African Books

Just read this book (yet another great page turner) and i enjoyed the fact that Kendra uses everyday real life things in her books..i was so into this one i gotten upset every time my boyfriend called, i'd let him know he was interuppting me and Grace and nem...LoL. someone else said that it was a romantic and wholesome book....I have to agree! i pray that God continue's to use Kendra as a great author and continued her success...her books also have a way of having a person beleive that God still has some nice man or female out her and that all is not lost as far as a God ordained relationship goes...God Bless ya!

I've read A Love So Strong, Crossing Jhordan's River,and One Prayer Away. LOVED ALL THREE. I found the first two Grace books, and FLAG and BOG were letdowns. I realized they came first, and KNB was probably fine tuning her flow, but I just could not get into these. I ended up skimming them on the train. Not terrible books, but definitely not repeats like her others for me.

I loved this book it had elements of drama, humour (the two mothers were funny but I felt there as a bit of overkill with those two it started to get annoying to read) and romance. Yes there is a fairy tale aspect to the story - the hero and heroine seem too perfect to be true- they have the perfect courtship with no drama whatsoever maybe cos Grace spent most of the time in a coma- lol. Anyway this is a good start to a lovely series. However an element of realism is there in regards to Derrick's response to his mother's death. It does makee one think this is where one's faith really is tested and how most of us probably would truly behave if we were in his shoes.

I really enjoyed this novel by Kendra Norman-Bellamy. She is an extrodinary writer when it comes to Christain books. It was soft and sincere. Also emotional. All I can say to sum this book up is 'You Go Girl'. Because this is truly every Christain as well as non-christian dream come true. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This book was so GOOD!This was one of the best books I have read,my first christian fiction book was COVER GIRLS,but this book ,FOR LOVE AND GRACE takes the cake! As a young women who one day wants to get married, this book shows what to look for in a good saved man. Thank you soooooooo much for writing this book kendra norman-bellamy!This book was so good,I was almost done reading it in less then two days!Keep doing what you are doing because you are doing it right! GOD BLESS.

The author of Life is so Good has a follow up story on the main subject of this award winning book. The second book is the back story of writing this book. As well, it is the back story of how a white jewish man from Port Townsend WA flew to South Dallas Texas to meet a one hundred year old black man who had never spoken to a white man before. The title is More Than a Book, by Richard Glaubman, A Story of Friendship. The first meeting and the growth of friendship between these two unlikely companions is a great read and a lesson in overcoming stereotypes of each side of the race barrier. Don't miss it, it is available for now from Night Owl Press 819 Cass Street Port Townsend WA 98268. I did ask Amazon to consider carrying it, I liked it very much, and it is at least as good as Life is So Good , if not better

This book will change your outlook on life and help you to appreciate your life more. Also helps you to feel more kindness to mankind. It is the kind of book that should be in schools. It's a must read for everyone - a feel good book.

This book is amazing. This is one of a handful of books that have, and will continue to change my life.

What does American history feel like, look like to someone who lived through the twentieth century without a formal education? Mr Dawson wrote: "My turn had come. My first day of school was January 4, 1996. I was 98 years old..." What a heart-felt, inspirational, insightful story on the life of a remarkable man who never felt remarkable. This book has a special place on my shelves. A must read for every high school student taking an American History course. His common sense view of life, his humor, humility, appreciation for what we take for granted are even more valuable now than the day the book was published. It's timeless.

Life Is So Good
This is an excellent extraordinary autobiography of a wonderful person. Every student in the US should have the opportunity to read this book. It's breath taking.... dcw

I have read almost every self help, motivational book and this one really speaks to me. It is so down to earth, so easy to read, and it is well worth the money. Everyone that I know who read this book, has bought it for someone else too. Cant get through to your teenage boy, give him this book.

I was told I should read this book after vaguely hearing about some of the things Hill Harper has said and done. I am not one to jump on anyone's bandwagon but I do know of a lot of black men that need something that will encourage them to excel in school and in their career. I was especially looking for something for my sons to read in this area.

