Essence

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Caught Up by Winston Chapman is by far the best urban fiction book ever! It had sex, mystery, suspense and real life characters. Plus the writing was good and actually edited unlike some of these street books. Keep doing your thing, Mr. Chapman! I can't wait for Wild Thangz to come out!

-Ashonda Myles - Brooklyn

Sex A Baller is off da chain! I heard about it on a Philly radio station and rushed right out to buy it at Waldenbooks. The true guide to catching ballers! Oh, and the sexy pictures - whew! Who is that brotha inside?

-Tamika

When does the Tribe come out? I'm in Seattle and it's really hard to find a bookstore that stocks these books. I usually order them on line.

-Liza-Seattle

Is their anyway you can find out information on this new novel called, Harlem Girl Lost. Please help, I have been trying to purchase this book and also find out information on the Author, and no bookstore seems to have the book yet. Any assistance with this would be great.

-cynthia thompson

i just purchased a book called Harlem Girl Lost, I am on chapter 3 in this book and I tell no lie, this book is wonderful, I haven't been able to put it down. I read it as much as I can. Please find out information for me on the author.

-sandra lee

Me & My Boyfriend was the bomb. It was filled with drama and real life situations. Anyone who likes a lovestory needs to go and cop that!!!

-Kelis

Me and My Boyfriend is a must read! I truly enjoyed it and I think that Triple Crown has a winner with this one!

-Tori Jay

It was very imformative regarding the DL Brothers. It makes single very aware. There has to some signs of this type of behavior. I read the article and the gentlemen stated that they were in the church. I would say that their prayer life and relationshipwith the Lord is not where it needs to be. God is not the author of confusion. That what is DL thing is about. Confusion. Black DL men should have enough respect not to involve black women in this kind of demonic behavior. I am a GOD FEARING woman and I do not believe the Go

-Made Aware.

Ladies and gentlemen, There is a new book out and a new author, Flip Side of the Game by Tu-Shonda Whitaker. I must say that she will do nothing but bring new customers to Triple Crown Publications. This book doesn't follow their norm. It is a breathe of fresh air. It is a love story and one that even my husband read and can't stop talking about. This book should come with a guarantee,assuring that it is a great read, that's how great it is. So, if you are looking for something great to read, read this book. The ins

-Bobbi - New Jersey

The Tribe, by Gregory Townes www.blackprintpublishing.com

-?Catmeat Lover - New Orleans

While there is a tremendous number of extremely talented black authors out there, the quality of the publishing leaves a lot to be desired. Companies like Triple Crown (the absolute worst of the lot) need to invest in copy-editing services. A Project Chick listed as number 2 on this month's list is riddled with typos!Dead characters speak, chapters repeat themselves, etc.

-English Major-Des Moines

Flip Side of the Game does have a nice cover.

-- Shanay Richardson

Now about TRIBE, who is the author? And what is Blackprint's website?

-- Shanay Richardson

I initially wanted to order a copy of The Hamptons to enter the designer bag raffle, but when my favorite bookstore told me there was a waiting list and I couldn't get it anywhere else I knew this was a book that I had nab. All of my friends are on the waiting list too and one of my friends heard that copies are going for fifty dollars on Ebay.

-- Shanay Richardson

Zane seems to be the only publisher out there that actually puts out a decent product. She owns Strebor, which is distributed by Simon & Schuster. Other than that, Dafina, Amistad, Striver's Row and a few others actually care what the INSIDE of the book looks like instead of just putting a "RAP CD COVER" for a book cover. A lot of these writers need HOOKED ON PHONICS.

-Anonymous

I agree with you. It seems we as a people have just come to accept second-rate work in the name of "Keeping it Real." This is why I don't purchase books from a lot of the small publishers. I've never heard of Homo Thug, but it doesn't sound like something I'd be interested in. We need more diversity in our authors, and we certainly need publishers that take the work seriously.

-Katie-Las Vegas

WHY CAN'T BLACK PUBLISHERS PUT OUT A DECENT PRODUCT? I just tried to read a book named "HOMO-THUG". The book had no editing, sloppy printing, the writing was grammatically horrible with the wrong verb tenses, punctuation, and full of RUN-ON Sentences andparagraphs! WHY CAN'T THE PUBLIHSER SPRING FOR AN EDITOR???

-George Talbot-Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

I had been hearing alot about this book "A Harlem Girl Lost", by Treasure E. Blue. At first I was skeptical about purchasing it, but when I went to the bookstores I heard others talking about it, so I decided to buy it...and it was definitely worth it!

-Monique - Brooklyn, NY

I just purchased this book titled "A Harlem Girl Lost". The cover alone caught my attention and by the time I finished reading it I was in awe! It is a must read.

