African-American-Health Books

I received the book in record time and read the whole thing the first day. Thanks

I enjoyed the content of this book a lot. It really hits on every subject and unlike some of the other maternity books it really does speak to black women. I really enjoyed all the stories from entertainers and well-known folks (i.e. Soledad O'Brian, Kimora Lee, Nicole Ari Parker, etc.) everyday women and even the author. The parts I found particularly valuable were the sections on what to expect physically, the style section, uncommon pregnancies and the discussion on how to handle you career while pregnant.

I have the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy for the technical aspects but this is great for the emotional and cultural aspects of being a mocha mom. This would make a great gift for an expecting mocha mom.

This book has helped me through what I thought would be the most difficult time in my life. This book offered guidance and support when I needed it. It's a great read and it was hilarious to hear what other Mocha Mommas have gone through!

The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy is a wonderful and complete pregnancy book for African-American women. This book covers everything from how to prepare you for the pregnancy journey to a nine month financial guide. What also makes this book so helpful is how it focuses on the specific potential health concerns African-American women may face during pregnancy such as diabetes and high blood pressure. There are also some humorous elements to this manual including pregnancy myths and various shared personal stories by everyday African-American women and celebrity moms. The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy is a wonderful book for any mother-to-be.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

I stopped reading this book by chapter 2. There are parts that are very humorous, however, the author gives details on various things she or people she interviewed that scared the "you know what" out of me. Every symptom that she described, I swore I was developing. There may be some women out there who want to know all of this stuff, but not me. I have other books that aren't as graphic as this one and are making my pregnancy more enjoyable. If I could return this book for a full refune, I would.

this is a truly fascinating read, and i recommend it to anyone curious. i read this at the suggestion of my psychology professor, and am still surprised by my prior ignorance to the study. bad blood is well-written and amazingly well-researched. bad blood is so intriguing that it reads like a novel, although it is actually a critique and record of a study that almost single-handedly brought about the current rules of ethics for human experimentation.

very thought provoking...a must read for people who really want to know about public health and how the system (government) treated ( and perhaps to this day) treat the less privileged

One of the least known facts of U.S. history is the government sponsored syphilis experiment conducted upon 399 African-American men from 1932 to 1972. Over the course of these five decades, the U.S. Public Health Service exploited African-American sharecroppers in its effort to determine if the long-term affects of syphilis were different for black people than it was for white people. During the trials, the doctors who conducted the experimentations intentionally denied these men treatment; never informed them of syphilis' destructiveness to their health; and ignored the fact that these men were infecting their respective wives and sexual partners with the disease. As the experiments continued, doctors calculatedly deceived the subjects, informing them that they were suffering from what was categorized as: "bad blood". As the disease ravaged the minds and bodies of these unsuspecting men, no effort was made by the physicians of the Public Health Service to either inform them regarding the disease or provide them with treatment in an effort to curtail its devastating effects.

Jones presents a detailed, non-sensationalized writing that delves into the ignorance, racism and outright inhumanity that was entrenched throughout the United States; the medical arena; and society in general prior to and during these horrific experiments. He provides a plethora of documentation to substantiate the bigotry and callousness of the medical field during the era, and acknowledges the data provided by individuals who participated in the experiments or who conveyed valuable information. By the end of the experimentation, at least 28 of the men had died of syphilis; over 100 died of related complications; at least 40 of their wives had been infected, and over 20 of their children had been born with congenital syphilis.

Bad Blood should be read by all those who are of the opinion that the upper echelons of U.S. society (in this case, the medial profession and the government itself) are above despicable acts that border on genocide. Clearly there is no conspiracy "theory" here...instead we find conspiracy FACT! Perhaps former U.S. President Bill Clinton's statement regarding the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiments encapsulates the incident best in his speech to the last eight survivors of the experiments in 1997: "The United States government did something that was wrong-deeply, profoundly, morally wrong. It was an outrage to our commitment to integrity and equality for all our citizens...clearly racist".

Bad Blood points out that the US Surgeon General at the time was Hugh Smith Cumming. In 1939 he was responsible more than any other person for creating the system we now have in place that controls narcotics and other banned substances which San Jose Mercury News journalist and Pulitizer Prize Winner, Gary Webb, said was controlled by a handful of power elites through the CIA.

