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African American Literature Book Club - The #1 Site for "Readers of Black Literature" |
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National bestselling
author
Carl Weber presents Urban Books, a
new line of books focusing on the drama and grit of inner-city life, featuring
edgy, and exciting new voices—writers who tell it like it is.
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Hardcover: 212 pages All About Love draws from the breath of writing Susan Taylor has shared with her millions of readers since her first column appeared in Essence. In this collection, she has gathered personal favorites and these of Essence readers. Many are expanded. Shedding the old, dead skin of anger, bitterness and regret, forgiving ourselves and others, opening our hearts to love and striving to live in harmony with the whole of life are just a few of the themes explored in these inspirational writings. All About Love is all about relationships, about active caring and out commitment to personal transformations and social change, to strengthening our families and communities, to wealth building, and the commitment to justice and sustaining all God's children. This long -awaited treasury of writings is about keeping strong our faith in God in the face of all challenges.
Hardcover: 154 pages
Miller says there are seven hindrances to success. Once these are
recognized, steps can be taken to overcome them. Never quit,
surround yourself with people who have the same goals in mind, get
educated, then accomplishment and achieve-ment are both practically
guaranteed.
by La Jill Hunt, Dwayne S. Joseph & Marian "Angel" Hunter
ISBN: 0974363693 There's a saying in Brooklyn that if you come from my part of town that you're from around the way. Well Sydni, Angel and Cream are all from around the way. They all live in Crown Heights, one of the most notorious sections of Brooklyn, but to them it's just a place they call home. Around the Way girls is a fast paced look at the life of three street smart woman who think they know it all but are about to get the lessons of their lives. Angel Santiago has got it going on. She's young, fine and can get what she wants, whenever she wants it, the way she wants it. That's because she knows the key to the game. Control-that's what it's all about and nobody controls the situation like Angel does. At least not until she meets Frido. He's everything all the other guys aren't and while Angel may know the game, Frido's the one who invented it. Cream White is the mother of one, caretaker of another and one of the hardest working strippers in Brooklyn. Tired of the game, the ghetto and the hustle, she takes part in a scam that will hopefully provide her with a way out of the hood. Surprisingly, the one who introduced her to the game is the only one who holds the key to getting her out of it. All Sydni Johnson wants to do is get the hell outta New York. The worst thing her mother could have done was uproot her and the family and move her from Atlanta to Brooklyn five years ago. Now, her brother is dead, her sister is out of control, and to make matters worse, her mother's about to be marry a man Sydni can't stand. What's a sister to do? Make some loot, of course, so she can get the hell out of Brooklyn and go back down south in style. Only, when it's all said and done she might just be too smart for her own good. La Jill Hunt is a native of Mobile, AL. She is a graduate of Saint Paul's College where she received a B. A. in English Communications. She is presently a consultant with Verizon Communications and resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband and daughters A former Project Manager for a telecommunication company, Dwayne S. Joseph currently resides in Columbia, MD with his wife and daughter, where he is currently working on his follow up to his debut novel, The Choices Men Make. You can e-mail Dwayne at djoseph21044@yahoo.com Marian "Angel" Hunter, resides in Neptune, NJ on the shore. She is the mother of one son, Anthony, and the Founder of The Essence of Self Center, a non-profit organization that provides workshops and seminars to youth and women that will instill in them a sense of pride and esteem. A Personal Trainer and Sensual Consultant, Ms. Hunter believes you should not accept limitations and that your life is your script to write. |
 Is it a Crime
Click to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Roy Glenn
ISBN: 0974363618 Mike Black has it all: money, power, and everyone's respect. His violent rise to power earned him the name Vicious Black. Although he has everything he ever wanted, none of it seems to matter until he becomes enchanted with Cassandra Sims. To Cassandra, selling drugs is strictly business. When an attempt is made on her life, Mike has to rescue her and soon becomes her protector. On the trail of her attacker, their relationship develops with an intriguing journey through Washington, DC, Miami Beach, and the Bahamas as the backdrop. The pursuit leads them back to New York City where all the pieces of the puzzle come together. Roy Glenn was born and raised in the Bronx in New York City and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where he is working on his next novel MOB. |
