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WAF RATING:
Billy D. Jarrett - Author Lionhead Press, November 2007 List Price: $16.95 ISBN-10: 979761638 ISBN-13: 978-0-979761638
In the interest of protecting privacy, and to create literary flow, fact and fiction walk hand-in-hand in the debut novel PRETTY MUCH DEAD, by Billy D. Jarrett. Marketed as a memoir, Jarrett takes the reader on an often-terrifying journey through his childhood and early adult life.
The novel begins with Billy's move as a young boy from the ghetto to a predominately white neighborhood, in Gary Indiana. Surrounded by violence, young Billy spends most of his time in a fantasy world, where his darkest secret -- is the desire to kill his abusive father, Walter.
Although Billy is clearly the protagonist in this story, the reader can't help but to be pulled into the physical and emotional struggles of his brother and sisters. His oldest sister, Roxanne, is a courageous girl who doesn't back down to anyone, including their father, Walter. Wise beyond her years, her strength plays a major part in Billy's development.
Roxanne isn't the only supporting character worth mention, PRETTY MUCH DEAD is packed with attention grabbing people to include; Curly Bug, Three Fingers, Goldie (the would be pimp), Grandma Lillie Mae, Big Jake and Drunk Red.
With so much tragedy in his young life, it would have been understandable if Billy had chosen to walked with the devil, and fallen into the trap that caught so many of the people in his life. This wasn't to be.
God had other plans for him. Billy's faith and the senseless murder of his childhood friend, served to make him strong.
PRETTY MUCH DEAD is a story of self-discovery, a questioning of life and faith, and a series of "what ifs".
There's a powerful message to be found in the pages of this slim novel. It goes beyond being Billy's story, it could easily be the story of anyone who struggles to make and find peace within.
Reviewed by: Donna L. Bolk Award winning author/Reviewer
WAF RATING:
Mary Monroe - Author Kensington Books, 2007 List Price: $24.00 Amazon Price: $16.32 ISBN-13: 978-0-7582-1217-7 ISBN-10: 0-7582-1217-8
The human spirit is a force that ultimately determines our outcome in life. Our feelings, decisions and actions are usually the result of whether our spirit has been nourished or deprived. Proper nourishment normally produces a positive existence. Deprivation, however, warps one’s perception of life, causing negative judgment and behavior. Deliver Me From Evil by New York Times Best-Selling Author Mary Monroe, tells the story of how a deprived young lady, driven by the desire to gain acceptance and positive affirmation, makes the best of her life despite many bad decisions and regrets.
Christine Thurman is an attractive, smart woman who has spent most of her young life looking for love-sometimes in the wrong places. Her parents, Black and tormented immigrants from Guatemala, came to America with no money, family or good memories. They did not even view the birth of their beautiful daughter as a blessing. They were very poor, uneducated and detached from society thus making them very incapable of providing Christine with the care, affection and guidance that a young girl so desperately needed.
Searching for attention and companionship, Christine starts to explore the world of underage drinking, drugs, partying, sex and stealing. She also falls in love with Wade Eddie Fisher, a handsome but obnoxious wannabe who not only takes her innocence but continuously shows her that he does not have her best interest at heart. Though she discovers that Wade is truly not the dream she expected, there is still something inside of her that wants to believe in him. She will soon discover the nightmare that he really is.
Thankfully, Christine finds a confidant in her adopted godmother, Miss Odessa and decides to move her life in a better direction. After graduating high school and landing a job with the local video store, she reconnects with an old neighborhood acquaintance, J.R. Thurman, who is wealthy, aspiring and believes in taking good care of those he loves. The two eventually marry and Christine Martinez becomes Mrs. J.R.Thurman -complete with a new life of beauty, indulgence, abundance, friendship and family, the likes of which she had never known.
