BOOKSHELF. - Brief Article - Review - book review

Ebony, June, 2000

EBONY

JUNE is the time to salute fathers. Sometimes we forget how much they've touched us. But we need only recall memories of the strong men who raised us with prayer, power and presence to remind us of our blessings. They lifted us with arms of steel, made us beam with pride at their confident swagger and wowed us with their ability to teach hard lessons and comfort us with words as soft as down.

In honor of these amazing men, we feature several books this month by Black male authors who speak to the complexity of Brothers.

The Miracles of Mentoring: The Joy of Investing in Our Future (Doubleday, $22.95) is a book which shares the rewards and rudiments of mentoring, by Thomas W. Dortch Jr. and the 100 Black Men of America. The organization, known for its Miracles of Mentoring program that has shaped more than 100,000 children's lives, gives tips on becoming a mentor, creating a relationship with a child and beginning a mentoring program in your community. Laced with inspiring stories of men who have experienced the joy of mentoring firsthand, the book empowers readers with a way to give back to the community while enriching themselves.

Boys Into Men: Raising our African American Teenage Sons (Dutton, $23.95), a comprehensive guide to ushering Black boys into adulthood, by Nancy Boyd-Franklin, Ph.D., and A. J. Franklin, Ph.D., with Pamela Toussaint. The book explores life issues of helping African-American sons come of age--education, racism, self-esteem, racial pride, sex, communication, drugs--through quizzes, discussion of history and current events and lessons the authors' own experiences of raising four children, including two sons.

A Season on the Reservation: My Sojourn with the White Mountain Apache (William Morrow & Company, $24), a memoir of a celebrated basketball star who leaves behind fame and big-city living to become coach of a high school team on an Apache reservation in Arizona, by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The author not only teaches the reluctant Alchesay Falcons to play ball but also schools them in life, getting them to open their minds to new discoveries. Abdul-Jabbar picks up some truths along the way about cultural kinship, spirituality and even rekindles his love of basketball that had been waning before his arrival.

Driving While Black: Highways, Shopping Malls, Taxicabs, Sidewalks--What to Do If You Are a Victim of Racial Profiling (Broadway Books, $12.95), a survival guide for anyone who fears being stopped by police, overlooked by a cab or trailed in a mall because of class, age, race or dress, by Kenneth Meeks. The author shares stories of people who have been victims of racial profiling and gives a list of rights, tells how to handle tense situations and provides tips for filing complaints. It's a timely book filled with information that may save lives.

Liar's Game (Dutton, $23.95), a novel about the games men and women play on their search for love, by Eric Jerome Dickey. The author explores the world of Dana Ann Smith and Vincent Calvary Browne Jr., two singles who begin a relationship on half-truths but learn they must share their stories of the past if they hope to move forward. The story is a winner, ringing with memorable characters and moments.

Father Found (Simon & Schuster, $23), a novel that traces the path of Zale Rowen, a man on a mission to reunite absentee fathers with their children, by RM Johnson. The book resounds with pain and passion as Rowen, spurred by memories of his own abandonment, relentlessly pursues the men he hopes to teach what leaving can cost a child.

We as a Black People: Our Time Has Come ($20), a collection of essays on Black empowerment, by Clinton L. Black.

Songs of Wisdom: Quotations from Famous African Americans of the Twentieth Century (William Morrow & Company, $20), a treasury of quotes by Black notables, by Jay David.

Giant Steps: The New Generation of African American Writers (Perennial Original, $15), a collection of short stories, essays, and poetry by young voices in Black literature, edited by Kevin Young. Already established writers, the writers in this anthology represent the best of the future.

Tamar Braxton

R&B recording artist whose latest album is Tamar

Last book I read:

Why Men Cheat by Michael Baisden

What I thought:

"I liked the book ... It was something my girls and I could all relate to because everyone has been in a relationship where someone has cheated. But I didn't agree with it on everything. I don't think that women let men do anything [they want to do]. Why men cheat is still a mystery to me."

Chris Webber

NBA All-Star with the Sacramento Kings and owner of Humility Records

Last book I read:

Spirit of a Man by Iyanla Vanzant

What I thought:

"It was very much appreciated and powerful. Many times, men lose focus on their spirit within, as well as their respect, responsibility and admiration for women. The book made me take note of some character flaws, and it has helped me keep [my focus] on Christ."