1 comments about Salma Hayek: An Unauthorized Biography.

1. Salma Hayek's life shows us that persistence and integrity CAN co-exist with Hollywood's glamor and excitement. What an excellent example!

5 comments about Out of Bounds: Coming Out of Sexual Abuse, Addiction, and My Life of Lies in the NFL Closet.

1. We truly take our hats off to Roy Simmons for his honesty in coming out about his addiction, sexual abuse and his life of love, lust and lies in the NFL closet. In this eye-opening Autobiography Out Of Bound, Roy Simmons, known as " The Sugar Bear", talks about his life as a football player, playing for the New York Giants, Washington Redskins and USFL Jacksonville Bulls. Roy Simmons, a man who had it all was at the top of his profession. He was making tons of money and loved by thousands of fans, fell from grace.
   
   Though Roy had a promising career as a NFL football player, like so many others, he allowed himself to be seduced into the world of drug-addiction. He followed in the footsteps of his teammates, refused to deal with his homosexuality, and forced himself to forget an unspeakable event that involved him being raped as a child by a respectable neighbor and was in denial about his sex addictions which was the cause of his down fall. "It's amazing how he did not realize that his rape would trigger a future chain of events in his later years of countless promiscuity".
   
   Torn between his high school sweetheart; Sheila, who later became the mother of his daughter, and Joe, the only man he ever truly loved, he manage to lose them both, by letting his selfishness and his addiction interfered.
   
   After leaving the NFL and trying to make a life for himself, Roy goes from "Sugar to Shit". He continued to indulge heavily into drugs and alcohol and became more and more self-destructive. His life became unmanageable and spirals out of control. As the drugs and the alcohol takes over his life, he became violent, desperate and starts to prostitute himself. Eventually, Roy winds up on welfare.
   
   As you continue to read this book, you will learn more and more about the great Roy Simmons, the Ex NFL football player. In this book, Roy shares his days of free basing, smoking crack, his time in prison and being HIV- Positive Roy even talks about dressing up in drag; yes dressing up in drag.
   
   We found it truly remarkable for a man like Roy to encounter so many chances in life... just when you think he has hit rock-bottom, somehow he bounces back. It's amazing to discover how such a lucky man was not able to learn from his mistakes. Roy was definitely a man who had more than nine lives
   
   So whether you're a Roy Simmons fan, a recovering addict, bi-sexual, or just plan old confused about who you are, Out Of Bounds teaches you a powerful lesson about the truth.... Remember, you can run, but you can't hide from the truth because in the end, the truth will always set you free. So we urge you to go out and get this book and delve into the un-restful soul of Mr. Roy Simmons.



2. If you think you are going to read a bio of an athlete, or a good gay nonfiction read, fasten your seat belt. This rollicking life story of Roy Simmons goes well beyond both of those matters to take you on a journey of sex, fame, money, and living on the wild side.
   
   A young high school football star, Roy Simmons had no idea what lay ahead of him. Soon he was courted by colleges, pro teams, and hot men and women alike. He would be the first to admit he was gullible to all the attention, and he quickly indulged in all of it.
   
   At the heart of this story, though, is the dark childhood secret that drove him (in both negative and positive ways), styling his future until he realized what he was doing to his body and mind. Even if you are not a sports fan, you would enjoy this incredible life story. I was shocked at the levels he'd risen to in the NFL yet for the hunger of drugs would stoop to being a male hustler for his latest fix. His breathless honesty took tremendous courage.
   
   This is a story that is not only gripping to read, but which will take you through several layers of thought as you see this man's incredible path.



3. Mr. Simmons's story is a cautionary tale of lies and deception. He is delusional about the lack of recovery and involves those who love him in his "quicksand of lies and cruelty." He claims to have loved those who care for him and yet he hurts them and worst, expose them to the risk HIV/AIDS with his reckless behavior.
   
   I had hoped to read further his story redemption and atonement for those he had hurt that he claimed to love. There is no such ending.



4. I enjoyed this book from the point of view of a white football fan looking in from the outside on the experiences of a black brotha coping with the challenge of being gay. But I was rather turned off by the many expletives on almost every page in the later chapters, as he described his struggles with alcohol, drugs, and the underground gay culture. I live on a Caribbean Island where I hear the same expletives every day, so I can appreciate the reality of "the life" but it was a bit off-putting for the general reader. Still I came away praying for Ray, that he will be able to stay on the wagon and not relapse from his addictions, and also hoping that he will sometime find a partner that he can rely on and relate to.



