African-American-Health Books

This review is more on a personal note, than an explanation of what the book entails (the other reviews have got that covered!). As a newly natural black beauty - I was still struggling with others perecptions of me and my "new" (e.g. natural hair). And of course - I was struggling with my own perceptions of beauty as well. This book allowed me to finally see that our hair is a unique source of pride that needs to be flaunted - not "fixed". Something shifted for me when I read this book, and I finally was able to own not only my new hairstyle (a budding 'fro) but to love my hair in its natural, uninhibited glory. Black women, regardless of our hair texture - straight, wavy, curly, kinky, nappy - we are all so wonderfully beautiful! Hallelujah - I FEEL SO FREE TO BE ME! This book is a must read - share it with every black woman you know - and encourage them to teach our children and our men how to live a life that says "black is beautiful". Spread the knowledge to people of other cultures as well! God bless!

Excellent book about black hair and black culture. Would recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about both and how they relate to the "American" ideal.

This book is great begining for people that are redescovering themselfes aftermaking the decision or are trying to decide wheter go natural or not. It helps you to understand how we got here , how black beauty is not well accepted and why. It make you wonder, questionning yourself and others, and in my case keep learning.

If you don't already know, this book is definitely worth the time that it takes to read. The book goes into detail about the history of Black hair. Prior to slavery, Africans took pride in their hair. The intricate braid designs date back to that time. It wasn't until after the slave trade that hair straightening became common. Also, it's a little known black history fact that Annie Tumbo Malone was the first black woman entrepeneur to market black hair products. Madame CJ Walker actually worked for Malone before going into business for herself. This book chronicles so much history about Black hair. After reading this book, I was really encouraged to stop chemically processing my hair.

I've recently made the decision to go natural and as I did, I pondered, "Why do I have to 'decide' to be the way I naturally am?" It was then that I realized how unfortunate it was that black women, more than half, find their "naturalness" to be unattractive. I myself have gone through hair extensions, braids, and the dreaded relaxer that has damaged my hair and scalp for years. Now I wonder what it was all for. I wasn't being true to who I was.

This book helped be to know something that I should have already known: my hair. The history of black hair is one that is very interesting and telling. I learned more about my hair in this book than I have ever learned, even from members of my own family. There is also a sense of confidence one gets from reading books like these. I am letting all of my friends and family read it as well.

You will not be disappointed in your purchase.

very good,worth reading,written by various people.....
enjoyable,gets you thinking,nice photographs too.
As you may or may not know African coyly hair is quite unique in vision, texture, behaviour and probably in chemical make up too. Coily haired women around the world, go to the most extremes in terms of spending.
(Spending time, spending pain and the spending price to have African coily hair styled)
A hairstyle that we believe looks good or will help us to become socially and economically advanced.
Or maybe for our own self-esteem and maybe to attract the charms of a love interest. Either way your hair is a reflection of the state of your consciousness, your internal beliefs and your relationship with the world.

This book is like having group therapy or interviewing other women,but it is not all black women's views.I am reviewng it because I think it is worth a read.

As you may or may not know African coily hair is quite unique in vision, texture, behaviour and probably in chemical make up too. Coily haired women around the world, go to the most extremes in terms of spending.
(Spending time, spending pain and the spending price to have African coily hair styled)
A hairstyle that we believe looks good or will help us to become socially and economically advanced.
Or maybe for our own self-esteem and maybe to attract the charms of a love interest.
Either way, psychologically and philosophically I believe that your hair is a reflection of the state of your consciousness, your internal beliefs and your relationship with the world.
What about exploring physics through african hair?
For example how much pressure, gravity and tension and tearing do we put our hair through by combing it?
let alone excessive harsh combing.
Mathematically speaking how many of you readers can tell me how many curls/coils per inch your hair has, and does it vary in coil and moisture?
Next question:When does the nature of the hair change and why?
(i know it does!)
It seems to me all these books on afro hair are good and I welcome it, but we still need to be more informed and they all seem to need better editing, just like Black American beauty magazines.I must campaign for better grammar and less air brushed photos!!!
It is as if we like to see ourselves falsely rather than the reality of what we are...
Black women need to demand more scientific reasoning from our books and be less competitive over black men which only fuels their egos and as a result probably creates more baby-mothers!!!
Sorry but I had to vent out my opinions.

I give this book four stars for the effort and time invested as a writer I know it takes time...
I maintain that it is still worth reading,more than any carcinogenic chemical so called hair treatment that you pay for.

Anyway what do I know I am a black african british woman!!!!
Most of you Americans think we in Britain have no trains or any kind of progressive development!!!
Anyway if I wrote my book answering my questions that I put to you how many of you would buy it?

This is a wonderful book for anyone who would like to explore the issues that Black women face vis a vis our hair from a variety of viewpoints; not just the "politicaly correct" ones.

The book was all that, very positive, and at times emotional (I'm thinking of the passage where a father is trying to figure out how to braid his daughter's hair since her mother is across the country. His trying, and eventually getting it right, turned into bonding sessions for them. It was beautiful.) Of course the book had my favorite culture critic, bell hooks, and as usual she gave me a new persepective: to look at the whole "perm" phenomena as initiation into womanhood. Just about any Black woman who was on the brink of adolescence and was dying to get a perm should relate to that. I did. That's what this book does, it helps Black women to see just how similar our trials have been with our hair; and it's not just a generational thing. Black women from 50 to 80 years ago had the same issues and thoughts Black teenagers have today. Everyone remembers hot combs and Goody pink rollers and Royal Crown grease. Looking back many women had feelings of remembered pain, and not just from the burns on the tips of their ears and on their scalps, but inside their hearts for our collective struggle with an unattainable beauty standard.
What I also admired about this book was that it touched on the subject of hair and erotic intimacy. There was a whole section devoted to hearing the responses of Black women and men when confronted with the bedroom question: Can I run my fingers through your hair? It showed a depraved relation to our hair. In order to get and keep that salon fresh look, sleek and shiny, it must not be touched (by you and most especially your lover). Hair does not bring pleasure in the sense of us luxuriating in how it feels. How can you when it's not even yours? Weave. A woman tells the story of a young man with whom she was getting intimate with, and he wanted to run his fingers through her seemingly long shiny tresses. The moment was interrupted when he felt the hard tracks on her scalp before she could effectively slap his touch away. "You have to train these men early," another woman admonishes, "not to touch the hair." A man married for over 20 years complains of his wife's hair roller pins always poking him when she's "going down on him." He also hates, but has gotten used to, her wearing a head scarf anytime they make love. It is described in the book as Black folks having perpetual menege trios, he, she, and the head scarf. Another man wakes up to his girlfriend's "100% Korean Hair" all over the bed and floor after an especially heated night; he later ends up paying $200 dollars to have it all put back in again. The women speak of not even wanting to touch their own hair, refering to it being "hard as a rock" from gels and hair sprays. It's all in the name of a certain look, the processed one. (It's this look that lured their mates in the first place right?) It's sad that Black women talk about orchestrating certain sex positions around not messing up their fresh 'do. "You don't even think about it after while." They compensate not allowing their men to touch their hair with confidence and boldness in their performance, "It's so good he won't even be thinking about touching my hair."

I love this book. It isn't just politics or just us behind closed doors. Every possible reference to what is done to our hair is mentioned, even going bald. A Muslim woman opened my eyes to how not showing her hair takes away from having to compete for attentions based on beauty standards of hair, by being above them. It reminds us that as women, we shouldn't let physical beauty define us, even though most times it does, and we let it. "Ms. Strand" tells her tale with humor, cultural criticism, African storytelling, and 'round tha way truthfulness, barring nothing from the conversation. Truly, Tenderheaded should not be passed over.

I expected to really enjoy this book, but was disappointed. Some of the stories/essays were very good, but some of them were poorly written and/or could have done with some serious editing. It might have been better if some of them had been omitted: the book would probably have been half as long, but the overall quality would have been significantly improved.

I was also disappointed by the way the book was laid out. It seemed jumbled and poorly conceived. Photos, illustrations and cartoons/comics were seemingly thrown in randomly, with little context or relation to the surrounding content. The graphic content of the book was good, but the layout just did not display it to full advantage.

The idea behind this book was a good one, but the execution could have been a little bit better.

This is a very unique book. I have to say I LOVED IT! My being a young black woman, all the stories hit close to home. This book gave a non-bias look at black women's hair, and black culture all around the world including here in America. It gave many view points, from men women, blacks and even whites. I recommed this book to anyone who is confused about their hair and themselves. Nappy is defiantly Happy!!!! Peace.

i really enjoy reading this book because it help me understand fibroids and know more about them.

I brought this item as a gift for someone who was dealing with fibroids. Prior to ordering the book on line, I had the pleasure to review the book as well. It is an excellent and informative book, which is well written. I recommend this book for any women who is dealing with fibroids.

Thank you.

the best book on the market for women of color who suffer from fibroids.when i was thinking of surgery monique's book helped me make the final choice.I am so glad I bought it.I will recommend it to all those who are going through the same thing.

I found Monique Brown's book more informative than any I read of its kind. So much so, I recommended it to a number of women and even purchased it as a gift for some of my friends.
Many of them wished they would have known about the book prior to undergoing a hysterectomy or a myomectomy.

I found the case studies inspiring and the resources quite helpful for my research. The diagrams were awesome as they helped me to picture what fibroids actually look like in and on the uterus. Furthermore, the natural healing information has been extremely helpful in providing alternatives to surgery. Overall, I especially liked that it was an easy warm read and not cold and clinical.

First, let me say that, "It's A Sistah Thing," by Monique R. Brown, is one well written and well researched book on fibroids. Ms. Brown's credits include: senior editor of Black Enterprise Magazine, an adjunct professor at Long Island University, and President and Founder of Professional Women of Color.

The author, Monique Brown, had fibroids and has herself faced the horrible specter of hysterectomy. She was one of the lucky ones and got a myomectomy. She reports that her myomectomy improved her sex life.

The main thrust of the book is to advance alternative approaches to fibroids; however, she does take the op to sound many important alarms. She is delicately raising the hysterectomy/race connection. She notes UAE is new with few studies done and then adds Dr. Scott Goodwin's remark, pg. 203, "If you embolize and block the blood supply to the nerves going into the uterus, those nerves may very well be damaged. And if you were feeling something in your uterus that was pleasurable, you may no longer feel that after embolization."

And Monique is pretty straightforward about hysterectomy and sex. On page 204 she quotes Herbert A. Goldfarb as saying that 40% of women indicate a reduced sexual response after a hysterectomy and then goes on to briefly explain why. But what made me buy the book?

One short sentence found on pg. 201, "There's also a theory that the vagus nerve, a nerve that shoots from the cervix to the brain stem, is a pathway for orgasmic sensations." Readers, that is not common knowledge. Ms. Brown has done her homework.
Let her share what she has learned with you!

I read "The Bond" over two nights. What an incredible story! It tells the story of triumph over adversity. I recommend every parent; single or married; every teacher,teen-ager, male or female read this book!

This is a wonderful book, particularly for men and teen-age boys who have difficult relationships with their fathers. In their sequel to "The Pact," the three doctors -- Jenkins, Davis and Hunt -- give an open and honest account of how they learned to forgive and reconnect with their dads. In a unique twist, the fathers' stories also are told, revealing how a generational curse such as fatherlessness is hard to break. The women's guild of my church read "The Bond" for a recent book discussion. We had a great conversation with author Margaret Bernstein.

"The Bond" is a story about three African-American doctors who lived in Newark, New Jersy. Drs. Hunt, Davis and Jenkins all show what srtuggles of inner-city life can bring.

The three doctors have taken their time to discuss what has become a big problem in the U.S. and the world -- absentee fathers. Their fathers didn't "measure up" to their idea of what a father should be. Whether it was as a result of the fathers not being at home, unmarried, alcoholism, drugs, jail or simply not knowing how to communicate, one thing is for sure, it's not okay to bring a child into this world solely to fend for themselves.

In Newark, Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt met as fatherless children struggling to survive ghetto living without a male mentor or role model; they formed THE PACT in high school to help one another make it and they succeeded as each became a doctor.

In THE BOND, the physicians look into the most prevalent disease destroying America's family: no father. The trio does this by seeking their dads, who never had a role in their lives. The threesome separately describe growing up fatherless and how difficult that is to overcome, but do not add any new insight than they already described in the PACT. However, their recommendations to youths suffering from this pandemic illness are solid especially to go out and find a role model to mentor you. However, the most poignant segments are the sections written by the absentee dads, who offer no rationalization as to why, but explain their failures in depth. Especially discerning is that each of them also grew up fatherless. THE BOND is a moving autobiography and though anecdotal should be must reading for everyone who wonders what has gone wrong with the American family unit as generational repetition is difficult to turn around.

Harriet Klausner

The Bond by the Three Doctors, as they are more affectionately called, is an extension of their first book, The Pact. In The Pact, Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt tell how they became friends in high school and ultimately, how they promised to stick together and graduate from college to become doctors. The Bond goes even further into the friendship of these three young men.

Davis, Jenkins and Hunt were able to become friends because of what is considered a growing epidemic in the African American community - children growing up in single family homes. Each doctor tells the reason why his father was not present in his home. They also give their fathers an opportunity to share their stories. They learn that their fathers either grew up in the same circumstances or they did not know themselves, the impact they were passing on through each generation. The doctors discuss how they struggled to learn about developing relationships with women, building confidence, and peer pressure and to learn a simple task such as how to fix a tie or picking out a suit without the guidance of male presence in their lives. They also discuss their devotions to their mothers, who sacrificed to keep their families together. Despite not having a male role model, the doctors basically learned from each other. The Bond tells of their need and desire to understand the reasons why their fathers were absent and what they have done to begin to build relationships with their fathers. Dr. Hunt stated "even though they missed out on a portion of their lives, parenthood last a lifetime".

The story was very compelling and thought provoking. The Doctors also describe the ways that they have set out to mentor other children who are growing up in similar homes. This is a recommended book that can be read by both males and females who are living in single family homes and are struggling to come to terms with an absent parent.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

Since I, too, am from Portland, OR, I enjoyed this story even more, and I loved the illustrations.

In January I had the wonderful experience of living with a family in a village about one hour south of Bamako, Mali. When I returned I happened to see this book featured on Reading Rainbow and knew I needed to have it. It totally captures the feel of life in a family compound - how you are greeted by everyone, meal time, brushing teeth, time together in the evening, and the beautiful clothing that the women wore. And of course the charming story of what happens when a child loses a tooth in Mali is great - and true. If you have been to Mali you will love it because it captures the spirit of Mali, and if you haven't it will give you a glimpse of live in Mali.

I highly recommend this book for K-2 grades, because they are losing all their baby teeth during that time. I really enjoyed watching my students of all cultural backgrounds relate to the African/African-American girl in this story. The pictures are also wonderfully vibrant!
I'm an Elementary Art teacher, and I read this book to my 1st graders during an African art and culture unit. It helped them to imagine that they were traveling to Africa just as the little girl in the story does. It is also a great introduction about how different cultures do things in different ways! In this story, the tooth fairy brings a chicken instead of money!
My students also really appreciated that this book was originally written by an 8 year old girl, and later illustrated by her Dad. There is a picture of them in the back of the book, and my kids loved seeing the faces responsible for writing and illustrating the book!

The book challenges children to consider that losing teeth occurs in the life of all children around the world, but moves them beyond the notion of the "Tooth Fairy" practices of western culture. The story is the account of one little girl who travels to visit her extended family in Africa and loses her tooth while there. Her grandmother models the family's practice of putting a lost tooth under a gourd. Instead of coins, she finds her tooth is replaced with a hen and rooster, which proves to be eventful throughout her time in Africa.

I Lost My Tooth in Africa, is a charming story of a young girl from Portland, Oregon who visits her family in Mali, Africa. There, she loses her loose tooth and receives a special present from the "African tooth fairy." The text paints a vivid description of not only the way things look in Mali, but also of the way people live there. The story, which includes some words in Bambara, the native language of that region, is rich with African culture. At the back of the book is a glossary of Bambara words, as well as the words to an African Goodnight Song, and a recipe for African Onion Sauce.

The text is beautifully complimented by ceramic-tile illustrations done by award-winning artist Baba Wague Diakite, who happens to be the fourteen-year-old author's father. Reading the book, I would have never guessed that the author was a teenager. She did a very fine job. I hope that we will be seeing more stories by this truly talented duo.

I Lost My Tooth in Africa is an excellent way to introduce children, ages 4-8, to African culture. My five-year-old daughter enjoyed the book. I think other kids will enjoy it too.

Kimberly Crouch has indeed written a small treasure with an enormous amount of lifelong wisdom that will help prepare not only African American young males but young females as well for a bright and promising future.

Opening her book with "Know your History" is just one of the many messages the author delivers conveying that knowledge is the safest and the surest emancipation. Too often as parents we neglect to provide necessary information that can strengthen our children; we come from a long line of Kings and our contribution to history is as valid as any other contribution. One of the driving forces of Kimberly's book stresses that our children should always be knowledgeable of the fact that unfortunately racism does exist - sometimes you may be judged by skin color and no other factor. Is life unfair - you betcha, but we have the power and the control as to how we choose to live our lives and how we choose to handle the inequities that do exist.

I loved this book - it's a quick read and a keeper. Each chapter is an affectionate inspirational letter to Kimberly's own sons. Use this book as a guide to constantly reiterate to your children as they are growing that they should always be persistent, remain committed and should never allow anyone to define who they are. One of the most important lessons in the book that even today I keep reminding my own adult children of is to keep a close check on their attitude; it's definitely the one thing you can control and change in a world that does not always provide an equal playing field.

In closing Kimberly reminds us to always keep God first - Lesson eleven is indeed a proverbial message that should always be invoked in everything we teach.

Reviewed by Sharon Haynes
Sisters Sippin' Tea Literary Group, Inc. - Tulsa Chapter

An inspiring collection of letters all written by the author to her sons. In them she shares her personal experiences, gives advice, educates, and quotes from various prominent figures. One of many valuable lessons shared in this book is to embrace our African American Heritage. I liked the chapter on "The true measure of a man from a woman's perspective."
I think it's very important to share our own experiences with our children and Ms Crouch has done and excellent job of this in her letters without sounding like she is preaching.
This book is a treasure not only for our sons but our daughters too!

I only have one thought to share as I purchase copies of this book to give as gifts...
EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW THEIR PAST IN ORDER TO STAND FIRM IN THEIR FUTURE.

Great Job Ms Crouch!!

Locksie
Star Rating *****5.0

As a teen, I can recall a show, Know Your Heritage. It came on Saturdays and it was sort of a game show where two schools in or around the Chicago area were quizzed on all things black. I'd sit down and confidently answer some of the questions, while others I'd be amazed to find out were apart of my history and made sure I banked it and researched it in order not to lose it. You'd think growing up in an all black school system in an all black neighborhood meant that I'd be privy to facts about my ancestors, our roots and the fact that we were more than slaves. See how important it is for us, all of us, to educate and be educated on the enormous contributions of African Americans.

In reading Mother To Son by Kimberly Crouch, a mother, she provides lessons that will teach, inspire and provide hope for OUR sons. The wealth she espouses includes value, beauty, attitude, inequity, integrity, balance, quantifications, money, peer pressure, education and religion. Unfortunately, the world has gotten colder for our youth, especially OUR African American males. Whether you chose to read this book for you and your sons or for your friends' sons, Mother To Son is a book that should definitely be shared.

Black truly is beautiful and so are you!

Reviewed by: Crystal

Crouch's "Mother to Son" will become a classic. Written as a series of letters from a mother to her son, it offers practical advice, hope, and foundational wisdom. She does a great job of interweaving her personal experiences as examples of the larger issues.

Something else noticeable, she mentions an issue in one letter (lesson), then expands on it in the next. This method, even if unintentional, gives the book a unique flow. I could not put it down.

I give it 5/5 stars. Personally, I will give this book as a gift to everyone I know. I highly recommend this book for all young men (especially young African-American men), mothers (especially single mothers), educators, and the general public.

As I was reading Mother to Son by Kimberley R. Crouch, I got to thinking how many single mothers we truly have out there. In her book, Crouch shares with readers a number of facts and various situations that will help any mother to raise a son. She gives a number of views by various people that are all encouraging.

I myself have no children, let alone a son. Yet as I reading this, I felt the power and the strength she was conveying to readers. She was real with the experiences she included in the book. I honestly believe that this book will be of great use to not only single mothers, but married mothers as well.

Reviewed by Mashawn
APOOO BookClub

AS I WAS IN SEARCH OF AN EXCITING BOOK TO READ, I FOUND 'MY ROSE'. BELL COULD NOT HAVE WRITTEN A MORE BREATH TAKING NOVEL THAT DEALT WITH THE FEEL, TOUCH, AND SMELL OF LOVE. THIS LOVE INVOLVES ALL: GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, A MOTHER'S LOVE FOR HER SON, A SON'S LOVE, A FAMILIES LOVE AND FRIENDS' LOVE. I CRIED AND I REJOICED AS I READ A FAMILIY'S PERSONAL STRUGGLE WITH AIDS AND ITS STIGMAS. EVERYONE SHOULD READ ' MY ROSE': IT WILL FILL YOUR HEART WITH THE SMELL OF LOVE.

While reading this book, it brought emotions from me that I thought I had long forgot about. This is a story for anyone who has losted a love one due to a long suffering illness, yet it is a story of love and devotion that goes back as far as time and forward as time goes on. It is a story that explains a mother's love, challenges and fears that we all have experienced, especially mothers. The lessons and questions at the end of each chapter can be used for many purposes. One they are a wonderful guide/outline for teachers of social workers or anyone who deals with individuals and families emotional needs. It is also a wonderful tool for those who lead discussion and support groups. It is my opinion that anyone experienced in the healing process for those who have lost love ones will view this book as a vehicle to assist grieving families. It is also a wonderful way for parents to think through the issues of having a homosexual children. In today's society acknowledging that one's child(ren) sexual orientation is different form ours is difficult and we do not often have friends or family to share our concerns. This book provides that place in time for parents to think about their individual situation and to know that they are not alone. I recommend this book for people of all ages and status. It brings the issues of love, family, illness and dying to a common level

Reading the book "My Rose" was extremely stimulating and informative as I reflected on my own convictions and faith as it related to compassion,unconditional love and being there for those in need. I have a greater understanding of my relationship to my spiritual brothers, sisters and God for whom all my blesssings flow. Geneva Bell was very candid and soulful in sharing all her emotional peaks and valleys to help you feel as though you were there at every spiritual awakening (letting go and letting GOD)

The book, My Rose was a really well written book. It took me places that I never imagined. I would like to congratulate the Author Mrs Geneva Bell on the writing of a very serious, heartbreaking story.

When my grand-mother gave me my copy of My Rose, it took me four weeks just read it. It was'nt that I wasn't interested. Its just that its hard to remember something that hurt you inside so deep. But when I did finaly get up enough courage to read it, It revealed to me how strong she was and still is! This book reveals how good God is when you think he's ignoring you prayers. It also explains how HIV/AIDS effects the black family, church, and just the world as a community. What I mean by that is, how some people can be compassionate while then others are ignorant of the disease, so they get scared and either run or fight. More people should be educated about the disease. Then less people would be scared and more people would be aware of the disease

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was educational, and heartwarming and a sweet look into the lives of four women who honestly shared the details of their lives.

This is a great read!! This book shows the value of long-time friendships and demonstrates how friends are fun during the good times, but are necessary to help get through the hard times.

