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He may not look like it, but that Elmo's a love
machine.
When parents tell me, "My child lives for Elmo,"
I tell them that Elmo lives because of their
child's love for him. I don't just mean that
Elmo is alive in their child's imagination,
though that is certainly a part of it. That
child and Elmo aren't just experiencing love;
they're creating more of it to go around, and in
doing so they make the world a better place.
It works like this: Elmo feeds off the love he
receives from kids, from the adult characters on
the show, and from his fellow Muppets. He
doesn't just take that love in as a fuel and use
it up. Instead, he drinks it in and gives it
right back in spades. He's a kind of love-energy
power station, and the more love he takes in,
the more love he produces for the rest of the
world. The more love he produces, the more love
he receives, and the cycle completes itself over
and over again. Talk about a renewable resource!
I first saw this powerful cycle in action
shortly after Elmo debuted and was gaining in
popularity in the mid-1980s, when I did an
appearance with him at a school in the Bronx. A
group of preschoolers were gathered in the
library, all of them bundles of fidgeting energy
with their legs swinging like metronomes. As
soon as Elmo said, "Hello, everybody! Elmo loves
you!" it was like a floodgate had opened, and
Elmo and I were awash in a surge of little
children. I could almost feel an electric charge
in the room, as their shouts of "I love you,
Elmo!" reverberated off the cinder-block walls.
Elmo laughed and opened his arms wide and tried
to scoop up all the love and hug it to his
chest, all the while repeating "Elmo loves you,
too."
That may have been the first time in my adult
life when I finally comprehended the ancient
notion that what you put out in the universe
comes back to you. Since that day, I've learned
to try to put as much Elmo and Kevin love out
into the world as I can, knowing that it will
have a very positive ripple effect. Elmo and the
children taught me that one. Somewhere along the
road to adulthood, we seem to forget this little
secret about the power of love, but it's worth
remembering.
When children tell Elmo that they love him, they
all have different styles of expressing their
emotion. Some of the more demonstrative kids
throw their arms around his neck, snuggle their
faces against his, and with an eyes-closed,
sigh-heaving, hand-me-my-Tony-Award gesture that
projects to the very last row of the theater's
balcony, they proclaim their undying devotion to
Elmo in prose as purple as Telly Monster. "Oh,
Elmo, I love you more than chocolate ice cream!
More than I love the new baby! Please come and
live in my house forever!"
Older kids are a little more matter-of-fact, as
if they've been married for twenty years and
they're picking up their keys and their bag and
heading out the door with an affectionate but
perfunctory "Love you." Still others are more
shy and reserved, like the bashful and nervous
teen letting his or her feelings be known to
their crush for the first time. I often wonder
how these children will express their love as
adults and how many of them will remain
demonstrative and unembarrassed, or if they'll
naturally pull back into more conservative
styles as they grow older. It would be
ridiculous if we all greeted each other the way
the more enthusiastic kids greet Elmo -- imagine
how long it would take to get that first cup of
coffee at the office with all the morning
greetings in full swing! -- but still, doesn't
imagining a love-filled world like that put a
smile on your face?
Children approach Elmo differently depending on
their age, but they also are inevitably
influenced by the kinds of physical
demonstrations of affection they receive at
home. Elmo wants to reach all kids, and
sometimes he can be like that overly
enthusiastic puppy who finds everything in the
world so fresh and new and wonderful that he
can't contain himself. Just as kids may squeal
in delight when they first see a puppy and then
retreat in leg-hugging, face-shielding fear when
the puppy starts to jump on them, Elmo can evoke
the same response. Over time, I've learned to
think quickly on my feet, to gauge the kinds of
responses I'm getting from a child and either
tone down or amp up Elmo's enthusiasm level
accordingly. I constantly have to remind myself
that even though they've seen Elmo countless
times on television, they're meeting him
face-to-face for the very first time.
The funny thing is, no two kids are alike. I've
seen the quiet ones respond with smiles and
giggles that escalate to a full-on Elmo love
attack -- the eardrum-piercing, vibrating,
arms-wide, hugging and squeezing and kissing
frontal assault. Other shy kids need a little
bit of time to warm up to Elmo and his
"de-monster-ative" displays of affection. But in
the end, they all come around.
Left to Right: Photo
#1: Kevin, Elmo and Alicia Keys.
Photo #2: Kevin and the late Jim
Henson
Click On Photos To Enlarge
Author Kevin Clash began making his own puppets
and performing for live audiences when he was a
boy. He turned his childhood obsession into a
professional passion, forging a career in
television and making an indelible mark on
children's imaginations. Kevin has been with Sesame Streetfor twenty-six years
and is co-executive producer of "Elmo's
World." He has won three Emmy Awards for
Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series and
six for his work as co-executive producer of an
Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series. He has
a daughter, Shannon, and lives in New York City.
Written by
Kevin Clash and
Gary Brozek
Category: Self Help - Motivational
Publisher: Broadway
Format: Hardcover, 224 pages
Pub Date: September 2006
Price: $19.95
ISBN: 978-0-7679-2375-0 (0-7679-2375-8)
Book Review:
My Life as a Furry Red Monster by
Kevin Clash
I was
pleasantly surprised reading this book. It was
light-hearted, emotionally uplifting, and
informative as well. I actually felt the urge
to find some of the old TV shows highlighting
the author's career. It was good to read about
an African American who had a wonderful
childhood, loved and admired his parents,
and was proud of the area where he grew up.
I'm sure Elmo or Kevin could have dished out
some behind the scene Hollywood dirt or focused
on the darker side of life that we all
experience, but then that's just not Sesame
Street. Although I can't help but think
having a three and a half year old alter ego is
a bit creepy, I truly wish continued and even
greater success to Elmo and Kevin.
Sharon
Bowden, Clinton, MD
Author
Erica Simone Turnipseed
Question and Answer withErica Simone Turnipseed
Q&A with Erica Simone Turnipseed, author
of A Love Noire, and the recently
released follow-up, Hunger, two
sophisticated looks at Black love.
Question:
Did you find it difficult to write a sequel? Do
you feel any of the pressure surrounding
sophomore efforts?
Erica Simone Turnipseed:
I learned from my publisher that the term of art
is “continuation” rather than sequel because the
latter suggests that one must have read the
first before reading the second, and
Hunger does stand up as its own book.
