|
Black Men Reading: Flippin' The Script
In this section, our male reviewers,
Black Men Reading (aka BMR) will
share their thoughts on books. Please note that since it is so hard to
find male reviewers, this section will only be updated quarterly.
Contact
BMR if you have questions and concerns regarding BMR or if you'd like
your book reviewed from the male perspective. *Some books may be selected
by the male team, without requesting it.*
The First Thing Smoking by
Nelson Eubanks
One World/Ballantine, June 2004
224 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 0345451791
BMR Rating: 3
The First Thing Smoking by Nelson Eubanks is an interesting story that gives
you a look into a man's life from his boyhood up to his adulthood. Told in
short stories, this book will move you from one location to another and you
will get glimpses of Maceo's upbringing as a child up to his days of trying
to fall in and out of love with some of the women in his life.
The strength of this work is the way he the author seems to effortlessly
flow from one part of his life in one story to another part of his life in
the next story. This is a book that is fascinating to read because you never
really know where the stories are going in most cases. However, the weakness
is the book is the way the stories flow. Some of the sentences are either
too long or too short and this is distracting and seems to oftentimes
disrupt the lyrical flow and feeling of this work.
With there being a noticeable shortage of different and original stories
being released in African American fiction, those looking for something
lyrical and unique would definitely want to give The First Thing Smoking a
chance.
Written by Brian Walley for
BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
6 Days In January by William Fredrick Cooper
Strebor Books, February 2004
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 159309017X
BMR Rating: 3
William McCall is a man who has closed his heart off to the woman he
currently sees because, after being hurt years ago in the game of love, he's
decided to never let himself go through that pain and heartache ever again.
Through scenes where William reminisces about the past with his first true
love, Andrea, we get to learn why he decided that love wasn't worth the
risk. But, after his current girlfriend, Della, kicks him out of her life,
he realizes that maybe his heart can be and should be put on the line once
more.
This story, told mostly in the past, is an interesting but at times
unbelievable story of one man's quest to show how a man can be tender and
caring without something being wrong with him. This reader, however, would
have preferred the story to stay in the present as it was a much more
interesting story. As a result of the numerous journeys into William's past,
the story felt underdeveloped as far as what was going on in his life in the
present.
Readers looking for something different from a male's perspective and
readers tired of the 'men are dogs' theme will really appreciate this novel
as this was a man you'll definitely root for and hope that he finds true
love in the end.
Written by Brian Walley for BMR
of RAWSISTAZ.com
Fannin' The Flames by Parry Brown
One World/Ballantine – June 2004
352 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 0345469070
BMR Rating: 3
Jerome and his wife Nicolle have the perfect relationship at least as far as
Jerome can see. Jerome's the responsible firefighter of C-Shift and Nicolle
is the mother of their three boys. After something terrible happens to
Nicolle, he will be forced to learn to make it on his own. But, through all
of this, his co-worker Mychel keeps making advances towards him which keeps
him uncomfortable and off balance.
Lloyd Frederickson, the captain of the C-Shift, is in a marriage he believes
has been strong for 30 years. He returns from one of his work days and he
finds out that not only is his wife, Nellie, unhappy, but she wants a
divorce. However, he convinces her to give him a chance to work out their
problems before throwing away their marriage.
Jerome, Lloyd, as well as the remaining crew from the C-Shift have been
getting harassed by someone who doesn’t like minorities yet they are
determined to catch this person and stop the harassment from continuing.
Fannin' The Flames is a novel that allows the reader to look into the lives
of the firefighters who daily give 100% of themselves in order to help
others. Parry Brown does an excellent job getting the message across that
firefighters view their career as more than just "a job". While this story
will definitely grab your attention, it seemed to take a while for the story
to progress and it was somewhat repetitive.
Parry Brown has written a novel that is sure to satisfy readers who are new
to her work as well as her current fans.
Reviewed by Brian Walley for
BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
Entangled by K. Elliott
Urban Lifestyle Press – September 2003
254 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 0971769702
BMR Rating: 3.5
Jamal Stewart has just been released from jail for a drug charge that kept
him in prison for five years and he decides he needs to get his hands on
some cash in order to survive. He is determined to go straight and no longer
deal in drugs but after being rejected of a job he thought he had because of
his criminal record, he finds the drug game calling his name once again.
