CHOCOLATE
SANGRIA
By Tracy Price Thompson
Approximately one year ago I read a book called BLACK COFFEE and was completely
blown away. It was the author’s debut. Given the fact that this
woman is an incredibly talented writer, I remember thinking, how in the
world will she top this book?
Well readers, author Tracy Price Thompson has accepted the challenge and
written another literary masterpiece entitled CHOCOLATE SANGRIA.
In an age where most books on relationships have begun to follow the same
format, structure, and storyline, I consider this writer a modern day
pioneer by setting a appreciably higher standard.
CHOCOLATE SANGRIA starts by illustrating the dramatic birth of Juanita
(the main character) who, although separated from her mother at birth,
is raised by a loving, supportive, hard working family. The novel then
follows Juanita through a tortured childhood as she struggles with the
uncertainty of her own heritage while being unmercifully tormented and
abused by her peers in the neighborhood.
Looking considerably different from everyone else in her neighborhood,
Juanita is labeled an instant outsider. Ultimately she creates a natural
bond with another child named Scooter, also a neighborhood outcast due
to his refusal to speak and his eventual sexual preference.
The story evolves further when an unlikely meeting brings both Juanita
and Scooter together with two tortured souls who share a past far worse
than anything most people could comprehend.
Author Tracy Price Thompson has a genuine gift of character development.
She creates such a vivid mental picture of her characters both physically
and emotionally that you feel that you have known them for years. As a
result of these descriptions you also share their pain, triumph, and the
range of emotions that we all experience in our own day to day lives.
The story takes a sudden turn when the two characters from different worlds
fall in love and the other two engage in a twisted relationship which
threatens to tear down everything and everyone around them.
CHOCOLATE SANGRIA is a must read and I recommend it to both men and women
who appreciate a good story and a growing plot.
I give this book my highest rating of 4. 
Promises
Beyond Jordan
by Vanessa Davis Griggs
Pastor George Landris seemingly has everything a man could want. He is
the Head Pastor of a large church with thousands of members and the leader
of a successful television ministry. Pastor Landris has also managed to
woo the beautiful Theresa Jordan’s hand in marriage.
As a well-respected figurehead in the community, Pastor Landris shows
love and compassion for his church members by counseling the troubled
and visiting the sick and shut in.
Unfortunately, through the mask of all this success, both members of this
seemingly happy couple hold damaging secrets. Theresa Jordan, daughter
of a prominent Bishop has kept vital information about her past from George.
Likewise George is caught in an emotional quandary between his feelings
for Theresa and a yearning to be with a woman from his past during her
family tragedy. This departure may seem inconsequential to the outside
observer but when looking deeper, readers get a glimpse of the true feelings
George has for this woman.
Vanessa Davis Griggs demonstrates her extraordinary writing talents in
her captivating novel about religion, relationships, betrayal and redemption.
Promises Beyond Jordan follows George and Theresa along
their slippery slope toward relationship peril.
The spiritual references and scripture verses at the beginning of each
chapter creates a fresh and unique approach to storytelling. The verses
relate to the emotions and voices and acted upon in each chapter as well
as its overall theme.
Griggs is very successful at telling the story within the story without
losing the reader in the interpretation of complicated subplots. Characters
are also well developed, allowing you to feel their struggles and moral
dilemmas. When Theresa contemplates her relationship with George and questions
his love for her, you can feel her sadness. Likewise, when George is faced
with church politics and is confronted by members of his church, the reader
is concerned with seeing his good name cleared.
Promises Beyond Jordan is not only for the spiritual
churchgoers among us. The book speaks to many situations and relationships
far outside of the realm of the church. I will admit that experience with
church politics or even membership in a black church environment will
give readers an increased appreciation for the author's realistic depiction
of how church members often react to gossip and so called “inappropriate
behavior”.
I enjoyed this novel and was impressed by how things in the beginning
tied into revelations at the end. I recommend this book to both men and
women. Promises Beyond Jordan receives a rating of three.
FALLIN’
OUT
By Delia C.
Arrogant, selfish, self centered, rude, and obnoxious are all traits that
describe the main character of Delia C’s latest novel FALLIN’
OUT. Tara Jackson has more personality dysfunction than you can
shake a stick at. With all these issues, one might wonder how much they
are going to like her. The answer is, probably not very much.
It takes a gifted writer to create a story about a fun loving character
who touches people’s hearts and makes a positive impact on society.
Likewise, it takes an equally gifted and talented writer to create a spiteful,
hateful character whose story is absolutely impossible to tear yourself
away from.
That’s right readers, FALLIN’OUT is a spectacular
drama about a troubled New Yorker who through circumstance and the right
guidance is forced onto a righteous path of change. Author Delia C has
masterfully written a light hearted, humorous tale that hooks readers
from the beginning. At the core of FALLIN’ OUT
however, are many relevant issues facing African American’s today,
most of which unfold as we follow the self inflicted trials of Tara Jackson.
