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Other comments on this article.
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Thanks to all the Essence readers for your support of the Ramsey series. The fourth installment "A Lover's Regret" has been more successful than I imagined. I thank you. Looking forward to meeting you readers at Romance Slam Jam in Chicago come April. BeBlessed, AlTonya www.lovealtonya.com
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-AlTonya Washington
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Stopping thru to say HI to all my Essence supporters; to all of those whom I've met down in New Orleans, in Texas, and from across the globe. Thank you so much for your sincerity and support. I knew it wouldn't be an easy road, but thanks to hard work, discipline and a little faith my dreams have come true. My 3 dozen books have begun to saturate book stores throughout the world. I am blessed with success, and grateful to all. Love ya. Word. www.relentlessaaron.com
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-Relentless Aaron
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www.kendabell.com
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-The Neo-Soul Lit Author
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Neo-Soul Lit author Kenda Bell will be signing Essence Bestselling novel "For Every Love There Is A Reason" @ Kana's Books & CDs in Columbus , Sat Mar 15th between 3pm - 7:30pm Come out get free gifts and discuss why you love the way you love!!
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-The NeoSoul Lit Author
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Go to Stephanie Johnson's page on myspace, www.myspace.com/stephaniejohnsonkiss and read the first chapter of Lakeda, A Kiss of Erotica. It is so hot! I can't wait to get the book. It'd definitely a best seller.
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-sumthin spechul
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I have written a new book entitled, The Melanin Diet. How can my book be submitted and reviewed? Thanks Deanne Meningall healingatthewell@hotmail.com
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-Deanne
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ANY BLACK ROMANCE NOVEL LOVERS OUT THERE!!! 1. Deadly Sexy-Beverly Jenkins Let me know some of your romance favorites.
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-Country Girl
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CLARRISA B, You can purchase "Sweestest Taboo", from blackexpressions.com
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-Country Girl
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Is the March 2008 extended best selling book list completed yet? I cannot find it on the essence website. Please help. thanks.
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-Don C. Singleton
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I'm looking for a book mentioned by Essence I think a couple of years ago about a white woman giving up her bi-racial daughter for adoption when she wanted to re-marry a white man. If anyone can remember that book or the author, please post it here for me. Also, from what I can recall it was a true story. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
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-Z
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Authors: If you're looking for a 100% honest review of your book (not like the ones you get from Mama and nem) you should definitely check out this African American review site. You don't have to be traditionally published to have your book reviewed either.
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-http://reviews.aalbc.com
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DEADLY REIGNS 3 THE DEADLIEST VERSION IS OUT BY CALEB ALEXANDER......YOU GO BOY,GET WHAT'S YOURS.
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-HOT TOPIC
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Okaaaaay..... This is not going to turn into a Who's from where debate. I'm from Jersey, I now live and work in NY, and if it means that much to you, my area code is now 212. 729 does not represent my area code... obviously...
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-Jersey Girl 729
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I loved Everybody Say Amen by Reshonda Tate Billingsley. Anybody know if there will be a follow up? I'm dying to know what happened with all the drama with that family.
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-Tiffany Trotter
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Renita, I hope you got your money up front. Vickie's pimp game is just as bad as Teri's.
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-Anonymous
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I don't think there is anything wrong with authors plugging their books. I mean some of these books I wouldn't even hear of if somebody on this board didn't mention it. Congrats to everyone who made this month's bestseller list. I'm a huge fan of a lot of the authors especially Deja/Joy King. I can't wait to read B!tch 3 book and Superstar.
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-Latisha Jones
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you guys are all crazy
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-Anonymous
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Lol..there are some missing letters in my remark, but I caught em'...lol
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-LeighAnne again!!!
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Well, I am truly sorry that you feel that way about us authors. We try to get our book notice by any means of marketing free or paid for...just like these rappers and singer and actors. So I'm sorry if we want to be best sellers...with that being said...here is my shameless plug for 2008...Get "Once Upon A time In The Bricks" by yours truly, LeighAnne Boyd, visit outtadabluepublishing.com for info on me and other writers who are cheap! Thanks...xoxo... myspace.com/camay6980
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-LeighAnne Boyd Nj/Virginia
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Renita, is your book out now? Where can I get Tag Your man 2? And the shyt List andThe Pain relief in 3 minutes, and Once upon a time in the bricks, and Scarlett Tears,and the sweetest Taboo. Did I forget any others guys?
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-Clarissa B.
