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.

 

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.

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.

From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By by Robin Roberts

I have been a fan of Robin Roberts for a long time.  I have watched her on Good Morning America for years.  I watched as she shared her very personal struggle with breast cancer.  One day I was in a bookstore, and her book caught my eye.  I couldn't wait to read it.  

In the introduction Roberts states, "After I deliver a speech I am often asked for a copy of it. The problem is I never write my speeches. I just talk. That is my hope for this book. It's just me talking to you. Talking about the things I have learned that have helped me find joy in my life and fulfillment in my work....There is no magical reason why I am where I am. And there is absolutely no reason why you can't be where you want to be. If it can happen for me, it can happen for you, too. And it would be a privilege for me to help you get there." 

That is exactly what she did - she just talked.  I really appreciated the humble approach that Robin Roberts took as she wrote this book.  She shared her humble beginnings and the lessons that she has learned throughout her life.  She wasn't promoting herself.  She was simply using the wisdom she has gained to help others.  That is admirable. 

The principles she has gained in her life prepared her for success.  They taught her rules that she lives by.  The seven rules she shared in her book are:

1. Position yourself to take the shot
2. Dream big, but focus small
3. If at first you don't succeed, dive back in
4. Never play the race, gender, or any other card
5. Venture outside your comfort zone
6. Focus on the solution, not the problem
7. Keep faith, family, and friends close to your heart

She relates several heartwarming stories about how she learned to live by these rules and how they have helped her to become successful.  I really enjoyed reading this book.  I tend to shy away from books that center on "life lessons" because I believe that only God can tell us how to make a success of our lives.  However, Roberts does not take the position that she alone is the authority on life.  The book was easy to read, encouraging and even entertaining at times.  I'm glad I read it.

Buy the eBook from iTunes - From the Heart - Robin Roberts

Download the audiobook from iTunes - From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By - Robin Roberts

Buy the book at Barnes&Noble.com - From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By

"Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man" by Steve Harvey Hits the Big Screen

Steve Harvey's best-selling book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man has been transformed into an ensemble comedy/drama that hits theaters this spring.

"The idea of my first authoring endeavor being turned into a movie - that's a big jump, man.  I don't know anybody who can plan that,"  Harvey told USA Today.

The movie is directed by Tim Story (Barbershop) and it features an all-star cast.  The cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Michael Ealy, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good and Chris Brown.  Steve Harvey is the narrator and also plays a role in the movie. 

Think Like a Man is scheduled to open March 9.  With all the buzz about this film, I'm sure it will be an instant hit!

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man is now available in paperback.  Purchase your copy at www.thequalitycorner.com and read it before the movie comes out.

Available in eBook format at Barnes & Noble, click here -

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think about Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment

Read my review of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man here.

Book Review - "A Flight of Fancy" by Jo King

Trees that talk and fly. Aliens and spaceships. A child’s imagination is endless. A Flight of Fancy is a delightful story that will fuel the imagination of young readers.

The main character is an eleven-year-old boy by the name of George. He is a thoughtful young man that looks after his mother since his father was killed. Every morning, he wakes up early to check on his mother. One morning he goes into her room and looks out the window to find that all of the trees in the yard are gone. In fact, all the trees in the town of Arbordon are missing.

George joins forces with his neighbor, Lisa. They are determined to find out what has happened to the trees. Thankfully, they find one weeping willow that can give them clues about the missing trees. George and Lisa are astounded that the willow can talk to them! Together, they set out on a quest to find the trees of Arbordon.

George has suspicions that aliens may have taken the trees to a different planet. He vividly describes the aliens’ evil plan. George’s imagination is running wild. He will not rest until the mystery is solved.

The clever and unique storyline of A Flight of Fancy is captivating. As I read through this book, I eagerly anticipated the mystery unfolding. Readers will enjoy this story from beginning to end. This book reminded me of the joy I felt when reading as a kid. I allowed myself to be a kid again and get completely lost in this fascinating journey. I am confident that all who read this charming book will be as enthralled as I was.

Available for purchase at Xlibris.com/bookstore, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

"A Flight of Fancy" Audiobook Written by Jo King Read by Kenya Brome

Photograph by Jordan Matter

Kenya Brome is a fine New York actor. She showcases her talent as the reader of the audio version of A Flight of Fancy.  She breathes life into this charming story.