We've all wondered at times about a coworker or family member (you know...
“what’s her problem”?). In Tara's case it's very clear
but the story unfolds in a manner that forces the reader to experience
this troubled life through Tara’s eyes. The book shifts between
Tara’s interaction with her coworkers and boss and her relationships
with family and friends. Her reckless behavior eventually begins a self
destructive chain of events that ultimately leaves her without a home,
job, or hope to turn her situation around.
FALLIN’ OUT is a novel you might read in an entire
evening. Delia C’s writing style is very easy to follow and creates
a familiar personality type that we have more than likely come in contact
with at some point in our lives. African American women will enjoy this
book immensely but that does'nt stop me from recommending this book to
guys as well.
Look for this novel
on my end of the year top 10. I give FALLIN’ OUT
my highest rating of 4.
Ronin Poetz
by Teferu Azr
Innovative, artistic,
distinct and without boundary are some of the terms I can use to describe
the poetic journey created by author Teferu Azr in Ronin Poetz.
This book takes a dramatically different approach than your typical poetry
book filled with miscellaneous thoughts and observations about various
topics that are seldom connected.
Ronin Poetz tells a unique story of one warrior’s
adventures through the hardships of the African people; however this warrior
does not duel not with sword or spear but with his mind, determination,
and the power of words.
This book takes you along the path of the warrior Maa Kheru and describes
his family, alliances, enemies, and the struggle within himself drawing
subtle parallels to the hardships faced by the modern day African people.
The writing style of Ronin Poetz will take some getting
used to. Words are often spelled as they sound by substituting numbers,
giving the book an unconventional look. The difficulty of telling an epic
tale using a poetic tongue cannot be measured with this book due to the
ease in which author Teferu Azr makes the transition. This talented author
takes a radical approach by addressing race issues through battles against
the “Pale King”, a character symbolic of White Supremacy.
The book does not mention american slavery as a prime topic however it's
easy to associate the symbolic references to the slave culture, especially
in the section called “Take a Right 2 Passage”.
Ronin Poetz
is an impressive read and needs to be approached with an open mind. I
would recommend this book highly to lovers of poetry and those looking
for literature outside of the orthodox standard.
I give Ronin Poetz
a must read rating of three and a half stars.
Fever
By Linda Dominique Grosvenor
Have you got Fever?
If not, then I highly suggest rushing to your nearest bookstore and grabbing
a copy of the latest novel by Author Linda Dominique Grosvenor.
This talented storyteller has cleverly connected three separate tales
of intimacy, love, friendship and betrayal. Although these events are
taking place on opposite coasts, the parallels drawn between the people
involved and the events taking place are remarkably similar.
As the victim of both a difficult childhood and adulthood, Carla Robinson-Singleton
has been slowly destroying her marriage. After suffering a breakdown caused
by a tragic incident she has adopted a cold, disinterested demeanor toward
both her child Ashley and husband Sam. In addition, Carla harbors a dreadful
secret that could serve as the final straw for an otherwise loving, patient
husband.
Sam, being a devoted father and husband, is wrestling with his own personal
set of problems with a client at work as well as a shoulder to cry on
that has stirred up thoughts and emotions he fervently tries to suppress.
Tim Richardson, an aspiring filmmaker, has been strategically positioning
himself in the Hollywood scene. He desperately works get his movie in
front of the people who can take his career to the next level. Tim’s
wife Nina is feeling neglected and trapped in her new domesticated California
lifestyle which in her mind allows few options for day to day change.
As Nina notices her husband becoming increasingly distant she questions
his feelings for her and starts to lament about what her life could have
been and if there is a place for her in Tim’s heart.
Budding entrepreneur Troi Singleton is attempting to start her life over
after the death of her husband Vaughn. She finds herself alone in raising
a teenage daughter with nothing more than ideas for the financial security
of her family. Troi, being a talented hair stylist decides to seek business
advice from her brother-in law. What evolves from this meeting is a downward
spiral of hurt, emotional uncertainty, and accusation that manifests itself
in the distrust of a lifelong friend.
On some level these three stories share a common connection through either
family, friendship and/or heartache. FEVER is engaging on all levels and
is what I refer to as the “complete literary package”. I became
instantly engrossed in this appropriately titled treasure and finished
the entire book in almost one sitting. I would recommend FEVER to both
men and women who enjoy a good drama that contains enough substance to
pique your interests.
I give FEVER my best rating of 4.
Back to Book
Circle |
Sisters
Jasmine and Stephanie seem like polar opposites. They dress, talk,
and act differently and naturally cannot get along. The only time
they ever communicate is when they're trying to insult and/or
undermine each other.
In
Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis Jr.
