BlackBookReview.com is Closed

BlackBookReview.com was a division of The Quality Corner and it was launched in September 2010. The service was designed to review books by African American authors and books that appeal to the African American community. The primary goal of the book review service was to help authors succeed and market their books.  The book review service was partnered with a very extensive press release distribution service to all the African American newspapers, magazines, TV and radio stations.  As of February 11, 2013, BlackBookReview.com is closed.

 

With each new year, we are all prompted to evaluate our goals and the direction that we choose to take.  At the beginning of this year, I did just that.  As I examined my career path, it became clear to me that the book review service no longer fits in with my goals.  Therefore, I made the tough decision to close BlackBookReview.com.

 

It truly was a tough decision.  During the time that I have been writing book reviews, I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing people.  I have met many talented authors and I've read some wonderful, unforgettable books.  I will always cherish the years that I have spent writing reviews.  I want to thank all of my clients and colleagues that have supported me.  I wish you all much success with your future endeavors.

 

If you are looking for ways to market a book, please visit www.cushcity.com.  For press releases, visit www.blackpr.com.

 

Book Review - "Runaway Comeback" by Sandra A. Ottey

Determination is defined as “the quality of being resolute; firmness of purpose.” Determination is a vital quality. It can lead a person to pursue and attain goals. Being determined means not giving up; no matter what. When all odds are against you, determination will keep you focused on the desired outcome. Sandra Ottey’s novel, Runaway Comeback, is a story about a very determined woman.

Rose Thorn has been in a troubled, abusive marriage. She is determined to get away from her dominating husband, Donovan. He refuses to let her go. Rose is in love with another man. Calvin is the man of her dreams and she longs to be with him. This love triangle sets the stage for a riveting, page-turner.

The novel begins with Rose’s bold escape. She has been living in Jamaica with her family. No longer able to deal with the abuse at home, she takes her daughter and runs away to Brooklyn. She moves in with her aunt and uncle. Immediately, she sets out to make a life for her and her daughter in New York. She has always wanted to go to college and get a degree. Determined to pursue her dreams, she enrolls in school and works hard to attain her goal.

Calvin also lives in Brooklyn. Rose and Calvin love each other very much and he wants to marry her. However, Rose is still married and her husband will not give her a divorce. Although Rose loves Calvin, she is unsure about whether she is ready to leave one marriage and enter into another. The internal conflict that Rose feels leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. As Rose tries to deal with her feelings, she finds herself in the middle of a chasm between her aunt and uncle. The differences between Rose’s aunt and uncle heighten the drama of the overall story.  

As I read this story, I was very eager to find out Rose’s fate. Ottey has written this novel in a way that keeps the reader engaged. It is unpredictable with a twist at every corner. The main character, Rose, is relatable to any audience. The classic love triangle that she finds herself in will captivate readers. The story is set mainly in Brooklyn, but the scenes in Jamaica will delight the senses. 

Runaway Comeback is a splendid story about love, romance and friendship. Sandra Ottey is a talented writer and a wonderful storyteller. I am certain that all readers will enjoy this book as much as I did. Sandra Ottey is the author of Jamerican Connection, the prequel to this novel. She is currently working on her third novel. Readers will relish the opportunity to read all of Ottey’s writings.

Book Review - "Sweet Lullaby" by DAWITT

Jealousy.  Betrayal.  Revenge.  These three traits can lead to disaster.  Jealousy can cause someone to betray a best friend.  Revenge can fuel a person in a way that nothing else can.  Jealousy, betrayal and revenge – these traits are characteristic of a dramatic storyline.  In Dawitt’s novel, Sweet Lullaby, the effects of these three traits are clearly demonstrated.

Juwan is a smart, talented young man.  He has a bright future ahead of him.  However, he has allowed the streets of DC to pull him in a wrong direction.  He got involved in selling drugs at an early age.  He looks at the drug game as a means to an end.  He has a plan to accumulate wealth that will help him when he goes off to college.  He has been awarded a full scholarship to M.I.T.  A week before he leaves for school, something happens that will change the course of his life forever.

