REVIEW: "New From The Inside Out" by Kim Vazquez

In LIVING IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR author Kim Vazquez told us her story of redemption and renewal. Now in NEW FROM THE INSIDE OUT, she helps us all to begin the journey of change that so many of us hope for. Written as advice from a trusted friend, Kim takes us through the importance of loving ourselves, learning to forgive and move on and recognize something larger than us in our quest for real happiness.

While some lament the challenges they have experienced, the author has come to learn the purpose of what she has been through. She writes: "I finally understood why I'd been through all of those challenges and difficulties. It was so I could relate to others on a deeper level and be of help to them." How many of us look for those "teachable moments" when we are dealing with things day to day? How many of us realize the importance of looking for the good in life instead of focusing on the negative? Kim goes on to say this: "A new life began for me when I cleared out my destructive thinking habits and allowed my mind to be quieter."

Believe me, no matter where you are in your life, this is a book that you will want to read and share with those you love. It allows you to look at the past, present and future in a brand new light.

Mississippi Prepares For A Literary Texas Takeover

The book club that has brought Mississippi attention by hosting almost 80 authors since 2006 is gearing up for another incredible year of success in promoting reading in the Magnolia State. Cyrus Webb, President and Founder of Conversations Book Club and the Hip Hop and Books Colition, is pleased to announce that Texas authors Shane Gregory aka Mr. Mean Mug (TATTOO TEARS) and Jermnine Demouchette (JAMES DEMOUCHETTE VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS) will be bringing their message of hope and redemption to Mississippi Thursday, February 4th and Friday, February 5th. Billed as the Literary Texas Takeover, the two will be visiting schools, libraries and small groups to talk about their life experiences, their transition from the streets to the bookstores and what young people can and should learn from them.


"It is an honor to host these two in their first visits to Mississippi," says Webb, 34. He read both of their books and knew that they would be a great addition to his campaign. "I know everyone they meet on their visit will benefit from what they have to say."



Both Mr. Mean Mug and Jermnine Demouchette came to Conversations Book Club and Hip Hop and Books through their connections with two prominent members of his literary coaltion. Demouchette learned of Webb because of his work with platinum-selling recording artist and bestselling author Corey "C-Murder" Miller, while Mr. Mean Mug was introduced by recording artist and author Jacki-O.

"What Cee did with his book (Death Around The Corner) showed me that I could use my skills in a positive way," says Demouchette. Mr. Mean Mug thought the same and added this: "When Jacki-O came out with her book (Grown & Gangsta), it just proved to me that anything was possible."

Webb believes that the urban community has always been a reading community, but he knows that the message is sometimes accepted easier when those listening can relate to the messenger. "Books have the ability to cross racial lines, backgrounds and begin important dialogue," he says. "I know that through their work, these authors will be able to encourage others and hopefully open some minds along the way." Webb will also be hosting the Literary Texas Takeover tour as it moves to other parts of the country throughout the year as part of the Hip Hop and Books movement.

(READ WEBB'S INTERVIEW WITH MR. MEAN MUG HERE: http://authorstaketen.blogspot.com/2009/09/take-ten-our-exclusive-with-mr-mean-mug.html . WEBB'S INTERVIEW WITH JERMNINE DEMOUCHETTE IS HERE: http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2009/09/bio-about-executed-texas-inmate-uses.html )

Details about Conversations and its projects can be found at www.thebestbookclub.info or www.hiphopandbooks.com. To find out more about upcoming events, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616 or Herschel Dixon at 502.291.4201.

REVIEW: CONVERSATIONS OF A "SISTAH" by Tracy L. Bell

When it comes to relationships, people tend to look in different directions for that perfect individual. Some turn to dating sites or their friends. Others look to their faith and the power of prayer for the answers. Not many will write about their experience the way Tracy Bell has. In her book CONVERSATIONS OF A SISTAH, she takes us into not just her feelings and experiences with relationships, but the advice she finds herself giving to others about the subject as well.

