Trevor Noah opens up in his book, a must-read you can't keep to yourself. The book is engaging and comedic and guides the reader through a range of emotions. I called my sister and enthusiastically asked her, "Have you read Trevor Noah’s book? It's absolutely amazing. We discussed the book, and it’s definitely on the list for book club. His memoir is insightful and captivating. This is the type of book that you can listen to, read, and discuss for a thought-provoking exploration of race, identity, and perseverance. Trevor vividly recalls growing up as a mixed-race child during apartheid in South Africa. Trevor is a great storyteller and you can visualize him running from his mother when he was misbehaving. Trevor makes sociological comparisons of South Africans in Apartheid that are very relatable to the experience of African Americans. Trevor introduces his mother and allows the reader to see the beauty in her and shows the power of intuition and resilience. Listening to Trevor Noah is like sitting down with a favorite college professor for a fireside chat. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed every minute of listening time.

I am excited to announce the release of my first book in the Octo Tales book series! In this book, I introduce the fascinating journey of Pearl, a little octopus girl, and her friends’ mission to champion climate change and ocean conservation. Through vivid imagery, I invite readers of all ages to embark on a magical journey filled with sea creature superheroes, Geometry (Geo) , Onyx, Neptune, and Atlantic, who take action and help spread the message of environmental stewardship. You will also meet the Feather Stars who help guide Pearl along her journey. So, dive in and explore the underwater world where we can make a big splash for the future of our planet. The book is available on Amazon.

• ,

In Black Cake, Wilkerson masterfully weaves the story of Eleanor Bennett, the family matriarch, and her complicated experiences, heartbreak, and family secrets. Black Cake becomes a symbol of her journey, and its significance is revealed through a mind-bending exercise involving a voice recording that brings the family together.

The book is craftily written, perfectly timing the revelations that shaped the family. It unveils the mystery of how love, betrayal, secrets, and names have influenced the family's trajectory. When a family member passes away, all that remains are memories, and this book does an excellent job of unraveling the family's secrets and how their mother's journey shaped their lives. Imagine a dark, delicious cake passed down through generations, made with dried or candied fruits soaked in brandy, rum, and spices. This is the Black Cake, a traditional dessert commonly served on special occasions in the Caribbean. Making Black Cake is slow and can take over a year, but it is worth the wait.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery and wants to experience the power of family secrets. The Black Cake is more than just a dessert - it symbolizes tradition, love, and the complexity of family relationships.

Book signings with Terry McMillan were some of the best book signings that I have attended with my big sister, Faye, founder of Blackboard African American Bestsellers. Terry has a way of speaking that quickly makes you laugh and feel welcome to be in her presence.

Waiting to Exhale, by Terry McMillan, follows the lives of four African-American women in Phoenix, Arizona, navigating through relationship struggles, professional careers, and personal growth. For black women everywhere, it was refreshing to see a romantic comedy in a beautiful setting featuring four beautiful black women. The novel explores themes of women’s friendship, romance, and self-discovery as the characters navigate various challenges, seeking fulfillment and happiness in their lives.

In July 1992, The Chicago Tribune published the Blackboard Bestsellers List, and Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan was Number 1 on the Blackboard List as one of its top-selling African American books. In August 1992, the novel was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 11 weeks, and by 1995, it had sold over three million copies.

The film was released with Forrest Whittaker as Director in 1995, featuring Whitney Houston as Savannah, Lela Rochon as Robin, and Angela Bassett as Bernadine. The movie grossed 82 million at the box office. The soundtrack, produced by Whitney Houston and Babyface, sold over 12 million copies worldwide and won 11 Grammy nominations in 1997.

I am excited that there is more to come from Bestselling Author Terry McMillan with her recent announcement for a slate of original film projects with Lifetime.

Terry McMillan (l) Faye Childs (r) at Walter Mosley’s Black Betty reception hosted at Book Expo

Expo. Photo credit: Noreen Palmer

Faye Childs (l) Angela Bassett (M) Noreen Palmer (R) at a Blackboard African American Bestsellers Reception honoring Terry McMillan held in Los Angeles Photo credit: Charles Palmer

