APOOO Presents...
APOOO Connection Book Reviews
A Taste of Honey by Darren Coleman
A Taste of Lies, Deception, and Intrigue
Darren Coleman's fourth release, A Taste of Honey, takes us into the life of Hailey "Honey" Height, a young woman with a troubled past that leads her into the world of sex-for-hire. Honey discovers early that she has something that men are willing to pay big bucks for and she uses that to her full advantage, treating men purely as sources of income.
Her life changes after a chance encounter with Khalil Graves, a young, handsome filmmaker with an equally tragic and troubled past. Although he is engaged, he quickly falls under Honey's spell. In a strange twist of fate and unbeknownst to him, Khalil is tied to someone from Honey's past and consequently becomes a part of her plot to avenge a tragedy from her childhood. Meantime, Honey plays a dangerous game with one of her clients in hopes of scoring enough cash to set her up for life. When Honey's web of deceit begins to quickly unravel, who will be left standing? How will Khalil react when he discovers the truth about Honey and her plan?
Fans of Coleman's work will not be disappointed with his latest effort. It was a quick read with enough twists and turns to keep me engaged. Some of the events that occurred in this book were a little too coincidental to be believable and I personally thought the ending was too neat and tidy. However, I did like Coleman's writing style and would recommend this story to anyone looking to escape with a true page-turner.
Reviewed by Danielle H.
APOOO BookClub
Keeper of Secrets by Anjuelle Floyd
Physician Heal Thyself
Anjuelle Floyd makes her debut in a captivating collection of interconnected stories, Keeper of Secrets...Translations of an Incident. The stories center on a group of accomplished, upper-middle class Blacks living in the Oakland/San Francisco area of California who are either acquainted with each other from the past or through the proverbial six degrees of separation.
In Dancing Sivah, Raven Clarke, a former psychotherapist, is having dinner with her husband, Drew, an attorney and one of his clients in an elegant restaurant in San Francisco. Raven is a reluctant dinner companion, suffering from fatigue and sleeplessness, having been plagued by her infant daughter's nonstop nightly crying. Raven has flashbacks to the night she chose Drew over Absylom, her Ugandan/Rajasthani lover. Can she get back to that place where in the distant past, visions and meditations were the key to her sanity and harmony? Will overcoming the sins of the mother be the key to reclaiming her life and restful sleep? She is jarred out of her reverie by an argument which turns violent and Raven finds herself in the middle of it with Drew hovering over her. That incident witnessed by a roomful of people triggers a series of back stories, secrets and lies from the past, and a look at the complex cast of characters.
The ensuing stories delve into the psyche of wounded, scarred and sometimes tortured souls of several individuals and families. In the title story Keeper of Secrets, psychoanalyst Lahni Irete seeks psychotherapy for herself in order to come to terms with childhood demons as well as doubts about her choice in marrying a blind Nigerian financier instead of her longtime friend. In Three Movements, Arianne Gadsenf's faith in her ability to counsel terminally ill patients is questioned when she discovers a deceased patient was not who she purported to be. Michael Banks is a workaholic, a bridge engineer, who is losing a grip on his marriage in The Bridge. His life is forever changed when things spiral out of control one day on the Richmond Bridge.
All of these characters appear to have it all; they are accomplished, highly educated and successful in their fields, what W.E.B. Dubois would call the Talented Tenth of the New Millennium. Yet, there is a darkness lurking in each of their pasts that haunts, lingers and prohibits them from living their lives to the fullest. Some of them have suffered parental death or abandonment during childhood, one escaped a near female circumcision, and another denied access to her father. Some find themselves in the ironic position of healing others when, in fact, they are the ones in need of a cure.
Floyd’s collection is a formidable debut worthy of classic status incorporating elements of Edith Wharton, Andrea Lee and Gwynne Forster. The convoluted lives of upper-class Blacks break new ground in American literature which includes the dynamics of psychotherapy, religion, mysticism, and international cultures. With skillful, imaginative writing this first literary offering of Three Muses Press is sure to be a crossover hit.