Nevertheless, the two books are connected, and
that creates some additional pressure. Readers
want to see growth in the characters and so do
I. But even as I, as the writer, explore new
terrain for these characters, I must resist the
trap of having the characters become caricatures
of themselves. They must be authentically
themselves even as they grow and mature, make
mistakes and learn lessons. This is part of the
pressure of the proverbial sophomore effort. You
want to show growth as a writer. And now that
people have expectations—in this case
expectations about preexisting characters—the
pressure is that much greater. But I am very
pleased with Hunger. I find it a very
satisfying story that is a natural progression
for Innocent, Noire, and the others who people
their world. I trust that readers will feel the
same, even if they did not read A Love
Noire before reading.
Question:
Sometimes first-time writers are surprised by
the publishing process. Did anything surprise
you when A Love Noire was released? Is
there anything that you learned from that
experience that made the second time around
easier?
Erica Simone Turnipseed:
I can’t say that I was honestly surprised by the
process when A Love Noire was
published; it was just new to me. With ALN, it
was interesting to see the process unfold and I
wasn’t completely sure where I could (or should)
drive the process and when I needed to step back
and let it work. With the publication of
Hunger, I’m clearer about my role in
marketing and publicity efforts, I’m surer of my
voice, I’m always prepared with back-up copies
of my book wherever I go. I’ve learned many
times over that, as the author, I must always be
prepared to advocate for my books (and my
career). I’m also becoming clearer on what I
hope my career progression will be and how I am
touching people through my writing.
Question:
You created A Love Noire/Hunger: The
Soundtrack. Can you tell us more about it?
Do these songs follow the books’ storylines?
Erica Simone Turnipseed:
I must give my husband, Kevin Webb, the credit
for developing A Love Noire/Hunger:
The Soundtrack; it was his brainchild and he
is the project’s executive producer in addition
to being a contributor with his band, LEANiN6.
As he has noted, I created a world in A Love
Noire and expanded it in Hunger.
I like to say that he heard the music that lived
between my words. The Soundtrack extends the
world created in my books, making it a
multi-sensory and complementary experience to
the written word. The ten tracks from the album
come from ten extraordinary independent artists
and capture the themes of love, loss, and
redemption that are explored in both books. For
some, the Soundtrack is a postlude to two
satisfying reads and for others, it is an
enticement to read the novels. People have been
very receptive to the Soundtrack.
Question:
A Love Noire
could have also been named Hunger
because of Innocent’s and Noire’s intense desire
for love, understanding, neatly packaged
identities, companionship and success. With this
continuation, how have Innocent and Noire grown,
what new set of struggles do they face and how
have their desires changed?
Erica Simone Turnipseed:
You’re right about the intensity of emotion and
desire in A Love Noire, but with
Hunger, the stakes have been
raised. Both Noire and Innocent are dealing with
true life and death issues: both experience
loss, both have radical shifts in identity
thrust upon them, both have to carve out a new
place for themselves and find how to live in
their own skin, right their own wrongs, and find
peace in a turbulent world. It’s a bumpy ride
full of ill-advised erotic entanglements,
humiliation and reality checks, and a humbling
quest for life’s sweetness and joy. As Jayna,
Noire’s childhood best friend, states in
Hunger, “simple just isn’t coming back.”
Question:
Both books are sophisticated looks at Black
love. Are there specific aspects of Black love
that you are trying to convey or explore?
Erica Simone Turnipseed:
I think that love is love but that people are
impacted by their reality. Blackness is social
reality that is loaded with certain things. For
Noire, she is an educated black woman seeking
lasting love and trying to figure out if she’ll
find it, what package it will be in, and whether
she’s willing to compromise to get it. Innocent
is an immigrant from Côte d’Ivoire in West
Africa who is uneasy about being a part of the
so-called brain drain of Africa: Africans who go
abroad for academic and economic opportunities
and don’t return home to share their knowledge
and economic resources for the benefit of their
people. These realities impact how they
negotiate the relationships in their lives,
especially their love relationships. There are
pressures and prejudices that black women face,
especially black women in their late twenties
and early to mid thirties, that make the pursuit
for love especially daunting. The same is true
for our black male contemporaries. And for those
black people who hail from Africa and the
Caribbean, there are additional issues of where
one should seek love and whether that pursuit
will take you farther away or closer to “home.”
Question:
What are you currently reading? What is one book
that has made a significant impact on you?
Erica Simone Turnipseed:
Because I am in the midst of promoting
Hunger, it’s been hard to read books
consistently. I've got quite a backlog! On my
shortlist is the non-fiction book There Goes
the ‘Hood by Lance Freeman about
gentrification in Harlem in Brooklyn, as well as
Edward P. Jones’s The Known World
and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake.
I keep on picking up I Got Somebody in
Staunton, a collection of vivid and
evocative short stories by William Henry Lewis.
And, as I prepare to sit back at the computer to
write, I've been looking at Shifting: The
Double Lives of Black Women in America,
Hung: A Meditation on the Measure of Black Men
in America,Kenji Jasper's Dark,
and the largely unsung Harlem Renaissance
novellas Quicksand and Passing
by Nella Larson. I’m also reading
The Power of A Praying Womanwith
the women's ministry at my church. The list of
books that have been formative for me is long
and it certainly includes Migrations of
the Heart by Marita Golden and Maya
Angelou's The Heart of a Woman.
Question:
How has your writing developed since your debut?
Can you pinpoint how it may have changed with Hunger?
Erica Simone Turnipseed:
The benefit of writing characters who are your
contemporaries is that you mature and grow right
along with them. When I first started writing A Love Noire I was 27 and single. But
by the completion of HungerI was
pushing 35, married to a wonderful partner, and
living with the reality of having lost my
daughter, Grace Ayodele Webb, just days after
she was born prematurely and I nearly died
myself. And I’ve witnessed loved ones struggle
with the experiences of life that we never hope
for but are sure to have. Those things shape
you; they inform what you think about and how
you think about them. Thankfully for me, they’ve
made me a better, more thoughtful, more humble
person (rather than crushing me). I’m thankful
for that. And as I sat down to write
Hunger, I sought to explore the issues
of love, loss, and redemption through the
particular experiences of Innocent and Noire.
Question:
Will we see Noire and Innocent again?
Erica Simone Turnipseed:
I think that Noire and Innocent have earned the
right to live their lives in peace! But that
said, I’m not ruling out the possibility of
revisiting them in another phase and stage of
their lives (and my own). I have no plans to
revisit their characters, but that doesn’t mean
that it will never happen!
