Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Night-Breed Cries of Vampira #3

The story line with The Cries of Vampira continue to get more exciting with each part. Night Breed, the third installment of Robertson's series picks up with Queen Grace making funeral arrangements for her husband King George. Not aware of how her brother-in-law Luthias and husband parted ways, she sends Sir Henry to Catacomb City extending an invite to the service. Entirely too busy master minding his own game plan, Luthias declines the offer.

Head over heels for the baby brother of the late King George,Sachari dedicated to the every word of Luthias makes a trip to the DUNALASTAIR CASTLE. Due to secretly removing a script from the castle with the assistance of a friend, she rushes back to Catacomb city. Pleased with Sachari accomplishing her mission, Luthias proceeds with his plan.

Other twist and turns take place in the third installment as well but If I tell anymore I would spoiling the exciting conclusion for other fans of Robertson's work. Looking forward to The Cries of Vampira #4.

Monday, September 26, 2011

The Lonely Kid by Makinlee Black

Author Makinlee Black takes us into the life of Jerlle. Like a lot of kids in America today,Jerlle unfortunately is a victim of cruel jokes, and horrible treatment on the daily basis at school. All the poor kid desires to do is to attend school in peace.

Friendless and lonely for so long, Jerlle finally meets Alana. Together as buddies, Alana helps Jerlle realize something very important. I enjoyed this book because it is a teaches a valuable lesson on bullying for children ranging from the ages of six and up. The questions listed at the end of the storyline are great for initiating a discussion on bullying for youngsters as well. I recommend that this book be utilized at bullying seminars and conferences for elementary youngsters everywhere.

Congratulations Authoress MaKinlee Black on your first book

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Smoke Screen by Monique Mensah

Mensah's third book, titled Smoke Screen, brings us up to date with the current status of Simone, her main character from her first book Who is he to you. Simone is all grown up now. Despite of the sexual abuse she endured as a child, she has made some efforts to put her past behind her. Running a nonprofit organization for sexually abused girls, she ensures that the young ladies receive what they need to heal properly from what they all had unfortunately endured. There is one young lady by the name of Payton who recently started receiving services with Simone's agency. Although Simone loves all of the young ladies equally, there's something special about Payton she can't seem to put her finger on.

Jessica, mother of Simone, makes it her business to bond with her daughter with the remaining time she has left over from filming her new reality show. Jessica is on a mission to help her daughter find a good man. Finding a good was the furthest thing from Simone's mind. That was until she met Lawrence.

Other characters from Mensah's first book have resurface as well. Ryan has moved on with her life and has gotten married. Lauren, her best friend is doing great as a Defense Attorney partner for one of the most prestigious firms in Detroit. Together they share a secret that has the power to strengthen or destroy a marriage. Meanwhile, there is a major problem occurring in Detroit. Men keep coming up dead and Detroit's finest is having a challenge trying to figure out who this "Man Eater" is. The ending to Mensah's latest book is wild!

Monday, August 22, 2011

The Cries of Vampira: Bloodlines (The Cries Of Vampira, #2)

Action pack from the beginning to the end, Roberts brings us even more action than he did with The Horror of Gaad Grey. Not only does Roberts proceed this action sci-fi thriller back where he left off in one, he takes us back on a journey which allows us to see sibling rivalry between vamparian brothers and the jealousy that a sister had been holding in her heart for years be revealed.

Kolbe, the male triplet of King George and Queen Grace has mentally and physically prepared himself with the assistance of Maris for battle. On a mission to rescue his sisters Kristin, and Kylie from Gaad Grey's guards, he discovers a very tragic scene on the way. Although I hated to see terrible things that Queen Grace endured, I can only hope that in part three Kolbe will be able to get to Kristin restored back to health before it's too late.

Crack Volume 2 By Shaka Senghor

Damu is back everyone however, he's back on a different level. Due to loosing his soul mate,and realizing that life has more to offer than brothers taking brothers out due to the drug game in Detroit, he decides to venture off into the music business. Happy in the investment that he has made in his new rising recording artist Microphonics, drama takes place at Damu's music studio which results to him having to make some serious decisions. Just when Damu thought he was out of the game, it calls him right back.

