African-American-Health Books

CHOOSING HEALTH & WELLNESS is third in a series from the creators of [...] a forum for black women, and is a highly recommended pick for any black woman seeking health. Why do black women need a race-specific health guide? Because many conditions are common to black women and a risk for the group as a whole - and most can be solved by preventative or self-help techniques as simple as walking daily. From common skin conditions to handling new challenges at every age, CHOOSING HEALTH AND WELLNESS is an outstanding health guide every black woman should have at hand.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

If you're a self-respecting sista who has at least a remote interest in your health and wellness, then you owe it to yourself to run out and pick up a copy of the latest installment in the NIA Guides, CHOOSING HEALTH AND WELLNESS. This book can be described as small but mighty. Small in that it is not a huge medical encyclopedia; it is just the right size and leaves no stone unturned in its easy discourses on the health challenges faced by African American women.

This is a collaborative effort between Sheryl Huggins and Cheryl Mayberry-McKissack. These ladies share facts and figures from credible health resources as well as share their own personal situations. Topics in this book are vast, ranging from insight on diabetes to insomnia to depression to weight loss.

As I reviewed my own personal health situation, I found this book to be right on time! The information is conveyed in an easy, sister-friend manner that provided encouragement and insight to me as I embrace a healthier lifestyle. If you find yourself at a similar crossroads, I encourage you to pick up a copy.

Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Want to start a business? Stressed out? Where can you turn for guidance, or hear others tell you that you're not alone? The editors of NiaOnline have done an excellent job in the second installment of their self-help series. Using interviews and a panel discussion of women who have filled many shoes at one time as a base, this guide is designed to help women learn tips and tricks to juggle their responsibilities. It's also formulated to show you how to do these things and enjoy yourself at the same time.
 
There are topics in this book for everyone. From relinquishing the `superwoman' syndrome, to making your passion profitable, you're sure to find a topic that peaks your interest. Keeping everything simple with no hassles, McKissack and Huggins use panelists and contributors who have actually been through the process in which they give advice.
 
BALANCING WORK AND LIFE is very informative and a quick read. One of the highlights in the book is the resource guide found at the end, which contains valuable contact information to assist you. I've read the first, and now the second. I give these two ladies a thumbs-up. This  series that is sorely needed for women today.  
Reviewed by T. Belinda Williams for Loose Leaves Book Review

Developed by the editors and contributors to NiaOnline.com, The Nia Guide for Black Women: Balancing Work and Life is the second in a series of empowerment guides for black women. It is filled with practical advice for balancing work and personal life through tips, suggestions and person stories form successful black women such as actress Phylicia Rashad, songstress Brandy, entrepreneur Lisa Price, and Executive VP Janice Cook Roberts.

A lot of the advice featured is very practical and basic; in fact, most readers might recognize the premise behind the examples as those they have seen presented before in other forums (books, magazines, online, etc.). However, I think the authors were successful in supplementing their messages with information that specifically targets black women. For example, I found the most unique aspects about the guide was the personal statements from the Nia summit session transcripts on differing topics such as "Financing Your Dreams" and "Don't Quit Your Day Job....Yet." The other chapters were interesting as well - they focused on demystifying the "Superwoman/Strong Black Woman" cultural image, reducing stress at work and home, soliciting a support system from family and friends, and turning your true career passion into profit. There was a wonderful consolidated resource guide in the back that offers assistance in the areas of personal organization, career coaching, time-saving resources, stress reduction services, counseling and family support, business start-up services, and job search resources.

One may not need to heed all the suggestions at once, but having this book on your shelf for quick and easy access to a great reference guide would be a smart move.

Reviewed by Phyllis
APOOO BookClub
The Nubian Circle Book Club

Do you feel that there is not enough time in the day? Do you feel that everybody wants something from you continually? Do you constantly care for others and not yourself? Do you sometimes put work in front of your needs and your family's needs? Is your job becoming a source of frustration? Do you feel sometimes as if your life is spinning out of control and you are powerless to do anything about it? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then "doing it all is doing you in." But, don't worry, help is on the way. This is a condition that is addressed in Sheryl Huggins and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack's latest literary offering, THE NIA GUIDE FOR BLACK WOMEN: Balancing Work and Life.

This Nia Guide focuses on balancing work and home to provide a more productive and harmonious life. The opening line, "Show me a superwoman, and we'll show you a human being who's cranky, exhausted, and mentally and physically drained," really serves as an eye-opener and sets the tone for the entire book. How many of us have not been that way at one time or another as we've tried to juggle the requirements of work, the needs of family and, somewhere among those two, our own personal needs as women? This book really delves into showing us how to shed the superwoman cape, turn our passion into profit, and how and where to find the resources.

