African-American-Health Books

This book is a great way to start if your new to make-up and your skin. I would recommend this book to all young women of color.

I've never really cared that much about what I used on my face or if I had on make-up. But going out one night, my friend got me to try a full face of make-up, and I looked pretty good. This book helped me do it on my own. It was a great starting point, easy to follow with great pictures. I learned how to take care of my skin better and it looks healthier. I also found with the help of the color chart some new and different choices to make with my clothes, and it even suggested accent colors to compliment your main outfit color. You can't always wear black! The skin type chart helped me realize that I actually have combination not oily skin. Oily skin would be especially oily in your t-zone and then all over. By answering the simple questions, I went in search of products more suited to my skin type. Great, straightforward book.

The skin type chart in the book is just plain confusing. You'd have to read the whole chart in the book to see what I mean. It's on pages 46 and 47. For an example, in the column for oily skin where it asks in the section 'does your skin feel greasy or slick?' it gives you the options 'T-zone' and 'all over'. What is this supposed to mean when 'T-zone' is an option in all of the columns? This doesn't make any sense. Another section in the chart asks the question,'If you bathe with deodorant soap, how does your face and body skin feel after an hour, without any type of moisturizer?'. My skin feels comfortable after this so I picked the option 'Oily forehead eyelids, nose, and chin' which is in the column for oily skin, but the chart next asks 'What do your pores look like?'. My pores look invisible, but this was in the column for dry skin. It's impossible for someone to have dry skin and oily skin all at the same time!
Now for the confusion of the color chart. The color chart says that the complimentary accent colors for dark complexions (specifically where it says 'dark skin') are: yellow etc., but in the section of the chart where it says 'medium skin' it reads on with more information about dark skin saying people with medium brown and dark complexions, in general, are flattered by colors with blue undertones, rather than yellow. HOW CONFUSING! By the way, what are complimentary accent colors? This book needs a glossary just for that term or the book needs to explain it somewhere, and if it does the book needs to mention that it does in its index.

Would be better if the pictures were in color. The information on skin care was helpful.

A 'must read' for anyone attempting to understand the tension between Afican American Men and Women.

Dr. Jeffrey Gardere tackles the "black love" arena head-on with his guide to loving one another and overcoming adversity within your relationships. Using real-life incidents, he shares with readers what most relationships go through and how to get rid of negative behaviors, stereotypes, and game-playing.

Outlining many situations from his work as a clinical psychologist, Gardere helps remove the barriers and challenges most African-American men and women face today. Touching on topics that get down to the root of the problem, which he believes stemmed from slavery, he helps readers understand their thoughts and feelings, offering suggestions on how to heal, fix and maintain after the problems are resolved.

Who wouldn't want to stop the cycle? With light, sincere and honest feedback, this is great reading for women and men alike. This book may be the antidote that everyone has been searching for. Get in line for your prescription...

Reviewed by T. Belinda Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This book was HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to me, but unfortunately, I did not find it highly insightful. For me, there was really no new information or insight and the examples of relationship situations seemed a little immature or unrelateable. I do think it's worth reading for those in their late teens and early 20's, or those who have not had the exposure to determine what's even considered a worthwhile relationship to pursue. Perhaps I was just expecting a deeper presentation and reflection of the issues.

I love to hear Mr. Gardere on talk shows. However, this book did not provide in real concrete help. The book focused on Post-Traumatic Slavery Syndrome and how it affects our relationships as Black Americans. I could not finish the book because he did not give a prescription for healing. I was left hanging like a doctors tells me my arm is falling off but prescribes me aspirin for the pain.

The foundation of the book uses slavery again as an ailment or crutch instead of a stepping stone. I say get a second opionion from a doctor that will state the cause and a cure to an ailment.

I wish I could give it a -5 stars.

I loved this book. It was exciting and very sad at the same time. Teaching our children about their bodies is very important. Dr. Elders dedication to her community and the mentally disabled young women needs to be applauded. When she said to the young lady "I want you to have two healthy babies" it made me want to cry, that was a very loving act. All you have to do is listen to the news and read the papers to know that the sexual behavior of politicans is why the had to keep her quiet! I say like the other reader, "YOU GO GIRL!"

