Book Review: Caught Between
a Dream and a Job by Delatorro McNeal II
By Gary A. Johnson
Caught Between a Dream and a
Job by Delatorro McNeal II is one of the
best books I’ve ever read to help people smoothly and successfully
transition from the “job” to their “dream job” of self-employment.
What makes this book so great? The book is well researched, well
written, well paced and easy to read. Delatorro McNeal uses
relevant and personal examples and summary page at the end of each
chapter to help the reader understand the concepts outlined in the
book.
McNeal’s grounding as a former
“9-to-5” guy who transitioned into his dream job of professional
speaker and best-selling author gives the book instant credibility.
He’s experienced what he’s written.
This book includes practical
worksheets that McNeal uses to connect with the reader in a positive
and reaffirming way. This technique serves as an author/reader
partnership. For me the most important aspect of the book are the
sections on motivation, spirituality, determination, dreaming and
purpose.
In summary, this book is one the
most comprehensive books on motivation and career change. If you
apply the principles outlined in the book you will change your life
and positively impact the lives of your family and friends.
Delatorro L. McNeal, II
is a world renowned Professional Speaker, Best Selling Author,
Successful Entrepreneur, and Television Personality. As the CEO and
President of Delatorro Worldwide Empowerment, Delatorro operates
three blossoming corporations. Visit his web site at
www.delmcneal.com to learn more.
Healing Grace
for Hurting People by Dr. H. Norman Wright and Larry Renetzky, LMFT
Healing Grace for
Hurting People is a spiritual and uplifting book for people who are
hurting in any number of ways. If you are suffering or hurting
from abuse, addiction, rejection or infidelity, "Healing Grace" has
something for you.
Through the stories
of others and the use of diagrams this book helps you navigate
through your pain. Of particular interest to me are the
specific steps and practical applications. My personal
favorite is "Steps To Forgiving Others."
Learn how God's
reconciling grace and power can resolve conflicts, revitalize
marriages heading for divorce and restore broken relationships in
families, extended families and other relationships.
Red Letters by Tom Davis
Convicting, real, tantalizing, reflective, hopeful, alarming,
inspiring, shocking, painful, shameful, silence…
These are just a few words to describe Tom Davis’s
Red Letter’s (2007), a text which brings forth the words
of Jesus Christ which he refers to as “Red Letters” because in
many Bibles when Jesus speaks the letters that form each word
are red; when others speak, the letters are black.
In this book, Davis sheds light on the fact that Jesus
did not come for the wealthy, healthy, or self proclaimed
“perfect”, he came for the poor, the sick, and the troubled.
One of the most profound statements made in this book appears on
page 20, where Davis proclaims, “Every morning when I get out of
bed, I look for Jesus…I’m talking about finding Jesus in the
eyes of real people…like the poor, the handicapped, the
oppressed, the homeless, the AIDS victim-the abandoned and the
forgotten.” One may ask, “What does this mean?” This means
that signs of Christ are all around; we are created in God’s
image – rich, poor, healthy, ill, depressed, and lively. Our
response to those in need in comparison to Christ's response may
suggest that somewhere along the way of passing the story of
Christ, the truth was distorted. One may ask, “What is the
truth?” The truth is that Jesus was poor; he was born to a
carpenter in a manger filled with dung. A rebuttal may be,
“Well the Word says that if I ask for anything in Jesus name, I
shall receive it. If he can do it for me, why couldn’t he do it
for himself?” Why? Jesus sets an example that we all should
live; an example of sacrifice, one where we put others before
ourselves. This text is structured to make the “comfortable”
uncomfortable because there are intentional inclusions of how
self proclaimed non-believers in Christ give of themselves and
resources to the less fortunate, often times, before a self
proclaimed believer will. Far too often we ignore (for whatever
reason) the reality that there are millions of people suffering
in this world, while we fight to remain comfortable and
allegedly protected. Davis addresses our need to make lip
service, foot service when he asserts, “If our Christian faith
doesn’t manifest into something that helps the life of another
human being, it doesn’t mean squat to him [Jesus]” (128). The
impact of these words is visible in Davis’s compassion for those
battling HIV/AIDS in places such as Africa, Asia, and China.
The wealth we possess in the Western World, with a few minor
sacrifices, could render someone medical treatment, and even
with statistics staring us in the face such as 64.4 percent of
the African region, 21.4 percent of the Asian region, and 5.4
percent of high income communities being effected with AIDS, far
too many of us have yet to move our feet to help our neighbor.
