Sixteen shorts are offered to us in LaShonda K. Barnett's first book titled Callaloo & Other Lesbian Love Tales. Many of the lesbian theme books available do not show the positive side of loving another women; the tender moments shared in a way that Callaloo does. Most of the stories in these 197 pages are from another era; a time when it was taboo to love another woman. Each story fills me with pride and appreciation for those who paved the way for us.

In "The Homecoming of Narda Boggs, a slave girl is brought to life by the European massa's daughter who happens to be African American. "Black Triangles, Rainbows and Dykes" gave the reader a little history of the upside down triangle. It initially started out as a negative and the gay and lesbian community brought the symbol alive. In Nazi Concentration camps when lesbians were "outed", they were forced to wear upside down triangles. The very last short "Callaloo" explains the origins of the word and how deep one will go to make their partner happy.

Some of the stories were lacking consistency. The language used to define the eras were mixed. The book promised love tales and it certainly makes good on that promise. When I reached the last pages of the book, it saddened me that LaShonda K. Barnett parked her pen. Although it excited me more to know she will be steering it again to complete Jam her second book.

Missy

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading her second book, "JAM!". This book gives you a look into the lives of African American lesbians, and touches on interracial issues as well. I found it to be passionate, thought provoking and real.

I found this book to be an excellent read. The stories covered various facets of lesbian relationships with an emphasis on African American lesbians. I found the story about a lesbian relationship between a slave and a slave owner's daughter especially poignant. My partner, who is not an avid book reader, also found it thoroughly enjoying. I look forward to seeing more works from Ms. Barnett and would recommend it to all my lesbian sisters.