-Janine, Brooklyn, NY

I heard about harlem girl lost, but i can't find. Please tell me where i can get it from, my bookstore say they never heard of it. I'm from Philly.

-Nicole

Stop the presses yall, this new book called Harlem Girl Lost is the BOMB DIGGITY! Where did this girl Treasure E. Blue come from? She put it down. This book reminds me of Addicted meets Coldest Winter Ever...It is a must read.

-Kiasha Green, Harlem

I do believe that Triple Crown has done it this time with Tu-Shonda Whitaker's debut novel, Flip Side Of The Game. This novel is one that you will never forget!

-Chaunci Adams

Me and My Boyfriend is a new novel by Keisha Ervin. This is a wonderful novel and recommended read. Ms. Ervin did a wonderful job with this novel.

-Leah Adams

I just read Danielle Santiago's Little Ghetto Girls and this book is a must read. I am not surprised that it made the Best Sellers list because it is well deserved!

-Zora Banks

FLIP SIDE OF THE GAME IS A MUST READ. WHO IS THIS NEW WRITER? SHE HAS A FAN IN ME. HER BOOK IS REALLY, REALLY GOOD. TRULY A BREATHE OF FRESH AIR. HER CHARACTERS WILL MAKE YOU TALK TO THEM, CRY FOR THEM AND YOU ARE BOUND TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM.

-MORGAN JENKINS

I just fininshed reading Flip Side of the Game by Tu-Shonda Whitaker. This is her debut novel. I must say that it is destined to be a best seller. Triple Crown is the publisher and I must say that they have a jewel in this new writer. This book is a must read. Truly the Flip Side of a hustlers game. You fall in love with the characters. This book makes you laugh, cry, and laugh, cry again. Kudos to Ms. Whitaker and Triple Crown Publications.

-B. M. Parker

the tribe is gone to be hot. so check it out when it hits stores.

-jr white syracuse ny

I'm an avid reader of Essence and always love your bookseller's list selections, but this new book just came out called, Stone's Revenge, and I think this should be on your list. A writing friend of mine referred it. It was written by Sylvia Hubbard and it's a psychological suspense of unbelievable porportion. I haven't read good black suspense like this in a very long time. I couldn't put the book down! Check it out on Amazon.com and you'll see all the great stuff people are saying about it!!

-Felecia Martin

EVERYONE NEEDS TO CHECK OUT THE HOT NEW RELATIONSHIP BOOK ENTITLED:"WHY CAN'T YOU SEE ME? GOOD MEN DO EXIST! TRUST ME, THIS IS A MUST READ! CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE:www.whycantyouseeme.com or www.goodmendoexist.com

-Charles Starr ATL

I don't know why we aint seen The Tribe for sale yet, i like to give books to friends at christmas. whats the release date?

-Sandi Waters, Portland

That little piece of "The Tribe" that Black Print got up on their webpage make you wanna read it. I like the concept

-Erica

The Tribe, FROM THE BLACK PRINT PUBLISHING WEB-SITE:The Dead know what the Living are doing. A 19th Century slave trader brought back more than just slaves on one voyage. He brought back the Curse of the Silver Eyes. A powerful tribe of shunned blacks, each born with silver eyes, the symbol of infinity as a birthmark and blessed with incredible gifts, were captured by a slave trader and dispersed around the world. The tribe cursed those that stole them?and the neighboring tribes that aided in their capte. Today, there is a

-D. Wells, L.A

Why haven't we seen the Tribe out yet? I hate it when they tease. And they always to it with the good stuff too. Dang!

-Rhonda V. , Chocolate City

Why haven't Black Print put the cover of the Tribe on their website yet? I can't find the book on Amazon.com either. What gives? Is it actually out? I heard that it's out but they haven't updated their website yet.

-Catmeat Lover - New Orleans

I heard that they might make the Tribe into a movie. The excerpt from Black Publishing seems like it would make a great movie. I hope they plan on putting the book out before the movie! I'm about too thru all the Iceberg Slim wannabees. About time somebrother is putting out something other than pimpin ho's.

-Psych D, Atlanta GA

God Still Don't Like Ugly is one of the only books that had a sequel that was as good as the first. God Don't Like Ugly tells the story of two young girls, molestation, death, and well I don't want to tell all the secrets, and God Still Don't Like Ugly is about these girls being fully grown and the effects of GODs raft when you act ugly.Both of the books are a must read, you will not be disappointed

-Sonya

Black Print Publishing's Catalog says the fall of 2004 for the Tribe. I agree with you, the story sounds intriguing. A welcome change from the Sex, Drugs, Gangsta stories.

-X-squeeze-it Luva

I'm a fan of Black Print Publishings Books. I have all of them and they haven't let me down yet! I've noticed on their web-site a book called the Tribe, but I can't find it anywhere. Does anyone know when this book comes out?

