5 comments about On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker (Lisa Drew Books).

1. This a wonderfully written biography on Madam C.J. Walker's life. I felt uplifted and inspired by her success as a business woman, as a human rights activist and as a philanthropist. A'Lelia Bundles, Madam Walker's great-great granddaughter, did an excellent job of transporting readers to 1867-1919 to experience the politicial, social and economical issues during Madam Walker's life time.
   
   A'Lelia Bundles was very clear and truthful regarding the fact that Madam Walker did not invent the hot comb. Madam Walker's business provided hair and skin care products to women of color not only in the U.S., also to women in the Caribbean and in Cuba. It is my strong opinion that Madam Walker was one of the first people to develop the concept of self-empowerment and financial independence for women of color because she provided the opportunity to become a Walker sales agent to thousands of women across the U.S. Madam C.J. Walker's work as a human rights activist and her contributions as a philanthropist, impacted a countless number of institutions, organizations and individuals. On Her Own Ground is powerful, moving, enlighting and it is filled with courage!



2. Before I read this book, I knew Madam C.J. Walker must have been one tough cookie! And she certainly was. But her story is more than just "daughter of slaves makes good."
   
   Madam Walker was orphaned at 7, and went to live with her sister and brother-in-law in what was apparently an abusive household. She married at 14 to escape the situation and, at 20, was left a widow, with a child to support. Leaving Mississippi for St. Louis, she began an extraordinary journey, one that would lead her not merely to wealth and fame, but to a position of influence and importance in the affairs of her race and her nation. She overcame obstacles of race, gender and class to found a business that would help give independence and financial stability to thousands of women. From the very beginning of her success, she used her money to help others, not merely through employment, but by setting an example of charitable giving that lasted throughout her life.
   
   As a woman rising from poverty, attempting to establish herself as a leader, she often met with resistance even in her own community (it took quite some time, for instance, for Booker T. Washington to acknowledge her as a leading businesswoman). But she persisted, and, even more to her credit, was able to walk a fine line between the supporters of Washington and those of W.E.B. DuBois, who took Washington to task as not aggressive enough in fighting for civil rights.
   
   I was fascinated by the section discussing Madam Walker's involvement in the efforts of the African-American community to have the issue of race placed on the table at the Versailles Peace Conference after World War I. This was a part of our history that I had not been aware of before reading this book. It does not surprise me that the government was spying on prominent African - Americans and community organizations (plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose!). And anyone, black or white, whom the government perceived as not being completely behind the official point of view was denied a passport to travel to the conference. The issue never came to the table.
   
   Unfortunately, as with a lot of strong, determined women, Madam Walker was not as successful in her choice of men (a difficulty her daughter also had!). But she did not hesitate to do what needed to be done in her personal life. Her daughter, Lelia (later A'Lelia), whom she raised with the usual mother-daughter conflicts, grew up to become an important part of the family business, though not an artist in any field herself, a key supporter of artists of the Harlem Renaissance.
   
   The author, A'Lelia Bundles, is her subject's great-great-great-granddaughter, and is a journalist. Her experience in that field surely was a major factor in the quality of this book. The woman knows research and documentation! She has provided endnotes, as well as a lengthy bibliography. Madam Walker is fortunate in her biographer and Ms. Bundles is fortunate in her ancestors!



3. Mrs. Bundles,
   I just wanted to let you know, I got an 'A' for my presentation on your great- great grandmother. My teacher told me that my speech was on a 2nd year speech class level and that I was like a piece of brass, I just needed some fine polishing. I may have a future in motivational speaking and I just had to thank you. The information in your book was not only factual and informative, but interesting to me as well as my mother and sisters. Our family history could be parallel to yours, except we have yet to find the key to financial success, but we will.
   I have fully enjoyed your book and reading what you yourself have been able to accomplish has been an added inspiration to me.
   Thank you for your time in guiding me to my 'A'



4. The author tells the amazing rags to riches story of her great great grandmother, while at the same time providing a detailed account of a fascinating time in American history. This was a delight to read. Highly recommended!