Unfortunately, twelve years later, Christine is beginning to grow miserable in her once happy marriage to J.R. and is still estranged from her parents after several failed attempts at reconciliation. Feeling overwhelmed by her husband’s nonchalant attitude about their marriage and his overbearing family, she is overcome by rejection and looks for a way out. Wade Fisher inadvertently reenters her life and their brief affair inspires a twisted plan of deception with an erratic co-conspirator, which ends up providing them all with a means of escape, but not in the way they expected. Mary Monroe craftily presents this story in a most unique way – she starts from the middle and then works her way through full-circle. By doing so, she keeps you enthralled from the very beginning of the book frantically turning the pages in order to discover the outcome. The style of this book was a first for me. She stayed with one character only and delivered the story in a continuous flow from chapter to chapter. This allowed me to easily follow the story line, keep everything in perspective and even sometimes make accurate predictions of what was to come.
As an aspiring writer, I really love her style of writing and greatly admire her choice of words. She keeps it real, has a lot of spunk and really masters the art of articulating thoughts and recollections on paper. Her stories are greatly relevant in this urban society. She is, in my opinion, a premier, modern storyteller and without hesitation, I highly recommend Deliver Me From Evil - to the tune of five (5) stars *****.
Devalyn M. Kirkman WAF Book Reviewer
When You Never Give Up
WAF RATING:
Percy Miller (Master P) - Author Urban Books, September 2007 Hardcover 154 pages ISBN-10: 1601621124 ISBN-13: 978-1601621122 List Price: $16.95 Amazon Price: $11:53
Guaranteed Success can also be dubbed as a manual for success. Master P, a rap artist, wrote the book to show others that you can be successful, if you develop a plan to achieve success regardless of your circumstance. He starts the book describing his life as a child growing up in an impoverished household in New Orleans with his grandparents. He was determined as a child that he did not want to live a life of poverty. As a child, Master P did not know what an entrepreneur was, but he was always creating wealth for himself.
This mechanism of wealth building developed at an early age. At first Master P carried groceries for the elderly from the store into their homes and they would in turn bless him with a tip. He was so determined and even when he broke his hip playing football at school; Master P was determined to exercise on his own, even though doctors proclaimed that he would never walk again.
Master P always saw himself as wanting more and is very diligent about seeking his goals. As he was determined to walk again, Master P’s dreams were always big and exceeded those of his peers. He also developed a plan and was determined to be an entrepreneur while in high school.
As a senior in high school, Master P took the money that he earned mowing lawns, carrying groceries, assisting the elderly to start his first business buying cell phones (the bag phone – he refers to straight out of the Flintstones) wholesale and sell them way below the retail price. He hand delivered the phones to his high-profile clients who were mostly players for the New Orleans Saints. After high school, he made his first financial investment from money received from a lawsuit.
Once Master P has introduced himself to the reader he guides the reader through the success principals. He starts with the first key to success and details this theory with what he calls the caterpillar-butterfly theory. Master P then defines success and the motive for success.
After a very general definition, the book makes the transition to challenge the reader on a more personal level. The first introspective question asks, does your attitude attract success and what hinders your success. After these questions is when the work begins because at this point Master P challenges the reader to develop a blue print for success and to take action now.
Rarely does any book in the self-improvement arena have such a personal, spirituality and forces one to look at themselves in such a manner. It is also refreshing for an author to give very personal account information to encourage others and offer the readers a very honest and introspective example of how one can succeed. This book is worth reading in a very sincere manner, especially if you want great successes in life.
WAF RATING:
Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd, Author/Poet Amen-Ra Theological Seminary Press Release Date: May 2006 Paperback List Price: $14.00 ISBN: 0-9674226-6-3
Loving Black Women starts as an essay and the book ends with poetry. The author starts the essay with two basic themes: improving the way African Americans see each other and to have nurturing realistic and wholesome relationships as brothers and sisters. Johnson-Redd goes on to say that this must be done despite racial discrimination, political domination and white supremacy.