After reading this book I felt like I had just listened to a reading from Superman. I thought I had done and gone through a lot in my life but this guy has more than his share, plus my wife told me about who his gorgeous girlfriend is and I was even more impressed.

With that being so good though and how great of a read I found it to be I can't give it a perfect score because of the fact that I think it will be a little hard for most young black men to relate to him because he is so perfect. Being from a perfect bloodline, star high school football player, college friend of Barrack Obama (who even wrote an excerpt in the book), Law degree from Harvard, TV/Movie star, and beautiful girlfriend make this hard to relate to. I know when I was a kid being told you can do it just because I've done it from a person that you never really felt struggled is a hard pill to swallow.

With that said, I'd still give this to any young man and let them try to swallow that pill.

Hill Harper has given us a rare gem. This book should be "required" reading for all young men. I gave it as gifts to my nephew and my cousin. I also encouraged a co-worker to read it and she's preparing to give it to her son and other young men. It's an "easy read". The letters and advice given are poignant, timely, educational and insightful. Down to earth, excellent advice for growing up and everyday living. I especially enjoyed the chapter on the importance of school/education. And the emphasis on being "incredibly happy". Hill is a gifted man with a heart and soul for service. I look forward to his future writings.

I thoroughly enjoyed Letters to a Young Brother and will be passing it along! So many of Hill's theories can be applied to everyone's daily movement. Great Job!

That one of favorite ACTORS, was not only a Brown and Harvard graduate but an awesome writer as well. After reading such high reviews on here I decided to order the book. I have 2 boys, 9 and 7, that aren't quite to the age level of this book, but they well definately be reading it as they approach their tween years. After reading it there is advise and pearls of wisdom that should be applied to adulthood, male or female. I love the fact that he talks on a level that is very relatable to young boys and that he gathers insite from known entertainers, which imo draws the youth in that much more. As many are raised by the TV, movies, and mush so something that their favorite actor/actress (Anthony Anderson, Ray J Gabreille Union, Sanaa Lathan) sports figure (Venus Williams, Curtis Martin), or rapper (Nas, David Banner, Ice Cube) says may come across as cool and strike accord with them. Presidential nominee Barak Obama even contributes. I just ordered Letters To a Young Sister, DeFINE Your Destiny, cant wait to start reading it.

Second book I read by Treasure E. Blue love this book. He mention this book in Keisha and Clyde so much that I had to get it to see what it was all about. Love how he put the characters together in this book. You just get so suprised as all teh characters come along. Sliver Jones grow up with a mom that sold her butt and was addicted to drugs. Sliver mom did the best she could to teach Sliver about life even when Sliver mom didn't totally follow those same rules. Sliver mom Jesse grow up in a house with her mom that beat her and really didn't care much about her at all.
Sliver grown foud of a sticky boy name Chance back in school but, what happens as they grow up just changes alot for the bad and good. Chance grew up living in forster homes after others running for the adults that just wanted to use him sexually.
So if you looking to read about sex, drugs and murder this books gives it all. Also suspense all in one. Great book I will totally recommend this book. I started this book November the 8 and just finished it on the 10 fast. The author kept me turning the pages.

This book took my interest from the first page up until the very last page. Treasure, you are a true treasure-No pun intended. The way each character eventually connected to the main story character Silver's life was no less than raw talent!!! Hope you are still writing, your mind would be a terrible thing to waste-indeed!! Success to you, continuously!!

I absolutely loved this book. This book made me smile, laught, and at some points shed a tear or two. I loved it and I am looking foward to reading more of the author's books!

I really enjoyed this book. It's a great read. A favorite for me. I was reading on the train one day and got sooo caught up in the book that I almost missed my stop! lol, this book also made me do something that I've never done before, which was pray for the character. That's how real the words become. You truly fall in love with Silver and her plight, that you want to root for her with everything... including prayers & tears ; ), well maybe just the prayers for me. Treasure has created a wonderful world and I'm sure you'll be pleased.