 Street LifeClick to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Jihad Format: Paperback, 291pp. Streetlife is an in-depth graphic journey into the struggle of life as a young black male raised by America's inner city streets. This journey is not only Jihad's, but documented bits and pieces of every African-American mother's son's life. The private lives of so many that have revolved around him as he evolved thru childhood, adolescence and adulthood is profiled. As the merry-go-round of life in the hood is relived, explanations will become evident as to what sets the stage for the events and circumstances that lead so many to the prison-gates. A vivid colorful picture is painted throughout of the how and why Black men in America raised in the inner cities, fortunate enough to live past the age of eighteen are conditioned to accept the inevitability of prison. Growing up in an environment where happiness is sought in the bottom of liquor bottles, needles and dope sacks is just ordinary life in the hood. Through several entertaining sub-stories the fine line between user and dealer, and how they use the same means to get to the same ends is profiled. Whenever one tries to break the cycle, it will become as clear as my words in writing as to how unseen hands pull at him to continue the course he was conditioned to complete, bombard him. First hand accounts of the black cultural documentary like revolving doors of ignorance and how the school system perpetuates the black man's American Dream (life as a player, hustler, thief, drug dealer and wannabe pimp) is entertainingly analyzed. Travel into the world of a dope addict. Make the introduction to several self-empowered revolutionary freedom fighting black men that are deemed as poison in today's society, men that will never be given a second chance to give back so much that has been missing. Hold steadfast to something strong and real as the harsh reality of life, and it's dizzying revolutions and evolutions as seen through the eyes of one young black male is detailed in various stages such as project, penthouse, hospital and penitentiary life. Take a first hand look behind the walls and fences of America’s prison system, where you can seen what about 37% of all black males from ages 17-29 experience in this country. This is a story of tragedy, love and of hope: A story of slavery and freedom. This story is based on my life growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana and Atlanta, Georgia in the 1970's, 80's, and 90's. |
 Drama QueenClick to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble La Jill Hunt ISBN: 097436360X Kayla Hopkins is young, beautiful and can't win for losing. That's why everyone calls her the Drama Queen. She doesn't go looking for drama, it just happens to find her. Take for instance, her love life. Kayla's not satisfied with just one man. She has two-one she's in love with and another whom she's pregnant by. A ready-made formula for disaster, but will Kayla see it before everything blows up in her face? Her track record says no, but her friends and family can only hope. Drama Queen is a hilariously funny and fast-paced novel that offers king-size drama and entertainment. LA JILL HUNT'S story, co-authored with Carl Weber, "Easy Street", appears in A Dollar and a Dream. |
 She's Got IssuesClick to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Stephanie Johnson
ISBN: 0974363642 Sinclair started out wanting revenge on Aliette, the woman who destroyed her marriage. She befriends Aliette, planning to ruin her life and her engagement to Wayne. Along the way she discovers that Aliette is ruining her own life just fine, with all her infidelity and petty jealousy. Will Sinclair continue on her quest for revenge, or will she discover something more important? This is the story of two women -Sinclair, who wants to love again but can't trust enough to do so, and Alliette, who does not love herself and so cannot recognize love when it shows its face. It teaches us that even when the ulterior motive may start off being negative, it can lead to unexpected developments. The truest and best of friends are sometimes friends by accident. She's Got Issues will entice the genders and take them on a ride that will reinvent the meaning of friendship, understanding, and compassion, and allow them to love and lose without anger or judgment. |
 A Gangster's GirlClick to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Chunichi