5. This book helps you to appreciate our past generations and how their struggles were not that different from our own. Madam CJ Walker is more than a shinning example of what anyone with determination can accomplish. A'Lelia Bundles is truly blessed that her great-grandmother and grandmother left so much documentation her to quench her love of family history. The experiences and stories of those that knew them take you back in time. This book helped me to look at my grandmother's antiques differently. I used to view them as beautiful things I have grown up with and am comforted by, but now I realize that they hold the key to what I may have been searching for all of my life. Just as she was drawn to the her grandmother's dressing table so was I. We are blessed as black women to have such a rich heritage to share. A'Lelia carries with her the dignity and pride of her family that I wish all of our young people could express. I think reading this book will help everyone to look to their past in a quest for the future.

5 comments about Ghosts of Manila: The Fateful Blood Feud Between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

1. "Ghosts of Manila," is an absolute masterpiece. Not only does Kram deconstruct the Ali myth, he humanizes him. He also treats Joe Frazier in a way no one else has. Warts and all, Frazier emerges as a man of great dignity if not always dignified. This book has influenced my own writing. It is full of poetic and writerly sentences; it is not only an almanac of boxing but also a one-of-a kind view into the Black Muslims, Ali's hidden self and secret child, and the foolish self-serving antics of American journalsist and would-be pundits who swallowed the Ali jive whole. Kram is a truth-teller and like an oracle unfolds the ravages of time that turn idols into dust.



2. It's human nature to look for heroes. Few candidates for this level of acclaim, however, especially in an age where little of a public figure's life remains private, can withstand scrutiny and still come out shining. Muhammad Ali's shortcomings have been glossed over during the last thirty plus years and his actions have been recast in a more complimentary light by his many hagiographers to turn him into a sacred cow, a heroic figure who can do little wrong.
   
   Mark Kram's "Ghosts of Manila" is essentially a revisionist view of two great heavyweight champions of the 70s, one whose character has perhaps been overvalued, the other who has never received his due. The tension between the two men, an exploration of their psychologies and their historic trilogy of battles are the subject of the book.
   
   Hardly anybody is shown in a positive light in Kram's book and one can't help but feel that the author has some mysterious axe to grind. Yet much of what is described here can be found in other books about Ali. What makes Kram's book unique is that he analyses the actions of the key figures and the context they lived in to give an alternate picture that leads one to assess both men differently, or more accurately in Frazier's case, to assess him at all.
   
   The Ali who emerges in Kram's book is an opportunist who happens to be in the right place at the right time and whose every proclamation and gesture is spun to take on a level of significance to which he is essentially ignorant. The icon we hold as a model of courage is dismantled to reveal a man who repeatedly turned his back on those who supported him, either because there was risk attached to remaining loyal (Malcolm X) or it was inconvenient to do so (his numerous ex-wives as well as a few of his children).
   
   Frazier is presented in only a slightly more sympathetic light because he is seen as the victim, the target of Ali's most offensive insults. The man who emerges is an embittered figure who has sacrificed his dignity (as well as his friends and family) to his rage.
   
   Kram is a skilled, but occasionally undisciplined, writer. Some of the metaphors are overblown and some of his digressions seem to go nowhere, suggesting that the book could have used more editing. In general though his prose is sharp and devoid of cliche.
   
   This book has aroused a fair bit of controversy, as some of the other reviews here illustrate (some of which, interestingly, go to some length to discredit the author). Yet it is a well written book, which provides an interesting antidote to the popular view of the two fighters. The author's courage in taking a critical stance toward one of our sacred cows is to be lauded. Where the book could have gone deeper is in exploring the reasons Ali's many obvious failings have been ignored in the public's eyes to give him the saint-like stature he currently holds.
   
   "Ghosts of Manilla" should have obvious appeal to those with an interest in boxing in general and Ali and Frazier in particular; it should especially interest anybody who wants to get an alternate view of one of the most famous public figures of our time.



3. Kram goes beyond much of the shallow coverage that passes for sportswriting these days to deliver a first-rate package that won't disappoint anyone with a modicum of interest in boxing's golden age. He provides fascinating insights into the two central characters and many others in the business. Thoroughly recommended.



