The Barack in Me by Moses Miller
I AM SOMEBODY!
THE BARACK IN ME written by Moses Miller encourages, connects and conveys the importance of aiding in the success of all African American males. As a mother of two sons, my heart leapt as I felt the strength and the passion in which Moses declares a challenge for young men to examine their worth, regardless of the circumstances, living arrangements or situations that many will or have used to hinder them.

Throughout THE BARCK IN ME you feel the personification as Moses talks, not at them, but to them, offering them an olive branch of knowledge, strength and hope. In each chapter, readers will find pieces of President Barack Obama's speeches, which Moses uses as focal points, further proving that while the young male in question may be down, struggling or a victim of circumstance, all things are possible.

If you never read or purchase another book THE BARACK IN ME is the book of all books. We have to put an end to the epidemic of defeat and destruction that's affecting OUR young brothers!

Reviewed by: Crystal

Hold Love Strong: A Novel by Matthew Aaron Goodman
Trapped in the Gap
The difficulty of breaking the poverty cycle when the odds are against you. The love of a family when "babies raising babies" is not gender specific but communal and yet the determination to hope for better becomes the drive that sustains. This is the journey of one male from infancy to college and the lives that subsidizes his flight including death, pushing drugs, disability, violence, incarceration and intimidation.

Very well done. Integration of strong language with strong characters. You find yourself rooting for the main character to not be entombed by the pain, disappointments, humility, discouragement and hopelessness which surrounds him while appreciating that the mind is limited in how much trauma can be inflicted upon it without negative consequences. Emotionally you find yourself celebrating accomplishments and undertandings with relief, as there is always a choice. Also, you see maturity of thought in children that is lacking in adults and wonder how inappropriate that is yet rejoicing that someone, anyone, can add some wisdom to a chaotic situation.

"Hold Love Strong" is immense, enjoyable and a compelling read. It offered insight into the ease of entrapment in poverty regardless of talent, wisdom, age, motivation, or circumstances. Highly recommend.

Reviewed by: Gail

Brain Surgeon: A Doctor’s Inspiring Encounters With Mortality and Miracles by Dr. Keith Black
Tiger Country
In this inspiring book, Dr. Keith Black wastes no time distilling the complex, frustrating but often fulfilling role as a doctor. "My patients fight their disease with the greatest dignity and spirit one can ever imagine. Their courage inspires me to focus every drop of energy I have in myself to provide them with the best odds possible to beat this disease, or at least give them as much quality life as our surgeries and medicines will allow. They are my heroes, and I hope one day all of their bravery and determination will help lead to a cure," he states.

In "Brain Surgery: A Doctor's Inspiring Encounters with Mortality and Miracles," Black discusses expectations, hopes, fears and much more. He details encounters with patients of all walks of life, ranging from a wealthy Hong Kong entrepreneur to a pastor of a church to a grandmother to a member of a successful R&B/hip-hop group. Detailed are the highs and lows you would expect from someone fighting for their life, and not always having the easiest time doing so.

Along the way, Black relates his experiences as a young African American growing up in the South and reaching the heights as a world renowned neurosurgeon.

His experiences, both losses and successes, he finds worthwhile and so will readers. Black also gives us much to consider such as potential environmental dangers and risks associated with things we do in our everyday lives like cell phone usage.

Reviewed by: Tracy

Pushing Pause by Celeste O. Norfleet
Patience
`Pushing Pause' invites you into 15-year-old Kenisha Lewis' world. Kenisha is on top of the world. She lives in a fabulous home with her mother and father. Though their marriage is rocky at times, Kenisha isn't too worried about their drama. Well that is until she learns that she and her mom have to leave Virginia to move to D.C. Why can't she just stay at the house with her dad? What about school? What about her friends? More importantly, what about LaVon, her boyfriend? How could she just pack up and move because her parents decided that it wasn't working for them?

While Kenisha is seriously unhappy with the move, she finds that living in D.C. may not be that bad. For one, her grandmother has some serious life recipes that she can get used to. The next door neighbor, Lawn mower guy, knows how to make her smile and it's only blocks away from Freeman, the dance studio she attends. The main issue is her cousin Jade. She's mean and doesn't really seem to take so kindly to having to share her space with her cousin. Kenisha doesn't understand why. But when her mom dies, it seems that there was a lot that she didn't know or simply took for granted.

