Racism is not just verbal

I was reading a Christian blog post about The Help, book turned film at  Think Christian. This commentary caught my attention. It acknowledges that racism exist but people only talk down those who are blatant racists. Often people refuse to accept that racism is displayed and acted out without actually verbally exchanging racial expletives. Anyway check out the comment below and tell me what you think.

The fact that Hilly is characterized as such as the blatant enemy is a source of frustration for me. Scapegoating her as an evil-racist is such a dangerous, yet common, practice in white racial literature. We (white folk) are allowed to distance ourselves from her clearly-inappropriate 'racist' views. Thus, we are free to identify with the white-savior heroine, congratulating ourselves that we would never be so obviously racist.

These sentiments play into white folks' tendencies to associate the word 'racist' with people that blatantly espouse hatred, rather than examine the nuances of systemic racial advantage and subconscious bias. Similarly, setting the book in the 1960's, invites a congratulatory look on how far we have come, rather examining the modern consequences of that era. As long as we're not that bad, we must be alright (read: "I'm basically a good person, I'm not a sinner"). Macon D of 'Stuff White People Do' notes: "While The Help is about people who risk their lives to challenge the status quo of their day, the book itself does very little to challenge the status quo of its own day." The fact is, the attitudes articulated in the book are still alive and well today, if more hushed. (source)

I just so found this interesting and understand what the commenter is trying to say. The original post looks at how someone reacts to their enemies. It is worth a read too. 

 

Loving my Kindle

I received a Kindle this past Christmas as a gift. It came after the holidays due to the high demand at the time. I was so happy I got it and spent an hour getting to know it. I even called the folk at Amazon just to make sure my Wi-Fi was set up correctly. For detailed information of the Kindle please check out the Amazon Kindle page. 

Apparently I love gadgets so I went for the Kindle with free 3G and Wi-Fi. It cost at the time £149 (now due to the hefty VAT increase it costs £152) and this version means in about 100 countries you can download books on the go. When I think about it. I did not really need the extra spend, but hey.

The digital display uses a technology called E-ink pearl, which makes it look like the text in an actual book. You do not get any glare. The only downside is that there is no optional light for when you need it. Though there are cases with lights and clip on lights if you needed it. I have not bought any of those. 

I AM by Alexander Jackman

I must improve on my procrastination. I should have read this book at the beginning of the year and not just recently. I mentioned this book back in January.  To this day I still love the way the book has been marketed with the pictures. So I would say it is definitely worth checking out the Facebook page and website to see how far this book has travelled and the beautiful pictures.

I Am is one of those books that makes you wonder what exactly is going on and where will it lead me to. When I opened the book to quickly browse I was like who scribbled in my book. Though when I read the book it all made sense. Oh and I have never seen so many thank you’s in an acknowledgement section of a book.

The book takes you on a journey starting from 1979 when he was born. Then cascades its way to the emotions involved with his first love. You do not often hear about a mans emotions when it comes to abortion. So this is quite insightful on how it can affect them. There are also references to the New Years eve killings of the cousins in Birmingham and the London bombings.

You are taking completely on a journey in the author's mind exposed to his thoughts through key events. A mixture of poetry prose and storytelling wrapped up in one book. The scribbles only make sense if you read the book. I was going to re-cap everything in the book but I feel that would spoil it for the reader.

I read this book in less than 2 hours. I was that engrossed. Its part to do with how the book is written and how it has been presented. Since reading this book I have questioned some of the things that make me who I AM. I feel inspired!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I bought this book on a whim. I saw it in Sainsbury’s one morning on my way to work and thought it looked like a book I could read and finish. Even better the man from the Book People was at work the same day with this book for sale. He told me how good the book was.

The story is set in the 1960’s Mississippi and focuses on mainly 2 maids and a young lady raised by a maid. Abileene is definitely the mother hen of the bunch very wise and full of sense. Whilst dealing with the lost of her son she is raising the children of her employer. Minny on the other hand comes from an abusive marriage but always talks herself out of a job by being honest which is more than what the privileged white ladies can handle. Not even her good cooking can save her at times.