Along with preserving the relationship between brothers and sisters, the essay transitions into a global discussion. Here the author begins to suggest that Africans are spread throughout the United States, Caribbean, Central and South America, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India and other areas of the Middle East and Asia. Since Africans have a dominant presence around the globe, there should be a dialogue to battle racism, oppression and genocide.
The majority of the essay is a discussion about Black on Black killing. He makes a contrast between the violence that is taking place in the Sudan and what happens in the community where he is from, San Francisco. He suggests that people don’t understand the continent of Africa and seldom see Africans conducting modern business in a modern environment. The essay is a great historical and informative overview of what African Americans face in the United States and what Africans endure on the continent of Africa.
After the essay, Johnson-Redd delights the readers with poetry. He has an unquenchable love for the African woman and sees her as the most beautiful creature on earth. He also has wonderful pictures to go along with the poetry. This book is clearly written for those who delight themselves in the beautiful African woman, and it enlightens one on political issues that Africans across the glove have in common.
Martha Kimbrough WAF Book Reviewer
Across Time: Mystery of the Great Sphinx -
WAF RATING: 
O.J. Harp III - Author Llumina Press, 2007 Paperback List Price: $19.95 Hardcover List Price: $28.95 ISBN: 1-59526-601 (Paperback) ISBN: 1-59526-602-X (Hardcover) ISBN: 1-59526-603-8 (E-Book)
Across Time: Mystery of the Great Sphinx by author O.J. Harp III is a refreshing surprise. It tells the daunting tale of a group of people who bravely travel back and forth through time in an effort to discover their true identities, correct some mistakes of the past and reinforce some timeless principles into their present existence.
Dr. John Steel, a Clinical Psychologist and recent Ph.D. graduate is happy with his present life. He still, however, has no memory of his childhood since he, as a pre-teen, mysteriously found himself by the Potomac River with nothing and no one to validate his existence. Deep down inside he knows that something is very different about him - a difference that goes way beyond just his childhood.
As the story unfolds, Dr. Steele slowly unlocks the keys to his past, unveiling a destiny unlike anything he could have ever imagined. Other main characters include Mutshat Ma’at, a police cadet and the long-lost love of Dr. Steele, Dr. Christopher Jones – a minister and philanthropist (with a past of his own) and students Eddie Richardson and Victor Carter, of the I Have a Dream Charter School.
Unbeknownst to this special group of people, they will all soon be caught up in a battle stemming from their past lives as Nubian warriors and Kemetic royalty from Ancient Egypt who are being pursued by an ancient tribe, the Anu and an evil, legendary Pharaoh who is seeking world domination for all ages to come. The help of some psychic practitioners, human geneticists and super-intelligent robots are enlisted along the way as these valiant trailblazers transcend the barriers of space and time, defying even the laws of gravity. When all is said and done, lost identities are discovered, true love is found, lessons of justice, morality and truth are learned and, best of all, good triumphs over evil.
This book is a great read and is by no means for the faint of heart. A lot of historical, scientific and even paranormal information is covered in this novel, and I found the supplementary sections, i.e., the fact, prologue and glossary sections of great and necessary value.
It can be enjoyed by all readers, regardless of age. Some parts cater to a younger audience, making it relatable in today’s language while at the same time fostering a desire to learn more about history including prehistoric times, Egyptology and slavery.
For the more mature audience, it offers a different, more spontaneous reading experience. It speaks to the adult mindset through themes of romance, the discussion of art and travel and by dealing with sociopolitical and religious subjects such as cloning and reincarnation. I personally identified with the emphasis placed on the beauty, power and mystery of the Black race.
What I expected to be a dull, long and drawn-out history lesson actually turned out to be a virtual adventure. The author combined history, science and psychology and then cleverly blended in the imaginative elements of time travel, magic, wizardry and extreme science fiction in order to create this whirlwind tale of past, present and future ideas. A roller-coaster ride full of twists, turns, loops and tunnels, this novel goes beyond entertaining with enough substance to satisfy even the most ambitious thrill-seeker. Across Time: Mystery of the Great Sphinx would be a great addition to the list of required reading for high schools and colleges across the nation. I recommend it highly and give it 5 stars *****.