Dream Nelson is a history teacher who grew up with the love and support of
her parents who are also educators. She leads a pretty dull and normal life
but she seems to be attracted to the "bad boys" and her current boyfriend,
Devon, is in jail. One day, Dream runs into Jamal and they find themselves
instantly attracted to each other and their attraction leads to dating as
well as a lot of unexpected trouble for both of them.
Entangled is definitely not only one of the better written street novels, it
was also easy to read as well as realistic. K. Elliott does an excellent job
developing these characters and drawing the reader into their lives. The
only questionable character was Dream and that's because she seemed to come
from a background that should have warned her about people like Jamal.
Regardless, this story was entertaining and unpredictable from the beginning
until the end.
Readers who are fans of the street novel genre should not miss this one
because it's definitely sure to satisfy.
Reviewed by Brian Walley
for BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
Chocolate Thoughts by S. James Guitard
Literally Speaking Publishing House – January 2000
208 Pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 1929642008
BMR Rating: 4
S. James Guitard did a marvelous job exploring the hearts of men. He shows
the depth of mens feelings and gets into how men can get apprehensive when
it comes to the heart. I appreciated the make up-to break up realism in his
prose that shows that men can hurt and be hurt, but he also explores the
passions and emotions of the true gentleman, putting his woman up on a
pedestal and showing her she is what he adores.
The spirituality that he brings in this book is refreshing in this day. God
is truly the cornerstone of any relationship. Mr. Guitard has an assuring
and accurate voice of todays male and I appreciate the way he expresses
honesty in his poetry.
Reviewed by Vincent Alexandria
for BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
Divorce Him, Marry Me by Darrin Lowery-Smith
May 2003
251 Pages, Paperback
ISBN: 0595278140
BMR Rating: 3
Rose, the older married woman, and Derrick, the younger man she finds
herself attracted to, find that they want to be together but obstacles seem
to always stand in their way. For starters, she's been married to Michael
for 27 years and she does not intend to throw that away if she does not have
to. However, after Michael cheats on her, all bets are off and she and
Derrick have their chance at finding happiness together... or do they?
Divorce Him, Marry Me is a roller coaster ride filled with sex, deception,
suspense, and murder. While these elements kept the novel interesting and
while most of the characters were fine, some of their actions were not
always plausible. The story would have had a much better pace if it had more
dialogue and less narrative between the characters. Also, sometimes it was
difficult to distinguish between the characters because of the similarities
in their voice. Nevertheless, the story was still entertaining enough to
continue reading until its conclusion.
As Darrin grows in his craft and learns to better balance his stories and
characters, he will become an author to watch.
Reviewed by Brian Walley
for BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
Cry Me A River by Ernest Hill
Dafina – April 2003
277 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 0758202768
BMR Rating: 5
Cry Me A River by Ernest Hill is a powerful story of determination and
redemption. Tyrone Stokes, recently released from prison and on parole,
learns that his son Marcus has been convicted of murder and he will be
executed in 8 days. Although Tyrone doesn't even know where to begin and
although he is very limited in what he can do, he is determined to prove
that his son was falsely accused and save him from death.
This is a story that will grab your attention and have you anxiously turning
the pages as you root for Tyrone to be successful in his attempt to save his
son. Although this is not really a suspense novel, this book will have you
on the edge of your seat as the tension just never stops until the very end
of the book.
This is an excellent and different story by Ernest Hill.
Reviewed by Brian Walley for BMR
Money For Good by Franklin White
Strebor Books, November 2003
240 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 1593090129
BMR Rating: 5
West Owens ends up stuck on jury duty when all he really wants is to go back
to his place of business - a car shop that he is the proud owner of. Not
only is he stuck on jury duty, but, he finds himself losing money each day
that he's in court listening to cases that he really cares nothing about.
Lauren, one of the black female jurors, happens to see West write something
on his note pad, she comes up with a seemingly crazy idea, and that's when
the fun really starts.
Prepare to really have a good time reading this story and following in the
adventures of West, Lauren, and a few of the other characters. The pacing of
this story was excellent, the storyline original, and it was just a very
pleasant reading experience for me from the beginning until the end.
From the book's cover, it appears that West Owens will be back again and,
when that does happen, hopefully it’ll be as good or even better than this
one.