Kiesha is Juwan’s girlfriend.  She is a very talented dancer.  She has dedicated her life to dance.  She started taking lessons at an early age and she devoted much time to perfecting her skills.  She is also a senior in high school with a bright future ahead of her.  Joy is supposed to be Kiesha’s best friend, but her jealousy always gets in the way.  Kiesha auditioned for the Alvin Ailey School and she was accepted.  On the day of her audition, she meets with a life-changing disaster. 

This dramatic tale is full of unexpected twists and turns.  It was hard to put this book down.  When I had to put it down, I couldn’t wait to get back to it.  I thought about this story a lot in my quiet moments.  There is plenty of tragedy in the lives of the main characters.  The tragedy they experience is familiar to a lot of us.  The sad story of drug abuse, drug dealing, prostitution, and homicide infiltrates so many communities around the country.  Readers will be able to relate to this story.

Through the tragedy, there was some triumph.  I feverishly rooted for the characters to find some solace.  I kept reading and hoping that there would be a light at the end of the tunnel for Juwan and Kiesha.   The reality is that life is not a bed of roses, especially for those of us that grow up in inner city neighborhoods.  In the end, this story underscores the resilience of the human spirit.  If you have goals and dreams, you can achieve them despite setbacks.

Dawitt is a very talented storyteller. This book was written in such a personal way. The author really put his heart and soul into the writing. It is an entertaining story, but it is so much more than that. It will make the reader think. After reading this book, you will walk away with more understanding and empathy for the struggles that people have to endure. Overall, this book is an excellent story of tragedy and triumph. I’m confident that all readers will appreciate and enjoy this book as much as I did.

Changes to The Quality Corner

There are many views of change.  Some think change is good.  Others are afraid of change.  I have had very mixed views of change.  The Quality Corner has gone through a lot of changes recently and I'd like to share them with you.

In February, I made the decision to close my eBay store.  It was not an easy decision.  I thought long and hard before I made the final decision.  You can read all about that decision here.  Looking back, I know it was the right thing to do. 

After closing the eBay store, I was faced with a decision about the direction of my business.  In the book industry, a massive shift has been made toward ebooks.  I have grown to love ebooks, so I could understand why they were growing in popularity.  I chose to keep up with the trends.  I was determined to be a forward-thinker.  I did not want to get stuck with one way to do things.  So, I tried to sell ebooks.  I made links available on my blog to purchase ebooks from popular retailers like Barnes & Noble and iTunes.  I was very excited about this opportunity.  However, my excitement quickly waned.  Ebook sales for me paled in comparison to the sales I made on eBay with books in print.  I became discouraged.

Although I have loved the experience of owning an online business and working from home, there have been some downsides.  One of the biggest issues for me was that I missed working around people.  Although I craved human interaction, I was very skeptical about going back to work in an office.  I absolutely loved the freedom that working from home gave me and I just was not willing to give that up.  So, again I was at a crossroad.

At this time, I met a Notary Signing Agent.  I had never heard of that profession before.  She told me that she loved her job.  I began to do research about this field.  It sounded like something that I would enjoy.  I found out that I would first have to become a Notary Public and then become certified to be a Notary Signing Agent.  I decided to give it a try.  I took a couple of classes and passed the required tests and I became a Notary Signing Agent.  I started a new business - Quality Notary Services.  I began working my new job this summer and I love it!  To find out more about my new profession, visit my website at www.qualitynotaryservices.com. 

So, what does that mean for The Quality Corner?  Well, I'm still passionate about books and I always will be.  I will continue to blog about books and direct my readers to the best places to purchase my favorite books.  I still have my connection with the large book distributor that I have worked with for years.  So, I will maintian my relationship with local clients, including Columbus City Schools.  However, I will discontinue my bi-weekly newsletter as of August 15, 2012.

BlackBookReview.com has been operating as a division of The Quality Corner.  BlackBookReview.com will remain in operation.  I have made a few changes to the products that I offer.  You can find out more about those changes by visiting www.BlackBookReview.com. 

I would like to thank all of my clients, business associates, friends and family for all of your support over the years.  Since The Quality Corner opened in 2008, it has been a roller coaster ride.  Thank you for taking the ride with me.  It has been my great pleasure serving you and I look forward to continuing that relationship!