Devalyn M. Kirkman WAF Book Reviewer
God Don't Play
WAF RATING:
Author: Mary Monroe Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp./Dafina Books Release Date: September 2006 Hard cover List Price: $24.00 ISBN: 0-7582-0346-2
Annette Goode is an overweight, muumuu wearing plain Jane who spends a good amount of time letting her best friend Rhoda's teenage daughter Jade, walk all over her. Jade's antics escalate from having "toys" sent from the local adult store to Annette's house to having sexual encounters in Annette's guest bedroom.
Annette is at a lost as to what to do. Rhoda is her best friend. They go way back to Annette's abusive childhood, and share secrets that include a murder. The two women have been through both good and troubled times. Annette loves Rhoda like a sister, and Jade like a daughter, and doesn't know how to tell Rhoda her daughter is out of control.
The situation with Jade takes second place on Annette's list of troubles when she starts receiving threatening phone calls, and mailings. Someone is planning to expose her past and ruin her future.
Annette turns to Rhoda and Jade for help. With Rhoda and Jade as backup, Annette convinces herself that her tormentor will tire of the game and go away. But when everything she holds dear, her husband, her daughter, and her home is put at risk, Annette knows she has to do something. It isn't until she discovers who and why she is being targeted that she realizes this is one battle she has to fight on her own.
GOD DON'T PLAY and neither does its author Mary Monroe. GOD DON'T PLAY is a raw, witty, characters in your face novel. The reader is skillfully pulled into Annette's life from the opening scene where she is having phone sex with her husband, to the bittersweet ending. Mary Monroe gifted me with laughter and tears. GOD DON'T PLAY left me thinking about these characters long after I turned the final page.
GOD DON'T PLAY can be added to the list of great novels by national bestselling author Mary Monroe which include GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY, GOD STILL DON'T LIKE UGLY, THE UPPER ROOM, GONNA LAY DOWN MY BURDENS, RED LIGHT WIVES, and IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.
Reviewed for WeAreFearless.com By: Donna L. Bolk Award winning author/Reviewer
In Firm Pursuit
WAF RATING:
Author: Pamela Samuels-Young Publisher: Kimani Press/A Sepia Novel Release Date: 2007 Paperback list price: $14.95 ISBN -13: 978-0-373-83040-4 ISBN - 10: 0-373-83040-8
Pamela Samuels-Young's latest legal thriller, IN FIRM PURSUIT, features L.A. attorney, Vernetta Henderson.
Danger is brewing below the surface and Vernetta soon finds herself surrounded by intrigue. Vernetta has it all, both personally and professionally. That is until her perfect life starts to unravel in the ugliest of ways.
Vernetta is given what appears to be a can't lose, open and shut, sexual harassment case. She turns down an offer to settle and decides to take the case to court. Everything backfires on her when she discovers that an up and coming legal assistant, Haley (who has the title of Paris Hilton because of her need to be the center of attention) has kept information from her. Information that had she known, would have forced Vernetta to settle out of court. Vernetta fears she may lose the case and with it her opportunity to become first African American woman in the law firm to hold a partnership.
The job isn't the only thing turning sour on her. Vernetta's husband, Jefferson is starting to act strange. Distance may make the heart grow fonder, but when her husband (who is working out of town) calls her in the middle of the night to tell her he'll always love her, Vernetta knows something is up.
Vernetta's suspicions are confirmed when she makes a surprise visit to the job site where Jefferson is working and meets LaKeesha, the young hotty her husband's partner hired. It doesn't take a legal eagle to realize that the girl wearing the skin-tight shirt, minus a bra has her sites on Jefferson. Vernetta wants to trust Jefferson but all signs are pointing toward an affair.