These four women share their personal lives with us: their triumphs and their trials. A book that motivates you to call and connect with that close friend that you may not have found time for recently. This is a beautiful story of friendship and the value of sisterhood.

Keep us posted ladies!! We are waiting for Wearing Purple - the Sequel.

There are many touching, humorous, profound thoughts beings passed on in these letters between the 4 women. However, I had trouble following who was who. First, I went to the back and read each author's personal statement. Then I found myself going back again and again. It think it would be helpful to have a "time line" for each of the authors so their letters could be put in a better context.

This book is a marvelous expression of the true love and support that comes only from having good friends. I initially purchased the book simply because I know one of the authors. I wanted to get an autographed copy for my sister. I naturally purchased one for myself as well. It has helped me to refocus on that which brings true happiness, the joy of having a very few good friends who accept you as you are and love you unconditionally.

I truly enjoyed reading about a beautiful, caring "circle" of friends. I hope that through the years I will be able to form a lasting bond with my friends much like the bond that the authors share. Through this book, I realized how precious true friendship can be

The book is well written and unlike most books I've read, incorporates a multifaceted approach to self improvement. It teaches us to love appreciate and ourselves unconditionally, celebrating our beauty both inside and out. I disagree, however, with some of the advice found in the last chapter of the book on "spiritual power". Although the tips are well-intended, I believe they strayed too far in the religious direction. According to this book, one must know that God's "a given" and the truth that "We are all connected to the omnipotent, omnipresence called the Creator." In my opinion, this book could have remained more secular in this respect.

Finally a book that celebrates the beauty of Black women in every shape, size, and shade. This book, filled with stunning photographs of beautiful Black women, offers practical advice on hair care, skin care, nutrition, exercise, and self-care. Not just a cosmetic make-over, but a total body make-over. There are recipes and tips for creating a luxurious in-home spa environment with ingredients you may already have in you home. It's like having the indispensible information in every issue of Essence, right at your finger tips.

Finally a will written and thought out book for a person thats in the dark. A informative book that gives you your own spa at home. Complete with a little spirit and fitness for the soul. It has all the advice of a big sister. Thank You For Time You Put Into This Grreat Book!

The creators of Essence magazine have put together a beautiful, informative coffee table book for black women to better their mind, body and souls. Filled with exquisite color photos and easy to understand information will keep you reading in one sitting.

A must-have for the Essence woman's bookshelf.

I love it!

The Essence Total Makeover book is wonderful. It provides all kinds of insights into black skin and hair care. The illustrations and pictures are great. I have always had questions about my skin and how to care for it. I have finally found the answers to my skin and make-up care questions. Thank you, Essence, for writing a beauty book for African American women.

I think this is a sweet little book. We bought it for our son who we are adopting from Ethiopia. It's a nice little book for reading to babies and small toddlers. I like the artwork.

It is a wonderful book to help children appreciate their heritage. The text is well-written.

The people and closenes in the illustrations are beautiful. However, I am disappointed in the quality of the illustrations.

I hope they make a new edition with better illustrations by the time we have our second child.

This book is great. I bought this for my son shortly after he was born. 11 months later, this is his favorite. It's a great depiction of a father and son and it's a good way for baby to start learning about himself (i.e. Eyes, Lips, Hair, etc.) And the last page has a reflective mirror so he can look at himself. He was physically drawn to his own reflection. Now when he gets to the end, he looks at his face and laughs. You and your little one will love this book!

Based on the editorial written above I passed on this book. I was surprised to find it at a used book shop and after reading it just once to my 14 month old son it became his favorite. He will hunt through about 50 books on his shelf to pull it out. He has started touching the parts of his face as each one is mentioned in the story and even kisses the baby when the book comes to the lips kissing. Of course the mirror at the book is greeted with smiles.

This delightful story with equally delightful illustrations is a rare gem. I like the way the baby is taught about having a pretty brown face. I love the loving way the father and child look at one another and interact. It is for all races and it does an excellent job of showing love for a baby and many children will want to explore their own faces after reading and/or hearing this lovely story. Be sure to check out "Baby Dance" by Ann Taylor, et al. as well.