5. its hard to write a review without giving away juicy details but his lifestyle was of the fu_king hook to say the least! im not a football fan but i love autobio/memoirs so i gave this book a shot and im glad i did! this book was a good read! its shocking sad has hunor and will make u mad! i will stop there and say i reccomend this book to all ages races and al lifestyles there is a LESSON TO BE LEARNED!

No comments about Imperfect Equality: African Americans and the Confines of White Ideology in Post–Emancipation Maryland. (Reconstructing America (Series), No. 2.).

4 comments about Jazz in the Bittersweet Blues of Life.

1. Jazz, America's music, is an improvisational art. In Bittersweet Blues Marsalis and Vigeland do a lot do educate the reader just how this works. Not just on the bandstand but also on the road and in the life of jazz' leading spokesman. The book helps you see how musicians must comminucate, must hold each other with respect, must listen with an ear for creativity and must withhold judgement.

   The book alternates between Vigeland's discussion of the events in life of Marsalis' Septet and Wynton's discussions of what it means to be a jazz musician. This interplay is what gives the book it's beautiful tone and variety. In a sense, you see the two authors improvising around each other's styles. What amazed me the most was the pace of Marsalis' life and the breadth of his associations. I enjoyed learning more about the creative process behind some of my favorite music as well.

   I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in road stories, jazz or how artists create the ir art.




2. You can't just say those words without putting music to the most famous road anthem by Willie Nelson. That's what this book is about: life on the road with jazz musicians.
   
   Co-author Carl Vigeland was invited to travel the country and Europe with jazz superstar Wynton Marsalis and his band.
   
   This is about the music of jazz, the blues and the road. Vigeland and Marsalis make numerous references to the book's title "Jazz In The Bittersweet Blues of Life. Vigeland covers personal observations of life with its rigors of the road, the overwhelming passion to produce quality performances. You don't get too much of the personal life of Marsalis, he shares little about his two older boys living in New York.
   
   Brother Branford splits for a rock band
   We also get very little info on tenor saxophone Branford Marsalis along with member Kenny Kirkland who left the band in the early 80's to play with rock superstar Sting. Branford also did a short stint as band leader for Jay Leno's "Tonight Show." In the book, we DON'T' get a clear understanding about the departure of his brother Branford and member Kenny Kirkland. Little is known here about Branford's departure, only mentioned here is "that others have thought that it may have been hurtful to have your brother leave for a rock musician." This book doesn't discuss that a rift was occurring and the finality was the departure. But I believe now, all is well with the brothers.
   
   Marsalis, on the other hand, shares keen insight into the world of jazz, his composition style, and rhythm including his relationship with the trumpet. About the trumpet, he says "you can never force the trumpet, you got to baby it, treat it gently, coax it. It's always there when you need a high note, or something very loud. If you don't handle up on it, it won't respect you"
   
   He teaches us about playing the songs and how the members produce an evening's show. We learn about his amiable personality and he exudes the passion to please his audience.
   
   Observations from the Jazz man
   Just from this book alone, we get the impression that Wynton Marsalis is cool and collected, caring of young children, family man and friend. His insights into life are fascinating. Of people who hang out at bars, discos, etc., he says are the unhappiest and lonliest blankety blanks in the whole world. He says, "If you want to be happy, go inside. Inside yourself, inside the people you love, inside your art. Inside seems much lonlier than outside, don't be fooled, you go far enough, it's always warm and good."
   
   But most of all, Wynton gives us an idea how he works, how he composes; it's incredible. It may be no surprise that he is also an accredited author with his books by "Marsalis on Music" and "Sweet Swing Blues on the Road." Wonderful read....MzRizz



3. Picked up Marsalis + Vigeland's work and just couldn't put it down! From descriptions of events, to understanding the personal struggles of band members, Jazz in the bittersweet blues of life fully expresses the goings on of the Wynton Marsalis Septet. Above all, I found Marsalis's commentaries on life, love, and music striking chords within my soul, and left me pleading for more.



4. Jazz in the Bittersweet Blues of Life is a chronicle of one artist's ten year journey as he shares his gift and talent with the world. Marsalis' words, which appear in italics throughout the book are both profound and poetic. As you read, you can hear him speak, but most of all you feel the passion he has for his craft. He poses the question early in the book when explaining that everyone is an artist, "...how do you want to make me feel with your art, and what insights do you have that distinguish your ideas from someone else's?" A rhetorical question for every artist.

   You get a sense of the daily experiences of Wynton and the other musicians in the Septet, from composing on the road, to the daily pick-up basketball games, to the lectures in schools across the country to the musicians ironing their clothing before each performance. It is a demanding, yet rewarding life. Throughout the book (and his travels) Marsalis not only meets and encourages young musicians, but he keeps in contact with them through periodic phone calls, updating himself on their growth as musicians. Some of the young musicians he met early in his career became members of the septet.

