"The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships" by Hill Harper

The conversation. You may be wondering, “What conversation do I need to have?” Hill Harper explains what we need to talk about in order for black people to have good, lasting relationships. There seems to be an endless number of books out there that discuss black relationships. However, as you read this book, you will see why this one is unique.

Hill Harper is an accomplished film, television and stage actor. Harper graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated with a J.D. (cum laude) from Harvard Law School, as well as with a Masters in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government. In 2004, People magazine selected Harper as one of their “Sexiest Men Alive.” Harper is author of the New York Times bestsellers “Letters to a Young Brother,” which won two NAACP awards and was named Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association in 2007, and “Letters to a Young Sister,” which was released in June 2008. With a good education, great career, and a “way with the ladies,” Harper is in a good position to give advice on relationships.

Harper’s latest book brings men and women together to explore the communication gap that has destroyed relationships. He offers advice on how to bridge that gap. Communication is the key in a relationship. Without good communication, a relationship is doomed to failure. This is true of any relationship, regardless of race. However, African-Americans face unique challenges. Historically, blacks in America have been able to endure oppression and hardship because of having strong families. In recent decades, the family has taken a severe hit. So many of our children are being raised in single-parent homes. If our relationships survive, the family unit can stick together. Not only will the children benefit, but our communities will grow stronger as well.

Regarding the relationship between males and females, Harper writes:

"...I started to wonder whether men and women even talk to each other. I mean really talk—easily and freely, without reservation—like we do with our friends. I even started to wonder whether men and women considered each other friends, or if we automatically compartmentalized our relationships: We're either lovers or we're platonic friends, but not both. Truth be told, the comments I heard made me wonder—despite all the emphatic "I love men" and "I love women" declarations—whether men and women really even liked each other at all." (pg. 21)

Even though Harper does not claim to be a relationship expert, he raises some good questions leading us all to think about how we handle our relationships and how we can make them succeed. I think this book is worth reading.

On Sale This Week

I recently started watching the Dr. Oz show. I actually like it. Even though I like Dr. Oz, I didn't think his show would be interesting enough to hold my attention. I was wrong. The topics that I have seen on his show have been very enlightening. In honor of his show, books by Dr. Oz are on sale this week. Visit www.thequalitycorner.com today. Sale ends Thursday.

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"From Slavery to the Presidency" by Terry L. Bowser

A positive view of slavery? I never thought I would see the words “positive” and “slavery” used in the same sentence. Prior to reading this book, whenever I thought of slavery, I would immediately think of the atrocities that my forefathers had to endure. How could I possibly think of slavery as being positive in any way? Well, Dr. Bowser’s book has shown me a positive view of the horrific tragedy of slavery.

Terry Bowser grew up in Pensacola, Florida. At the age of 21, he began his ministry of the gospel. He has been an associate minister, outreach director, assistant pastor, and a pastor. For the past 24 years, he has traveled throughout the United States and other countries to spread a positive message of hope and inspiration. His first book has captivated readers worldwide and opened the minds of many.

Bowser’s strong belief in God and the Bible led him to draw a parallel between the slavery of Africans and the Bible character Joseph. Just as Joseph was elevated to a high position in Egypt after being enslaved, African Americans have been elevated in America. If Joseph had not been enslaved, he would have never been appointed to such a powerful position in Egypt. While admitting that slavery was a gross evil, Bowser challenges individuals to consider the outcome. The fact that Barack Obama has been elected as president shows that African Americans have been elevated in the United States. If Africans had not been enslaved, would African Americans hold such powerful positions in America?

Readers cannot deny the strong parallel between Joseph and African Americans. I had never thought of it that way. I am grateful that this book has opened my mind and given me a different way to view slavery in America. This country has overcome monumental obstacles. If we can focus on the positives, we can continue to move forward. No one can deny that slavery was horrific, but look at where we are now.

Throughout this book, Bowser pays tribute to many African Americans who have made great contributions to America – inventors, civil rights activists, political leaders, etc. These great people have set an example for all of us. The words of Barack Obama are quoted in the book to highlight the importance of such examples –

“I will never forget that the only reason I’m standing here today is because somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky. Stood up when it was hard. Stood up when it wasn’t popular. And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stood up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world.”

Anyone that reads this book – no matter what race, religion, or background – will have a reason to hold his head high and feel a sense of pride.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of breast cancer awareness, a variety of health books are on sale at The Quality Corner. Check out the sale today!

Classics On Sale

Classic titles are on sale at The Quality Corner in honor of "Banned Books Week."





These two books are dear to my heart. I can't imagine not being given the opportunity to read these great literary works. Freedom of speech is a great thing!

Check out these and other great titles at www.thequalitycorner.com.