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Stop all the ignorance on here...people who plug their books in anyway are the ones who care about their success...They aren't hurting anyone so go somewhere with that nonsense...you aren't even from Jersey 729 isn't an area code...lmao
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-the real Jersey Girl 973
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As an Author, especially a new Author, my job is to plug my books any and every way that I can! LOL!!! I support other Authors and I'd love to receive that same support right back. With that being said. Make sure you check out the first four chapters of my hot new book, "Like Night & Day," at www.myspace.com/renitamwalker. Thanks for your support! Renita M. Walker Author of Like Night & Day Triple Crown Publications May 2008
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-Renita M. Walker
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I'm with you. It's shameful that authors come on here under screen names, and plug their own books. They need to stop being cheap and pay for some damn advertising!
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-Jersey Girl 729
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You are right Ms. Barnes.. ialways come to this message board to see what new books are out, they i may not otherwise know about. Yes, keep upthe work, keep plugging yourselves. Charlotte from bridgeport
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-Charlotte
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I think it is great that people are here to discuss books and plug their own...it's good that you noticed which authors are doing it...it means that it is working...I love all books, all genres...and I especially support our brothers and sisters...we need to come up and stop hating and discouraging each other...it is sickening that people like you anonymous AAARRRGGGHHHH!!! can't be bold and put your name behind your cowardous remark...MS. Miller, Ms. Brown, Ms. Boyd, Mr. Miller, Mr. Lofton and so on...Isupport you!
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-Clarissa Barnes Chicago native living/NY
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If you really want to make a change in your life? Don't do it without this book!!! THE PAIN RELIEF IN 3 MINUTES HANDBOOK... It truely motivated me for the new year!!!
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-Keisha
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WOW, I JUST PURCHASED A TWO BOOKS LAST WEEK AND FINSIHED BOTH TODAY. TAG YOUR MAN2 BY IESHA BROWN AND SHYT LIST BY THE CAARTEL BOTH OF THOSE BOOKS WERE VERY GOOD. kEEP UP THE WORK, LADIES CIN CITY REPN BK ALWAYS
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-CIN CITY
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I am SOOOOOOOOOOO sick of authors plugging their books on this message board. SERIOUSLY! One plug is enough. Sheesh!
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-AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!
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"Scarlet Tears," written by D. Allen Miller, is one of the best books I've ever read. It is a well-written, fast-paced novel that is set in St. Louis, a wonderful read that has the potential to change lives. Seriously, why isn't "Scarlet Tears" on your Best Sellers List?
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-Carmen Brown/Memphis, TN
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Are you looking for a great book to read? Add Rodney Lofton's memoir "The Day I Stopped Being Pretty" to your list of must read books. Lofton leaves no details of his search for love to your immagination. Rodney Lofton is very talented and reading his book is like reading in 3D. "The Day I Stopped Being Pretty" is a great read and hard to put down once you get started. I agree it deserves a mention in the 'best sellers' catergory and I am looking forward to reading more from Lofton in the future. Learn more about th
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-Mrs. Randolph-Wms.
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Hello, can anyone tell me the title of the book that UPN's THE GAME is supposed to be based on? I heard there was a lawsuit about the rights>
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-Michelle
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I dont know why "Deliver Me From Evil" is up there on that list.
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-Atl, GA
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There's a new author in town and her name is RISQUE. The title of her book is, "The Sweetest Taboo". Zane need to take the back seat!
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-Country Girl
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There's a really great memoir on book shelves today by HIV/AIDS activist Rodney Lofton titled "The Day I Stopped Being Pretty". It definitely deserves a mention in the 'Bestsellers' category. "The Day I Stopped Being Pretty" is a moving, sensitive portrait of one African American man's struggle/search for unconditional love. It's a great read and in my opinion should receive the fanfare that it deserves. Check out my blog for a review of "The Day I Stopped Being Pretty" and a blog interview with author Rodney Lofton! ht
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-Tracey Ricks Foster
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Ive read Tag your Man 2. It's good, and I liked the excerpts from the new authors. LeighAnne Boyd is very talented. The chapters that the author put in her book made me want to go buy it now, but I have to wait. Can't wait for Once Upon A Time In The Bricks. I can tell this will be your next best seller Essence!!!
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-Kenyatta Hayes
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I liked Dutch,and Im sad that Teri woods is doing what she is doing to alot of these authors. Can people make honest money anymore?
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-Ntunde from Nj
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Ive read some Of Once Upon ATime in the Bricks by LeighAnne Boyd and it is good! She keeps saying it will be out in Feb 08' on her myspace page. here it is February...when is it coming. I want copy!
