O. Wright's Blog

“Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave” by Frederick Douglass is indeed a brilliant memoir of his involuntary servitude in the fields of American slavery. In this narrative, Mr. Douglass carefully writes and documents the myriad details of his personal experiences in this dissolute and debased society. He also exposes the depraved and debauched mentality that supported this immoral and wicked institution. Even though the temperament of Mr. Douglass’ narrative was warm and friendly, he points out, in an honest way, the unfortunate experiences of millions of non whites, particularly Africans, in early America. The shameful and despicable manner in which these humble and unassuming people were treated in the name of Christianity is totally reprehensible. It is refreshing, however, to read that, in spite of Mr. Douglass’ harsh enslavement, he learned to read and write, and ultimately to escape to the North where he emerged as a great leader for his people. Therefore, in light of where African Americans are today, this narrative reveals a sad, yet riveting and startling account of American history.

“The Mystery Lies Within” by Adrienna Deo Turner is an exceptional, adult book containing a collection of meticulously written short stories. Each story (Forbidden Waters Left Hidden, Mystic Realms, and Creeping whose sleeping: Getting Away with Murder) has an interesting blend of adventure, suspense, horror, religious anecdotal inclusion, and curious mysticism dominated by a lavish assortment of wild sexual escapades. Ms. Turner’s advanced literary skills and creativity showed clearly through each dramatic narrative. In fact, she employed a unique and effective approach in creating and developing each fastidiously designed fictional passage. The passions of suspicion, deception, and jealousy were painstakingly managed and carefully displayed throughout each episodic story. Indeed, these stories were cogently organized and well presented. Despite the transparent sexual enclosures, Ms. Turner succeeded as an effective short story teller.

“Why Wait? I want it Now!” by Aliage Taqi is a superlatively written children’s story for the family, especially for children and grandchildren. Without a doubt, this charming and picturesque children’s story is remarkably represented with a clear and effective spiritual message. In truth, this beautiful story is told in such a way that it will brilliantly capture the children’s attention and will tenderly lead them to its moral and spiritual significance. In fact, the colorful illustrations indeed make this wonderful story extremely warm and marvelously rich. I unreservedly and thoroughly recommend this children’s book to the whole family. Without questions, this children’s book will make a terrific gift for any young son or daughter.

A History of Black Americans by William Loren Katz and Warren J. Halliburton presents an interesting literary collection of the black experience. Although it was written for students at the Middle School levels, it captures and presents the experiences of Black Americans in an orderly, excellent, honest, and useful way. It should be required reading by all children of Middle School ages.

Slavery by Dr. Stanley M. Elkins provides a critical and scholarly approach to the discussions of the American institution of slavery. In fact, Dr. Stanley presents a brilliant argument outlining the problem of slavery in American institutional and intellectual life. Drawing succinctly from the obvious facts of history, economics, anthropology, social psychology, and Christianity, he uniquely points out the fallacy dominating the thinking of the Capitalist and the Southern Intellectual who held the conviction that subjugating the African person positively contributed to the social dynamic of our great country. His thoughts were bold and original, yet exciting and complex. He took an entirely new approach in describing the early American psyche relative to the dark people of Africa. As a college level study on the impact of American slavery, I highly recommend this book.

“Just a little Boy Crazy” by Shelbie M. Moore is a superbly written novel for such a young author. The flow of the novel was strikingly consistent with the title. The vividness and luminosity of a fifteen year old having splendid control of thoughts, ideas, and imagination with brilliant balance are beyond words. Although this novel was primarily written to teens, and possibly teenaged girls, as a mature adult reader, I was impressed with its strong literary potential and value. The depth and imagery used in the novel construction are obvious signs of precociousness. Even without the occasional strong language and subliminal sexual images, I was able to see clearly the talent and flair of this gifted young author.

“Love Found Me” by Vanessa Richardson is very warm and superb. From the eye-catching title and throughout all of the beautiful and decorated sceneries of love and romance, it is a masterpiece of intrigue and suspense interwoven in the grace of God. Indeed, the tone and organization of each scene is filled with grace, harmony and balance. The brilliant and skillful mind of the narrator takes you through a litany of romance and suspense-filled settings leading you to a thrilling and electrifying culmination of satisfaction and enjoyment. In fact, the dramatic capturing of all the secret love schemes and plots keeps you enthralled until the end. Certainly, Love Found Me is an exceptionally good piece of creative work worthy of high recognition and praise. I recommend it to everyone.

“That Was Then, This is Now: This Broken vessel Restored” by Paulette Harper is a beautifully written, Christ inspired testimony of a person who has been reclaimed into the family of God. Despite a myriad of setbacks and disappointments, Ms. Harper aptly demonstrates in her testimony that you can do all things through Christ who give you the strength. In fact, this rich and powerful spiritual treatise takes you on an incredible journey demonstrating how the effectual working of the Holy Spirit, after having fallen short of his love, can restore you back into the love of God and the perfection of his will. This spiritually rich and priceless document should be particularly read by men and women who are struggling with doubts, discouragements and defeat and are in need of second chances in the love of God. This valued treasure is highly recommended to all.

Tragic Treasures: Discovering Spoils of War in the Midst of Tragedy by Dianne Rosena Jones is a prayerful and inspiring testimony of one who has discovered the mystery of a Christ-filled life. Told in a very personal way, this small and priceless treatise is indeed a thought-provoking and spiritually rich journal of how Rosena found complete deliverance from sin and self deception through the power of prayer. At times, very frank and honest, Rosena described to her readers the depth of her personal depravity. Through a myriad of faithless and sinful blunders, she wandered away from the kindness and goodness of God’s love and entered into a gorge of utter defeat. But thank God, according to her beautiful testimony, the grace of God found her and returned her to her proper place in him. Now, she is sharing with her readers the secret of her deliverance and how she found personal peace and satisfaction through the grace of God. I was personally blessed with the boldness in which Rosena wrote about her experiences. She is certainly our modern day Phoebe whom the Apostle Paul mentioned in the book of Romans. This book is highly recommended!Tragic Treasures: Discovering Spoils of War in the Midst of Tragedy

Broken Birds: The Story of My Momila by Jennette Katzir is an interesting and touching novel. It is one of those rare novels that describe the malady of man’s inhumanity to man in a clear and succinct way. Of course, at times, in reading the different events of this moving narrative, it became very sad and tearful. But how can one describe the insanity of the systematic extermination of millions of European Jews during the Holocaust. Often, this critical period of their lives is skimmed over in the history’s book. Those who survived the ravages of this maniacal adventure end up with overwhelming fear, distrust, and dysfunctional behavior. With a warm and methodical approach, Broken Birds demonstrated exemplary bravery in describing the horrendous affects the Holocaust brought upon one family. It revealed that the deep psychological damage impaled in the consciousness of those who survived this mass atrocity can easily be passed on to the next generation. Consequently, the dysfunctional interactions among the siblings, as described, certainly earned the title of Broken Birds. Interestingly enough, years later, some members of this family were able to go and revisit some of the places and buildings where this horrific event took place. This book is very educational and is highly recommended for the whole family. It also has the ideal cover. Broken Birds, The Story of My Momila [image error]