The Birdcatcher by Gayl Jones

“Gayl Jones is an exceptionally talented writer.” —Robert Fleming

What the iconic African-American writer James Baldwin once told the young writers about the traditional stature of the prominent writers who put pen to paper was that it was both the content and versatility of the scribes who would endure through the ages. Such is the case with the mysterious Gayl Jones, whose exciting imagination and controversial vision will yield a handful of fever dreams in the next few years. This is one of the five works coming from the elusive Jones within a five-year publishing cycle.

First published as Die Vogelfangerin by a German publisher in 1986, The Birdcatcher follows Jones’ recent epic work, Palmares, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Read Full Review ?

Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson

“Just As I Am is my truth. It is me, plain and unvarnished, with the glitter and garland set aside. In these pages, I am indeed Cicely, the actress who has been blessed to grace the stage for six decades. Yet the church girl who once rarely spoke a word. I am the teenager who sought solace in the verses of the old hymn for which this book is named. I am a daughter and a mother, a sister and a friend. I am an observer of human nature and the dreamer of audacious dreams.” —Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson worked up until the end of her existence. At age 96, she died with her family and friends around her. This revealing, illuminating book was a fine tribute to her unforgettable character. “I am not a quitter. I will fight until I drop. It is just a matter of having some faith in the fact that as long as you are able to draw breath in the universe, you have a chance.” Her book contains several lessons from a life well lived. She closed the book to say she did “the best with God gave her, just as I am.” Read Full Review ?

I Am New Orleans: 36 Poets Revisit Marcus Christian’s Definitive Poem Edited by Kalamu ya Salaam

Poet, author, filmmaker, and teacher Kalamu ya Salaam has always been a booster for the Crescent City. With the current revitalization of the post-Katrina metropolis, he is promoting its past and present to those who have a long-standing fascination with its “saints and sinners.”

Veteran scribe Jerry Ward Jr. writes in his stirring afterword, he describes this anthology as “a post-Katrina metaphor and a signifying on and off the psychology and philosophical dimensions of poetic autobiography.” Every poem reveals an emotional memory or a political opinion. Kalamu ya Salaam’s anthology belongs alongside some of the iconic collections in its literary significance, including Black Fire, Giant Talk, Hoodoo Hollering Bebop Ghosts, and Conjure. Don’t miss it. Read Full Review ?

I Am Debra Lee: A Memoir by Debra Lee

Blessed with a candor, boldness, and business savvy rarely seen in books of this type, former CEO of Black Entertainment Television network Debra Lee has peeled back the secrets of the corporate world in her memoir, I Am Debra Lee. The career journey of this Fort Jackson, South Carolina native rates special attention since she endured several racial and cultural obstacles to rise to the apex of entertainment media. This is one of the most impressive business survivor’s tale of purpose, perseverance, and power.

All those who wish to explore success in corporate life should read this book closely, acknowledging the marvelous wit and wisdom of an experienced trailblazer. This is a master class on bright feminine choices, practical life lessons, and daring business decisions. Read Full Review ?

Spirituality, Racism, and the Phantom: Tranquil Skies; The Mystique of Flight by James T. Hollin, Jr.

Hats off to James T. Hollin, Jr., pilot extraordinary. He has flew so many commercial and fighter airplanes, including Boeing 757 and B-767and L-1011. He pays homage to Black history both past and present, while walking us through this illustrious aviation career. Despite the fly-boy jargon, he never ceased to offer tribute to the Supreme Power that sustains all life. “You can’t hide from the presence of Spirit; embrace the natural wonder of Life and Creation. Respect all humans; help even the seeming “lowest” of us. We all need each other and can learn from one another…God bless the Earth.”

Hollin has become our pilot-philosopher of our times. He, with his courage and boldness, has burst through the brittle, shallow fa ade of racism and discrimination. Each story in the book is a lesson for the heart and soul. We need more men like Mr. Hollin, a explorer in awe of the heavens but grounded in the present Earthly delights and temptations. This is a fine effort. Read Full Review ?

Check out this beautiful boxed set of Octavia Butler’s award-winning books, Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents.

Against a background of a war-torn continent, and with a far-right religious crusader in the office of the U.S. presidency, Parable of the Talents is a book about a society whose very fabric has been torn asunder, and where the basic physical and emotional needs of people seem almost impossible to meet. Talents is introduced by singer, musician, composer, producer, and curator Toshi Reagon, who created an opera based on the Parable books.

The African American Book Club will be moderating a discussion of Bulter’s Parable of the Talents with the Queens Public Library. The discussion will take in person, and via zoom, on April 25, May 9, and May 30 at 4 p.m. Attend one or all of the sessions!

If you are interested in participating please click the button below and I’ll follow up with additional details.

F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival

February 23 - 25, 2023 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL)

F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival promotes literacy year-round. We provide students with books, host conversations with authors from around the world, and support other literacy initiatives. If you would like to help support F.R.E.S.H. in its mission to promote "Literacy is a Legacy," then visit our Sponsor F.R.E.S.H. page for more information.

AALBC’s Troy Johnson will be participating in this year’s event! Join Us ?

Dear Reader,

As always, your support is crucial to helping us continue to improve AALBC. Your paid subscriptions, book purchases, suggestions, engagement on the site, social sharing, advertisements, and feedback help support AALBC’s mission of celebrating Black culture through books.

Peace and Love,
Troy Johnson
President, AALBC.com, LLC