Book Review - "I Can Do Anything, Too" by Carolyn Mattocks

“I believe the children are our future,” sang the late Whitney Houston.  How true those words are!  We look to the next generation to be our future leaders.  Young people need direction today in order to be good leaders tomorrow.  Carolyn Mattocks has done an excellent job providing that direction with her latest book, I Can Do Anything, Too.

This book was written specifically for Latino students in grades 8-12.  It is a guidebook that examines several careers and it helps students determine their interests.  The careers discussed throughout the book demonstrate that Latinos are successful in many fields.  Some of the fields that are discussed include: Math, Science, Medicine, Politics and Writing.  Specific examples are given of famous Latinos in each career field.  Students are helped to see that they are not limited, but they truly can do anything.

The book contains activities that help the student to explore the skills needed for each career.  The student is encouraged to assess their skills to determine if they would excel in a certain field.  Resources are listed so that students can do additional research on careers that interest them.

One section is devoted to recognizing the leadership of Hispanics and contributions they’ve made to American history.  The book states, “The Hispanic immigrants and individuals born in the United States continue to add richness to all aspects of the culture of the United States through their language, customs, ideas and vision for a better world for all.”  After reading this book, Latino students will have more reason to take pride in their heritage.

Carolyn Mattocks has a love and passion for History.  She has worked in diverse settings such as federal agencies and academic institutions.  She has received various honors and attained many achievements.  Her knowledge and experience is evident in her writing.  Mattocks states, “The I Can Do Anything, Too book promotes an understanding of the past by demonstrating that when children better know their history, they gain a positive self-image which leads to self-confidence and self-esteem.”  I couldn’t agree more!  This book is an excellent tool to promote students’ self-confidence and to help them see that they can achieve anything.  I enjoyed this book very much and I know that every reader will appreciate it as much as I do.

Book Review - "Awaken" by Timothy George

Fufua means “awaken” in Swahili. To awaken means “to wake up; to rouse to action; to come or bring to an awareness.” In Timothy George’s novel, Awaken, he vividly paints a picture of a character that is awakened to his role and purpose in life. 

The main character in this novel, Thomas Jet, is a successful businessman in Chicago. His father recently died. Before his father died, Thomas made a promise that he would attend his family reunion. He is apprehensive about traveling to visit family that he’s never met before. He is reunited with much more than just family. The family reunion changes Thomas’ life forever.

Thomas meets an old man named Dr. Oble. The old man greets Thomas by saying, “Welcome home. Fufua!” Even though they’ve never met, Dr. Oble is intimately acquainted with Thomas. The encounter with Dr. Oble raises a lot of questions in the mind of Thomas. He returns home to research his family history. He uncovers shocking secrets.

Thomas can’t stop thinking about Dr. Oble. He is determined to speak with him again to find out how and why this old man knows so much about him. The next time Thomas meets with Dr. Oble, even more secrets are uncovered. Thomas is awakened to his true purpose in life. He finds out about an ancient African secret society that his ancestors were a part of. Thomas discovers that he is destined to be a member of this brotherhood. Soon, he realizes that his connection to this secret society will put his life in jeopardy.

As Thomas digs deeper into his ancestral roots, he finds out about a tremendous lost treasure. He sets out on a quest to find the treasure. Thomas is not the only one looking for this hidden treasure. His foes are willing to kill for the fortune. Many lives are lost. Thomas wonders if he will be next. At every turn, Thomas meets someone new. To stay alive, he must determine who is an ally and who is an enemy. 

This fast-paced story has many twists and turns. It is truly unpredictable. Timothy George takes his readers on a roller coaster. The adventure is very thrilling and entertaining. George’s masterful use of suspense keeps the reader enthralled. This novel is one-of-a-kind and a must-read.

Book Review - "The Borgia White Affair" by Mayo R. Delilly, III

“I can retain neither respect nor affection for a government which has been moving from wrong to wrong in order to defend its immorality,” stated Mohandas K. Gandhi. This quote appropriately introduces a section in the novel, The Borgia White Affair. In his debut novel, author Mayo R. DeLilly skillfully unfolds a government scandal that threatens the peace and security of a nation.

