Scholar journal, won the American Book Award for nonfiction. In 1999, Boyd won three first place awards from the New York Association of Black Journalists for his articles published in the Amsterdam News.
 

BOOK REVIEWS

Transitioning to Real Life: A Common Sense Guide for the African-American New College Graduate - Book Review by Jamie Walker
http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/transitioning_to_real_life.htm

It isn’t easy transitioning from college to the real world, but in Transitioning to Real Life: A Common Sense Guide for the African American New College Graduate, Yvonne Curry Smallwood provides all of the information a recent graduate might need to succeed in business and in their own personal life.

Most students who have not yet entered the workforce are not prepared for the road ahead. They are neither aware of what will be expected of them nor are they accustomed to what some working-class American citizens consider “common sense.” For example, getting to work on time (every day), dressing professionally at your place of work (or for a job interview), managing your finances, and learning to network in your field are all small reminders that serve as life lessons for the recent graduate seeking to establish a name for his/her self in the real world.
 

Breastlessness - Book Review by Jayne Cubbage
http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/breastlessness.htm

Breastlessness is like a strong hand to hold during a terrifying time in one’s life. This important resource is not only useful for the diagnosed, but also for family, friends and others who may want to familiarize themselves with the disease. Even for the undiagnosed, readers of this book will walk away from this well written and thorough book with a clearer understanding of and respect for the diagnosed and survivors. Readers will have a newfound wealth of knowledge of breast cancer that spans well beyond the pink ribbon. This book is a true educational resource for all.
 

Not Easily Broken by T.D. Jakes - Book Review by Idrissa Uqdah
http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/not_easily_broken.htm

Not Easily Broken is the latest novel by mega preacher, T. D. Jakes about an upper class African American couple who find that their marriage has fallen into disrepair right before their eyes.  Neither one of them seem to be able to acknowledge the truth of the matter.  They have gotten used to acting like nothing is wrong until they are involved in a near-fatal car crash and Clarice is seriously injured.  As David fails miserably at his attempts to take care of his wife; he finally admits that he no longer feels needed.  Her lack of neediness and her inability to trust him with her fears is at the core of their problems.  Suddenly; the wonderful life that they have built is no longer enough.  The house, the cars and the material possessions are no longer fulfilling because they both realize that they have lost that loving feeling between them.
 

Forever Sentimental, Volume III-AGAPE LOVE by Kenyatta - Book Review by Idrissa Uqdah
http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/forever_sentimental.htm

Ohio Poet, Kenyatta is a man of many words.  His book  Forever Sentimental-AGAPE LOVE  is Volume Three in the Forever Sentimental book series, collections of poetry that speak straight from the heart.  A gifted wordsmith, the poems are well written.  They flow like a lazy river spreading emotional attachments that embody the heart and soul of true love.  The lines are crisp and sometimes haunting.  These poems will make you smile but they will also bring a tear or two.
 

You're a Worthwhile Person in More Ways than a Million! by Simeon W. Johnson  - Book Review by Jayne Cubbage
http://aalbc.com/reviews/youre_a_worthwhile_person.htm

You’re a Worthwhile Person in More Ways Than a Million by Simeon Johnson is an enjoyable, frank and honest read that lauds the everyday person and the jobs they do. Too often society overlooks the hotel maid, bus driver or the building superintendent. But Johnson points out that without these essential people who keep society functioning, our lives would come to a grinding halt.

 

Deconstructing Tyrone: A New Look at Black Masculinity in the Hip-Hop Generation - Book Review by Kam WIlliams
http://hiphopbookclub.com/deconstructing_tyrone.htm

“Hip-hop, whose entire aesthetic, at least as promulgated on cable and Radio, seems to be based on the world’s oldest profession; all men are pimps and all the women are hos. As a whole, the Hip-Hop Generation has found prostitution to be an apt metaphor for American capitalism, which… has taken the literal and figurative pimping of black culture to new depth”
–Excerpted from Chapter 6, The Pole Test
 

The Boiling Pot of Injustice by Kelvin D. Bodley - Book Review by  Idrissa Uqdah
http://reviews.aalbc.com/the_boiling_pot_of_injustice.htm

Kelvin D. Bodley has penned an explosive book.  He has taken his experiences of discrimination in the workplace; and using Biblical principles exposes the wrongs of racism and unfair employment practices.  It is a very impressive read. From the author’s own personal experiences The Boiling Pot of Injustice outlines the negative impact that racial discrimination has on both the personal and professional lives of those who are victims of this type of injustice.  His research is impeccable and his concept is very unique.  He challenges Christians through references to scripture and by using the Word of God.   He encourages believers to identify racial injustices in employment and in the world and to stand up for themselves and not be cowards.  The book is also full of historical notes beginning with the African American slavery experience in this country. 
 