About
Erica Simone Turnipseed:
Erica Simone Turnipseed is the author of
Hunger, an Essence Book Club
Recommended Read. Her debut novel was A
Love Noire, which won the Atlanta Choice
Award Author of the Year from the Atlanta Daily
World. In addition, Turnipseed was
nominated for Breakout Author of the Year for
the African American Literary Awards Show Open
Book Award. A full-time writer, Turnipseed
has B.A. and M.A degrees in anthropology from
Yale and Columbia universities, respectively,
and is also the founder of the "Five Years
for the House Initiative," a fundraising
drive for the Afro-American Cultural Center at
Yale. She lives with her husband in Brooklyn,
NY.
FRANK CHASE, JR.,
a native of Baltimore, Maryland, served in the
United States Army and is now an ordained Deacon
and a Minister at Emmanuel Church International
in Decatur, Alabama. Frank also serves as a
contributing writer and editor for the church’s
newsletter, The Flame. As a lay
minister, he has served as a teacher, counselor,
mentor and leader in men’s ministries and is
also a noted conference speaker.
We wanted to feature Frank Chase for quite some
time and finally got our schedules coordinated.
Here is the result of that interview.
The Frank Chase,
Jr. Interview
BMIA.com:
You have a diverse background. Where did you
grow up? Go to school?
FC, Jr.:
Believe it or not Gary; I grew up in your neck
of the woods (Baltimore, MD). Back then it was
called the Junction. I grew up on 2212 Garrison
Boulevard and lived around the North Avenue area
for a while and the Glen Falls Medical Center
area. As far as school, I spent my elementary
school years at Edgewood Elementary, and then I
went to Garrison Junior High school and finished
out and graduated from Walbrook Senior High
School in 1979 in the Junction. I went to
college in another state, and graduated from
Washington State University in 1989 with a BA
degree in Communications.
BMIA.com:
What lead you to write the book “False
Roads To Manhood:
What Women Need To Know, What Men Need To
Understand?”
FC, Jr.:
For years, I've always desired to write a book.
I didn't know what subject it would entail, but
my intrigue and passion concerning the rites of
passage into manhood drove this book from my
heart to paper and experiencing divorce.
Getting to the point of your question, Gary,
God sparked a match in
my soul to write False Roads to Manhood, What
Women Need To Know; What Men Need to Understand
to help men and women
recover from failed relationships and to ensure
that no man would go through what I went through
trying to heal and deal with hurt and pain.
Another aspect that brought this docu-story to
life is seeing men struggle with failure and
success. Those last two words are loaded. In
any case, I wanted to write something to
empower, teach and heal male and female, youth,
men and women so they wouldn’t travel false
roads to manhood or womanhood. In the end,
Gary, men in all kinds of predicaments inspired
me to write this book. However, I think the
question is not what lead me to write this book,
but who inspired me to write
False Roads to Manhood.
BMIA.com:
What is that you want the reader to learn or
“get” as a result of reading your book?
FC, Jr.:
Readers will learn about destiny, purpose and
about exit ramps from false roads. They will
gain an understanding often missed in the noise
of conversation and dialogue. When a person
reads my book they will get an understanding
about themselves and the complex emotions of
men. Now I know that sounds like a misnomer, but
light will begin to illuminate when people read
this book. To pull from a scripture text, the
words of this book will be a lamp to readers’
feet and a light to a pathway of insight. They
will walk away saying, “I’m glad for the heads
up!”
BMIA.com:
How long have you been involved in the
ministry?
FC, Jr.:
Gary, I was called to the ministry when I was 20
years old. After I gave my life to Christ, I did
a double take on God and ran for twenty years,
but never far enough away. I stayed in the
shadows of ministry, hoping God would not catch
up to me. But He did and I finally submitted to
the call, plan and purpose He had for my life.
Let me tell you, I now have a little
understanding of what Noah experienced in the
Bible when he decided to run from God’s mission.
BMIA.com:
Who do you look up to and admire?
FC, Jr.:
Gary, without reservation, I look up to
God first, but to answer your question, my
Pastor and spiritual father, Apostle Karockas
Watkins and his wife Audra Watkins, hands down
are the people I look up to and admire. You have
to know their story to appreciate why I speak so
highly of them. That’s why he’s on the front
cover of my book for the foreword. To say more
would lead into a long written dissertation.
BMIA.com:
What have you learned about the “souls of
men?”
FC, Jr.:
The “souls of men” are waiting to be called out
into their manhood by the community of men.
They’re yearning to be called son by their
earthly father, but don’ t know that God the
Father has knighted them as Sons of the Father.
BMIA.com:
You been quoted as saying: “It's
time for men across the world to "break free"
from the traditions of men.” What does that
mean?
FC, Jr.:
Gary, breaking free from the traditions of men
simply means you can be the man without
apology. Society often defines a man in
different ways until they seek false images of
manhood and not authentic manhood. Breaking free
means, abandoning truancy, rejecting rejection,
killing anger, turning discouragement into
encouragement, not becoming emotionally or
physically incarcerated, embracing trust in
relationships and never embrace ignorance
because it is not good for a man or a women to
be without knowledge, don’t let offenses define
who you are as a man and don’t become a nomad in
the lives of people around you who care.
BMIA.com:
What motivates you to do what you do?
FC, Jr.:
I would say the Joy of the Lord which is my
strength motivates me to do what I do. In
addition, when people come back to me and echo
how much my book gave them insight, reconfirms
what God spoke to me eight years ago about how
this book would change lives in ways I may never
hear about. I’m motivated by manhood in Christ.
BMIA.com:
Who’s the most influential person in your life?
Why?
FC, Jr.:
Gary, right now as I stated earlier in the
interview, my pastor Apostle Karockas Watkins is
very influential in my life because he pushes me
to excellence. I often feel like I have a hand
in my back and a voice in my ear saying, “Son,
go for the gusto!” You ask why he’s the most
influential. I believe it’s because I see in his
life a drive for God and people that makes me
want to go with him to another dimension. He’s a
man of excellence that wants every person he
meets to discover their destiny and purpose.
BMIA.com:
What’s your definition of courage?
FC, Jr.:
To know that I’m the head and not the tail,
above and not beneath. Courage is not allowing
people to define your life because if they can,
then they will determine your destiny. Courage
is: commitment over ugly responses amid guided
excellence. Courage also means admitting to
wrong when everything in you says run and hide.
BMIA.com:
What do men in general need to know or do to
improve themselves?
