Book Review Alert: Multiverses

Book Review Alert:  Multiverses
Author:  Celia Lissett
Published:  n/a
Publisher:  n/a
ISBN-13:  n/a
Rating:  5

Multiverses is a collection of poems that consist of pain, trauma and strength all in one. This piece resonated with me on a personal level. I was able to relate to much of the authors pain, raw emotions and even deepest desires. Multiverses is what I would label as healing!! I truly appreciate how the author put great detail in the pain, the trauma and the journey of losing a child. Highly recommend for any grief counselors to incorporate as a tool in their therapy sessions as well as possible support groups. This contemplation of poetry speaks to the heart of mother's and/or father's who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillborn. It takes strength to share the most intimate parts of oneself. Kuddos to this author for her bravery and transparency.  Each section was vivid, full with raw emotions and the author did an impeccable job of sharing the pain and journey a mother experiences with loss.

(Reviewed by Harmonyrayne)

Book Review Alert: Ethosism: Self-Enslavement Abolitionist Manifesto

Book Review Alert:  Ethosism: Self-Enslavement Abolitionist Manifesto 
Author:  Jo M. Sekimonyo
Published:  November 20, 2020
Publisher:  Resource Publications
ISBN-13:  978-1725265349
Rating:  4

This book is loaded with a wealth of information. The author was passionate about the message of why poverty still exists and ways to overcome it. Reading this novel was so relatable to how times are now as compared to the past. It puts all of the lawmakers “on  blast”, exposing them for their hypocritical ways. In a nutshell, the same politicians that we elect into office to work for the people are basically working for themselves to enhance financial gain and status quo. Time is way overdue for morals and standards to overcome worldwide poverty.  

The author utilized many quotes relating to his point of views. However, the one that stood out to me the most was, “There must always be a remedy for wrong and injustice if we only know how to find it.”---Ida B. Wells. Elected officials could find solutions and change. It’s evident that the past catches up to the present when lawmakers become too comfortable with how things are; even when it’s hurting the exact reason that they are sworn into office, the people. Is there really any hope for the future for those in need? This author definitely leads your mind to wonder how things could be if opened to change.

It would be cool to see this work as a class text.

(Reviewed by Kela)

Book Review Alert: Pink Lotus

Book Review Alert: Pink Lotus

Author: Dominique D. Glisson

Published:  July 31, 2020

Publisher: Afrosofly Inc. 

ISBN-10: 1734924500

ASIN: B08M2K9F5P

Rating: 5 stars

A collection of poems that are all in some way related to the vagina. This book gave the vagina a voice. Poems in this book will make you hate a man and other ones that can make you love a man.  One of my favorites was titled Poetry Man Part 1. This poem puts me in the mind of the movie Love Jones. The first time that Darius sees Nina to be exact. Another poem that I thought was HILARIOUS was titled False Alarm. All I can say about that poem is it is ok to be small. LOL

Glisson did a great job with this book of poetry. I found myself able to relate to some of the poems. Some poems I found myself thinking like omg if she only could talk. And lastly some poems had to giggle and laugh. Some poems are short and some are long. But overall this book is great for females. It is our words from our special box. 

(Reviewed by Patrice)

For more information on Dominique Glisson's book  or works, follow her at 

https://m.facebook.com/dominique.glisson.5

https://www.instagram.com/kahawia__/

Book Review Alert: The City Heroes and other stories from the Heart of Africa

Book Review Alert: The City Heroes and other stories from the Heart of Africa

Author: Omoruyi Weingarten

Published:  February 21, 2012

Publisher: Pen Books

ISBN-13: N/A

ASIN: B007C4Cy6A

Rating: 4 stars

 

Literary Tic Tok of animals. I never thought of at this age reading a book where the animal, in this case cats, takes on real human feelings and emotions. In a way it is kind of funny. One point in reading this book, I could see the animals talking, drinking, and taking on real human attributes.  This book is an anthology. The stories within these pages are well rounded. You can have a solid beginning, middle, and end in each one. Every story has some type of meaning or thought that the author is trying to get across. The story of Forgiveness took the spotlight for me. In this very short but to the point story gives a great example on how forgiveness should be granted and how all in the situation can walk away stronger and better than they came in. 

