This mystery features an African-American Miss Marple who is filled with compassion and courage and is wise in the ways of the human mind and the criminal mind.
[Reviewed by Corinne O. Nelson]

[Bantam ISBN 0-553-10703-8]

A poignant and funny novel about interracial love which raises all the issues involving friends and family for Jordan Greene who is Black and has a picture of Malcolm X hanging in his office.
[Reviewed by Corinne O. Nelson]

[Dutton ISBN 0-525-94385-4]

Golden, a single mother who has written four novels, writes about the triumph and transformation in the lives of single mothers, revealing the other side of the story : their strengths and the positive and adaptive coping skills they teach their children.
[Reviewed by Corinne O. Nelson]

[Anchor Books ISBN 0-385-48315-5]

First-time novelist Taylor sets his tale in 1920s New Orleans and writes of tricksters and hustlers creating the biggest swindle of the time.
[Reviewed by Corinne O. Nelson]

[Morrow ISBN 0-688-16094-8]

This collection of foods, feasts, and festivities include original African recipes as well as those adapted to reflect generations of Africans in this country. The work captures the culture and spirit of the people.

[Doubleday/Mainstreet ISBN 0-385-47733-3]

If you like his show, you'll love his book. Montel Williams' (with Daniel Paisner) "Mountain, Get Out Of My Way" is inspiring and educational. "Mountain, Get Out Of My Way" is not your typical autobiography. Yes, Montel does speak of himself and his experiences, BUT only to teach us how to overcome the obstacles (mountain). You would say it's written exclusively for those who wish to improve...self, relationships, work, and "just plain ole' life itself". To be successful in any of these facets of life, one must first consider RESPECT.

Montel strongly advises us to RESPECT our children, no matter how young. This brings to mind the most "touching" part of this book when Montel pays homage to his 2 year old son, a future "Black Man". He pledges to be responsible for his growth, both mentally and physically, and to cherish him forever. [Reviewed by Nina Nuriddin-Reese]

[Warner Books. 256p. ISBN: 0446604178]

[Warner Books ISBN 0-446-51907-3]

Jones was recently thrust in the news for shocking personal events and writes her first novel in 20 years exploring politics, romance, and racism.
[Reviewed by Corinne O. Nelson]

[Beacon ISBN 0-8070-8346-1]

[Pocket Books ISBN 0-671-00235-X]

[Viking Penguin ISBN 0-670-86753-5]

From the arrival of the first Africans to the English colonies, to the new developments in gospel, blues, jazz, classical, Broadway, and rap, this is a serious and intense look at the musical activity in our communities.
[Reviewed by Corinne O. Nelson]

[W. W. Norton ISBN 0-393-03843-2]

This is a behind-the-scenes memoir of this rock 'n' roll singer who refused to give up.
[Reviewed by Corinne O. Nelson]

[Morrow ISBN 0-688-15657-6]

Toussaint now specializes in liver and kidney transplants, but tells of her struggle of an immigrant who struggled to get into an American college, into medical school, and surviving the grueling, soul-crushing rigors that test every new surgeon.

[One World/Ballantine ISBN 345-40723-7]

Synopsis

[New York University Press ISBN 0-8147-8071-7]

The successes of 32 Black women are keenly discussed, including the factors that influenced them individually.
[Reviewed by Corinne O. Nelson]

[Conari Press ISBN 0-943233-98]

[The New Press ISBN 0-8147-2651-8]

A funny novel about four African American women who renew their determination to facet he trials of modern life with humor, strength, and solidarity.

[Dutton ISBN 0-525-94306-4]

This gospel superstar and eight-time Grammy Award-winner shares the story of her life as a shy girl from the Detroit projects who left home to pursue a singing career with her brother BeBe.
[Reviewed by Corinne O. Nelson]

[Pocket Books ISBN 0-671-02000-5]

[Crown ISBN 0-517-70428-5]

Graham is a member of this hard-to-penetrate group of Black elites identified through institutions like the Links, Jack & Jill, Boule, and the Oak Bluffs area of Martha's Vineyard. He conducted scores of interviews with upper-class Blacks in New York, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington, Philadelphia, Nashville, and New Orleans.
[Reviewed by Corinne O. Nelson]

[HarperCollins ISBN 0-06-018352-7]