Wednesday, April 27, 2011

In The Spotlight - Eric Jerome Brown







Eric Jerome Brown is a writer, producer, and documentary film maker from the Washington D.C. area. He graduated from James Madison University, where he independently studied African American history while also taking courses in creative writing.  He has published poems and technical articles in various trade and academic publications.
He currently works in the Information Technology field while continuing to work on various fiction projects. 
He is currently a Tuesday night co-host on The Dedan Tolbert Show, a relationship advice show for women at http://askdedan.ning.com/. 
He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

(Available on Amazon)



Orsayor: Do you cook? What’s your favorite meal to prepare?

Eric:   I love to cook.  My mother made my sibling and I cook from age 7 on.  Generally,  I like preparing baked chicken or grilling salmon or some sort of seafood outdoors. 

Orsayor: While listening to the radio, do you ever want to sing the song that is being played?

Eric: Yea, I do that too.  When I hear some oldie but goodie slow jams from the 60, 70, and 80s.

Orsayor: When was the last time you screamed because you were scared?

Eric: I can’t recall the last time I screamed out of fear.  Though when I’m pissed off I do groan.

Orsayor: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Eric: I’ve wanted to write since I was about 10 years old. Prior to that I use to create stories and tell them to my family members.  The ideas I have for writing stem from my study of history as a child.  I was diagnosed as being learning disabled at about age 8.  However, my teachers use to let me spend afternoons in the library reading anything I wanted.  I think I got a really good foundation for storytelling from that period of my life.  It created my habitual reading that I still do to this day.  I study subjects and ideas by reading large amounts of books before I write a story.

Orsayor: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

Eric: The central message of Miss Sue Lucky’s Fishin’ Secrets is that you cannot seek or get personal validation from the people around you.  Validation must come from within you.  You could hope and wait your entire life for someone to tell you that you’re good enough and probability is that it won’t happen.  That need for external sources to valid you’re self-worth is dangerous because it leaves you open to manipulation.  That’s the main point of Miss Sue Lucky, learn to love yourself and work to create the life “you” want for yourself.


Sunday, April 24, 2011

Crack - Shaka Senghor



Less than six months after returning to his hometown of Detroit, Homicide detective Devon Jensen finds himself knee deep in a murder investigation that involves a few familiar faces from his past.  Damu, a ruthless drug dealer who has done a stint in the military is determined to provide a better life for his family by any means necessary, but when people close to him start turning up dead, he sets his eye on his nemesis, Dominique Santiago.  Is Dominique Santiago behind the murders or is there another killer in their presence? Will Detective Jensen find the killer or killers before the bullets start aiming his way?
As a native of Detroit, it was very nice to revisit some of the places I grew up, but as I relived some of the precious moments I was also reminded of the “dark” parts of Detroit.  “At one time, Detroit held the promise of becoming the model of middle class integration, until the arrival of the crack cocaine epidemic that started in the late 1985.” (Page 4)

The only thing that kept it from being a perfect read was the author’s way of separating past and present events, I did find myself going back a few pages to make sure I was on track, but once I got the hang of his style of writing it was an easy flow from there.

When I read the back of the book, a reviewer wrote “Crack is something urban books have been missing since Donald Goines” – I raised my eyebrows because Donald Goines is one of my all-time favorites, but I’m happy to say you made this Detroit native very proud.

Shaka Senghor delivers a fast paced rollercoaster of a read.   I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to Volume Two.

4.5 Stars
Reviewed by: Orsayor

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Midnight and the Meaning of Love - Sister Souljah


I am writing this review on Midnight and the Meaning of Love by Sister Souljah.  Midnight is the main person in the story.  It’s a continuation of Midnight:  A Gangster Love Story. It basically is about how far he would go to make certain his wife Akemi is found. The highlights of the book are you will learn a lot about the way of life for other cultures. It’s interesting to read how other people live and what love is to them and how their way of life is.