4. Muhammad Ali has received hagiographical treatment for the past thirty years or so. This book has a different perspective, however. Kram was there the whole time, saw everything, knew everybody, and lays out his take, to use an apt metaphor, without pulling any punches. Kram does occasionally lose himself in pretension--using the word "rodomontade" in a boxing book?--but, hey, he was an old guy, close to death, and I guess he wanted his last work to be more profound than the subject matter permitted. For everyone who thought Ali was a keen intellect, or a political visionary, or, indeed, a saint, here is your bucket of cold water. He certainly was a talented athlete--a heavyweight with the speed of a middleweight--and he may have been a symbol of pride to blacks...but that's about it.



5. This book was a major disappointment. If books could be returned for a full refund because of disappointment with the contents, then I would immediately return this one. I liked the title and I am a fan of both Ali and Frazier and I was interested in reading more about their great third fight. Plenty is written about Ali, but I was interested in reading and learning more about Frazier. Well, 90% is about Ali and race. 6% is about Frazier and only 4% is about the fights themselves, including the third fight that the book is based on! This book could have been a short magazine article, instead it is needlessly expanded. I only finished this book because I paid full price for it and I knew that I couldn't get my money back.

5 comments about Alice Walker: A Life.

1. I wanted to love this book as I had been looking for so long for a book on Alice Walker's life. But Ms. White's writing style left me unmoved throughout the book, either that or I am in a coma. At one point Alice Walker lived in Mississippi with her white husband and young daughter post Martin Luther King's assassination. I never get a real feel for the danger or the courage it took to face the everyday for Alice and her family.
   The book was very disappointing.



2. This is really more of an acclamation than a review. It is simply the most inspirational book I have ever read. It deeply and personally touched me on so many levels and recalled many memories of my own life and childhood.
   
   I became aware of Ms. Walker with "The Color Purple" and loved it but had never read any of her other work and did not know much else about her life. Ms. White clearly shows her to be a woman of uncommon intellect, divine talent, genuine
   compassion and sterling integrity.
   
   After reading the book I recommended it to everybody I knew because I thought it was so powerful in its message and lesson about struggle, redemption and the power of love.
   
   It also rekindled my desire to become a serious and successful writer.
   
   It is truly phenomenal!
   
   Michael Sainte-Andress
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   



3. Inadequate. Superficial. Fawning. Sycophantic. And did I mention inadequate? Though very readable, with some interesting information about one of the most courageous and innovative writers of our time, this boot-licking "literary" biography does not do justice to Walker. White uses the book as a forum for sarcastic attacks on anyone who has ever disagreed with Walker or written a negative review of her work. Walker is an intelligent woman, a writer who takes chances in her life and in her works, who uses her writing to challenge many aspects of society. White seems to take more offense than Walker, unless we are not hearing the whole truth about Walker's reactions to her critics, when reviewers, critics, black male writers and others attack Walker's work.If everyone took Walker's writing with serene equanimity, she would not be doing her job, but she is surely not a candidate for the sainthood White would bestow on her. When several of Walker's personal, mentoring, and business relationships falter, White invariably blames the other party and pictures Walker as rising calmly above the fray. Can the woman, fine writer or not, really be that icily aloof or that innocent? Further, the biography barely covers Walker's life after publication and filming of The Color Purple, as though her important work ended there. And to nitpick a bit, I got very tired of paragraphs beginning with "To be sure..." I can only think that the enthusiasm other reviewers have expressed for this work is really respect for Walker and her work.



4. Well now, here I am on page 316 of this biography, over 100 pages to go, yet I felt compelled to scream, shout and holler about it! Evelyn C. White's expertly crafted, brilliant portrayal has lifted me up in much the same way that Alice Walker's poems, essays, and novels send me soaring.It is a celebration of not only Alice Walker's genius, but an affirmation of many unheralded black women writers as well. While riding a crowded subway, I found myself scraping the bottom of my purse for a scrap of paper in which to jot down the names of authors and works that I've overlooked, forgotten about, and/or never heard of. What an absolute JOY! Throughout this biography, I am reminded of why Alice Walker's work is so important, so necessary. I am astounded by her courage and bravery and genorosity. Where in the world would we be without an Alice Walker? Now, I must press on and finish the book, though I am conflicted--I don't know whether to go slowly to savor every single sentence and stretch out my experience for a few more days, or to hurry up so I can bask in the feeling of being utterly inspired.