The novel is set in modern times. A war against drugs has been waged. It has been a long, losing battle. The government develops a scheme to finally rid the nation of drugs. While the goal is a noble one, the method is unconventional and it leads to untold death, pain and suffering.

Dr. Lester Phillips is a good man. He works hard and he loves his family. He is a model citizen. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and he has a lot of compassion for people from all walks of life. As a physician, he becomes keenly interested in the rise of cocaine deaths. He begins to search for answers. He teams up with a colleague and they begin their quest. The novel spans several seasons. The death toll continues to rise. As Dr. Phillips gets closer to finding out the source of the sinister plot, his life and that of his colleague becomes endangered. As the plot continues to unfold, it gets thicker and thicker. More and more characters are involved and more is at stake. In their wildest dreams, they could not have imagined where their search would lead them.

This fast-paced story is truly a page-turner. While entertaining, it challenges the reader’s sense of morality. The story touches on political and social issues such as racism and nationalism. One of my favorite quotes in this novel is from the main character, Dr. Phillips. After he loses one of his friends to drugs, he cries, “There’s no difference. No difference between the iron shackles my forefathers wore as slaves and the shackles of drug dependency that subjugates many black people today.” In the end he concluded, “The answer to the drug problem in this country will never come from the end of a needle or the barrel of a gun…the answer lies in the heart!” Powerful statements like these are found all throughout the book.  

Author Mayo DeLilly practices General Pediatrics in Los Angeles, CA. He attended Howard University in Washington, DC. DeLilly uses Washington, DC as a backdrop for the novel. The main character, Lester Phillips, is a Pediatrician in DC. It is very apparent throughout this book that DeLilly is writing about things that are familiar to him. He vividly describes the streets of DC. The medical terminology used in the writing reveals the author’s depth of knowledge. DeLilly’s detailed writing style made this novel very interesting. I am confident that anyone who reads The Borgia White Affair will enjoy this heart-pounding thriller.

Book Review - "The Fruits of Our Sins" by Jean McKie-Sutton

A wise man under divine inspiration once wrote, “You reap what you sow.” This fundamental truth applies, not only to gardening, but to everyday life.  If we want to have a good life for ourselves and our children, we have to do good things.  If not, bad things will happen.  In Jean McKie-Sutton’s, The Fruits of Our Sins, this fact is made very clear through the lives of two women.

The first character we are introduced to is Madeline.  We meet her before she is even born.  The reader is given a clear picture of what shapes Madeline’s life.  She is reared by a doting father and an envious mother.  The combination of this parenting causes Madeline to be very confused.  She grows up feeling like her mother hates her, but she doesn’t understand the animosity.  Madeline loves her mother, Sadie.  All she wants is love in return.  Sadie is incapable of giving her daughter the love she so desperately longs for. 

Second, the life of Sybil unfolds.  Again, this mother-daughter relationship is unimaginably tragic.  Sybil’s mother, Terri is constantly fighting addictions.  Terri is unable to take care of her children.  Sybil is left with the responsibility of caring for herself and her brother at a very young age.  The traditional roles are reversed.  Instead of being nurtured and loved by her mother, Sybil becomes the caregiver for the entire family.  She worries constantly about how her mother’s addictions will affect the family’s future.  Sybil builds up bitter resentment toward her mother. 

As the life story of these women continues to unfold, we see how each one is affected in adulthood by her upbringing.  The mothers, Sadie and Terri, see the fruits of their sins in the lives of their daughters.  When a child is unloved, feelings of worthlessness set in.  Those feelings can last a lifetime and the negativity is passed on to the next generation.  It can be a very vicious cycle.

My favorite quote from the book is, “Every woman has a secret.  Some harbor their secrets in closets, piling boxes and bags atop to obscure them.  Others bury them in the recesses of their minds and go on living as if their secrets have no purpose or merit, no right to thrive.  Their secrets are relegated to the land of dreams – dreams never spoken, silenced unto death.”  It is this secret that causes the lives of Madeline and Sybil to intersect.  In the beginning of the book, the reader is given a glimpse into the future, so we know that these women will meet eventually.  However, it is unclear how they will make the encounter.  The anticipation gives way to suspense.  McKie-Sutton is very skillful in the way she arouses the reader’s curiosity.

