A Year of Book Reviews (2022)
The Manchurian President
Aaron Klein, an American reporter in Jerusalem, began investigating Barack Obama due to what he considered puff pieces by media watchdogs. He wanted more meat. After two years of research, the result was a book: The Manchurian President: Barack Obama’s Ties to Communists, Socialists and Other Anti-American Extremists (2010, 339 pages). He asserts of the book: “It is not a work of opinion…”(p. xii). And to his credit the facts presented can be verified through various mainstream media outlets. Although, this book is over ten years old, it is still very relevant for today’s socio-political climate.
The author writes of Obama’s Alinsky-style training and his association with Bill Ayers of the Weather Underground, a group labeled by the FBI as a domestic terrorism group. There is more on other Obama associates, colleagues, and affiliated organizations. Too numerous to give details, but suffice to say, it is well researched information. Klein writes of Manning Marble’s comments published in the Socialist Review (2008): “A lot of the people working with him [Obama] are, indeed, socialists with backgrounds in the Communist Party or as independent Marxists…” (p. 86-87). The writing includes prominent persons such as: David Axelrod, Van Jones, Minister Louis Farrakhan, and Anita Moncrief. The author also points out when information is not found. He writes: “The authors of this book found no evidence whatsoever indicating that Obama is today a Muslim” (p. 41). The reader is also introduced to the concept of “Astroturf.” It is defined as an “apparently grassroots-based citizen groups or coalitions that are primarily conceived, created, and/or funded by corporations, industry trade associations, political interests, or public relation firms…” (p. 264).
The book does have a right wing-political lens, but it is well-written and informative. Admittedly, these are some very interesting friendships and/or associations for a presidential candidate. Regardless of your political leanings, right, left, or neither, this is a good book to read. Then decide for yourself, if this is a case of ships passing in the night or strange bedfellows.
Black and British
The opportunity to learn about Black History extends beyond the borders of one nation. The book: Black and British: A Short Essential History by David Olusoga (2020, 217 pages, kindle edition) provides the historical background of Black Britons. It begins with the time period of the Afro-Romans in Britain through the current events of today. A few of the topics of discussion are: Aurelian Moors, the Barbados Slave Code, the Industrial Revolution, and Lord Mansfield’s judicial decision (and related content about his grand-niece Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed-race woman).
The book is a children’s introductory history lesson. But it can also be read and appreciated by adults. The writing is clear and concise, includes a glossary, and has several photos. The author writes in the afterword: “Black history is global history, as much as British history is global” (kindle p. 212). A great book!
Too Much Soul
Cindy Wilson is a woman who identifies as Asian, but states her culture is Black. She shares her unique true story in the book: Too Much Soul: The Journey of an Asian Southern Belle by Cindy Wilson (2018, 216 pages, kindle edition). She was born in Seoul, South Korea and adopted by an African-American military couple stationed in the country. Her mother had women’s health issues that often caused miscarriages. Faced with the prognosis that the couple would be unable to have their own biological child, they chose adoption. They returned to the U.S. with Cindy and three years later her mother gave birth to her little brother Adrian. She grew up in the American Deep South: Jackson, Mississippi.
The book explores the author’s perspective on race, culture, and ethnicity. She’s honest about her journey of self-discovery that includes the search for her own identity and “tribe” and continues to evolve. There is discussion about childhood bullying, family dynamics, and young womanhood. She describes herself as a child and the relationship with her grandfather: “I was a tiny, hyper, latchkey child with a strict mother”(kindle p. 30). “My grandfather’s cooking was where he and I bonded. He loved to cook, and I loved to eat…” (kindle p. 52-53). “When he [grandfather] passed I felt like the one person who really got me was gone. That broke my heart. It was not a feeling based on anything he would tell me, but on how he treated me” (kindle p. 56). It was heart-warming to read about the bond with her grandfather.
The book has motivational aspects, a cute narrative, and humor. There are recognizable Southern Black customs and colloquialisms rooted in wisdom and social etiquette. I appreciate reading about the other side of the transracial adoption spectrum-when African-Americans adopt children of a different race. This was a very enjoyable book to read!
Pandora’s Dreams
A team of university scientists make a neuroscience discovery that allows for dream capture and storage. This new technology brings rewards and consequences. Read more of this interesting story in the book: Pandora’s Dreams: After Dinner Conversation Series by Peter Beaumont (18 pages, 2021, kindle edition).
One scientist reflects on the situation: “Some of the team weren’t happy about blurring the boundaries between science and capitalism…” (kindle p. 5).
This is the 3rd book I’ve read in the A.D.C. Series (1st= Rainbow People of the Glittering Glade, 2nd= My Fellow Immortal Americans). Of the three, it’s the shortest in length but presents a good moral-ethical dilemma as in the other shorts. Also, has great discussion questions at the end. A good short story!
Per discussion questions: “Do you think there are areas of scientific research, like…that should be banned from ever being researched?” (kindle p. 11).
The Gathering Table
The modern world moves so fast with seemingly never-ending news of the latest calamities. Sometimes, we all need to take a moment to gather around the table, to reflect on our blessings with good food and family. Learn more about how to do this in the book: The Gathering Table: Growing Strong Relationships through Food, Faith, and Hospitality (256 pages, 2020, kindle edition) by The Gingham Apron. This cookbook was the creation of five women family members (Annie, Shelby, Molly, Jenny, & Denise), who have a generational legacy of farming in Iowa. It has delicious recipes, helpful tips, and Christian faith-based principles for life and home. The realistic narratives of the women reveals their own journey with issues such as, an unexpected diabetes diagnosis and dealing with winter blues.
The book is divided into four sections related to each season: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. It also has recipes for fun dining ideas like a Ladies’ Brunch, Anniversary Picnic, and Friday Night Pizza Party. There are mouth-watering recipes for: Strawberry Lemonade, Pimento-Crab Sandwiches, Southern Fried Chicken, and Italian Wedding Cake. Shelby writes: “ Reflecting on the conversation and the fun of having a pie “potluck” at the end of a long, ordinary day reminded me of how essential it is to not let things slip into “just getting by” but to stop and celebrate before moving on to the next thing. Sometimes life can get so rigorous that I think we forget to enjoy it, and we forget to join with others” (p. 75). A very good read with great foodie photos!
An Audience with the Former Queen of Madagascar
The book An Audience with the Former Queen of Madagascar by Frank G Carpenter (16 pages, originally published in 1907, kindle edition May 2015) is a brief interview with Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar (an East African island) when she was 45 years-old. She was deposed from her throne by the French and put into exile after a war between the two nations. The success of French barbarism made her homeland its colony.
The reader should be aware that the main perspective of this book subscribes to a European worldview. Hence, the article was published in 1907 by the Omaha Bee Newspaper of Nebraska.
The book has good writing, a few typos, and photos of the Queen. It’s a good example of why the voices of indigenous populations should be explored in world studies, especially for Africans and the African Diaspora. The idea that African nations did not fight back against European colonialism and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is inaccurate. And their side of the story needs to be told more often.
Unfortunately, for Queen Ranavalona while in exile in Algeria (North Africa) she was assigned spies and a female guard Madame Depret to monitor her activities. The guard informed the newspaper reporter that the Queen was not allowed to discuss politics or her own country- essentially, a gag order. And probably carried with it deadly repercussions for the Queen. Overall, a very interesting read!
“She promised to protect her country and stand up like a man with her people against anyone who might attempt to take even a hair’s breadth of it.”
(kindle loc. 47)
“War ensued, and at a cost of many million dollars the French were finally victorious.”
(kindle loc. 52)
“In fact, her every act was that of a well bred society woman, and her soft, low voice during my stay that of the drawing room.”
(kindle loc. 96)
Contrast Brings Clarity
Teressa Kennedy explains the unexpected road that lead her to homeschooling in the book: Contrast Brings Clarity: The Unexpected Path that Led Me to Homeschooling. She details experiences with traditional/charter schools, tutors, IEPs, and diagnostic academic exams.
Even as a single mother, she never gave up. And there were times of frustration. But her love and dedication to find the best educational option for her child was unwavering. A true story with a great God-wink twist!
Book Quote:
“I have always believed that God allows us to have certain experiences so that we can be a blessing to others.” (kindle p. 55)
Elizabeth: A Life From Beginning to End
Queen Elizabeth: A Life From Beginning to End (49 pages, 2017, kindle edition) is a brief to the point introduction of Queen Elizabeth I. She reigned over England for 45 years. As a toddler, her mother Anne Boleyn, was executed and she was deemed illegitimate. Thus no longer an heir to her father’s throne and out of the line of succession for King Henry VIII. This motherless child’s future was uncertain.
As times changed, Elizabeth was reinstated as an heir to the throne. In the year 1558 c.e., at the age of 25 years old, she became queen. She endured a variety of hardships both personal and professional: betrayals, assassination plots, political rivalry with her cousin Mary Queen of Scots, domestic religious disputes (Protestants vs. Catholics), and war. Often, she battled wits with King Philip of Spain, her primary geopolitical nemesis. Even her rumored first love, Robert Dudley, could not escape scandal at court.
This book has good concise writing and is easy to follow. Of note, Queen Elizabeth’s role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade of Africans is not included, but other works can be sought out on this important topic. Overall, it was a good read.
Book Quotes:
“I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a King of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any Prince of Europe should dare to invade the borders of my realm.” —Queen Elizabeth I of England
(kindle p. 37)
“She certainly is a great Queen, and were she only a Catholic, she would be our greatly beloved daughter. Just look how well she governs! She is only a woman. Only mistress of half an island, and yet she makes herself feared by Spain, by France, by the Empire, by all!” —Pope Sixtus V
(kindle p. 41).