Madhubuti, an influential poet, educator, and activist, constructed this work with a series of essays and poems that serve not only to illuminate but also to question and provoke thought about the status quo.  Dr. Madhubuti’s book was featured on the Blackboard African American Bestsellers list, and we hosted Madhubuti at the annual BlackBoard African American Bestsellers Book Expo reception which was held in Chicago. Haki R. Madhubuti's "Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous? The African American Family in Transition" is a profound exploration of the African American experience. This book discusses uncomfortable truths about race, masculinity, and economic disenfranchisement in America.  Madhubuti paints a realistic picture of the social constructs that render Black men 'obsolete' in the eyes of a society that systematically undermines their role as providers and protectors. He addresses the yet still growing trend of single-parent households within the African American community and the individual isolation that many Black men feel when faced with a world that often views them as unnecessary. Madhubuti probes into the negative stereotypes that stigmatize Black men, the ‘dangerous aspect’, the fear that is perpetuated by media and law enforcement biases. Madhubuti argues that this perspective is what endangers the very fabric of the African American family, creating ripples of trauma and instability. Perhaps the most impactful aspect of "Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous?" is its call to action. Madhubuti’s woke approach advocates for education, economic empowerment, and a return to a communal approach to family structure, urging Black men to reclaim their place in their families and communities through responsible leadership, mentorship, and activism.  

Subscribe now

Leave a comment

Finding Me chronicles the extraordinary life of Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis. Right from the very beginning of the audiobook you hear the authentic truth combined with her rich distinguished voice. 

This captivating audiobook is 9 hours and 15 minutes. It is easy to listen to and you will find yourself pausing to let what she said soak in.  You can feel the painful moments as Davis vocalizes her struggles, triumphs, and her pursuit of self-discovery. Davis’s amazing talent shines through in the audiobook where she is the voice actor of her own story.  The reading of this story is almost like an audition for this book to go to the big screen.  I could visualize the film as she was talking.  I appreciate the candid honesty that Davis shares about her journey through her life.  Davis speaks about the poverty she faced in Rhode Island, an experience that must have been incredibly hard, especially for blacks.   Through the poverty and abuse that her mother faced, Davis managed to let her mother’s pride shine through by revealing special moments throughout her mother’s abuse and suffering at the hands of her father. Davis’s recount of the violence in the household and the abuse that her mother suffered was gut wrenching, yet she still managed to show some compassion for her father’s struggles. At the same time, Davis blossoms throughout this audiobook and her beauty shines at the end. Davis educated the listener about what it takes to beat the obstacles and the meaningfulness of acceptance and becoming a leading actor in Hollywood.  Davis educates about the entertainment industry struggles and gives depth to actors, and candidly shares what they endure besides honing their craft. Davis courageously and unashamedly addresses skin color and career obstacles faced by dark skinned female actors.  What is different is Davis is not afraid to speak about colorism within the Black community and how she broke stereotypes. Davis is candid about her life, her family’s struggles, notions of beauty, and acceptance. Davis demonstrates her resilience and unparalleled drive as an actress.  As a storyteller, Davis gives you a lesson from a veteran actor and ‘drops the mike’ in Finding Me.

Subscribe now

In 1982, Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" emerged as a ground-breaking novel, earning her the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. BlackBoard had the honor of hosting Alice Walker as a special guest of honor at the Blackboard Reception when it was held in Los Angeles, California.  What an honor and a pleasure to meet her, with her display of kind, gentle, and humble greatness. Since this book was published, nearly four decades later, the story's transition from book to film is wildly popular again thanks to Oprah Winfrey and the new release of the star-studded movie. Walker allows readers to view the world through Celie's world. Walker immerses the reader into the innermost thoughts of Celie from a helpless victim, suffering years of abuse by Mister, to a strong and independent woman. In 1985, director Steven Spielberg produced the movie with a score by Quincy Jones, and a celebrity cast that included Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, and Danny Glover. In 2023, nearly 40 years later, Fantasia Barrino took on the role of Celie in the musical adaptation. One of the most touching moments of the new “The Color Purple” movie was a guest appearance by Whoopi Goldberg. Halle Bailey plays the role of Nettie, Celie’s supporter, and symbol of hope. The lively Shug Avery played by Taraji P. Henson stole the heart of both Mister and Celie. Danielle Brooks took on the role of Sophia in the musical adaptation and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Rolee. Corey Hawkins took on the role of Harpo and along with starring beside Brooks he has a long-term classmate history with Brooks as Juilliard alumni. From the original Color Purple book, we can now have a Color Purple marathon from reading the book, scholarly articles, reviews, the original film and cinematic musical adaptation.