This text includes lively examples on various levels.
Davis shares stories of teenage girls selling their bodies in
order to feed younger siblings left behind due to parents dying
with AIDS. He also shares a lie that is causing mass
destruction in Africa; that when a man infected with AIDS sleeps
with a virgin, he is cured. This lie is wiping out a generation
of virgins who are being infected with the virus during their
first sexual encounter. There are other accounts of towns being
wiped out due to AIDS related deaths. Equally disturbing is the
rate at which genocide is destroying the Sudan; causing death
and displacement. The details in this book are alarming and
depressing, yet they are real and the disparities destroying
communities exist because we have been
non responsive; our lack of response alludes to the reality that
we allow these things to take place. On a brighter note,
numerous contributions to humanity by way of Africa are included
such as many biblical events took place on the continent, and
the first sign of human existence was discovered there. And
just when you want to deny the churches role in slavery, Davis
sheds light on the fact that the church overlooked what was
“happening to these Africans in the name of commerce and
expansion and misappropriated evangelical intent” (53). While
the text leads us on a journey to evaluate our walk in
comparison with the expectations of Christ (conveyed in red
letters), the author includes a variety of ways we can change
our slow-to-respond nature so that we can be God’s hands,
meeting the real needs of real people.
By Roberta Sonsaray White
Making Your Money Count by Kenneth C. Ulmer, PH.D.
BOOK REVIEW – Submitted by Kelly Y Alexander
January 13, 2008
Making Your Money Count by Kenneth C. Ulmer, PH.D.
We all struggle with the responsibility we have as Christians to
be good stewards of the money God has given us. In Making
Your Money Count, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer has provided
readers with a practical guide on the subject based on God's
word. In this book, Bishop Ulmer focuses on the five blessings
of money, indicators of approaching financial challenges, how
to avoid financial misfortune, the true purpose of money, seven
ways to earn more money and the basics of true prosperity.
Very simply Bishop Ulmer offers a clear and concise message
about proper money management. It was refreshing to finally
find a book about financial responsibility that helps a regular
person immediately "get it", to quickly grasp an understanding
of handling money matters the right way, no matter how much or
little money or income a person has. Bishop Ulmer writes in a
way that not only explains the basic how-to's and the why's, but
also the consequences of dealing with money the wrong way.
Especially significant is how Bishop Ulmer underscores the
message that God gave us the ability to create wealth in order
for Him to establish His covenant with us, which is to bless us,
to glorify Him and to bless others through us. In this amazing
process, which Jesus taught to His disciples, Ulmer explores
God's way of taking care of business. This generation coming up,
explains Dr. Ulmer, will be the first one that is not
financially better off than the previous generation. What kind
of legacy are we leaving if we don't train our children about
the proper Kingdom principle of asset creation and money
management? In this inventive look at the parables of the
talents and the man of noble birth, pastor, teacher and author
Dr. Kenneth Ulmer reveals God's process for moving you from
being a consumer to a producer. I recommend this book for
anyone who wants to build a lasting financial legacy.
No Safe Place by Kim
Reid
BOOK REVIEW – by Kelly Y. Alexander
January 13, 2008
No Place Safe
a family memoir by Kim Reid
Readers are given the chance to be a part of Kim Reid's
up-close-and-personal account of the Atlanta Child Murders. The
author was just a child of thirteen when the Atlanta Child
Murders began in 1979. Her world was turned upside-down as she
and her younger sister had to adjust to living and behaving
under new safety measures that stifled their carefree life. Can
you imagine being a child and living with the constant threat of
a serial killer in your neighborhood?
Her mother's job, as a Task Force investigator on the case,
increased Reid's awareness beyond that of any child and probably
most adults. Because of this the author is able to offer a well
written and unique perspective of this event as a young teenage
daughter of an investigator. She allows the readers an inside
glimpse into the feelings of dread, rage, insecurity and the
small pockets of enjoyment that she, her family and the
community managed to feel throughout this time period. Her
description of the city and suburbs of Atlanta is as vibrant and
dramatic as the characters she depicts. Readers will appreciate
and be in awe of Kim Reid's ability to enjoy the basic
beauty of life as can only be seen through the eyes of a young
person under very frightening conditions.