Meanwhile, Detective Jensen and Dr Brooks relationship has evolved. Eager to return back to work, Detective Jensen is offered a very special and unique assignment that he decides to accept. New characters that enter the story line such as Warden Billups, Universal Law,and Scrap Metal keep the action going forcing the reader to read the book through out it's entirety.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Taylor's Word on DEBT by Michelle Taylor

In life we all make good and bad choices when it comes to our finances. Michelle Taylor's testament and real life story is truly just that. Adjusting from once having it all and losing it all, Michelle explains in detail both the effects of debt and the stress that comes with having this horrible monster on your back. Despite the fact that there are many reasons why individuals find themselves in financial turmoil, I appreciate how Ms Taylor reveals the main reason simply being the overall mismanagement of funds.

For just about every problem in life, there is also a solution. The simple "Take Action" steps listed in this book can work for anyone whether your in a little or some major financial trouble. The various scenarios enclosed within this read were also a plus. I enjoyed them because it allows the reader to both utilize the situations and to seriously think about what they would do if they were in the same predicament. Lastly, I sincerely appreciated the fact that this book not only educates you on how to stay out of debt, it tells you the importance of putting God first in your major financial decision making. Way to go Michell Taylor!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Purposefully Prepared To Persevere By Eddie Connor

Reading this book, I had no idea how anxious I would become just to get it completed. As humans we will endure trials and unpleasant circumstances in our lives that will persuade us to give up. A typical person without faith would've done just that. The author of this book is not your typical everyday person. Not only did this young man have the strength and ability to fight his way through cancer, he had the strength and the mindset to claim himself as a healed person prior to getting the results from his physician that the cancer was gone away.

Through his faith in God and his positive mindset, he has utilized his past illness to help others see that with the Creator in your life all things are possible. One of my favorite affirmations from the book comes from chapter three. Conner states the following, "I know we feel like giving up at times, but we can't allow any devil or individual to manipulate or destroy the gifts that God has placed inside of us.

What I love the most about this book is that the author challenges the reader to remain positive, stand up for what is right, and to stretch yourself to your fullest potential so that you can utilize your God given talents to your maximum capacity. Excellent job Connor on your first book. I know I will pull it out from time to time when I find myself getting off of track.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Enter Me VOL. II By A.E. ALLEN

I am a true lover and fan of poetry. In today’s competitive arena of Self Published authors, there are thousands of poetry books being released daily. Enter Me Volume II is one of the poetry books you want to add to your literary collective. It is a poetry book that you can read to yourself to see exactly where you are in regards to your love life. It is a poetry book that allows individuals to conduct a self analysis on your life. My favorite poem is “Somebody” simply because of where I am in my life. To all the fans of poetry, I recommend that you add this one to your collection today.


Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Series

Monday, May 23, 2011

Climbing Every Obstacle by Anita Jefferson

Anita Jefferson with her literary testament to the world has provided us with a true and unique gift directly from her heart and soul. There are 101 obstacles included in this book. However, there is over two hundred simple solutions enclosed to get the human being back on the right path. This book could be utilize by any and everyone. It is one that could be used now and forever. It is a guide that you could read now, pull out ten years from now and still find the solutions to life's difficulties. Somewhere between your bible and your spiritual self help books, Climb every obstacle should be a part of everyone's literary collection. Life has not been a bowl of cherries for Ms. Jefferson, in the about the authors section, you will come to find that this woman has endured many trials in her life such as two strokes, severe arthritis, and a divorce. Through it all, she had the courage to move forward, and give birth to this amazing book. Climb every obstacle has truly changed my life. For anyone needing suggestions on solving issues such as trauma, resentment, rejection, or set backs, this is the one for you. Order this book on amazon.com today.