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-Sharnae Meyer
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I recently read "The Day I Stopped Being Pretty" by Rodney Lofton. I was touched by his very personal story of discovering his love for self. I laughed out loud during his back in the day tales and wanted to hold him as shared his life's low points. As agay black man who grew up without my father in the picture I can appreciate Rodney's journey of self discovery. I recommend that you check out this brother's story, it's a good read. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Lofton in the future.
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-Michael
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Walk Worthy Press did NOT fold. I should know, I have a book deal with them.
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-A SIGNED au
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Oh man. You all need to read Grandpa, Is Everything Black Bad, and Grandma says our hair has flair. This is an author to watch. Both books are powerful and have a message all kids need to hear. Grandpa, Is everything black bad? really hits home. The author is Sandy Lynne holman, someone to watch
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-Bayarra
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I just finished reading Tag Your Man 2 that book was off the hook. At first i wasn't going to get it because i didn't read part one but the author put part `1 in the front of part 2 that book was crazy... oh yeah sherri from newark the part 2 is out. Go to www.ieshabrown.com or amazon.comthe book is fire though, good work Iesha.
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-Stan from brick city
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I'm not mad at Karrine Steffans for her personal lifestyle choices. I'm not even mad she chose to speak out (in sometimes graphic details) about those exploits. Truth be told, I was a fan of the first book. What I am mad at is that her "I'm so important"themed second book made it to the best seller list. I'm also mad that my hard-earned dollars contributed to that undeserved honor. She had me at the Confessions, but completely lost my respect on the Diaries. Girl, get over yourself, please!
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-Leigh
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Does anyone know if Walk Worthy Press is still in business or have they folded? Are they under a new name? Have they merged with Urban Christian Books?
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-Please Advise
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Greetings! I wanted to find out how my new book entitled, The Melanin Diet can be reviewed and considered to be placed on your booklist. I have been an Essence subscriber for over 22 years! my email address is: healingatthewell@hotmail.com Thank you for your time and consideration.
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-Deanne Meningall
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Anybody read the article in The Call and Posts? This scandal is crazy! I don't understand why he kept working for her. First time she acted a fool with my money, I'd a been on a plane to New York.
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-Thicke N Sexxi
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Teri Woods is a pimp!
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-Jersey Girl 729
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Has anyone read Mr. Alexander's blog, Diaries of a Ghostwriter? OMG! Just sad. Ms. Woods is wrong as two left shoes!
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-Candace - Alabama
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Apparently, she DIDN'T pay the hush money, or else her azz wouldn't have gotten exposed! LOL She's a fake and and fraud, and I won't be buying another one of her books.
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-Some Like It Hott
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While everyone is bashing Teri Woods, we should remember that Caleb & Kwame both helped her in the original scam of deception. Now that they've spent all the hush money they received from the contract THEY SIGNED, the two decide to cry foul! All three are fake!!!!!
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-Truth B Told
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Pardon a little self-promotion, but I do hope you all will check out my latest novel, Passin'. It's set in 2007 and tells the tale of a light-skinned woman who decides to pass for white. And check out the passing website at www.passingonline.com to check out the song written for the book!
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-Karen E. Quinones Miller
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A piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown is a very great Novel. It tells the story of a former drug addict/molested young woman going on to become an prominent attorney!!!! This book made cry several times. Excellent and a must read!
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-Jessica
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Fake to the game,I wonder who wrote the first one.I can't wait to see what her game is like when she can't steal anyone else books.Big love to the true authors.Hey Caleb can you writr a speech for me.LOL.Loved Eastside and Two Thin Dimes.
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-JANIDE
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I cannot believe that she has everybody thinking she had anything to do with these books,besides stealing them,and taking all the credit.That man has a family and you do unto others as you would have them do unto you.Caleb,Kwame you guys deserve to be acknowledge,and TERI'S dirty laundry should be put out there.OH YEAH CALEB THE BOOK TWO THIN DIMES IS EXCELLENT.....
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-Miesha-A.T.L.
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My favorite "street lit" (as it is being called) was written by Donald Goines and Iceburg Slim! When I 1st read Donald Goines I was hooked and I always respected his message in each of his books because there always was one. I think that authors that follow those paths today do a little glorifying of street life but at the end of every book I have read I always understand the consequences behind all of the glorification! Street life is glorified in alot of things, not just "street lit". At least these books do show the con
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-VAJerseygirl
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Teri can't get my money either.