FC, Jr.:
Men need to know who they are in Christ. They
need to know that their background doesn’t
determine their future. Look, I was a 2-pound
pre-mature baby when I was born. I am a living
miracle. Medical science said I should not have
survived, but destiny on my life understood that
death could not stop me from living. I think
when you fully understand your destiny you can’t
be stopped. Even death must take a back seat
until your work is done. Also, men improve
themselves by reaching back to others to usher
them into the promise of authentic Godly
manhood.
BMIA.com:
What role do women play in this improvement
process?
FC, Jr.:
Every woman needs to know that they are
important to the man and vice versa. I would
encourage women to read proverbs 31 in the Bible
and there will be no doubt how women improve the
process!
BMIA.com:
How can people reading this article support you
and your work?
FC, Jr.:
This may sound self-serving, but I think reading
my book and providing comments on my web site
guest book is great support and encouragement.
People can also support my work by logging on to
my website to read the articles I’ve written to
gain a better understanding of my purpose and
passion. I want to bring reconciliation to the
hearts of men so that men and women receive
healing from past hurts, which brings
cooperation with each other. Word of mouth
advertisement about my book is the most
effective way to bring others to my website.
Purchasing False Roads To Manhood would bring
financial support to my God given purpose to
plant seeds of healing into the hearts of men,
one man at a time.
BMIA.com:
What’s the best part about being Frank Chase,
Jr.?
FC, Jr.:
The best part about me is that I’m a born again
believer who loves God and wants the best for my
life and family, spiritually and financially by
the truth of the Word. I understand that there
is a seed of goodness in everyone even when
you’ve been wronged. I’m not too serious about
me and at the end of the day it’s all smiles
even in the midst of trouble or struggle. The
other best part of me is what my name means.
Frank means “Free Man” and the spiritual
connotation of my name is “Shining.” So, I’m a
free man that shines. That’s the sum of me.
BMIA.com:
Where do you draw your strength?
FC, Jr.:
I draw my strength from the joy of the Lord
because the joy of the Lord is my strength. I
also draw strength from my brothers in Christ
through fellowship and intimate connection with
them as men. As I said in my book, it takes men
to teach men. So as an iron sharpens an iron,
other men of purpose who influence my life
sharpen me. I surround myself with men who know
their purpose in life and draw strength from
them.
BMIA.com:
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
FC, Jr.:
I see myself holding life-changing seminars,
with my book as a number one New York Times best
seller. As an author and President of FC
Publishing, LLC, I see myself publishing at
least 5 books in the next five years of other
clients. I’ll take you on a more in depth
journey. I see my book as a major play, then a
written screenplay for the silver screen. Now
that’s vision and without a vision people
perish. I don’t see the future; I have visions
of the future. Don’t take this as arrogant, I’m
just bubbling over with words of confidence.
BMIA.com:
What is the biggest challenge facing black men
in America?
FC, Jr.:
Let me say this Gary, he who reads leads. We
have to read about our history and remain
vigilant. Like the Jews, we need to pass on our
history to the younger generation so they will
know where they are going. I think our challenge
as black men is that we are not imparting or
equipping other men and youth to take the baton
of the future. We must educate, teach, train and
never get trapped in the blame game. We must
stand up and say, “Hey, young brother, come
here! We must call them into their destiny and
not let them fend for themselves on false roads
to manhood.
BMIA.com:
Thank you Frank.
FC, Jr.:
Thank you Gary and Black Men In America.com.
Frank Chase currently works as senior aviation
writer on Army Helicopters for the Department of
the Army’s monthly publication, PS Magazine,
LOGSA, located at Redstone Arsenal, Al. He is a
graduate of Washington State University and has
a BA degree in Communications with a minor in
Sociology. Frank has authored and published
numerous religious and relationship articles for
newspapers, online magazines and print media. He
has appeared on many television and radio
programs as a recurring guest. Frank lives with
his wife Teresa in Alabama and is the father of
six children.
According to author Sylvia
Henderson, “Talking White” is more than speaking
well. It is communicating effectively,
presenting yourself professionally, and
conducting yourself in a socially acceptable
manner as perceived by the business and
professional world in which we make our living
and establish our careers and businesses. She
goes on to say that “talking white” is a choice
that only you can make for yourself. “I can
help you discover what to do and how to do it.
Only you can choose to eliminate the behaviors
that sabotage your success. Or help those you
care about do the same.”
Sylvia is the CEO (Chief
Everything Officer) of Springboard Training, a training and
personal development firm in Olney, Maryland a
suburb of Washington, D.C. Ms. Henderson
conducts leadership and communications programs
for organizations that want to develop their
people for success.
Sylvia visited the Black
Men In America.com office and sat down for an
extensive conversation with Gary Johnson.
Sylvia is indeed a multifaceted and talented
woman.
The
Sylvia Henderson Interview
BMIA.com:
Hello Sylvia. I don’t know where to start.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sylvia Henderson:
Thanks for having me.
BMIA.com:
Tell me a little bit about your background?
Sylvia Henderson:
I was raised in a lower middle class family in
Philadelphia. I attended public school and an
all girl high school. From there I went to
Cheyney State and earned a B.S. in Secondary
Education. I pledged Zeta Phi Beta at Chaney.
I earned my MBA from University of Pittsburgh.
From there I interviewed with IBM and got a job
with them and an assignment to Minneapolis.
BMIA.com:
I’m going to jump around a bit. Tell me about
Springboard Training.
Sylvia Henderson:
I actually became an independent contractor when
AOL got rid of me and several hundred other
people. I was faced with not having a job. I
didn’t have the guts to follow my own dream when
I was being paid well. When that situation
changed, I started my own business. I didn’t
know anything about what I was going to do. I
liked the name and concept of the term
“springboard.” One night I researched the
domain name “Springboard Training” found out
that it was available and got started.
BMIA.com:
You’ve been around a lot of “successful”
people. How important is it for people to
dream?
Sylvia Henderson:
If you don’t have a dream, you don’t have hope.
If you don’t have a dream, you don’t have
anything to be discouraged about. You don’t
have anything to keep you going. Dreams don’t
cost anything. You can have a dream no matter
who you are. Anybody can have a dream.
BMIA.com: As
you can see, I have your book in my hand. How
did you come up with the title: “Why You Talk
So White?” Talk to me.
Sylvia Henderson:
Growing up, both of my parents taught me, my father,
specifically, taught me to speak well. By that
I mean to enunciate words, use my voice well,
and to use the right words for the right
situation. I thought I was learning how to be
successful in the “white” business world. I was
corrected constantly, and was told, “speak
right.”
