Latest APOOO Exchange Reviews

Posted: May 03,2008 Incognegro by Mat Johnson The term "incognegro", a play on the word "incognito" was coined to describe a Black person trying to maintain a low profile or who is racially ambiguous; who could pass for White. The Black man that usually comes to mind is Walter White, one of the founders of the NAACP who went undercover in the South to investigate lynching of Negroes. Thus, in Mat Johnson's latest literary offering, a graphic novel, Incognegro, has Zane Pinchback, a journalist going to Mississippi to prevent a lynching---that of his own twin brother, Alonzo. There were 2,522 lynchings of Negroes between 1889 and 1918. A great majority of these lynchings occurred in the South for the smallest infractions, real or imagined. A great many of the allegations were bogus accusations of Negro men assaulting White women. Zane decides he will hang up his investigative shoes as it becomes increasingly dangerous as his undercover status is compromised. He wants to become and editor and turn his attention to personal writing. But his brother is being held in a Mississippi jail for killing a White woman; he knows he has to go back. His co-worker, Carl, also fair-skinned and able to pass for white talks his way into going with him but Zane is worried because he is young and hot-headed. When they arrive in the small town, he uses a guise to get into the jail and see his brother, who though they are twins, is obviously Negro. Meanwhile as Zane works on getting his brother freed, incognegro, of course, Carl assimilates into the community doing his own investigation but soon finds himself in a dangerous situation when his lies start running together. Zane's investigation takes him to the hills and backwoods where he stumbles upon a mystery and realizes he must work fast to free his brother. Johnson used a different sort of literary device, a growing trend, the graphic novel, better known as a comic book in hardback cover illustrations by artist, Warren Pleece. Reminiscent of the old Dick Tracy or Mary Worth comics, the subject matter is serious with just enough tongue-in-cheek humor. This is an ideal book to encourage adolescents into reading about a vital part of African American history while they enjoy what appears to be a comic book. Johnson has long wanted to do this kind of project and the birth of his twin sons provided the impetus when the quirk of genetics had one born brown and one white looking. I applaud Johnson for stretching his artistic muscles and stepping outside the box while telling a part of American history. CLICK HERE to vote for Dera's review. Reviewed by Dera

Posted: May 03,2008 One Foot Inside the Door by Vina St. Fran One Foot Inside the Door by Vina St. Fran gives us at peek at the life and loves of Cyndarella Worthy, better known as Cyn to her friends. Cyn is a lovely young woman in her thirties who has control of her own destiny, business-wise at least. She owns a successful, minority advertising business, Peachtree Productions and is as the top of her game, financially. Cyn is also feeling very lucky in love. She has found her own African-American Prince in the form of her handsome, successful, fiancé, Thad Mitchell. Considering she is adored by family and friends, what more could she possibly need or want? There is one chink in Cyn's armor, however. During her high school and college years, she dated and fell in love with Bashar Bazzi, an Iraqi, Chaldean. For several years they enjoyed a loving relationship, even moving in together and contemplating marriage. However, after Cyn has a less than complimentary conversation with Bashar's parents, Bashar leaves Cyn, returning to his native home and she is left with unanswered questions, wondering if he ever really loved her. After many years, Bashar returns to Michigan and Cyn's world is turned upside down. Will she finally find out what happened? Will her feelings for Bashar resurface and what will this do to her upcoming nuptials with Thad? Though, at times I was left with unanswered questions about the relationships between the main characters, I recommend One Foot Inside the Door to readers who enjoy novels filled with romantic intrigue. Angelia Menchan APOOO BookClub CLICK HERE to vote for review. Reviewed by Angelia

Posted: April 27,2008 Victoria's Secret by Jason Poole Jason Poole has a hit in the urban fiction arena with his novel, Victoria's Secret. Within its pages, readers journey into the tumultuous lives of Babyface James and Victoria Grey. Babyface and Victoria bore scars from tragic childhoods, but that was not what made them a force to be reckoned with. This dynamic duo put Bonnie and Clyde to shame as they explored different area codes with one plan; to pimp harder. Fresh faces meant new booty and new booty meant more cash in this underworld Babyface and Victoria took by storm. From possibly being crowned `Pimp of the Year' at the legendary Playa's Ball to learning the pimp definition of southern hospitality, Babyface stacked cash and stashed bodies in his tracks with the essential ride-or-die chick. On the flip side, Victoria's secrets could dismantle their stable and disable their pimp, but how could she help when she was barely alive? Poole's potentially classic tale is a glimpse into Pimpdom; a world most find irrational and comical simultaneously. From gaudy-garmented pimps and their dialect, to hosistahs and their intricate relationships, no detail was spared unless you count the grammatical burps. Also, under the circumstances of which Victoria's secrets were uncovered, I expected more consistency in the story being told from her point of view. With its solid plot and good use of supporting characters, Victoria's Secret is undeniably an entertaining read. It is guaranteed to grace literary charts, but why settle for fifth place when it could be number one? Regardless, it is a must read for urban fiction enthusiasts. Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier APOOO BookClub CLICK HERE to vote. Reviewed by Darnetta