If I had to sum this book up with one word, I would say excellent.  I really appreciated the dignified manner in which this book was written.  While addressing very difficult subjects, McKie-Sutton kept a respectful tone throughout the book.  Even though this book causes the reader to think deeply, it is still quite entertaining and enjoyable to read.  People of all backgrounds will appreciate reading this book.  McKie-Sutton showcases her talent, creativity and brilliance in this novel.  I look forward to her next masterpiece.

The Fruits of Our Sins will be available for purchase in paperback and ebook starting June 4, 2012 at these major retailers: BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com, Target.com.

"Think Like a Man" Hits Theaters Today

SOURCE - Think Like a Man Official Site

Based on Steve Harvey's best-selling book, Think Like a Man follows four interconnected and diverse men whose love lives are shaken up after the ladies they are pursuing buy Harvey's book and start taking his advice to heart. When the band of brothers realize they have been betrayed by one of their own, they conspire using the book's insider information to turn the tables and teach the women a lesson of their own.

With this all-star cast and great storyline, I'm sure it will be a hit!

The cast -

Michael Ealy
Dominic

Jerry Ferrara
Jeremy

Meagan Good
Mya

Regina Hall
Candace

Kevin Hart
Cedric

Taraji P. Henson
Lauren

Race for the Cure 2012

The 20th annual Race for the Cure will be held this year on Saturday, May 19 at 8 am in downtown Columbus.  Are you ready?  As always, I am looking forward to it.  I have been running the Race for the Cure since 2005 and it has become one of the highlights of the year for me.

I decided not to have a team this year.  However, I encourage everyone to sign up individually.  The fee to register as an individual is $30.  You can register online until May 8.

A few people have expressed concerns about the organizations that Komen Columbus funds.  You can find a very clear explanation on their website - www.komencolumbus.org.  They have responded to questions about their involvement with Planned Parenthood and they also provide a complete list of organizations they fund. 

Even though I'm looking forward to the Race for the Cure, I must admit that it is secondary for me this year.  I am facing a new challenge.  I will be running a quarter marathon as part of The Capital City Half Marathon on May 5.  I am really excited about this new challenge and I have been focusing my training on this race.  You can read more about this race in my blog post.  You can follow my training on my facebook page.

I hope to see you at the Race for the Cure on May 19.

Marathon Training with Jeff Galloway

I begun training for my first quarter marathon just two weeks ago. I'm really pumped! After reflecting on the eight 5K races I've done over the years, I decided that it was time for me to move into the next phase. So, I commited to run in the Capital City Half Marathon.

The Capital City Half Marathon consists of several components - 5K, quarter marathon and a half marathon. With distances ranging from 3.1 miles to 13 miles, I'm sure this event will attract a wide variety of runners. From the novice to the advanced runner, we will all have the same goal of crossing the finish line. I consider myself an advanced 5K runner, but a novice beyond that. This will be my very first race that isn't a 5K.

I must admit, I was a bit intimidated at the thought of doing a quarter marathon. Anything with the word "marathon" in it gives me a reason to pause. I've always said that I don't aspire to ever run a full marathon. Maybe a half one day. Right now I've undertaken the daunting task of training for a quarter marathon. My hesitation is definitely valid, considering my injury last year. I sustained a substantial injury to my shin. It was really a very bad case of shin splints. It was so bad, the doctor referred to it as a "borderline stress fracture," and he treated it as such. I ended up in a boot for three weeks in the middle of the summer! I never want to end up like that again. I was afraid I would never be able to run again. After physical therapy and reaching the point of being 100% pain free, I gained the courage to run again.

The physical therapist suggested that I use Jeff Galloway's method of training. He has developed an injury-free training program with a run/walk method. At first, I was opposed to walk breaks. However, since I've been training, I can see the benefits. The walk breaks allow for a short recovery. It's good for the mind and body. The walk breaks can actually help to increase your speed in the long run. With this race, I'm most concerned with staying injury-free and completing the course. I would like to run the entire race, but I will maintain the run/walk method throughout my training to give my body a break.