FILM REVIEWS

The Pursuit of Happyness - Film Review by Kam Williams
http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/pursuit_of_happyness.htm

In 2003, the ABC-TV newsmagazine 20/20 ran a story about an honorably-discharged, Navy veteran who had fallen on such hard times that he ended up homeless and struggling to survive by his wits on the streets of San Francisco. In the heartbreaking segment, Chris Gardner recounted how, after being abandoned by his wife, evicted from his apartment, having his account frozen by the IRS, and having his car repossessed, he and his five year-old son soon bottomed-out with no hope in sight. The two ended up eating at soup kitchens, sleeping in church shelters and subway stations, and bathing in public bathrooms, until the frustrated father finally figured a way to extract them from their dire circumstances.
 

Blood Diamond - Film Review by Kam Williams
http://aalbc.com/reviews/blood_diamond.htm

Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), a soldier of fortune from Zimbabwe, is in destabilized Sierra Leone to exchange arms for diamonds with the highest bidder, whether that be the government or the rebel led Revolutionary United Front (RUF). You see, this white Rhodesian is bitter about the loss of a birthplace he still refers to by its colonial name. So, he could careless how much blood is shed during Sierra Leone’s interminable civil war, so long as the violence is basically black versus black, and he is able to profit from the incessant slaughter.
 

Forgiveness - Film Review by Kam Williams
http://aalbc.com/reviews/forgiveness.htm

Tertius Coetzee’s (Arnold Vosloo) was tormented by the guilt he felt over atrocities he committed on behalf of South Africa’s repressive apartheid regime. So, the disgraced police officer testified before the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, expecting to cleanse his conscience of the torture he perpetrated.

But when he continued to be plagued by memories of his role in the murders of African National Congress (ANC) activists, Coetzee decided to visit the family of one of his victims, Daniel Grotbroom, hoping to receive additional absolution that might help him finally find peace. So, he traveled sand-swept roads across a barren landscape to the tiny fishing village of Paternoster, a so-called “colored” community, where he has an emotional meeting with the 21 year-old freedom fighter’s parents.
 

Idlewild - Musical Set at Southern Speakeasy Released on DVD - Review by Kam Williams
http://aalbc.com/reviews/idlewild.htm

Endeavoring to mimic Moulin Rouge’s irreverent approach to the musical genre, Idlewild mixes hip-hop into a historical flick set in the Thirties during Prohibition. The film represents the brash directorial debut of Bryan Barber, who makes quite a splash via an elaborate musical throwback replete with chorus lines. This bifurcated, bittersweet tale of love and ambition co-stars OutKast’s Big Boi and Andre’ 3000 as Rooster and Percival, respectively, lifelong friends raised on opposite side of the tracks of a sleepy Southern town of Idlewild, Georgia.
 

INTERVIEWS

Words with the Author of the Best Black Book of 2006 - Interviewed by Kam Williams
http://reviews.aalbc.com/kola_boof.htm

Egyptian/Sudanese-American writer Kola Boof is the author of seven books published in eight countries. Her autobiography, “Diary of a Lost Girl”was this critic’s #1 pick on the 10 Best Black Books List for 2006.

Born Naima Bint Harith in Omdurman, Sudan, Kola was adopted by African-Americans, Marvin and Claudine Johnson in 1979 and became an American citizen in 1993. The next year, she returned to North Africa and became a “paid party girl” at government functions in Egypt and Libya. She also appeared in more than 40 Arabian films before meeting Osama Bin Laden who reportedly took her as his mistress for six months in 1996.
 

Jennifer Hudson - Interviewed by Kam Williams
http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/jennifer_hudson.htm

In 2002, Hudson and 70,000 other hopefuls auditioned for American Idol during the hit TV show’s third season. Though she was a finalist and wowed the judges, Jennifer only came in seventh. Her early departure prompted Elton John to state publicly that he believed racism played a part in the voting.  Ironically, the emerging ingénue had to compete again against American Idol-winner Fantasia for the role. So, it makes sense that Jennifer would see some similarities between herself and the character she’s portraying on screen.
 

