| Bestselling Books September to October 2014 Authors You Should Know Robin Walker, The Black History Man Robin Walker is a pioneering scholar, autho
| | Robin Walker is a pioneering scholar, author, and educator residing in London, England. His primary work focuses on African history and culture. Since 1991, Walker has taught university short courses, and chaired and presented conferences in African World Studies, Egyptology, and Black History. His seminal publication, When We Ruled (Black Classic Press, 2011) documents more than 90,000 years of African achievement. The 700+ page text surveys African civilization in the Nile Valley, analyzing the key historical phases of Ancient Egypt-but goes much further. More ? |
K’wan is not your typical urban fiction author. He is a talented and accomplished writer, who has published books under his own name, and pseudonymously, in multiple genres. He has won numerous awards, and his novel, Black Lotus (Infamous Books, May 27, 2014) was selected as one of the Library Journal’s Best Books of 2014. His latest book, Animal 3: Revelations was published November 4th by Cash Money Content. If you have been searching for book for a reluctant male reader, look no further.? More ? |
Bill Cosby’s enduring marriage has been tested by everything from extortion to infidelity, to the 1997 murder of son Ennis, to daughter Erinn’s drug addiction. All that and more is examined in intimate detail in Cosby: His Life and Times (Simon & Schuster, September 16, 2014), a revealing biography by Mark Whitaker. The author, the former managing editor of CNN, was afforded unusual access to Bill and scores of his colleagues and closest friends, including his Cosby Show spouse, Phylicia Rashad. Note: After publishing this book review: social media quickly informed me of Cosby numerous rape allegations…sheesh. So many accusations so little journalism hard to discern what is true. More ? |
Who We Be (St. Martin’s Press, October 21, 2014) is the work of a new sage thinker with his finger on the pulse. Don’t let yourself be dissuaded by the grammatically-incorrect title of his opus, or it’s Ebonics chapter headings like “I Am I Be” and “What You Got to Say?” for the actual text isn’t written in inscrutable slang as implied, but rather offers a very articulate analysis of the evolution of American culture from the March on Washington to the present. With the help of a dizzying mix of evocative essays, anecdotes, quotes, quips and eye-catching cartoons and photographs, he amply illustrates what he refers to as America’s post-racial paradox. For although the country might be awash in a sort of melting pot imagery suggested by popular movies, TV shows and rainbow coalition commercials, that superficial symbolism flies in the face of the undeniable reality of rising re-segregation in terms of housing and schooling. More ? |
This opus points out that the policy of treating juvenile delinquents like adults has been counterproductive, since “it is more likely that an African-American boy who drops out of high school will be arrested than get a job.” It further laments that “one in every three black males born today can expect to serve time in prison.” Mr. Moran, as a member of the Malta Justice Initiative, suggests a host of reforms to “The New Jim Crow,” as dubbed by Michelle Alexander, starting with making it easier for parolees to find gainful employment. And the group’s other solutions include reserving incarceration for violent offenders. More ? |
Only the women in Forever An Ex (Touchstone, June 17, 2014) know for sure. The sequel to Murray’s wildly popular The Ex Files centers on the specifics of broken relationships. These three characters are back some seven years later with a new twist on what happens when the loving stops. Where does it leave a woman? These Christian women remain haunted by the pain their ex-husbands created. Can they allow God to get rid of the ghosts of their pasts? Victoria Christopher Murray knows how to create a character with a reality that is so true to life. The characters are so much like many women that you know in your own church today. She lays it all out there crossing lines that most Christian writers are afraid to touch. She leaves little room for guessing. She writes with precision. Her storylines are clear, crisp and full of emotion. More ? |
Just Wanna Testify (One World, May 10, 2011) by the mega-talented author, Pearl Cleage was met with mixed reviews when it was first released. Many of my “book buddies” told me that I wouldn’t like it at all. Everyone knows that I don’t do paranormal. Ever-popular werewolf and vampire stories just don’t do it for me. So, for a long time this book sat on my book shelf. Well everybody was wrong. This novel was an incredible reading journey for me. I wish I had read it sooner. Being a lover of all books Pearl Cleage, I could not fathom a story about vampires. What was Pearl thinking, I thought. But then I thought but how could I go wrong with a story about one of my all-time favorite characters, Blue Hamilton? Fans of this author know very well her books set in Atlanta’s West End, a favorite setting of mine. Blue’s love for his wife, Regina Hamilton tugged at my heart from the very beginning. So how in the world do vampires fit into this scheme of things? More ? |