Huggins and McKissack have collaborated and put together a very unique and invaluable tool that addresses issues that African American women have faced in the home and the workplace for years. They have pulled together their combined wisdom and that of other professional women along with the results from a survey conducted in 2004 to give sage advice on the following topics: Ending the Superwoman Syndrome, Gaining Sanity and Support, Finding Your Focus and Following Your Passion, Building Your Dreams, Inc., and Reinventing Yourself. A resource guide is provided at the end of the book for readers to use at will. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and being on the receiving end of so much experience and resources. I found the book to be very timely and helpful to me as a single mother trying to balance a career and holding the family together. If you're an African American woman doing the juggling act right now, this handbook is for you.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

This is one of my 16-month-old's favorite books! She wants to read it every day! The illustrations are incredible--truly some of the best artwork you can find in children's books. And the "story line" is simple enough that she can happily predict what's coming next. The repetitive nature of the text ["Peekaboo! I see..."] also makes it easy for a baby/toddler to follow along. I wish we had discovered this book sooner... Not sure if this book will become too simple as she approaches 2. I will definitely be giving this book as baby shower gifts!

Very cute book!! My almost 2 year old loves the pictures in this book. The art work is fantastic. The words are very simple and very appropriate. You will not be disappointed.

I ordered this book because my school recommended it as an appropriate and outstanding book for 2's. I received it, a little dissapointed in the lack of story line; however, my little budding toddler absolutely loves it. She guesses the "I see" before I turn the pages. And I do have to admit that I love the illustrations and the sweetness of the book. I just wish I had bought this when she was an infant and I REALLY wish (listen editors) that it was on board book, because I would love to give it as gifts to expecting moms!

My 16 month son has been intrigued with this book since the first time he saw it. He brings it to us everyday for us to read. When we can't read it to him he then sits and flips thru the pages himself.

Wonderful clear illustrations for small child.
This is a must have!

Need a new baby (or 1st birthday) gift? Are you tired of buying blankets, booties, and bunny sleepers? Then here's a gift I love to give that is guaranteed to unwrap a smile!

"Peekaboo! I see..." wee readers instantly drawn into this heartwarming story based on the popular children's game. It features an adorable African-American toddler sporting an inquisitive nature and naturally textured hair. I couldn't tell if the child is male or female, which makes it appealing to everyone.

"Peekaboo! I see..." eager little readers searching soft pastel drawings for clues. What DOES the child see? The tip of a tail. The top of a hat. Turn the page to discover a playful puppy or laughing grandma. Award-winner Rachel Isadora uses only 53 words, printed in large, easy-to-read type, to keep you guessing.

"Peekaboo! I see..." pleased young readers requesting this book again and again. The first evening my youngest daughter spent with a baby sitter, she cried when she realized Mama and Daddy were gone. Thankfully a warm lap, soothing voice, and repeats of Peekaboo Morning comforted her until we returned.

For another heartwarming book by Isadora featuring simple text with large, easy-to-read print, and captivating illustrations, read In the Beginning.

I borrowed this book from the library and after finding at least 20 recipes I wanted to copy (and I was only through a third of it!) I bought this book. Ms. Carter has developed wonderful, homey recipes. You can practically smell her cooking as you read along! Her stories are delightful as well. I recommend this book as a true tribute to Soul Food at its best! Without losing any of the taste, she has succeeded in creating low fat meals that anyone would love! Bravo!

I love cookbooks that speak to the reader as this one did. It was a virtual tour of the author's kitchen

This is an excellent culinary memoir; the recipes are updated, defatted, and most importantly, delicious! 300 recipes in all--regional, family favorites--a new twist on early American soul.

I cook often, for big dinners and small ones, and I'm always on the lookout for new tastes and flavors. That's exactly why I loved this book so much! I mean, Soul Food that was light, elegant and tasted like fine French cooking--and was easy to prepare besides? I've devoured Down Home Wholesome, cooking at least half of the recipes within it--scrumptious! Plus, I really loved the warm way the author has with talking about her family, her reminiscences of her experiences with these foods, and her filling in the blanks on how the slave diet contributed to the length and breadth of the American palate. TRY THIS BOOK - YOU WON'T REGRET IT

It's has been very difficult trying to find books for my twin 8yr old daughters.

I wanted a series of books with the star character being an African American girl just having fun and doing kid stuff. A book that will make them know that reading is fun. This book does just that and more.