The Mocha Monologues returns to Detroit for a third installment of the battle between the sexes

The Mocha Monologues returns to Detroit for a third installment of the battle between the sexes

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Who I Am Not What I Am! By Tara Michener

When reading this book, it simply brought tears to my eyes thinking about the challenges bi-racial children face. Author Tara Michener does a great job through the eyes of the main character Janelle at allowing us to not only see the questions bi-racial children are asked by other children at school but also how children such as Janelle in the real world may not know exactly how to answer or provide the correct response in regards to their ethnic background. Who I am not what am I is a great book for all bi-racial children to have because it promotes, serves, and speaks to and for this group of children appropriately. This book may also be used to help and encourage bi-racial children to embrace their culture and celebrate it as well. This book sends a positive message and should serve as a recommended read at all children oriented bi-racial workshops nation wide.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Girl Let Me Tell You By Lauren Lake

Prior to reading this book, I thought to myself,is it going to be another one of those guides that would suggest you transform yourself as a single woman in order to get a great guy in your life. Girl Let Me Tell You, is not one of those books. In-fact, this easy read makes so much sense. Single women nationwide are feeling that they have to compete with one another, dummy down, and over compromise due to quote on quote statistical shortage of "good men." Being a relationship expert, Lauren came just in time with this one! Writing this book prior to her getting married, she shares here experiences as single woman and letters from unmarried women all over the country who simply wanted advise on what choices to make in regards to the men in their lives. The questions from the women and the responses provided by Lauren were so factual and real that even the most powerful and successful single woman in today's time could find herself identifying with the scenarios presented within this book. The situations really hit home with me. It was almost as if Ms. Lake and all of the unmarried women whose questions were addressed within her book were in my apartment sitting down, and conversing on what decisions to make. My favorite section in the book is, A Watched Pot Never Boils. Ms. Lake states the following: Too many women are waiting around for a man to come into their lives and complete them. They aren't living up to their fullest potential because they're too worried they'll miss something... or someone for that matter.""" There are so many things in life to focus on in life like family, friendships, spirituality, service, purpose, and passion. I want to personally thank Lauren for writing this book. It reassured me that there is nothing wrong with me at all. I just need to keep my eyes on the prize and never allow myself to never sit still enough to watch a pot boil.

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Adventures of Princess Zaria By Cheryl Lynn Pope

The adventure of Princess Zaria is a great read for all little girls to have. Unaware of the meaning of her name Zaria, the main character of this story is sent on a quest by her mother and father. As she goes on her quest to find the perfect accessories and jewelry to go into a tiara, she discovers a secret that both her mother and father knew all along.
This book would make a perfect gift to all little girls for self esteem purposes. It would make the perfect gifts for anyone having a "Girls Party" I recommend it to anyone that has daughter, niece, or Goddaughter. This book would serve as a great reassurance guide for any young lady unaware of the fact that every little girl is a princess.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Download The Everyday Living of Children And Teens Monologues Free Of Charge On Good Reads

Hello Good People,
Just letting everyone know that you can download my first book The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues free of charge on Good Reads. Just click on the link below and enjoy. Spread the word everyone.

http://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/download/1906433?doc=9362

http://Twitter.com/ardannyl
http://Facebook.com/ardannyl
http://www.ardannyl.me
www.linkedin.com/pub/adra-young



My third book The Misfits is coming the Fall of 2011.

In The Nick Of Time By Lasonya Jones-Lamine

It seems as if poor Nicole "Nick" Lewis, the main character in this story was dealt a bad hand from the start. Unaware of who her father was and dealing with a mother like Isis that put every and anything before her daughter, this young lady made poor choices as a youngster due to not having the guidance, direction, and simply the love all youngsters require and need in life to make it.

Despite of the toxic relationship she had with her abusive boyfriend Mike, dealing with Harrold, her mothers boyfriend who uses their house as a revolving door every time he's released from prison,and her mother placing even more distance between their relationship which resulted to Nicole moving further and further away from her life, her high school friend, Jeniffer and her mother were the only one's in this young ladies corner.

This was until with the assistance of Jeniffer that Nick found her biological father Papa G. Establishing a relationship with Papa G was a good thing for Nick. In this short period of time, they both were able from their own individual perspectives to grasp and appreciate the true meaning of a father and daughters love.

There are many more great twist and turns in this novel. From Crystal, Darron, and Victor entering the story, to the amazing surprise at the end, In the Nick of Time covers it all. I just wish the story line involved more of Jennifer and her mother. But some reason, I just have a feeling that we will hear more about them in In the Nick of Times 2 which is coming soon. Great job on your first book Ms. LaSonya Jones-Lamine.

Thank God For The Homeless Shelter By Versandra Kennebrew

Self help books come and go. In my opinion some leave you thinking differently and others don't. I have read everything from Rich Dad Poor Dad,to The Secret. Both of these books encouraged me to grow.