Modern technology has made a long-distance love affair more of a reality. The characters in this novel took the concept and made it happen. First time author, Sadeqa Johnson put it all together in a remarkably entertaining story that reminded me why I love books and the joy of reading. It is a great first effort by an author who can really write. Love in a Carry-On Bag (12th Street Press, March 20, 2012) is about two people who need to be together. Erica Shaw is a very polished and aggressive publicist for one of the top publishing companies in New York City. Warren Prince is a sexy musician who is more interested in making music than he is in making money. More ? |
A writer who has published a memoir and a motivational book, this new appreciation moved Pichet beyond prose to poetry. Her poems tell the story of her life, and of her family. In a section titled: “Guests Poets—All in the Family” she even includes poems from her family, some from poets as young as 8. Pichet’s poems are confessional, they examine her life, memories and experiences in the same gentle tone and rhythm. She is telling the story of her life and leaving it as a legacy to her children and grandchildren. Her poems appeal more to the reader’s emotions, than their intellect. There are rhyming stanzas as well as poetic narrative. Nature, particularly a garden, is a consistent metaphorical theme and is used to reference family, love, and history (AuthorHouse, January 20, 2014). More ? |
Note: This review was originally published on AALBC.com in 1998. Coleman places spirituality alongside of science. She brings in the history of the Dogon people and the oneness that Patricia found when she acknowledged God. Also at the center of this book is the book of Genesis. Yes, Coleman will have you reaching for your bible as well. This book is a marvel. One that causes me still to ask questions. Especially, my place in the scheme of things. I can help but to think of my place with God, in this country, or in the universe. It’s heavy, baby (Simon & Schuster, March 11, 1998). More ? |
Since 2001 there have been 35 African-American nominees for National Book Awards. AALBC.com is very proud to recognize these authors as they, along was so many others not recognized here, represent the best of American literature. The mission of the National Book Foundation and the National Book Awards is to celebrate the best of American literature, to expand its audience, and to enhance the cultural value of great writing in America. Since 1996, independent panels of five writers have chosen the National Book Award winners in four categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Young People’s Literature. Discover these African American nominees and learn who was the first one to win the award in 1953 ? |
Alexis Fletcher hasn’t had a merry Christmas in five years-not since her mother passed away. Every December she remembers the joy her mother brought to everyone during the holiday season and feels the pain of her absence, even more so now that she and her sister are barely speaking. More than anything, Alexis wishes her family could be whole again. Will fate give her what she needs to finally embrace the season that has brought her so much pain? Will Alexis get her wish for a happy holiday? Or will her Christmas prayer go unanswered? Note: AALBC.com has partnered with MahoganyBooks to provide new books, by prominent writers, at a substantial discount. There are new deals each week. Buy Now and Save 30% ? |
The Book of Negroes is a the winner of the 2008 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Fiction and one of the greatest Canadian novels of the decade. In the United States, the novel was published under the title Someone Knows My Name. The Book of Negroes Illustrated Edition (W. W. Norton & Company, January 12, 2015) shares with readers the many photos, works of art and documents that inspired Lawrence Hill to create his award-winning work. Lawrence Hill’s award-winning novel will be a major television miniseries airing on BET Networks, in 2015. More ? |
2 Halves Make Me Whole (CreateSpace, March 26, 2014) is a charming look at the life of a little boy named Jackson, who chronicles his journey with parents who are effectively co-parenting nearly a thousand miles apart. Because being separated by land is no match for hearts forever connected by love. Brilliantly illustrated and beautifully told, this heart-warming tale is perfect for sharing. Buy Now ? |
Sword and Soul originator and Sword and Sorcery master Charles R. Saunders storms back onto the literary scene with an new epic fantasy sure to become a classic. Matile Mala, once the most powerful empire in the black continent of Abengoni, is slipping slowly into decadence, and becoming more and more vulnerable to aggression from the nations and tribes it once dominated. In the capital, Khambawe, ancient rituals endure, dominated by dreams and delusions. As Tiyana, who is both priestess and princess, conducts one such ceremony, known as First Calling, the rite is disrupted by the arrival of a half-wrecked ship from Fiadol, a far-distant land across the sea that is almost forgotten by the Matile. Led by a Seer called Kyroun, the pale-skinned people on the ship seek refuge among the Matile (MVmedia, November 10, 2014). Buy Now ? |