This was book was exceptionally brillant! The creative way the writer used his words to manipulate my mind and bring me into his world was powerful. Treasure E. Blue has given me a new outlook on the way I view society today. It's taught me to always be thankful for what I have and not for what I don't have. In life we have many challenges, and this book has made me realize that I'm not the only person facing obstacles. Thanks much! Now, if only I could get my uncle to write as good as you (Smile)

This book really told the story of what was growing in the main characters heart. It was definately a page turner and I was shocked again and again with the way the main character stood by while her friend breaks her heart again and again. The other reviwers are right. Watch the things you say but pay close attention to the things you listen to from others. It may prove to be a lie, or it may prove to be your undoing.

I have never read any books by this author but this will definitely not be my last. Unlike most urban books this book had a very important messag about friendships, discrimination, trust, loyalty etc. A very fast paced book you wil not be disappointed.

This was an excellent book! I highly recommend it. I thought it was going to be about Ghetto life, murders, etc.; but to my surprise it wasn't and I was very impressed by it. I can't wait to reac "Black and Ugly as Ever"!!!
On a scale from 1 to 10, I give it a 10! It was very relatable and believable!

This book was absolutely great. I finished it in a day...I couldn't put it down; it was so intense. I look forward to reading the sequel very soon. You must get this book!

I read this book n 1 day!!! I loved the way everything just came 2gether at the end and now I will begin the sequel and i hope it is good also!!!!

I truly enjoyed HOOD RICH. I could not put it down. It was a page turner.

The story was written well although it was told as if the main character was being interviewed. (Couldn't get into that part of the story). The rest of the story was well written - it makes you relate to the characters. You feel very sad in parts, you can picture this being someone in your family, and you cry in others. It gets very emotional towards the end (if anyone knows anyone incarcerated) - you can imagine that this is what it must feel like. I think all younger males should read this story - it almost reads as a testament to the street life our young men may have to face or if they idealize the thug life - this story really tells them the ups and the downs of that life without lecturing....

Crystal takes you on a journey through the transformation of P's life...from a boy to a man. P makes some bad choices and he pays for them. Will he learn from his mistakes?

I connected with P and actually felt his pain.

After reading Hood Rich, make sure you read Big Tymers...it's even better.

I was expecting it to be better than what it really was. This story is mostly about the struggles a young man face while being wrongly convicted of a crime he did not do. So most of the storyline deals with the main character being behind bars. There were a lot of twist in the storylines which held my attention and made the book an OK read. There is a part II to this book and I will be starting it next. Hopefully it will be better than part I.

Wow the book had me speechless, it did start a little slow but when it starting going I could not put it down. This told a tale of a young man nicknamed Prince cause that was his last name and he had some kingpins in the family that he looked up to. He was young and ready to live the fast life too soon and with that being said he ended up going to jail for fifteen years at the tender age of seventeen and there he learn just what being loyal was, how to survive, having faith, endureing hurt and pain, dealing with the lost of loves one and most of all how to hold on. This book reflected a lot about family. This was a good story you never know whats gone go down next. And Prince is real likeable I enjoyed his personality. Barvo Crystal......

Indigo

I enjoyed this book very much. They primary characters, Galen & Hester(Indigo), were very likeable and endearing.

Galen was a member of the Creoles of Louisiana, he was somewhat estranged from that group, but still had minimal contact with them through his Aunt Racine. He was also involved with the Under Ground Railroad. This is how he and Hester met. Hester's house acts as a station for runaways.

Hester began her life as a slave on an indigo plantation. As a result her hands and feet are purple. She was brought to her Aunt's out of Slavery to the North. Galen is ambushed on one of his trips transporting runaways and winds up being hidden and taken care of by Hester. Hester is a 24-year-old single woman.

Again, as with all of Ms. Beverly works, you get a love story, with a little erotica, and a history lesson. This is not your typical romance novel.