Jeff Galloway has written several books about his method. I purchased the app for my iPhone. It has been like a personal trainer. I don't have to think about what to do - he tells me when to run, when to walk and how long to go. Within the app, you can share your progress with friends on Facebook. You can follow my training on my Facebook page.

eBay Store Closed

My eBay store, The Quality Corner 1, is now closed.  After much deliberation, I decided to close it last month.  It was not an easy decision, but it is the best course right now. 

I opened the store back in 2008 and it was my pride and joy.  I worked very hard to grow my eBay business.  In 2009, I expanded to selling books and audiobooks worldwide.  In 2010, I became a Power Seller and an eBay Top Rated Seller.  I felt good about my accomplishments at that time.

In 2011, eBay made several changes to the fee structure and seller requirements.  During the entire time I've sold on eBay, they have continued to make policy changes.  However, the most recent changes caused me to reconsider my eBay business.  I decided to keep the store open through the busiest season of the year.  After a slow holiday season, I became discouraged.  After reviewing my profits, I made the final decision to close the store in February.  As the saying goes, "if it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense."

Even though my eBay store is closed, The Quality Corner is still open.  I maintain my relationship with a very large book distributor, therefore, I still have access to over 2 million titles in print and audio.  I will continue to take special requests and ship books directly to my customers.  I have several local customers, including the Columbus City School district.  I am very thankful for my loyal customers and I look forward to continually providing quality products and quality service in the future.

The online segment of my business is continuing to grow.  I am now selling ebooks, music and entertainment on my blog.  You can view my selection here.  Also, I am an affiliate for Barnes & Noble, so I will be promoting their products and passing on savings to my readers.  You can read more about that here.  I intend to focus more on my book review service as well.  To learn more about book promotion through reviews, trailers and press releases, view my website at www.blackbookreview.com.

Life and business is all about change.  I have made a lot of changes in the past few months and I am excited about my new ventures. 

"What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank" by Nathan Englander

Reviewed by William Giraldi
SOURCE:  B&N Review

There's a moment in Raymond Carver's imperishable story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" that might be described as one of unregistered revelation. Two middle-aged couples perch at a kitchen table consuming an anesthetizing amount of gin while trying to converse about the fundamentals of love. Mel McGinnis, a cardiologist and the table's chief discourser, for whom "gin" is literally a middle name, offers a heuristic anecdote: He once administered to an elderly husband and wife, married for eons, who were almost snuffed out in a heinous car wreck. Supine in the same hospital room as his wife, the old man despairs not because of his own injuries but because he can't see his wife through the eye holes in his full-body cast. "Can you imagine?" Mel asks. "I'm telling you, the man's heart was breaking because he couldn't turn his head and see his wife."

Carver's story is less a narrative than Mel's monologue, his inebriated apologia on amore, and one that perhaps would have been better served by the title "How We Talk When We Talk About Love," since the how is Carver's real concern: in circles, platitudes, and tautologies, and always without certainty or complete comprehension, drunk or otherwise. Mel concludes his anecdote by asking, "Do you see what I'm saying?" But of course none of the four does see, least of all Mel himself.

In the title story of Nathan Englander's charismatic new collection, What We Talk About when We Talk About Anne Frank, revelations abound. Two Jewish couples -- one secular and American, the other Hassidic and Israeli -- spend a Sunday afternoon in the former's Florida home downing vodka and sparring over Jewishness. The Israeli husband, Mark, is a convincing example of exactly what we find obnoxious and, worse, outright yawnful about religious zealotry: chauvinism and moral superiority wedded to a fondness for bullshit and the very pressing need to spread it. The narrator oscillates between acceptance of and contempt for this oaken blowhard, though alcohol and marijuana help ease the afternoon. Read more...

And the Oscar Goes To...

The 84th Academy Awards aired on Sunday, February 26.  What a show!  I was eagerly anticipating this famous awards show and I certainly was not disappointed.  It's no secret that I am a huge fan of "The Help."  I greatly enjoyed the book and the movie.  I was pleasantly surprised at how well the movie represented the book.  I was delighted when I found out that the movie received several Oscar nominations including Best Picture.