 

I am a big fan of short stories. These short stories are good quality stories with an antidote. This is the first time that I have ever encountered this. The illustrations in the book are very good also. There is a great companionship shown between the stories and illustrations. They are vibrant and full of color. With the story that I chose as my favorite, Forgiveness, I could see the entire story in the illustration. Great job Omoruyi

 

(Reviewed by Patrice)

 

For more information on Omoruyi Weingarten's book  or works, follow

https://www.facebook.com/omoruyiu

Book Review Alert: L’s: Lust, Love, and Lifetime

Book Review Alert: L’s: Lust, Love, and Lifetime
Author: Therapeutic Poet
Published:  June 11, 2020
Publisher: Kindle Edition
ISBN-13: 979-8653579714
ASIN: B08B4BBPSD
Rating: 4 stars

Poetry that leaves you hot and bothered. Looking for someone to unleash the buildup of tension from what you have read.Most of the poems contained in this book  are about love and lust. There were maybe about two or three that seemed to pertain to lifetime with one mainly about the Black Lives Matter Movement. With all of that being said the flow of the book was great. I would have to say that my two favorite poems in the book included Poetry Man Part 1 and Agape.  Poetry Man Part 1 gave me the vision of Love Jones. I can see Tate and Long’s character in a coffee house silently watching each other remembering the poem that they heard. 

The second poem that struck a chord with me was Agape. Now me being a big girl,I can really relate to this poem. My three favorite things together: love, my man, and food. Can we say YES!!! And when the author said that her man was  “roast and potatoes with carrots, onions and gravy on the top”... BLANK STARE!!! 

Looking forward to seeing and reading more work by this author.

(Reviewed by Patrice)

For more information on Therapeutic Poet’s book  or works, follow

www.Facebook.com/authorkelacalvin and www.Instagram.com/therapeutic_poet. 

Book Review Alert: The Road to Success In Life

Book Review Alert: The Road to Success In Life
Author: Michael Maliele
Published:  December 25, 2016
Publisher: Kindle Edition
ISBN-13: 978-1539765011
ASIN: B01NCPZJ9Y 
Rating: 3 stars
 


 
 
The book was about Michael’s Road to his personal success, with the details of where he began and what he went through and when he actually found success. The author gave specific accounts of each and every struggle he faced on his road to success. The book was a little difficult to follow and understand in the beginning, but towards the middle of the book it got a little easier to follow and understand. When he writes, he talks about everything and how it made him feel. From reading this book you can always tell who the key people are in his life. This author is very open about events and writes them in chronological order as they happen. Although the writing style of the author was different, you could understand where he is going if you read slowly and paid close attention. The things that I liked about the book are the events mentioned are ones that do happen to many people and its reality. Some of those events are the ones that helped Michael grow as a person. Overall the book is a good read for someone who likes reading different genres of books that have you feeling for the characters in the story. 


 
My feeling of the book is that it would be great for someone who likes to read books that makes them feel the author's story as if it were theirs. Also, the focus is on the struggles and pains of life. He is a very open book about his religion, family, friends, and strangers that he meets. I would not have chosen a book that the authors made the book difficult to read until the middle of the story. It wasn’t until the end of the story he received what he needed. Maybe I am too critical about this book and the way it was written. I suggest that the author write using a little less details and more generalizations.
(Reviewed by Felicia)

Book Review Alert: Amanda (A Golden Jewelry)

 Book Review Alert: Amanda (A Golden Jewelry)