-Trina (sexy-girl) Mervin, Durty-South!

I love this magizine I just recently stated buying the magizine agian. I was wanting to know if you could any articles about mixed couples so that like myself and others will be able share what other couples like myself know that other couples can talk about this why we are all human beings and God himself does not show any signs races you why because there will not division among the races in heaven.

-T.Worno

People, I just finished reading this book called Harlem Girl Lost and all I can say is the this is perhaps the best story I have read in a long, long time. Its rare that a book get me emotional, but this book had me cheering and crying at the same time. This chick Treasure E. Blue made me a fan.

-Patrice Robinson

I JUST READ THIS NEW BOOK CALLED "HARLEM GIRL LOST" AND BOY IT WAS GOOD. I READ IT IN ONE DAY AND I NEVER DID THAT!

-SANDA

I was surprised not to see ?Saving Grace? by Ryan Phillips on this list. This is her first novel; however, it is by far one of the best books that I have read. I was very impressed with how well the book was written, and how it made me laugh, cry anream all at the same time. If you should decide to read this book I pray that you enjoy it as much as I did???..God Bless

-Tishun L. Gilbert

Your list couldn't possibly be complete without listing the outrageously funny Sister Betty gospel comedy series. Both SISTER BETTY! GOD'S CALLING YOU AGAIN! and the recent release MOTHER ETERNAL ANN EVERLASTIN'S DEAD on Kensington books is outrageous. After all, the name of the church is the Ain't Nobody Right But Us-All Others Goin' to church pastored by Rev. Knott Enuff Money. It is written by Pat GOrge Walker

-Olivia Chapman

I just read Gwen Byrd's "Sister,Girl It Ain't Easy Loving A Married Man"! Ms.Byrd is off the chain! If you want to read a real life realistic book, then this one is a must. I laughed,I cried but most of all I took notes! This book is about true life and every day relationships. If you're thinking about dating a married man or woman. Or seeing somebody who lives with someone else. Read this book first. I guarantee you, you will change your mind real fast! The characters in this book are so believable, I felt as if I knew some

-Melsun Five

I read on a message board that in One of your articles it mentioned that Micheal Ealy is gay. Is this a true statement?

-akohls

I am interested in purchasing a Special Collectors Edition "Wisdom of the Ages". I believe that it was published last year. Need a Order # or ISBN #

-kim.burton@med.va.gov

Anyone interested in self-publishing their story? This is a Must-Read!!! THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN WRITER'S GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL SELF-PUBLISHING: Marketing, Distribution, Publicity, the Internet, & Crafting. By Takesha D. Powell (Amber Books) With more of us publishing our books ourselves, this is invaluable! PICK UP THIS ONE!!

--Rachel Baker

I just finished Triangle of Sins by Nurit Folkes and this book was refreshingly captivating! I couldn't put it down and I can't wait for the sequel. It's full of action! Superb writing!

-Brandy Lefrak

I am interested in an Anniversary Gold Edition cover of Essence showing various women of color & how they have aged very gracefully. I am interested in purchasing that particular edition I just need the info. on which edition & cost!

-Kim Burton@med.va.gov

Im Reading This Book Called "Passion Marks" By Lee Hayes. Its Really "Deep" I Wont Tell Too Much Because I Dont Want To Spoil It.. Its About 2 Same Sex Lovers.. One Is Being Abused By The Other, In More Ways That Any Human, Can Imagine...The Abuse That This Man Sustains, Is Too Much To For Anyone To Tolerate..I Give This One 5**** All The Way A Cross The Board....

-D.M..

I'm waiting on My Invisible Husband by Sheila Goss to come out. I haven't read her other book, but this one sounds like it might be good.

-Marilyn

I just recently finished reading Men Cheat Women Experiment by Natosha Gale Lewis. This book is a must read for the summer! I laughed, cried, and laughed again. This is a story that was surprisingly, not a male bashing book that also discusses the down low, and educates about HIV, which is on the rise in our community. You've got to rad this!

-Valerie Kahn

NOVEL:Little Ghetto Girls-A Harlem Story AUTHOR:Danielle Santiago ISBN:0-975289-07 PUBLISHING:Two OF KiND PUBLISHING REVIEWER:Talented Tenth Book Reviewers Tu-Shonda Whitaker RATING:5 OF 5 STARS The best way to write a review for Ms. Santiago?s debut nel, Little Ghetto Girls, a Harlem Story, is to say, ?Lets all rise, take the crown, and pass it down, there?s a new princess of Hip Hop fiction in town!? Ms. Santiago is doing her thing in this action packed, fast paced, new millennium love story. Kane

-Anonymous

There's a book out by a Gwen Byrd called: "Sister,Girl It Ain't Easy loving a married Man" This is a must read,can't put down book! One of the funniest books I ever read. This book will make many married men stay home and faithful. And many cheating women will think twice about who's man she messes with! You will cry! You will laugh! You will get mad! You will watch your stuff! I red this book twice,let my sister read it,then read it again.