Fearing a race war when Webb's information was exposed, Bill Clinton, who apolgized for the Tuskegee Experiment, also sent CIA Director John Deutsch to LA to quell a groundswell of complaints among blacks who feared (rigtly) that their goverment was poisoning inner city youth with drugs.

Hugh Smith Cumming's close kin married Chase Untermeyer, the US Navy Officer who became the Texas State Representative from the exclusive Tanglewood area of Houston where GHWB had his disputed Texas address while in office. Untermeyer's bride is from the Hugh Smith Cumming family and was on the staff of GHWB's legal counsel. Untermeyer is now Ambassador to Qatar.

Webb's work shined a light on the Reagan/Bush backed CIA Iran-Contra drug distribution in the US. Webb's book DARK ALLIANCE, when combined with BAD BLOOD shows how close we have come to a Fascist State.

Remember that next time CNN, FOX or the rest report on the White House's interest in bugging your telephones.


Corpus Christi, TX

During the 40 years of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, the school had threee usa negroid ethnic presidents...

Dr. Robert R. Moton
Dr. Frederick D. Patterson
Dr. Luther H. Foster

Interesting, also is the little mentioned fact that more than 200 USA Negroid ethnic medical students and 600 USA Negroid ethnic nursing students did clinic rounds within the Syphilis Study...

Why did not one of these "professional and educated" Negroes sound the alarm that something was ethical wrong about what was being done to those 200 or so "sexually diseased "poor country" negroes"?

This story is less to do with so-called "white racism" but rather humankind's condition since it "climbed out or fall out" of the trees of that "misty and forever lost" Eden...

Which is the reality that...

Educated, powerful, "cold and greedy" human beings (dark pale or otherwise) will always screw "illiterate, materally poor and mentally weak" human beings - when the "High/Holy with little moral character" feel that they can get away with it.

Blues at you

This book is a good book to get you on the fitness track. I first saw the book in the library and said I have to buy it. It gave some ideas to start working on.

I think the book is great. It was wonderful of them to take the time to create a book that speaks to women of color. Popular diet plans are tough to stick to because the food is so far fetch from what women of color are used to eating. I recently lost 30 lbs., but I had to create some of my own recipes to stay strong...this book gives you great recipes and gives you a completely different way to look at weight loss...it's about our health ladies...an excellent read!

From "A New Attitude" to "Slim Down Soul-Food Recipes" this book is filled with good and honest information that is meant to guide the African-American woman back on to the right track when it comes to slimming down. It is true that we are all created equal, but we are all unique in our own way. "Slim Down Sister" covers the issues of genetics and the African-American
predisposition to certain types of illness. High Blood pressure, Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Disease just to name a few. The book touches on the African-American women's perception of a healthy body. It is much different in most cases than that of women from other races. Many African-American women and men were
brought up to think that "more meat on the bones" is what a fine healthy black woman should look like. The message in "Slim Down Sister" is not so much about losing weight in order to attract the right man. It is more about why it is absolutely necessary for African American women to get control of their weight in order have longer and healthier lives. Looking good when you accomplish your goal is only an added benefit.

The authors Roniece Weaver, Fabiola Gaines, and Angela Ebron took an upfront approach when they wrote this book. They presented a powerful message in a carefully laid out way. When I first picked up the book to read it, I thought it was going to be just another book about exercising and eating right. In other words "boring", but it was far from that! The book addressed all the issues that the African-American woman faces
when it comes to maintaining her health and body. Besides providing some alternative recipes for some favorite meals, Ms.Weaver, Ms. Gaines, and Ms. Ebron added an Appendix titled "How to Establish a Church-Based Weight-Loss Program" to help make the transition into a healthier and happier life easier.

I really enjoyed reading "Slim Down Sister" and I will recommend it to my personal friends and family as well! My favorite parts of the book were the testimonials at the end of each chapter! This is a book that many readers will identify with and it will be a source of reference for the reader.

Reviewed by H. Renay Anderson
For BBW Reviews

This is the book for those that want to live a healthy lifestyle (which usually includes losing a little or lot of weight for most of us). Each chapter ends with an inspiring story of a sister who had conquered her weight-loss/health goals and was continuing to maintain. Each chapter is full of information related to health maintence, such as breaking down the food prymaid (into a soul food kinda way), discussing health related diseases that affect us the most, exercises (with pictures), detailing health info such as what cholesterol is and why we need it, and motivators. In addition, there are also slimmed down version of common soul food recipes such as pound cake, macaroni and cheese, banana pudding, and sweet potatoes. I have tried many of them and neither myself or my family was disappointed. There is also information on how to start a church based weight loss program. The information in the book is given in a conversational way that explains and enlightens. A highly recommended book to help conquer your weight/healthy lifestyle goals.