Author:  John Amarachukwu Ezeakanihu

Published:  N?A

Publisher: N/A

ISBN-13: N/A

ASIN: N/A 

Rating: 5 stars

The book begins with the wonderful characterization of Amanda herself. We learn about her likes and dislikes her, the people she knows and loves and the way that the mother watches over her daily with unconditional love. We are brought into the presence of the family as they sit down to eat and prepare for the attending of school the next day. She begins school and is a fantastic student. She enjoys her teacher and adores her classmates. An incident occurred that shows that Amanda’s character is outstanding. As a young girl, it was a very nice thing to do. Eventually Amanda has to go to another class. She is older and is reading and growing fast. She is a favorite in her calls and graduates with accolades. Amanda is a great gift to the people she knows, exhibiting kindness and consideration to those she comes in contact with. She is always helpful and giving. She loves to see others smile and tries to make sure that there is a reason for someone to do so in her presence. When she is not around, she is missed. Her parents are very proud of her and the things that she does both at home and at school. I gave it such a high rating because it is the example of how we should train our children to be and how they should conduct themselves in the home, in school, and in the community at large. We are to be productive citizens in our sphere and Amanda was the epitome of a good girl. Her parents raised her up well and her upbringing shows how she is brought up at home. I am proud of Amanda and how she goes forth in life, beginning early to impact lives of the people around her. I was glad to be a reader of this book and hated that it was over, wanting to see where Amanda went in life.

(Reviewed by Stephanie)

Book Review Alert: The Road to Success In Life

Book Review Alert: The Road to Success In Life

Author: Michael Maliele

Published:  December 25, 2016

Publisher: Kindle Edition

ISBN-13: 978-1539765011

ASIN: B01NCPZJ9Y 

Rating: 3 stars

Never let the situation that you are in determine the future you will have is a great summary for this novel. Michael Maliele talks about his life. Throughout the novel he speaks about the ups and downs of his life. Yes he has had many trials and tribulations but in every situation he seems to find the silver lining in the cloud or situation. Even being diagnosed with epilepsy halt the plans he had for his life. Overcomer who became an achiever. 

I would have to say this book was a little difficult to read. I find myself on some occasions wondering where the novel was going because of the incomplete thoughts. On the other hand, it was great to read about places in South Africa and find that place on the internet. It was always such a beautiful and breathtaking picture. I would like the author to know that the language barrier was not an issue. There were numerous editorial mistakes that contributed to the rating of this book.

(Reviewed by Patrice)

For more information on this author, follow him on social media...

facebook:Maliele Mike Michael twitter:@DMalielemichael Linkedin: AuthorMalieleMichael Inst@michaelmaliele93

Patrice and Friend's (AAMLLC’s Review Team) Book of the Year

Patrice and Friend's (AAMLLC’s Review Team) Book of the Year

Aspiring Authors Magazine Review Team decided they wanted to choose a book that has stood out from all the reviews that they have done in 2020. We decided to call it the AAMLLC’s Review Team Book of the Year. This is the first year of this award. We are proud to announce that Author Pugh is the winner. The title of the book is Major Repercussions. Our director, Patrice Grimball interviewed Pugh to get to know more about him. 

• Tell us about yourself.

Greetings, I am the author known as PUGH. I was born in Chicago, Illinois and was raised in South Miami- Dade County,FL. Thus far, I have written and published four novels. In my spare time I like to exercise, write, read, and watch my favorite shows. As we speak, I am working hard to complete my fifth novel entitled 'Legacy',which is scheduled to be released February 2021.
 

• When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

I first realized that I wanted to be a writer of novels back in 1995. That's when I sat down and read the whole entire book called Roots from an author named Alex Haley.

• Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? 

The information and/or ideas for my books all comes from portions of my life and real life experiences. I have lived a life that is full of stories and experiences worthy to be told. I doubt if I ever run out of characters, themes, plots and climaxes judging by all of the things that I have personally been through or seen others go through in my lifetime.

• Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want? 

My main focus is to always tell my stories from my point of view. In doing that, I just deliver to the readers the best that I have to give.

• Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Yes, I have read a few reviews over the years. Well, to be completely honest with you, I have never experienced having a bad review. I have been blessed to only have great reviews. I deal with reviews with humility. I am just grateful to anyone that actually takes the time out of their busy day to open one of my novels and read them from beginning to end. Whether the review is favorable or not, a review itself is acknowledgement that your work is being read by someone. As an author, all I want is to have a fair opportunity to have the results of my hard work placed in front of an avid reader.

• How do you balance making demands on the reader with taking care of the reader?

One thing that I have learned about the reader is that all they really want is your best as an author/authoress. They want and expect a good book. So I do my best every time to tell my stories the best way that I know how and then let the cards fall where they may.

• How many hours a day do you write?

What works for me is that I write in one hour blocks. Whatever I complete in that one hour block. I do this three to four times throughout the day..

• What period of your life do you find you write about most often?

The period of my life that I find myself writing about most often is my young adulthood. To me it's where most material to pull from. I had so many experiences on all levels (mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually) during that period of time and I have been blessed to live long enough to see how most of those incidents play all the way out. Whether that outcome turned out to be good or bad.

• How do you feel about having the book review of the year? 

I feel like... marvelous! I finally feel recognized and appreciated for the good that I have done in my life instead of always the bad. I am totally honored.

• What would you like to say to your readers? 

What I would like to say to my readers is Thank You. I appreciate each and every one of you. There is definitely no me, without you. I look forward to continuing putting novels in front of you that you will be forever amazed by.

Other works by Author Pugh
Mini Distractionz
39 Lashes of Karma
World Inside a Wicked World (newest release)


Here is the review of the book that has given Author Pugh this award

Book Review Alert: Major Repercussions
Author: Pugh
Kindle Edition
Published: October 31, 2017
Publisher: Turtle Pu Books
ASIN: B076VXDXST
Rating: 5 stars
 
Runny Clem aka Mini-size when we first meet him is in the fight for his life.  Mini-size was involved in a car accident that left him unable to move pleading not to die. Well, this is far from where the fight starts. Mini-size finds himself now as an inmate at West Jefferson Correctional. But is not determined to stay down for long. As his body heals, plans come together for the great escape. 
 
Detective Crook cannot believe that Mini-size has escaped and he is determined to get him back in prison or else.
 
Mini to get things right in his eyes and it does not matter who it is. With the body count growing, who is Mini gonna have at the end? Who or better yet will he have anyone to turn to? What will be the MAJOR REPERCUSSIONS???
 
Talking about a fast-moving novel. Twist, turns, and those OMG moments. I love the continuing speed of the novel. As I stated before it never slowed down. Steady pace with great character growth even though it was not much. You with the information that was given let you know why they got the fate that came upon them. 
 

You can follow Author Pugh on the following social media platforms…

Twitter- https://mobile.twitter.com/MiniSize2016
Amazon page- https://www.amazon.com/Pugh/e/B074YY6KQC
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/author.pugh.5

Enter to win your own copy of 

Major Repercussions by Author Pugh

 

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Book Review Alert: The System and Purple

Book Review Alert: The System and Purple
Author: Rijan Maharjan
Published: 2020
Publisher: self-published
ASIN-13: B08NV3TP5J
Rating: 5

 The System and Purple is a poetry book including 12 poems. The poems are about the system that we as a society currently live in, and the life we have created.

This poetry book was extremely well written. It’s not my particular type of book, but it was still good. The poet takes the current state of our society and uses metaphors and concrete ideas to display it in a beautifully crafted format.

(Reviewed by Chantel)

Books 2 Read in Black History Month Feature Author KR Bankston

Meet Author KR Bankston

KR Bankston is a Fiction Novelist, Publishing Consultant, Ghostwriter, Public Speaker, and Mentor. The CEO of Kirabaco Media Group, LLC. Bankston entered the world of commercial publishing in 2008 with her first novel, A Deadly Encounter. She has since gone on to write and publish to date some 40+ novels, including two anthologies and one novella. 