Reviewed by Brian Walley
Sex Life by A.A. Clifford
Hardbooks Publishing, March 2003
240 Pages, Paperback
ISBN: 0972480404
BMR Rating: 4.5
Joe, a man who lives in First City (New York) in 2268 lives a normal life as
a clinical philosopher helping employees at his company deal with their
problems. But, like everyone else in First City and anywhere else in the
world, he suffers from Chronic Metabolic Breakdown which is commonly called
CMB. Although all of the previous diseases (AIDS, Cancer, etc.) were cured,
this disease is incurable and it forces two people to get together in a
sexual act that is devoid of any passion and, as a result, they usually
refer to sex as "getting fixed". Unfortunately, all who've reached puberty
must have sex at least 4 or 5 times a day or they will die. Nobody derives
any pleasure out of these sexual acts which is suspected to be linked to the
disease. However, one day, Joe meets a lady named Vella and real desire and
real passion is awakened in him. He does things totally out of character all
in the pursuit of this woman that he just has to have and this new and
exhilarating feeling that he never wants to lose.
Sex Life is a fascinating story that grabs your attention and never lets it
go. The story is definitely one worth reading as the author skillfully tells
a tale of how life in the future could be in an all too scary and realistic
way.
Reminiscent of books like 1984 and Brave New World, Sex Life, the first book
in a trilogy, is a story that sci-fi fans are sure to love.
Reviewed by Brian Walley
Sugar & Spice by Keith Lee Johnson
Strebor Books, November 2003
256 Pages, Paperback
ISBN: 1593090137
BMR Rating: 4.5
Norrell prison Warden Louis Perkins and his wife were murdered in their home
but, unfortunately, this was just the beginning of the killing spree by the
killers who only seem to have revenge on their minds. Agent Phoenix Perry
and her partner Agent Kelly McPherson are assigned the case and it’s their
job to stop these killers before the death count gets way out of hand. But,
in the process, there are some friends of Phoenix that end up murdered and
this case becomes a very personal one for her.
Sugar & Spice by Keith Lee Johnson is a murder mystery filled with
excitement, suspense, and more than enough surprises to keep readers
interested throughout the novel. When you think you understand what’s going
on, a few pages later, you might realize that your guesses and assumptions
were incorrect. Keith writes the book in short, concise chapters and the
pacing of the story never feels bogged down, even though there are a lot of
characters in this story.
Agent Phoenix Perry was a very fun character and this reader looks forward
to more mysteries with her as the lead character. And, with Pretenses due
out in June, the wait won’t be long.
Reviewed by Brian Walley
for BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
The Things I Could Tell You by J.L. Woodson
Macro Publishing Group – April 2004
192 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 0975413007
BMR Rating: 4
The Things I Could Tell You, the novel written by J.L. Woodson and published
when he was just 16 years old, tells the story of Cameron Spears, a teenager
trying to learn to enjoy life again now that his abusive father is behind
bars. But, as readers will learn within the first few pages of this novel,
Cameron and his family will be forced to confront his father yet again.
Since this story was written by a teenager, it is obviously primarily
targeted for a younger audience. Nevertheless, adults can also get insight
from this novel as it covers abuse from the eyes of the children.
This story has a little bit of everything to offer and the author's humor
and youth made for a refreshing and unique reading experience.
Reviewed by Brian Walley
A
Quiet Storm by Rachel Howzell Hall
A
Quiet storm is an amazing story of how a family will go to great lengths to
keep deep, dark secrets. This is also a story that strongly portrays the
denial that goes on with trying to come to terms with a mental disorder that
runs in the family. This is a story that grabs you from the beginning and
takes you on a journey that you won’t soon forget and the story concludes
with the answer to the question "What happened to Rikki’s husband"?
Rachel Howzell Hall should be commended for writing a story about a mental
disorder since she managed to handle the topic with such compassion,
sincerity, and wit. Excellent debut novel from an author to watch.
- Written by Brian Walley for
Book-Remarks.com
Check out the
Full Review
THE EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK by
Stephen Carter
Stephen Carter's Emperor of Ocean Park weaves
a powerful story of political intrigue and corruption at the highest levels
of the government. Included is also the story of personal growth, discovery,
and revelation of Misha, a man whose view of his father will ultimately
shape how he sees himself. As he races to inherit his father's crown, Misha
comes face to face with his own human
failings and those of his family. The novel comes to a gripping climax which
may surprise some unless they can deduce who seeks to dethrone the new
Emperor of Ocean Park.
