We Speak Your Names by Pearl Cleage with Zaron W Burnett Jr. Read by Pearl Cleage Audio

As I listened to this beautiful and true poem read by Pearl Cleage, I felt swept away to another place. It was a place of love, peace and security. Pearl Cleage's voice took me to a place in my heart where I could applaud, praise and remember the strong, successful women who are a part of my roots. As she named names of these women I felt goose bumps each time. She named Cicely Tyson, Nancy Wilson, Oprah Winfrey, Diane Carroll, Dr. Toni Morrison, Leontyne Price, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle and so many other important and famous names.

"We learn to hold on without holding on at all."

Sins of The Father by Angela Benson

Sins of the Father by Angela Benson

Abraham Martin, a very successful businessman, has a lot of 'splaining to do as Ricky Ricardo use to say on the I Love Lucy show. At one point in time, his life was totally out of control. All of his decisions seemed to be for his selfish comfort. This is why there are so many secrets and so much emotional following two families in the novel. Really, I could not see a light at the end of the tunnel for Abraham Martin or any of his family and a friend.

I suppose this is why "Sins of the Father" by Angela Benson is a fantastic book. At no minute did I feel bored and want to put the book down to pick up another book. I could not put the book down. I read it between cooking, washing clothes, waiting in the car for my husband and in the doctor's office.

I especially loved the names of the characters in "Sins of the Father." It was impossible not to relate the characters in the book, Leah, Saralynn, Abraham, Isaac, Michael, Rebecca and Deborah to their counterparts in the Bible. At the same time, none of the characters in "Sins of the Father" are exact replicas of the Bible's heroes and heroines. This left room for my imagination to work overtime. It felt like I was piecing together a Biblical jigsaw puzzle or crossword puzzle.

I also liked all the twists and turns. Events took place in the novel that I never would have expected. In other words, what happens in "Sins of The Father" is totally unpredictable.

I definitely like the fact that Angela Benson doesn't preach. Each character struggles with some part of their human nature as they try to forgive and forget, prioritize the material vs. the spiritual, going forward in life and beginning again and striving to have unconditional love. I look forward to reading more books by Angela Benson.

A Different Kind of Christmas by Alex Haley

"Harpin' John cupped his harmonica. He played. Fletcher heard the melody of "Silent Night" as the Christmas moonlight bathed the faces of the black man playing and the white man listening."


As I read this small book packed with a wonderful story, I wished Alex Haley were still here writing his heart out. The man was brilliant. "A Different Kind of Christmas" is mainly about, Fletcher Randall, a white Southerner. Fletcher grew up on a thousand acre plantation in North Carolina. The plantation was worked and served by over a hundred slaves. Slaves owned by Fletcher's parents. His parents send him North to go to Princeton University in New Jersey. In New Jersey it's not easy for a slaveholding son to make many friends.

During Fletcher Randall's university days, he meets three brothers who are Quakers. As a sect, the Quakers played a huge role in helping slaves escape on the Underground Railroad or giving a kindly hand to the slaves following the North Star in some other way, giving the slaves a hiding place, food and/or giving a new route out of danger from dogs and slave patrollers. Although the Quakers played the biggest part in helping slaves to freedom, the Native Americans also helped. Their knowledge of the forests and rivers was tremendous.

Alex Haley's story takes place before the Civil War and before the word "secession" was used. It also a plan for a Holy night, Christmas Eve. Mention is made of Harpin' John hearing the German emigrants sing "Stille Nicht." The beauty of the song sung by the Germans impressed him. Later, he would try to recapture the tune on his harmonica.

"A Different Kind of Christmas by Alex Haley is fascinating because it gives a peek into our psyche. It's a story about separating from our parents. Then, struggling to keep or move away from what we have been taught traditionally. This is not an easy process. However, it is a process each of us experience.

Middle Passage by Dr. Charles Johnson

Middle Passage by Charles Johnson

'"I'm not on anybody's side! I'm just trying to keep us alive! I don't know who's right or wrong on this ship anymore, and I don't much care! All I want is to go home."'

