African-American-Health Books

Donna Marie Williams gives readers 365 days of health and fitness advice in Sister Feelgood. Ms. Williams' target audience is black women. She has topics each day that offer inspiration. There are also topics to encourage women to love each part of their body. She also provides suggestions for the many areas of a woman's busy life. Each reading includes an affirmation for the reader to focus on for the day.

I recommend this book to all women who want a healthy lifestyle. Sister Feelgood is a supplement to any workout plan or healthy eating plan. This book is small enough for the reader to keep in your purse to refer to later. I look forward to future books by Donna Marie Williams.

Reviewed by Phyllis
For BBWreviews

Solitare is a good book where a woman looks back at her teen years (before anybody knew about eating disorders)& writes about her eating disorder experiences. This is _not_ "a romantic, historical novel about the struggle of African-Amnericans and the Underground Railroad". whoever posted this for Amazon didn't categorize correctly.

I enjoyed this book. The author analyzes Marakwet society by looking at organization of space in their houses (traditionally round in shape), and how this relates to gender roles. She notes how these relationships change with modernization. This is a good case study of how women in Third World societies are affected by globalization. Her approach is both economic and symbolic -- some of the early chapters on the analysis of space harken back to Bourdieu's study of the Kabyle house.

WHAT YOUR MAMA NEVER TOLD YOU: TRUE STORIES ABOUT SEX AND LOVE is an intimately personal collection of sixteen short stories all written by African-American writers. In this funny and graphic compilation, the writers discuss such taboo issues as first love, sexual experiences, and molestation and sexual abuse.

This very humours and honest book provides information that, yes, your mother probably never told you. The soul-baring stories, while entertaining, help the readers to embrace their sexuality and their body. They are also extremely enjoyable to read, with names like "Stacked: Confessions of a Girl with a Great Rack," and "How NOT to Define Sexuality: An Ex-Good Girl Gets Open," among others.

While focused mostly on young African-American girls, this anthology appeals to women of all ages and races. It helps them all appreciate their true beauty and love themselves for who they truly are. After reading this book, girls will embrace their past and present experiences, and learn how to make the most out of their future. It is a book that should be passed from girl to girl and daughter to mother for it offers hope and understanding between females of all backgrounds and with different life experiences.

Reviewed by: Amanda Dissinger

Great when it first came out because it was such a novel issue, but if you really want something good go to Keith Boykin. thats it. JL King fails to answer the most straightforward question his book poses: What is DL? He walks around it, then does summersaults around it, then runs circles and finally wrappes it with layers of gift wrap but FAILS to answer what Down Low is. Maybe he is being down low about the definition of Down Low.

I read this book in one day...I couldn't put it down. After reading this book I was discussing it with one of my guy friends and he told me that he was actually on the down low. I suspected him long ago but after reading this book...I knew and he came clean and told me. We had a lot to talk about and this book helped me understand him and what he was going through. I was truly educated.

This book is an eye opener I think young men and women should read this book to become aware of what is going on in todays society.

Sounds like this King character is nothing more than an opportunist. I find it amazing 1) that he only decided to talk about this AFTER he had been caught/exposed; 2) that he does not condemn the behavior, and his only words of encouragement to those practicing such behavior is to "protect yourself". Even though his secret has been discovered, what says he has stopped this foolishness? Remember, he claims to have had these tendencies since he was a teen, and first acted on those tendencies when we was 19 years old! The message that he is sending is LOUD and CLEAR...He does not condemn the behavior and has no problem exploiting it for gain -- a book first, and now a "tour" with his ex-wife? Wake up PPL...He claims to be a God-fearing man, so what is Godly about the position and stand that he has made?...The Bible has a word that describes people like J. L. King;

2 Peter 2:12-15 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

Every woman need to read this, If we pay attention the signs are their this is a manual for all ladies to live by...

tHIS BOOK IS SO INFORMATIVE! i HAVE SHARED IT WITH MANY OTHER WOMEN WHO NOW FEEL THE SAME WAY. eVERYTHING WASN'T FOR ME, BUT THE THINGS THAT WERE, I HAVE BENEFITTED FROM ALOT!

I have read several books on black hair care, but I must say, in all honesty, this is the absolute best ever written. I couldn't put this book down. It was very easy reading. However, I was shocked and amazed at the information she reveals in this book. I have purchased several copies for my family and friends and their responses were all the same, "a great book!"

I bought this book because I was curious about its content. I was very pleased and ended up following the author's advie. My hair looked healthier and itchy scalp have stopped. My hair grew and looked healthier. If you are clueless about taking care of your hair, buy this book.

