Sylvia’s Family Soul Food Cookbook

Sylvia Woods & Family

William Morrow Cookbooks

June 23, 1999

978-0688-162191

Cookbook

5 Stars

This cookbook is for those who love to eat and spend time in the kitchen.  The dishes are simple to prepare and most ingredients you will have in your pantry.  Soul food is not always the healthiest but there are some healthier options tucked in.  These are the make you want to slap yo mama because they are so good recipes: Mary’s Red Velvet Cake, Seriously Spicy Shrimp Stew, Herbal Chicken, Sylvia’s Steamin’ Cornbread and Tuna Croquettes.  I could go on but this is a great start for you.

Woods shares her family, heritage and love for delicious food with cooks everywhere.  The recipes offer something for everyone that loves down home southern cooking.  This book is a must have for every kitchen.  I will definitely give this cookbook to my friends that need a little assistance at the stove.  Get ready to prepare some simply delicious southern recipes.

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Education Reform

Carletta D. Washington

Prioritybooks Publications

March 1, 2006

978-0-975-363447

Non-Fiction

4 Stars

America’s Public School system is in disarray.  Administrators are frustrated with increased regulation and focus on testing.  Teachers complain of inappropriate student behavior and lack of parental involvement.  Parents place most of the responsibility on the school and don’t seem to connect with teachers/schools/administrators.  While the children are being lost in a system that points fingers but doesn’t solve the issues.  Education Reform offers a systematic plan to reclaim schools, rejuvenate administrators, encourage teachers and empower parents to make change a reality.

Washington’s comprehensive reform speaks to every segment of the educational process – school, parents, students and community.  Resources for improving education, sample mission and vision statements and fundraising ideas will aid in successful change.  Washington clearly believes that school personnel are vital in the change process.  Education Reform is ground in the African proverb – “it takes a village to raise a child” and this reform involves the entire community.  The addition of success stories of districts that used this reform would make this a 5-star read.  Education Reform should be utilized in every school district across the country and read by everyone that has a stake in the future of America.

Carletta D. Washington can be contacted at http://www.prioritybooks.com.

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Not Guilty of Love

Pat Simmons

Urban Books

September 1, 2009

978-1-6016-29311

Christian Fiction

5 stars

How strong is your faith?  Is God in complete control of your life?  Could you let the love of your life go, if God told you to so?  Well, Hallison did.  She loved Malcolm Jamieson with every inch of her being but after she re-dedicated her life to Christ, God had a different plan.  To say that Malcolm was upset and stunned would be an understatement.  As they went their separate ways, Hallison’s prayers seemed to keep their hearts connected.  Family drama, new death shooting, witchcraft and engagement to another person all work in concert to keep the couple apart.

Simmons seems to have a direct connection with God as the scriptures guide the storyline.  The love, honesty and faith capture the characters changing lives as they grow throughout the story.  The supporting characters – Parke, Cheney, Grandma BB, Lisa and Trey – bring varying dimensions of understanding God and His divine plan for our lives.  Simmons has written her best work with this sequel to Guilty of Love.  The richness of the characters and foundation of the word not only brings the story to life but will encourage you while renewing your faith in God.  This is a Christian fiction work of art.

Pat Simmons can be contacted at www.patsimmons.net.

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What is Your Self-Worth?

Cheryl Saban

Hay House Publishing

May 1, 2009

978-1-4019-2395-2

Self-Help

5 stars

Would you like a guide that will help to transform your thought processes?  Do you need assistance in adjusting your self-perception?  This book is your answer.  Saban is calling for women to come together in a grassroots effort to help each other.  This step-by-step guide can be used to empower, educate and encourage women to take control and own their lives.  This “call to action” will persuade readers to take up the cause of changing the status of women everywhere.  The self-worth affirmations, quotes, personal tasks, journal questions, and thought provoking statistics and statements will help you evaluate your life.  The knowledge that you will gain about yourself will not only evaluate your self-worth but authorize you to promote positive change for others.

Saban uses her research background to develop questions for self-assessment.  She has produced a readable collection of self-affirming sessions that will re-shape your future.  Take back your life, educate your sister and friends and let’s change the culture of the world.  The tools (free journal and useful website) with the purchase of this book will aid your transformation while giving you more for your money.