Eddie Murphy Interview - Murphy Muses on Dream Role - Interviewed by Kam Williams
http://aalbc.com/reviews/eddie_murphy.htm

Born in Brooklyn on April 3, 1961, Edward Regan Murphy began appearing on stage at the age of 15, doing a combination of impersonations and side-splitting observational humor. While still in his teens, he joined the ensemble cast of Saturday Night Live, and was instantly catapulted to superstardom.

Eddie’s movies have made more money than any other African-American actor in the history of motion pictures. Here, he talks about his powerful performance as R&B singer James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Supporting Actor category.
 

Will Smith - The Pursuit of Happyness - Interview with Kam Williams
http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/will_smith.htm

Willard Christopher Smith, Jr. was born on September 25, 1968 in Philly, the city where he first entered showbiz, performing with Jeff Townes as DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince. He parlayed his hip-hop success into the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, the eponymous, hit TV-show which enjoyed a six-year run on NBC before being sent into syndication.

In 2002, he landed and Academy Award nomination for his uncanny transformation into Muhammad Ali in Ali. Here, he reflects on his new role in another biopic, The Pursuit of Happyness, where he plays Chris Gardner, a single-dad who managed to go from homeless to multi-millionaire stockbroker.
 

Chris Gardner - The Pursuit of Happyness Interview with Kam Williams
http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/chris_gardner.htm

Born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Christopher Gardner never knew his father. He lived with his mother, Bettye Jean Gardner, whom he adored, and, when necessary, in foster homes. Despite a life of hardship and emotional scarring, his mother provided him with strong "spiritual genetics" and taught him some of the greatest lessons of his life, which he follows to this day.

Today, he’s the CEO of Christopher Gardner International Holdings, a company he founded with offices in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. The amazing story of his life was published as an autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, and is the inspiration for the new movie of the same name starring Will Smith.
 

Djimon Hounsou - The Blood Diamond Interview with Kam Williams
http://aalbc.com/reviews/djimon_hounsou.htm

Djimon Gaston Hounsou was born in Benin on April 24, 1964 but emigrated at the age of 13 to Paris where he was homeless, leading a hand-to-mouth existence, till he was discovered by a fashion designer who signed him on as a model. After stints on catwalks all across Europe, Djimon moved to Hollywood to take a shot at acting.  Here, he reflects on his new movie, Blood Diamond, where he portrays Solomon Vandy, a fisherman intent on escaping war-torn Sierra Leone with his family.  
 

ARTICLES

Marie Brown's TriHarLenium Presentation - Harlem Literary Scene 1986 to 1996
http://reviews.aalbc.com/harlem_literary_scene.htm

Marie Brown (president of Marie Brown Associates, a literary agency) tells us: "...what was actually happening in Harlem but not reported widely is very strong evidence of the strength, presence and resilience of the African American Literary tradition and continuing presence in Harlem from 1986 through 1996."  Read about the authors and institutions active in Harlem during this 10 year period
 

The Negro-Cons’ Deal with the Devil: Honorary White Status in Return for Abandoning Fellow Blacks by Lloyd Williams
http://aalbc.com/reviews/thenegro-cons.htm

In reaction to John Ridley's article in December’s Esquire Magazine; Kam Williams, shares his thoughts: "There is a disturbing new trend in the mainstream media lately, namely, the emergence of African-American conservatives willing to do the bidding of right-wing whites by blaming poor black folks for the host of social ills visited upon those still stuck in the slums. Rabidly racist, these Negro-cons are not above referring to ghetto dwellers by the N-word, as if those who’ve escaped have achieved some sort of honorary white status."
 

Sonia Sanchez and Ten Grandmothers Acquitted of ‘Defiant Trespassing’ by Jamie Walker
http://reviews.aalbc.com/sonia_sanchez_acquited.htm

Philadelphia, PA—Sonia Sanchez, 71, and ten other grandmothers, who are part of an organization called The Granny Peace Brigade (GBP), were recently acquitted in a Philadelphia Community Courtroom on charges of 'defiant trespassing' in front of an Army Recruitment Center earlier this year.