Reviewed by Dera R. Williams
APOOO BookClub
It’s Not Over Yet by J. J. Michael
The Healers and Double Dealers
It's Not Over Yet by J.J. Michael is an intriguing book that takes the reader on a journey that explores spirituality, medicine and mysticism. The cast of characters are complicated individuals with double lives and secrets. No situation in the book is quite what it seems, and Ms. Michael does a wonderful job of creating suspense. Reverend Betty Goldstein is the pastor of the controversial church, Church of the Melchizedek. Controversy surrounds the church because of the unknown Elder Healer, who is known to perform miracles and the outside world wants to know how. The media is very interested in discovering the identity of the Elder Healer and will go to any lengths to find out. However, Reverend Betty has more secrets than what is going on in her church.
Dr. Lindy Lee is a successful pediatrician, happily married to Paul and the adopted mother of the cherished Michael. Dr. Lee's marriage is very unconventional and has left her longing for personal connection. Someone from her past is going to appear soon, changing her life forever and will uncover long-buried secrets. Dr. Lee has a plethora of other problems because she is besieged by the media, who is convinced she is the Elder Healer. She is also the daughter of a woman who is out of touch with reality and will do anything to hurt her daughter, all in the name of her God.
I enjoyed It's Not Over Yet from cover to cover because there was never a moment while reading that I did not wonder what was going to happen next. Also appealing was the characterizations of the peripheral characters. They were as multi-dimensional as the main characters. I recommend It's Not Over Yet to all readers interested in a book that takes you outside of yourself and makes you think.
Reviewed by Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub
We Ain’t No Niggas by N. Quamere Cincere
Perspectives
In his book We Ain't No Niggas, N. Quamere Cincere maintains the fact that that all cultures have both the good and the negative aspects of their heritage. This is harder for African- Americans to realize due to being schooled in a system that chooses to ignore the part of history that puts them on equal footing with Europeans. Archeologists have proven that the earliest human remains were found in Africa. Does it not make sense that because the earliest human remains were found in Africa that the first civilization was built there?
History is defined as the discipline that records and interprets past events and more importantly a person's interpretation of events is subject to his perspectives, and the other culture is forced to view a one-sided explanation of events. Thus so, when you remind one culture of only the negative side of their history, but omit another culture's most heinous acts, you are cutting off the other societies clear-cut view of them.
N. Quamere Cincere shows how European egos are boosted by omitting that they had a long history laced with murder, incest, cannibalism, and homosexuality, but their story, the European perspective, has been cleaned up to make a more palatable perspective and to glorify their past. On the other hand, great African Civilizations such as that of, the great dynasties of Medieval Mali, and the dynastic Nubian Kingdom of Pharaoh Menses, and the golden city of Timbuktu are left un-mentioned or billed as being mythical at best.
This book shows how omitting the negative aspects of certain cultures, makes these cultures look second-rate when you point out every negative aspect o f that culture. I enjoyed reading this book and have investigated certain aspects of it and I will continue to do so. This is a must read book so do a loved one a favor; buy them one and encourage them to teach their children. Both races, Black and White, will benefit from reading this book.
Reviewed by Margaret Ball
APOOO BookClub
Charge It To the Game by Michele Fletcher
A Woman Scorned
One man's loss is another man's glory. Charge It To The Game by Michele A. Fletcher is a page-turner from beginning to end. I was so caught up in the characters, sex, lies and deception that I can not wait to see if there will be a sequel. This book gives readers an inside look at hustling from a woman's point of view.
This is a book filled with street hustlers, wannabes, and around-the-way girls. Erica Payne grew up in a battered home, craving attention and love from her family, only to have to search for peace and contentment elsewhere. Although she was the baby of the family, she had to grow up fast and protect her mom and sister from a drug-dealing dad who went crazy and this took a toll on Erica.
Intent on finishing high school and getting a decent job, Erica hooks up with her childhood love, Victor, and nothing is sacred anymore. Spoiled and living the glamorous ghetto dream, Erica does not want to be taken care of by any man, nor does she wish to have an allowance. However she wants her own cheese and wants to be able to shine. So Erica joins alliance with Victor's arch-enemy, Ty, and starts her own hustle. With her girls backing her, everyone is making money and nobody is getting hurt.
Erica took a vow to never let another man abuse or mistreat her. But the tables turn when Victor's cheating ways has catch up with him, and he gets violent with her. She also finds out about Ty's plans on destroying her and everything she loves and cherishes. Not to mention she still holds a grudge against her abusive father. The women are running the show! I recommend this book to lovers of street lit genre; it is interesting, enjoyable, and fast-paced.