Vernetta isn't alone in her suspicions, her best friend Special Moore agrees that Jefferson is acting strange. Special prides herself on being a sleuth. Without Vernetta's knowledge, Special comes up with a way to get to the truth.
Special lives up to her name when she not only discovers what is really going on between Jefferson and LaKeesha, but also the reason Vernetta is having problems on the job.
Pamela Samuels-Young's law background brings the courtroom and law office scenes to life. IN FIRM PURSUIT is loaded with turns and twists, and just the right amount of danger, romance and intrigue to keep the reader wanting more.
Although, there are several reasons I enjoyed this novel, one its strongest points is Pamela Samuels-Young's ability to develop flesh and blood characters and reach into the center of their problems. They are far from perfect, which serves to make them believable. They have their strong points, but they also have their weaknesses. They could easily be your best friend, your sister or your husband.
Readers who enjoy IN FIRM PURSUIT and want more of Vernetta and cast are encouraged to check out Pamela Samuels-Young's debut novel EVERY REASONABLE DOUBT.
Reviewed for WeAreFearless.com: By: Donna L. Bolk Award winning author/reviewer
Author: Pearl Jr. Publisher: Booklocker.com, April 14, 2006 Paperback, List Price: $17.88 ISBN-10: 1591139457 ISBN-13: 978-1591139454
In her book Black Women Need Love Too, Pearl Jr. exposes the conspiracy to keep Black women without love. In fact as one reads the book a familiar song might resonate in their mind which goes - "Who Let the Dawgs Out? Ruf,Ruf,Ruf...?" Well, the dawgs that are out might have a bone to pick, but not with Black women, but rather with the hindrances that society has historically placed upon them. Born from these hindrances are conditions that so often serve as barriers affecting relationships between Black women and Black men. They often come in the form of commitment phobia, unemployment, homosexuality, etc., preventing the love that their women so rightfully deserve. To combat these forces both genders must somehow commit to solving some of society's ills and explore new and helpful ways of communicating by addressing the problems that affect their love relationship.
Once these initial steps take place, Pearl Jr. suggests that perhaps women could reconsider the label of "Dawg" and not necessarily allow that specific term to be a crucifixion symbol or branded symbol for each and every Black man. Then and only then might they overcome the hardships, headaches, and heartbreaks they may have endured. At this point they might express a sigh of relief and conclude that they have kissed enough frogs and be ready to embrace their Prince Charming. The type of 9-5 work required to maintain a successful relationship may proceed.
This information will serve as a vital tool to share with other
Black Women who are in pursuit of Mr. Right. Take note though
that the process to overcome past hurt, pain, anguish, and
despair is not as easy but certainly doable. The following poem
included in the book serves as inspiration: Our pride. Dignity, Beauty, Blessings, Intelligence, Love After considering what the author writes about in the book, Black women might surmise that there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel and the possibility of a lasting, whole relationship with a Black man is now in the cards. So what once seemed only a fantasy can actually exist as long as Black women commit to tackle any and every obstacle and ugly monster that might rear its head. And as stated earlier, as a result of communication a certain level of understanding may also be expected. Well, viola - you have your Knight in Shining Armor. He will be your raison-d'etre, your king of the jungle, the love of your life and look out you may enjoy being placed on his pedestal simply because he worships the ground you walk on. Finally you have secured a love license yet not to drive yourself crazy or cringe the next time you turn on the radio to hear - "Why Must I Be Like That, Why Must I Chase the Cat? Nothin' But the Dog in Me?" Wow! You have managed to be the dogcatcher and the tamer, too. You can now get all the love you deserve, after all Black Women Need Love Too. Reviewed by: Tracey D. Gatewood University of Pennsylvania C'93: Journalist, History Instructor Avid reader of Af/Am, Inspirational, and Christian Books. Reviewed for WAF Book Reviews. ORDER NOW
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Pretty
Much Dead
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