The reason I give this book a four is for the following reasons:

Galen has purchased a house a short distance from Hester's. She drives herself to his house one night with her horse and buggy to discuss the establishment and funding of a school.

"Hester had no trouble driving the relatively short distance to the Folly(Galen's home) in the dark."

However, the following excerpt has her being driven home:

"Luckily for Hester, Maxi, returned, bringing with her the handsome Raymond LeVeq. He grinned at the brooding Galen, then crossed the room to where Hester stood. He bowed low. "Enchante Miss Wyatt, Maxi says you are in need a ride home."


#2 Early on Hester is told that Maxi was there when Galen was born. Later on the same question comes up, which has already been answered.

"Maxi's confident reply wiped away any misgivings Hester may have had over this surprising news. `How long have you been with Galen Maxi?' "


Galen's Tante(Aunt) Racine is a very important aspect of his life. He loves her dearly. Racine lives with her mama, who is a very rich, but difficult and bitter woman. Since at the age of majority, 18, Galen had access to his inheritance. He is free and no longer had to endure grandmama's constant put downs of his origin and his mama marrying outside of her class and a dark skinned man. The question for me is why couldn't he set up Aunt Racine in her own house and make her life better? He now feels that now that grandmere is dead, Aunt Racine is now free. What I gathered from the story that most folks in the family tolerated her, because they need her for financial support.

#3 Ginette is a Creole and was betrothed to Galen as a baby. However, she see him as a brother. However, later on in the story Ms. Beverly says something odd considering if you see a man as your brother. Again, there is some contradiction:

Ginette explains "Galeno and I would have never suited as man and wife. I love him very much, buy he's like a brother to me." Then on page she says "
Those are not very brotherly thoughts.

#4 Hester's ex-fiancée is described early on as being a kind and honorable man. Yet when we finally get to meet him in the book, he is totally the opposite. The vicious and mean spiritedness he directs towards Hester in completely inconsistent with this characterization.


I enjoyed all the cast of characters, i.e. Hester, Galen, Raymond LeVeq, Bea, Ginette, Renaud, Gail, Jenine, Foster, Shoe, the Sheriff, the house with all the secret compartments, etc. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a good story and a history lesson, with some steamy erotica. The story is well balanced and enjoyable. I loved it. I own most of Ms. Beverly's book. I know I will re-read not only Indigo, but all of her books. This is saying a lot. I don't buy romance novels.
If I am willing to buy a book and read it, then re-read it, I am hooked.

Love it. Love it!

This is a great, great book. I got enjoyment and education. Yes, this is a multiply reread.

Beverly Jenkins is awesome. Not only are her love scenes hot but you are given a wealth of historical knowledge regarding the reconstruction and subsequent jim crow period in our history. She is able to make you proud of our contributions and especially proud of our black men and the way they treat their families and women. She is great and the stories have plots that hold your interest and keep you wanting more.

Indigo was indeed a wonderful novel and I enjoyed reading every page. Reading this story made me want to hold on to the fact that true courtship/love still exists, and it will find you when you least expect it. I loved the way Dragon took it upon himself to make Hester feel completely assured and comfortable in him and her self. Because of situations beyond her control, Hester was left with a lifelong brand and unbeknownst to her, it would be that very imperfection that would become a loving moniker. A lesson in history and in love. There is triumph after every struggle, perserverence is key. Worth reading, you won't regret it.

Beverly Jenkins' books are burning into my soul! I just can shake the stories. I would love to see Indigo and Through the Storm become a movie. How terrific would that be??? Galen is my hero and Hester (La Petite Indigo) is beautiful. I am definitely not a romance reader but my mother read Through the Storm first and after telling me the story, it was more like a history lesson. Needless to say, I have read this book and gone back and re-read the book many times over along with Through the Storm, Vivid, and Winds of the Storm. I love the story and I love how she creates strong, black, caring, affectionate men, she makes the brothers proud. I just want a whole series on the Vachons (Galeno and Hester) and the LeVeqs (Raimond and Sable, Archer and Zahra) and the Brats. I can't get enough. I have passed this book on to many of my friends (I owned two copies that I keep just for me) and they are all hooked on Beverly Jenkins now!!! I just need to know when is the mini-series coming to T.V. or the Big Screen. Tyler Perry, Oprah...we need some production on one of the most beautiful love stories ever written.