I would've never thought that a memoir pertaining to woman overcoming homelessness could make me see my dreams in such a full light.
Reading this book made me feel like I could achieve anything in life I've ever wanted and dreamed of.

Author Versandra Kennebrew takes us on Journey into her world revealing the occurrences that took place in her life while residing in a shelter. Through her faith in God, she conquered the situation which prevented her from becoming a victim of circumstance. A situation like this could easily justify a nervous breakdown. Despite of mental illness running in Kennebrew's family, she did not falter. She took the opportunity with patience,time,and a plan to grow and to become the person she'd always dreamed and envisioned.

I not only recommend this book to individuals experiencing homelessness at the present time, I also encourage people who have not been homeless to read this book as well. Allow Thank God for the Homeless Shelter to assist you at times when you are feeling low or experiencing sporadic moments of self pity. Use the creative exercises and affirmations to take a self analysis of yourself. Utilize this book as I did to grow. More importantly implement this book to help you see how anyone can transform their life into something great. Well done Kennebrew.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Man In My Heart By Anita Sneed-Carter

Let me first admit that prior to reading this book I assumed that it would run me off from reading it. Aware of the fact that Anita Sneed-Carter is a minister, I assumed that the content of this book through out its entirety would be over populated with redundant biblical scriptures and an unentertaining plot. The Man in my Heart is anything but that. This novel gets down to nitty-gritty IMMEDIATELY. From the beginning of the story you are instantly pulled into the life of Valeesa, a woman on her way to walking down the isle. Despite of discernment and her intuition kicking in to provide all the signs she desperately needs to take heed to, she makes a conscious decision to proceed with the wedding. Like any other woman in the world as, Jill Scott stated it best on her last album, "Ms. Jackson just wants to be loved." Unfortunately like many women who make some not so smart choices and decisions when it comes to love, she finds herself constantly getting burned over and over again. As a result, this poor baby had to hit rock bottom. However with maturation and accepting full responsibility for the role that she assumed for making unhealthy relationship choices, she comes to realize and fully understands that we as mere mortals and women are not in control when it comes to finding a soul mate. That is the role of the heavenly father and the coming of the two is a whole lot more than finances, outer appearances, and intimacy. I love this book because it is so true to life and as a single woman I could truly relate. This book would not only be a great book for individuals desiring to gain spiritual awareness. It could greatly serve as an excellent support guide for single weary women everywhere who truly need to know and understand that the true man of their hearts will comes from the creator. A job well done Minister Anita Sneed-Carter.

Circumstances By Yolanda M. Johnson

A true fan of fictional reads, I can usually figure out most of the time how a novel will end however, Circumstances writen by Yolanda Johnson has thrown me for a serious loop. Renee Mathews, a hard working independent sister simply wanting real love from her mother Barbra Jean ends up rejected and disappointed everytime. Due to Barbra Jean enduring so many unfortunate occurances in her life she misplaces her pain inappropriately on her only daughter. On top of the dysfunctional mother and daughter situation, Marlene, Renae's opportunistic best friend is anything but a real friend. Charlie, Renae's friend who convinces her to relocate to San Diego to escape from all of the madness seems to be the only one to purely have her best interest at heart. Afraid of flying on airplanes, Renae discovers that relocating from Colorado to San Diego was the best decision she could've ever made. Free at last and no longer having to worrying about her mother and Marlen calling only simply to use her,Renae finds herself becoming romantically involved with two great men and having to make a tough decision in regards to whom she will spend the rest of her life with. After making the choice on who she decides to marry and assuming that her family most likely will not attend the happiest day of her life, Renae decides to send wedding invitations out to her mother and other relatives in Colorado. Surprisingly, they show up. Needless to say the ending of this book this book provides a cliff hanger like no other. Way to go Ms Johnson. I can't for the saga to continue in your second book.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

The Black College Sabbatical by Tracie E Christian

Discussing a college experience is one thing however,writing about the African American college experience is another! Author Tracie Christian takes us into the world of four young ladies from totally various backgrounds linked together through fate. As if freshman year on a black college campus is not overwhelming and challenging enough, Kyla, Ananda, Tina, and Cierra all face tribulations that easily amount up to that old saying,"what dose not kill you will definitely make you stronger."
From the deception of lovers to sibling rivalry and deceit,in this juicy read ladies and gentlemen,you get it all! Through her initial literary contribution to the world, Ms. Christian does an terrific job at allowing individuals unaware of the black college experience some eye opening insight and the opportunity for those who attended an historical black institution the opportunity to reminiscence. I hated that the Fall Quarter had to come to an end however,I'm just dieing to read Winter Quarter the 2nd Edition. Hats off to you Ms.Tracie.