This is Rutherford Calhoun's story. Creditors are looking for him. He's a thief and the woman he's courting has a fantastic scheme prepared in order to marry him. Leaving the heat behind him, Rutherford Calhoun takes off from New Orleans aboard a ship named The Republic. Unfortunately, is problems are just beginning definitely not ending.

What happens on board ship is horrendous and incredible. This ship is a slaver going through the Middle Passage. The Republic captures slaves who are from the Allmuseri tribe. Like sardines the Allmuseri are packed down in the ship. To describe the way the bodies are packed the author, Dr. Charles Johnson, uses the word "contorted" in different ways. Ngonyama, Baleka, and her mother are some of the catured we become familiar with during this ghost ride.

Above board there are Capt. Falcon, Cringle, Rutherford Calhoun and other strong ole salters. Charles Johnson writes a powerful story. For me, I had one problem. I never felt close to Rutherford Calhoun. I just couldn't connect to him in an intimate way. This disappointed me. Perhaps, I missed the boat somewere. Rutherford Calhoun is a shadow of a man even before he truly becomes a shadow of a man. Although Rutherford Calhoun is a freed black man, there had to be a way for the author to make him not seem like another white man aboard ship.

Otherwise, the book is a wonderful adventure story. The journey became so real I longed for rescue like Calhoun and the other men. Charles Johnson really made me feel like one of the crew of the ship. Like with any adventure there is a romance. In not many pages Charles Johnson proved his ability to be a tough minded writer and an author with a heart for romance, sweet romance.

A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid

A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid

Like many of you, I have been a tourist in different places. Jamaica Kincaid begins her book by describing how a tourist looks at the new place he or she has discovered. Jamaica Kincaid seems so right about tourists. I tend to wear ear stoppers and rose colored glasses. This is to keep myself from sights that might make my heart bleed and my eyes to cry. When I am a tourist, I don't want to think about the cleanliness of the water in the swimming pool or ocean. I don't want to think about the life of the waiter or waitress after they serve me and go home. Is their home a cardboard box? What is their health like? Do they receive proper health care? Do their children go to school? No, I don't want to know. This is my moment in the sun. God forbid if anybody drives a cab somewhere to show me real life.

In "A Small Place," Jamaica kincaid writes about the 1974 earthquake that smashed and destroyed parts of Antigua. For example, the public library was badly destroyed. After twelve years there was still a sign on the library. On the sign these words are written the library is going to be repaired. The repairs are pending. Twelve years later the library remained unoccupied and remained in the same shape.

I applaud Jamaica Kincaid for honesty. She doesn't strive to make Antigua, her birthplace, a place like a fantasyland. She seems to be saying the tourists don't know the "real" people or the "real" island when they visit for their vacations.

After she writes from the viewpoint of a tourist, Jamaica Kincaid writes on a personal level. She can tell us the truth about Antigua because this place is her home. She talks about what it was like living under British rule. she talks about corrupt politicians.

Also, she talks about the beauty of the island. "Antigua is too beautiful. Sometimes the beauty of it seems unreal....for no real sunset could look like that; no real seawater could strike that many shades of blue at once; making everything seem thick and deep and bottomless." About one place, Antigua, Jamaica Kincaid snapped my heart back and forth like rubber.

Neecy's Lullaby by Cris Burks

Neecy's Lullabye by Cris Burks

"She had wings, beautiful jewel-colored wings, and she would use them, yes, she would and fly....fly....east of the sun, west of the moon."

There were many places in this novel where I literally had to put down the book, walk away and pull myself together emotionally. "Neecey's Lullaby" by Cris Burks is about Neecey and her family living in Chicago during the fifties. Neecy isn't living the American Dream with a happy family, the white fence around the yard, slumber parties with friends or bike riding in the park.
Neecey is trying to survive each twenty four hours. At an early she becomes a mother to herself and her siblings. If it's possible, she became a mother to her mother. Neecey is existing in a topsy turvy world created by grownups.

For me, the positive side of this book is that Neecey didn't drown in the raging waters around her. This book made me think again about how much it means to remain strong while everything around you is lopsided and ugly. For a woman to be strong is not an insult. It is a honor.