A Flight of Fancy is an imaginative tale about trees that have decided to take a vacation.  Overnight, all of the trees in the town of Arbordon have disappeared.  The main character is a young boy named George.  He and his friend Lisa set out on a quest to find the missing trees.

Kenya Brome skillfully depicts each character and allows the reader to see the story unfold.  Using various accents and voice inflection, Brome distinguishes individual characters.  The listener is able to easily discern one character from another.  Her spirited, theatrical delivery brings the tale to life.

Brome entrances the listener with her depth of feeling.  She vividly portrays the disappointment George feels when he finds out that the trees are missing.  The listener can feel the eagerness and excitement that George and Lisa experience as they investigate this great mystery.  
 

One tree is left in Arbordon – a weeping willow.  This willow holds the key to unlocking the mystery of the missing trees.  Brome represents this character extremely well.  I chuckled every time I heard the willow weep.

Young ones will be delighted as they listen to A Flight of Fancy.  Children will be carried away and their imagination will run freely as they listen to the lively, realistic reading by Kenya Brome.

Available for purchase at Xlibris.com/bookstore, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

Book Review - “U.S. Marshal Harry Bailey and the Case of the Persistent Widow” by Larry Montgomery

Centuries ago a wise king stated, “Man has dominated man to his injury.” Innocent people suffer at the hand of greedy businessmen. Bad things happen to good people. These are facts we must all face daily. Sufferers take comfort in knowing that justice will prevail in the end. This age-old tale of good versus evil sets the stage for Larry Montgomery’s debut novel, US Marshal Harry Bailey and the Case of the Persistent Widow.

The main character, Harry Bailey, is a US Marshal returning from a tour of duty in Iraq. He has been injured and he is now on medical leave. The doctor sends Bailey to a home in New York where he can receive supervised care. While recuperating, Bailey unwittingly becomes involved in a devious plot.

To Marshal Bailey’s surprise, he is living across the street from the pregnant widow of a fellow soldier. He watches her endure unspeakable tragedy. She has lost dear loved ones in death and now she is left alone to deal with a dubious landlord. Her landlord is trying to force her out of the building and she is determined to remain in her home. Instead of taking time to grieve for her loved ones and prepare for a new baby, she is forced into a long court battle. Despite her circumstances, she is persistent in her fight.

The plot thickens as the landlord’s motives are slowly unveiled. Marshal Bailey steps in to help. As he investigates, he finds out the enormity of the situation. He is determined to assist this widow and make sure that the wrongdoers are brought to justice. 

US Marshal Harry Bailey and the Case of the Persistent Widow is a very entertaining story. It is full of drama and suspense. Larry Montgomery does an excellent job of vividly describing each character and location. I could easily envision the story with my mind’s eye. Montgomery captivates the reader with an interesting storyline. He keeps the reader engaged throughout the story with unexpected turns at every corner. This is the kind of book that can keep a reader up all night to find out the ending.

This novel is the first in a series of twelve featuring US Marshal Bailey. It is the author’s hope that the reader will “find a few moments of relaxation from reading this book and that you look forward to reading the complete, twelve book series.” I certainly found relaxation, entertainment and enjoyment from reading the first book in this series and I eagerly anticipate the books to come. I would love to see this story made into a movie. I am confident that all who read this book will enjoy it as much as I did.

Book Review - "The New Plumbing Guide" by Sherman Turner

Have you ever encountered a plumbing problem you just couldn’t fix?  Perhaps it was a clogged drain or a broken toilet.  Whatever the case, plumbing problems can be very frustrating and can lead to disaster.  Sherman Turner has written The New Plumbing Guide to help homeowners and ladies who know nothing about plumbing. This new book will help guide you in dealing with plumbers and contracting companies and help lower costs by 10 to 50 percent.  The New Plumbing Guide will also help the aspiring small business owner to develop a successful plumbing business.  Sherman Turner is a top rated government Master-Plumber and retired member of U.A. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #22, from Buffalo, New York.  He has over forty years of experience that he is sharing with readers.