The Streets Don't Love You Back By Robert D. Boyd Jr.

Being a native of Gary Indiana, I know the history of Gang Violence and how many young African American males lost their lives due to looking for love through a brotherhood destined for demise. " The Streets Don't Love You Back" provides the true history of notorious gang and drug dealers from the metropolitan Detroit area. Survivor and Author Robert Boyd not only shares his story through his book,he plays a big part in this story as well. Boyd did serve his time in prison for the soliciting of drugs but managed through the grace of God to turn his life around after being released.

During this phase in Boyd's life, he associated himself with many of the individuals enclosed within his book. All of these gangster icons made millions and millions of dollars in the drug cartel business. From the 70's through the mid 90's, individuals such as Maserati Rick, Best Friends Enforcement Chief Reginald Brown, Drug Lord Richard Wershe Jr known as (White Boy Rick),and Kalasha/ Akrawi Syndicate suffered a fate of either death by a rival or simply a life sentencing in prison.

I recommend that this book be placed in all juvenile facilities,and Second Chance Departments through out the country to get our troubled youth back on the right path. More realistic books providing the fate of young adults choosing to join a gang or sale drugs such as this one should be at their disposal.

Who Is He To You By Monique Mensah

Like no other fictional book I've ever read! Two thumbs up for Mensah!

Being an avid reader, I must admit that a book over 240 pages usually does not keep my attention. I can assure you that this one will. Simone the main character in this book lives one terrible life. Only 14 years of age she endures both family related stress as well as school dysfunction. They say that sometimes beauty can be a curse and in this case it truly was. Born a bi-racial child to parents Jessica and Anthony Pembroke, Jessica not only catches hell at school with jealous young ladies and young men with their hormones racing everywhere, a family member ends up desiring, wanting, and having the wrong type of love for their very own child. The twist and turns in this book keep you flipping the pages only leaving you wanting more.
Other characters in this book such as Ryan only add more to this very exciting plot. As Ryan enters into a hard but yet "self love" phase in her life, she comes to also find that in the process of loving herself, she ends up saving a teenagers life by making a very rash decision. I'm looking forward to reading Mensah's next book. I'm curious to find out how Simone is coping with everything that has happened to her thus so far.

Words of a Journey ( My Thoughts on Life and Living

Today's young adults endure so much. From trying to find their places in the world, to dealing with issues at home, and simply trying to survive middle or high school, it can be tough. More importantly, our youngsters are in need of products that will allow them to get things off of their chest in a healthy way.

Knowing that this was a issue that many teens and young adults have to deal with, Kaitlyn Kashman came up with a tool to help remedy this in her book titled, Words of a Journey. Providing statements that provoke thought,affirmations, poems and a ample amount of space for young adults and teens to write and express themselves, Kashman has created the ultimate teen and young adult 21st Century Self Help Guide. The middle school or high school aged student that had no idea on how to express or deal with a situation can now utilize Words of a Journey to think, process,and jot down their thoughts and concerns. Thank you teen author Kaithlyn Kashman for writing a book that contributes to the well being of teens and young adults today.

Inside Rain by Monique Mensah

Hooked on Mensah's first book Who is he to You, I assumed that Inside Rain would be a continuation of her first debut. Inside Rain pulls you into the lives of Lorrian, Danny, and Carmen. These siblings lost their mom to a tragic death at a very early age. Due to her unfortunate death,they carry excessive baggage which results to them living very dysfunctional lives.