Posted: April 27,2008 The Straight-Up Truth About The Down-Low: Women sh by Joy Marie When Janine married Gary, something inside told her things were not right. When Gerome started going to (gay) nightclubs without Nadine, it was no big deal though she had unasked questions. The Straight-Up Truth About the Down-Low by Joy Marie discusses the lives of couples who experienced down-low issues, warning signs, and making decisions regarding these types of relationships. There is even an intimate interview with a down-low man. I expected a male-bashing read and received quite the opposite. The authors provided a well-rounded view of the down-low phenomena. The Straight-Up Truth pressed the importance of intuition, which is something most people either ignore or dismiss as paranoia. The stories shared were impactful as they portray how easy it is to mistake down-low behavior. With shocking personal ads from the Internet, it was clear how much devastation can be caused when women are not given their right to make informed decisions. Written because of the lack of support for the victims of this practice, The Straight-Up Truth About the Down-Low is a much needed vehicle for providing awareness. Sadly, there are not enough places woman can turn to for support in these matters. I recommend The Straight-Up Truth About the Down-Low to all readers over age fourteen. You personally may never encounter such a situation, but may have friends or family members who could benefit from the knowledge provided between its covers. Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier  APOOO BookClub CLICK HERE to vote. Reviewed by Darnetta

Posted: April 19,2008 Pleasure by Eric Jerome Dickey Eric Jerome Dickey once again introduces readers to a very unique and complicated character in his latest novel, Pleasure. Nia Simone Bijou, born in Trinidad and raised in Los Angeles by her mother, Hazel Tamana Bijou, a movie executive. Nia is a writer and a thinker who idolized the late author, Anais Nin. Nia was destined to have it all - on her own terms. While living in Memphis, she was involved with Logan, a very handsome executive, who sought a wife that would cater to him. But, Logan could not satisfy or fulfill her every desire. It also bothered her that he could not distinguish between the words your and you are. So, Nia moves to Atlanta to rid herself of Logan and to think. Atlanta gives her that freedom. This is when she realizes that she possesses two sides - the logical, no-nonsense side that requires order and the sensual, free-spirited experimental side that borders on fantasy. While jogging one, hot July day, Nia meets twin brothers, Mark and Karl. The brothers were immediately attracted to Nia. Mark is an erotic photographer and his brother, Karl, is an architect. Each brother is drawn to a different side of Nia. With the brothers, Nia embarks on an erotic journey that allows her to experience every sexual fantasy she can imagine. Until she realizes that the brothers also represent two things that she tried to run from - pain and truth. Dickey, once again, gives readers a story that will be talked about for years. First, the book was full of erotic, in-your-face sex. The scenes were very well-written and they left nothing to the imagination. Readers are enticed to turn each page just to see just how far Nia is willing to go to explore her sexual fantasies with the twins. Second, Dickey's style of writing is phenomenal. He has a way of telling a story that is capable of stirring emotions and thoughts. As a reader, you are immediately caught up in the story from the beginning or you are completely lost. In that sense, Dickey has increased the bar for writers to achieve. I found this book to be very interesting. However, I must admit that I had to put it down twice because of the graphic sex and read something in between. Some will question whether he has gone too far with the sex; while others will want to read more. Fans of Dickey will enjoy this book. Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson APOOO BookClub If you consider this review helpful, CLICK HERE to vote. Reviewed by Priscilla

Posted: April 19,2008 Her Little Black Book by Brenda Jackson Brenda Jackson's Little Black Book is a romance story filled with something for everyone. Courtney Andrews is overjoyed that her cousin, Sonya, found her soul mate and is about to get married. Sonya gives Courtney her "Little Black Book" with the hope that she would also find love and romance. Overjoyed, Courtney sets out to find the man of her dreams and begins making calls. But after three failed attempts, she begins to wonder whether the book would be helpful at all. Little does she know Lake Masters, who is handsome, wealthy, and available, has already spotted Courtney and he puts a plan in motion to win her over. Before Courtney can surrender her feelings for Lake, she has to accept the fact that all men are not alike. Brenda Jackson put together a wonderful story. She also gives insight to how relationships are witnessed by others and how the opinions of others can impact a person's decision. The romance shared between Courtney and Lake was very sensual and left you wanting to read more. Jackson also gives you a bit of suspense and teaser for an additional story. This book is recommended for the mature reader who loves romance. If you found this review helpful, CLICK HERE to vote. Reviewed by Priscilla