If you're looking for a great chapter book for an African American girl, then author Ann Cameron's "Gloria Rising" and "Gloria's Way" is it.

Also, try Valerie Wilson Wesley's series of "Willimena Rules".

We love Ann Cameron's books and were excited to see Gloria has her own book now. My daughter (age 7) loves to hear the stories, almost always asking me to stop half way through because they are SO real for her. I have learned, of course, to reassure her that the story will turn out all right and read on. The first story about Gloria's valentine for her mother is very touching. We also enjoyed the story about the dog barking at squirrels non-stop. You see--we read this book almost a year ago and I still remember the stories!

Like all the best children's literature, Ann Cameron's Julian series is a delight for readers of any age. The latest in the series, "Gloria's Way," features one of Julian's best friends, Gloria. These are likeable, believable kids in believable families, and their stories ring true. Cameron has the rare adult ability to slip into a child's mind. The result is wise, entertaining stories told with sensitivity, humor, and grace. Like Gloria, children (and adults) will be reminded that "things aren't hardly ever the way I think they are." As often as not, this revelation is a comforting surprise.

As a children's librarian, I had known that Ann Cameron's books about Julian and Huey, beginning with THE STORIES JULIAN TELLS were modern classics, but I hadn't read them until just recently. I was charmed and delighted with these sweet, lovely stories about a group of African-American children and their adventures.

GLORIA'S WAY, which features Julian's friend Gloria is another jewel in this series. In the first story, Gloria spends a long time crafting a beautiful, intricate valentine for her mother. She hangs it on the outside of the door to surprise her when she comes home, but much to her horror, the wind steals her valentine. Gloria gives chase, but the valentine ends up in the cage of an insulting and slightly scary parrot, who destroys it. Angry and upset, she walks back down the block, but as she goes by Julian's father's auto shop he stops her, and helps her find a solution to her problem.

In other adventures, Gloria helps cure Huey's dog of un unhealthy squirrel obsession, learns more about her hard-working father, and finds out that it's not always a good idea to ask your best friend whether or not he likes you best.

Cameron's stories ring true--never cloyingly sweet, the children are real individuals, not cardboard cutouts. My favorite thing about GLORIA'S WAY, as well as the other books in the series, is that it portrays a wonderful view of community--two parent families who care about their children, and about their children's friends. I love the fact that Julian's dad has a shop in the neighborhood, and that he would stop his work to comfort Gloria when she was upset.

I highly recommend GLORIA'S WAY to everyone. This would be a perfect read-aloud for a school classroom for families, as well as a good book for 3rd-4th graders to read alone.

My four year old daugter thoroughly enjoyed this book, and asked to have it read again and again. She suggested we take it with us to the beach. She's never had clams before, and now she wants to try them!

My nephews and nieces enjoyed the book, and I enjoyed reading it to them. We could relate to the fun and togetherness of the family activities written about and illustrated in the book. I highly recommend it.

Beautifully illustrated story of a family beach vacation written as a childhood memory. The beach house is filled with family (siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents and, of course, Grandpa)and every day Grandpa wakes the kids to join him clamming at low tide. After several outings without much success, a bumper crop of clams is gathered that becomes a part of family celebrations for the rest of the year and family history forever. The next best thing to a trip to the beach.

I'm an Elementary School Librarian and when I read HAIRCUTS AT SLEEPY SAM'S the kids are thoroughly mesmerized. They chuckle at the term - AFRO CUTS and love the illustrations. Strickland and Holliday did a great job. I'll be looking for future books by these men.

Although we brought this book to broaden our library once we had our son, our 3-year-old daughter loves it! "I burst out singing, I just gotta sing along". Beautiful illustrations and includes fathers which is often absent in some of our books. In fact, the picture and paragraph depicting the family at the dinner table is among our favorite pages. Excellent read!

i have 3 little boys 6,4, and 2 years old and this is one of our favorite books. It it such a sweet story about a little african american boy and how all the things in his daily life make him want to sing with joy. The rhymes and precious and we just love to read this over and over again. This book also makes a great gift.

Sing-Along Song has been my now 3 year old's number one book for bedtime reading for about six months straight! He never tires of the rhymes, the beautiful details in the illustrations, and he so looks forward to chiming in "I just gotta sing-along" at the end of each scene! I love the African-American family and the little boy narrator because my son can relate to him and see himself in others! Great book!