5. If one were to ask, most people most closely identify Alice Walker with her extraordinary novel that was later made into a movie, The Color Purple. However, this complicated, deeply-intelligent child of southern roots has never shied away from controversial subjects in her writing, constantly tackling issues that call for attention. Often drawn to the rebellious factions of a changing society, Walker is fearless, throwing her considerable energy into ideas whose time has come, as well as important causes.
   
   The Georgia-born Walker showed her intelligence early, an avid learner who was drawn to educational pursuits and the written word. She has challenged racial, political and sexual boundaries, daring to bring such topics to light as FGM, aware that such practices cannot be eradicated until society as a whole acknowledges the horror of such acts perpetrated upon young African women. Yet Walker has tackled less predictable ground in her work as well, with more esoteric novels that envision a more utopian world (The Temple of My Familiar), giving reign to a creative vision that expands upon the conventional. Yet The Color Purple becomes the novel that defines Walker to most audiences.
   
   Walker has deep roots in the literary community and author Evelyn C White makes liberal use of quotations to illustrate Walker's impact on black literary society. As in life, these authors frequently draw strength and support from each other, breaking new ground and daring to speak about forbidden topics, family abuse, violence and the mutilation of women's bodies. In pursuit of an honest portrayal of the world she sees, Walker wields words as her most powerful tool.
   
   White has compiled an impressive biography, a fully-fleshed examination of Walker's life, both public and private, her personal struggles as a writer and her evolution as a woman. Walker is still an active writer, and, as such, a work-in-progress, with much to contribute as a female and an author who refuses to be intimidated or restricted by the world. In Walker's own words: "Love is big. Love can hold anger, love can hold pain, love can even hold hatred. It's all about love." Luan Gaines/2004

5 comments about Bad as I Wanna Be.

1. In my opinion, in his prime, Dennis Rodman was a better athlete than Michael Jordan in his prime. The event that convinced me of this was a playoff game many years ago when the Bulls were playing a team where Shaquille O'Neal was the opposing center. Luc Longley, the starting Bulls center was in foul trouble and on the bench. The backup Bulls center was getting completely overwhelmed by O'Neal and the Bulls went to Rodman in an attempt to stop him. Rodman is 6'7" and around 240 pounds and O'Neal is 7'1" and well over 300 pounds. And yet, the first time that O'Neal tried to bull Rodman out of the way, he just came to a halt and this was repeated. It amazed me that this relatively little man could so forcefully stand up to the most powerful man in the NBA.
   Dennis Rodman was a difficult person, yet he was very well liked, even admired by many people. He was outrageous, at times unstable, flippant, yet there is something very endearing about his approach to life. Much of what I admired about him on the court is that he was a very unselfish player who took an absolute beating in his battles for rebounds. He was also a very smart player, when his fellow players gave an honest appraisal; they were generally universal in extolling his depth of understanding of the game of basketball.
   This book continues that Rodman tradition, standing up for himself, making no excuses and not having a great deal of concern over what people think of him. He often uses segments of bolded text to make his points, as if we need to be shouted at in order to understand his statements. At times the book is disjointed, Rodman moves from point to point in a sequence of inconsistent phrases where it is often difficult to understand the connections between the statements.
   A rebel to the core, this book is Dennis Rodman's statement of "you can put it somewhere" to the world that criticizes him. It is entertaining to read, a glimpse into the mind of a man whose basketball and general intelligence is under appreciated due to his desire to stand out as a wild man with an attitude. If he had been born 100 years earlier, he, by his own admission, would have likely been lynched.