Dr. Elders memories are both inspirational and heartbreaking. She is truly a woman who came up from the depths of despair and poverty by her own bootstraps. She never backed down from those hypocrites in Washington and Arkansas and in her book she makes no apologies for anything that she has said or done. I feel like I know her better now that I've read her book, it is truly heartwarming and worth a read. The writing was well done and very well presented. This book deserves more than five stars. You go Joycelyn!!!! This book has made me believe that I want to dedicate my life to helping those of our country who are less fortunate, helping them will concrete goals and ideas, instead of empty promises that leave them hungry and homeless with no hope. Joycelyn is truly an American hero, and one of the greatest women of the century

I bought this book because I had heard many things about Elders that made me think, "God Lord, how did she ever become the Surgeon General, she sounds like a radical sex obsessed idiot." then i read the book, and it confirmed my previous hypothesis. And from watching Fox news, I've also learned that she is promoting a book about how pre pubecents should engage in sex and be given condoms in school. She has also previously tried to have Grade Schools teach MASTURBATION to children. She sounds like a lunatic who came into power not from intelligence or morality, but because of other reasons that I will not say because people tend to get up in arms about certain topics. I Found the book to be badly written, and though she only CO WROTE it, I can only imagine how it would have been if she had written by herself...

I work with people with mental illness and substance abuse. I have shared this book with many of my African American clients and everytime I do I get such positive reinforcement that the authors of this book have given them their dignity back. It has answered ages old questions about the the black experience that everyone should know. This book should be a must read for all our children.

My mother died by suicide when I was 9 years old. What I find most amazing till this day is how my family (we are African-American) refused to talk about her mental illness and the circumstances that lead to her death. For years, I would rather lie about her death and her illness, than admit that she was mentally ill.

This book takes the blinders off an issue that we don't like to talk about in the black community. How many times have we heard comedians joke about mental health issues being a "white man's disease". But the truth is that mental illness affects people of all classes, ethnic backgrounds and religion. It can especially hit the poor very hard due to insufficient access to health care. With necessary information, statistics and a very objective approach, the authors of this great book show how mental illness is more of a problem than we would like to think, and yet "age old stigmas" (especially the one that associates mental illness with being crazy) make it hard for us to seek the treatment that we need. Of course, there are other issues that are addressed, such as the insensitivity of the health care community towards the health care needs of African-Americans.

This book is a must read for anyone sinmcerly concerned about the overall health of the African-American community and our society as a whole

This book is a classic example of how inconvenient facts can be ignored in order to support a thesis which promotes a political agenda instead of actually examining the data available to reach a proper conclusion. Is there a suicide and mental health crisis among African-Americans? If you read this book, it is beyond repute. Is it caused by the racism that the authors find under every rock? Absolutely, according to them. Do the authors look at historical facts that refute their premise? Absolutely not.
Was racism in the US more prevalent in the Jim Crow era than today? Well, ask the Tuskegee airmen, or any other totally segregated (but supposedly equal) segment of society who had to drink from a "colored" water fountain or attend inferior schools. What were the differences in mental health statistics between racial groups in that era when it came to looking at white vs. black groups of similar economic circumstances? Whites were disproportionately represented then. Will you find that information in this book? Absolutely not.
So what has changed? Publishers are willing to put books like this into the marketplace without anyone challenging the total lack of foundation for their conclusions and demanding real research instead of selective and highly slanted statistics that do not hold up in the light of day.
Of course the fact that this book is in the near 400,000 level of sales vs. serious academic research such as The Bell Curve at 6500 says a lot. But this book is essentially a politically correct and academically fraudulent exercise. If you are into victimhood and excusing the failure of the leaders of today's civil rights movement to rise above the shoe leather of giants like Martin Luther King Jr., you will like this book. If you are looking for serious examination of the many crises facing the black community today and how to deal with them, you won't find it here.

This book had it all!! A little History about our hair, info on locking and wonderful personel journies. The unconvential font was a nice touch...seemed less formal. I highly recommend this book for those thinking about the transition as well as for those already there....the stories will take you back!!

I eagerly looked forward to reading this book as I'm an avid reader and collector of natural hair care publications. Unfortunately, the book was printed in an uncommon font that did not permit me to fully enjoy the book. After reading blocks and blocks of paragraphs in this font, the words practically became indecipherable to me. I wondered why in the world would this author choose this font rather than Times Roman or some other standard font. It made the book's contents look amateurish. In summary, if you can get past the font, the book is a nice collection of keeping-it-real sisters sharing stories about transitioning to wearing natural hairstyles.

I didn't realize that this book was mostly about the road to locking. I was looking for a variety of stories talking about people's experiences to natural hair, not just wearing locks as a style option.

Denene Millner, and her husband Nick Chiles gives us their opinion on todays' relationship. I would have liked the book more I think if i was more out there, like the situations in the book

My husband and I both read the book. I thought that it made a lot of valid assertions, however, I am not as aggressive or progressive, I guess as many of the women who were interviewed. My husband loved the book. So, I intend to read it again. I do think it was valuable, and worth the money, but I wish it had spent more time on people who are in committed relationships...perhaps this is the NEXT book topic!

