Troy

@Mel Hopkins what "myopic" view did I express? Please copy and paste it so that I'm clear -- thanks. After reviewing the Pew report. I can confidently say (willing to bet money), that the depiction of interracial couples is indeed over represented. I'm still not convinced it is part of a deliberate plan to eradicate Black people, though obviously there are people with this agenda -- I just don't think they are that sophisticated. Interestingly, according to pew, newlywed Black men are 2.5 times more likely, than Black women, to marry outside their "race" or ethnicity. there is also a greater likelihood for more educated people to marry outside of their so called race. Man I had to look up Blake's children. This son looks whiter than most white people, with blond hair and light eyes. Yeah I see your point if mixed race kids continue to procreate with white folks the children will be white. I've seen Black line convert to white in other families myself. The Black ancestor often express pride in their white offspring -- and I'm not talking about the pride grandparents have for their progeny. I'm talking about a sense of pride at having created a white descendants. It is the "my kids have good hair," effect but on steroids. I see Blake's marriage is on the rocks. I wonder if these so called "mixed race" marriage are more or less likely to end in divorce. Or how long they last relative to same race couples? Yeah I did and I don't understand the Black women here who celebrate Meghan as if she reflected some sort of advancement for the masses of Black women. Then I don't get American obsession with the "royal" family.

@Cynique, maybe @Mel Hopkins reconsidered and deleted (I hope it is not a bug). I'd be interested in a contrary or differing opinion. Cynique, you consume more commercial media than I. Contrived conspiracy or not, do you think mixed race couples are over represented on tv shows, film, ads, commercials comoared to there occurence in the real world?

That is deep @Mel Hopkins. I think if you read the book you'll come away with a different feeling. I plan to reread it next week. Side bar: starting this month I was working to get people to discuss the book on the book's page itself (in the Comments Section of Book’s main page). In fact @Tony Lindsay thought that was the way it was supposed to work from Jump. I think discussing the book there would be better as it expands the discovery of the conversation across the Disqus Network. The only problem with this approach is that the comments are not on AALBC's servers. Now that I think about, that should be a show stopper. I can mention, in the comments section, that the book's discussion with take place here and post a link.

I'm I too naive or too trusting to believe that there is can not possibly be an ongoing conspiracy to eliminate Black people? I mean, I know the white population is declining and I am well aware of how Black people, men in particular, are thwarted at every turn. I guess it does not matter if I don't believe in some cabal of White Illuminati types running a conspiracy to destroy Black people, for the outcomes of Black folks are indistinguishable from a evil conspiracy. Welsing and others taught that Black people mixing with whites would lead to "Black" children and the ultimate annihilation of white people. Whites must have believed this too since they enforced the "one drop rule" and lynched any Negro surly enough to look sideways at a white woman. Surely, white folks can't possibly be so devilish and powerful enough to manipulate all media to advance this agenda? Nevermind -- of course they are! These are they same people who created the biggest propaganda machine ever invented to justify the perpetual enslavement of African people for centuries. Brainwashing through media manipulation is child's play by comparison -- especially in the age of social media. Thanks for your comments Non American Black Man. Sorry to read you are seeing the same thing overseas.

While I disliked the film Us, one thing I did like about it was the presentation of a straight up dark-skinned Black family. No obviously mixed Black people, no swirling couples. But seemingly, the vast majority of couples where Black people are involved are mixed race -- usually a Black woman with a white guy. I'm not sure if I'm just more sensitive to this when I see it and it has an out sized impression on me or if it is indeed true. I mentioned to a friend recently who dismissed my comment when I brought up the issue, but then we observed, together, exactly what I meant and she was forced to agree. Of course I have no problem with mixed raced couples; what I'm trying to understand is why are media companies seemingly pushing it. Are they trying to appeal to multiple demographics at once? Would a Brother holding hands of the woman below alienate white consumers? I dunno, but I don't like it. The message delivered -- regardless of intent -- is that Black women would be more happy with a white man. Of course I appreciate the fact the everyone other than white folks are marginalized and largely excluded from the mainstream media -- but that is someone else fight. When they do have flicks featuring underrepresented groups like, Black Panther or Crazy Rich Asians, people come out. I actually like Cole Haan's shoes. I'm on their mailing list which is how I got this image, but I'll pass on patronizing them until I see a middle aged Black man reflected in their advertising. I'm not holding my breathe...