2. I lived in Chicago during the Bulls heyday during the 2nd run of their championships, and everyone I knew had this book, or knew someone who did. I didn't have a copy, but I read it during a break, and found it to be very tiresome and really boring. Even though it's not meant to be Tolstoy, Dickens, or even a dime novel, it's really a waste of time. The book now is completely dated, and Rodman is just a nobody again. All I remember from the book was a rant against David Robinson which started, in typical 90's fashion, "the problem with David Robinson is...". Rodman went off on how Robinson didn't have what it takes to win an NBA championship (Rodman was wrong. Robinson did eventually win a few). Rodman was one of the greatest rebounders of all time, but that's really the only thing he was ever good at. He was your typical celebrity. Obnoxious, rude, outrageous, "outspoken", filled with drugs, marrying stupid women (Carmen Electra in his case), and generally moronic behaviour. The media loved people like that in the 1990's. Rodman just loved to party and behave like an idiot. In other words, typical celebrity behaviour. He did a few bad movies, wrestled in WCW (now defunct), and went on Fear Factor, but he was never a great actor, star, or writer. Just a good athlete that like being a celebrity (hence all the ridiculous clothes, dye jobs, tattoos, etc., etc.).



3. i start loving the NBA because of dennis!! i saw him ones in tv in europe!! and i start to watch the NBA !! i was reaqding the book the first time 1997 in german!! i gave it to a friend and never got it back!! i love the story about his life and all the questin he ask people and what he have done before he was a superstar!!!
   i just can say thanks dennis !! if u are in basketball u must read this book!!



4. As a longtime basketball fan, I was at first anxious to see what I would find in a tell all novel of one of the best rebounders and all around defensive players of the game. What I found was horrible talk about women and other players. Rodman's racist comments against white people are enough to scoff at no matter what color a persons skin is. His comments of "black" players being better than whites is just a terrible shameful label to put upon all of those who play the game. Would have loved to hear what Larry Bird, John Stockton, and Jerry West had to say when they heard that one!
   
   Rodman does talk in depth of the family he lived with for some of his life and I commend him for that. The only downfall to this is the fact he didn't seem to learn from them anything about class or manners. If you are looking for a book about a "worm" then you've come to the right place. If your looking for a book about the wonderful game of basketball as told by one of it's greatest players, I suggest that you look elsewhere.



5. Dennis Rodman was a fascinating bad boy who wasn't afraid of mouthing off about anyone. His book is full of a very few good stories and plenty of complaints about fellow players, basketball management, coaches, everyone. He's bitter and angry, not full of interesting anecdotes. Most of this has ceased to be relevant as his heyday of shock value has passed. For someone not intimately involved in the mid to late 1990's basketball scene, none of the information retains relevancy as time passes. This might be good as a history book for a true fan, but if you lived through the Rodman heyday, you probably picked up his memoir back then.
   
   So much is done for pure shock value, and it gets tiresome.

No comments about Atlantic Lives: A Comparative Approach to Early America.

5 comments about Chicken Soup for the African American Woman's Soul (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. The stories are inspiring and uplifting for Women, Men and Children of all colors And Especially so for African Americans. Beautiful!



2. This "serving" of the Chicken Soup for the soul shows the vision, way of thinking and feelings of AfroAmerican women, which have had a so great role in the shaping of the recent history of the USA. I've missed more stories from the "old days", more stories told from grandmothers to their grandchildren and I think the book would be richer with them. Also, it doens't show the sad face of the racism many of those women have suffered and even if it's extremely hard and sad, it's not less true and it must be told in order to avoid such facts being repeated.



3. Well, this second helping of Chicken Soup for the Afrian-American Soul is for women and everyone who loves them. When you need something to feel good fast, gulp down one of the tasty short stories, seasoned just right. When you want to lift someone up, treat them to this unforgetable treat that they will gobble up. Get ot as a gift for yourself or someone else-- a gift that will keep on giving because of the memorable and inspirational feel-good stories packed inside a beautifully bound cover.



4. I'm really enjoying this book. I'm formerly an avid reader who recently has been so busy that spending time reading and finishing a good, thick book has been quite a challenge. I like this book because while I'm commuting or waiting in the doctor's office or whatever I can choose at random any of these short, stories and get a quick "pick me up" a little lift in my spirits that gets me through my day in a better frame of mind.
   I definitely reccommend it!