Subscribe now

Leave a comment

Kevin Hart delivers in his laugh out loud audiobook.  Kevin Hart shines in the world of comedy and his audiobook, "I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons," is entertaining and conversational.  I smiled when I looked and saw that I had over 10 hours of listening to Hart’s audiobook.  It was exciting to get in my car and get back to Hart’s audiobook that kept me company during my travels.  Hart’s voice sounds smooth during the serious parts of the audiobook and like stand-up comedy during the funny parts. Hart shows his wittiness, resilience, and larger-than-life personality.  The audiobook is weaved into life lessons, much like the phases of Hart’s life, starting out with life lessons from his dad.  Each chapter engages you with laugh-out-loud anecdotes that often segue into a deeper story as Hart shares the struggles that shaped him. From his urban childhood in Philadelphia, to his promising future in athletic shoe sales, early days hustling on the stand-up circuit, every low point is juxtaposed with humor and a teachable moment. What stands out most in Hart's narrative is his resilience, how he indirectly learned from his father, learned by example from his mother, and his relentless work ethic. He shares how he was skilled in sales, naturally funny, honed his craft, the rejections he faced, and how each setback became a setup for a comeback. His storytelling voice earns the listener’s respect just as much as his ability to make them laugh. As a compliment to his comedic storytelling, Hart offers genuine life lessons including the importance of family, it’s ok not to be perfect, staying true to oneself, setting goals, and surrounding oneself with the right people. What truly transforms this audiobook into a gem is Hart's relatable honesty whether discussing his mother and father, or the nuances of becoming famous, he does so with honesty that enables listeners to see beyond the actor/comedian and recognize the man and his vulnerabilities. He's unafraid to sadly admit he has a hard time enjoying laughter himself with having a job to keep others laughing.  The brutal honesty in his voice is a refreshing departure from the typical celebrity memoir that may skim over family secrets like addiction and views about private physical attributes among the men in the family.  "I Can't Make This Up" is entertaining to listen to and leaves you wanting to hear more. At times I felt like I was listening to a stand-up comedy show.  Hart’s voice draws you in and brings you close; you can visualize his words and he is a master storyteller that strikes perfectly poignant moments mixed with humor.  Listeners can expect to be fascinated by Hart’s storytelling about persistence while pursuing his passion, and the humor is a bonus.  In conclusion, Kevin Hart's "I Can't Make This Up" is a fun ride especially if you are listening in your car.  Warning - don’t get lost in the audiobook while driving, I was laughing and missed my exit!  I’m giving Mr. Kevin Hart a Distracted Driving Audiobook Award for causing me to lose my direction!

The Evolution of Literature during 50 Years of Hip Hop

Discover the ultimate throwback with Noreen's 50 Years of Hip Hop in Literature. Celebrate the cultural impact of hip-hop over the past five decades and experience the evolution of black literature during this time. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore books during this period with Noreen's insightful and captivating perspective.

50 Years of Hip Hop in Literature

Leave a comment

Subscribe now

Meet Little Daymond and his enterprising friends! When Daymond hatches an idea for a small business to make money to buy a music poster he wants, the whole crew comes together and figures out their unique strengths so they can each get exactly what they want—and even have some change to spare.

Bestselling author and Shark Tank star Daymond John uses this fun story to ignite kids’ early interest in how money works–including the concepts of saving, spending, budgeting, and borrowing–to develop a basic foundation of financial literacy that sets children up for success in the future.

Purchase Book

The post LITTLE DAYMOND LEARNS TO EARN HARDCOVER – PICTURE BOOK appeared first on Blackboard Weekly.

The post CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY ALAN PATON appeared first on Blackboard Weekly.

Uwem Akpan’s stunning stories humanize the perils of poverty and violence so piercingly that few readers will feel they’ve ever encountered Africa so immediately. The eight-year-old narrator of “An Ex-Mas Feast” needs only enough money to buy books and pay fees in order to attend school. Even when his twelve-year-old sister takes to the streets to raise these meager funds, his dream can’t be granted. Food comes first. His family lives in a street shanty in Nairobi, Kenya, but their way of both loving and taking advantage of each other strikes a universal chord.

In the second of his stories published in a New Yorker special fiction issue, Akpan takes us far beyond what we thought we knew about the tribal conflict in Rwanda. The story is told by a young girl, who, with her little brother, witnesses the worst possible scenario between parents. They are asked to do the previously unimaginable in order to protect their children. This singular collection will also take the reader inside Nigeria, Benin, and Ethiopia, revealing in beautiful prose the harsh consequences for children of life in Africa.

Akpan’s voice is a literary miracle, rendering lives of almost unimaginable deprivation and terror into stories that are nothing short of transcendent. Bonus material included in eBook: an interview with the New Yorker, photos, questions and topics for discussion and song download.

The post SAY YOU’RE ONE OF THEM appeared first on Blackboard Weekly.

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, TIME, GOODREADS

The post NIGHTCRAWLING appeared first on Blackboard Weekly.