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-Anti-Teri
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TERI WOODS NO LONGER WILL RECIEVE MY MONEY,HELL SHE HAS OT BEEN WRITING HER OWN MATERIAL.HAS ANYONE READ THE ARTICLE ON UBS?I HOPE SHE GET WHAT'S COMIG TO HER.......
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-NIESHA-MARYLAND
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(cont'd) This book is great and should be mandatory reading for women and men. I had to give her a shout out to this Essence Board and to Dr. Sharon her website is drsharononline.com. The book is "All I Ever Did Was Love a Man" and it is awesome! Thanks for the tip and for all of the book suggestions!!!!
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-Charlotte Reader!
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I am part of a book club in Charlotte, NC and we heard of "All I Ever Did Was Love a Man" by Sharon Allison-Ottey, MD and chose it for January. We were so fortunate to get Dr. Sharon to come to our book club-- a REAL treat! I must tell you that this was the best book that we have read to date and all the ladies were awed by this author and speaker. Dr. Sharon and this book challenged us in our relationships, in our sexuality and in how we deal with our "sister friends". This book is great and shouldbe mandatory reading
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-Charlotte Reader!
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I don't see why you should be jumping on the young ladies back for asking a good question. Is is good to see good conversation back on this board though. I've been gone a while and it feels good to get back. Peace to all of you!
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-MEJ
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John Grisham's work is classified as Legal Thriller, all literature is placed in catagories. Why so worked up In the Know? AA fict is being broken down like everything else. Man Child was Street Lit but probably not characterized as such when 1st released. So is Iceberg Slim, Donald Goings etc.
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-MEJ
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Hear! Hear! I LOVE a good read, whatever the genre. Sci-fi, Christian, Urban, Contemporary...the key is a good read. I think alot of the self-published authors of ALL genres could stand for a good editor. Typos and weak plots are not a good look no matter how many copies you sell. Oh, by the way, since we compared urban fiction to rap...I prefer Nas and Common to Soldier Boy Tell Em...
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-Anon
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Funny!! Personally I enjoy a good book and I happen to life some of the street lit as well as The Christian Fiction! "Everyone say Amen" was nice I truly enjoyed this book as well as "Pastor's Wife"......Nothing like a good read!
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-simplelifecool
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I hate to admit, Claude Browns work is closer to street lit, the first page started out with him getting shot from being caught up in the streets. I read the book White Lines, by Tracy Brown which was interesting and a 5 star rater on Amazon. Yes, some street books are one dimensional, but so are many other genre. Only a fools would say that all street lit is trash, so in the meantime, read what you please and stop knocking something you don't know about.
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-Reason
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Oh for crying out loud! To the street fiction authors - everyone is NOT going to like your books! GET OVER IT! I write Christian Fiction and everybody doesn't like it! Oh well! And to the street fiction critics - make sure to support your favorite authors whether they make this list or not!
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-Tiffany
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And are you serious about traditional AA authors not self-publishing and selling their material? Try E. Lynn Harris, Victoria Christopher Murray, ReShonda Tate Billingsly to name a few. They have all moved on to have very successful traditional careers, after hustling their books out the backs of their trunks. They were doing this before you street lit authors even knew what a book deal was!
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-ANYWAY
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I heard an interview with NY Times & Essence Bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey and he spoke about street fiction. No one wants the authors to STOP writing. He spoke about how alot of them know nothing about the writing craft. Learn how to spin a plot and create more than one-dimensional characters, and you might just make a few fans.
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-Anon
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How did this conversation turn to be anti-street literature. The conversation is about the Essence Bestseller list and the stores that report their sales. Period. Like I said, this list is not a reflection of what I read. Also, please don't insult Claude Brown by comparing his books to the street lit that is in stores today.
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-Anon
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I think street lit is trash because: 1. I am a author and my publishing company don't want to sign me any more. 2. I live in La La land and rather see the world as a happy place with fake stories. 3. I don't write street because it is no different to movies that comes out. 4. I don't like change. 5. I don't think street authors have the right to tell or write their own stories and that only good educated people with a college degree should tell stories.
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-Anti-Authorhood
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Some of you educated people are real funny, you complain about certain authors making the Essence List, but you never complain about The New York Times or L.A Times as such. Here's what you do, take your money down to the chain stores, buy your favorite author's novel and see if they make these list and see what happens.