Hi Quisha, The Queen City Book Fair is in my database for 2017, but I removed it because I could not find information for 2018. Was there a fair in 2018? Please post information about the 2019 event right here in reply. The event will require a website (non-social media). I maintain the list manually and it is not trivial keeping tract of over 150 events. Many events last a year or two and disappear. As a result, I required events, included on my list, to have a website -- it is my proxy for events that intend to be around for a while. Peace, Troy

I was dubbed a "Literary Expert" yesterday by the Wall Street Journal for recommending Parable for an article they published: “The 10 Books You’ll Want to Read This Spring” The WSJ asked literary experts to recommend new works coming this season. The results offer an especially cinematic selection. By Ellen Gamerman April 3, 2019 10:09 a.m. ET (I was able to read the article one time on my cell phone, but after that is was locked behind a paywall.)

Pre-Order The Crossroads Anthology - and enter to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card However several of the authors in this huge anthology are bestselling authors. A few are on AALBC and have gained bestseller status here as well. It is an easy and inexpensive way to try a variety of different authors. This actually may be with entering even if you are not interested in the books. Click here for instructions on how to enter.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Parable of the Sower was voted the #69 of the Top 100 Book of the 20th Century by AALBC visitors! We will be discuss Parable right here, simply reply to this message (see screen shot below). If you’ve read Parable please let us know what you thought about the book, and encourage other to share their thoughts here too.. Also read, our Book Club’s moderator, Tony Lindsay’s review of Parable.

The publisher of this book, Blue Nile Press, is one of the most conscious Black-owned publishing companies I'm aware of. They are the first publisher to print a book with the AALBC.com Bestseller seal on it. Besides the fact that the book is an AALBC Best Seller it provides an additional incentive for me to promote and sell the book. In June I will be in Austin, TX presenting at the Austin African American Book Festival. I will be selling this book and any other AALBC bestselling books who have the seal on it. Peace, Troy

Is there a direct link on your site when one can get sent to buy your book? I can add it to the buy link too. Unfortunately some authors don't understand the market place and are ardent supporters of Amazon. But I'm beginning to see this change -- fortunately.

No I completely reject your point. On a fundamental level I reject the notion that the accumulation of wealth is the only reason one gets an education -- indeed if that is one's primary reason to get an education they are missing the point of an education. An uneducated amoral person can get wealthy. This statement reveals an lack of basic understanding of the differences between public and private institutions. Perhaps, but I think you are lowering them. I suspect most American's, who live from pay check to pay check fancy themselves as being in the middle class where in reality they are poor and lower class. I think you are looking at class distinctions the wrong way. You seem, based upon your statements, to be dividing the nation up by 1/3rds based upon wealth. so the folks in the highest 1/3 are upper class. The reality is that most American are in the lower class (no savings and minimal or negative net worth). The middle class has been shrinking for decades and the upper class is indeed a very small percentage of people who exert tremendous power and own almost everything. The upperclass are not the people you, or most American would know personally or encounter, unless you serve them directly as a maid or entertainer -- they live completely separate lives -- different schools, neighborhoods, etc

OK @Delano Bet. @Kalexander2 I'm fine with this bet with the clarification that if 45 chooses not to run in 2020, as opposed to prevented, I win. We can revisit the reelection bet once 45 completes his term.

@Delano, clarify "terminates in January."

You can't pull you titles off Amazon. Amazon will just sell them through 3rd parties who pop up like whack-a-moles. I don't normally include Kindle only titles on the site -- unless an authors pays to have me add them. The reason is because It re-enforced Amazon's monopoly on eBooks. I'll write up a short article once I finally cut the cord with Amazon. I don't plan to renew my Prime account either. Let me know how you make out removing your titles from Amazon. Maybe once you do this I'll drop my Amazon links. I really wish Libros and B&N would step up their game though. Libros is new so I get it, but B&N's, who was first out the gate with an online bookstore executed terribly. Maybe if more people do what you doing we can have a chance.= to end Amazon;s stranglehold over the sale of Black books Check out this letter to Amazon's Audible on The Tattered Cover Bookstore (a great store BTW) in Denver: Dear Audible, I feel torn writing this, because we’ve had so many good times. We’ve been through so much together. I really mean that. Remember that road trip to Minneapolis, where we drove through the night, and you helped keep me awake? And those early mornings at the gym on the elliptical with the sounds of my favorite authors and stories? I will always cherish those times. I want you to know that.