The book definitely made me angry too. I wanted to scream. "Stop! don't you see what you're doing to these kids?" Perhaps, this is what Cris Burks wanted from me. I hope Cris Burks would have been proud to know "Neecey's Lullabye" made me cringe, shriek and groan.

As adults our power to plant a seed with love or to plant a seed without love is a magnificent, wondrous duty. The task is not to be given to other children. Although, in the book Neecey learns how to nurture and nourish other children and grownups before she is a grownup herself.

Neecy's Lullabye is a book I will always remember the rest of my life. I have decided if a book makes me sob, stamp my foot, it is a book worth drawing closer to my heart. That type of book is written treasure. A book like "Neecey's Lullaby" can change lives in this generation and, I think, in future generations. Thank you, Cris Burks.

Some Things I Thought I Would Never Do by Pearl Cleage

Pearl Cleage is one of my favorite authors. As a woman, I am a romantic. Pearl Cleage in "What Looks Like Crazy on An Ordinary Day" wrote about a very romantic man. Blue Hamilton is a mature, romantic, intelligent man too. I would go on a date with him just because of his name "Blue." Regina meets Blue Hamilton while in Atlanta.

Regina's goal is not to lose her family home. Regina has been in a rehabilitation center for substance abuse for quite awhile. Now, her house might end up back in the banker's hands. I can see why she wants to save her family home. Her grandparents lived their lives in this house. Regina was born in this house.

The house is more than a house. It's a home. After talking to Aunt Abbie, Regina heads for Atlanta. Visiting with Aunt Abbie leaves Regina's head full of pleasantries as well as a fantasy, vision or fairy tale. Aunt Abbie leaves Regina totally confused about what will happen or whom she will meet while in Atlanta. Aunt Abbie talks about a dark, blue eyed man amd a damsel in distress. Somewhere in her notes Aunt Abbie has written about a dragon too.

This is where I totally lost my mind. I love fairy tales. This story is written about an ordinary Black woman who is literally on her way to some early century adventure. What a wild plot! I couldn't wait to get farther in to the book. There are lots of interesting characters in the book. There is an exciting political game going on and a special romance. This is another wonderful Pearl Cleage book.

I do want to add that the way Pearl Cleage connects what seems a fantasy to reality is magnificent. In the end I came away knowing we need one another. Not even a strong woman is an island. Also, in our journey through life, others sometimes are needed to help us find the way back out of the forest of wrong choices to the fresh air of right choices. The right choice in any predicament is always love. See, after I finished the book, the book still hadn't finished nourishing my heart.

Kwanzaa Fable by Eric V. Copage

I really enjoyed becoming acquainted with the Garrison family. Jordan is the oldest child. Jordan has a twin brother and sister. There is also the father and the grandmother. Jordan is only thirteen years old. He experiences difficult losses at his early age. Jordan is a good boy. His father tried very hard to teach him the basic principles that would lead to a successful life.

Jordan's problem is one not unknown to all teenagers. He becomes very weak under peer pressure. As I read the book, I thought a lot about peer pressure. I've heard the words all my life. Not an innocent I've succumbed, at times , to peer pressure. I would like to know more about peer pressure. Why do young people try so hard to please their friends?

The pressure of peers is not the only interesting part of this small book. My favorite character is Snackman. He owns the corner store. No one knows his age. His hair is grey. This makes people think he is around fifty years old. Whatever his age, he is compassionate and wise. I would call him the philosopher of the Oakwood community.

I also love the grandmother. Throughout the book I could see the importance of family and community. These are the people who show the virtues of Kwanzaa in their lives everyday.: "Umoja/Unity, Kujichaglia/Self-Determination, Ujima/Collective Work and Responsibility, Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics, Nia/Purpose, Kuumba/Creativity, Imani/Faith."

At the beginning of each chapter down the side of the page flows Kente cloth. After a tragic event, Snackman places the Kente cloth around Jordan's shoulders. Although, Jordan seems to have all the right elements for growing strong and upright in his life, the paradox is the way he sees and reacts to life, at least, for awhile.