I am disappointed with the book and confused how it relates to The Coldest Winter Ever. However, Ricky Santiago is mentioned one time thus adding to the confusion.

 I can't say that I would or would not recommend this book. If you are looking for the Coldest Winter Ever this will disappoint, but if you read and liked Midnight: A Gangster Love Story then you will probably like this story. I was just disappointed.

2.5 Stars of 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Rochelle





Friday, April 15, 2011

Books & Me





My Love Affair with Books:  In 1996, while going to a doctor’s appt – I remember seeing a receptionist reading a book and no matter what I asked she never put the book down – when my appt was over she was still reading this book. I asked, “What are you reading?” - her reply was ….. “Just As I Am – E. Lynn Harris”. That’s when my true love affair with books started.

E. Lynn Harris:  He was responsible for re-introducing me to books. After reading Invisible Life & Just As I Am - I decided to email him. To be honest, I have written “fan” letters before, but no one ever took the time to respond. I got the surprise of my life when E. Lynn Harris responded to my email – answered my questions – and told me I had a very unique name. I was on cloud nine for at least 2 weeks… I remember a year before his death, I asked him for autographed postcards for my bookclub – he said he would have his assistant mail them. He emailed me again to see if I received them – I told him No. A few days later, his assistant called me and asked me for my information. During our conversation, his assistant noticed I sounded distraught – he asked me if I was okay… I told him about my stepfather being in Hospice and was only given days to live. His assistant stayed on the phone with me for about 20 minutes comforting me… WOW!!!

E. Lynn Harris Death:  I decided to check my Twitter page, and there it was - R.I.P – E. Lynn Harris – my hands started shaking – I googled everything until I came across an article that confirmed his death. I cried for two hours straight. I still cry when I think of that day... Music Lovers have their John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, and Michael Jackson. Book Lovers had E. Lynn Harris – he was my “CELEBRITY” – He will always have a special place in my heart.

My Favorite Authors:  E. Lynn Harris, Donald Goines, and Brian W. Smith – those three have written words that connect to me in ways I can’t explain…

Monday, April 11, 2011

Crowning Glory - Pat Simmons


Crowning Glory



Crowning Glory captures you from the first sentence.."Without a test, there can be no testimony". Karyn Wallace is a woman who has a serious testimony.  She is changed, made new by the Grace of God.  After spending four years in prison, she is determined to change her life.  She finds herself with a dead end job at a local bookstore that she loves and fulfillment from the outreach ministry that showed her the path to salvation.  With the help of her friends she is on the right path.

Levi Tolliver has a whole in his chest where love used to be.  After the brutal murder of his wife, Levi has devoted his life to raising his daughter, Dori.  Dori was an infant when her mother was tragically killed.  Since then it, it has been Levi and Dori.  Dori loves stories, so Levi takes her to local bookstore, where he meets Karen.  Karen is not interested as she doesn't allow herself feel as she feels she will be punished for her crime for the rest of her life.  Levi feels Karen is his blessing from God to begin again.  Levi has strong feeling regarding convicted felons and Karen is conflicted whether to reveal her past to him.  Along the way, they both discover God's plan may not be their own.


I loved this novel from the first sentence.   Mrs. Simmons weaves a story with likable characters and redemption.  I loved the supporting characters as well.   Mrs. Simmons used her characters to bring for God's Word.  From Karen's friend, Buttercup to Levi's cousin, Rossi are everyday people that you can relate to.  I love the fact Mrs. Simmons used her characters to show that sometimes we have to let go and let God.

I am eagerly waiting the next installment of this series!


5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by: Mia

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Pink Moon - Sarah Murdaugh


Pink Moon is a collection of erotic poems & short stories that are guaranteed to quench your sensual taste buds. The author introduces her readers to the beauty of self-love, with the poem appropriately titled: Why Masturbation Deserves a Standing Ovation; while also celebrating romantic love.