KR has been featured in the Daytona Times Literary Spotlight: ‘What to Read While You Wait’ for her books Shattered Peace, Interception, The Destroyer, and Sinister Alliance. KR has been a guest on multiple online and blog radio shows.  KR is a nonconformist novelist who writes in a myriad  of genres. 

 

1. What is your writing process like?
I generally start with the idea of the story, at least 2 of the main characters, and go from there. I firmly believe in letting my characters tell their story, in their words. I’m not really an outline author. I write from the gut, normally writing two or three books at the same time. I usually give primary attention to whichever characters are taking center stage in my psyche that particular day. It may sound chaotic, but it works perfectly for me.
 
2. The Destroyer will scare any cheater straight. Where did you get the idea for this novel from? 
*Laughs* This particular story came from a partial dream I recalled when I woke up one morning. This is often the case for me believe it or not, my dreams bring along of stories to life. I sat down with just Exodus, the main character in mind, and his voice filled my head and took us through the odyssey. 
 
3. The Destroyer has been chosen to become a movie, who will play your main characters? 
Oooh good question. Honestly, I would love to bring in new actors that haven’t been seen in just about every movie. Possibly one or two “marquee” name actors, but I would want some fresh blood on my screen (no pun intended lol)
 
4. What novel would you consider your best work? And why does that work get this award?
*Looks around to see who came up with these questions* YIKES! That’s like asking a parent their favorite child. The work I would say is to this day my absolute heart, has to be my baby, A Deadly Encounter. Why? Dezi Gianni started it all. That storyline, rich in both worldisms, exceptional black love, exceptional black underworld excellence, solidified for me that I could write an entire novel that it was entertaining, and someone other than my family and friends would buy and read it. 
 
5. Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful process. Any tips for aspiring writers?
My advice? Relax and let it flow. Don’t force the ideas. Don’t put yourself on ridiculous timelines or deadlines. I believe that writing should be an organic force, that it should flow as easily as water through a stream. When you do find yourself at a block, and they will come, get up and step away. Breathe. Go relax. When it’s ready, it’ll come back and then so should you.
 
6. If you could choose anyone from the literary world to collaborate with, who would it be and why? 
Well I’ve actually done a couple great collabo’s, but the two I would have most liked, they have passed on; E. Lynn Harris and V.C. Andrews. 
 
7. How many books do you have on your bookshelf at home?
Um, let’s just say A LOT and leave it at that. LOL
 
8. We’ve just started a new year and I’ve seen lots of posts about new years’ resolutions. Do you have anything special that you’ll be focusing on this year?
I don’t do resolutions per se. I have plans for the year of course, and then whatever The Universe throws in, I take heed. I’m working on writing at least four books this year. Launching a new book series with my business partner/co-author, Elizabeth LaShaun. Expanding The Literary Evolution (we teach/empower Authors literary journeys) and planning the event for 2022. That’s just the stuff I know about, there are always surprises. *laughs* 
  
9. What would you like to leave with your readers?
When someone reads a KR Bankston creation, I want them to finish it with the satisfaction of their favorite meal, activity, place. I want them to have taken the best rollercoaster ride of their lives, ready to do it again. To feel like they’ve been transported and transplanted, smack dead center of the story itself. I challenge everyone who thinks they have me figured out to step outside their box and try a KR Bankston creation. ‘Bet I Can Make You Love A Bad Guy.’

To purchase The Destroyer:
Paperback: https://www.krbankstononline.com/product/the-destroyer/
eBook: https://www.krbankstononline.com/product/the-destroyer-digital/

Visit KR to see the FULL CATALOG of her work: https://www.krbankstononline.com
You can find the Author on the following networks:
https://www.instagram.com/bookoperalegacy
https://www.patreon.com/KRBankston
http://twitter.com/KRBankston
https://www.facebook.com/KRBankstonAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/KrBankston
http://www.youtube.com/user/KRBTheAuthor
http://www.amazon.com/KR-Bankston/e/B005GAJLYU

Books 2 Read in Black History Month Feature Author Shante Reed

 