"Yet though Jordan was embraced from all sides, he felt alone. He felt as if he had crossed some threshold, or, more accurately, had been delivered blindfolded to some threshold that he was afraid to cross."

I think Eric V. Copage uses many symbols. I believe even Jordan's name is symbolic. There is also Jordan's African dream, the lost Kente cloth and the fable. This is a wonderful, wonderful book for middle aged children, young adults and adults.

The Dewbreaker by Edwidge Danticat

Nadine is about to learn a big secret in her father's life. For years he never liked to have his photo taken, he hid the long scar on his face with his hand and he and Nadine's mother never talked about their past: Haiti, relatives, friends or accomplishments. With Nadine we learn the secret of her father's life.

I like Nadine as a character not only because there is such a big hole in her life but also because of her craft. She is a sculpture. Over and over she strives to understand her father by sculpting him in mahogany and other mediums. I am use to reading about painters. It's not often I have read about sculptures. A woman sculpture makes the story even more interesting.

Edwidge Danticat draws descriptive pictures so well in "The Dew Breaker." Whether it is Florida, New York or Haiti the place, the setting comes alive. Each place feels like a place I've visited in real life or in a dream.

So Long A Letter by Mariama Ba

"So Long a Letter" by Mariama Ba is a spectacular book. Ramatoulaye is a widow when the novel begins. We meet her while she is in mourning. Soon, we learn about the other sorrows of her heart. Times throughout which she cried and cried. Her healing strength comes through writing this letter to Aissatou. Because the friendship means so much to her Ramatoulaye names her daughter after Aissatou. I thought this was a beautiful way of showing appreciation for a friend who always had a listening ear and a nonjudgmental heart.

In this letter to Aissatou, Ramatoulaye gives details about her marriage to Madou Fall. This lengthy letter is like a flashback in time. Both Aissatou and Ramatoulaye faced the identical situation with their men. Each woman chose a different way to handle their new circumstances. Still, neither woman judges the other woman.

I adored the book for so many reasons. I loved the friendship between the two African women. I enjoyed learning about the West African culture and I liked learning more about the African male. At the last page, I had my pen ready to write down other titles by Mariama Ba. Unfortunately, this is her first and last novel. "Ba died tragically in 1981 in Dakar after a long illness, just before her second novel Le Chant Ecarlate appeared. "So Long A Letter" by Mariamb Ba is translated from the French by Modupe Bode-Thomas.

If anyone can translate the French phrase, I would appreciate knowing the name of the novel in English.

A Thirst for Rain by Roslyn Carrington

Throughout "A Thirst for Rain" by Roslyn Carrington runs a river. The river is named the Savannah. I quickly had to place my feet on solid ground. I had traveled to the Savannah in Trinidad. When I began the book, I didn't realize it would make me think about the characters day and night. I pondered deeply what choices each character would make while living out their days in Northern Foothills of Trinidad. Near the end of the book I had become thirsty for rain along with the characters. I realized myself and all the characters had definitely been living through a symbolic drought season. I also realized rain does not always sprinkle us lightly. It can drench us. It can drown us.

Roslyn Carrington writes in many layers. Reading "A Thirst for Rain" is like walking through a gallery of dreams asking questions, trying not to point. What does this mean? Where is this person? Why does he or she need to act this way and not that way? Sebastian, Jacob, Rory, Myra, Odile and Slim are flawed, thank goodness. This is what makes the characters seem so real. I especially had trouble understanding Myra. You might understand her very well. The book is very basic. It is so beautiful.

Nature plays such a big part in this novel. There is of course, rain, the Tamarind Tree and Gracie, a chicken. Building the wall of a house becomes a young boy's saving power for awhile. So, even what is manmade in our "universe" is a part of our epic, our novel, our play.

Reading this book I realized no matter how far across the sea we travel, no matter our language, all people face the same kind of issues. This thirstiness is what makes a kinship between us. We come to an understanding of one another by enjoying The Arts.

