Title:The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life,
Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster
Author: Tim Crothers
ISBN
13: 978-1451657814
Pages: 240
Publisher: Scribner
Cover: Hardcover
Rating:
4 Stars
Phiona Mutesi was a nine-year-old girl
living in Katwe. Katwe is the worst slums in Uganda. Instead of getting an
education, she had to get out and work. She and her siblings did odd
jobs to help their mother. Between times, she was introduced to chess and picked
up rather quickly. What will she do with her new skill?
Let me start off by saying Tim Crothers
did a phenomenal job with this book. In the beginning, I had a hard time
reading about the living conditions in Uganda. I applaud Crothers for keeping things
raw. His work puts things in perspective and gives you something
to think about.I walked
away learning some Uganda history. This is definitely a book I would recommend
to others.
Wanda B. Campbell is an
extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope,
and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of
Christian fiction. Wanda uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate,
and give comfort to all.
A romantic at heart, Wanda uses relationships to demonstrate how the power of
forgiveness and reconciliation can restore us back to God and one another.
Wanda currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of
twenty-two years, and two sons. She holds the unique position of being the
oldest of five siblings and the youngest of twelve. Her hobbies include writing
and reading of course, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world.
Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandson.
About the Book
Tired of
living a life of manipulation and abuse, Shannon Yates trades in her
mini-skirts, colored contacts, and twelve-inch weave for a Bible. Although she
accepts the liberation found within its pages, walking in her newfound freedom
proves easier said than done. Just when the thing Shannon longs for the most is
within reach, insecurities and old emotional wounds resurface, causing her to
reject the blessing the Father has for her. Will love cast out all fear and
liberate Shannon before it’s too late? Or will she settle for the familiar?
Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
Book Review:
Date: 2/22/13
Title: Liberation
Author: Wanda B. Campbell
ISBN 13: 978-0985612177
Pages: 321
Publisher: Pulse
Cover: Electronic ARC
Rating: 4Stars
Date: 2/22/13
Title: Liberation
Author: Wanda B. Campbell
ISBN 13: 978-0985612177
Pages: 321
Publisher: Pulse
Cover: Electronic ARC
Rating: 4Stars
This is my first Wanda Campbell novel
and I’d have to say that this book both infuriated me and “liberated” me. There
are so many instances when the term, “It takes a village . . .” rings true.
Shannon Yates is from the hood
and her family won’t let her forget it. However, Shannon wants more for herself.
All the odds were against her and she nearly took herself out. But, someone saw
something special in her, and that someone was Julia Simone-Pennington. Julia
is the perfect example of what women in the church are supposed to be. Even
though Shannon’s mother and other family members treated her bad, Julia showed
Shannon that she was somebody.
Shannon’s mother, Velma, has
despised Shannon since birth. Shannon goes through so many unsatisfying
relationships and much emotional turmoil that she doesn’t realize what love is
when he slaps her in the face. God sent her a blessing in the form of Marcus
and he is intent on carrying out God’s will—no matter how much Shannon tries to
sabotage it.
This title made me angry because
I could not understand how a mother gets a high out of seeing her daughter fail
and how sisters could be so envious of someone trying to make a better life for
herself.
I loved the book because (SPOILER) there is a happy ending. Shannon claims what
is rightfully hers ‘thus sayeth the Lord’, and she comes to accept that God
decides her destiny, not her family. The sad thing is that I know several women
like Shannon. I used to be her, so this book touched many emotions. I loved the
ending. Good job Ms. Campbell—this makes me want to go back and read some of your
other titles. I also suggest this title to any woman who’s had family who tried
to make them feel less than.
Spiritual
GPS is dedicated to the masses that found themselves paralyzed at life’s
intersections and crossroads. This book is committed to those who are in
desperate need for God’s direction each and every day of your life. To the one
that has lost their way this book is devoted to you. To the one that can’t see
God’s promises because of life’s obstructions this book is designed with you in
mind.
If you have ever faced a problem that appeared to be bigger than the solution
this book is handcrafted by God for you. If you have endeavored to hear the
simple words you can this book is for you.
Spiritual GPS is tailored to people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
This book caters to individuals who dare to dream and live on the cutting edge
of their next level. Spiritual GPS is focused on allowing you to concentrate on
godly solutions instead of the equations.
About
The Author
Apostle
Oliver T. Reid, called into the ministry in his youth, is a powerfully anointed
and dynamic man of God. Known to be a remnant preacher and a testament to
these times, Apostle Reid flows with a global prophetic mandate with God’s
signs and wonders following. A man of many gifts and talents, he walks in
the office of Pastor, Prophet, Evangelist and Teacher, and most affectionately
knows him as “Apostle.” As a trailblazer, stalwart, and international
apostle Reid has a passion to see the body restored, sinner’s saved, and broken
hearts mended.