5. I have enjoyed reading about the joys, the struggles, the good and the bad of this wonderful culture. Women have many roles, moms, daughters, sisters, aunts, wives, friends. I have enjoyed reading about all of these roles from personal experiences and veiws of the writers. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys good reading and want to know more about the phenomenal black woman.

1 comments about Coming through the Fire: Surviving Race and Place in America.

1. Eric Lincoln's text is a critical evaluation of racism in America, how began and what it is today. Lincoln takes us into his world; the world of the African American.

   The journey begins in the early part of this century; in Alabama, and focuses us in the tiny town of Athens; not a bad place to grow-up, unless you're Black. Lincoln's writing illuminates the ugly prejudice behavior of whites towards (and, as Lincoln notes, the prejudice of Blacks towards "white trash") Blacks that was predominated the South during the first half of this century. He reports his sobering findings that America was and still is split into two societies:white and Black, separate and unequal. After driving this point home, Eric takes you through the changes, notes improvements, but proclaims that America remains caught in racism and class conflict.

   In an unusual twist regarding blacks and Jews, C. Eric Lincoln does a admirable job showing a symbiotic relationship between the two maligned groups. To Eric the Jews were distant cousins in the fight against racism; cousins with deep financial pockets, legal expertise and limited participation that undergirded the Civil Rights Crusades. He sees the relationship as two minorities trying to gain parity in an intolerant closed-minded society.

   Lincoln's call for blacks to reaffirm, (or even regain), their identity as Africans displaced in America strikes me as a rewarming of Malcom X's ideology. Though Lincoln stays short of Malcom X's call for a return to Africa, I feel that Lincoln has failed to realize that blacks in America are American and a vital part of it pluralism.

   C. Eric Lincoln ends his text in a diatribe of statements, that he fails to back up with either facts or incidences of the massive injustice he reports. For example, he states that the "national focus is on the wanton elimination of the African America Male from meaningful participation in the common ventures of American Life".

   The national focus? Lincoln goes on a tirade against the incarceration of "black men" at a "unconscionable rate" as if they have not broken laws, caused injury or done the crime. He makes no comment on the victims of the lawless; black or white; he just waves the flag of injustice and racism. The destructiveness of self-interest that he writes about is also found in the arena of black-interest.

   Lincoln insists that America remembers that the African minority have had their lives disrupted, their national integrity as African impugned, their culture degraded, their politics corrupted and their freedoms commandeered, taken away or sold off by the white establishment. He goes on to say that too little is being asked, said or done to allay the journey from the "harsh, inflexible conventions" of the past. He states that America, especially white America, is "still in the business of niger making." He then closes with a "No-Fault Reconciliation", whereby we must get on with the task of building the dream, the dream that makes us all American. We must prepare for a new world, a new society that allows us to trust and support each other. We are all in need of God and each other. Lincoln reaches the end of his manuscript and says, "Hey, I am a Professor at Duke University and I've got to end this book on a hopeful text, not the ranting, radical diatribe that I started with, so he comes up with his "no-fault reconciliation".

   Lincoln has done extremely well pointing out both the history and problems of racism in America. His insight into the difficulties then and now for a Black person to cross "the color line" is extremely useful.

   However, he fails to come up with any solutions to how we can work collectively to bring change into our system and culture. He lacks answers for the pressing problems.

   To say the answer is no-fault reconciliation leaves me flat. I also found him critical and short changing the black and white church. For Lincoln religion, (IE Christianity for the most part), was more of the problem that the solution. He felt that the Black church and Black preacher kept the system in place and tended to support the oppression (pg67). I wondered where he would have put the Black minister in his triad of "Good, Bad, and Smart Nigers".

   I felt that the few paragraphs that he gave to Christianity were inadequate, considering the role that the Black and White church played in abolishing slavery and in the civil rights movement.

3 comments about A Month and a Day: A Detention Diary.