"When at last she fell asleep, she dreamed of music boxes with arms that churned round and round."

A Mercy byToni Morrison

The title of Toni Morrison's new book, "A Mercy" makes me tremble and my arms get goose pimples. Amazing the way she can put one word or two words together making my emotions go all jittery with delight or sadness. I am always in for a bittersweet treat with any words Toni Morrison chooses to write down and publish as a book.

"In "A Mercy" there are people who have known what it's like not to be loved and those who have known love. There is Sir, Rebekkah, Lina, Florens, Sorrow, Twin, the freed blacksmith and more characters. Each character's life is a memorable story, a book in itself.

In the Seventeenth century religion was around every corner: Baptists, Anabaptists, Separatists, Presbyterians, Catholics and Protestants and also the secret, foreign gods of the slaves. With all this religion, there is also deep hatred, feelings of superiority and greed. These feelings lead to evil bartering for flesh. Other time these other emotions lead to a clinging together becoming as one like in a marriage until each person gains the strength to survive in this new world.

Jacob Vaark is one of the few men who hates the selling of human flesh like chattel. His presence gave me a sense of safe relief. His death made me sad. Born a orphan he sympathized with other needy human beings no matter the color. Perhaps, it's his lack of a real home that leads him to build more than one home for himself looking for a spiritual security. Looking for a place where he can give and receive love.

I favored some characters in "A Mercy." I favored Sorrow. Her life is the one I will remember. Sorrow changes her name after the birth of a daughter. She changes her name to Complete. Wow! That was so powerful for me. I can't tell the story here without spoiling it. At the end of the book I felt complete. I had also witnessed A Mercy.

I feel honored just trying to write a review of Toni Morrison's book. The book, the plot is swollen with wisdom and beauty. I remember the words "motherlove." Oh, how can I stop sharing this book? With Toni Morrison book, there isn't an ending. There is just a resting place. Her book "A Mercy" is as refreshing as water from a rolling brook in the mountains. Thank you Toni Morrison. May you live a long life always with a pen and paper nearby.

My Jim by Nancy Rawles

I remember Jim from Huck Finn so well. I never thought a book would come along with the background of his life. Of course, Jim was a slave. So, Nancy Rawles book is mostly about that period in American History. Nancy Rawles doesn't mince words. The Slaves led very hard lives. Some slaves never knew when brutality would come there way. Even emotional abuse is traumativzing. Sadie, Jim's wife, knows how to use herbs, powder from leaves to cure the sick and dying. One time she is called to Mas' Stevens, a cruel owner of slaves. He needs her to cure a life threatening wound. He is bleeding badly from a stab wound. While Sadie works hard to keep him alive, he curses her over and over again. Too afraid to stop trying to save him, Sadie keeps working to keep him alive.

This is not the only pain Saide bares while a slave. She has two children, Lizabeth and Jonnie. Both of whom experience humiliating lives while without freedom. As a mother and grandmother, my heart broke again and again while reading the book. Throughout her life, Sadie would see loved ones torn from her side including a best friend named Gwen. Also, Jim leaves her because he doesn't want to be sold down river.

Nancy Rawles mentions "Moses" in My Jim. Moses is the name given to Harriet Tubman because she goes back and forth down South to rescue other people from slavery. She wanted others to feel the wonder of freedom. Nancy Rawles also took me through the days of Pre Civil War, then, the Civil War and Reconstruction.

"My Jim" is a powerful book. All of the characters seem very, very real. Nancy Rawles also used symblos throughout the book to clarify the characters personal experiences. There is a bowl, a hat, a knife, a button. Last but not least there is the quilt. Slaves sewed there memories in quilts. Slaves also sung mourning sons as they worked. Each word having lasting spiritual and practical meaning. I truly enjoyed every page of this book, "My Jim."

This book proves Diversity Rocks with every chapter in the book. First of all, we can see diversity so clearly by the author telling the story of Huck Finn's special friend during a very trying time. I also could see Diversity Rocks by realizing how much society missed with one part of humankind bound in chains. Setting people free from slavery only led to the enrichment of all our endeavors in America.