This is a great book for it's sing-song cadence, word choice, cheerful attitude and illustrations. My toddler chooses this book to be read aloud often. As an elementary school teacher, I see many writing elements that could be taught by reading this book to school-aged chldren. I hope your children enjoy it as much as mine.

THIS BOOK WAS AWESOME WITH ME AS A YOUNG ADULT THIS BOOK WAS VERY INFORMING BOOK ABOUT INFORMATION US TEENAGERS/YOUNG ADULTS NEED TO KNOW. ITS NOT HARD TO UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW IF YOU HAVE THE FOCUS AND MINDSET TO WANT TO DO RIGHT WITH YOUR LIFE AND WANT TO UNDERSTAND THINGS. SO MRS. HARRIS-JOHNSON WROTE THIS BOOK AND MANY OF TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS SHOULD READ IT ALSO ITS AWESOME.

This is a wonderful book for teens. I work with teens and provided a copy of this book to all - they loved it!! It answers the questions that they want to know the answers to - but not sure how to ask. It answers questions that they have had, have and will have. It covers everything teens care about from A-Z. A wonderful resource. If you have a teen, work with teens, or just know a teen, consider this as a gift. This book is a wonderful contribution to the great books by and for African-Americans.

The African-American population has been awaiting this book for a long time! What better way to help keep your teenager safe and informed, especially when you're not around! This magnificent book covers everything, from setting your alarm at night to good grooming and shopping tips. It is well written, clear, concise and easy to read. Each chapter has its own personality and flavor. Your teenager can look up individual subjects or read it like a novel. It promises to give information persuasively, while gently guiding your child in the right direction. I highly recommend this book for all pre-teens, teens and young adults!

I enjoyed this book very much so. I have a lot of medical books because it is good to have a second opinion even if it is just yours.
I wanted a book that targets black women and this one is just that... a great book

I agree with the earlier message. This book has to be the best book on women's health and black womens' health i've read ever in my life. It's very easy to understand. I see my mother and sisters behavior in here. Okay, it sounds like me too. After reading this book i showed it to my ob-gyn doctor and he also felt it was excellent. He said more patients should do that inventory. I'm going to go meet the author Dr. McCloud tomorrow here. I already have her book, but maybe she'll sign it anyway.I like the authors "stories" that I can relate to easily, especially the one about not wanting to accept a condition; that sounds like me and my family. Instead they say to acknoweldge it and act accordingly. Those "prescriptions for your soul" are wonderful. And the section that deals with black parents and their kids talks about the same things Bill Cosby recently said. Not everything is whitey's fault with us, you know. This is a fantastic book, medical, spiritual and social. Every black woman we know should read it, and I read a lot of books. Good job.

Where has this book been? Thank you Dr. McCloud and Ms. Ebron for FINALLY getting a book to us that totally addresses the issues we women of color must face. But all women can use this book, but I'm glad it focuses on how serious the state of black women's health is. I read Body and Soul many years ago, but this is even better, with a ob-gyn writing it and in plain English. I really love the medical information but each chapter gives cool spiritual advice to get through whatever, medical or just daily life. They could have included more diagrams, though, but I still say five stars, ten stars! All women, all black women should get this book. ABsolutely complete, easy to read, informative and leaves you feeling like we can make a difference in our health. Right on, sisters!

The dictionary defines the word welfare as financial or other aid provided, especially by the government, to people in need. But does that meaning portray in true terms what someone on welfare really goes through every single day in this country. I would argue that it does not. In order to get a working understanding of someone on welfare in this country, one needs to go no further than reading Dear Self. This is a journal written over three decades ago by a phenomenal woman in a span of one year. Richelene Mitchell, a welfare mother of seven allows us to enter a world through her journal most of us have not experienced. A world of humiliation, poverty, racism, anxiety and frustration. But this story is not all about the disappointments of life but about elevating the human spirit and having the ability to live with such difficult life experiences with dignity, fortitude, mettle, and class. Ms. Mitchell's story tells us that life can throw many obstacles but know that we all have the potential for greatness regardless of our social standings. It's about patiently persevering through trials and tribulations. She was truly a remarkable woman and it was an honor to have shared a year of her life. If you want to be inspired, I highly encourage you to read this book.