This book journeys you through the maids experiences and what they go through. Whilst sharing the knowledge that some kids who grow up such as Skeeter still have a warm affection for the maid who raised them. Yet tries to make sense of why they may no longer be around. The books touches somewhat on the impending civil rights movement and the sense of change that is about to come. However the main focus is the quiet friendship and understanding these ladies share. Though most importantly an inside into the often forgotten but much used Help.

Lola Jaye – Reaching for the stars

Reaching for the stars, is a brilliant short straight to the point book. It takes the reader on a journey through Lola’s ups and downs of becoming a published writer. She shares tips on dealing with rejection and how to spend time honing your craft. I felt very inspired after reading this book. At the end of the book there are some useful resources for writers. Even if writing is not your thing I believe you would find this book useful as there are examples throughout of people reaching for the stars and achieving their dreams too.

Read more about Lola Jaye on her website .

The Afro Hair & Beauty Bible

I read about the Afro Hair & Beauty Bible whilst skimming some UK blogs. One of those blogs was Vex in the City which gave a nice overall review of the book and the author Alison Husbands whom she met at the Afro Hair and Beauty show in London. So when I saw that the same blog was hosting a competition I thought why not.

So glad I entered as I won my very own copy! I was so excited I replied as soon as my berry blinked to let me know I had new mail. It must be a sign I must enter more competitions on blogs and twitter. Who knows, one day I will win my own home.

Anyway I absolutely love the cover picture of this book. It either looks like the model is wearing an afro hairpiece of her own hair is slicked back at the front and the back left loose and flowing. The book covers Hair care for women with both natural and relaxed hair. It gives a breakdown of how to care for your hair with some basic principles such as understanding protein and protective styling. Ladies who wear extensions are not left out either. There is a section on skin care and make up as well as body care from skin conditions to exercise. The book also includes a product list of suggested products for each of the areas discussed in the book.

Overall I would say this is a good starting point for a beginner who may not have done much research of their own or someone who would like to increase their knowledge. It would also serve as a nice companion alongside what you know already and other books in your collection. My only bad point is that it only talks about the Andre Walker hair typing system. Andre’s system limits type 4 hair which is Kinky curly hair to types just 4a and 4b. Whereas some would rightly state that there is a 4c. It would have been nice to include the LOIS system which some ladies have found easier to use. However that does boil down to personal choice. This book is still worth a read and I will refer back to it.

For more information on Alison Husbands check out her website The Afro Hair & Beauty Bible

I AM by Alexander Jackman

I really do have some talented friends. Last year two of my friends became published Authors. Congrats and Big ups to them! I am so proud of you.

Alexander Jackman is a talented writer, poet and so much more. “I AM” is his first published book and before I read it, I just know it will be worth the read, as I believe in him and know how much hard work he has put into getting his work out there.

If you are a fan on Facebook or follow his blog you will know that the book has travelled around the world thanks to a host of friends who wanted to share in his vision to help promote the book. I believe the concept of the pictures came by when a friend took a pre- publication on holiday and took some pics.

The book is described as

“This book is set around the journey of a young man who experiences abortion with his first love. Their relationship hits rock bottom and his only retreat is to immerse himself in his writing which begins to teach him more then he ever imagines. In an attempt to discover who he is and his purpose in life he breaks up with her and surrenders to a world he has yet to know.”

Check out the links below:

I AM available to buy on Amazon

Alexander Jackman's blog

Alexander Jackman on Twitter

A piece of Cake

I wanted a book to read from recommendations. So I asked my friends on Facebook for a suggestion. Overwhelmingly most suggested A Piece of Cake by CupCake Brown.

The book is described as.....

Following her mother’s death, Cupcake was just eleven years old when she entered the child welfare system. Moved from one disastrous placement to the next, like so many, she was neglected and sexually abused. She developed a massive appetite for drugs and alcohol – an appetite fed by hustling and turning tricks – and before long, stumbled headlong into the wild, notoriously dangerous world of the gangsta.

But ironically, it was Cupcake’s rapid descent into the nightmare of crack cocaine addiction that finally saved her. After one crack binge she woke up behind a dumpster. Half dressed and more than half-dead, she finally knew she had to change her life or die.

I highly recommend this book . I enjoyed the fact that it had a spiritual link to it as well. You have to read it.