Millner & Chiles once again collaborate their opinions on sex & relationships.After reading this book,I'm thinking "do I have to do all of these things to achieve my sexual satisfaction"? I don't know about everyone else,but I wouldn't go word for word for what they say.I have to disagree with Ms.Millner's ideas for what a man must do to please a woman,especially about "doing it"in certain public places.Mr.Chiles views are that it's almost mandatory for a couple to be "getting it on"everyday for as much as possible.Overall it's a very entertaining book that all couples & single people like myself should read.It makes for great debating.

I thought the book would be full of good, practical information considering it had the input of so many physicians however, it was a great let down because it shed very little light on health matters at all.

I would reccommend the Merck Manual for anyone, white or black who is trying to find out health information on various conditions from diabetes to hypertension.

This book was not worth the money and more importantly did not teach me anything because it was alot of fluff and no susbstance.

THANKS FOR A GREAT BOOK, EACH TOPIC WAS BRIEF AND STRAIGHT TO THE POINT. IT DID AWAY WITH SOME OLD WIVES TALES AND MYTHS.

First you gotto get over the Black Power talk and the fact that all of the author's heroes are black. Then he tells you how white society was bad to him, but then the good part comes in. He introduces you to a world were irrational behaviour and poor social skills are to be blamed on mental health. How the racial stigma has contributed in the form of stress to have the black male become emotionally unstable. Wow. that's good. The reading was all worth it after the first two chapters.
The authors eloquence and style are impressive. This is no mediocre man writing on one more reason blacks haven't made it. He has some very powerful personal experinences and you will relate to him in many ways. I rated it a 3 but I DO INDEED RECOMMEND YOU READ IT. For those of yo interested in social issues, black empowerment issues, and mental health issues this book IS A MUST!

John Head lived the "American Dream": supportive wife, 2.5 children, fantastic job, great home, tennis buddies, family, friends... his list of blessings was long enough to make most envious; yet fulfillment and contentment were just beyond his grasp, sitting on the other side of depression.

He was trapped in the cell of depression, and no matter how hard his family and friends tried to break him free of his imprisonment, they failed. This was a battle John's loved ones could not fight for him. This was John's war; all others had to take a supporting role.

John Head's life is literally an open book in STANDING IN THE SHADOWS. In order to help African-American men-and those who love them-win the fight against depression, John Head reveals his revelations, struggles, failures, successes, and strategies for dealing with depression.

As I read STANDING IN THE SHADOWS, I could see how men suffering from depression could identify with John's struggles and hopefully seek help. As the wife of a diagnosed manic-depressive Black man, I could identify with the stories of John's family struggles. At times, Mr. Head became preachy on issues such as the role that racism plays in depression in African-American men and the stigma many Blacks have against admitting and treating mental illnesses, but otherwise this is an excellent book that is very informative and personable.

Reviewed by Deatri King-Bey
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I first read this book in the early part of 1998. It was after I cut off my seven month old traditional locs (due to a hereditary scalp condition) that I began to search for an alternative style for my natural hair. Being that I loved wearing locs and I truly missed my own I felt driven in my search. I was visiting a friend and I was told about this book. I ordered the book and I was very pleased with the information provided.

True enough the first section of the book covers the issues that black people, mainly women, have faced with their hair. The opening of the book is moreso from a political standpoint. Towards the middle of the book the reader begins to learn more about the author and her hair-story. It is closer to the end of the book that the reader is given more detail into the Sisterlock style. There are "NO" color photos and the number of photographs are limited.

What this book is offering is a look into the Sisterlock style as opposed to traditional locs. You will not find techniques on how to do this particular style because the author is mainly enlightening the reader on an alternative option. You also will not find the How To's on the technique because it takes a well trained consultant to correctly begin this style for those who are interested in wearing it. I must say that reading this book made me want to take a closer look at the option of wearing Sisterlocks. In fact I contacted the Sisterlocks Headquarters in San Diego (information provided within the book) and I was given the name and number of a consultant close to my home in Chicago, Illinois. I started my Sisterlocks in November of 1998 and I have been wearing them every since.

I recommend this book for those who are searching for an alternative to traditional locs or for the purpose of gathering more information. FYI...since the publication of this book the Sisterlocks technique has grown nationwide tremendously. Certified consultants can be found all over the U.S. therefore I feel this book started a trend for fulfilling a need!