As I gained additional
exposure, I would get stopped and asked: “Why
you talk so white? I haven’t been asked that
for about 20 years.
BMIA.com:
What has been the reaction to your book?
Sylvia Henderson:
Overall, the reaction has been positive.
BMIA.com:
What does “talking white” or “acting white”
mean?
Sylvia Henderson:
It’s a way in which a black person puts another
black person down by accusing them of “selling
out” and “leaving the race” because they’ve
learned to speak so that they are accepted in
the whiter professional world. Through my
lenses it means doing the things that someone
needs to do to be accepted. That’s my short
answer. In some ways its similar to what you do
in a job interview. You’re trying to impress
someone, who is usually not dark skinned, to get
him or her to accept you. That’s pretty much
what “talking white” is.
BMIA.com: Is
there an element of racism when someone tells
you that you “talk white?”
Sylvia Henderson:
In a way – reverse racism. No white person has
ever said outright that I “talk white;” it’s a
black phrase. It’s a mind-set that keeps
kids who try to better themselves hiding the
fact that they study, seek knowledge, and
discover their culture and it’s beauty.
It’s an implied insult if you allow it to be
taken as such. I consider it a
compliment.
BMIA.com:
Why should people buy your book?
Sylvia Henderson:
There are several kinds of people who I think
need to buy the book. The every day kind of
black person who is struggling with why they
can’t get promoted, or why they may be
struggling in other areas, you need to buy this
book. I give you short and sweet advice. Get
to work on time, project yourself well, and
dress well.
BMIA.com:
OK, I have to stop you. Let’s talk about page
55. The is the page that references the “bling-bling.”
Sylvia Henderson:
When I teach basic presentation skills, I talk
about how you dress. The “bling-bling” or the
stuff you where reflect who you are. If you are
professing to be humble and church going and
don’t need the finer things in life, but you
come to me wearing a big gold cross with diamond
inserts, and rings on most of your fingers, that
may not be sending the message that you want to
convey.
BMIA.com: I
don’t see any bling on you. I don’t see any
rhinestones or diamonds on that blazer.
(Laughing)
Sylvia Henderson:
No, you won’t find that on me.
BMIA.com:
Let me step back to the book. What is the one
thing that you want people to get or learn as a
result of reading your book?
Sylvia Henderson:
That’s too hard to narrow down. Can I give you
two?
BMIA.com:
Sure.
Sylvia Henderson:
For those folks who are really trying to better
themselves, but get beat down by their friends,
the family and other peers, I want them to learn
that it is OK to do what you need to do to get
out of your situation to better yourself. For
those who aren’t trying to improve themselves, I
want them to get or discover what it is
specifically that’s not working for you.
BMIA.com:
Great.
Sylvia Henderson:
I was lucky enough to have mentors and people
who took the time to point things out to me.
BMIA.com:
One of the best things that I like about the
book is the “Success Card.” Tell me about the
success card.
Sylvia Henderson:
Sure. It’s a postcard size card with 10 short
tips that come directly from the book. It’s
designed to catch your attention and to give you
some great tips.
BMIA.com:
Let’s play a game called “fill-in-the-blank.
You ready?
Sylvia Henderson:
Sure!
BMIA.com:
When it comes to hard work I ___________.
Sylvia Henderson:
Dislike it, but realize that I have to do it
anyway.
BMIA.com:
When it comes to being successful, I
__________.
Sylvia Henderson:
I feel that I am successful, but there’s a lot
more to do.
BMIA.com:
One of the key components to success is
_____________.
Sylvia Henderson:
Hmm. My own self-image. That’s what allows me
to take the risk that I take. It’s how I feel
about myself.
BMIA.com:
Attitude is ___________.
Sylvia Henderson:
Everything! When I have nothing else, I have
attitude.
BMIA.com:
The biggest stumbling block for black folks in
America is ___________.
Sylvia Henderson:
They’re own mind. I’ve had a lot of advantages,
but when you look at how many people come from
nothing and overcome insurmountable odds, such
as poverty and abuse, it is amazing.
BMIA.com:
The difference between success and failure is
__________.
Sylvia Henderson:
Repetition.
BMIA.com:
OK, this is the part of the interview where we
strap you in the Black Men In America.com Hot
Seat. This is our version of “Call and
Response,” where I call out a word or a phrase
and you respond with the first thing that comes
to your mind. Are you ready? Great.
·Spike Leeà
Insightful; controversial; unresolved issues
(for himself and society).
·Whoopi Goldbergà
Keep strong; talented; versatile; herself;
funny; passionate (loving and for causes).
·Rap
& Hip-Hop musicà
degrading; subjugation of self; word power and
usage (beyond M.F., ho, bitch, and yo).
·Favorite Movieà
Wizard of Oz
BMIA.com: Is
there anything that I have not asked you, that
you would like to share?
Sylvia Henderson:
Hmmm. I want people to actually read the book
and have conversations about the book. Take
heed of the lessons – do something for yourself
to improve your life and let me know how the
lessons affect you. Pass the lessons on to
others (by buying more books for others) and
discussing the lessons with others, especially
our youth.
BMIA.com:
Sylvia I appreciate your visit today. It has
been a pleasure.
Review
#1 conducted by: Ashlee Lewis, Black Men In America.com
Midwest Reviewer
Short Changed
is another superb novel written by Andrea Blackstone. It’s
the sequel to Confessions of a Gold Digger
and continues the story of Jalita and her new found siblings, Wes
and Malik. People from all walks of life can relate to at
least one of the characters.
Jalita is
struggling with her recovery from being a gold digger. She
can’t find a decent job and never seems to have enough money for
everyday expenses. Wes, the millionaire basketball player, is also
having problems with parenthood. Since he hasn’t been in his
daughter’s life for so long, he’s not quite sure where to begin and
isn’t good at expressing his love for her. Malik, is also a
gold digger, but instead of getting money through sexual activities,
he uses intimidation. All three characters are struggling in
some way, which provides a different adventure with every chapter.
Ms. Blackstone
did an excellent job with grabbing her reader’s attention and by the
sixth chapter you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat.
Short Changed is full of suspense
and unexpected moments throughout every chapter. I give Ms.
Blackstone five thumbs up for a book well done!
