7 Books Published by Civilized Publications on AALBC — Book Cover Collage

How to Tell If Your Man Is Gay or Bisexual offers guidance aimed at helping women identify signs that their partner may be gay or bisexual. This book is in line with Ali’s direct and often controversial approach to relationship dynamics, which has sparked discussion and debate across her works. In this particular book, she addresses behaviors and characteristics she believes could indicate that a man is attracted to the same sex, providing readers with her perspective on signs of homosexuality or bisexuality.

The book has been described as provocative and reflects Ali’s tendency to confront topics with an unapologetic tone. While it has received interest for its candidness, it has also faced criticism for reinforcing stereotypes and for its unverified assumptions about sexuality. This work is typically considered a reflection of Ali’s unique style and controversial approach to sensitive issues surrounding relationships within the Black community.

How Not to Eat Pork, Or, Life Without the Pig was Shahrazad Ali’s first book. First published in 1985, is a book that explores the cultural, health, and religious reasons for avoiding pork. Known for her controversial views, Ali provides arguments against pork consumption from the perspective of Black Muslims, detailing the historical and social implications of the pig in Western diets. She emphasizes the importance of dietary choices as part of cultural identity and spiritual well-being, challenging readers to consider the impact of pork on their health and lifestyle.

This book is not for the “genteel” reader. This is no rock-a-bye-baby book. In fact, non-African people may feel uneasy reading this book. Shahrazad takes off her shoes and tells the flat-footed truth about every aspect of life in America for people of African descent. And lest one should feel that the author makes generalizations, suffice it to say, “If the shoe fits, wear it.” This book should be in every African American home, because there is surely something here for everyone, even those Africans in denial. The journey begins from birth and goes well into adulthood. Did you talk to your children about work ethics, employment vs business ownership choices, credit, not to mention the usual, sex, drugs, getting high, partying, history - yours/ours, renting vs owning a home, traveling options, racism? And that - trust me - is just a few things on the list.

Urban Survival for the Year 2000: Preparation for the Year 2000 Computer Problem for People of Color, written by Shahrazad Ali and published in 1999, explores the potential challenges posed by the Y2K problem, specifically for communities of color. At the time, the Y2K (Year 2000) computer bug raised widespread concerns about the possibility of technological failures due to computers’ inability to process dates correctly when switching from 1999 to 2000.

In her book, Ali provides advice on how people of color can prepare for possible disruptions in essential services, including utilities, transportation, and financial systems. Her perspective emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and preparedness for communities often underserved by mainstream emergency planning efforts. Although some of the specific concerns related to Y2K did not materialize to the extent predicted, Ali’s book reflects her broader themes of empowering African American communities through awareness and readiness for unforeseen challenges.

The Blackwoman’s Guide to Understanding the Blackman by Shahrazad Ali, published in 1992, is a follow-up to her earlier work, The Blackman’s Guide to Understanding the Blackwoman. In this book, Ali offers her perspectives on the dynamics between Black men and Black women, addressing topics such as relationships, family roles, and societal pressures. The book is known for its controversial views on gender roles within the Black community and has sparked significant discussion and debate about the cultural expectations and challenges that Black men and women face.

The Blackman’s Guide to Understanding the Blackwoman by Shahrazad Ali, published in 1989, is a controversial and polarizing book. It examines the dynamics between Black men and Black women, framing Black women’s behavior in a way that Ali argues is detrimental to the Black community. The book discusses topics such as relationships, gender roles, and family structure, often with a provocative and critical tone. Ali suggests that many social problems within the Black community stem from issues she attributes to the behavior of Black women, offering prescriptive advice on how Black men should address these issues.

The book sparked significant controversy upon its release, with many people protesting its contents, calling it misogynistic and based on stereotypes. Critics have argued that the book lacks empirical data to support its claims and reinforces patriarchal views, while others have seen it as a blunt, if not divisive, commentary on gender roles within the African American community. Despite its controversy, The Blackman’s Guide to Understanding the Blackwoman gained considerable media attention, spurring public discussions about gender dynamics, race, and the role of women within the family and society.

Are You Still a Slave? by Shahrazad Ali, published in 1994, continues the author’s trend of offering provocative commentary on social and cultural issues affecting the Black community. In this book, Ali explores the concept of mental and social "slavery" among African Americans, addressing topics like historical oppression, economic dependency, and cultural influences that she argues limit self-determination and personal freedom within the Black community.

Ali uses a direct and often controversial tone to challenge readers, encouraging them to question their beliefs and behaviors. The book critiques societal pressures that, according to Ali, perpetuate forms of dependency and prevent African Americans from achieving complete autonomy. Her approach has sparked both debate and criticism, similar to her other works, as some find her views to be polarizing and lacking in empirical support.