The first section of this book is dedicated to providing special plumbing tips for homeowners and ladies.  Readers are given answers to various plumbing questions.  Topics range from faucets, sinks and toilets to dishwashers, sump pumps and icemakers.  The information is very extensive yet easy to understand.  It is a great reference tool.  The New Plumbing Guide is truly unique.  As a woman and a homeowner, I really appreciate the clear instruction this chapter contains.  Even though I knew nothing about plumbing before reading this book, I now feel that I am better equipped to handle an emergency.

The remainder of the book is designed for small business owners who desire to be successful in the plumbing business or other construction businesses.  Turner starts this section with the topic of Value Engineering.  He explains how business owners can find ways to reduce costs without reducing the quality, integrity or performance of the systems they are installing.  He discusses how to manage a project and the role of the project manager.  Detailed instruction is given on how to provide an estimate for a project.  Turner lists the advantages and disadvantages of using computer software for estimates.  He also provides a list of companies where the software can be purchased.  Several charts are supplied to help calculate labor hours and costs.  The guidance in this book will help contractors to solve many of the problems they face.

The New Plumbing Guide is essential for homeowners, do-it-yourself plumbers and plumbing professionals.  Institutions of higher learning could also use this guide as a part of their curriculum.  The expert guidance in this book is absolutely priceless.

Sherman Turner has previously authored two books – Minorities Deceived and Kenya Rehabilitation.  Both of these books have received four and five star ratings and are available in paperback and ebook format.  All of Turner’s books can be purchased at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.  I have enjoyed reading Sherman Turner’s books and I’m confident that all readers will appreciate them as much as I do.  Follow Sherman Turner on Twitter - @shermanturner & @plumb8080.

Book Review - "The Dirty Side of Midnight"

Davida Adedjouma is a licensed social worker who specializes in guiding women through past traumas by using writing.  She is a published author and produced playwright.  Her writings include “Palm of My Heart” and “The Barbie Chronicles.”  Her recent release, “The Dirty Side of Midnight,” is a collection of captivating short stories.

In “The Dirty Side of Midnight,” Adedjouma has created 36 different stories.  The stories are related and tied together through the lives of various characters.  The book focuses on the lives of women that have survived unspeakable tragedy.  The stories of these women are familiar to many readers.  Adedjouma tackles a variety of social issues such as poverty, addiction, racism and domestic violence.

One of the main characters is a woman by the name of Delta.  She is first introduced in the story, “Delta Is.”  Delta Cotton was born in the South and migrated to New York.  We learn of her struggles and her victories.  Throughout the book, we are introduced to Delta’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  The failures and triumphs carry throughout each generation. 

Adedjouma is very skillful in the way she portrays each character.  As I read through the stories, I could feel the author’s passion for the issues she wrote about.  I got the feeling that she is speaking from experience.  Even though this book is a work of fiction, I could hear and feel the very real stories of real people. 

A good writer puts the reader in the story and makes them feel something.  The feelings are not always good because that’s life.  That’s real life.  Life is glutted with tragedy.  Adedjouma addresses tragedies of our nation such as 9/11 and hurricane Katrina.  One of my favorite stories is entitled “A Paradox of Faith.”  This story paints the picture of a woman that survives the atrocities of hurricane Katrina.  Miss Maggie is such a strong woman of conviction.  After the death of her husband, she is faced with being estranged from her daughter.  Her story is of courage and determination.

“To be able to use words is the greatest of gifts, the supreme power, because you call each thing into being as you see it,” states a character in the book.  Adedjouma has truly used her gift of writing by creating the intriguing stories of “The Dirty Side of Midnight.”

BlackBookReview.com Introduces a New Service - Book Trailers

BlackBookReview.com (a division of The Quality Corner) is pleased to offer its customers an additional way to promote book sales.  A book trailer is like a movie trailer, but for a book.  It gives the viewer a visual synopsis of the book and leaves them wanting more.  Trailers are becoming increasingly popular.  It is a great way to market a book.  The video can be an excellent addition to your other marketing tools such as press releases.  Video marketing will help your book stand out in the crowd. 

BlackBookReview.com uses an exclusive voice over team to create quality videos.  The videos range from 45 seconds to 3 minutes.  We can create the script for you or we can use the script you provide. 

Click here to view sample trailers.

Detailed product information and pricing can be found at www.blackbookreview.com.  We look forward to providing quality trailers and as always, quality service.