Cheryl Saban can be contacted at http://www.whatisyourselfworth.com.

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Gwyneth Bolton

Kimani

October 1, 2009

978-0373861347

Romance

4 ½ stars

The Hightower Honors series is back and Patrick Hightower proves that he can protect, serve and love like no one else.  Patrick is a firefighter that definitely knows how to heat things up.  It has been years since he has opened his heart to love as his ex-wife burned him bad.  He had been able to keep his fire burning by playing the field.  Patrick had everything under control until he met, Aisha, a kindergarten teacher. 

Aisha, has had enough of controlling men.  They were a thing of her past and the only male in her life was her son, Dillon. Aisha has made a 160-degree change in her life – earned her teaching degree, established a new home for her son and found her passion – teaching kindergarten.  Aisha wasn’t looking for a man and played hard to get from day one with Patrick.  His persistence in pursuit of her heart and compassion in dealing with Dillon, just may win her over.  That is if her ex-husband doesn’t kill her first.

Bolton brings the heat in Sizzling Seduction.  You can visualize the passion that Patrick has for Aisha through his words and actions.  The character development and intricate storyline will keep you reading to find out how their story ends.  Past lovers, parental love, family drama and domestic violence all have their way in the formation of Patrick and Aisha’s relationship.  Patrick and Aisha exemplify that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.  Make sure you have time to read this scorching romance as you won’t be able to put it down.

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‘Til Debt Do Us Part

Michelle Larks

Urban Books

July 1, 2009

978-1601629944

Christian Fiction

4 stars

Jeff and Nikki entered into marriage on God’s promise and a plan to achieve it.  Their five-year financial plan would pay off debt, establish a savings and prepare them to start a family.  Jeff had some childhood issues that cause him to control the purse strings and overwhelming fear of living in poverty.  While Nikki has been given lots of financial freedom in her past and eventually convinces Jeff to let her pay all the bills for the couple.  Her extracurricular activities may bring them and their finances to an abrupt standstill.  With the spiritual guidance of their pastor, Nikki is able to come to terms with her faults and look forward to the future.  But not before Jeff is forced to revisit his marriage vows…”for richer or for poorer” and make a choice to forgive or not. 

Larks has created another thought provoking novel that tackles an issue not usually addressed – addiction to gambling.  The stronghold of addiction is everywhere and it can’t be loosed until you fall humbly before God and seek His forgiveness.  Nikki and Jeff have a bond that may be broken because of lack of communication and issues of trust.  We know that God can make a way out of no way so the faith and love expressed throughout this novel only reconfirms God’s commitment to His people.  The redeeming traits are noted throughout the book without being preachy and overbearing.  ‘Til Debt Do Us Part is an emotional read that is slow in parts and falls short in supporting character development.  Even with this drawback, Larks has produced another treat for Christian Fiction lovers.

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7 Steps to Healthy Natural Hair

Michanna Talley

Jazi Gifts

May 7, 2008

978-0615209845

Non-Fiction

4 stars

African American women are starting to embrace their natural hair.  Women are realizing how empowering it is to wash and go.  This reviewer took the journey of natural hair nearly six years ago and sees similarities in my story and Talley’s.  She carefully details how she made the switch from overly processed relaxed hair to healthy natural tresses.  The process of change may be unbearable for some but the long term advantages are indescribable. 

7 Steps to Healthy Natural Hair is a step-by-step guide to caring for natural hair.  This book will open your eyes to the process and give you the courage to make the first step to gorgeous hair.  The photos give examples of the various stages of the process and styles that you can fix yourself.  This is a chronicle of Tally’s personal journey, but could be improved by adding a chapter discussing more advantages and disadvantages of promoting/having healthy natural hair.

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Black Students Association - Rose State College Presents the

3rd Annual Talent Competition

Hosted by DJ - "KARO" from POWER 103.5FM

Registration Fee: $15:00

Auditions will be held on

August 15th from 1:00 - 9:00pm & August 29th from 12:00 - 8:00pm

in the Rose State College Student Center (Main Dining Room)

The Talent Show Will Be Held on

Saturday, September 19 @ 6:00pm

1^st Place: $150.00+Trophy

2^nd Place: $125.00+Trophy

3^rd Place: $100.00+Trophy

Contact Tracy @ tmcdade@rose.edu for more information.