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-I am Brandon
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The bottom line is that street authors are selling more books because it is popular these days. I'm from New York and I see many of these authors putting hard work in by selling on the streets, at fairs and in the subways, and they are reaching the people. I never saw traditional author do this. They should really be commended, and what they are doing is no different from early pioneers of rap. We all remember what they said about rap back then, now look where rap is today.
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-Just saying
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Man-child in the promise land is street fiction and it is longed praised as required reading in school and colleges. P.S, not only by teenie boppers.
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-In the know
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Sorry, that's http://reviews.aalbc.com/
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-me again
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Are you an author who needs a book review? If so, check out the site below. I was very pleased at their 100% honest review of my book. They specialize in books written by African Americans.
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-http://reviews.aalbc.com/reviewer_guidli
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This list is a reflection of teenager's reading habits. Not mine.
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-Anon
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The primary readers and purchasers of street fiction are teens and pre-teens who are fascinated with the hood life. It's a catch-22 for the bookstore owners because they're struggling against Borders and B&N. When I go into one of these stores and can't find my favorite author, I just go to the chains or to Amazon.com.
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-Speaking the troof
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To Candace and Alexandria, I have made this comment before, and I'll make it again. The Essence reporting stores order and sell more Street Fiction because they're thinking about their bottom line more than anything else. I've gone into some of these stores and they don't even carry a fraction of titles by non-street fiction authors.
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-Speaking the troof
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In the Know needs a hug.
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-Anonymous
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My last comment on this...seriously, I'm not a separist. The separation of genres for Black writers is a sad, yet unfortunate reality. If I could change it, I would, but it is what is. There are a different set of rules for the Grishams and Pattersons ofthe world and I dont see it changing anytime soon (even though I'd love to see it change).
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-Candace
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Okay Candace, nice try, but, lump John Grisham, and James Patterson in a genre, and what do you call it? Stop straddling the fence and admit that you are one of the separatist.
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-In the know
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In the Know...I dont make the genres. If I did, there wouldnt be a separate A-A section in bookstores. Unfortunately, the publishing industry puts the labels out there. Terri was called Women's fiction, Books about church are called Christian fiction (even if they aren't) and books about street life are lumped into the street fiction category. Not my rules but its the way it is.
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-Candace
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By the way, here's an example: The Godfather Now Candace and Alexandra, what do you consider that? I thought so!
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-In the know
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What makes a book 'STREET FICTION' anyway? When Terry McMillian write books shall we call them "Angry black women lit" When E. Lynn Harris write books, shall we call them "Gay Lit". Now when white authors write about, death, murder, drugs, gangster, and loose women, its called plain old fiction. You people are quick to label anything, check your motives first. By the way, what did Oprah call James Frey (A million little pieces) I know...farce lit!
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-In the know
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Alexandria, you're right on the money. Let me repeat...I AM NOT HATING. I think it's great that people like my nephew are becoming readers and I have street fiction to thank for that. I am proud of any author who can make it to the list and urge you to keep doing your thing. I'm just curious about reading habits. Are the street books not in hardback? Do readers go into black bookstores almost solely for street fiction. Just an interesting observation. Thats it.
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-Candace
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Candace makes an interesting observation, actually. I don't think she's "hating" at all. It would simply be interesting to know if the paperback best sellers reflect black readers' reading tastes or does it reflect what is primarily sold in our stores.Valid question. I commend the authors of street fiction and would never try and strip them of their success. It's just an interesting observation regarding the demand of black fiction. Nothing more.
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-alexandria
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Cont. Don't blame the writers for giving the readers what they want. And by the way Candace, most of the writers on the list is with major publishing companies, so don't try to separate us, cause we are here to stay. Smile!
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-In the know
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Here we go with the hating again. Candace, why are you so disturbed about the fiction paperbacks and not the other categories. If you look back at the list these same authors are repeatedly make the list without fail. At least we change authors month after month. To ask this question, is like asking why is hip-hop dominating the air wave as well as the world. Tell the other authors to join us instead of writing their stale and banal stories and make this money and the best sellers list. Face it, it is our time and don't blam
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-In the know
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This is by no means meant to bash street fiction because I actually like it, but I really would like to see more diversity on the paperback list. There's only one non-street book on the list. Just curious, does that truly reflect reading habits or are the black stores just primarily selling street fiction.
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-Candace
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Congrats to all the authors. We so need and value your voices. And congrats to all the readers as well. Without your dedication, dollars and love for the written word, how would our stories find their way around the world and across the centuries? You rock. All of you.
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-veronica banks
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