	Meet Author Shante Reed
Shante Reed was born and raised in rural Georgia. She is the oldest of three children. Reed was raised by her grandmother because her stepfather was in the military. She did not want to move around so to her grandmother she went. She started writing because in high school while she was dealing with depression. It took her relocating to California to begin to learn who she really was.  1. How long did it take for you to write I Am What You See? It took 2 years because there were stretches in time I refused to write. 2. What inspired the idea for this book? This book came about as I began to discover how God sees me.   3. How would you describe your book's ideal reader? The ideal reader for this book is the person who seeks to grow spiritually.   4. What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused? It’s more about what I don’t need which is distractions. 5. How did you celebrate when you finished, I Am What You See?  I didn’t.   6. Does writing energize or exhaust you? Or both? And why? It energizes me because I am able to get out what is in my heart.   7. Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer? If so, who were the authors and what were the titles of the books? There are none.   8. What book (books) are you currently reading? When Women Pray and Jesus Is Calling   9. What would you like to say to your readers? I would like my readers to know that what I write comes from my heart. I Am What You See can be purchased on Amazon in paperback and ebook version.

You can find the Author Shante Reed on the following networks:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Proverbial-Wisdom-111037344088948 

Instagram: Shante_m_reed

Books 2 Read in Black History Month Feature Author Robert L. Horton

Meet Author Robert L. Horton 

 Robert L. Horton is a poet and author who is from Springfield, Illinois. Horton has written 3 books.  The three books of poetry are entitled Released (2015); Miscellaneous Pieces (2017);

and his latest FAME (2020).

1.  The book we reviewed for you was FAME. This was a poetry book. Would you consider this your genre? If so, why?                                                                                              Yes, poetry is my genre. The reason why poetry is my genre is because this is what I have been most comfortable with writing.

 
2. What would be your favorite poem in FAME? 
It is a toss-up between Midnight Flower and Highs and Lows.
 
3. What would you consider to be common traps for aspiring writers?
A common trap would be thinking their work is not good enough to be published.
 
4. What is your favorite writing snack and drink?
Cheese/Crackers and wine
 
5. What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Having a quiet place to write.
 
6. What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book? 
To believe in their work and never give up on it.
 
7. How do you use social media as an author?
I post poems on my page.
 
8. If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose and why?
It would be with Dr. Jawanza  Kunjufu because I can feel his passion coming through his writings.
 
9. What would you like to say to your readers?
I would like to say, thank you for all your support and I hope that you enjoy what I have to offer.
 
FAME can be purchased on Amazon in paperback version and at Barnes and Noble in an ebook version. Also it is available at www.damoodypoet.com. 
You can find the Author Robert Horton on the following networks:
www.damoodypoet.com
https://www.facebook.com/robertl.horton.568

Book Review Alert: FAME

 

Book Review Alert: FAME

Author: Robert L. Horton

Published: June 26, 2020 

Publisher: Truth Book Publishers

ISBN-13: 978-1937089603

Rating: 4 stars

FAME is a collection of various poems by Author Robert L. Horton. Poems in this book cover many subjects. I have to say that if the author was going for a well-rounded book; he did achieve that with this novel. Each poem has either a quote or a scripture reference at the end of it. This seems to drive the poem or subject of this poem a little further for the reader or in some terms giving clarification. If I had to pick at least two poems in this book that stood out to me they would be Burdens In Life and How To Make It Through Each Day. 

Burdens In Life is a poem that is relevant for this time that we are living in. It is a poem that speaks of death. With so much death around us in large numbers, the poem will be will received. While reading this poem, I could see the RIP t-shirts, bookmarks, and social media posts. 

Secondly I chose How To Make It Through Each Day. All I can say is simple and to the point. Who would have thought that a six lines with 2 words a piece would make a huge statement. They would make great affirmations to speak every morning. 

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Purchase Link- https://www.amazon.com/Hiding-Place-Mary-Skinner-Crane/dp/1937089606/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=fame+by+robert+Horton&qid=1612455608&s=books&sr=1-1