`Pushing Pause' was a recommended read. I, too, lost my mom and could relate to how Kenisha felt. It's like life won't stop just for a moment and you have to figure out a way to continue on. The story in whole was good. I loved the complexity of the friendships, relationships and the need to rebel just a tad. While I did laugh out loud some, I also felt the sting of the loss.

Reviewed by: Lauren

Daughter Denied by Arletha Thomas
A Wonderful Read
Young Tina Rivers has lived a lifetime in a few short years. One of five children, Tina has watched her mother struggle with drug addiction and dependency on her repeat offender, no good husband. Tina and her siblings are victims to their mother's vices. As if growing up, isn't hard enough.

Through the eyes of a child, author Alretha Thomas pens a gripping tale. "Daughter Denied" is truly one of the best novels that I've read in a long time. With the narrative told by Tina, it really set the tone. There were so many great moments throughout the story where readers were able to connect with Tina and feel the emotions she was feeling. I appreciate the fact that the author made the novel relatable. With all the interesting characters, readers are sure to find someone they know in their lives. Unfortunately, there are so many young girls who are living lives similar to Tina- their mother's issues become their own and adult responsibilities are thrust upon them at a young age. To read about this all too real situation was amazing. Again, "Daughter Denied" is one of the best novels I've read. I recommend it to everyone.

Reviewed by: Jasmine

My Son’s Wife by Shelia Lipsey
Waiting for Part 2!
Pastor Chauncey Graham and his wife, First Lady Audrey Graham have two children, Francesca and Stiles. Stiles' is following in his father's footsteps in the ministry. All he needs now is a good woman by his side. First Lady Audrey believes that woman is Francesca's best friend, Rena Jackson. But there may be more to Rena than meets the eye. Once secrets from her past are exposed, will she still fit into the First Family?

I loved Shelia Lipsey's "My Son's Wife." Five stars are simply not enough. In addition to the drama, it was an eye opener about Christianity. If there's one lesson to be learned, it's that people shouldn't be so judgmental. I didn't like how it ended and I am hoping it's because there will be a sequel. "My Son's Wife" is good reading and I recommend it.

Reviewed by: Marcella

Strapped by Al-Saadiq Banks
I Live This…
I wanted to write a spectacular review, but each time I thought of something, I worried that I'd trip up and mention something that readers should be able to experience for themselves. So after careful consideration, I'm simply going to say this...STRAPPED is a fiery novel that spits knowledge and drama. I was entranced by the particulars, enjoyed the stimulating characters and invaluable lessons. Job well done.

Reviewed by: Taye

The MPire: In Search of the Lost by TL James
The Darkness
THE MPIRE is a story of one man's struggle for answers to questions from his past that have been blocked from his memory. When he slowly begins to remember his tragic past, it just may be too much for him to handle. Unfortunately, he needs to understand his past to come to grips with the future that has come to claim him.

Mallory Towneson is a financial and sexual powerhouse. Two things he lives and breathes are money and women. After being estranged from his family, he is summoned to come home to run the "family business." With this position comes demands brought upon him that seem strange and peculiar.

When an old love comes back into the picture around the same time things become even more complicated for Mallory. He gives his heart to the one that broke his heart so many years ago, but with this love comes more heartache than either one of them ever expected.

THE MPIRE by T.L. James was unlike any book I have ever read. It is truly a unique story. It is a story of love, redemption, family, religion, heartache and the story of the unknown with a hint of the supernatural. I would recommend this book to those that are fairly open-minded to reading things that most of society would consider taboo. So if you are looking for something out of the norm--this book is for you.

My final rating is 4.5 due to some minor editing issues.

Reviewed by: LeonaR

Thirsty by Mike Sanders
Thirsty
This is a story of several people whose lives collide. Choices are made, some of which are terrible. Choices that will forever alter their lives.

Mike Sanders has brought freshness to an all too familiar premise. He has introduced a multi-faceted plot with many characters, and the story is told from four points of view - Justice, Monk, Sapphire and Carlos - in alternating chapters. Each chapter blends into the following effortlessly. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. His descriptions are vivid and convincing.

In the end, "Thirsty" is a book that's hard to put away completely. Even long after it's finished, you may find its characters sneaking back into your head. Mike Sanders has spun a wicked tale that MUST be read by everyone. This is my first read by this author and it won't be my last.