Short
Changed by Andrea Blackstone
Review #2
conducted by: Black Butterfly Review Group
More sex, more
money, more deviousness, more, more, more! Well we are back with
more (if that is possible) of the roller coaster ride that is
Jalita’s life. The author has actually found a way to kick it up a
notch (or two), without going over the top. This time, the book
focuses on three characters, Wes, the NBA superstar; Malik, his
equally morally bankrupt twin brother, and Jalita, their sister and
heroine of the first novel. In the sequel, Jalita continues to do
her utmost to make a life for herself in a world that has not been
kind to her. In this installment, she refuses to revert to the
manipulation she swore off in “Schemin”. We follow her into what
appears to be certain destruction, only to find that it is the
memory of a past love driving her to persevere to a well-deserved
reward. Wes eventually finds his golden palace turned to lead and
crumbling around him. We see that life has not changed his
behavior, with horrible consequences. We see Malik, exploiting the
kindness of strangers, one in particular.
Although this
novel is peopled with the same three returning main characters, the
focus is slightly different. This novel tracks the progress of
three related sibling, in the loosest definition of a family, and
how its dysfunction can shape us. Although they appear to act
independently of each other, the common cord is deeper than
genetics. The open question is actually one of “nature vs. nurture”,
as we find that although they were all witness to and recipients of
childhood abuse, each appears to have internalized it differently.
Wes and Malik’s responses are focused outward, projecting what one
assumes to be their pain, onto the world; Jalita’s is inward. The
author again has provided the same cohesive, crisp dialogue and
logic that made the first novel such an enjoyable read. With three
omnipresent voices, the author is careful to keep each story line
parallel but distinct, and the characters never lurch into
unfamiliar personalities or bleed into each other. The author has
resurrected a few characters from the previous book, and introduced
some new ones. Jalita meets Kyle and Renee, a “prominent Washington
couple”, who by far, harbour among the most disturbing character
flaws I’ve encountered. Monica, Malik’s girlfriend, begins as a
paper thin prop, but develops into a telling foil to Malik.
Overall, I
found the book to be an excellent sequel, which is unexpected in
sequels. It can more than stand on its own. The references to the
first novel are helpful, but not mystifying without it. I would
heartily recommend reading both in tandem. Although this certainly
qualifies as one of the new genre of “urban lit”, I think the
subtleties it rests on clearly distinguish it from a simple tale
about drama. The author has clearly put a lot of thought into not
just her characters, but the story she wants them to tell, and they
do so most effectively, with just enough of an aftertaste to leave
the reader pondering more of the story. In the end, it is these
kinds of people that stay with us, which is the indisputable purpose
of a novel in the first place.
Possession
and Kickoff:
NFL games begin with a coin toss at mid-field to determine
possession of the ball. The visiting teams' captains are invited to
call "heads" or "tails." (In neutral-site games, such as the Super
Bowl, the referee designates which team calls the toss.) The team
that wins the toss has several options for determining possession of
the ball. They can elect to receive the ball at the start of play or
to kick off and begin the game with their defensive unit on the
field. (A kickoff, as the term implies, is when a team concedes
possession of the ball to its opponents, kicking it downfield in
hopes of pushing the other guys deep into their own territory.) Or
they can choose which end zone to defend, thereby allowing the other
team to determine initial possession.
When deciding
possession, teams consider a range of factors. For example, a team
with a particularly strong defense and a mediocre offense may find
it effective to begin the game without the ball, on the theory that
a quick and effective defensive series can yield enough momentum to
jump-start a nothing-special offensive attack. In an open-ended
stadium with a spiraling wind, it might be more of an advantage to
begin the game with the wind at your back than to start out with
possession of the ball.
At the
beginning of the second half, the opening kickoff scenario is
reversed, leaving open the possibility that a team could score on
the last play of the first half and receive the ball on the ensuing
kickoff to start the second half.
Since 1994,
the ball has been placed on the kicking team's 30-yard line for each
kickoff; prior to that, it had been placed on the 35-yard line, and
prior to that on the 40-yard line. It was moved back over the years
to compensate for the increased leg strength of professional place
kickers, and to give the receiving team a little more room to mount
an effective return.
Moving the
Ball:
Any player on the receiving team is eligible to catch, pick up, or
otherwise gain possession of the ball on a kickoff, after which he
can advance it towards the opponents' goal line until he is tackled
or run out of bounds. A player is considered tackled, or "downed,"
when one knee touches the ground. A player is considered out of
bounds when a finger, toe, elbow, or any other body part touches the
white boundary line bordering the field.
Each team is
given four downs (plays, attempts) to move the ball 10 yards down
the field. So if you advance 3 or 4 yards on each play, you'd be in
good shape over the course of the game. If a team achieves those 10
yards in four plays or less, it is awarded another four attempts --
"a new set of downs" in football parlance, -- to cover the next 10
yards. And so on. When there are no longer 10 yards left to gain, it
usually means an offensive team has run across the opponents' goal
line and scored a touchdown, accomplishing their primary objective
-- unless of course a player has taken a few too many hits to the
head and has run in the wrong direction, which, believe it or not,
has been known to happen.
If after four
downs an offensive team has been unable to gain those 10 yards or
score a touchdown, it must give up possession of the ball to the
defending team, whereupon the action on the field shifts direction.
In this way, I guess, the game is a great model for teaching our
preschool kids how to share -- each side gets a turn and no one gets
to hog the ball without earning the right to hog it.
Once the ball
shifts possession, the team that is now on offense must try to
advance it toward their opponents' goal line; the team now on
defense must try to keep them from doing so. It's in this
back-and-forth that the game is played. (Talk about playing fair!
Playing nice, however, doesn't seem to be in the game's lesson
plan.)
Typically, a
team will punt (kick) the ball on its fourth attempt if it hasn't
gained the necessary first-down yardage, sending it downfield and
pushing the opponent further away from its own goal line before
giving up possession. However, if they're in field-goal range, they
might go for the three points as a kind of consolation prize.
A play is
considered stopped when the ballcarrier is tackled; when a
ballcarrier is considered to be "in the grasp" of a defender and his
forward progress has been clearly halted; when a forward pass hits
the ground or lands out-of-bounds without being caught; when a ball
is dropped (or "fumbled") and lands out-of-bounds or in the arms of
a downed player; or when a kicked ball leaves the field of play.
However, the game clock continues to tick during most of these
scenarios.
Play
Calling (or Deciding What to Do): Between plays you'll usually notice each team gathered in a tight
circle on its designated side of the field, where players will go
over strategies and formations for the next play. These tight
circles are known as huddles, and I've always thought they were one
of the cutest aspects of the game. You don't usually hear words like
cute tossed around regarding football players, but what can I say?