Reviewed By Cheryl H
APOOO BookClub
Nan: The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones by Moses Miller
Betrayal of the Worst Kind
Nathan "Nan" Jones and Joseph Hayes were introduced to each other at Saint Mary's Refuge Orphanage where they were both taken when they lost their parents. Ironically they both lost their parents the same night at the hands of the same man. This strategic introduction between the boys formed a bond that Officer Mark Carson planned. Their bond was strengthened and eternally tied through a blood oath.
Officer Carson was one of the policemen on duty that night and witnessed the melee that took the boys parents and stepped in to become a mentor and a father figure to them. Buying them gifts, spending time with them and teaching them to defend themselves training with Master Thaddeus, a Rastafarian who was trained in more than one martial art became a necessity.
Author Miller takes readers through this story in a flashback manner, filling in gaps to show who Nan is, the troubles he confronted since the death of his parents, and how he learned to handle himself. As the story unfolds, we get to see how he meets his girlfriend, LaToya, his relationship with his best friend and blood brother, Joseph, and where and how Officer Mark Carson stepped into his life and the betrayal that finally manifests itself.
This is a beautifully written story with very vivid accounts of the events that unfold. I found myself cheering for Nan as he cleared each hurdle and for the man he became because of all he experienced. The only thing that bothered me was the ending - it stopped abruptly. I am looking forward to the sequel in order to find out what will happen to Nan and how he will tie up the loose ends of his life.
Review by Sharel E. Gordon-Love
APOOO BookClub
My Soul Cries Out by Sherri Lewis
Faith Healing
My Soul Cries Out by Sherri Lewis is not the typical Christian novel. In this novel, faith is tested and the daily struggle a true Christian faces is clearly illustrated. My Soul Cries Out tells the tale of Monica, a woman who struggles with inner demons, and Monica's husband, Kevin, a man that is torn between two worlds. Monica is introduced to the "dark" world and second life that her husband, Kevin, leads and must face the reality of it all. Monica learns that to deal with the matter with Kevin that she must first examine herself and put in perspective her beliefs and ideals that have been formed by her church.
Sherri Lewis is a welcome addition to Christian literature and her novel could not have been more beautifully written. I applaud her for touching on subjects that sometimes the church may close their eyes to. The characterization in the novel is phenomenal and brings depth to each character that is introduced to the reader. Lewis was able to strengthen the plot by bringing the Word of God to the storyline without doing too much preaching. After reading this book, an individual will walk away knowing that being a Christian can be tough at times but strength is formed through the adversity faced. The story of Monica shows that an individual grows daily as a Christian and that their faith can only become deeper. I recommend this book to anyone who may be on their own individual search for personal spiritual fulfillment in their lives.
Reviewed by Sharon Russ
APOOO BookClub
Take Her Man by Grace Octavia
That’s What Friends Are For
Troy believes she has everything she needs. She is in law school and in a relationship with the man of her dreams, Dr. Julian James. When Julian tells Troy that he needs a break she watches her vision of marriage crumble in front of her. She immediately calls her best friends, Tasha and Tamia, to initiate yet another 3T break-up party. After finding out that Julian did not just want a break, but that he was seeing someone else, Tasha lets Troy know that she needs to put into action the TAKE HER MAN plan.
Take Her Man by Grace Octavia is full of surprises. Octavia gives helpful tips of how to implement this plan for yourself. From the actual steps of the "take her man" plan to drink recipes, it gives details of what is needed to take your man. You will definitely feel the joy and pain of all three women, not just Troy. This is a perfect book for you and your girlfriends or a book club to read.
Reviewed by Donnica Copeland
APOOO BookClub
Where Souls Collide by Stefanie Worth
Reconnecting With Your Heart
I have heard that there is another realm similar to the one we live in. We have mirrored lives there, our twin life. The only difference is that we are opposite in our personality and behaviors. Stefanie Worth's Where Souls Collide has just that type of storyline with a twist. Imagine being split in two because you cannot handle your gifts, and it will be up to you to become one with yourself at a certain period of time in your life. If you can picture that then you have walked into the world of Navena Larimore.
Navena is a thirty-four year-old reporter for the Dispatch. On her birthday, she meets the man that is taking the position at the newspaper that she thought she worked hard for and deserves. She also realizes that her past has caught up with her. The new man in charge was an old flame from fourteen years before, Maxwell McKnight. It is at this time that strange dreams and nightmares start to plague Navena. Decisions that she knew she had needed to make before, but always put off, now seemed as if they need to be made right away.