@Pioneer1 This is article is right up your alley. “White liberals, on the other hand, are far more dangerous because of their well-organized public relations campaigns. Liberals, via President Barack Obama and his wife, have effectively convinced around 60% of black America that homosexual culture is the most righteous way to live. White liberals will love you and hire you if you practice and defend said culture, particularly because homo-white male are obsessed with black penises, while homo white women need black women for decoration.”

Whoa! No bet on either one. @Kalexander2 "...for any reason..." is a nonstarter; as Del suggested 45 is a coronary waiting to happen. @Delano If he gets impeached before the end of the 1st term, the second bet is off. True, you have a point... unfortunately. Ditto.

Please tell me how these ladies have influenced you? I can tell you they do not influence me it the least bit. Oprah perhaps has some influence, but that is because of her impact on the book word that I must react to. Again celebrity, and wealth do not equal class. You wouldn't know anyone in the upper class -- they are media whores like the kardasians they have dare I say it, too much class for that. Yes student who were being formally educated understood the benefits of of a formal education AND wing to down and dirty in the struggle. As usual when I give you example to counter your narrative you change the criteria (so now they have to have actually graduated so SNCC Students and Garvey don't count... Please this is not "higher mathematics." The is no math that a carpenter needs that a 8th grader count not master. Of course man -- who suggested this?! Most of the adjuncts I know have Phds. I work there to supplement my income running AALBC -- the unexpected and added benefit is that it made me a better developer and is one reason AALBC still exists. Again another illustration why formal education is important The real issue in not solely what they pay adjuncts the problem is the financial resources allocated to the City's university system. Would you believe we received a memo saying that we run out of paper -- paper for Christ's sake!

Hey @Delano does logic and reason "Trump" astrology 😉 Hey @Kalexander2 I used to feel the same way you do and while there are screwed up folks in America, the majority of us are decent people. I truly believe America will overcome all the madness. I'd be willing to wager 45 finishes his term and would go double or nothing on the reelection 🙂

Hi @Valjeanne Jeffers tanks for sharing information about your audio book. I just added it to AALBC and have also included a clip. You have a nice voice. Where did you do the recording? How did you get you audiobook onto Libro? Where did you up load it? If I get enough sales I'll going to create an audiobook bestsellers list if make AALBC your default store on Libro I'll be able to track the sales I refused to upload Amazon's Audible titles on my site -- indeed I'm consider dropping all my Amazon links -- but that is another story.

@Delano @Kalexander2, Trump is looking pretty good to finish his term. In fact, his reelection is looking increasingly plausible. So much for the "Astrological Prediction the end of Trump's Presidency" huh? Looks like the only thing stopping 45 is term limits -- maybe.

We are function of our environment. The brainwashing is very hard to over come. Most of us are unaware of it and too stressed out to deal with it even if we are aware of our brainwashing. People still defend tobacco companies, Facebook, and 45.

I consider this class "upper middle class." Don't confuse wealth with class. You mentioned some very wealthy, but they are not upper class. Lebron collects a paycheck and beholden to the one who writes his check. Even Obama is not upper class. Now if all of his great-grandchildren are independently wealth from birth then we can discuss those people being upper class. Obama is just a ex-president... Jay-Z and Oprah provide our entertainment exclude them from your definition of upper class. Marcus Garvey attended college. Malcolm was extremely well read as well as being mentally gifted. There are always exceptions. Dude the VAST majority of Black people were working class or poor and did not graduate from college (this is still true today), of course these were his largest (numerically) supporters. I think you are just making up stuff here. I guess you never heard of organizations like SNCC. Do you know where the people who participated in the freedom rides or sat in at lunch counters came from? How about all the attorneys who fought the Gov't to pass civil right legislation...? Besides using your logic for education why does anyone have to go to high school? Everything you need to learn to be a plumber or carpenter can be learned in grade school.

One way to tell if a politician is doing anything to help Black folks is that there life is in serious jeopardy of being assassinated. No one has been in jeopardy of assassination in over 50 years. I doubt any dem that gets elected is in any danger... @harry brown, are you referring to this site?