Rain has panic attacks and has created this imaginary relationship with a man name Kyle that lives on the lower level of their apartment flat,Carmen has a drug addiction and sleeps around,and Danny is a self centered woman beater. Death is never easy to deal with but loosing their mom the way they did plays a huge role in why they carry out the way they do. Thank God for Gi-Gi. She is there only saving grace. She assures and protects Rain during her psychotic episodes, puts Carmen in her place as necessary, and checks Danny about beating on his girlfriend. Despite of all that she does,she cant cure Rain from the abrupt illusions she continues to see of her mother. Carmen and Danny never see these images and have proclaimed their baby sister as a crazy woman who will never have a normal life.

The story line gets better by the page. Carmen hooks up with Street Thug Jay-Jay and Danny ends up in a situation with an alternative group of thugs. From Jay-Jay forcing Carmen to make a very unethical decision, to Jay-Jay revealing a tragic secret to Rain, this book forces your eyes to read more only to discover the end which will leave you with your mouth wide open. Once again Mensah has raised the bar on the literary stanza's.

The Magic Pencil by Karen Dabney

The Magic Pencil may be a fictional read however, the points enclosed within this story line are so realistic. Malcom, a young African American male meets a dynamic little girl by the name of Nia. As class mates, they establish a true friendship which consist of them learning together, playing together, and attending special events together such as Ancestors' Night.

Malcom, a kid that just so happens to have both street and book smarts discovers that Nia may be too good to be true. Everyone she surrounds herself within the school makes a change for the better. Even the principal of the school has taken notice. There is something very amazing Nia's touch. Especially when it comes down to her touching the pencils that the students use to complete their assignments and daily school activities.

Aware of the old saying that you cant please everyone, some of the students begin to show jealously and hatred toward Nia for no apparent reason. Not allowing this to get in her way on her mission to continue to do good, towards the end of the story, Nia states very important message to the school. Spoken like a true hero, she encourages parents and teachers to become more involved in their children and students learning process, and administrators to do what they need to do to ensure that the students are successful within their learning environment.

Kudos to Ms Dabney for doing such a excellent job on this spectacular literary read.

The Cries of Vampira by Sean H. Robertson

I was once a skeptic when it came to reading books pertaining to vampires due to the obsession America has with the exotic species known as the "Undead." Completing Shawn Robertson The Cries of Vampira changed my train of thought. Exciting from the begining to the end, this literary read was so good that it was as if I was watching this book directly in front of a movie screen. The introduction is based upon King George, husband of queen Grace,and father of triplet vampiran children Kylie,Kolbe, and Kristin. King George and his arch rival Gaal Grey battle it out until death, and the story fast forwards.

Gaad Grey, the son of the late Werewolf King Gal Grey, is on a mission to avenge his fathers death and to create the ultimate mortal species. His handsome looks and womanizing tactics have overpowered the thoughts of Dove, a female traitor who resides in the Vamparian castle. Pretending to be on the side of Queen Grace and the Vamparian race, Dove reports everything that takes place in the castle back to Gaad.

Kylie, a hopeless optimistic, sneaks away by herself on a mission to sever the bad ties with Gaad Grey. Requesting a peace offering between the Werewolves,Human,and Vamparian race, Kylie ends up in a bad situation. Once the tragic news gets back to the Vampirian Castle, the queen sends her most skilled and trained vampire daughter Kristin to save her sister Kylie. Kolbe, the male of the three triplets was not sent due to severe immaturity
issues.

Kristin was forewarn by her mother Queen Grace in regards to being over confident about her fighting ability. Due to thinking her fighting skills were second to none, she made a serious mistake underestimating the power of Gaad's werewolves soldiers. Turns out for Kristin that the new breed of wolves were much stronger than the ones she had done battle with in the past. Fighting them off resulted to her becoming tired and weak.

Observing the aftermath of the torture her sister Kylie endured was one thing but suffering ear damage due to Gloom, head mistress and Werewolf Queen of Gaad loudly echoing to the point of blood pouring out of Princess Kristin ears was another. I just knew it would be the demise of Queen Grace's daughters. Princess Kristin is still alive but the question is for how long? What a great way to end a cliffhanger Mr Robertson. Looking forward to Volume II.

The Pocket Book Monologues

As I read this book I thought to myself, it addressed so many real life issues that African American women have dealt with for a long time. From skin complexions to child molestation, this book touches it all in regards to Black Women. Reading this book made me realize another unfortunate fact that has hit the gender of African American females like a thunder volt. That unfortunate fact just so happens to be HIV.