Ever since I was a kid, I thought it was adorable the way these
brutes lined up and circled their wagons to discuss their next
moves. (In some college programs, players even hold hands in their
huddles -- I mean, how cute is that?!)
The offensive
team will form its huddle about 10 yards from the ball, where for
about 10 to 15 seconds the quarterback will bark out a play and
offer general words of encouragement (or constructive criticism that
may or may not include a few carefully chosen expletives) to his
teammates. Frequently, the play will be decided by a coach on the
sidelines or up in a box who will send in his call through a series
of hand signals, a set of hollered codes -- or, these days, via
radio transmission from a headset to an earpiece strategically
placed inside the quarterback's helmet.
At the same
time, the defensive team will form its own huddle, just beyond the
ball on its side of the field -- as close as possible to the
goings-on of their opponents. (Ah, the better to possibly hear
what's going on in the enemy camp.) Here, too, a defensive captain
will communicate to his teammates how the coaches want them to
approach the next play.
In some
situations, most notably toward the end of each game when time is
running out and trailing teams move into "hurry-up" mode, teams
might deploy a no-huddle offense. This means that plays are called
at the line of scrimmage when players are already in formation,
instead of in the huddle. This also means, logically, that defensive
teams must go without a huddle as well, because the quarterback can
start the play whenever he wants.
Actually, let
me amend the "whenever he wants" part of this last statement. The
quarterback can't actually start the play until his offensive unit
has lined up in formation and until the defensive unit has retreated
to its side of the ball. Plus, there's the 40-second play clock
within which the offense must start each play to avoid being
penalized for a "delay of game."
In any case,
play resumes after the ball is spotted (placed down) by the linesman
and the two teams break from their huddles and line up in formation
on either side of the ball, which becomes known as "the line of
scrimmage."
Typically, one
of the offensive linemen (the center) will line up in a crouch over
the ball and snap it between his legs to the quarterback on an
agreed-upon signal. The quarterback can then hand it off or make a
forward or lateral pass to an eligible back or receiver, or run it
himself. A forward pass may only be made from a position behind the
line of scrimmage, and only during a play run from scrimmage. (That
is, a forward pass cannot be attempted on a kickoff or punt return,
or following an interception or fumble recovery.) A lateral pass (a
backwards throw from the QB to a running back or wide receiver) may
be made at any time, from anywhere on the field. Similarly, a
handoff may be made at any time, from anywhere on the field,
provided that the initial ballcarrier hands the ball off to a
receiving ballcarrier from a position away from the downfield side
of his body. During a play run from scrimmage, the initial
ballcarrier can hand the ball off from either side of his body,
provided he has not yet crossed the line of scrimmage.
Authors: Holly
Robinson Peete is one of the best-loved actresses on television and
a lifelong, die-hard football fan. The star of 21 Jump Street,
Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, and Love, Inc. is married to
former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete. They live with their four
children in Los Angeles.
Daniel Paisner is the author of more
than 25 books, on topics ranging from business and sports to
politics and government. He lives with his wife and three children
in Port Washington, New York.
If you are
unfamiliar with the written works of Harold D. Davis, his June 2005
release should be a wonderful calling card of his talent to ‘make it
plain’. Entitled: “Can I Call You Soldier? A Primer For
Involvement”, Dr. Davis proves in a very convincing manner that the
issues of manhood are the issues of life; and that books FOR men, BY
men on RELIVANT topics will get the attention of the brotherhood.
The book is
published by KJAC Publishing, PO Box 111, Champaign, Illinois,
61824. Website address is
www.kjac-publishing.com. Or, call 1-800-268-5861 for ordering
information and to check on some of the other books available.
It is hard
to believe that such a small work could pack such a needed ‘punch’
on issues of importance to men, young and old. At the end of each of
its ten chapters, Davis has included a checklist, designed to help
the reader to take their own inventory in determining whether or not
one has met the challenge--or needs more time. It can be read in a
single afternoon, and covers such topics as: ‘Live So People Will
Follow You’, and ‘What’s God Got To Do With It?’
In Davis’
view, its not that men are not involved in reaching out to the next
generation of men; they have been ‘marginalized’ in what they have
to offer young men. While dealing with the issues of fatherless
homes is important--especially in dealing with young (and
not-so-young) men--the true challenge is to encourage all men to get
involved in society where they are. A society, I hasten to add, is
becoming increasingly female-centered. Davis, who is an Assistant
Pastor and builder of mentoring programs for his local school
district, believes that the church needs to ‘step up’ to the
challenges of addressing the issues of manhood in order to show and
encourage men that the church is aware, biblically sound, and not
leaving them behind.
One of the
chapters that stand out is the matter of men of other races dealing
with young Black men in our communities. The chapter ‘White
Men/Black Boys’ is not written an ‘us versus them’ item, but
explores the issue from a realistic standpoint of race relations.
The biblical view is stressed throughout the chapter and the work.
“Can I Call
You Soldier” by Harold D. Davis is going to be making the rounds by
word of mouth later this year. It will be worth it for the reader to
pick up a few copies of this work and introduce it to a few young
men that they may know. A man who understands the issues of manhood,
and has broken them down so other men may understand them and
benefit from his wisdom writes it. If you know someone who
needs a real ‘man to man’ conversation in his life, THIS is the book
to get the conversation going.
As a long time
reader of murder mystery novels, it has become increasingly easy to
determine “whodunit” long before the author is ready to reveal it.
This novel follows the same, predictable format. However, it was a
pleasant surprise to realize that I guessed wrong! Lisa Jackson
writes a seemingly predictable story about an obsessed, murderous
stalker of a movie star trying to escape the glare of Hollywood.
She moves to a small, quiet and remote town in Oregon. As winter
approaches, the local sheriff finds himself investigating the
discovery of a woman’s body. Soon, several local women go missing.
On the surface, there appears to be no connection to these cases and
the theft of several articles of clothing and jewelry, donated to
the local theater by their most famous resident. Even the ominous
phones calls and “obsessed fan” type letters appear to be just
another nuisance compared to the more serious issues that local law
enforcement officers must contend with.
Of course,
there is the predictable romantic attraction between the former star
and the tall, dark, brooding sheriff, the usual number of suspicious
characters and an interesting twist that shows the struggles of a
single mom with teenaged daughters.
This book is
well written; with just different enough twists and turns to
maintain my interest. For those looking for an entertaining summer
vacation read, this book is certainly worth consideration.