THIS SHOULD BE A MUST READ FOR KIDS AND ADULTS..THERE WAS TIMES WHEN I HAD TO PUT THIS DOWN I WAS DEEPLY TOUCHED AND INSPIRED HOW STRONG AND BRAVE THE LOST BOYS WERE..JUST IMAGINE YOUR CHILD GOING THROUGH SUCH TERRIBLE LIFE HARD TO IMAGINE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE LOVE ONES THERE AGE.THIS IS KIDS FOR GOD SAKE..NEEDS TO STOP..SADDENS ME

I was not aware of what is going on in the Sudan. This should be required reading, not only for every adult and parent in this country, but also every teenager who thinks they have a raw deal in life...

I particularly enjoyed reading the story of these brave young men who miraculously found each other from time to time, after undergoing such terrible hardships trying to find help. My church offered our extra parsonage to six of the "Lost Boys" and they were a part of our congregation for almost two years. Several became members of our church, and still attend once in a while. Truly God was with these children during that time of horror. They were more resourceful than any American child would ever be, and we pray none will have to suffer as these kids did. We are so proud of "our" boys who learned to speak American English, who learned to get around the city on bicycles, and later in their cars. Most have finished college now. I'm sure the stories of our young men parallels that of the three who shared their stories in this book. Ann Luna, Nashville, TN

This book is on our UMW 2008 reading list. The book is very well written and takes you on this journey that these boys made. It is amazing that they survived and overcame all obstacles

My favorite little independent bookshop, Latitude 33, recommended I read this when they found out I was interested in African Affairs. Melanie, the manager, said that she and several of her book club customers read the book and loved it. That was encourgement enough for me.

I was completely caught off guard.

"They Poured Fire on us From the Sky" changed my life in a profound way.
After reading this book about the Civil War in Southern Sudan, I felt compelled to do something on behalf of Darfur. The story told by Benjamin and his brothers is now tragically repeating itself with devastating consequences to the Fur.

Thankfully, the editor used at light hand so that it retained the Dinka voice, which is the
heart and soul of the story tellers.
You will fall in love with these boys. You will pray for these boys, and you will thank the IRC for bringing them hope in the form of a mentor and friend, Judy Bernstein. READ THIS BOOK!

Picture of Freedom / 0-590-25988-1

Another wonderful addition to the Dear America books. I continue to be surprised at how fascinating and readable these books are for adults, even as I review them for children.

The Good: The history here is correct and, once again, the diary format works well for personalizing a very complex and difficult period of history. The narrator is remarkably easy to identify with, and her love of learning and yearning to read is tangible. (And a valuable reminder to us, what a privilege it is to read!) The author has to bend over backwards to justify how a slave can safely keep a diary, when the very idea of such a thing is illegal, but we can forgive the somewhat absurd lengths this issue reaches, in order to justify having this wonderful fictional narrative.

The Bad: Here are the things you may want to watch out for, as a parent. Since this is a novel about slavery, there is some potentially disturbing discipline here, including a beating that leaves the slave dead after several days of serious illness. The plantation owner's child dies in an unforeseen accident which is largely the fault of the child, yet still may be disturbing to young children. And both the Master and Missus are quite childish and cruel, with the Master accusing the long-time cook of the household of being likely to poison him to death after he (the Master) murders the cook's husband.

THE BOOK WAS RECEIVED IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AS STATED IN THE AD. THE BOOK WAS RECEIVED IN 7 DAYS WHICH WAS QUICKER THAN STATED.

Though the Dear America series of books [written in diary form] are works of historical fiction, the times they are set in are very real, and the way the series is written enables readers to gain insights into the lives of the young protagonists.