   Jazz in the Bittersweet Blues of Life, has shaped me as both an artist and author. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Marsalis at Book Expo America. He is as personable, down-to-earth and charming as he appears in this book.

No comments about Ama, Your Story Is Mine: Walking Out of the Shadows of Abuse.

5 comments about King James: Believe the Hype---The LeBron James Story.

1. This book is a very interesting one. The book describes how a young basketball star goes through his career from 8th grade to senior year in high school. The book shows Lebron's stuggles and accomplishments. It explains major deals with shoe companies. The book gives highlights from his most hyped high school games. The book shows all aspects of how Lebron made everyone believe the hype. Overall it was a good book and it is for anyone who loves reading about sports and athletes accomplishments.



2. Ryan Jones is a great basketball writer. In King James: The LeBron James Story he does a great job of trying to show the reader how amazingly good LeBron James is at basketball. Coach Bob Gibbons said about LeBron's performance in the Olympic trials, "I don't want to blow too much smoke and distort the kid's thinking, but I saw Kobe Bryant in tenth and eleventh grades, and I think this kid is more advanced than Kobe was." Like LeBron, Kobe Bryant was drafted out of high school and has led the Los Angeles Lakers to multiple NBA Championships.
   Ryan Jones is editor-in-chief at SLAM, the monthly basketball magazine that combined the sport with hip hop culture at a time when the genre was becoming increasingly popular. The magazine carries advertising for basketball-related products, street-wear clothing and hip hop music, and it has been credited with helping to market hip hop culture and basketball as one. It is only fitting that Ryan Jones wrote his first national magazine feature on LeBron James. He thoroughly explains LeBron's involvement with SLAM magazine throughout the book. He lives in New York with his wife and son.
   Although Jones seems a bit repetitive at times, his knowledge of basketball and great style shines though and creates an easy to read biography. In Chaper Four, he talks about the potential LeBron possessed in football as well as basketball: even though "there wasn't much national buzz on LeBron the football player, area football coaches knew better." Jones even compares him to the New England Patriots Pro-Bowl wideout, Randy Moss. While he mainly focuses on LeBron's basketball ability, his information about LeBron's high school football career is refreshing.
   With all the hype about LeBron and his constant coverage on ESPN, this book reveals the truth about LeBron and his journey from moving in with his friend's family to his 90 million dollar sneaker deal with Nike. While the vocabulary can be a bit easy at times, the book a joy to read, especially if you are a total sports nut like myself. A stong strength of Jones is to tell the complete story of every little event in Lebron's life. His very descriptive writing explains aspects of basketball that makes this book a good pick for sports lovers and non sports lovers alike. I give this book an eight out of ten and recommend it highly.



3. This was quite an enjoyable read. I was fascinated by the rise and rise of this basketball prodigy due to all the hype surrounding him. There is no doubt that Lebron James is one hell of a talent after seeing many of his highlight plays on T.V, and on the net. This book details his performances in school for ST Vincent-ST Mary and other events, the frenzied interest from fans and media wanting to see him perform, sport commentators and coaches raving about him being the best thing in the sport of basketball, hummergate, speculation about his future career plans, and the fight for his feet between Adidas and Nike in which the latter won because the former could not offer huge amounts of money in the bidding war with its major rival. Great stuff.



4. This was a AWESOME book. It really looks into the real life of LEBRON JAMES and shows you his trip into stardom. This book is great if you like watching basketball careers grow because is probably the most popular young basketball players in the world today and this book did a really good job of showing how LEBRON is always improving his game. I have read a ton of sports autiobiographies and this one was probably the most inspiring because it took an indept look at the personal and also basketball part of LEBRON JAMES life.



5. King James: Believe the Hype, The LeBron James Story by Ryan Jones was a great book
   to read it tells you about LeBron James early life and about his high school games and
   when he goes into the NBA . He was born in Akron, Ohio on December 30, 1984.
   He was mostly raised by his mother, LeBron went to school at St. Vincent-St. Mary
   High School . He was the starting point guard . James averaged 18.2 points and 6
   rebounds per game.Lebron James was also a star football player in addition to
   basketball, LeBron was also First-Team All-Stateas a wide receiver for his high school
   team. But, he didn't want to get hurt so he quit football and concentrated on playing
   Basketball . In his junior year, he appeared on the cover of SLAM Magazine which
   show everybody in the world who he was.In the NBA LeBron join the Cleveland
   Cavaliers they made many changes to there lineup , adding Larry Hughes ,
   Damon Jones and Donyell Marshall and many more . Now LeBrons James is Standing at
   6 feet,8 inches and is 21 years old. That some information about what the book tells you
   about. This was a great book and if you love basketball you should get this book.
   