Reviewed by: Jermaine

The Triumph of my Soul by Elissa Gabrielle
Soul Stirring
"A Triumph of My Soul" is a collection of beautiful stories that tells the goodness of our Lord and Savior. He has been a blessing to each individual that was faced with obstacles and adversity. Even at their lowest point, God has made a way out of no way, and that makes him so awesome. With just a little faith as big as a mustard seed you can overcome and prosper.

This novel is a wonderful testament to how God works in our life no matter what the circumstance is. These short stories are inspiring and will bring joy to your heart, a peace of mind, and tears to your eyes. All 17 anecdotes were very enjoyable and I commend the talented authors who contributed to make this novel come to life. Some of us can relate to the situations or know someone who has been through the pain and suffering but has made a breakthrough with prayer and praise. I highly recommend this book. It will make your walk with God even closer and individuals who don't have a relationship with him would want to get to know how the most high died for our sins. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.

Reviewed by: Tange

The List by Sherri Lewis
Prayers
Sherri Lewis' latest novel, THE LIST, introduces readers to Michelle, Lisa, Angela, Vanessa and Nicole. Although each woman is independent and saved they share a common missing link, a man. They've all been waiting and waiting and now, they don't know why their prayers haven't been answered. They decide to increase their odds by using the internet to compile THE LIST.

NEEDED: Single, God fearing, hard working men.

The friends have made a pact to date a new man every week until the search for Mr. Right has been completed. Will they be successful?

Sharp, witty and a service undertone, THE LIST is a joyful book that I'm recommending for all!

Reviewed by: Carmen

That Life by A.R. Hilton
Keep Living
It's hard to say exactly what THAT LIFE: PROPHECY OF A HUSTLER was about other than to say it's set in the eighties in Mount Vernon, New York, and follows the life of Kamari, a young man that despite his age is a man of the world. He has a crew of friends and this is their life...

With so many books today recycling the same story, most being mediocre at best, A.R. Hilton's THAT LIFE rises above mediocre. There is little predictability in the winding paths of these characters - just as in real life. The cast is ordinary, likeable and flawed. The naturalness or practicality of the characters bolster their struggles and lives.

The story is laid back, like the time period in which it was set - a welcome and refreshing narrative. One thing I will say I did not like about this book is that there are no chapters, just one continuous story with page breaks.

THAT LIFE is well worth a read. It's described as "the beginning of a street epic." Well, I look forward to its continuation. A.R. Hilton is on my radar as someone to watch for.

Reviewed by: Toni

The Cooling Board by Tamara Angela Grant
Challenges
The matriarch of the Darling-Devereaux family, Lulu Bell, has gone on to her glory. While everyone is trying to deal with the pain and regret, it's more difficult to have to deal with one another as the tension continually builds.

Lulu Bell decided long before passing that the only way to get her family together was for everyone to make amends. The problem now is without her presence the family feels that they don't have to do anything. Can Lulu Bell work a miracle from the grave? Or is trying to resolve the Darling-Devereaux issues too much?

Tamara Grant has written a delightful story about a family with all of their imperfections, bitterness, justifications, sorrow and ways of life. THE COOLING BOARD makes for great reading and I believe that it's the perfect book for a club discussion.

Reviewed by: Peaches

Consequences by Linda Herman
A Woman Scorned

Andre and Sade Peters have been happily married for some time now with two beautiful children, Andre and Andrea. Andre was the perfect husband and father and had many good accomplishments in life that evidently were not enough for him. Sade loves Andre with all her heart. In fact, Andre was the one and only man she has been with. One dreadful evening changes Sade and Andre's life dramatically that leaves the reader stunned.

"Consequences" by Linda R. Herman is one of the most exciting and intriguing novels I've read this year. Linda keeps smacking the reader in the face with one incident after another, creating much suspense throughout the entire novel. Linda engrosses the reader into the world of HIV and AIDS and the severity of this disease among African Americans. I definitely recommend this book to all readers because it is definitely a must read novel!

I enjoyed every page in this novel and will continue to be a faithful reader to Linda R. Herman. Linda creates the most suspenseful and inspiring novels that always grasp my attention. Keep up the good work!

Reviewed by: Tekisha