Although this virus does not discriminate when it comes to race, gender, or ethical background, the numbers of black women affected with this virus are at a very high rate. If I did not get anything else from this book, I definitely got the following:


*Sisters protect yourself at all cost.
*Remember the old saying "No Glove No Love."
*HIV does not discriminate because you are and attractive or educated woman.

I recommend this book for any woman contemplating on sharing their bodies without the usage of protection and if you are, pick up a copy of The Pocket Book Monologues and carry it with you just in case you think about slipping up. Thank you Ms McGhee for your literary contribution and your wake up call to black women everywhere.

Swag by Monica Marie Jones

Reading this book and currently residing in Detroit, I thought to myself, it would really be cool to see a reality show play out just the way it did in Jones "Swag." I believe that the main character Noelle represents all women at one or any giving phase of their life who simply do not see their value or worth. Sometimes, it takes a life changing moment or two for a person to finally wake up and see they are amazing just as Noelle did.

Not realizing that she deserved the best in life and every good thing this life has to offer, Noelle, enters a competition on a major reality show. Monroe, the creator of the show was astounded and simply amazed at her audition and as a result, she was selected as a contestant. Despite of Noelle, suffering from low self esteem and the on-going drama brought on by a six year relationship with her boyfriend Jonah, she has the personality and the welcoming spirit of a good hearted woman from the South. There is however another contestant by the name of Taylor who's personality is just the opposite of Noelle's. Cutthroat, and very scandalous, there's nothing this woman will not do to win.

Speaking of scandalous, certain characters from Jone's book "Floss", make a grand appearance in this novel as well. Ms Dionysus is back. For those of you who are aware of her, she put the "S" on scandalous and "H" on Hoe back in the day when she was in the process of finding herself. I was proud to read that Di has made some changes for the better in her life. In fact, she becomes the one real true friend that Noelle ends up relying on as she goes on this journey as a singing contestant trying to win more than just a contest. Noelle is also on a conquest to win first place at simply loving herself. I was very happy for Noelle at the end of this story line because she made some decisions based upon what would make her happy and her life one awesome experience.

Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues

Crack Volume 1 by Shaka Senghor

Appearing in the city of Detroit that individuals who take a stand for the good are simply living in a dream world, Detective Jensen is an honest cop who takes his job very seriously. Representing the citizens residing within the city limits, he is very opposed to the crooked activities that take place within the inner city. Jensen along with Dr Brooks work as a team to solve the multiple murder crimes and cases that are drug related.

Drug Lord Damu, the leader and head of his family's narcotic ring, is a no nonsense gangster that never thinks twice about taking his street competition out. Despite the fact that Jensen and Damu grew up together in the same neighborhood he does not let this deter him from cracking the case which involves him finding out who killed Terrance while at the same time made the strong attempt to kill him as well. Not every criminal minded villain starts out that way. I found it pretty interesting that Damu actually served in the military.

Not every criminal remains a criminal either. The story of how Santiago makes a serious transformation in his life brings about a very interesting scenario within this plot. I recommend that this book be utilized in all Second Chance schools for today's young adults. Perhaps after reading this book,they would possibly think twice about becoming drug dealers. Kudos to author Shaka for writing one heck of a novel.

Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologue Series
www.ardannyl.me

I really miss my dad by Demetris Martin

Being a educator for over 15 years, I know the signs of a child experiencing grief. For a teacher, one of the saddest things in the world is to see one of your students shut down completely due to loosing a love one. There are many things that can be done to assist a youngster with the healing process in regards to dealing with death. This book, I Really Miss My Dad, is one of those tools that can help with the process.

The author of this book,Demetrius A Martin,recently lost his father to a tragic death. Instead of giving up hope, he not only wrote this book to address his feelings and emotions, he wrote it for other children so that they would have a guide to assist them with as well. My favorite suggestion for dealing with the death of a love one is located on page 15 and it states the following, "Don't allow the memories to make you fail in school." This book is filled with many other great suggestions.

I am recommending that counseling departments nationally utilize this book, I Really Miss My Dad, as one of their supplemental therapeutic components to assist children everywhere on how to correctly deal with death. A job well done Demetrius Martin.

Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Series
www.ardannyl.me


The Misfits coming in the Fall of 2011