No comments about Affirmative Acts.

5 comments about Michael Jackson The Early Years.

1. this is really cool a book that covers early MJ&His Career&whatnot.this Book does a Great job of refelcting on the artistic side of MJ&going over His work.also a Great reflection on Jermaine,Tito,Marlon,Jackie&later Randy.it's about time the real reason why people got into MJ is mentioned&showcased fr more here with this book.



2. Any fan of Michael of any age is perfect for this book. Full of very rare stories of each album, and photos. Pure heart and soul of one man from a child to growing, but fully grown. Get a view of Michael we don't ever see anymore. From the J5 to solo with his bros, to acting as a man of his own in Epic. A true and beautiful book.



3. Michael Joseph Jackson has made milions smile with his voice, passion and love, but what a lot of people don't know is where his roots of love come from. Michael is a man of soul, way back with the legendary Jackson 5.
   With the book MJ The Early Years, it captavates Michael from way before Steeltown, to Steeltown, Motown, Jackson's, and every album and song that help led up to who Michael is today. Many unheard of people are discovered in this amazing book. I urge you to give it a try! You will love it, and most of all: It will place you in a state of shock!



4. Michael Jackson the Early Years: An incredible book! The very first in a long time to tell you just where Michael came from. MJ The Early Years, paints you a picture of the Jackson household, telling you the ever lasting story of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael.Remember Dancing Machine, I Want You Back, Ben? Well these are all here with the stories to back them up! You think you know so many things about Michael, and how the J5 started... You don't until reading this book. I dare YOU to try it.



5. At last a book covering Michael Jackson's early days, both as a solo artist and as the lead singer of The Jackson 5. Not only are Jackson's many recordings with Motown covered, but there is also fascinating account of his humble beginnings from Gary Indiana to Steeltown Records where is first ever recordings were produced. Rounding the main chapters off is a section on The Jacksons, who enjoyed success themselves after leaving Motown in 1975.

   Written in an entertaining format, each album is taken individually with an appropriate essay of the period, covering facts, single releases and chart information. All this with additional material on unreleased recordings, a comprehensive discography, chartography, videography and an exclusive Jackson poll.

   The last decade or so as seen the media concentrate more on Jackson's eccentricities than his prolific singer/songwriter credits. One glance at Michael Jackson The Early Years reminds everyone that Jackson's career spans a lot further than Off The Wall and Thriller, and if anything puts him up there with all of the universally recognised greats such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Any fan of Jackson or of popular music, interested in what makes a legend should look no further than this book, as it covers the backbone of an industrious career.

1 comments about William Sheppard: Congo's African-American Livingstone.

1. William E. Phipps reconstructs the past and tells the story of the African American Livingston utilizing thorough research. Phipps details his preparation throughout his adolescent years, his journey to the Congo, his efforts to challenge human right violations and his return back to America. The author reveals to the readers to the forgotten African American missionary, which has been ignored by Black history for so long. There are two significance reasons why the story of William Sheppard has not been shared. First, Sheppard resigned from the Congo mission at its peak, due to being confronted about having affairs and an illegitimate child. Second, historians studying African American religion have paid relatively little attention to the overwhelmingly Caucasian Protestant churches. Sheppard was a pioneer missionary and an explorer that was second only to Livingston and Stanley in the opening of Central Africa. Phillips crafts a historical study in a seamless outline about Sheppard to help describe the colonization of the Congo. It is a perfect book for students wanting to learn the true story of King Leopold's Congo.

2 comments about Lying Down With The Lions.

1. Forget your ideology, reader; this is a terrific book. Written by the most left-wing member of Congress, Lying Down takes you on an exciting journey that was Ron Dellums' career. Whether opposing Reagan's military buildup or denouncing apartheid and the Gulf War, Dellums stays true to his principles.
   
   As a political science junkie, I especially enjoyed the chapters on Dellums' congressional career. Though an ultraliberal, Dellums is pragmatic enough to form coalitions with conservatives of both parties to advance his agenda. What was impressive is Dellums' willingness to admit when he failed, or atleast only partly succeeded. This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend.



2. Dellum is a humanist and intellectual, who has lived through extremely unjust treatment while leading African Americans to political equality. All intellectuals, and every conscientous person in general, have a lot to learn from his dignified and persistent struggle, through his witty and humorous story-telling.