Becoming Ms. Burton
Susan Burton is an extraordinary individual, who is not only a survivor, but an overcomer. She experienced much hardship and trauma in the first part of her life and cycled in and out of the prison system. She battled long and hard with substance abuse and alcoholism–and won! Her reentry non-profit, A New Way of Life, assists women and their children with support services to help make the transition from prison to a new way of life. Read more about her journey in the book: Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women by Susan Burton & Cari Lynn (2017, hardcover, 281 pages). The book has two main sections: the first half chronicles her early life and introduction to the criminal justice system. The second half covers her work in the non-profit community. She has lobbied for reform legislation and had success with California’s Proposition 47 becoming law.
The book is well written and has engaging chapter titles, such as: Incarceration Nation and A Tale of Two Systems. Each chapter’s title page includes statistics and quick facts about incarceration in the U.S. For example, Chapter 22: Women and Prison states: “The majority of offenses committed by women are non-violent drug and property crimes, motivated by poverty and addiction…” (p. 170). It covers topics that include: the War on Drugs (crack cocaine epidemic), drug addiction, loss of voting rights for the formerly incarcerated, and recovery programs. A powerful memoir from a woman who has passed through the fire and then returned to save others!
Book Quotes:
“Crack had come to town mysteriously and seemingly overnight. One day it didn’t exist, the next it did” (p. 71).
“It didn’t take long before the Crips and the Bloods sold to gangs in other cities, swiftly helping crack terrorize its way into poor Black neighborhoods across the country” (p. 73).
“From the moment I entered the system, I was flagged for the criminal side, while my White bunkie was flagged for the civil side, even though our crimes were the same. The fact was, we both needed treatment, and help” (p. 101).
“You are anointed to do what you’re doing,” she said (p. 223).
*Book Content Warning: domestic violence, child abuse-prostitution, sexual violence
Diary of a Rebellious Black Jewess
The author VKY (for Victoria Kabeya) known for her astute political analysis and social commentary presents a short collection of poems in the book: Diary of a Rebellious Black Jewess who talks back to the Rabbis (57 pages, 2020, paperback). The poems explore topics about land, culture, and what it means to be both Black and Jewish (either as indigenous or as converts). She takes aim against some groups she feels are hypocritical, such as: Palestinians, Hebrew Israelites, Christians, and other Jews–especially the Rabbis.
The book has good writing and is able to convey a valuable point with smart precision. This is the second book I’ve read by the author (The first book: How The Left Destroyed The Western Negro (108 pages, 2021, paperback). For that book review in the April 2021 Edition click here. I look forward to reading more of her work.
Book Quotes:
“On that day, I lay my edges to be the finest Jewess sister in town” (p. 11).
“Can we stop pretending like Ashkenazi food is the original food of all Jews?” (p. 50).
“A Black man in the Arab world must die in silence for you want to be our saviors” (p. 29).
Black Cop’s Kid: An Essay
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar gives his perspective as an activist, historian, athlete, and the son of a New York City Black police officer in the book: Black Cop’s Kid: An Essay (46 pages, 2021, kindle edition). He covers topics such as: police bias and brutality, historical riots (including the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol), sexism, and meeting the civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King. It was enjoyable to read his love for his father and how Western movies encouraged his passion for African American history. He gives a good overview of how his beliefs evolved from a child to a man in America. Especially poignant, for a man blessed with Black skin. A very good read!
Book Quotes:
“I’ve been accused of being both a Black anti-cop agitator and an apologist for racist police violence.”
(p. 5). Kindle Edition.
“If a Black person does something amazing in a forest and no one talks about it, did it happen?”
(p. 14). Kindle Edition.
“Some Black cops respond by overpolicing African Americans to prove their loyalty to “blue” over “black.”
(p. 20). Kindle Edition.
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message
A book that is a beautiful and inspirational message about the true meaning of thanksgiving. This special expression of gratitude exists beyond the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. And should be remembered every day. This is the living ceremonial message of the Iroquois or Six Nations people of New York and Canada displayed in the book: Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp (2022, kindle edition). The book shows the universal connection between people and the earth. It has nice illustrations, an author’s note, and a language guide. A great read!
Book Quote:
“Thank you, Grandmother Moon,
for growing full every month to light the darkness for children and sparkling waters.”
(kindle loc. 21)
đź’–Bonus Book Reviews, Special Editions, Reposts, Summer Reading List, & Film Reviews (2022)
1. Bonus Book Review: The Ancient Black Arabs (February 2022 )
2. Special Edition: Beyond CRT: A State of Hypocrisy and Enabling? (April 2022)
3. Special Edition: A Nation in Apostasy? (May 2022)
4. Repost: The Nubian Princess (June 2022)
5. Summer Reading List (June 2022)
6. Repost: Welcome to the Sankofa Newsletter Blog! (June 2022)
7. Film Review: The Green Pastures (August 2022)
8. Repost: The Mysterious Queen of Nubia Who Defeated the Romans (September 2022)
9. Bonus Book Review: The Kushite Prince Akinidad & The Roman-Kushite War (October 2022)
10. Film Review: Emperor (October 2022)
11. Film Review: Black Panther (2018): Wakanda and The Politics of Isolationism (November 2022)
12. Repost: Revelation of the Magi: The Lost Tale of the Wise Men’s Journey to Bethlehem (December 2022)
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