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Apostle Reid is happily married to
Miatta Reid and a proud father. He is a graduate of Winston Salem State
University with a BA/BS degree in History and Sociology. Apostle Reid obtained
a Bachelors as well as a Master’s Degree in Theology from Life Christian
University. He is presently in pursuit of his Doctor of Ministry in Theology
degree from Life Christian University.
This is my first Wanda Campbell novel
and I’d have to say that this book both infuriated me and “liberated” me. There
are so many instances when the term, “It takes a village . . .” rings true.
Shannon Yates is from the hood
and her family won’t let her forget it. However, Shannon wants more for herself.
All the odds were against her and she nearly took herself out. But, someone saw
something special in her, and that someone was Julia Simone-Pennington. Julia
is the perfect example of what women in the church are supposed to be. Even
though Shannon’s mother and other family members treated her bad, Julia showed
Shannon that she was somebody.
Shannon’s mother, Velma, has
despised Shannon since birth. Shannon goes through so many unsatisfying
relationships and much emotional turmoil that she doesn’t realize what love is
when he slaps her in the face. God sent her a blessing in the form of Marcus
and he is intent on carrying out God’s will—no matter how much Shannon tries to
sabotage it.
This title made me angry because
I could not understand how a mother gets a high out of seeing her daughter fail
and how sisters could be so envious of someone trying to make a better life for
herself.
I loved the book because (SPOILER) there is a happy ending. Shannon claims what
is rightfully hers ‘thus sayeth the Lord’, and she comes to accept that God
decides her destiny, not her family. The sad thing is that I know several women
like Shannon. I used to be her, so this book touched many emotions. I loved the
ending. Good job Ms. Campbell—this makes me want to go back and read some of your
other titles. I also suggest this title to any woman who’s had family who tried
to make them feel less than.
Sara
Claytor will participating in Carrboro Poetica and reading from her anthology.
Claytor, formerly North Carolina’s Poet of the Week, writes fiction and poetry
that has appeared in over a hundred publications including: New Press Literary
Quarterly; Miller’s Pond; California Quarterly; Frontiers: A Journal of Women’s
Studies; Spire; The Crucible; The Pedestal Magazine; The Savannah Literary
Journal; Pisgah Review. Her titles include Howling on Red Dirt Roads and
Reviving the Damsel Fish.
Sara
will join three other authors at FlyLeaf Books located at 752 Martin Luther
King Jr. Blvd in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Author Karen Pullen will host a book launch party for her debut mystery novel, Cold Feet at McIntyre’s Fine Books located at 220 Market Street, Fearrington Village, Pittsboro, North Carolina, 27312.
Cold Feet, which was released February 6th, follows Special Agent Lavender who has a stressful, adrenaline-fueled job: buying drugs undercover from paranoid drug dealers. One afternoon she’s grateful to be relaxing at an elegant outdoor wedding. But, as the guests wait, then grow restive, the satin-clad bride is dying most horribly. Who would kill a bride—an “angel” according to the groom—just minutes before her nuptials? Joining the investigation, Stella discovers the bride’s surprising history and that jealousy, depression, and grief colored her relationships. In Cold Feet, Karen Pullen draws the reader into a riveting story that alternates between Stella’s life as a drug agent and her determination to untangle a complex knot of secrets, harmful emotions, and questions of identity in order to find Justine’s killer. To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit http://www.karenpullen.com/
McIntyre's Books is an independent bookstore with an English library setting with a fireplace, upholstered chairs and cozy rooms perfect for browsing. They offer a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction, with particular emphasis on cooking, gardening and books by local authors - a collection that aptly reflects Fearrington itself. They also have an extensive mystery section! Since opening in 1989, they've been hosting one of the largest author and poet events programs in the South. To learn more about the bookstore, please visit http://www.fearrington.com/village/mcintyres.asp.
Tracey Michae'l Lewis is a writer, editor, and
educator. The author of six books including The Integrated Church: Authentic
Multicultural Ministry and Interruption: The Gospel According to Crystal
Justine, Lewis explores in her work both the personal and collective
impact of the intersection of identity and faith.
About
the Book
Faye is a mother in the AME church.
She has spent 40 years of her life working for the Lord. Chad is a white,
conservative Christian radio talk show host. He enjoys riling up the masses
about issues related to race, gender, class, and politics. Jeremiah is a
popular, Christian tele-evangelist. The charismatic, African American pastor of
a popular mega-church, he is celebrated for his knowledge of scripture. Rosa is
a Hispanic, single mom. An English teacher in the Catholic school she grew up in,
she is a survivor of domestic abuse. So what happens when these four very
different people find themselves trapped in a historical church in North
Philadelphia AFTER THE RAPTURE? More than left behind, the characters in THE
UNLIKELY REMNANT are left to deal with the personal truths and tragic secrets
that led to them missing God; all while wrestling with the prejudices that
inevitably surface in their relationships with each other. Who will press in an
d who will give up their soul forever?
Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
Book
Trailer:
Book Review
Date:
2/2/13
Title:
The Unlikely Remnant
Author:
Tracey Michae’l Lewis
ISBN 13: 978-0-9718920-8-8
Pages:
192
Publisher:
NewSeason Books
Cover:
Electronic ARC
Rating: 4 Stars
The Unlikely Remnant by Tracey Michae’l Lewis is
thought provoking and so appropriate for our time. Christians know we are
living in the last days, and with the turmoil of weather incidents, racial
profiling, straight out racism and killing, this book is right on time. I’ve
read the Left Behind books a long time ago and The Unlikely Remnant puts its
own spin on the rapture.
The
book details four characters and their views on Christ and God as a whole. Many
of us may not admit it, but we have someone in our family that represents every
one of these characters. Some books are in your face raunchy, The Unlikely
Remnant was in your face but in a Christian kind of way. Some may think I’m
crazy, but with reality shows like The Real Housewives, Love and Hip Hop and
all these other worthless and human demeaning shows, Tracey Michae’l Lewis
should look into making this into a reality show.
This
book is for everyone, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Atheist or anyone.
At the very least, it will create a conversation even for the non-believer. Kudos
to Lewis!
This
a story based on true events. It’s about two best friends who were separated
during their childhood. The spotlight then zooms in on Hadassah; during their
adult reunion, she divulges the painful moments of the sexual abuse, murder and
death that occurred in her life during her adolescence. It is a story about an
ordinary person faced with extraordinary trauma and how she came to forgive and
learned to embrace wholeness.
About The Author
Bio
Hadassah Thomas Martin is a high-spirited woman of faith who was born in Los
Angeles and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She trained with Precept
Ministries and became a certified trainer in “How to study the Bible”. She is
also an active member of the Fellowship of International Christian Word Of
Faith Ministries (FICWFM). She is the founder of “Keep It Real
Ministries” which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to conduct
local bible studies which teach people how to continuously live in the reality
of God’s Word; regardless of their experience.
Being an “at risk youth” herself, Hadassah has overcome insurmountable
obstacles. She is a bright light to women who have suffered abuse and a vital
assistant in producing overcomers.
She has a passion for people and teaches youth, men and woman how to fight to
win!
As a true worshipper and Intercessor, she boldly believes that NOTHING is too
hard for God!
In spite of the multiple challenges we face, she believes the greatness which
is inside us all, can be extracted, developed and targeted to reach its
designed purpose.
Her Focus: to express qualities that brings inspiration to others. Her motto is
“We Always Triumph!”
Her inspiring influence, and her down to earth, “Keep It Real” style are
certain to leave an indelible impression.
The Unlikely Remnant by Tracey Michae’l Lewis is
thought provoking and so appropriate for our time. Christians know we are
living in the last days, and with the turmoil of weather incidents, racial
profiling, straight out racism and killing, this book is right on time. I’ve
read the Left Behind books a long time ago and The Unlikely Remnant puts its
own spin on the rapture.
The
book details four characters and their views on Christ and God as a whole. Many
of us may not admit it, but we have someone in our family that represents every
one of these characters. Some books are in your face raunchy, The Unlikely
Remnant was in your face but in a Christian kind of way. Some may think I’m
crazy, but with reality shows like The Real Housewives, Love and Hip Hop and
all these other worthless and human demeaning shows, Tracey Michae’l Lewis
should look into making this into a reality show.
This
book is for everyone, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Atheist or anyone.
At the very least, it will create a conversation even for the non-believer. Kudos
to Lewis!
Title:A Reason for Hatred: A Story Based on
True Events
Author: J.E.
Thomas
ISBN 13:978-1432793777
Pages:137
Publisher: Outskirts
Press
Cover: Electronic
ARC
Rating:4 Stars
POSSIBLE SPOILER!!!
In A Reason for Hatred, by J.E. Thomas is a daunting
recollection of Hadassah’s tumultuous past. Sometimes it takes someone from our
past to help us deal with and heal from past hurts.
After thirty-two years of being apart, and through a chance
meeting, Hadassah reunites with her childhood friend Sylvia. The two agree to
take a cruise together to catch up on old times. During this four day venture
to Catalina Island, Hadassah recollects and shares her story of sexual and
physical abuse, teen pregnancy, more abuse and eventually the death of her
mother.
With all that Hadassah had endured is enough to make a
person go crazy and even contemplate suicide. Hadassah’s heroic tale of hurt
and forgiveness is enough to give anyone hope. This is the reason why God wants
us to forgive, for it’s not for the other person, but for your own
self-development.
In conclusion, with this story and activism by the author, I
believe this will help many others who have endured abuse and have yet to deal
with it.