Though it's obvious that the writer is a woman of deep convictions, that doesn't stop her from keeping it real with the reader and herself in her description of situations she has gone through as well as her thoughts about those around her.
The book is not just about finding the right mate. Bell lets us into other relationships and trying times including how she deals with the death of those she loves, and the place she turns to for spiritual support.

Judging by what some would say were choice curse words, this book is not a conservative journey of a woman looking to let her circumstances and situations dictate the way she is to respond. It's quite clear that Tracy Bell is more than capable to make her own decisions and has no problem articulating those to others.

Take for instance a time in her life when she feels a certain advisor in the church is not taking care of the flock the way he should. She writes: "I came to the conclusion that Dr. Simon was a whore. A Pentecostal pimp whom mentally and emotionally manipulated women in his ministry. I tolerated whores in the world; I didn't have to tolerate one in the church." Not very timid in her thinking, is she? No, but isn't that what you would expect from someone who wants to walk through life without regrets.

Though the title might lead you to think differently, CONVERSATIONS OF A "SISTAH" can be enjoyed by men and women who are trying to find a clear, honest voice that might fit their own. As long as you approach it with an open mind and heart, you are bound to feel a little different after reading it.

Find out more about Tracy at www.truthandmyth.com.

Artists Jacki-O and Tray Chaney Use Their Celebrity To Help Those With Disabilities

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce that recording artist/author Jacki-O and recording artist/author/actor Tray Chaney have been named Ambassadors for Community Options, Inc.

Community Options is a national nonprofit organization that has been developing small, community-based homes and employment supports for people with disabilities for over twenty years. The organization operates in 32 cities across 9 states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas and New Mexico.

When Jacki-O and Tray heard about the good the organization was doing, they were excited to use their celebrity to bring attention to the cause.


"As a mother myself," says Jacki-O, "I know how precious the lives of all children are. For that reason, it is my belief that any organization that provides assistance for those with disabilities---regardless of their age---is one that we need to support. Community Options is such an organization."



Also a parent, Tray agrees. "At a time when all of us are in need of something, it is easy to forget that there are those who face daily challenges that we take for granted. Organizations like Community Options remind us that those who have must give to those who don't. It is our responsibility as Americans." Chaney is also the National Spokesperson for The Write Stuff, an organization taking the lead in promoting reading across the world.

When talking about the organization, President and CEO Robert Stack says this: "Community Options will create new waves for persons with disabilities in this new decade in the twenty first century. Community Options is a wave maker. In this decade, the public will equate our non-profit as the symbol of freedom and dignity for people with disabilities."

Look for Jacki-O and Tray Chaney to be featured as part of Community Options' national campaign and promotional material. To find out more about the organization, visit http://www.comop.org or their blog at http://www.communityoptions.blogspot.com

To schedule interviews with either Jacki or Tray, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Mississippi Native Weaves Supernatural Tale That Discovers Who Is Really BLESSED

For years Mississippi native Cyrus Webb (known as C. A. Webb) has been a supporter of the power of words. Now in 2010 he prepares to deliver his own through the serialized novel BLESSED.

Released as four e-books and novellas beginning in February 2010, BLESSED will take readers into the intricate worlds of religion and politics, asking them do they really know where success and good fortune come from. You will meet Pastor Ezekiel James, who has enjoyed a historic legacy that is amplified by the remarkable success of his family. For almost 40 years he has been one of the most recognizable faces and names of faith around the world, and that favor seemed to be passed on to his seed, fraternal twins Rebecca and his namesake Ezekiel.

Born with the world seemingly at their feet, Ezekiel continued in the example of his father while Rebecca chose politics, a course that would introduce her to Jeremiah Reynolds. He wants to see a change come to the country. With the support of the James family, Jeremiah would gain influence that leads him to the offices of Mayor, Governor and even the White House, becoming the first man of color to become President.

As Reynolds enters his second year in the Oval Office, two wars are waging around the world; however, the United States is more worried about a mysterious flu that is targeting the elderly and youth with deadly consequences. When it threatens the youngest of the James family and even the First Family, a secret is revealed that threatens to destroy not just the trust of a family and The White House but the safety, security and souls of the entire world...