No Place Safe is a deftly written and well researched novel. The novel
skillfully explores the Atlanta Child Murders from 2 compelling
angles: a girl coming of age during that time and her mother, a
lead investigator on several of the cases. The author adeptly
combines the intensity of the subject matter with deep insights
on family, love, duty, gender, class and race.
To learn more about
Kim Reid click here to visit her web site.
BOOK REVIEW – Submitted by Kelly Y. Alexander
January 13, 2008
Ms. Etta’s Fast House by Victor McGlothin
From the moment I opened this book I couldn’t put it down. The
characters, setting, the language all came alive with each page
I turned. This novel reads just like a motion picture and it
would surely be a good one.
Victor McGlothin has created an intense and proud depiction of African American
life in 1947 St. Louis, Missouri. The story takes place in the
St. Louis neighborhood known as the “Ville”, centering on Ms.
Etta's Fast House—considered the hottest joint this side of
Chicago. The bold, the beautiful, the bad and the good mingle
at Ms. Etta's - including the debonair hustler, Baltimore Floyd.
McGlothin weaves convincing historical elements into a
fast-moving caper, and Baltimore Floyd is a delightful main
character.
Ms. Etta’s Fast House is the place to be also for the young doctors
and nurses of the Homer G. Phillips Hospital as well as the
local Negro baseball team. But life in the Ville is forever
altered when Baltimore Floyd strolls in with a gun and a plan to
horn in on a crooked cop's heroin trafficking operation. The
author blends realism of the times in the sub-plots surrounding
the supporting characters: racism and discrimination force top
medical minds to practice at segregated facilities; Jim Crow
laws impact the character's daily lives (shopping, dining,
commuting, sporting events, etc.); and social taboos of
interracial relationships. Victor McGlothin superbly paints
Baltimore as a scoundrel with a big-heart. In addition to
Baltimore; Ms. Etta, Penny, Delbert, and Jinx are also endearing
characters that readers will find irresistible and want to see
again.
Respected and loved by many, Baltimore has a circle of friends that
include the new interns at the renowned Homer G. Phillips
hospital as well as some with shadier pasts. Especially well
written is how the author allows the reader to become a part of
the relationship between Baltimore Floyd and his best friend
Henry, who seemingly does a complete reversal leaving the lush
life (including a steamy relationship with Ms. Etta) and
hurriedly marries a school teacher with a ready-made family. He
even foregoes his friendship with Baltimore and Etta to
join/integrate the police force - a move that severs ties from
his dark past and con-artist friends. However, when Baltimore
crosses dirty, racist cops in a clever scam, sleeps with the
"wrong" woman, and ends up on trial for his life, it is all of
his friends (including Henry) that come to his aid, risking
their reputation, professions and lives to save him from the
gallows in a creative, yet dangerous rescue.
Fast paced, well-conceived (I didn't see some plot twists coming
and the sub-plots came together well), with realistic and sharp
dialogue it is recommended for those seeking a page turning and
entertaining read.
To learn more
click here to visit Victor’s web site.
Healing Grace for Hurting People
Reviewed by
Vanessa Werts
Do you have emotional or spiritual baggage? Are you ready to
confront feelings of rejection, fear, and anger? If so,
Healing Grace for Hurting People will give you hope, and
the tools to face these issues head on.
This book is a Christian faith-based guide to dealing with and
overcoming hurt, resentment, abuse, guilt and past failures.
The authors, Dr. H. Norman Wright (a licensed marriage,
family and child therapist) and Larry F. Renetzky (a
licensed marriage and family counselor) offer therapeutic words
validated with biblical scripture that allows the heart to heal,
thought patterns to change, and the soul to soar through God’s
healing grace.
The authors address real life problems like addiction, suicide
attempt, dating, family relationships and troubled marriages.
They share the journeys of real life broken and troubled people
they’ve worked with as each one comes face-to-face with the
source of their pain, and embarks upon the path to true healing
– allowing Jesus Christ to rule in their heart.
Healing Grace for Hurting People sets the stage for
personal reflection, atonement with self and others, and the
power of forgiveness.
A Private Affair by
Mike Warren
A Private Affair
takes you on a whirlwind trip into Sean Matthews’ life of
confusion, deceit, lies and overall immaturity. Matthews is a
private in the US Army and begins to learn more about himself as
he encounters new experiences in his life. The general theme of
the book is to be inside “turning out” of a straight man
to, eventually, become gay…or something like that. Although the
character is quite flawed in his actions and the predictability
of the story is quite evident, I still found myself reading with
anticipation.
Mike Warren
does an amazing job of telling a story, which is his saving
grace for “…Affair”. Overall, you can read the first few
chapters and see where this is going. There are no major twists
and turns. The foreshadowing is VERY foretelling. And, the
characters are fairly simple and consistent. The story however
is much like watching the butterfly emerge from its cocoon. You
know what will happen, yet it is interesting to see it all
unfold.
While Warren is not on the compelling level of say…E. Lynn
Harris or Eric Jerome Dickey [yet], he finds a way to
guarantee your investment in the reading of his book. Each
character appeals to a different person and as their story is
slowly unfurled you find a connection to them and their
actions. Whether you become angry, disappointed or hurt by the
characters in the book…you still become something for them.
And, that is what it’s about.
--lawrence “el-train” evans ii
SNAP by
Lucio Dutch
Let me first say,
Lucio Dutch is an amazing writer who
has truly captured the art of drawing a reader in page after
page…chapter after chapter. Have you ever read a book so
enthralling that you find yourself sneaking in reading past your
regular “bedtime”? You look over at your alarm clock and
realize that despite it creeping past the “night time” mark and
your drooping eye lids, you still want to read more. You tell
yourself that you can only read for fifteen more minutes, but
once your fifteen minute mark arrives, you are in the middle of
a chapter so you, of course, extend it a little longer so you
can “finish the chapter”. This mental compromise usually goes
on until you fall asleep and can’t remember when your willpower
betrayed you. SNAP is this type of book.
Inside of
SNAP, places you directly in the mind
and life of Victor Sinclair, the main character. Victor is a
privileged youth with everything from good grades and looks to
money and respect. His journey takes him on a metamorphosis
that is gradually degenerative.
As the reader witnesses the deterioration of Victor, inside and
out, there are other layers of stories being told. There is a
striking balance of eroticism, humor and suspense as the friends
of Victor circulate in their own orbit and attempt to navigate
their own lives with just as many different issues that plague
Victor.
One standout style that is quite unique to Dutch, is the “Excuse
me while I dance.” sequences within the book. This is the
moment when Dutch steps out and writes at full throttle. It is
usually reserved for the erotic and/or action scenes. Either
way, however, you know that things are about to pick up and it
will be time to put on those “dancing shoes” to keep up!
In spite of the amazing writing style of this book, there is one
blaring concern for me. The age points of the main characters
seem rather young. For such a mature set of events and psycho
analysis, it seems odd for this to occur with high school
students. If you can get past the fact that this book
chronicles a myriad of events within the lives of teenagers,
then you will allow yourself to get caught up…as Lucio
“dances”…
--lawrence “el-train” evans ii
Reclaim Your Power!
by Terrance Dean
With written support by
Iyanla Vanzant and a cover
description that boasts hope, healing and inspiration within 30
days for men of color, this book appears to be the perfect
addition to any man’s library. Guess what? It is!
The book is a quick and easy read that delivers moments of
reflection everyday. Almost like your own personal life coach
in a book, Reclaim… takes you through a 30 day journey
that is consistent and impacting. The set up goes something
like this: Your morning quote, the real talk reflection of the
quote and an exercise to bring permanence to the thought. Seems
simple enough huh? It is.
Where does the depth come in?
Reclaim… is comprised of
quotes by different people from Buddha and the Bible to Martin
Luther King Jr. and Ralph Ellison. The monotony is broken up in
the varied use of vernacular. While the quotes all drive you in
the general direction of growth, it’s the direct quotes from
such an assorted group of people that adds texture to the
cross-view of advice. Advice that is cultivated around the
responsibility, growth and healing of men of color. If you are
prepared for a journey that will reveal more about your life and
ways to correct those things you discover, Reclaim… is a
good first step.
--lawrence “el-train” evans ii
Lawrence “eL-Train” Evans ii, is a graduate of West
Virginia University. He is a Washington, D.C. based writer.
With a strong background in music industry history, he aspires
to work in the A&R/Marketing field of the music industry.
Currently he is a writer for
BMIA.com and
is working on completing his first novel.
Black People: For
Entertainment Purposes Only by W. Ivan Wright
ISBN: 9781934249468
Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only, is a suspenseful
fiction thriller that involves, conspiracy, love, murder and
revelations. Situations and conversations present an
