Tag: Authors

Sisterhood Powers Through It All

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A Book Review

Single Black Female by Tracy Brown. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

Last night, I finished reading the second of the three books by Tracy Brown, purchased for my birthday as gifts from my best friend, and I truly like this one so much more than Hold You Down.

Don’t get me wrong, both books are sensational and the author does a great job introducing developed and layered characters to us in each delivery. Still, something about Single Black Female will stick with me for many years to come.

Below is the Amazon review I submitted:

“I Got Emotional So Many Times

And I am not afraid to admit that. “Single Black Female” is the story so many Black women can relate to.

I love how the author, Tracy Brown, depicts each character. We get a full view of each of their personalities, and it’s a believable fictional tale. I found myself connecting with each of the four women: Ivy, Coco, Nikki, & Deja. I feel like there’s a sliver of each of them within me.

Their bond and closeness reminded me of true friendship and sisterhood. I got so emotional during several chapters and at the very end as well.

It is a breath of fresh air reading a happy and positive ending. One that showcases the women having a delightful conversation and enjoying themselves amongst the peace and somewhat quiet of Brooklyn for a “picnic.”

I teared up simply thinking about the women closest to me and about my brothers and my baby sister, and how hard I would war for all of them if I had to–be it against authoritative figures or their friends and loved ones.

The power and authenticity of love and its effectiveness of a genuine friendship know no bounds and can withstand any evil. And Tracy Brown does such an amazing job portraying that with this book.

I highly recommend it!”

If you’re looking to pick up a book that will stir something alive in you and make you remember just how grateful you are for friendship and love amid turmoil, this book will do exactly that.

Reading Is Still Fundamental

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A few Amazon reviews for your reading pleasure

All the Words I Kept Inside. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

Pooja Gudka, at LifesFineWhine, first book of poetry was recently published, and I knew I would enjoy the content.

I read it in one sitting; took me about an hour to absorb everything and connect with a few of the gifts she has given us with this debut book of authentically vulnerable & expressive poems.

Below is the review I left for it on Amazon:

“First, I’ll say if you have a problem with the explicit truth about depression and anxiety, and how the two combined can be incredibly damaging to a human being, this is NOT the book for you.

However, if you can appreciate someone digging deep within themselves to bring you the most vulnerable parts of themselves in the form of poetry, then sit back and revel in the short ride of a most exquisite debut book of poems.

I felt so many emotions while reading ‘All The Words I Kept Inside.’ Pooja did a phenomenal job with the placement of the poems in every section of the book. One thing is for certain, you WILL FEEL something.

And however you feel afterward, will stick with you for years to come. It is as though the depths of her very soul lie in the lines of this book.

You will walk away embracing the damaged version of yourself.

And that’s an incredible accomplishment.”

Being a Woman: Overcoming. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

After I read Pooja’s book, I dove into Michele Lee Sefton‘s first two books of the “Being a Woman” project: Overcoming & Becoming.

Both are light reads with just under 18 and 25 pages, so consuming the content was not a time-eating issue.

Below is the review I left for the first offering on Amazon:

“The author, Michele, is intentional with this book about her message. She is free to be who she is regardless of what society and the many men who make the rules believe she should be.

Her coming of age and into the human being she wants to be took place during the rise of a global pandemic in 2020. Not only was she able to still be creative, but she produced this work of art.

My only dislike is that it’s much too short.

If you’re looking for a quick read, with poignant poetry and brilliant artwork as an accompaniment, I recommend Being a Woman: Overcoming.“

Being a Woman: Becoming. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

As I stated above, after I finished the first book, I thumbed through the second one and knocked it out as well. 

Here is the review for the second offering of poems by the writer:

“Michele has a knack for tackling tough subjects without making the reader feel burdened. As the second body of work for the “Being a Woman” project, “Becoming” isn’t what I thought it would be, but definitely what it should be.

It is a compilation of tiny reminders, cultural embraces, and acknowledgment of the women who make this world go ’round. The accompanying artwork by her daughter, Sammi, is also something to be admired.

If you’re a stickler for completing serial works just as I am, you’ll want this book to add to your collection.”

We are surrounded by a deluge of talented writers and thinkers in this WordPress community, and I’m happy I have a chance to delve into the words of so many of your productions.

Peace and blessings.

Two Things Thursday #23

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1. Petals of Haiku: An Anthology. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
2. Weekend Scenery for “casual weekend.” Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

1. Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, edited by the incomparable Gabriela Marie Milton is an illustrious work of phenomenal haiku by 160 writers, mostly from the WordPress community.

Below is the review I left on Amazon:

“As a writer and lover of haiku, Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, is one of the best compilations of the form I have seen come to fruition in a VERY LONG time.

Each writer understood the assignment and brought vividly beautiful and breathtaking haiku to this book. From petals to swallows to sunsets, heartache, love, and a deep yet fulfilling showcasing of all things nature, I fell in love with the turn of each page.

It is moving and an aromatic blend of allure. I am inspired and motivated and taken aback all at once. This anthology is one you will thoroughly enjoy on so many levels. Mark my words. You will not be disappointed!”

2. casual weekend is my 3-part haiku that was written from my being inspired after reading the above anthology.

the dog snores lightly
summer’s heat breaks through windows
casual weekend

mockingbird patrol
a selfish crow does not win
attack of feathers

balcony garden
thriving vegetables sprout
clean eating begins

NaPoWriMo #24

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“chaotic beauty” for Walker Lee

Walker’s Blood, Sweat, & Tears ©2024 Tremaine L. Loadholt

she black like blue
beauty trapped in
a lion’s soul–pulling her
out would be death

she’ll come for you in
your dreams and remind
you to call out to
our ancestors–to ululate
in celebration of their
resurrections

you must be out
your raggedy mind to
believe what society
feeds you, love–we
can’t get fat off
of crumbs

we can’t get rich off
of pennies
they’ll spoon-feed you
lies then tell you
you’re crazy

but chaotic beauty sits
in her rockin’ chair
on her wrap-around porch
in the devil heat
of summer
sipping iced tea

she has no ears
for gossip only
time for what matters most

and that’s the stories
of our lives–the stories
of our deaths

bring her wine and flowers
and the blood of angels
as payment for the
newness of self
you’ll receive after
your first meeting
with her

you’ll thank me
later

A good friend of mine published her second book–the one you see above, and it is beyond words for me to express what I think about it. I read it in one sitting and even then, I wished there was more. I am over-the-moon proud of her, and if you see fit, support this woman. I wouldn’t steer you wrong. Wine Flowers & Blood: Or, what the ancestors say when I’m not listening.

Black History Facts You Didn’t Learn In School

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Yecheilyah Ysrayl of The PBS Blog has launched a new work of art. Black History Facts You Didn’t Learn In School is available on all purchasing platforms!

She has spent years researching the history facts she shares in this book, including traveling to several places to dig deeper into some of the things she discusses within it.

I’ve just carted my copy on Amazon, and I cannot wait until it’s in my hands.

Black History is America’s History! Sadly, much of it is being buried or lied about or banned, and this disgusts me, but the work must be done.

Happy Saturday, beautiful people!

American History X