I happen to come across this book quite by accident at the library one day. I couldn't check it out at the time, but once I could, I went right back and got that book, and I tell you, this is no ordinary welfare mother, but then again, who is? or who isn't? Richeline was born in Georgia, finished high school in South Philadelphia, got married and ended up in New Britain, Connecticut with seven kids. She resolved for 1973 to write a journal of her life and concerns, and that she did. One of the entries while discussing her financial woes, she muses if she sold this journal what would it profit? sadly, she didn't live to see the results. She speaks of not being able to work for herself(although she does work parttime at a dry cleaners)and giving her body to science as a sort of payback, writing letters to the local newspaper editor and seeing them published as well. She yearns that her children would break the cycle and become better adults, and at the end of the book, there is a section on what happened to her children. She also talks about her health. She suffered from seizures, and she valiantly tried to keep it from her kids. Nevertheless, after reading this book, one would think twice about labeling someone a welfare queen or what have you. Richeline Mitchell may have been a welfare mother, but I believe she was far more than that. A great book and highly recommended for all.

The book Dear Self is an excellent book that everyone should read. It really draws the reader into never wanting to put it down. It appeals to people of every upbringing, age, and culture. The reader will feel as though they have experienced what the very writer has gone through. The emotions of sadness, happiness, and times of struggle have an immense affect on any person who reads this book. Superbly put together, Dear Self proves that with struggle there is ease. Richelene Mitchell, who documents these stories in a diary, proves that, although everyone has struggles or difficulties in life, with determination, patience, and acceptance of those struggles, one will succeed. What I found amazing about the writer was the fact that she never expressed pain throughout her illness of epilepsy. She continued to provide for her seven children, with endless love and support. This is most definitely a book that everyone can learn at least one lesson from, especially through the writer's strength, patience, and courage.

I would like to add my enthusiastic endorsement of Dr. Peter Kennedy's book, "The Fatal Sleep." The goal of this extremely interesting and easy to read narration is "to tell the non-scientist about the history and profound importance of human African trypanosomiasis, aka sleeping sickness." Dr. Kennedy has attained his goal in a way that enlightens both the `Dark Continent' and basic science. The book begins with a description of Kenya at the turn of the millennium and flashes over 30 years back to Peter's life as a young medical student at University College London. What follows is a fantastic telling of the events that led him to Africa - 18 individual times - to establish a research program and conduct research in field stations and to become one of the world's leading clinical scientists not only treating those with the disease, but studying the trypanosome and mentoring medical students to follow in his footsteps. Reading "The Fatal Sleep" is like listening to a story told by a friend who has the time to answer your questions. Like how is life in Africa, what are copper mines, who really was David Livingstone, what is an immune system, why should we be interested in sleeping sickness, and what is the prospect for the future. Peter's command of the (real) English language paints vivid pictures; for example, driving on a rain soaked road that is no more than a memory in the drive's mind. However his description of the African night sky is especially enchanting. Dr. Kennedy's book is well worth the time and his imagery will stay with the reader forever. The Fatal Sleep is a book for all to read, enjoy and find solace that teams of dedicated doctors and scientists are diligently working for the betterment of people suffering from a disease whose cure is often fatal.

Dr. Kennedy's book, The Fatal Sleep, is a wonderful narrative on one of Africa's neglected diseases - African Sleeping Sickness. The disease caused by the free-swimming, single cell parasite called the African trypanosome is also arguably the most deadly of the parasitic diseases that plague humankind, including malaria. Even the treatment used to eradicate the trypanosome once it enters the brain can be fatal.

The book is highly informative and presented in a way that is understandable to the non-medical person. Highly entertaining stories of his experiences from the copper mines of Zambia to the Kenyan/Ugandan highlands and clearly written historical accounts and scientific explanations on the complexities of the parasite's life cycle between the tsetse fly vector and man or animal make this book a joy to read.

I recommend this book to anyone who has a fascination with all that is Africa, including the adventure of safari. Physicians, nurses and others in the medical field, not to mention the research scientists who study the disease will also benefit from what this book has to say.

The spectrum of disease in the tropics is quite different from that elsewhere. Some of the diseases are both exotic biologically and important medically. HIV disease is a pertinent example, in which an unusual type of virus, spreading worldwide from Africa, causes an especially cruel (and frequently fatal) disease. A less well known (in the West) example is the "sleeping sickness", or African trypanosomiasis. This disease renders large parts of Africa uninhabitable for both humans and domestic animals. It is a progressive neurological disease, leading always to death in the untreated patient. Treated patients often do not fare much better.

This book is the personal story of the author, a distinguished neurovirologist who became interested in Africa after spending some time there while in medical school. It is part autobiography, part travelogue, part medical and neurologic treatise, all blended together in a harmonious way. The author supplies interesting details about conducting research in an unfamiliar environment and emphasizes the need to support and collaborate with the very considerable scientific talent already present there.

I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it.