- Written by
"G" for BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
The Autobiography of
Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley
Malcolm X tells an intriguing tale of his life in America. Unlike the Oscar
nominated film by critically acclaimed director Spike Lee, the book delves
into subject matter that the film only hints at. For example, Malcolm
discusses the penchant of white men and white women, who have a proclivity
for black men and women, which is a far cry from what American society
believes today. This book should be read and reread once a year to allow
it's truths to permeate the inner being.
-Written by Keith Lee Johnson
for BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
The Douglass' Women by Jewell Parker Rhodes
A little known black history fact is one where
Frederick Douglas, he of abolitionist fame, catered to and thrived having
two women contribute to his success. Somebody got two-timed, and one of them
came up short. Which one? More often than not, extraordinary lives are
shrouded in obscurity, especially when measured against time and magnified
beyond proportion if it's subjective to a historic figure for comparison.
This is a perfect example of adequate research allowing us to reach across
time and get a second look at this eloquent speaker and resolute
abolitionist, and the women behind his success. What a story
she uncovered!
- Written by The Jackal of
TheRomerReview.com
LION'S
BLOOD by Steven Barnes ("G")
Imagine that the boardrooms of every Fortune
500 company are filled with only black executives. Stephen Barnes artfully
crafts a tale describing the history and events which would allow such a
society to exist. His novel Lion's Blood poses the following question: "What
if the African race, with all its beauty, power, and wealth, had not been
conquered by the Romans?" Barnes enthralls the reader with a vibrant tale of
cruelty, love, friendship, and freedom which in many ways parallels the rich
history of African Americans, yet is told from the interesting perspective
of a white slave boy.
- Written by "G" for BMR
of RAWSISTAZ.com
American Skin: Pop
Culture, Big Business, and The End Of White America
The end of White America as we know it, and the beginning of truisms that
the author explains in a rather stark and introspective way in his book,
American Skin. The author will have you believe that the true American
identity is being usurped by a new modicum for change...that white culture
is declining in value, has no measure for continuity, and that which is on
the rise is the sharing of consumer idioms and the blending of cultural
tenets. As you read this book, one can't help but marvel at how Mr. Wynter
came about to make analogies to support his thesis. In reading this book,
one will definitely come away either impressed (depending on readers having
a pragmatic sense of reasoning), or disappointed (only if readers expect
something more that what hasn't been already hashed and rehashed as it
pertain to racial mores). I advise one to read it with an open mind, and let
the conscious dwell along with the subconscious for realism to dismiss
institutional racism. Besides, the new order that the author conjures up
here may not be the norm in this lifetime. Will there ever be a time where
the color of one's skin will not matter in the scheme of societal culture?
Will the melting pot have enough room to stir together all that separates
the races for harmonious coexistence? Judge for yourself!
- Written by The Jackal of
TheRomerReview.com
LANDRY:
The Legend and The Legacy: By Bob St. John (Fredrick)
If you are a Dallas
Cowboy football fan, then you will truly enjoy what Mr. St. John did in this
wonderful biography. Having received this book as a birthday present, I
completed this touching tome in three days. During this journey inside of
Landry's fedora, brought back so many memories.
I was almost ten
years old when watching the "Hail Mary" break the hearts of many Viking fans
in Metropolitan Stadium, even younger on that Thanksgiving Day in 74 when
Longley hit Drew Pearson for the winning touchdown. I won a bet with my
brother over Super Bowl XII. Having watched all those Green Bay/Cleveland
heartbreaks on NFL FILMS on numerous occasions, I found myself rooting for
his eventual breakthrough as if I were transported back to the late 60's
early seventies. That ICE BOWL loss was something. But as champions do,
Landry steered his team through the mental anguish, further adding to his
legacy. That he also stayed the course with his father-like image to so many
of his players definitely impressed me, for he was cognizant that
Professional Football is only a small portion of a man's like. (He later
proved this is his last decade on earth after football.) Something about
non-fictional biographies that bring out greatness in people. More on that
later.
