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Natural Sistahs Series #1
My Crowning Glory
Anisa Links is on a fast track to success, love and happiness. Preparing to take her professional and personal life to the next level she attends a hair care and style symposium. She walks away inspired to explore a new hairstyle. No one in her life responds to her curiosity the way she expects. Changing her hair threatens to slow down her progress or free her to blaze her own trail.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2012
134 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 10, 2021
Title: My Crowning Glory
Author: Shawneda
Publisher: GIG PowHer Press
Series: Natural Sistahs Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"My Crowning Glory" by Shawneda
My Opinion:
'My Crowning Glory' really had me going off for a minute due to the issue of Anisa's hair being judged by that judgemental boyfriend, friends, and her family. Anisa was a grown woman and should have been allowed to do what she pleased to do with her hair. I read and saw what everyone was saying, but only Anisa's godmother, Maya, got it right! Making confident choices is definitely the person's right to choose just what they want to do, as in this case. I was glad how this story ended, definitely giving the reader many twists and turns getting there. I enjoyed what one reviewer said, and that was, "Wear your crown proudly, and only you will discover your own glory."
Author: Shawneda
Publisher: GIG PowHer Press
Series: Natural Sistahs Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"My Crowning Glory" by Shawneda
My Opinion:
'My Crowning Glory' really had me going off for a minute due to the issue of Anisa's hair being judged by that judgemental boyfriend, friends, and her family. Anisa was a grown woman and should have been allowed to do what she pleased to do with her hair. I read and saw what everyone was saying, but only Anisa's godmother, Maya, got it right! Making confident choices is definitely the person's right to choose just what they want to do, as in this case. I was glad how this story ended, definitely giving the reader many twists and turns getting there. I enjoyed what one reviewer said, and that was, "Wear your crown proudly, and only you will discover your own glory."
November 25, 2020
A good base, could use work
The major character here is Anisa's hair, with Anisa being secondary. Almost every conversation, emotion, and reaction centers around the growing urgency to transition to a natural style, with harsh resistance on nearly all fronts. There's a secondary plot about her judgemental boyfriend, with friends and family rounding out the character list.
The idea is sound, but the execution seems rushed, to the point of needing another round of edits for typos and clarification. Most chapters reflect opinions on natural hair, which makes it feel like a greatest hits rather than a naturally flowing story with other elements.
Is it bad? No, it's an interesting read with promise, but it could be better.
An example of the writing:
"Wilson ain’t about to be with some chick with nappy hair and won’t give him some. I understand it’s late but you need to quit dreaming. If your parents were any more conservative, they’d be three shades lighter. Macon isn't the backwoods but this isn't Atlanta either, you not gone climb the government or any other ladder looking like Aunt Jemima before the makeover. Stop the madness.”
The major character here is Anisa's hair, with Anisa being secondary. Almost every conversation, emotion, and reaction centers around the growing urgency to transition to a natural style, with harsh resistance on nearly all fronts. There's a secondary plot about her judgemental boyfriend, with friends and family rounding out the character list.
The idea is sound, but the execution seems rushed, to the point of needing another round of edits for typos and clarification. Most chapters reflect opinions on natural hair, which makes it feel like a greatest hits rather than a naturally flowing story with other elements.
Is it bad? No, it's an interesting read with promise, but it could be better.
An example of the writing:
"Wilson ain’t about to be with some chick with nappy hair and won’t give him some. I understand it’s late but you need to quit dreaming. If your parents were any more conservative, they’d be three shades lighter. Macon isn't the backwoods but this isn't Atlanta either, you not gone climb the government or any other ladder looking like Aunt Jemima before the makeover. Stop the madness.”
December 20, 2021
Hair doesn't make the person!
Anisa made a personal decision about her hair and those she told she was considering making a change made her feel like their options mattered more. They didn't hear her when she said why she wanted to change. Her boyfriend demanded she continue with relaxers because she OWED him for being patient because she was a virgin. He even gave her an ultimatum about her hair; she with keep long straight hair and he would marry her or there was a possibility he'd walk away from the relationship. He parents who were more concerned that her decision was a trend, didn't respect her and didn't really support her. Then it was the concern about how she would be perceived in the workplace. What should have mattered more was her skills, work ethic, and ability to get things done. But her natural hairstyles put pressure on her boss and the decision if she would go further with the organization. Join Anisa on her journey and see if she either learn to accept the transition or cave in and get a relaxer.