Posted: April 17,2008 The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Bloom by Lily L. Ratliff The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love by Lily L. Ratliff   Amazon: 5 APOOO: 5+   Truly Amazing!   The life of a Lily by Lily L. Ratliff is a must read!  There is a certain sadness and awareness that the writer approached, caressed and owned in penning this story of her life.  Meet Lily the product of two people who did not know how to love or take care of each other.  Once Lilys mother felt abandoned by the love of her life, she no longer cared if her baby lived or died. Born into this world prematurely, at three pounds, Lily proved to be a fighter from the very beginning and she has shown over time that she is indeed here for a reason.   I read this short autobiography in one sitting; where I found myself laughing, crying, concerned and full of every emotion possible.  This is not a book for the weak at heart, because you will be forced to feel and walk in Lilys shoes as she candidly talks about her childhood.  Where she fights for attention from her mother, not knowing her father and worshipping her grandparents.  Ms. Ratliff has bared her soul and has come out on top after the grueling ordeal that she faced growing up, she was able to repair herself mentally and physically.   She is a breath of fresh air-- here to let you know that you are not alone no matter how you feel.  That you can not let anyone guide you, destroy you, or kill your dreams because when you are at your lowest all you have to do is call out to God and he is always on time.  I recommend this book to readers of all genres!  And I look forward to reading more from Ms. Ratliff in the near future!   Reviewed by: Cheryl H APOOO BookClub Reviewed by Cheryl

Posted: April 17,2008 From Dusk to Dawn by Niambi Brown Davis Niambi Brown Davis introduces readers to the life of Ayo Montgomery in From Dusk to Dawn. Ayo is mother of a college-aged son and she is a very successful entrepreneur of unique bath and body products. Having lost her husband twenty years earlier in an accident, she believes her life is complete and fulfilling. On the recommendation of a friend, Ayo solicits the help of Bilal Abdul Salaam, an appraiser, to give her an estimate on her antique furniture. Bilal, with the complexion of dark maple syrup and the body of a gladiator, proved to be more than she was expecting. As sparks began to ignite between the two, they immediately took offense with each other. Days later, they realized they could not stop the attraction that had begun to pull them together. Davis weaves a very interesting story of romance. As the characters become acquainted, they must face the stereotype of older woman/younger man syndrome and religious differences along with issues from family, friends and children. Davis does a wonderful job with her descriptive narrative, which puts the reader in the center of the story. She also gives wonderful explanation of the various religious practices of the Muslim faith that are unfamiliar to most people. I only wished she gave a little bit more romance between the characters. This book will definitely be recommended to everyone that enjoys a happy and loving ending. Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson APOOO BookClub CLICK HERE TO vote.   Reviewed by Priscilla

Posted: April 17,2008 One Ain't Enough by Mo Flames Mo Flames is hot, hot, and hot. Beware, a towel or even a cold shower maybe required when reading One Ain't Enough; that is how hot this book is. Girl meets guy, falls for him hard, realizes he is not the one. Girl meets another guy and he is the one...maybe. Desiree Edwards, a woman who can help you make the right choices when it comes to your money, but who is there to help her make the right choices when it comes to love? Will it be her best friend, Brielle, or one of the men in her life; Jamal, her husband; Troy, her ex-boyfriend or Derrik, a mutual friend of hers and Troy? Desiree's job requires her to do a lot of traveling, and though in the beginning Jamal was understanding and okay with it, the time has come where he really wants to begin a family. When his needs are neglected, Jamal finds a new body to warm his bed. Once he realizes he may have gotten more than what he bargained for, Jamal makes choices he cannot change and would come to regret. Derrik a true friend, has been holding in his feelings concerning Desiree, because of her relationship with Troy. When they are stuck in an airport together, he sees his chance and takes it as soon as it is offered to him. As the saying goes, what is done in the dark, will always come to light, and when it does sparks will fly, but who will ultimately get burned? What do you get when you put hot sex and two love triangles together? One Ain't Enough by Mo Flames. I truly enjoyed reading this debut novel. I was a bit perturbed when I completed the book, because it left me hanging and wanting more. Then again I anticipate her next book that I hope will not only tie up some loose ends, but stand up to the quality work Mo Flames put forth in One Ain't Enough. One Ain't Enough is not for the meek or the mild; I do recommend it to readers who can hang with the likes of Eric Jerome Dickey and Zane. This would be a good read to a person with an open-mind, who likes fast-moving drama, and who is not afraid to read erotica in its rarest form. Jennifer Coissiere  APOOO BookClub CLICK HERE to vote. Reviewed by Jennifer