 The author does an excellent job of seducing her readers with steamy, arousing, and spicy poems that are sure to send the reader on a journey that they will never want to end. Overall, Pink Moon by Sarah Murdaugh is captivating, mesmerizing, and unforgettable. I would recommend this book to adults over the age of 21.

5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by: Orsayor

True Confessions - Electa Rome Parks



 


"If you don't run your own life, somebody else will." ~ John Atkinson

After a failed suicide attempt, Kennedy is forced to deal with the demons that lead on her on the path of destruction.  At the urging of her psychiatrist, Kennedy starts journaling her thoughts in an effort to find out where the real problem stem from. Kennedy realizes one of things that is hindering her recovery is her ex-boyfriend, Drake.  Getting away from Drake will be easier said than done...

Drake Collins…. As much as I want to call this character a villian – I think of an old saying – “You teach people how to treat you.” Drake is a handsome executive with looks that could kill, but underneath his beautiful exterior is a conniving, self-centered, and obnoxious human being.

Electa Rome Parks has delivered another BLOCKBUSTER – one of things I love about this author is her ability to draw the reader in with the first page and keep their interest until the end of the book.

There are so many women that are willing to forget who they truly are for the chance to have Love or what they believe to be Love. If you are a person going through that or something similar, after reading this book you will look at things differently.

Side Note To Author: I can’t wait to read a book about Drake….

Get This Book! – You Will Not Be Disappointed…

5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by: Miss MOLY

Nina's Got A Secret - Brian W. Smith



 


“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.” - Benjamin Franklin

After her fiance is murdered Nina starts stripping for a living to make ends meet for she and her daughter, Precious. Larry loses his wife to cancer and is forced to be a single parent to his daughter, Chrissy. Larry starts frequenting the strip joint and finds himself mesmerized by Nina. Determined to show her a better life, Larry asks Nina to marry him and that's where the fun begins.

Nina is involved in a car accident and is forced to choose between saving her daughter or saving her step daughter Chrissy and this one incident sets off events of lies, deceit, and blackmail.



5 out 5 Stars


Reviewed by: Miss MOLY

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Flesh - Keith Lee Johnson







 
IT’S BEEN 72 HOURS SINCE THE DISAPPEARANCE OF PORTIA BARRINGTON, DAUGHTER OF PROMINENT DEFENSE ATTORNEY, MYLES BARRINGTON, AND THE CASE IS FAR FROM BEING SOLVED. KEITH LEE JOHNSON’S HEROINE, FBI AGENT, PHOENIX PERRY ALONG WITH HER PARTNER KELLY MCPHERSON IS HOT ON TRAIL OF THE KIDNAPPERS, BUT THEY SOON FIND THEMSELVES ENTANGLED IN A WEB OF LIES & DECEIT, BETRAYAL, SEX, AND PROSTITUTION.
THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK I HAVE READ IN THE PHOENIX PERRY SERIES. I STARTED THIS BOOK KNOWING THAT OUR HEROINE, PHOENIX PERRY WOULD BE HER NORMAL KNOW-IT-ALL SELF, BUT I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED TO LEARN OUR HEROINE HAS A FEW FLAWS OF HER OWN.

ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS I LOVE KEITH LEE JOHNSON IS THAT HE HAS A GIFT OF DESCRIPTIVE WRITING. HIS WORDS ARE SO VIVID YOU WOULD THINK YOU WERE INTERACTING WITH THE CHARACTERS OF THIS BOOK.
I FOUND A FEW EDITING ISSUES IN THE BOOK BUT IT DOESN’T STOP YOU FROM BEING IN A TRANCE WHILE READING THIS SELECTION. KEITH LEE JOHNSON IS A VERY THOROUGH WRITER, AND HE TENDS TO LAYER A STORY JUST ENOUGH TO HAVE YOU WAITING FOR THE SEQUEL.

I CAN’T WAIT TO READ FLESH II – IF YOU DON’T HAVE THIS BOOK – GO AND BUY IT TODAY!!



4 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by: Orsayor


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