- Written by
Fredrick Cooper for BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
My
Friend, My Lover, My Stalker by DeVonnia Livous
This is the story of a childhood friendship that takes a wild turn during
adulthood. Tara and Stan were childhood friends that separated while young.
Since then Tara has become a successful writer and Stan is the owner of a
construction company out of state. Then by chance, the two meet while Tara
is out on a date.....what follows is what every woman wants, to be wined,
dined and showered with affection, but when Tara announces her book tour
dates, she sees a different side to Stan.
- Written by Evan
for BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
ALWAYS
TRUE TO YOU IN MY OWN FASHION by Valerie Wilson Wesley (Brian)
Valerie Wilson Wesley, a writer who’s
better known for her Tamara Hayle mysteries, takes a break from that
character to weave a page-turner about a man’s fears and problems with
commitment. Always True To You In My Fashion is a excellent novel that
would really make for an interesting book club discussion as it’s filled
with a great mix of realism and drama that makes for a great discussion.
- Written by Brian Walley of
Book-Remarks.com
Check out the
Full Review
JACK
AND JILL by James Patterson (Keith Lee Johnson)
James
Patterson's Jack and Jill is a political thriller at it's finest. The killer
is intelligent, ruthless, and has no fear of being caught. This is one of
Patterson's best.
- Written by Keith Lee Johnson
for BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
SOMEONE'S
IN THE KITCHEN by Eric E. Pete (Fredrick)
You see, this is where the countdown gets
tricky. This is a great book by the next great author of our time. Neal
Wallace and Reggie Collins, both well established brothers, are at the end
of contrasting spectrum with regards to love and the African American woman,
one a playboy, the other, trying to do what's right in spite of a difficult
marriage. Without revealing the tale, all I can say is that the writing is
sharp and witty and the story is awesome. A prediction: Eric Pete will have
a New York Times Best Seller. Soon.
- Written by Fredrick Cooper for
BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
TWILIGHT
MOODS edited by Jossel Flowers Green (Brian)
Are you in the mood for some erotica with
your fiction? If so, you ought to run to your local African American
bookstore and buy yourself a copy of Twilight Moods. Written by mostly
self-published authors, this book has many wonderful stories practically
guaranteed to make you laugh, smile, and possibly more! Twilight Moods is an
excellent collection of erotic stories written by some lesser known but
soon-to-be better known authors. African Americans looking for erotic
fiction that speaks to them and is erotic yet not raunchy or pornographic
need to look no further.
- Written by Brian Walley for
Book-Remarks.com
Check out the
Full Review
NO
MORE MR. NICE GUY by C. K. Robinson (Fredrick)
Chet Robinson has
done a fine job with this tome. What surprised me about his effort was the
way the author tapped into the mind of a woman with excellent use of
emotions. Mitchell Stone, a nice guy at the breaking point, professed his
long nurtured feelings for Nikki over dinner. And from this ill-timed
confession to its satisfying conclusion, Mr. Robinson takes into a
neighborhood where many guys dwell. Men will be high-fiving when reading
about Mitchell Stone's truths while transforming himself into the bad boy
women seem to covet. While very, very entertaining, it reveals a sad truth
about the dating scene in light hearted form. Many women just don't
appreciate Good guys. Unless, of course, they've been played like a Parker
Brothers board game. Do we really have to transform ourselves, as Mitchell
did, to get the women of our dreams?
Even in this
revelation, Chet takes Mr. Stone back to his authenticity at novels end,
this coming after plenty of drama, however. Drama that is weaved into some
amazing, astounding writing. Great job, Chet!!!!!
- Written by Fredrick Cooper for BMR of RAWSISTAZ.com
A
LITTLE PIECE OF SKY by Nicole Bailey-Williams (Brian)
A Little Piece Of Sky by Nicole
Bailey-Williams is a a wonderfully written, short and sweet book about a
ten-year-old girl who grows up to be an adult, yet she cannot escape
feelings of doubt and guilt from her childhood. The author tells this story
with short chapters that give the reader pieces of her life from her
childhood through her adulthood and it was told in a lyrical and
conversational style that usually is not seen in other books. Nicole
Bailey-Williams writes in a crisp and clear style all her own, and this
novel should be the start of something big for her.
- Written by Brian Walley for
Book-Remarks.com
Check out the
Full Review
|