Anisa made a personal decision about her hair and those she told she was considering making a change made her feel like their options mattered more. They didn't hear her when she said why she wanted to change. Her boyfriend demanded she continue with relaxers because she OWED him for being patient because she was a virgin. He even gave her an ultimatum about her hair; she with keep long straight hair and he would marry her or there was a possibility he'd walk away from the relationship. He parents who were more concerned that her decision was a trend, didn't respect her and didn't really support her. Then it was the concern about how she would be perceived in the workplace. What should have mattered more was her skills, work ethic, and ability to get things done. But her natural hairstyles put pressure on her boss and the decision if she would go further with the organization. Join Anisa on her journey and see if she either learn to accept the transition or cave in and get a relaxer.
January 18, 2021
Loved it!
I loved how Anisa was transitioning and finally decided to do the big chop. What I didn’t love was all the people in her life who were supposed to be supportive try and change her mind about what she wanted to do to her hair! Even her lousy man smh. I knew as soon as he fixed his lips to tell her what he didn’t like she should’ve dropped that zero. I’m glad she did eventually but it was unfortunate the events that led to her doing so. This story also made me realize everyone’s natural hair journey isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. When I went natural nobody really knew because I was wearing weaves and braids so much. I know that if I did to sport my short fro while it grew my people would’ve had my back. I wish Anisa had the same but I’m glad things worked out in the end.
I loved how Anisa was transitioning and finally decided to do the big chop. What I didn’t love was all the people in her life who were supposed to be supportive try and change her mind about what she wanted to do to her hair! Even her lousy man smh. I knew as soon as he fixed his lips to tell her what he didn’t like she should’ve dropped that zero. I’m glad she did eventually but it was unfortunate the events that led to her doing so. This story also made me realize everyone’s natural hair journey isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. When I went natural nobody really knew because I was wearing weaves and braids so much. I know that if I did to sport my short fro while it grew my people would’ve had my back. I wish Anisa had the same but I’m glad things worked out in the end.
December 11, 2020
This is novella only 150 pages long. It took me so long to read it because the story was not interesting to me. This was an Amazon Kindle freebie, btw. The book was full of typos, grammatical errors and punctuation errors. The author shows some promise as a commercial author, but she needs to find a more compelling topic. Here's the story - a recent graduate is just entering the work force. She is considering wearing her hair natural and forgoing the perms every 6 weeks. That's the story. This upsets her parents and her boyfriend for some ridiculous reason. Why are they so invested in how a grown woman wears her hair? I wasn't buying it. It just seemed so preposterous. She should have just told these people to mind their business - it would have taken 8 pages at the most.
September 13, 2021
This book made me think. We have become a shallow and superficial society. We, especially women spend way too much time concerned with what others think about us and seeking the approval of others. Its a sad commentary that hairstyles, textures etc. factor into employment opportunities and dating choices. While it got off to a rough start overall 'My Crowning Glory' is a good read. It could be much better. As other reviewers have noted there are far too many grammatical errors and typos which takes away from the reading experience. I guess my generation gap is showing because at times I had to reread passages to understand them. Also the outcomes were predictable. I highly recommend a re-release after a thorough review by a top notch editor.
September 12, 2020
At a time where so much of women's fiction is filled with characters who almost celebrate their deficiencies (everything is their fault, it's almost like OCD irrationality), a book like this feels like a balm for the soul. Anisa, already someone who knows who she is, becomes even more when faced with external critics and betrayal from two people closest to her. I've been looking for this story all summer long.
November 26, 2020
I should always remember MY CROWNING GLORY.
I enjoyed this book very much. Since this COVID 19 virus. I have had to do my own hair - since my doctors warned me to keep to myself. I decided to go natural with telephone help from my beautician, Gary. Still working on getting relaxer out, almost there. Of course I would love this book. (I miss my locks, but that is a story for another day.)
I enjoyed this book very much. Since this COVID 19 virus. I have had to do my own hair - since my doctors warned me to keep to myself. I decided to go natural with telephone help from my beautician, Gary. Still working on getting relaxer out, almost there. Of course I would love this book. (I miss my locks, but that is a story for another day.)
October 14, 2024
Meh
I really don't understand that big hoopla about black women's hair. I've been natural for about 10 years now. It's never been a big deal. People will think what they want to. I also didn't like the fact that we were built up the entire book to not like Zoe only for us to supposedly sympathize with her at the end? Nope, hard pass. Nothing redeeming about this book except that the author was able to publish it as something else under her belt.