I loved what Dr. Cornwell had to say about the history of African American hair (I couldn't stop reading it!) and her approach with the sisterlocks method. Her book gave me courage and inspired me. There are other hair books that talk about styling methods and technique but I believe that many African American women (including myself) need to work on building our minds and understanding the signifigance of wearing our hair in its' natural state. If you are looking for a book to help you work out the psychological and social issues surrounding your hair as well as a comfortable, neat locking technique--you have found it! Sisterlocks is a great way to wear your hair and her book helps you deal with your personal, mental transformation. Also, there are Sisterlocks consultants all over the U.S. contact the home office for more info.

First of all, peace and blessings to Dr. Cornwell and much continued success. I remember back in October or September of 1997, after being frustrated and so down, because my new perm only last a week or so. My hair was damaged and portions of my scalp. I searched on the net for natural hair care. Of course, I was not ready to lock, after being pursuaded about all the negative hype of people wearing locks -- lies, lies,lies. I came across the Sisterlocks page, I read a little about Dr. Cornwell. I called her during my lunch hour. She and I talked for about 2 hours on the phone. Just talking to her was such a blessing. I ordered her book, I read it and got the boldness to make a change. I got the name of the nearest consultant trained by the "Dr.". I got my permed hair Sisterlocked and I would not change it for anything in the world. Sisters be yourself and be natural! That Hair Thing is nothing but the truth!

I first read this book in the early part of 1998. It was after I cut off my seven month old traditional locs (due to a hereditary scalp condition) that I began to search for an alternative style for my natural hair. Being that I loved wearing locs and I truly missed my own I felt driven in my search. I was visiting a friend and I was told about this book. I ordered the book and I was very pleased with the information provided.

True enough the first section of the book covers the issues that black people, mainly women, have faced with their hair. The opening of the book is moreso from a political standpoint. Towards the middle of the book the reader begins to learn more about the author and her hair-story. It is closer to the end of the book that the reader is given more detail into the Sisterlock style. There are "NO" color photos and the number of photographs are limited.

What this book is offering is a look into the Sisterlock style as opposed to traditional locs. You will not find techniques on how to do this particular style because the author is mainly enlightening the reader on an alternative option. You also will not find the How To's on the technique because it takes a well trained consultant to correctly begin this style for those who are interested in wearing it. I must say that reading this book made me want to take a closer look at the option of wearing Sisterlocks. In fact I contacted the Sisterlocks Headquarters in San Diego (information provided within the book) and I was given the name and number of a consultant close to my home in Chicago, Illinois. I started my Sisterlocks in November of 1998 and I have been wearing them every since.

I recommend this book for those who are searching for an alternative to traditional locs or for the purpose of gathering more information. FYI...since the publication of this book the Sisterlocks technique has grown nationwide tremendously. Certified consultants can be found all over the U.S. therefore I feel this book started a trend for fulfilling a need!

The styles in this book are great, but it is disheartening to know that unless I travel hundreds of miles I will never be sisterlocked. Perhaps the author can come up with another book that gives the thousands of women who embrace natural hair, other more available options.

My 20 year old patchouli smelling, wide spread panic following brother has some nappy,frizzy dreads. He needs this book in a bad way. I like good looking dreads and those that wear their good looking dreads while maintaining a full time job and contributing to society.
Should have found before I had to get my family wedding photos done!:)

Isn't it sad that we need to read books like this to get some self-esteem?America apparently doesn't give you self-esteem or everything you want.
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 three 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?

I was disappointed in this book because I felt the author may have mislead the reader with the title. The book is actually about his own personal experenciences in life with his dreadlocks - It's more like an autobiography. It does have a little information about how to care for your locs as well as your physical and mental well-being, but it wasn't exhaustive by any means. There is so much more information about how to start and maintain locs and he didn't even scratch the surface. BOTTOM LINE - If you want to hear the life story of a man with locs and his personal revelations...buy this book. But if you want concrete information about starting, maintaining, and (basically) living with locs...DON'T buy this book.

This is a great book especially for those starting their locs. My locs are approximately 8 years old, very thick, and half way down my back. And you know what I discovered during this process? 1. Patience. 2. Self love. 3. White people generally respect me more than those that fry their hair trying to look like them.

Some of the negative comments here are complaining about the lack of a "how to grow" in this book. No where does this book state that it is a HOW TO GROW dreads. This is a survivors guide. Sadly, we live in a society where we are judged by our appearance. If one has dreads people assume one smokes pot. People assume one is into alternative lifestyles. This book will help you survive and overcome those bigotries. This book is a good one for anyone doing anything left of center and being judged by society for it.