After struggling for five years to lose weight, this book helped me to lose 40 pounds in four months. I did not use the recipes, but it gave me the motivation, knowledge, and inspiration I needed to keep me on track. The information about Black women and our health, the decisions we make, and our lifestyles is invaluable. I have shared this book with every sister I know who is fighting this battle. I recommend this book without reservation!

Bravo!!! Minnie Miller pulls off something that few authors and film directors have been able to do. She brings a human side to a character living an alternative lifestyle and actually take you inside and delves into the inner conflict.

With a wider release, this book would be considered ground breaking - A must read!!!! Pick one up, you will not be disappointed.

Minnie Miller's book, The Seduction of Mr. Bradley, is well-written and quite a page turner. Because of the "down low" subject matter, it is not for everyone to read, but everyone who does will enjoy it. If you enjoyed E. Lynn Harris' first book, The Invisible Life, then you will certainly enjoy The Seduction of Mr. Bradley. As a Christian, I confess to wanting Bill Bradley (main character) to have a lifestyle change, but ultimately, he is who he is and his final decision is true to himself and allows Jina to vent and move on. It's a realistic although unromantic ending but, as Ms. Miller explains in her end notes, with all the issues related to HIV and AIDS, unprotected sex, her muse forced her to tackle the subject matter in this way. Kudos to Minnie Miller, my online sister!

I finished reading "The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" by Minnie E. Miller. The story was so well written that it still lingers in my mind. Though I was reading the words, I actually saw visions as though I was watching a motion picture at the theater. The author's writing style can be described in one word---SMOOTH. It allows the reader to be free be involved in the story as well. As far as I was concerned, I have been to New York and Chicago and mingled in crowds at big galas. Minnie Mills brings her characters to life especially their hearts and perceptions that make them unique individuals. The scenes were quite vivid and indulging. For sure a true eye-opener and an excellent read.

If it is reasonable to assume that some of us are right handed, some of us are left handed, and some of us are ambidextrous, then it should be a reasonable assumption that in spite of society's rather clean delineation of heterosexuality and homosexuality, that sexual ambidexterity---bisexuality---is more authentic than the suspicions and dubiousness this much maligned and misunderstood nature is shackled with.

Author Minnie E. Miller, in her crisply paced novel "The Seduction of Mr. Bradley," presents a clear-headed and thoroughly entertaining thesis on this not so phenomenal phenomenon.

P.R. Executive Bill Bradley is an absolute dream. The thirty something African American is G.Q. handsome with his stunning braids. He's also classy, smart, witty, sexy, sincere, and thoughtful.

A man who has triumphed over a Dickensian childhood, Bill has his first same sex relationship at the age of twenty-one. His paramour is also his patron, a handsome, distinguished, and very wealthy older black businessman by the name of Ted Grassley. In spite of the fact that Ted is happily married to an elegant Susan Taylor-esque socialite who may or may not be oblivious and/or duplicitous in and to his other side, he and Bill (Ted will only call him William) carry on a nearly 15-year love affair emotionally and physically satisfying to them both.

But when Bill (whose firm has been financed by Ted and who has been sexually and emotionally exclusive to Ted) takes on a new client, the beautiful and sensitive novelist Jina Cook, new sparks begin to flicker and those pre-Ted opposite sex attractions begin to re-surface. Smart and clever dialogue, wonderfully interspersed with Miller's unique and trade-markable LOL inner-dialogue reveals the sweet building blocks of a genuine love affair. But when the courtship is consummated, Bill is torn between the duality of his heart.

After much soul-searching and heartfelt conversations with female college buddy Samara, he decides to do the only thing he knows how. Be honest.

Although Ted is coolly, almost coldly accepting, Jina is devastated by Bill's revelation.

And so herein lies the dilemma. How does a genuine, non-cheating, committed-oriented bisexual convince his woman that he will be true even though a great part of who he is entails a natural attraction towards men? I don't know the answer, and that is what is so appealing about this remarkably simple and complex novel.


If I had a qualm with this wise and wonderful work, it is the constant reference to bisexuality as a lifestyle. Modern medicine and new social discourse have almost settled the debate over whether heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality are lifestyle choices or nature's simple draw of the card. Most beliefs nowadays err toward the latter, meaning that Ms. Miller's novel lags slightly behind contemporary thinking.

But forget that little peccadillo. This book works without preaching, a ruler-wielding schoolmarm, or right wing rants.

Debates will abound after this read, as well they should. And to Miller's credit, her well-drawn quartet---Bill, Jina, Ted, and Samara, give us many man-in-the-mirror moments to ponder.

Miller also brings up the elephant in the room. AIDS/HIV. But wisely she points out in a heartfelt tag, that the culprit is not bisexuals, homosexuals, shared needles, unsafe sex. It is ignorance. That alone makes this a worthwhile read.
Looker: A Novel

Bill Bradley is a good-looking, charming, and hard-working public relations professional but his world is about to be turned upside down in Minnie E. Miller's novel, The Seduction of Mr. Bradley. Jina Cook is an author in need of a public relations representative and Bill wants to be all that and more. In Jina, Bill has met the woman that could turn his world inside out and make him flip the script - literally. Bill is bisexual and when he falls in love with Jina, he becomes torn between the only woman he has ever loved and Ted, the man who has not only been his lover, but his friend and mentor as well. Ted has always been there for Bill. Bill has a heavy burden. How does he deal with the guilt and choose between the woman he loves and the man who has given him so much? And will Jina stay by his side when she finds out his secret?

In The Seduction of Mr. Bradley, Minnie E. Miller weaves an interesting tale that takes us into the lifestyle of a bisexual male. The characters in this story are well developed and realistic. Even if you do not approve of a gay, bisexual, or "down-low" lifestyle, you will find yourself rooting for Bill as simply a human being trying to find what is really in his heart. The imagery and detail were on point and emotions were high in this novel. You will be glued to the page wondering how it all comes together. Be ready to be surprised. I am very interested to find out what else Ms. Miller has in store for these characters.

Reviewed by Donielle
APOOO BookClub

This book introduced me to the idea that compulsive eaters like myself have something invested in being overweight, which helped me understand my own lose-weight-gain weight cycles. The ideas in this book plus a 6-month program with a health counselor got me off the dieting cycle I've been on for the past 25 years. Going from fat to thinner -- changing my body shape dramatically -- brings up a lot of fear and anger with me, and this book has helped me acknowledge that. Outside help has been great, too. Though the title seems radical, its not a feminist rally cry. I think its really helpful for people struggling with their body size.

I haven't been a big fan of the concept of feminism in the past and I had to be talked into buying this book by a friend, but I have to say it has done wonders for me, my attitude and my understanding of my relationship with food, fat and my family. UNlike other self-help books, this one is not designed to take you step-by-step through the process, but was, instead, designed to help people create their own support groups to discuss issues associated with weight and compulsive eating.

I have never considered myself a compulsive eater, so this is not something I would have gone to a group for or read about. But the book holds many insights around weight, attention, nurturance, the ability to care for oneself, a woman's relationship with her mother and more that hit home with me. I finished the book a few days ago and I've already dropped four pounds. I'm not dieting, but I have been addressing the issues that the book triggered for me. I expect that the weight will continue to come off naturally as a result of this work being completed. It's great to have had this resource.

I first read this book in 1978. And I'm so happy to have read this a few times more.

One of the most valuable questions that Susie Orbach asks is, "How will I be who I wish to be, if I look as I am supposed to look?" I suggest that when you ask this question, do so with the intention of envisioning an answer that works well for you, regardless of what you have seen, "out there." This is a question allows women to take ownership of their mind, body and soul.

Each year, I interview high school students, regarding their eating and body image beliefs. And I have seen a growing problem. By this time in their lives, both women and men now, get so caught up in an imaged protrayed by all forms of the media, that we can lose sight of who we are really meant to be.

The reasons for the problem have a long history with women, and a different reason for women than men. As men are complimented more on how they look, not as a means to flirt with them, but as a measurement of having what it takes, they are being pushed into some of the body image issues that women have a long history with.

This is also an excellent question to ask myself, in times when normally I might doubt my eating choices, my beauty, my being enough, or how my ability to be open to others, and still have boundaries in place.

I am eternally grateful for this book. Three excellent follow up books to this book, are, "My Mother Myself," by Nancy Friday," "Fat and Furious," by Judi Hollis, then "Overcoming Overeating," by Carol Munter and Jane Hirschmann.

This gal is taking Weight Watchers to court. I wouldn't suggest anyone waste a penny buying this dribble whe writes!

I don't know why no one else has reviewed this book yet. Fat is a Feminist Issue was first published in 1978. I believe it's been continually in print since then. Many current "diet" authors are greatly indebted to Susie Orbach's work but I rarely see them give her credit.

I was recently re-reading my much thumbed copy of FIAFI to supplement the information in Martha Beck's book The 4-Day Win and was struck by how our culture is now giving men the same messages about looks to men that used to previously be given only to women. (You think I'm kidding -- Men's Health reads like a male version of Glamour or Cosmo.) In the 21st C, fat is apparently not just a feminist issue but an issue for men and children as well.

While the language is a bit dated, the content is not. Most libraries have a copy of this book--because it really is a classic. Check it out that way if no other.

My main focus is to change my lifestyle and not just "diet" and this book gave me some information that I found to be an all around educational reading

I love this book. Period. I'm glad to see that a Black woman is talking health and fitness - seriously - for a change. With all of the stereotyping that Black women have to endure about our bodies and fitness levels, it is so good to see Dr. Ro showing America that Black women are health-conscious too and can and will happily embrace fitness and nutrition to enhance our health and compliment our beauty.

The book reads in a down-to-earth, non-preachy manner and offers good advice and great recipes (love the lean greens!). Liked it so much that I bought 6 of her books and passed them around to my family and friends as holiday gifts this year.

Great Job Dr. Ro! - Kena

Thank you, Dr. Ro, for your timely and on-point message about African American women and health. We are sadly losing too many African American women needlessly from poor eating habits, sedentary living and lack of self-care. This is an issue that we can longer ignore! It's time to stop talking about the problem and really do something about it. Dr. Ro's book, Ten Secrets to Livin' Healthy is a must read for every African American woman. Her book outlines a gimmick-free, no-nonsense plan that can save your life as well as those you love. I love Chapter 5 entitled "Heart Disease Begins at Six". How scary is that? Monitoring our children's diets and activity levels is so important. Thank you, Dr. Ro, for your commitment to saving the lives and livelihoods of African American women who may not have the time, interest or ability to seek out this information. Kudos to you!

This book was a little repetitive, but all in all.... very informative!!!! This book is similar to the 3 hour diet.

Contains a wealth of knowledge of diet and nutrition and several interesting recipes that I have already tried. The book is well written and the author has a sense of humor. I only wish there were more recipes. I am white and unfamiliar with some of the food, but I am having a wonderful time learning. It is fun to go to the supermarket and seek out some of these products. I enjoyed the book thoroughly.

Mary Lou Wood

Hungry for More serves as a guide to help African American women make informed choices when deciding to loose weight and live a healthy lifestyle. Robyn gives us a reality check when she tells us about her sister, Cathy, who underwent gastric bypass surgery, but died when her heart was not strong enough to handle this type of quick weight-loss surgery. The book is chock full of medical facts and plenty of resources and references. There is a very informative discussion on obesity in minorities and raising obese children that really makes you think about the issues. The book also has many personal stories from people Robyn interviewed. Obese women must realize that the weight did not go on overnight and cannot be removed over night. Robyn advocates loosing weight slowly and exercising, while changing eating habits and behavioral modification. Most of the information is what we have heard before--it just needs to sink in. I especially enjoyed "Rob's Recommendations" at the end of each chapter. When it comes to loosing weight, Robyn definitely wants us to keep it real!

All I can say is wow, wow, wow. I just finished Hungry. You spoke to a problem that is huge, no pun intended. Unfortunately we, as a society, focus on the outside manifestation of the inside pain.

One in four women are sexually abused or traumatized, or currently in an unsafe relationship. Health care providers who themselves have not dealt with their own issues can make the problem worse.

If there is no understanding of self, it's hard to promote self care for patients. I appreciate working in the atmosphere I work in at the Health Department where I don't have to rush with my patients. It's always interesting what is revealed behind closed doors. I will be recommending your book as reading for some of my patients. Even if weight is not an issue, love and acceptance of self usually is for most women. It's an on going daily process. Keep spreading the information and take care of yourself.

Wow! I really enjoyed reading this book. It is wonderful! Having gone from chubby to obese more than once, I was particularly interested in how this author would handle the subject and to her credit she never hit a false or patronizing note. The advice was solid but never condescending. What I particularly liked was the fact that there was no "one size fits all" reason for being fat, overweight, obese etc. It is my personal belief that with most people it involves a varying combination of factors with each person having their own particular mix. Ms. McGee delineated each "reason" with skill, knowledge and compassion and gave excellent advice as to where to go to get help and counsel. Plus it's a good read to boot! Any way it got me to thinking about some long overdue changes that I needed to make personally and after hemming and hawing mightily, I have lost 15lbs. It's a good start.. Thank you!

I just couldn't put this book down! From start to finish, this book is captivating, informative, and also entertaining. It reveals the weight-loss struggles that many ethnic women of today are faced with and what we can do to overcome them and love ourselves and our bodies without having to seek many drastic and often fatal measures. Any and all women can benefit from reading this work of genius!

Robyn McGee's HUNGRY FOR MORE is a guide to help African-American women make informed choices when deciding to live healthy and lose weight. Ms. McGee's book begins by telling readers about her sister, Cathy, who underwent gastric bypass surgery, but whose heart wasn't strong enough for this type of surgery and she died trying to find a quick and surefire method to lose weight. Cathy is one of many African-American women who are opting to have gastric bypass after many years of yo-yo dieting and trying everything imaginable to lose weight. Ms. McGee advocates losing weight in a slow manner with changes in eating habits, behavioral modification and exercise. She wants to give African-American women and women of color options for long-term weight loss and this book is a testament for her sister.

With nine chapters, an introduction, forward and afterword, the author covers many phases on living healthy and weight loss. In Chapter Two, "From the Motherland to Mickey D's", discusses how African-Americans have gradually become obese over time, especially in a culture of sedentary life. Chapter Four, "Digging Our Graves With Our Forks", examines the ways depression, racism and sexual abuse have contributed to obesity and how important dealing with these issues can change the continuum. And the final chapter, "Generation Triple XL", looks at the overweight problems of African-American children. Although I only highlighted a few of the chapters, this book has a wealth of usable information.

HUNGRY FOR MORE is informative and gives us the history of obesity in the African-American community as well as statistical information to validate the author's findings. With several case studies, she is able to convey her information from an individual and emotional standpoint. She makes her findings easily relatable and the options are fully explained. She also includes other reading materials to review as well as movies that feature each topic she explains in her book. One message made very clear in this book is that readers must learn to love themselves and they are more than just a number on a scale. Even if you choose or gastric bypass is your only option, this book gives you enough information for you to research this surgery so you know enough to ask the right questions and make an educated and informed decision. However, she offers so much more in ways of losing and maintaining weight loss that can easily be incorporated into anyone's lifestyle, if that is what he or she wants to do.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I did not know that there were differences between black skin and white skin This book has a table which explains this perfectly and the author has gone to some effort to show that the reaction pattern with white skin is always different to that in white skin Now I understand why I get all those black spots on my face chest and back In addition the book told me what to do about these dark spots

this book is informative but some of the treatments are either outdated or not available in the u.s. there is some good info in the book but i prefer "breaking out" for good easy to understand information and treatments.

I did not know that there were differences between black skin and white skin This book has a table which explains this perfectly and the author has gone to some effort to show that the reaction pattern with white skin is always different to that in white skin Now I understand why I get all those black spots on my face chest and back In addition the book told me what to do about these dark spots

I thought this book would give more details on skin differences among different races. I didn't see much information on specifically black skin. There were few lines on black skin. The information on what type of medicines that could be used on colored skin was helpful. He was also helpful in describing some techniques and medications that are used by dermatologists.

Acne in Black Women is an information guide for patients in which the author has taken great care to convert the terminology that dermatologists are trained to use into "plain and simple" terms used by the general population. In the preface it is noted that the purpose of this presumptuous booklet is to fulfill the need for an easily understood pamphlet about acne for black people. There is further definition of the term" black" as any skin type other than white, such as Indian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Asian.
The booklet is compact with a table of contents that allows for easy location of each specific topic and lists of medications in table format, providing a quick review of side effects and dosage frequency. In selecting language to explain acne concepts and treatments, the author has certainly achieved the goal of the booklet. The explanations are clear with the frequent use of the term "zit" rather than "comedone" in discussing different types of acne lesions.

The photographic section contains excellent examples of acne lesions and scarring in people of color. The organization of the information first presents acne as mild, moderate, or severe, and the following section on therapeutic options, organizes them based on the author's judgement of their usefulness in those grades of acne. Providing a chart to self-monitor acne organized into different facial zones (forehead, left cheek, right cheek, chin, nose) and types of lesions (whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, dark spots, scars) seems a useful way to involve the patient in a realistic assessment of their response to treatment.

The discussion of treatment options does include medications that are not yet available in the United States such as topical isotretinoin (topical Isotrex) and an oral contraceptive containing cyproterone (Diane). The scheduling and organization of office visits in different parts of the world may be more variable than the every-2-week frequency mentioned.

Overall, the author has understated his accomplishment. The book is a patient information guide that transcends color. "Plain and simple" language may also be appealing to white and male patients.
Reviewed by: Mary E. Shepherd, MD, PhD, Aurora, Illinois (February 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

I love to cook and eat. It's wonderful that I can now prepare healthy and traditional fare for my family without worry over fat and salt. Thanks ladies!

This book is very helpful, because it teaches a person to cook with flavor. Most times the foods that we (diabetics) eat are so bland. This is a well written book. The exchanges are a plus.

"Authors Gaines and Weaver show the reader how much of the hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes plaguing the African-American population can be avoided by making easy changes to traditional soul food recipes without losing too much of the flavor. The basics of healthy food preparation and menu planning are incorporated with suggestions for cooking with traditional herbs and spices, along with advice for reducing fat, calories and sodium. Portion sizes are given to aid in blood sugar control and weight loss, as well as complete nutritional information and official ADA exchanges.
Now you can experience palate-pleasing soul food recipes such as Barbecue Pulled Pork, Hoppin' John, Hoe Cake, Soul Slaw, Collards with Smoked Turkey, Chicken and Dumplings, Key Lime Pie, Rice Pudding, Sweet Potato Pound Cake and more in The New Soul Food Cookbook." (review from the National Federation of the Blind website, Marilyn Helton reviewer)

The recipes in this book are a help to me in trying to maintain a healthier eating lifestyle even though I am not a diabetic. The tips and stories were interesting and very informative.

I have tried several recipes from this book and was pleasantly surprised that the dishes were delicious.

I've been wanting to read this book ever since I've got it but time wasn't always on my side till this month. I make every effort to stay away from urban fiction that focuses on the drug game and what knots, for I find the majority of the stories to be poorly constructed and sensationalized. After reading "The Rise of the House of Stone" I'm sitting here thinking that this is perhaps one of the best piece of literature I have read in months. Excellent pace, clean character development and a motivating plot. This book mainly focuses on the vacant spot of the president position of the Stone Corporation between Sydney and Kendall.

From oldest to youngest we have Sydney Roberts, who has been working in the family business for years and is my favorite sister out of the bunch. She tells it like it is and doesn't back down from anyone. (She's fighting with her brother-in-law Kendall to see who can convince her father who is better for a high-level job with their family's business). Then we have Kailyn who is a well known actress who doesn't care to much for the family business or her marriage just her career. And lastly Ari who strives for a successful and productive non-profit organization without the help of her family fortune, altogether this makes the Stone sisters. Their parents, Joseph and Lily, are the back bone and the dedicators to building the hotel empire. Gathering millions of dollars over the years took a non-active role in their daughter's lives. This of course, left the sisters constantly at odds with each other and to say they had strained relationships with each other is the irony. The drama starts with the need to fill the president position of the Stone Empire and will end with that position sealed. The book also sheds light on the fragility of family succession and control in even the most established of enterprises - and how botched transfers of power from one generation to another can cause conflicts within a family's legacy. Running any family business is notoriously troublesome and very few ever make it into the next generation. After reading this I almost felt like I was watching African American version of Dynasty.

"The Rise of the House of Stone" is a well-written novel with an intelligent plot. Rachel Blessing's debut novel is both an easy read and hard to put down. She has done a great job putting the tales behind Sydney, Kailyn, and Ari throughout this entire book. I enjoyed every moment of house of Stone and I highly recommend it.

The Stone family is renowned for their upscale hotels that have made the elder Joseph Stone a multi-millionaire. The time has come to choose a new President of the company and two people are vying for the position; daughter, Sydney and son-in-law, Kendall. THE RISE OF THE HOUSE OF STONE is the drama-filled, funny, family-centered story of how thick blood really is when it comes to business.

Sydney is the oldest daughter and has always wanted to be in charge of the Stone hotels, she doesn't understand why her father would even consider an outsider for the position she feels should only be held by a family member. Kailyn, the second oldest daughter, is married to Kendall and their marriage is built on a foundation of lies. Since Kendall holds a secret over her, she has to do what he requires even if it means going against her sister. Ari is the youngest daughter acts as if her family's money has no affect on her, but in reality she can't deny the influence her family's name has, and uses it to her benefit. The three sisters are not close, they were raised by separate nannies and never cultivated a relationship. However, with the campaign for the President's position at stake, they must form a bond to save their family and their company.

THE RISE OF THE HOUSE OF STONE reminds me of night time soap operas like Dynasty, Dallas and Falcon Crest. You have this rich family, and an outsider who wants to take it over. But in this story there are moments of comic relief to make you laugh at the antics of the three sisters and Kendall. The pacing was fine and the storyline was at times engaging. The character development however was not as strong as I would have liked. The characters were not three-dimensional and I was unable to connect with them because they were missing the elements of background information and emotional processes to make them wholly believable. Also, editorial assistance would have been helpful in insuring the authenticity of things and events described especially when you are supposedly discussing the opulent lifestyle of the rich. Even with these flaws, this story is quite entertaining.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

The Rise of the House of Stone by Rachel Blessing is a story about the complications of family business rife with conflict and expectations. Sydney Stone is the go-getter in the Stone family. Of the three sisters, Sydney, Ari and Kailyn, she is the only one who is employed within the corporation. Her biggest dream is to be president of the family's luxury hotel chain. However, her brother-in-law, Kendall, has plans of his own to gain the presidency. In fact he has come up with an idea that impressed the family, particularly matriarch Lily.

Kendall is married to Kailyn, a famous actress and his plan is to use her celebrity as publicity to prove he is better suited to promote the hotels. Kailyn has no interest in assisting her husband but feels compelled to because he is threatening to expose a secret about her. The animosity between Sydney and Kendall is visceral. Kailyn feels as though she is a pawn between her husband, whom she resents, and her sister, who she is not particularly close to. Ari wants nothing to do with the business or the discord within the family. These divisions make for a great deal of family drama.

Ms. Blessing penned an interesting tale about family business and divided loyalties. I enjoyed reading about how a family divided can find common ground when the chips are down. The Rise of the House of Stone is recommended for those interested in a well-told family drama.

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

Sydney, Ari and Kailyn are sisters in a Stone cold family. Their parents, Joseph and Lily, were more dedicated to building a hotel empire and amassing millions of dollars rather then taking active roles in raising their children. This of course, left the sisters constantly at odds with each other and to say they had strained relationships with each other would be an understatement. The drama of this story started with the need to fill the president position of the Stone Empire.

Sydney thought she was a shoe in for the job because she was the only sibling involved with the family hotel business. Until, Kailyn's husband, Kendall, decided he wanted in on the action. Ari never wanted to be involved in the hotel business but did want to use the family's money in a non-profit venture. Circumstances would soon force the sisters to rely on each other to save the families name. Would they be able to overcome their past to make the future worth living?

Blessing does an exceptional job crafting a tale of love, suspense and family. The story has several dramatic twists that will leave you captivated. Blessing has a unique flavor for knitting family together, creating crisis and developing characters along the way. Despite a few grammatical and spelling problems THE RISE OF THE HOUSE OF STONE is a tale worth owning. Hopefully, there will be a sequel for the Stone family.

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners

Rachel Blessing's "House of Stone" is a refreshing, charming and captivating read, putting a fresh face on color and class in America. This is first book for pleasure that I have picked up in a very long time. I was enamoured with this book from first three chapters in which Ms. Blessing decidedly introduced the three sisters with there own episodes within the book on a recurring basis. The book flowed so well into each of the sisters lives, you couldn't help becoming fascinated with the story outcome. I had to stop myself several times from going to the last last chapter to see if the sisters came out on top. I hope that this book is the first in a long line of Stone drama, and that this initial book was only an introduction into the lives of these alluring women.