-Angela Morris

i would like to do a story on being a single mother,with no job, raising four children,trying to go back to school and finish my degree,and can barely suvive depression.i can be reached at 772 5620913

-christine reid

I'm so glad to see Hitts & Mrs. on this list. If you haven't read it yet make it your summer book. It's one of the best love stories out there right now.

-Janine Williams

I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT WITH ALL THE BUZZ AROUND THE NOVEL "TRIANGLE OF SINS" BY NURIT FOLKES THAT IT ISN'T ON THE BESTSELLERS LIST! THAT BOOK SHOULD BE A MOVIE. IT ISN'T WRITTEN LIKE THOSE COOKIE CUTTER STREET STORIES. IT'S POISED, ACTION PACKED AND ADDICTIVE. I MISSED MY STOP ON THE TRAIN TWICE BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP READING! IT'S FROM THE TERI WOODS CAMP WHICH IS ONE OF THE HOTTEST PUBLISHERS CHURNING OUT BESTSELLERS BACK TO BACK SO HOW CAN IT NOT BE ON THE LIST WITH DUTCH?!? I'M DYING RIGHT NOW WAITINGON THE SEQUEL "RECTA

-SONAIYO

"Caught Up" was the bomb!!! It was fast paced and lotsa action--sex! I can't wait for "Wild Thangz" to come out. Also, "Every Thug Needs A Lady" was very good!!

-Stacey Brown

Laugh If You Like Ain't A Damn Thing Funny by Lurma Rackley is a must read. Inspirational! I laughed, cried, and got some lessons in life.

-Jamelle R. Riley

I really enjoy reading alot of these books.

-Anonymous

Laugh If You Like, Ain't A Damn Thing Funny by Lurma Rackley is a must read. Inspirational! I laughed, cried, and got some lessons in life.

-Jamelle R. Riley

Well there is a book called "Savvy Sistahs" by Brenda Jackson...it was a really great book...I'd recommend it to any body looking for a good read...enjoy it...

-Elizia Abernathy

Whoever hasn't read Dutch by Teri Woods needs to get to it. That book is off the hook! I also want to know if any one knows of a good book about a relationship between an older man and a young woman. Please let me know of any recomendations you may have.

-val_kim1986@hotmail.com

"Nervous" by Zane was really awesome. I like how she tied in some of her other books, like the character Zoe and her doctor from "Addicted" which was off the chain. Thats the best book I've read yet. "Caught up" I didn't like that one to much. The story line was okay but It seems the authur did not have time to elaborate or maybe she did not know how.

-Jamelia

Please note: That at the end of May, Ourstory Books & Gifts in Plainfield, NJ went out of business. This is the second black owned bookstore in Plainfield, NJ that has been lost in our community due to lack of support by our people. The first, Majoco Collections closed in December 2002 and you would have thought that would have been a wake-up call to a community that is about 60% African American living in $200,000 dollar homes. What do we need to do to get our people to wake up and smell the coffee. Both of these es

-Marie Joyner Corniffe

HERE IS ANOTHER GREAT BOOK TO READ!!I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN, A MUST READ, I READ A LOT OF BOOKS. THE DARKEST CHILD BY DELORES PHILLIPS I PRAY THAT SOMEBODY READ THIS BOOK AND GET BACK @ME CVHG04@MSN.COM

-CYNTHIA

I am SHOCKED not to see the novel, "LUST OF THE FLESH," not on the Essence list. This, unattested, is the best novel for 2004. I know that we'll soon see it on the big screen. If you haven't read this book -- please, do yourself a favor and read it. It's an outstanding novel.

-Darci Malone

I read the book "Laugh if You Like Ain't a Damn Thing Funny" and it was an extremely interesting look at the life of a really dynamic personality. However it was told to "Lurma Rackley" and written by the same person. You unfortunately have it told to "Norma Lackley" and written by "Lurma Lackley". It would be good if you could correct that so more people would be able to get the book and enjoy it as I have.

-Sandra Butler

I enjoy getting the latest news on black best sellers, in a world that promotes magazines and books to a culture I cannot relate to. I love adding a new book to my collection and reading new ideas, it makes me more optimistic.

-Kenyatta

We Are the Same Your eyes may see me differently because my skin may be dark as midnight or pale as the winter snow, but underneath this flesh we are the same. My hair may be kinky, curly or straight; My eyes may be black, blue, brown or green, but inside this fragile flesh, we are still the same. Coming from different neighborhoods, our experience in life does not compare, but yet we were created in in the image of God; We are the same. My talk may not be the same as yours and my walk may be slightly

-Derrick E. Vaughns