A GANGSTER'S GIRL is the story of Ceazia a very attractive, very good girl who has just left the safety of her parents’ home and entered into the world of bad boys and fast money. Ceazia thinks the world belongs to her when she meets Vegas, one of the tidewater Virginia area’s most notorious drug dealers. Even though she knows a relationship with Vegas goes against everything her parents taught her, she still can’t resist his bad boy persona. He’s fine, sexy, and ready to give her anything her heart desires—just what the doctor ordered for a broke, wannabe diva. The only problem is this might just end up being the biggest mistake of her life. Chunichi is a native of south Virginia who grew up with her mother and step father. She has lived most of the things she writes about and still considers herself a good girl looking for a bad boy. Chunichi is a spoken word poet. |
 Chasin' ItClick to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Tony Lindsay
The life and loves of Terri Parish are filled with obsession, glamour, hot sex and very dangerous men. Once a Las Vegas headliner, she now lives on the streets of Chicago, an ex-convict, and junkie looking for any way to make a few dollars and score another hit. The trouble is, Terri still desires the lights of a Las Vegas stage and the adoration of fans. When she meets up with Mo-Red, an ex-lover and a chief in one of Chicago's largest street gangs, she sees an opportunity to regain some of her former, glamorous life. After all, a fool can see an opportunity, but a survivor figures out how to take it. Terri considers herself a survivor at the very least. She knows that stealing from royalty means death, but she has to take this chance of a lifetime. With Mo-Red's money and his drugs, only one question remains--will she get out of Chicago alive? Chasin' It is an urban story twisted with jealousy, addiction, denial, obsession and deception. From Las Vegas's Caesars stage to life on Chicago's mean streets, the lessons are hard and many for Terri in this rite of passage tale like no other. Chasin' It will keep you spellbound from the first pages and fascinate you with a story like nothing you've ever read before. It is truly the wildest street story of them all. |
 The WomanizersClick to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Dwayne S. Joseph
For best friends Mike, Max, and Ahmad, the bonds of friendship, love and respect, are put to the ultimate test as each one of them is forced to take a long, hard look at himself and the woman he loves. They all said their 'I do's,' but did they really understand what it meant? Mike's a bonafide ladies man. He's smooth, sexy, and he's got all the right moves to make the women drop their drawers and do things that would earn a Triple X rating. There's just one problem-his wife, Mya. Although Mike said 'I do,' he's never been able to say 'I don't.' And to those who know him the best, he's never changed. Mya knew what she was getting into when she slipped his ring on her finger, but she'd always hoped that her love would be enough to quench his desire. But now that she's finally admitted that Mike can never be tamed, who will she turn to for comfort? And how will Mike handle it? Max is a music mogul in the making. And with his wife, Trina's support, he's bound to succeed. Of course that all depends on what happens with Sharon, who could write a book and give seminars on what it is to be a true ghetto queen. Sharon's the woman he's seeing on the side, when he wants a little "tune-up." She also happens to be his mother-in-law. If that isn't bad enough, Trina and Sharon absolutely can't stand one another. Mix everything together and you've got an out-of-control ride headed straight towards a brick wall. Ahmad is a born-again virgin only he can't figure out why. No matter what he does or says, his wife, Shay, refuses to be intimate with him. Ahmad's tried everything to get Shay to open up to him, but nothing ever works. All he gets are strong "No's" and lonely, frustrating nights. Shay knows that she needs to open up soon, before another woman comes along, looking to give Ahmad the affection that she can't. But what happens when her decision to confide in him is too late and Mya comes along? |
 Girls From Da Hood
Click to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Nikki Turner and Chunichi
While Lady Bug's dope slaying boyfriend, Took sat in the city jail waiting to
stand trial. Lady Bug was busy, recklessly spending, allowing Took's money to
pass through her hands like running water. Never completely understanding that
the stash money was for a rainy day. And when it rains, it pours. Travel with Lady Bug as she navigates through the hood putting every petty hustle into play to chase hard times away from her door. Never having a bit of shame, her low-lifed scams are a sure disgrace to any gold digger, sac chaser, guttersnipe or chicken head. For she falls at the bottom of the barrel weighting in at nothing less than a hoodrat! The Princess of Hip Hop Fiction, Nikki Turner, took readers through the life of, A Hustler's Wife, then on to a safari with A Project Chick. Now she blesses them with the journey of, Girls From The Hood. |