In "A Picture of Freedom", 12-year-old Clotee is a slave who lives on the Belmont Plantation in 1859 Virginia. She may be a slave with no personal freedom or rights, but Clotee has a secret - she is able to read and write, something she picked up by observing her mistress's son during his tutoring sessions. She writes in a secret diary which she keeps hidden for fear of punishment. When a new tutor arrives on the plantation, she is surprised to find him sympathetic to her cause [he is an abolitionist] and they work towards Clotee and her friends' freedom. The choices Clotee makes in this book attest to a truly remarkable character - fiercely determined and courageous.

There is a historical note at the end of the book, as well as historical photographs of slaves on plantations, photos of important leaders of the abolitionist movement, and many more. An inspiring read that i can't recommend highly enough.

I read portions of this book aloud to several people and with no exceptions grownups and children alike, it touched their very souls. I found it in an elementary school library but just had to have a copy of my own after I read it. It is a quick read as well as a must read. It will change your entire life view about the importance of reading and writing and learning. I can't say enough about this book. Read it. You will immediately see what I mean.

This is a wonderful, heartwarming story that is perfect for introducing the plight of slaves to children without frightening the children to death. Clotee, though a slave, retains power from her masters by learning to read and write and keeping a hidden diary of her observations. Though this is admittedly unrealistic (where is she getting all these writing materials), the power she retains in doing this keeps the situation from ever feeling overwhelming or helpless to the child reader.

This is one of those books that will appeal to only certain readers. I can't say that this is the best book I have read all year and to be honest I wouldn't put it in my top ten. However, it will keep you guessing and you won't believe the ending. If you are interested in reading something that will pull you away from your everyday life, this is the book for you.

This book was well written and full of drama. The author did a good job revealing the fact that just because you're family doesn't mean there will be love. This was truly a dysfunctional family. This book kept my interest from beginning to end. Very well written.

I didn't like this book at all. There was so much going on that it was hard to keep track of it all. The dialogue between the characters at times was just unbelievable and took so many different tangents I didn't know what I was supposed to be reading. The language used was very, very, strong and explicit and it was way too much for me. I read all of the reviews and I was so excited about reading it, but I think everyone needs to find their own preferences and stick to them.

Gloria Mallette's latest novel focuses on a subject that's nearly as old as time itself - sibling rivalry. Since they were children, to say sisters Celeste and Katrina didn't get along is an understatement. Katrina hated her little sister with a passion. Whenever she could do something to upset Celeste she did. Although the sisters' always had problems, it was Katrina's decision to sleep with Celeste's boyfriend that was the final nail in the coffin of their relationship.
Adulthood found both sisters married with children and living separate lives, most times not seeing each other for years at a time, if that often. Their parents have always tried to overlook the girls' rocky relationship, not comprehending its seriousness. They did not realize that because one of their children intensely despised the other, it would lead to a series of events that would tear apart an already distant family.
When Celeste's husband is found murdered in a hotel room among evidence of infidelity, Katrina pays her a visit. Even in the midst of tragedy Katrina can not hide her malicious intent and that call ended just as all the others did, in a hail of spiteful words. Upon returning home Katrina is presented with her own problems. Her husband has died suddenly and left her to settle his affairs which include a secret family and `special' friend.
At her parent's insistence, Celeste is forced to help Katrina sort through her issues, even as her own husband's death is still an unsolved mystery. Not for a second does Celeste think her sister will have some sort of revelation and accept her help with open arms, but she does hope for some sort of civil communication. And she actually gets it. What she doesn't get is why her oldest niece expresses a hatred that exceeds Katrina's by far.

Gloria Mallette has once again put together a story that satisfies the most avid reader's appetite. The characters were interesting and made me want to read more about them. The plot was entertaining and the conclusion satisfying. All in all...a great story.

Englishruler
ARC Bookc Club Inc.
Star Rating: 5 Stars

It held my interest. I read it because I did not see the play. I want to read the rest of her books. Very well written.