IN THE BEGINNING, the first book of the series, will be released as an e-book in February 2010 and in print form in March 2010. Details about BLESSED can be found at www.arewereallyblessed.com.

Review: DO YOU WANNA BE MADE WHOLE? by author Bernard Boulton

Imagine a man who is broken by the loss of a child, a spouse and anything that seems to matter. Imagine that same man questioning his own devotion to God, and what it means to be obedient to His Will in the face of challenges. Then imagine this man being able to help others learn about the importance of loving themselves, those around and their Heavenly Father.

That is the situation we find Pastor James Maxwell in the book DO YOU WANNA BE MADE WHOLE? written by Bernard Boulton. He helps us to see that even though we might have fallen out of love, there is still time to make a change as long as you have breath in your body.

As the characters emerge and are defined, we discovered that sometimes events can hamper our relationship with God instead of enhancing it. The important lesson is that we listen to the voice of reason that wants to bring us back. Sometimes this can come from someone who has been where we are, or it can be from a source that is given the insight to understand where the course we are on is headed.

DO YOU WANNA BE MADE WHOLE? allows us to answer the question that people around the world should be asking themselves whenever they are going through difficulties. If we can do so honestly, the result is we can be blessed ourselves and be a blessing to others in the process.

(NOTE:I recently spoke with the author Bernard Boulton on my radio show Conversations LIVE! Radio. You can listen to it here.)

Bestselling Author Jerry B. Jenkins Aides Haiti Through Book Sales

Everyone is looking for ways to aide those devastated by the earthquates in Haiti. For Bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins, he is using his gift with words to make a difference. Here is an announcement from his desk:

---------------From Jerry B. Jenkins-------------------------
I’m sure you feel as frustrated and helpless as I do over the catastrophe in Haiti.

We want to help in tangible ways and wonder how. As an author, I deal in books, and frankly, books are not what are needed there right now.

So, how can I turn books into an effort for that devastated country?



Here’s an idea:
I’m offering copies of my book, Writing for the Soul, with this guarantee:

Add one penny to the retail price of $24.99 to round it to an even $25. I’ll cover postage and handling out of $5 of that and promise to send the rest, all $20 of it, to one of two Haitian ministries I know and trust. And you can even choose which one.

Further, if it turns out that postage and handling is less than $5 per book, I’ll send the difference too. I will not take a penny from these sales.

I’ll put the details about the book and the two ministries below so you can read about them if you choose to.

Meanwhile, if this resonates with you, either send a check made out to Jerry Jenkins for $25 for each copy to P.O. Box 88288, Black Forest CO 80908, or call my assistant Debbie at (719) 495-5835 with your credit card information. Either by mail or phone, let us know which ministry you want your gift to go to.

Here are the choices:

1. Cross International partners with more than 30 ministries in Haiti, funding schools and clinics to the poorest of the poor. Eighteen schools with 258 teachers minister to 6,000 kids and ensure each gets a meal of beans and rice every day and every teacher receives a meager monthly check.

Many of their schools are in shambles. Many of the kids were living on the edge of a cliff, which crumbled in the earthquake. Cross International will get resources directly to those Haitians they have a relationship with, longtime trusted friends.

2—If you want to help orphans in Haiti, we will send your donation to Orphans First. It will go to two orphanages that Orphans First works with, including one that runs a feeding program.

Details about Writing for the Soul by Jerry B. Jenkins (Writer’s Digest Books):

This is a hardbound book full of writing tips and with lots of anecdotes about the famous people I have been privileged to work with…people like Hank Aaron, Walter Payton, Nolan Ryan, Meadowlark Lemon, Billy Graham, and more.

Whether or not you’re a writer, you probably know someone who would be interested in this title. And if you already have one, why not get one for your church?

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Jenkins was chosen by Conversations Book Club as one of its Literary Legends 2009-2010. You can find out more information about him at www.JerryBJenkins.com.