All of these things are new to Navena because there is something from her past that she does not remember, because her mother had separated her from her heart sixteen years before. She had done that to save her daughter's life. The time has come for Navena to reconnect with the rest of herself, her heart, so that she can experience real love. Nothing ever comes easy and to do this she has to follow the clues and the signs to save someone's life, but whose?
Stefanie Worth gives you mystery, wonderful well-developed characters, and imagery. Worth truly keeps you on the edge of your seat with every page from beginning to end. There is nothing predictable about this book, at all. The only thing that could have been better was the editing, but the mistakes were not enough to take away from this awesome read. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in psychics, mystery, and good romance.
Reviewed by Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub
One Love by Bill Holmes
Perfect Passion and Poetry
In One Love, Bill Holmes' fictional debut, Chris Harrington is a victim of Corporate America by day and a talented poet by night. Anxious about a possible merger between his employer and another company, Chris already has his hands full without the added drama coming from Ronnie, his girlfriend of three months. Dealing with her outbursts and jealousy of his co-workers and even of his poetry, he decides enough is enough and they need some time apart. Chance encounters with Regina, the sharp-dressed accountant who catches his eye every morning on the train, helps him make a clean break.
Regina Simmons, the beautiful and sassy professional, is a talented singer and poet in her own right. Regina has dealings with an ex that have not only pulled her away from the poetry scene, but also make it difficult for her to give her all to a new relationship. Can Chris and Regina find their way through their own emotional roller coasters and learn to ride this wave of words and love together?
One Love is a refreshing read. Bill Holmes has created characters that are easy to love and cheer for. Secondary characters are just as great. You are sure to laugh-out-loud at some points and even shed a tear in others. One Love is a well-written novel and the poetry included in the story is the icing on the cake. Love, family, friends and beautiful word play make this story a hit. This is surely a recommended read, especially for anyone who loves poetry and the poetry scene.
Reviewed by Donielle Ruff
APOOO BookClub
Nikki Turner Presents Street Chronicles Christmas in the Hood
Jingle Bells and Hood Tales
Nikki Turner Presents Street Chronicles Christmas in the Hood is comprised of five stories dedicated to showing the ‘hood’ version of the holiday.
Holiday Hell by Dee Blackmon takes readers through Noelle’s dilemma of coming up with money to exchange for her sister, who was kidnapped, by Christmas Eve.
Me and Grandma by Mo Shines tells of a grandmother’s hustle to provide a good Christmas for her grandchildren, including those that were ‘street’ related. With the help of her notorious thug friends, she not only cooked up a great meal, but an even better Christmas.
A Christmas Song by Seth ‘Soul Man’ Ferranti, Fats attempted to hustle from behind bars to buy presents for his children and their mothers. When his plan foils, would he make it to Christmas in one piece?
Secret Santa by K. Elliott is about an exotic dancer, Shante, who was robbed before Christmas. With children to make happy and not many paying customers at the club, how would she create the magic the holiday brings?
Charge It To the Game by J.M. Benjamin, another story set in prison, found Victorious in a sticky situation. Not only was he locked up, but he could not get in touch with his girlfriend, Meeka, or his best boy, Supreme. The situation thickens when a cellmate is bonded out of jail by someone extremely close to Victorious. Guess what he is getting for Christmas…
Praises to Nikki Turner for creating an urban fiction, holiday-based anthology. The stories captured the manufactured Christmas spirit; the thrill of buying gifts with money you do not have and scheming on how to get money that does not have to be returned. Though a powerful and relative theme, the stories fell short of the expectations of such a great idea. They grasped at the anguish versus elation that Christmas brings but did not provide enough imagery or character development to actualize its potential.
Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier
APOOO BookClub
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The Sankofa Literary Society would like to thank Yasmin Coleman and all the reviewers from APOOO would provide the literary community with these spectacular reviews. Book clubs make bestsellers. APOOO is one of the biggest supporters of new authors, Yasmin we appreciate you and all that you do.
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APOOO is an online African American literary community dedicated to advancing African American literature.
Our mission is to expose readers of all ages to a good book in any genre; to support African American authors, books, literary events and bookclubs; and, to promote literacy within the African American community.
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