Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul By Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

Book Description....

"A powerful polemic on the state of black America that savages the idea of a post-racial society

America’s great promise of equality has always rung hollow in the ears of African Americans. But today the situation has grown even more dire. From the murders of black youth by the police, to the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act, to the disaster visited upon poor and middle-class black families by the Great Recession, it is clear that black America faces an emergency—at the very moment the election of the first black president has prompted many to believe we’ve solved America’s race problem.

Democracy in Black is Eddie S. Glaude Jr.'s impassioned response. Part manifesto, part history, part memoir, it argues that we live in a country founded on a “value gap”—with white lives valued more than others—that still distorts our politics today. Whether discussing why all Americans have racial habits that reinforce inequality, why black politics based on the civil-rights era have reached a dead end, or why only remaking democracy from the ground up can bring real change, Glaude crystallizes the untenable position of black America--and offers thoughts on a better way forward. Forceful in ideas and unsettling in its candor, Democracy In Black is a landmark book on race in America, one that promises to spark wide discussion as we move toward the end of our first black presidency."

Title:  Democracy in Black:  How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul

Author:  Eddie S. Glaude, Jr.

Publisher:  Broadway Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Democracy in Black:  How Race Stills Enslaves the American Soul" by Eddie S. Glaude, Jr.

My Thoughts...

What a read that Dr. Glaude gives the reader some interesting perceptions of 'why the 2008 recession disproportionately' did impact black people and so much more. Yes, this is a book about race.   Now, I will say I had to sit back and think about that and as I did I believe I was able to understand some of this author's thought pattern.  As he continues on in the read Dr. Glaude talks about the value gap which to me is very true but yes there are many people who feel that are more valued than black people.  Why is that one may say?  Well, if one really thinks about it and just how some things have gone on in today's world...well I will say the writing is definitely there on the wall for anyone to see. I liked how this author Dr. Glaude didn't pull any punches on stated it like it is..with letting all know that 'anyone is fair game for criticism, not just the conservatives'...which as one knows how our President Obama received some of the worst of it all and even though when he left office he still gets it.  Now, why is that?

Now, I will say some of Dr. Glaude's ideas I was not in agreement with but again I could also understand why he might want to take that route...'electoral black-out?'  I did feel by reading "Democracy in Black"I was able to get some other knowledge that  could help me in having a better conversations in the future about our race.  I also did find this novel 'interesting, eye opener on several discussions relating to African-Americans racial discrimination' that is so prevalent in the United States of American.  The question that I am left with is how will these problems be fixed?   We talk and talk but when will one go deep into all the basics of the problems that are presented in the book and be able to move from theory to action?  This will have to be well done before anything is truly solved.

So, if you would like to read about the political and economic insights of the lives of African-Americans you may certainly find this novel of great interest.  No, it may not be a comfortable read however who ever you are I believe its a good read where it will leave you with thoughts long after the read as you are left to take a good look at the history of this country and see some of the wrongs that have been ignored far too long.

Ray Of Time By: E. L. Todd

Book Description...

"Zeke and I are finally together.

Going from best friends to lovers is surprisingly easier than I thought it would be. We do everything together, and of course, the sex is fabulous.

Everything is great until Ryker shows up. He says he needs to talk to me and I think I know what it's regarding. If my suspicion is right, he's in for rejection.

Because he missed his chance a long time ago."

Title: Ray Of Time
Author: E. L. Todd
Publisher: E.L.T.
Series: Ray # 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Ray Of Time" by E. L. Todd

My Views...

The author knows just how to keep our attention as this series features Rae, Zeke and let's not leave out Ryker. When it seems like everything good is going for Rae and Zeke who do you think appears and things seem to go down hill from there? The story is made with such intense that you are able to feel all of the raw emotions and oh my goodness the drama will be brought up and out front and center and I don't want to mention all of the hot steamy sex! Well, this ending will only have you wanting to know how in the world will this all come out. Will Rae and Zeke finally get their HEA in the end? Well, I guess we will have to pick u the next and final series to find out in 'Ray of the Heart.'