Octavia Spencer won the Oscar in the category of best Actress in a Supporting Role.  Congratulations, Octavia!  I truly believe she earned that Oscar with her stellar performance.  Viola Davis was nominated for best Actress in a Leading Role.  Sadly, she did not win.  I must admit, I was disappointed that she didn't win.  I think she deserved it.

The fact that "The Help" received such recognition at the Oscars is a testimony to the impact a book can have on modern society.  If the book hadn't been written, the movie would not exist.  The fine actors brought the characters of the book to life.  People from all walks of life were able to relate to this story.  The message was eye-opening and touching.

CouponChief.com

CouponChief.com is one of the fastest growing coupon sites, with over 250,000 visitors per month.   They have one of the largest databases of online coupons on the net.  The site features over 50,000 coupons for over 15,000 stores.  No matter what you are looking to buy online, chances are you will find a coupon for it at CouponChief.com.

The site is very easy to use.  It even has a video that explains how to use the coupons step-by-step.  I found coupons for every store I searched for on this site, including some of the largest online retailers like eBay, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Of course, I was interested in the coupons that were available for books.  They have coupons for all types of books - textbooks, books in print and ebooks.  You can use the following links to find coupons specifically for books -

http://www.couponchief.com/tags/books

http://www.couponchief.com/textbooks

http://www.couponchief.com/ebooks

Online retailers can increase their exposure with CouponChief.com.  A merchant account is free and it is very easy to sign up for an account.

With today's economy, the coupon industry has exploded.  Digital coupons are becoming increasingly popular.  The ease of use can't be beat.  I hate clipping coupons, so digital coupons work great for me.  Who doesn't like to save money?  Check out CouponChief.com for significant savings. 

Book Review - "Blame Rane" by Rene' O'Shea

“Blame it on the rain.” That is a common phrase people use when they just don’t know who to blame. When things go wrong, the last person you want to blame is yourself. Sadly, that is where the blame usually lies – within. We have to take responsibility for our own actions. Rene’ O’Shea’s debut novel, Blame Rane, highlights this fundamental truth.


Blame Rane is a young woman whose life begins to spiral out of control. Tragically, her parents have been killed in a house fire. She has no family to turn to and is left completely destitute. Homeless and desperate, she decides to move in with a wild, foolhardy co-worker. Blame is a shy, sheltered girl that tries hard to fit in with her roommate. Blame is introduced to the fast lane and she goes nowhere fast. She makes a series of bad choices with very bad consequences. However, she doesn’t see them as choices. She thinks that she is just doing what she has to in order to survive. She subjects herself to domestic violence, drugs and a life of crime. She pays dearly for her bad decisions.


After struggling for years, Blame finally learns her lesson. She realizes that she is in control of her life. For the first time in her adult life, she begins to act wisely. By age forty, she has her life together. I wish I could say that she had a happy ending. Unfortunately, Blame’s past has an adverse effect on her children. It’s the cycle of life. Each generation will impact the next.


Throughout the book, O’Shea gives glimpses into the generations that preceded Blame. She reaches centuries back into history, giving the reader a vivid picture of the horrors of slavery. She shows how brave and resilient Blame’s ancestors were. It is very interesting how O’Shea portrays the impact that the past has on the present and future. She emphasizes the importance of knowing where we came from so that we can know where we are going. We can all learn powerful lessons from previous generations. We can learn from their mistakes and we gain strength from their examples.


Blame Rane is a powerful story. It is filled with thought-provoking life lessons. It is also entertaining with unexpected twists and suspense. You won’t want to put it down. When you’re done reading this book, you won’t be able to stop thinking about it. O’Shea is a talented writer with the ability to captivate her audience.

Whitney Houston, Dead at Age 48

Unbelievable!  When I heard the shocking news on Saturday, I literally did not believe it.  I thought it was just another rumor until I read the official headline in USA Today - Whitney Houston, dead at age 48.