1. The more I read this book, the more I understood how important it was for the erstwhile military junta of the time to eliminate Dr. Kenure SAro-Wiwa. This book is a blinding shot in the eye for anyone who was in one way or the other called out for acts the author painstakingly makes the reader to personify. It delves into all manners of "human's inhuman to human," if I dare call it so. Read this, especially if you wish to know the state of the current Africa, using Nigeria as a backdrop, in relation to the rest of the world.



2. This story will go down in history - have the courage to read this book and pass it on.

   RJS




3. This is a classic text that chronicles the degrading and dehumanizing process of intimidation of by a dictatorial regime embedded in repressive antics and deviously blood-thirsty. This book comes from the lived experience of Ken Saro-Wiwa, Nigeria's foremost environmentalist and literary writer. He, it was who led his Ogoni people to challenge the environmental degradation of their environment by the Anglo-Dutch Shell corporation through gas flaring, oil spillage and soil degeneration, and the exploiting gimmicks of a militarized centralist and thievery regime. In this work Saro-Wiwa, chronicles his role,in the evolution of the history of the struggles for relevance and records the methods of organization and mobilization of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP)into a vibrant, virulently vocal and highly feared movement. This work derived from the author's contact with the evil of human authority, hence it is a direct a product of his experiences with the malevolent human-evil-forces that were unlynched against him and the struggle. The expereinces reminisced here is just one of his many in the series of unwarranted detentions in the hand of the evil regimes of Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha in unkempt cells of the Nigerian security apparatus in different cities of Nigeria. On another occassion- the detention from which he smuggled this book out to be printed- he would not come out alive. He would be "judicially murdered" by the junta whose guns were brought by the sweat of humble and victimized tax-payers like Ken- representative of repressed Nigerians- and from the money derived from oil that springs from underneath his Niger-Delta homeland-including his Ogoni group. Ken did not leave out the Nigerian Police and their inhumanity- dogs who devour the flesh of other dogs- in fact they act like "vulture." A loaded term in Ogoni parlance! This work goes to show the plight of minorities within such colonial contraptions as the Nigerian nation state, under the dominating rule of a northern hegemony and a limited military clique in collaboration with their favor and fund-questing (fat-bellied) civilian cronies. This goes to further prove the fact that colonialism subjugated many ethnic groups under a contraption that was never dialogued nor radically sanctioned.Is it any surprise that Somali, Rwanda, Burundi, Zaire, Sierra Leone have gone on ruptured by the thunders of machine guns! In this vein the book brings to the fore the problem of such political hypocrisy as such as the overtly caricatured Federalism which is practiced by the Nigerian government. In a way Ken Saro-Wiwa, credenced the fact that all ethnic nationalities must radically be allowed to shape their destiny and control their resources. Further, this book reveals the filthy environmental practices of the multinationals who without regards to safety measures and ecological ethics endanger the lives of people in the orgy for profit-making. Profit-making predominates in the psyche of the multinations in deterrence for the sanctity of the human life! Double business and ethical standards-one for Africa another for the West- in fact Ken calls this "environmental racism." This book is a resplendent classic, and it is essentially valuable for all those who want to educate themselves on one of the most forceful and feared Social, ethnic and environmental movements that has arisen in post-colonial Africa today. In fact, the book goes to show the courageous fights of minorities and social movements towards advocating and ensuring changes. Ken Saro-Wiwa its author was crudely exterminated with eight others on a farce of a trial- a militarized set-up tribunal of the despised tyrannt of Sani Abacha in 1995. Saro-Wiwa is dead but remains a living-dead, an ancestor of a sort for the many social movements that revolves around emphasizing rural development and sound environmental norms and sanctity for the community where companies are located that are emerging in Nigeria today, and it would not be an overstatement to add Africa. His ideas and views radiates and takes on flesh in this little book. Buy one today, read and digest it and realize what a portent book it is, and know why the author was most few by a modern day dictator, who feared men and women of ideas than he feared the men and women who hold the guns! Happy reading! Bon voyage!

5 comments about He Talk Like a White Boy.