Misdiagnosed (CreateSpace, July 27, 2014) is the true story of one woman’s harrowing quest to find the correct diagnosis for the illness ravaging her body. This frank and engaging story takes readers on her nearly 2 decade long journey that ends with her learning she has a rare autoimmune disease. Misdiagnosed also provides tips to others about how to avoid misdiagnosis. Publisher’s Weekly says “In this hope-filled memoir, a woman rises above the challenges of navigating the modern American medical system.” Kirkus Reviews calls it, “A saga of dealing with a chronic illness that shows how health intertwines with work, love and life.” Buy Now ? |
Ironically, the setting of Walter Mosley’s tragedy, “Lift,” is within the confines of an elevator. The two main characters, young Black professionals, discuss broader issues of race, class and relationships. Under the skilled direction of Marshall Jones III, Maame Yaa Boafo and Biko Eisen-Martin breathe an attractive chemistry and depth into their roles as strangers trapped indefinitely in an elevator in their corporate office building (read the complete review at amsterdamnews.com). “Lift,” written by award-winning mystery author Walter Mosley and produced by Crossroads Theatre Company continues at 59 E. 59th St., in New York City, through Nov. 30. Purchase tickets and save $21 with code WTGLIFT. |
Marque Richardson is a high energy, multi-faceted actor, writer and producer. He can currently be seen in the critically-acclaimed Dear White People, a satirical comedy that examines race and identity in America through the stories of four black, Ivy League college students. Marque spends his free time writing, innovating and mentoring students in Los Angeles. Here, he talks about his career as well as his work in Dear White People (opened Oct 17, 2014 Limited). Buy Now ? |
Beyond the Lights (In Theaters: Nov 14, 2014 ), a steamy romantic romp written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Secret Life of Bees and Love & Basketball). Don’t be duped into thinking that you’ve seen this same story somewhere before, given how the plot is vaguely reminiscent of Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner’s The Bodyguard (1992). Beyond the Lights unfolds in unique fashion. This amorous tale of female empowerment might be better thought of as an engaging blend of hip-hop performances and soap opera drama that’s at its best when leads Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Nate Parker generate beaucoup chemistry while sharing the screen. More ? |
In accepting the award for fiction for her novel We Need New Names, NoViolet Bulawayo said, “I accept the award in gratitude and celebration of the luminous works of Zora Neale Hurston and Richard Wright, both beacons of creativity.” The fiction finalists were Jamaica Kincaid for See Now Then and Mitchell Jackson for The Residue Years. In nonfiction the finalists were Jesmyn Ward National Book Award winner for Men We Reaped and critic Stanley Crouch for Kansas City Lightning: The Rise and Times of Charlie Parker. The poetry finalists were A. Van Jordan for The Cineaste and Yona Harvey for Hemming the Water. More ? |
The Cops ’N Kids Reading Center was founded in 1997 in Racine, Wisconsin. There are now over 70 Cops ’N Kids Reading Centers throughout the United States as well as Australia South Africa, Venezuela, and the Philippines. In 1997, then police officer, Julia Burney, responded to a burglary call that led her to a warehouse full of children’s books. Without hesitation, Julia realized these books should be in the hands, hearts and homes of the disadvantaged children she served every day. More ? |
Veritasium produces videos that I watch regularly, because I’m interested in science. This video was an unexpected surprise as it digressed from their usual subject matter, and provides compelling evidence that Facebook’s revenue is based on fake likes. This video fills in the gaps in what I’ve observed but could not come up with a satisfactory explanation. Over the years my Facebook fans has increased while engagement has gone down. I assumed this was simply a strategy by Facebook to encourage one to buy more ads, but it runs much deeper than that. If you run a Facebook fan page you should invest 9 minutes of your time, and watch this video. It will explain a lot. Watch the Video ? |
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Join the world of published authors by taking advantage of CreateSpace, a fast, easy, and free way to publish your work. A couple of the books described above were published through CreateSpace. With CreateSpace you retain copyright. They provide writers with free tools to build and publish a book in as little as a few days. You can reach readers worldwide and receive industry-leading royalties. Create a New Account ? |
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AALBC.com eNewsletter — November 18, 2014 - Issue #220 |
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