Reviewed by D. K. Johnson, Washington, DC
Area Reviewer
Set in the
Florida Everglades, The Killing Rain is another story featuring
former detective, now private investigator Louis Kincaid. Kincaid’s
character is the typically flawed, emotionally isolated personality
that has become standard in novels and movies. The son of his
current love interest is missing after spending a day with his
deadbeat father, who is engaged in questionable business dealings.
The investigation leads to a string of dead bodies, and a number of
twists and turns.
Though Parrish
weaves an interesting tale, the climatic end was recognizable as the
plot of movie released years ago starring Ice T. For anyone who has
seen the movie, it will become obvious, as the book progresses,
where the plot is headed. The only question and reason for
continuing to read, is to find out how and where the missing child
will be found.
There is a
predictable romantic attraction between Kincaid and a police
detective who is helping him and an equally predictable sub-story
line associated with the primary antagonists.
This book is
still an interesting and entertaining novel – well worth spending a
rainy day weekend curled up in your favorite chair. Those who have
not seen this plot in the movie theater will be appropriately
shocked, as Parrish does a good job of creatively leading you
through several false leads along the way.
Reviewed by D.
K. Johnson, Washington, DC Area Reviewer
Hood Rich, a novel written by Crystal
Perkins-Stell, looks at the life of Demarques (Prince), a boy from
Detroit. His mother was never there and his brother was his role
model. Since the day he was born, his brother has always been by his
side. Ant (Prince’s brother) is a player, and a drug dealer. He was
Prince’s only role model so Prince had no other choice but to follow
in his brother’s footsteps. The novel is written in third person
point of view, so the reader is able to see what everyone thinks and
feels. Prince got his “girlfriend” pregnant during his teenage years
and was burdened with the drama of fatherhood. The reader explores
his hardships as a father and a gangster. Before Prince is fully
grown, he is sent to prison for a crime that his brother committed.
Out of loyalty, he doesn’t tell on Ant. During his prison sentence,
Prince encounters some difficult obstacles and learns some valuable
life lessons. This is an emotional novel and some sections caused
me to cry. No matter who you are and what you believe, if you open
your heart, you will be able to connect with the novel on some
level. I give this novel 6 stars and a spot in the Hall of Fame.
It tells a story that a lot of African American boys experience
everyday. Prince went into prison a boy but came out a man.
Reviewed by
BMIA.com Reviewer S. L. Midwest Reviewer
Schemin’
Confessions of a Gold Digger by Andrea Blackstone
Schemin’ takes
the reader through the life of Jalita Harrison. She’s biracial and
was born into a dysfunctional family. She was forced to raise
herself on the streets of Baltimore, and finally decides to enroll
into a college in Virginia. Jalita encounters a financial setback
so she returns to Baltimore. She was temporarily homeless and
without money. During her hard time, she calls an old male friend,
who stirs up some trouble once they meet. As the novel continues,
for personal reasons, Jalita decides to change goals and uses her
looks to become a gold digger. She dates men for the money and
turns into a very manipulative person. It’s sad but exciting to
read her experiences and to watch her character grow into a better
person than she was the week before. Once she is neck deep into the
game of gold digging, she runs into some problems that had me, as a
reader, at the edge of my seat. In the end, Jalita discovers that
looks are not everything, nor is money. This is a great novel that
is both breath taking and full of surprises. They say don’t judge a
book by its cover, but in this case the saying is wrong, for it was
the cover that made me pick up the novel, and the text that wouldn’t
let me put it down.
Connie Briscoe’s P.G. County provided us with
an exciting page turning drama right from the beginning.
Prince Georges County,
Maryland, one of the wealthiest predominantly African-American
communities in the United States. A drama fit for daytime
soap operas, based on the lives of the haves, the have-nots and the
wanna be social climbers. Each of the five main characters had
obstacles to climb and fears to conquer. With each turn of a page,
the common thread that binds each of the women begins to unravel. A
ball of lust, lies, sex, and deception changes their lives.
Jolene, extremely low self esteem,
always seeking a better deal; Barbara, the wife of a
millionaire, surrendered her identity to the comforts of a huge bank
account and a handsome husband, who has an immense appetite for
women; Pearl, highly spiritual God fearing, single mother and
business owner; Candice, married, mother of two,
struggles with the discovery
of family skeletons and experiences an identity crisis; and
then there is Lee, a
teenage street urchin, carrying an aged faded photograph of the
father she’s never known, but she believes he is rich and will love
her once she locates him.
I highly
recommend this book as a must read; the emotional highs and lows,
comedy and drama scenes paints a vivid picture of the trials and
struggles of both, the have and have-nots; as it reveals the common
thread carried in the society as a whole.
Reviewed by
BMIA.com Reviewer S. L. Midwest Reviewer
P. G. County (Review #2)
A page-turner,
Ms. Briscoe meticulously played up the personalities and prejudices
of the central characters, bringing to mind and highlighting some of
the long held beliefs in many black circles since the early 1900’s,
but has never been in vogue to talk about openly. The behavior
exhibited by Jolene’s parents and Bradford Bentley, the
philandering, nouveau riche husband of Barbara is reinforced by
factual accounts of actual characters in a book by Lawrence Otis
Graham, Our Kind of People.
Barbara
Bentley, the long suffering wife of the vain, selfish, womanizing
Bradford suffers because she convinces herself she had to stay in a
despised relationship because of, “the kids,” and of course, she
loved him. In actuality, she was plagued by low self-esteem, lack
of ambition, fear of material lack and loneliness. Although it is
atypical for a character of this nature to flip-flow, as Ms. Briscoe
would have one believe, it is possible.
Jolene, the
nemesis of both men and women kept the story interesting as her next
move was anticipated, that is, in anticipation of discovering you
were right, you knew just what she would do next. There are many
Jolene’s out there, but they are to be pitied rather than
ridiculed. Nevertheless, it is always good to see them reap what
they have sowed.
Ms. Briscoe
did a great job dealing with the mental agony Candace puts herself
through while debating whether or not to come out of the closet and
announce her black heritage. This seems realistic enough; however,
it is doubtful she would have done so, even in light of her
daughter’s affair with a black man.
Lee, the
misguided teenager, simply came off as an after thought, plugged in
as page filler.
Ideally,
Jolene and Bradford deserved each other, and the best pay back they
could have received would have been for them to be stuck with each
other. Also, I thought Barbara and Patrick would have been a good
match, instead of Patrick and Pearl. Overall, it was a mind
relaxing and worthwhile read.