1. While I enjoyed Joseph C. Phillips book and agreed with alot of what he had to say about fatherhood and the family, his political views spack of Republican rhetoric. He may be a conversative, but he is not a proud black man as he states. How any intelligent black person can align themselves with a party that shows allegiance to people like Strom Thurmond, Jesse Helms, Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Tom Delay, Trent Lott, need I go on. People who if not blantently racist, are outright hostile to African American, or minorities in general. Their bigotry is evident everyday, despite their attempts to disquise it as political satire or rhetoric. All you have to do is google those individuals and you can find their contempt for African American. But it's not just them, to which points to my disapppointment and disgust with Mr. Phillips, Clarence Thomas, Shelby Steele, Ward Connelly and other so-called black conservatives. They have aligned themselves with an ideology that despises their existence. While I don't believe blacks should be beholding to Democrats, there is no sane reason to align yourself with a party that is outright hostile to us. Look at the three leading Republican presidential candidates. They refused to attend a debate at Morgan State University because the audience was mostly African American. They blamed it on scheduling conflict. Of course black conservative like Mr. Phillips either make excuses for them or refuse to even address the issue. It is a moderate to liberal ideology that was the backbone of the civil rights movement and forced the federal government to act on behalf of all citizens. Mr. Phillips is another example of a lost black man who has been manipulated into believing that somehow the GW Bush's of the world really understand the plight of the poor and minorities in this country. Look at what Bush has done to the Justice Department, specifically the civil rights division. Look at how his administration refuses to take on the issue of the disparity between crack and powder cocaine. Mr. Phillips allegiance to G.W. Bush is sadly misguided and selfish.



2. "...pleasantly surprised by the writing skills and command of the English language that Mr. Phillips demonstrated..."
   
   Ouch...
   
   It's like two sides of the same coin, I tell you...



3. The hard thing about reviewing books like these is figuring out what context to put it in. For all intents and purposes, this is a book about Mr. Phillips. It's about his perspective on family, the state of the world, and religion, among other things. Since it's about him and how he views the world, it would be hypocritical for anyone to review the book based on his views and personality (no one can say that they are perfect in every way).
   
   That said, I found this book to be very engaging. At times, I found myself laughing out loud about situations that occurred between him and his kids and wife. I found that I could relate to situations that he went through (as a matter of fact, the reason I bought the book is because the title is something I've heard a number of times before), and even when I couldn't, I still found that I had to keep reading at times. I do not completely agree with a number of his views, such as his religious stance and Republican affiliation (I view myself an independent). But he did get me to think about a lot of issues, and that is one of the most important things to get out of a book. This book is probably not going to go down in history as one of the greatest books of all time, but, because of how personal the book was for him, its unique perspective, and its humor, it is something that you can pick up and enjoy at any time, and maybe learn a thing or two.



4. I saw Mr Phillips on C-Span talking about this book. It should not be entitled "He Talk Like A White Boy", it should be "He Talk Like a Dittohead".
   
   His prescription to what ails us? Why "America-first, UN bad, the world hates us, believe in God, moral relativism is bad, my country right or wrong" Blah, blah, blah, Republican talking points, blah blah and some more blah.
   
   Oh, if stealing is ALWAYS bad, ALWAYS wrong - Mr Phillips quotes this to be a moral absolute, why coming from Nottinghanm in the UK was I brought up to revere Robin Hood? Why is the US a Republic and not still under the Crown? I'm sure one of Mr Phillips' moral absolutes is "respect your leaders".
   
   Sorry Mr Phillips, we're not buying this brand of political pap and homily today.
   
   Please note I didn't say "Shut Up And Act".



5. HE TALK LIKE A WHITE BOY: REFLECTIONS ON FAITH, FAMILY, POLITICS AND AUTHENTICITY comes from an actor, writer and social commentator best known for his role on the Cosby Show, who is tired of the limits impose on black individuality and the pessimistic vision of black America. He's not a politician or an academic, but a father, an actor, and a conservative black man: his opinions, observations and reflections paint quite a different view of the black male in modern America than many titles and provides many candid assessments a wide audience will appreciate.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

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