After seeing the customer review rates about this book, i thought it will be a waste of money. But after my hair came out after braiding my hair, i was desperate to learn how to get my hair back in shape. So I decided to purchase the book after reading a few pages at borders book store. i was very thankful that i didn't listen to all the negative rates online. Her book was very helpful. I never really paid attention to the scalp, and how much damage i was causing it by not keep it clean and always scratching it. I was glad that she did not only talk about how to take care of the hair but also the scalp, the hair and the mind. The mind was a very interesting parts of the book, it help me take all the negative stuff that i thought about my hair, like how it was never going to get better and it's all going to break off, about people criticisms. This book is amazing,please don't believe the negative ratings, if u want to safe your money and learn how to take care of your hair and scalp at home, how to wash it, apply conditioner, and manage the hair and scalp this is an amazing book. Although she didn't request any hair care product she did write how to know which ones are best. i will recommend KERACARE products. i love their hair care product. i wash with the 1st lather shampoo to remove the dirt from the hair and scalp (ph 4.5), then i shampoo a second time with the hydrating shampoo (ph 6.0), then after apply the humecto creme conditioner (ph 4.5), which makes the hair very soft and full of shine. If your hair needs a protein conditioner, i will recommend UBH CONDITIONER (by cathy howse). It really helps the hair thicken and help it stay strong. Also about the oil moisturizers try KERACARE ESSENTIAL OIL (a little bit goes a long way) Try it. it will work. my hair has change from thick, coarse, dry, brittle hair,into soft, thick, long, bouncy, shiny hair. I get complements every day at work and it's a good feeling to know that i have good, healthy hair. Thanks for reading. Hope some of my advice helped your hair.

I read this book after some very bad experiences with a high-profile salon that essential made all of my hair fall out in an attempt to fix a botched relaxer. I'm now regrowing and needed advice on starting over. It has to be approached with an open mind because some of the advice probably conflicts with what you've been doing your whole life... but for many of you, that probably hasn't done a heap of good. After all, would you be looking for hair care books if the status quo was so great? If your scalp is healthy, your hair is long and strong, and all is well, by all means continue what you've been doing.

This book is focused on scalp care and for good reason. Cleansing every3 days is recommended. Relaxing every 10-12 weeks instead of 6-8 as most do currently. So is conditioning properly, using appropriate comb and techniques, etc. Because it's basically learning black hair care the right way, I think it's an excellent book for non-black mothers of black or multracial children because you're probably not approaching this with a false sense of confidence in your ability to care for your hair. This book will teach you how to take control of your own hair instead of depending on a stylist. After all, you probably see your stylist no more than twice a month. For the rest of the time, you should be able to care for your hair properly. Part of this is also finding a good stylist and that can be difficult to do but Lisa has good tips on that as well.

My recommendation for future editions would be to put more in on natural hair care or possibly do a book on natural hair care because it is a need not currently satisfied by any of the books on the market. There is good information in this book but if your hair is natural or you're transitioning, it may not be comprehensive. I really wish I had come across this book a year ago because it seems like everything my stylist was wrong and my long, relaxed hair that fell out pretty much validates Lisa's statements for me. If armed with the knowledge I have now, I would never have allowed the stylist to do all the stuff she did to my hair. You MUST be an educated not only so you can care for your hair at home but also because you really HAVE to be an educated consumer.

Ms. Millner is very confused. First she recommends finding a spiritual man, then she says that women must sleep with men after the 3rd date or risk losing him. I stopped reading the book after that. Any god-fearing man that demands sex after the third (or any other) date should be dumped! Want a better book? Try "First Class Single". Throw Sistahs' Rules in the trash.

This is books is not the secret to getting a man or anything. However, you may read some things that can change how you go about getting into relationships. I just took this as a good read, and the "African-American" version of the other rules books out on the market. It's cute.

As a single sistah, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only did it make me laugh, it made me think. I think that Denene gave some really good advice, and I recommend it wholeheartedly to young sistahs everywhere. Keep up the good work Denene!!

I get nervous when general cultural phenomenoms, like woman finds husband, have to be reinterpreted for black people. I don't see the dating game any different for black women as it is for anyone else in the mainstream. Demand high standards and you either get them or your time won't be wasted.

I find the advice in this book to be contradictory. On the one hand we are told to consider men who don't make a lot of money since rich (black) men may not have morals, but then we are told he's a keeper if he wears Armani suits. Well, that's alright then.

In the author's constant quest to convince us to prioritize asset challenged men on our dance cards, the author tells us about the (bitter) sweet tale of her parents: Her father who is an honest, hardworking yada, yada man who married her mother. Thirty years later, while he's paying two mortagages and a few other necessities, the author tells us her 57 year old mother still has to work to make ends meet. And, she's very happy, the author reassures us. What I want to know, what is that second mortgage that her father is paying on for?

In one chapter, the author tells us that black men don't like women who play games. She doesn't define game playing, but I define it as doing something that you don't want to do at that moment but will do for some long term gain. The author makes a direct attack on The Rules (by Sherrie Fein and Ellen Schneider). The author doesn't agree that one should turn down a Saturday night date on Wednesday; but she does advocate turning down a Saturday night date by Friday at lunch time. What should I do then if I want to see this guy on Saturday night and he has called just after I have eaten my lunch?

She also advises women to leave the guy's house immediately after you have sex with him. The reason she gives for this is that you will show him what a strong independent woman you are. Excuse me? Has she contemplated the security risk that she has created for anyone who wants to do a runner in the night? And wouldn't this also be classified as 'game playing' as most people prefer semi-civilized habits like sharing breakfast after doing the deed and before parting. Ultimately,though if anyone is still worried that the other may consider their sex partner clingy and needy, may be sex just shouldn't occur in the first place. Funny, that the author didn not consider that option.

This is an awful book. It does nothing to increase the self-esteem of black women. She never advocates interracial dating (in fact, she advises us to set our targets lower because black men don't make as much money as white men do) but then if she did, the book may not have been published. I just don't particularly care for being put into a group of `special needs.'

For the record, I am a black American and I don't need to validate what I have just written by telling you what level of education that I have attained or that I am a corporate lawyer or that I am pursuing any other profession.

Another piece of bad literature (or bad "advice") that takes advantage of the plight of the insecure black woman simply to make money.

I bought this book from the man himself. Not only is he arrogant, but his book made proposterous suggestions (standing on ones head to grow hair) and not enough information about how to grow hair. Save your money and buy No Lye: The African American Woman's Guide To Natural Hair Care by Tulani Kinard instead.

As a black woman, i am constantly on the search for helpful hair care books. I thought Fletcher's book was the answer to my prayers, until I actually got it in the mail. What a tremendous waste of paper. Generic, vague, random and rambling, this book truly gave little to no real knowledge. and mr. fletcher's own personal product advertising section was just insulting! I mean really! thank goodness amazon has a great return policy!

I have read many hair care books, and this by far is the "ultimate" in hair care and maintenance guides. I have implemented many of Mr. Fletcher's suggestions into my daily hair care routine, and have experienced tremendous results. My hair has gotten longer, stronger, and more lustrous. My only regret is that I did not discover this book sooner. Thank you, Mr. Fletcher!

This book had some good information, but not enough on promoting hair growth. It was really a waste of money.

Use of and improper use of chemical relaxers!! Improper diet!! Harsh hair dyes!! Greasing up the hair follicles so they can't breathe!!

Simple solution. Quit trying to be like white women and accept your god given curly, kinky, coily, nappy and all stages in between hair and learn to care for it. Learn to love it. Natural hair is beautiful, practical, versatile, and not at all hard to take care of. Black hair can grow down to your knees if you want it to, you just have to prevent it from breaking off. Moisturize it. Condition it. Stop using harsh shampoos. Oy!!
Exercise. Drink water...not koolaid. Increase your protein and veggie intake. Lose weight!! Take multi-vitamins. These things and more (not combing dry hair, using a boar's hair brush) contribute to growing healthy long hair. Quit being mean to your nappy headed sisters by telling them their hair is "bad". Give up those slave terminologies and psychological traps. Good lord, is it no wonder black women are losing their hair with all this unnecessary stress they put on it??
Until you free your minds, sisters, you and your hair will forever remain imprisoned in a vicious cycle of destruction; and you will not only continue to lose your hair, your minds and souls will follow.

After reading Brenda's ex-husbands book I had to hear her story. It was great to read about Brenda's problems and not only focusing on her husbands betrayal.

This book was written very well. It gives anyone in this situation an example to look at. This book does not push the reader to join sides with Brenda nor does it bash her husband. Well done and very informative.

I thought the book was going to be more indepth as far as what to look out for, but it ended up being a book on her background. Boring!!!!

This book is the other version of Forbidden Love with a Married Man by Dennis Schleicher, which it is a 'must read' for all. His memoir is groundbreaking along with cutting edge, a first of its kind.

Dennis fell victim just like Brenda Stone Browder. Schleicher's book will help women realize why their husbands cheat, and how it's out of their control.

Brenda's book is not sensational (as her husband J. L. King, On The Down Low). It is personal, reflective, cautious with a focus.

Although this woman should be admired for how she was able to get back on track after the many things she endured she misses the point entirely. For starters, men who live "on the DL" do not want tobe discovered--in the unlikely event that a surefire or foolproof test to determine wether or not a man is on the DL were ever devised, those men in this lifestyle would find a way to dodge or evade it. Her suggestions that homosexuality and bisexuality can be cured are ludicrous at best. After having read this book my only question is "Did she write this to get back at her ex-husband?".

If I could I would give this a no star not even a 1/2. I cannot even believe that a doctor would really recommend a diet such as this. It reminds of the many fad diets (i.e grapefruit or gabbage diet). The book first starts out making many statements how the black woman's body is different than caucasian body which all the other diets are created for then he goes on to use the BMI index that is also based on caucasian bodies. I decided to then look over and read the weight loss plan they have in the book. The resistrictions are so extreme I cannot believe that it will not have some long time affect on people. BE SURE TO TALK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TAKING ON THIS DIET PLAN. The limitations on what you can eat may not provide your body with the proper nutrition and you don't want to be surprised if your health is affected. I know my doctor would be ready to burn the book to keep it away from me and my genetic health issues we have already have the talk about how I should eat when I lose weight. I want a plan that I can live with and modify for maintenance I don't want something that would make me completely miserable and quit before a real difference can be made or affect my health negatively.

Before I bought this book I read some of these reviews, and I decided that what works for one doesn't always work for all. I bought the book and me and my daughter both decided to try the diet for a month to see if it actually work. The first week I was down 12lbs, my daughter was down 8lbs. Over the past 4 weeks I've shed 25lbs, and she 20lbs. I admit it is hard giving up the things that I love to eat, but I am tired of being unhealthy. If losing weight is important to you, then you will do it. By the way we have given the diet to 35 other friends and family members, and it's really fun to hear from everyone on a weekly basis telling us that they've lost between 5-12 lbs each week. Good Luck to anyone who decides to try this diet, having others go on it with you is even better.

I found out about this book earlier this year from a friend of mine in Atlanta. I had gained a lot of weight over the holidays and I was really feeling uncomfortable. Although I wasn't perfect all of the time on the plans, I still have lost over 25 pounds. I really liked the recipes and the strategies. I was suprised at some of the foods that weren't included but after reading the reasons I had a better understanding. I also liked that the book did not stress being really thin. I still have a few more pounds that I want to lose then I'll be ready to maintain.

I am 34 years young and I heard about Dr. Beale's book from a friend in Chattanooga, TN, so I decided to buy it. I read the entire book in a day and a half...it was such a good book! The eating plans were simple enough for my personality and the way they were set up was like a reward system for losing weight. By following his plan at each weight interval, I had a blueprint for goal-setting. I was always frustrated with weight loss efforts because I am hypothyroid (low thyroid) and diabetic. My physician treated these issues as well and since beginning the program in Mid-May of 2005, I have to date lost 33 pounds!!!! I started out at 203lbs and am now on August 1, 2005 down to 170lbs. My husband needed to lose some extra pounds and started on the eating plan with me and went to my physician. He's lost 22lbs and he looks INCREDIBLY SEXY!!! After 3 babies (6yrs, 3yrs, 15 months) we are doing what we didn't think was possible and we are looking forward to our mid-30's with excitement! My goal weight is 130lbs to get to the healthiest BMI for my height and weight and I project that I will reach that goal by Feb. of 2006. I've been incorporating walking and some resistance training to help with an abdominal "pooch" that I've developed and all of my thanks is to you, Dr. Beale and daughter Lisa for the information and insight that allowed me to realize that my body is unique and for giving me tools that assist me with proactively reaching my weight loss goals in a healthy manner.

In the real world of food there all types fats, grains, veggies, fruits, starches and I can go on and on. Many of them help the human body to function properly. On a positive note the diet book does help to loose weight. But it sets us women up for failure you eat 4-8 0z a meat, a cup of fruit, and a cup of veggies twice a day to complete a full meal depending on which plan you are on you may get more. You can have one item on the list for breakfast. These foods come from a small list of only eat foods. My gripe is that it does teach you portion control while eating off the list. It does not teach you for the real world when you end the diet. Also I do not like that whole grains and other healthy foods are not on the plan. Our bodies where designed to eat a broad variety of food and our minds likewise want to naturally do the same. The maintainence section doesn't give you any vital information on keeping the wieght off and maintaining a healthy diet. This diet teaches you nothing of the real world where food exists. I call it a starvation diet and I think if I loose the 20 I want to loose I will look unhealthy or just starved. Besides eating this little every day and working out for 1-2 hours is not going to get it. In the real world people get up and exercise to loose weight a sedentary life will keep you down they also learn to eat a broad variety of food to supply nutrients that the body desperately needs. He should emphasize the importance of exercise in his book if he really wants to look out for Black Women. A quick fix fad diet this is for sure because if you don't get the fundamentals to building a wholesome diet that weight will creep back on with some more to spare.