The grandmothers—all of whom are against the war in Iraq—staged a peaceful protest outside a U.S. Armed Forces Center in downtown Philadelphia on June 28, 2006. While protesting, the women “sang peace songs, spoke out against the war, and displayed colorful banners.”
 

It's Been Fun, Kids! C. Kelly Robinson Retires (well sort of)
http://authors.aalbc.com/robinson_retires.htm

"This will sound clichéd, but I am retiring the C. Kelly Robinson publishing persona in order to spend more time with my family. This year Kyra and I have been blessed with the arrival of our first child, and we are learning firsthand the joys and challenges so many of you have shared with us in years past. Personally, I am also learning that I can no longer compete for book sales by spending precious funds that now need to be invested in children's books, formula, and college savings plans!" –C. Kelly Robinson
 

COLORLINES
http://www.colorlines.com/

Currently in its 9th year of publication, COLORLINES is the leading national, multi-racial magazine devoted to the creativity and complexity of communities of color. COLORLINES features the best writing on the issues that affect these communities.

COLORLINES; (1) exposes popular lies, reveals hidden truths, and prioritizes the critical stories other publications ignore; (2) presents the best expressions in literature, art, music, and film - then couples them with incisive criticism and (3) features the finest art and photography on the subjects that matter; the sharpest criticism on the cultural movements of our times; and the boldest coverage on the organizing that empowers us.
 

Hear the words of the Bible brought to life like never before. Inspired By... The Bible Experience: New Testament Audio CD or MP3 CD includes a fully dramatized reading of the complete New Testament performed by an unprecedented ensemble of distinguished all-star actors, musicians, and personalities. A cast of more than 200 stars, including Blair Underwood (Jesus), Samuel L. Jackson (God), Angela Bassett (Esther), Denzel Washington (Solomon), Cuba Gooding Jr. (Judas), and many others, lent their talents to create The Bible Experience, a one-of-a-kind dramatized audio recording of the Bible, complete with an outstanding original musical underscore.
 

YBE Magazine.com
http://ybemagazine.com/

"We wish to create a magazine that targets young black men, roughly ages 17 to 30, to educate, inform, and inspire, not simply entertain. We will educate young people by teaching them how to be responsible in all aspects of life including family and finances; we will discuss various political issues in the country, especially those that affect blacks; we will also provide information about various colleges for those interested in pursuing higher education and about numerous careers, as well as information about how to become an entrepreneur. We will motivate young blacks to dream and achieve those dreams, to be more than what society or stereotypes say they can be; we will stimulate thought and encourage our readers to challenge what they are taught by society rather than blindly accept everything as truth; we will attempt to create a stronger sense of unity among blacks by encouraging them to help themselves and each other; and we will inspire them to be creative through sharing and developing their artistic talents."
 

African-American Writers: Portraits and Visions (November 2001) by Lynda Koolish
http://books.aalbc.com/aaw.htm

This is the first book devoted exclusively to photographic portraits of African American writers since Carl Van Vechten's work featuring Harlem Renaissance writers in the 1920s and 1930s.

Over a period of thirty years Lynda Koolish has been photographing African American authors in their homes, at public readings, in universities, and at conferences and festivals.
 

Join Renowned Actor and Director, Bill Duke and Best Selling Author Relentless Aaron
http://events.aalbc.com/bill_duke_relentless.htm

 for a celebratory Breakfast & Book Signing, Sunday, December 31st @ Yvonne's Restaurant 503 fifth Ave, Pelham, NY (914) 738-2005 as the celebrate their outstanding multi-picture partnership and the forthcoming blockbuster movie PUSH.  Friends, Family and Fans are encouraged to come and usher in the New Year early with the actor and the author.  Need directions? Visit http://yvonnesoutherncuisine.com/ Breakfast @ 9AM Book signing @10 AM Limited Seating
 

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 Dedicated to "The God Father of Soul", Mr. James Brown - (5/3/33 - 12/25/06)

Dreamgirls: Music From The Motion Picture
[2-CD Deluxe Edition] [SOUNDTRACK]
Original Release Date:
December 5, 2006

Sex and Race: A History of White, Negro, and Indian Miscegenation in the Two Americas : The New World
by J. A. Rogers
ISBN: 0960229418
Format: Hardcover, 304pp
Pub. Date: January 1989
Publisher: Helga Rogers

Splay Anthem
by Nathaniel Mackey
Winner of the 2006 National Book Award for Poetry

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