 A Thug’s LifeClick to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Thomas Long
Dayvon and Ty ran the drug game in West Baltimore for years as the heads of the DFL (Dogs For Life) family. However, after Ty gets sent to prison on a suspect charge and Dayvon decides that he wants outta the game, drama is about to jump off between the two once loyal comrades. Ty plots his brutal revenge when he begins to think that Dayvon had something to do with his incarceration. Dayvon is not about to lie down and let Ty take him outta the game without a fight. To top it all off, they both face a surprise enemy in two up and coming members of their crew, Lil' Jay and Stink, who have their own plans to seize control of the family. What proceeds is an action packed adventure that will have you guessing as to who will survive this tale of urban warfare. A Thug's Life is an emotional, non-stop thriller that will hold your attention from the first page. It's filled with sex, drugs, murder, and crime- all the key ingredients for a suspense filled urban novel. The author takes you intimately into the minds of the main characters as they struggle with their inner demons in an effort to survive this vicious test of wills. He inspires you to think and, at the same time, choose sides between Dayvon and Ty. He also shows you that the Thug Life is real and that no one can escape the game without paying a price. You will learn that the price might be your life or your soul. Thomas Long was born and raised in the streets of Baltimore City. He has a B.A. degree in Sociology from Morgan State University and a M.A. degree in Legal and Ethical Studies from the University of Baltimore. He combines his college education with his wealth of street knowledge to weave clever tales of inner city life that are vivid and real enough to hold the average reader captive until the story's climatic conclusion. He is currently hard at work on his next exciting novel |
 Sins of the Father
Click to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Felicia Madlock
Devoted, caring, and dedicated These are the words that Sammie Jr. uses to describe his father, Samuel "Street" Jamieson. His untimely death forced Sammie to move from the tranquility of suburban living to the noise and chaos of urban dwelling in the hard streets of Chicago. Sammie lost everything that he loved: parents, friends, and his way of life. How would he survive? And could he survive? Player, liar, and deceiver. These are words that Terrance and Malik use to describe Samuel "Street" Jamieson. They never considered him their father. They did not grieve his untimely death; they mourned his departure years ago, when he walked out of their lives unannounced, leaving their mother heartbroken. Nadine sees the same poisonous charm in her sons that she saw in Street. A father's absence is always present in the lives of his sons. Unsuppressed anger, hatred, and bitterness fester in Terrance and Malik. These emotions surface to a crescendo when they are faced with circumstances that threaten to shatter their world. Can they learn to forgive? The path of survival will intersect the path of hate. Can they build a road of understanding? Felicia Madlock attended Illinois State University as an undergraduate and Loyola University/Chicago for her Masters in Social Work. She presently works as a Medical Social Worker for a leading trauma hospital located in the heart of Chicago's westside community. Her biggest influence for writing is simply life and the extraordinary individuals that she has met along the way. |
 Love is BindClick to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Parry Brown, Lisa Watson and Pat Simmons
National bestselling author Parry "Ebonysatin" Brown and a few of her new literary friends Pat Simmons and Lisa Y. Watson have sat down and written a winner. Love is Blind contains three outrageously funny stories of love and life.
Just a Click Away By Parry "Ebonysatin" Brown
Words Of Love By Pat Simmons
The Switch By Lisa Watson |
 MOB
a street sagaClick to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Roy Glenn
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 No More Drama
Click to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by La Jill Hunt
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 Drug RelatedClick to order via Amazon or Barnes and Noble by Roy Glenn
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All About Love: Favorite Selections
from In The Spirit on Living Fearlessly
Guaranteed
Success (Hardcover)
Around the Way Girls
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