I really don't understand that big hoopla about black women's hair. I've been natural for about 10 years now. It's never been a big deal. People will think what they want to. I also didn't like the fact that we were built up the entire book to not like Zoe only for us to supposedly sympathize with her at the end? Nope, hard pass. Nothing redeeming about this book except that the author was able to publish it as something else under her belt.
December 19, 2020
My Crowning Glory was an excellent read. As a person that went from chemically treating my hair to being natural, I could relate to how family, friends and professional associates react to a change that they might deem as being drastic. Your hair does not necessarily define you. It can be your crowning glory. It can be the change you need. It can be the key to a more happy you.
May 26, 2021
Great book!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Anissa’s hair problem. I can recall when I was in high school and wanted to cut my hair and was told no. I felt the same way Anissa did and decided that it was my hair so I had it cut and everyone was shocked. I felt like I was reading about my life. Great story.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Anissa’s hair problem. I can recall when I was in high school and wanted to cut my hair and was told no. I felt the same way Anissa did and decided that it was my hair so I had it cut and everyone was shocked. I felt like I was reading about my life. Great story.
August 12, 2024
Hair hair glorious hair
My Crowning Glory by Shawneda ⭐⭐⭐
It was a short (148 pages) story but not sure what the plot is. All I kept thinking bad hair don't care statement. There's more to life than worrying about how and who to fix your hair.
I hope you pick up this book for yourself and read this fast easy read and judge for your self. There are many mixed reviews about this book. Its book 1 and book 2 is also available.
My Crowning Glory by Shawneda ⭐⭐⭐
It was a short (148 pages) story but not sure what the plot is. All I kept thinking bad hair don't care statement. There's more to life than worrying about how and who to fix your hair.
I hope you pick up this book for yourself and read this fast easy read and judge for your self. There are many mixed reviews about this book. Its book 1 and book 2 is also available.
February 3, 2021
All natural
I would highly recommend this book to women especially those thinking about or wear their hair natural. To women hair is way more than hair. Making decisions for you alone is so powerful! Wear your crown proudly and discover your glory!
I would highly recommend this book to women especially those thinking about or wear their hair natural. To women hair is way more than hair. Making decisions for you alone is so powerful! Wear your crown proudly and discover your glory!
May 11, 2023
Big changes in the city
Inside these pages is a story of change. Anisa is about to begin a new page in her career. After a great trip, she decides to make further changes. Watch how she navigates life, love, family, and happiness.
Inside these pages is a story of change. Anisa is about to begin a new page in her career. After a great trip, she decides to make further changes. Watch how she navigates life, love, family, and happiness.
December 31, 2024
A Story That We Need To Hear
This story has the potential to be good with more character development and a stronger plot. A bit of editing would be useful to differentiate between you’re and your throughout the text.
This story has the potential to be good with more character development and a stronger plot. A bit of editing would be useful to differentiate between you’re and your throughout the text.
December 1, 2020
Nice story to which I can relate. It needed a proofreader.
December 19, 2020
Sorry. 20 minutes in, and there were so many typos I couldn't handle it any more.
December 31, 2020
Powerful & unapologetically authentic!!
January 16, 2021
I could not get past Chapter 2.
Read
July 10, 2022The friendships did not cover all hurts, and honesty amongst all the loved ones strengthened their resolves. The criticisms did not stop a belief from turning to an action.
March 11, 2022
Anisa is a woman who has been chemically straightening her hair since childhood (along with most of the other women in her life). She and her friends attend a natural hair show and Anisa is inspired to transition her hair to a natural style and to stop chemically treating it. This is a HUGE deal to everyone in her life. Some of her friends are supportive, some of them mock her for the decision. Everyone is worried that her boyfriend will drop her if she transitions to a natural style. I really don't get why everyone is so concerned that Anisa keep her hair straightened so that she can keep her boyfriend. Any guy who is only with a woman provided her hair is styled a certain way is not a guy that anyone's friends or family should be supporting.
I appreciate Anisa's strength and courage in the opposition to her desire for a change, but the book itself wasn't super well written. There were a few places where it switched between 1st and 3rd person point of view, so could have used a bit of editing.
I appreciate Anisa's strength and courage in the opposition to her desire for a change, but the book itself wasn't super well written. There were a few places where it switched between 1st and 3rd person point of view, so could have used a bit of editing.
May 9, 2013
The plot line was really fun to read. While at times I felt like I was being preached at to have natural hair, the story was well thought out. I don't think that I would be able to still be friends with Zoe after doing what she did. I received a copy of the book through Goodreads First Reads.
November 23, 2013
I enjoyed this book. on to part 2. part 3 coming in 2014.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews