Bound by Memphis is a nicely written romance story that provides a quick escape from reality into the mysterious and chaotic lives of three characters who you’ll either love or hate. My favorite character is Jasmine, a beautiful, successful, and well-educated woman who is torn between her love for two men - an unusual circumstance for a woman since you normally find that it’s the men who can’t make up their minds and commit to one woman. I liked Jasmine’s honesty, courage and confidence in herself. She is every woman and there’s a heartfelt message in this book that every woman must see for herself.

While there were times that seemed the author dragged the story on a bit, she still does an excellent job at bringing her readers back into the story, keeping us anticipating what will happen next.

One thing I would suggest to any author who writes fiction is to stick to 3-4 main characters and build your story from there. Throwing too many names in a story could distract the reader from the main plot, thus making it difficult to keep up or even reach the end.

Other than that, I think Jennifer does an outstanding job in telling Jasmine’s story. So, I’m patiently waiting because I know there’s more to come. 4 stars

“If we want the citizens of tomorrow to be successful, education must be revised today.” This is a direct quote from retired school teacher, Regina Long Southall’s book, Teaching in Elementary Schools, where she gives readers an account of the many lessons she has learned working as an instrumental force in the lives of elementary school children. Before stepping foot in a classroom to teach, we learn about Regina’s experiences as a student herself. We take a walk with her from her elementary school years through the years she spent as a college student at Norfolk State University. Although Regina paints us a clear picture of what her professional life was like and as a student and teacher and teacher in training, it would have been nice if Regina opened the curtain a bit more so that we could learn more about what her personal life was like and what struggles she had to face while in college and during her training to become a full-time school teacher.

In this book, Regina chronicles her professional journey and teaches us what life was like for her as a full-time elementary school teacher, and for the most part, it is what most would expect. Her life was busy and her hands were full. It’s interesting to learn first-hand what being a school teacher entails and I would have liked to see Regina talk more about her relationship with her students. This book could use more balance of positive and negative reflections on the school system as it relates to Regina’s past experiences. It would have been great to see Regina spend more time telling us about the good times she had working as a teacher – inside the classroom and outside the classroom.

While Regina touches briefly on her involvement in the community and at her church, it would have been even better if she took us deeper into her past and gave us more details that the average person doesn’t already know about the life of a teacher.

Overall, I enjoyed reading, “Teaching in Elementary Schools” because of the connection I have with the public school systems and knowing that a lot of what Regina mentioned in her book is right on target and not far from the truth, since not much has changed in the schools since then.

As educators and community leaders, it is important that we not only shed light on the issues that affect us, but come together to do something about them. Since Regina has so much experience and a wealth of knowledge on the educational system, it would be great to see her organize a movement or initiative that could bring about change within her local school system and subsequently other school systems across the nation. This book is her starting point; there is still much more work that needs to be done. 5 stars

This book is truly a God-sent blessing. No matter what you’re going through, this book offers a rewarding and spirit-filled escape through the mind of a poet who goes by the name of Marcus Taylor. As a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, there’s no doubt that the author has allowed the anointing to flow from his heat through the pen and onto the pages of this written piece of art. Each poem carries with it a different meaning but the same tune – of truth and transparency, love and humility. Go with Marcus as he takes you on a journey in his very first book, “The Wait is Over.” 4 stars

Sometimes there’s no better way to express a message than a poem. Walid Taher’s, “A Bit of Fresh Air” is the perfect example. There’s a hidden gift tucked away on every page of this book. To appreciate poetry, one must first have an appreciation for words. And as the title suggests, between the lines of every poem, Walid offers us a small, yet refreshing bit of air that ignites your mental processes and awakens your spirit. Every poem is filled with so much energy, retrospection, and truth that it’s almost impossible for you to read just one. I had a great time with this book and I encourage everyone to get their hands on a copy because it will change your outlook on life. Above all, this book offers an appreciation for many of the “small things” in life we often take for granted. 5 stars

Little Wisdom by the very young and talented author, Sumayyah, is a book of sunshine, wisdom, hope, and truth. You can tell that every poem was written straight from her little innocent heart. With clarity and purpose, Sumayyah talks about many aspects of life like having friends, family, happiness, loving yourself and appreciating life. She even touches on the formidable topic of death which demonstrates the strong and courageous spirit that lives inside the mind of this young and motivational writer. It’s always a joy to see children who are driven and excited about life and actually put in the time and hard work to achieve their dreams. Sumayyah is a shining star and I encourage every boy and girl to pick up a copy of her book and get inspired. 5 stars

“Memoirs of the Homosexual President” is a book unlike any other book I have read. At first glance, I was denying the fact that DeVaughn actually wrote this book and presumed that maybe he had the help of a ghostwriter. To say the least, I was impressed. This writer has talent and a lot of it.

Memoirs of the Homosexual President is sure to blow you away. DeVaughn does an exceedingly impressive job with setting the historical background of the story and placing you comfortably inside the ancient but familiar world of the main character, Birdy Belle Thomas Ellis. Her story is forceful yet an inviting one that will give you an appreciation for your own history. It makes you wanna take a look back in time and reflect on the good ole days as well as the bad. This story is one that needs to be read because it was meant to be told.

This book should be read by high schools, book clubs, historians, politicians, the church, and passionate readers across the nation. 5 stars

And I Trusted You is a compilation of 6 stories that depict real life scenarios portrayed by everyday characters that any average reader can relate to. From love to friendships, betrayal and regret, Jamela pieces together a diverse assortment of short and candid tales for every reader’s enjoyment. I appreciate the way Jamela draws us into each story, places us in the middle of the characters’ lives, and carefully brings each story to a peaceful ending without dragging us along like some authors do, forcing us to take a 300 page excursion that was only meant to last only for a short while. I look forward to seeing what else Jamela brings to the table. 3 stars

I’m a big fan of romance and erotica and was very thrilled to get my hands on a copy of Erotic Kookie’s book, appropriately named “Just a Little Bit More.” As a warning to anyone who plans on getting a copy of this book, prepare yourself because the heat begins on page one. Expect to get just a little bit more than what you expected. There was so much sexual action in this book, at times, the storyline gets lost, but the author finds a way to pull it all back together. If you like Zane’s books, you’ll be tickled by this steamy tale of random sensual surprises. 3 stars

Too often are we bombarded with unforeseen obstacles we must overcome and challenges we must defeat. When we’re in the trenches, we lose sight of the big picture as our confidence to achieve what our heart desires disappears into thin air. Our dreams begin to seem less and less obtainable as our motivation for reaching them gets buried beneath our fears and frustrations. In a time of our life where the past is a burden and the future seems uncertain we need to hear the truth and be encouraged by genuine words of inspiration like you’ll find in Ifeanyi’s book, “Overcoming the Challenges of Life.” The author graciously pours out priceless pounds of wisdom and inspiration that no only give you a new perspective on life, but challenge you to choose and embrace a positive outlook as well. Often times when you’re going through tough times, it starts to feel like you’re alone and the only one who’s growing through. You begin to feel as if you have no one to turn to who will understand. Ifeanyi paints a beautiful picture with historical facts that offers a beacon of hope and a degree of assurance that although things may get tough, you can always find the strength to make it through.   5 stars

In Scattered Memories pt 2: Life after the Shatter, Bernadine comes back and gives us a double dose of laughter and excitement wrapped around memories from her past. Her words are truly a breath of fresh air – inconsistent with what you will typically find in your average autobiographical tale that can sometimes put you to sleep. Bernadine shares bits and pieces of her life in a way that makes you feel like you’ve known her for years. In her book, you’ll find joy and strength within to move forward and conquer your own challenges. I’m looking forward to more entertaining and motivational books by Bernadine and highly recommend her books to readers of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. There’s something special planted inside this book for each and every one of you. 4 stars