As a musical superstar, Whitney Houston has left a remarkable legacy.  I vividly remember dancing to Houston's hits as a child during the '80s.  I can recall a classmate performing "I Will Always Love You" in a high school talent show.  I fondly look back to when I was jammin' to the "Bodyguard" and "Waiting to Exhale" soundtracks.  Great memories!  I'm sure we all have memories about listening to the unparalleled voice of Whitney Houston.

Thankfully, we will always have her music.  Her greatest hits have sky-rocketed to the top of the iTunes charts.  Click here - Whitney - The Greatest Hits - Whitney Houston

For Houston's biography and all of her music on iTunes, click here - Whitney Houston

My sincere condolences go out to the family of the late Whitney Houston.  We will miss her.  She is gone too soon.

The Vow

The Vow, starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum, hits theatres on February 10.  I can't wait!  It sounds like an amazing movie.  The movie is based on a true story.  The Vow:  True Events That Inspired the Movie is a book that will hit shelves the same day the movie is released.  Here is the publisher's synopsis of the book:

Life as Kim and Krickitt Carpenter knew it was shattered beyond recognition on November 24, 1993. Two months after their marriage, a devastating car wreck left Krickitt with a massive head injury and in a coma for weeks.  When she finally awoke, she had no idea who Kim was. With no recollection of their relationship and while Krickitt experienced personality changes common to those who suffer head injuries, Kim realized the woman he had married essentially died in the accident. And yet, against all odds, Kim and Krickitt fell in love all over again. Even though Kim stood by Krickitt through the darkest times a husband can ever imagine, he insists, "I'm no hero. I made a vow."

Doesn't that sound good?!  To put a visual with it, here is the movie trailer -




Click here to order the book from B&N.com

"Ali in Wonderland" by Ali Wentworth

Acclaimed actress and comedian, Ali Wentworth, released her memoir, "Ali in Wonderland" today. Here is the publisher's synopsis -

"Growing up in a family of political journalists--and daughter of President Reagan's White House social secretary--Ali Wentworth rebelled against her blue-blood upbringing, embracing Hollywood, motorcycles, even a few wildly inappropriate marriage proposals. Today she is an acclaimed comedic actress and writer, former "Oprah" regular, wife of political and media star George Stephanopoulos, and a mother who lets her two girls eat cotton candy before bed. Though she's settled down, her rebellious nature thrives in her comedy and her view of her crazy world.

In this addictively funny and warm memoir, she takes us through the looking glass and into the wonderland of her life, from a childhood among Washington's elite to a stint in the psych ward they called a New England prep school; days doing L.A. sketch comedy (with then-aspiring artists Will Ferrell and Lisa Kudrow) to a series of spectacularly failed loves (that eventually led her to Mr. Right). Constant throughout is her mother, Muffie--a flawlessly elegant yet firm, no-nonsense force of nature and pure WASP convictions.

As charming and off-the-wall as Ali herself, "Ali in Wonderland" is an entertaining look at life that is both intimate and hilarious."

Wentworth has received rave reviews -

"Everything that comes out of Ali Wentworth's mouth is funny!"--Jerry Seinfeld

"Ali Wentworth is funny and warm and crazy all at once."--Alec Baldwin

"Ali has written a truly hilarious book"--Chelsea Handler

"Wentworth is amusing and frank, often frenetic, with sharp intelligence underneath the sassy wackiness; passages about her struggle with depression, falling in love with her husband, and her daughter's baptism have funny moments, but they're thoughtful and touching, too.... Highly entertaining memoir."--Publishers Weekly

"Ali Wentworth tumbles comically through Ali in Wonderland."--Vanity Fair

"[H]ilarious..."--Food & Wine

Available at Barnes & Noble in Hardcover or Nook

or Click on the eBookstore tab above to find it on iTunes!

Native Son by Richard Wright

Native Son is truly a classic. It has been widely acclaimed as one of the finest books ever written on race and class divisions in America. This powerful novel reflects the forces of poverty, injustice, and hopelessness that continue to shape society.  A customer recently requested a copy of this book.  I fondly remember watching the movie years ago.  Here is the trailer of the 1986 theatrical rendition of Native Son -  






Click here to purchase the book at Barnes & Noble - Native Son