Thank you to the author for a early ARC of your read for my honest opinion of the novel.

When The Heart Turns Cold 3 By: Charlotte Marshall-Murray

Book Description...

"In book 3 of When The Heart Turns Cold, the heat is turning up on Nala Jordan, and she has to work hard to keep her dreadful sins covered up. As the lead profiler on the case of the Philly serial-killer, Nala is doing everything she can to keep the cops on the wrong path.

Meanwhile, Nala’s husband, Kendrick Jordan, is moving on with his merry little life and planning an engagement with his new side chick, Crystal. A visit with someone from Nala’s past will help her put her recent transgressions into perspective. But will this person’s identity cause the lid to be blown off the Lady Ice investigation, or will Nala remain free to rid the world of cheating hearts?"

Title:  When The Heart Turns Cold 3

Author:  Charlotte Marshall-Murray

Series:  Part 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"When The Heart Turns Cold 3" by Charlotte Marshall-Murray

My Thoughts....

Well, from this last part 3 of 'When The Heat Turns Cold' we get a clearer picture of what had happened in Nala life of her biological parents.  Nala "thought that maybe her mother was her hero or was she just another scorned woman who happened to have murdered her father?'  Did she have more in common with her birth mother?  What was even more strange in all that was going on Nala life she had been called in to help with this investigation from the police. What will she do about this?  All I can say is that she really had them all fooled or did she?  Well, as we find Nala "in the middle of a divorce, she was assisting the police in catching a killer[s] that was actually her, and she had met her biological mother, finding they had plenty in common. All I can say at this point to get these questions answered you will have to pick up part 3 of this read.   So what is next as Nala goes on a visit to the prison and oh my goodness what will come of that visit with Robert?  How did he know certain things about Nala?  Well, we are left wondering 'what in the **** was he talking about?'  I'm not sure this is the end of this story  but if it is I am left with a lot of questions that need to be answered.

When The Heart Turns Cold 1& 2 By: Charlotte Marshall-Murray

Book Description....

***This is 2 books of a 3-book series***

Book 1
"Love was all Nala Jordan ever wanted, so marrying the handsome and ambitious Kendrick Jordan was more than she could’ve ever dreamed. Kendrick and Nala Jordan were inseparable from the very beginning, and they became the most highly respected and sought out power couple in Philly. They had a strong foundation, including a beautiful home, wealth and happiness…or so Nala thought. Her entire world shatters when she walks in and catches Kendrick in a compromising position. He is about to find out there is a thin line is between love and hate when Nala's heart turns cold.
Book 2
What was done in the dark has come to light and this time Nala is all cried out. The once beloved, charismatic woman has risen like a phoenix and now she is a force to be reckoned with in her career, home and in the community. Every man that crosses her path is at risk of feeling her wrath. Her desire to inflict pain is growing by the minute and she is on a quest to rid the world of unfaithful married, men – one at a time. Will Kendrick be able to reconnect with Nala before she goes too far? Will his recommitment to be faithful melt the ice from her broken heart?"

Title:  When The Heart Turns Cold 1 & 2

Author:  Charlotte Marshall-Murray

Publisher: Shani Greene-Dowdell Presents

Series: When The Heart Turns Cold 1 & 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"When The Heart Turns Cold 1 & 2" by Charlotte Marshall-Murray

My Thoughts.....

This was a good adult fiction read and involves romance but then that goes down hill soon due to infidelity.

Book 1 was about Nala and Kendrick Jordan having it all... good jobs and marriage but would that be enough for this couple?

Book 2... We find as Nala Jordan is getting more busy with her job of teaching, writing books and also a criminal psychologist...working non stop which also involved traveling and with all of that having less time for her husband Kendrick.  Well that's when another person comes becomes involved with her husband.  And that's when I will say things are about to happen now!  I found I couldn't understand nor believe that husband!  What is it to that saying...."What was done in the dark has come to light and this time Nala is all cried out"especially after she comes home earlier?  Now, what will she find?

This is where I say you will simply have to pick this one up because this story gets even more interesting and we are left wanting to see how well this author brings it all out this story.  How will "Dr. Nala Jordan, famous criminal psychologist and her handsome witty, husband Professor Jordan" make it out of this mess that it all up and front?  The reader will have you wanting even more that is coming out in the next series..."When The Heart Turns Cold 3."

Dreamland Burning By: Jennifer Latham

Book Description...

"Some bodies won’t stay buried. Some stories need to be told.

When seventeen-year-old Rowan Chase finds a skeleton on her family’s property, she has no idea that investigating the brutal century-old murder will lead to a summer of painful discoveries about the past, the present, and herself.

One hundred years earlier, a single violent encounter propels seventeen-year-old Will Tillman into a racial firestorm. In a country rife with violence against blacks and a hometown segregated by Jim Crow, Will must make hard choices on a painful journey towards self discovery and face his inner demons in order to do what’s right the night Tulsa burns."

From School Library Journal...

"Gr 8 Up—Latham follows up Scarlett Undercover with a rich work that links past and present in a tale that explores racial prejudice. After the remains of a skeleton are found in her Tulsa, OK, backyard, 17-year-old Rowan Chase becomes consumed with finding out the story behind the death. As she digs into the mystery, Rowan's contemporary perspective alternates with that of another Tulsa teen: Will, a 17-year-old in the 1920s. Though separated by decades, the characters' lives intersect as the mystery of the skeleton unfolds in both time periods. Race, social inequalities, and entitlement are subjects the teens grapple with as they enter adulthood, Rowan in the current day and Will during the Tulsa race riots of 1921. Latham's enthralling, expertly paced plot will keep readers engaged, and the detailed imagery creates a strong sense of place in both time periods. The occasional mature language is deftly integrated and realistic for both the situations and the protagonists, who are relatable and well-developed. VERDICT Mystery fans will enjoy this cleverly plotted, suspenseful work, while the broader social issues will draw a wide audience. Educators will also find this title useful as a selection for discussion and cross-curricular lessons.—Tiffeni Fontno, Boston College Educational Resource Center."

My Review....

Title:  Dreamland Burning

Author:  Jennifer Latham

Publisher:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Dreamland Burning" by Jennifer Latham

My Conclusion from reading ...'Dreamland Burning'.....

After I saw a news coverage in my area about this author, her new novel "Dreamland Burning" and especially with her being from my area I knew I wanted to read her novel and also met her[and even got her autograph].  I am so glad to say I had that privilege of three things.....meeting this author, reading"Dreamland Burning" and reviewing  her excellent read.

When I was in college...many years ago I did a paper on 'Tulsa's Race Riot 1921' so when I saw and heard what this novel was about I knew I had to read it.  Even though it is a genre as a historic fiction it is mixed with some mystery and truth that I found in the  history of the 'race riot' was fairly right on the mark of what had gone on in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921.  At that time there was 'extreme racism, discrimination and hate especially toward and against African-Americans'.   This 'race riot' resulted in the death of hundreds of black African-Americans and the destruction of the Greenwood area of town of Tulsa was known to be one of  'the worst incidents of racial violence in the U.S. history.' What shocks me even today is that many people know absolutely nothing of this incident.  It did happen people!

This author really gives the reader some descriptions of certain areas that I was able to pick up and know the area in which was spoken about.  A lots of these locations described in the read are still located in Tulsa today.

My thoughts on how this author presents this story using the past/present version [alternating perspectives in different time periods] was really quite unique in how it was done using two main diverse characters...

Rowan Chase:[as the story is from the present] living in the modern day in Tulsa[2017].... a seventeen year old, bi-racial...her mother  was African -American and her father was white...from a wealthy family...went to private school and they even had a servant's quarters. For Rowan lived in a 'post-racial society and a fairly sheltered life.'  Rowan's mother was a lawyer and her father was a doctor.

And then we have .... a little connection...with these two main characters....The Chase's home where the skeleton [I know I am getting a little ahead of the story] was found had been commissioned to be built by William's parents in 1921.  The money that was used to build this home was however, not from William's father but his Osage mother. Now, why was that?

William Tillman [as the story is from the past] living in Tulsa in 1921 during the Tulsa Race Riot... a bi-racial boy seventeen year old living with ...his mother who was Native American [Osage] and his father is white.  William's father was the owner of a Victrola store. This period of time  of this [past]story was between May 31 and June 1st, 1921 when Jim Crow was at its height.

I loved how this story will alternate back and forth from Rowan to William to Roman back to William all the way to the end of the read.  You get a Part I and even a Part II.   So, nothing is left but for you to do but start reading!  I took several days because I wanted to absorb all of the well written story even though some of the read had such 'virulent hatred that just leaped off the page' that caused me to really shake my head and wonder how can some human beings be so cruel.  But that's the way it was back then or is it still like this for some African-American people in some form or another?

How does this all start....

The present...
Now this author gives the reader quite a story of what happens after Rowan mother gets the 'old servant's quarters' renovated and that is when a century old skeleton is found buried underneath in the backyard on the Chase property. We find Rowan who was a great protagonist setting out to discover who this was and how they died by doing some amateur detective research.  Oh, I will say at this point Rowan had some help with all of her investigating and that was her best friend, James who just happened to be a asexual character [Oh Yes!] and just happened to be 'part Kiowa and part Black.'
What happens while Rowan is interning at a local clinic in Tulsa where there will be issues of racism, and social inequality that turned out to be quite a eye opener for her?

The past...
The story comes in where William who goes to a 'Two -Knock'' with his friend Cletus Hayes and gets upset seeing a white girl [that he liked] being touched by a black man named Clarence Banks. There will be a lots of tension built from this situation ...because this was definitely a no no at this time in history.  Now, what all will become of this situation when it was known at this time in history that.....even

"Glancing sideways at a white woman was near enough to get Negroes lynched in Tulsa. Shot, even, in the middle of Main Street at noon, and with no more consequence than a wink and a nudge and a slap on the back."

This author gives the reader chapter after chapter of the days leading up to the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 and I will say it wasn't a pretty read at all for me.  As the read goes on we find that William worked in his father's shop where he comes involved with two African-Americans...Joseph and Ruby. Now I will stop here and only say you will have to pick up this good read to see who they were and how they played into this very  interesting story.  I will not say who but their is another character that really I didn't care for and oh ....well I will say just pick this up this enthralling  read and see for yourself who this person was that was one creep as you read through the read.

Now if you continue to read 'Dreamland Burning' you will get one twisted story that will go back and forth giving the reader quite a historical fiction read but it doesn't stray away from the truth of just what was going on [DURING THAT TIME PERIOD].  "What will happen as William must decide which side he is on and what to do about his decision?"

The characters in the past/present were all off the chart [but there were a few I didn't care for at all] but for the most part I found some were well developed but also complexed too, well portrayed, defined and even down right believable.  The the reader is given this 'incredible as well as a astonishing read that will give one something to think about long after you put this  engrossing read down.  I will say even though there was some 'profiling, violence racial slur [n-word] may have been used I felt it was used to give a true understand and the effect of that particular situation at that time.  I thought it was well done by this author and I liked the note the author left concerning why she used those racial slurs in her read.

What will happen when these two versions from different centuries come out and their stories intertwine as harsh truths from the past and present begin to surface?

Now, I know a lots of people may not be interested in this kind of historical fiction read but it was good read about racism all up front and center even as the past/present racism was showed... due to the color of their skin and the injustice that it causes.  This is where I say again you will have to pick up this good read of 'Dreamland Burning' to see how Rowan becomes 'savior of the present day in Tulsa and Williams story of the past that happened in 1921 comes together so smoothly.  All of the questions asked and more will be answered as the reader reads on and on to the very end.

By the end the reader will be given one amazing read...full of historical fiction, ninety year old mystery, murder with some other complex themes that one will definitely be able to relate to its humanity during this social unrest at that time.  The author brings the story all together giving the reader the 'understanding of this history [Tulsa Riot 1921] and its mysterious skeleton.'  I felt that this author did a heck of a good job as she was able to give the reader of "Dreamland Burning' that takes place at two different times/ places  and in the end bringing it all together before us as we are given definitely a eye opening all front and center of what had truly happened in this whole story.

I will say that this author really did some extensive research work giving the readers quite a story even though it is historical fiction but how she brings in two main characters who were bi-racial...dealing with the issue of racism and hate crimes were truly well done with such humility and tack.  It definitely presents the problems that has happened in the  past and even addresses the present in the 'prevalence of the same issues we still see every single day whether one wants to admit that the Tulsa Riot of 1921 did happen. Well done to you and thank you for giving the reader one excellent well thought out riveting read. I hope many who may not have heard of the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 will know that this did happen right here in great city of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921. "Dreamland Burning" is not only a important novel but one smart one that may not have all the answers but ultimately hopeful ones to pull from. Is there room still for growth as our Tulsa society when it comes to race issues?  YES!

Repent at Leisure, by Stevie Turner

Book Description...

"Paul McAdam wakes up with a strange girl in his bed, with no idea who she is or where she came from.

Cat Taylor worms her way into Paul’s life, eventually moving into his flat. The arrangement suits Paul quite well until he meets Anita Fairfax, the love of his life and the girl he wishes to marry. Cat has to go, but Paul finds that she is not interested in moving out.

When Cat is found dead in Paul’s flat, he's the #1 suspect, even though there's not a shred of evidence. Anita and Paul are happily married, but she soon begins to wonder whether her new husband could have been Cat’s killer all along..."

Title:  Repent at Leisure

Author:  Stevie Turner

Publisher:  Creativia

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Repent at Leisure" by Stevie Turner

My Thoughts....

This read I must say left me on the edge of my seat with this psychological thriller read.  There were so many of twist and turns the reader simply may not be able figure it out until the very end.  I am simply not sure who I felt more sorrier for...Paul or Anita....definitely there was some help needed. What happens as someone comes up dead?  What happens after Paul and Anita are married? Will she start regretting  rushing into this marriage due to Paul's strange behavior shifts? Will he seek help? What will happen after Paul gets in touch with his brother Terry who lived in Australia?   What secrets will come out from that visit to Australia? After they return back home what will happen next
between this couple. This  is where I will stop and say you will have to pick up "Repent at Leisure" to get all of these questions answered and so much more. I will say  I was left shaking my head and saying I didn't see that one coming.  However, this author is noted for giving the reader surprises and that was one surprised ending for me.    

For The Sake of a Child, By Stevie Turner

Book Description....

"Ginny Ford is pleased to win the coveted job of housekeeper to the directors of PhizzFace Inc. However, her joy becomes tarnished by an accidental find whilst cleaning, leading her to suspect that all is not as it should be on the managerial corridor. Delving deeper, she is shocked to uncover corruption and a secret pedophile network that has remained hidden for years, involving the very people she has come to know and trust. Unable to live with her conscience any more, she decides that she cannot keep quiet and that she must find a way of helping all the children involved. However, by trying to help the children she discovers that she has unwittingly put her entire family at risk....."

Title:  For the Sake of a Child
Author:  Stevie Turner
Publisher: Smashwords
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"For the Sake of a Child" by Stevie Turner

My Thoughts.....

What a very interesting novel that brings out quite a read that kept my attention all the way to the end as one see this sadness that can happen with our children this world we live in. I will say this is about pedophiles, neglect and child abuse so I want to warn you up front what this story is about and it isn't a happy one. This author really gives the reader a intriguing story of a type of child abuse that is simply off the chain and so wrong that any person has to go through this.  This author works his magic as he reaches out to the victims and the abusers in this rollercoaster ride with twist and turns in this suspenseful read.  I came away from  the read really wondering how I would feel to be at work feeling safe but to find out that the people you work for are not what they appear to be and they turn out to be involved in one of the most horrible crimes ever!  Now, to get the rest of the story you will have to pick up "For The Sake Of a Child" and see what this story is all about.   In the end the reader will be given a very dark emotional, complexed,  psychological, suspenseful and mystery read that will pull heavily at ones heartstrings when it is all said and done.