This is the best book I've read this year. Dr. Berry gave a real insight to the 'black experience' . I had the pleasure of hearing her speak at a conference a couple of days ago and she is one of the most marvelous people that I have heard. Her words go far beyond that of John Grisham, or Stephen King. She is truly an inspirational person. I can't wait to read her other books

I laughed, howled and made a fool out of myself reading this book. Funny, for folks who can look at themselves and laugh out loud. I saw myself and my family here. We all ghetto, no matter what color, part of the country or how much money you have (or don't).

You Still Ghetto sent me into a laughing fit with each page. I could relate to everything in this book. I'll say it loud.....I'm still ghetto and proud.

THIS WAS A FUNNY, FUNNY BOOK. I SAW MYSELF, MY FAMILY AND MY FRIENDS ON MANY OF THE PAGES. SOME THINGS SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

This splendid fictional debut puts two strangers at the same place, for the same purpose and puts them on the same mission-to change their lives to help the enigmatic future of African-Americans. Ross Buchanan and Josephine "Fina" Chambers fall in love as they realize their meeting was not happenstance. The two meet at the African-American bookshop Black Images and reach for the same book at the same time. Both are determined to keep the book, so the owner Miss Cozy must solve their quandary. The book is not for sale but she allows them to come everyday to read the book together. Miss Cozy participates with the couple as they all become closer, especially Ross and Fina, turning the pages of a book written by a slave woman. With each experience Ross and Fina find their own characteristics that were once confusing to them and experiences that can be compared with Iona, the slave whose gift of writing came to her when she picked up some paper and a writing utensil. Each discovers that their connection to their ancestors is the key to changing the future for the better. The lesson to be learned is that we as African-Americans must learn from our history and ancestors if we want to progress, and we must start with our seeds, our children. Also, we must learn to love and accept that we are entitled to happiness. I enjoyed this book because it challenges you to delve deep within yourself and see what has been holding you back over the years.

When I finished Redemption Song I felt satisfied, I felt enriched, I felt breathless! Redemption Song is a historical novel written with a romantic flair. Is it Fate or Coincidental that two people would meet at Miss Cozy's bookstore looking for the same book-Children of Grace. Children of Grace is a love story that encompasses generations and decades that was written by a slavewoman named Iona. As Fina and Ross journey together through Children of Grace with the help of Miss Cozy they discover how their lives are intertwined by coincidence and the union of Iona and Joe. Redemption Song is redemptive in that while discovering and reading the story, Fina and Ross gain an understanding about how to better love each other, their race and especially African American children. For a chance of pace, read Redemption Song a story about the unconditional power of love. It's a small book with a powerful message and one that will leave you with an important history lesson as well as knowing that you are truly loved.

I couldn't put Redemption Song down...I read it in one sitting and recommend it to everyone...especially those of African American descent. The story is centered around Josephine Chambers, a successful business executive and Ross Buchanan, a scholar pursuing his PhD in Anthropology. They "accidentally" meet at the Black Images Bookstore in search of the very rare book entitled Children of Grace. While in the store, both discover the book at the same time, which lead the wise proprietress, Ms. Cozy, to referee a joint reading session between the two. Over the next few days, the voice of their ancestor speaks to them and discloses timeless wisdom, acts of courage, love, selflessness, and hope onto the couple. I don't want to reveal too much, but I'd like to say the author weaves an inspiration and heart touching tale that includes a message, "The Recipe of Life", that we can all heed and embrace.

I initially borrowed this book from the public library, but will procure a copy for my personal library. It is one I will present as gifts for my family and friends to perpetuate the message. It is now on my all-time favorites list.

This was an outstanding piece of work...truly inspiring, motivational, uplifting. A must read!

I read Redemption Song by Ms. Berry and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found myself, however, longing for more more more! More details, more filling out of the story. Yet, it still touched me deeply. In Hip Hop, I got more of the satisfaction that I craved. I liked the short chapters, because Ms. Berry gets to the point and gives you lots of cliffhangers. Ava kept me rolling. I loved Dora, have known people like Charles. Would have liked Freedom to be a little more fleshed out, but got the gist of him. Many excellent points made and I have shared the book with those I know who are involved with the hip-hop industry. I would have given 5 stars, but again, more details-how did the characters dress, more about how they look, what did their homes look like? I like to be able to "see" the whole story. Keep up the great work and thank you for speaking to a very much needed topic!

I have not read anything of Bertice Berry's before. I have only seen her talk show once a long time ago. This book has made me a fan. From the beginning to the end of this book my attention was captured. I have always been interested in our connection to our ancestor and how we never leave each other but are a continuation. This book weaves a story that is close to home and beleivable. From the names of the characters (Freedom, Ava, Dora, Ruth, Charles, Johnny, etc..) to the way she expresses that we as a people are all connected by God. This book is a must read for young and old.

While searching through the library for an interesting book, I came across this beautifully decorated book. As I read the inside cover of the book, I was immediately caught up in it. As I started to read the book, I was completely into the story (finsihing it in a little over 3 hours). This book is indeed one of the first that I have read that include the ancestors, ancestoral spirits, the present and the images of hip-hop as it has evolved today. The book gave me a different view of the knowledge that I have about African-American history--past an present. Dr. Berry did an excellent job of incorporating all aspects of African-American history in the story. I was so moved that I bought 3 copies--one for each of my three children. I hope to read her other works and recommend this book to anyone who is semi-conscious of their heritage. For those who are conscious, it is a must.

I first read this book while riding the bus to work and laughed so hard and long people were looking at me. I saw a lot of myself and my family in this book. I'd give it 5 stars if it were just a little longer.

Sckraight from the Ghetto : You Know You're Ghetto If... is a hilarious comedic parody/test in which you can analyse in depth weather you are ghetto or not. Weather you take the test or not the book is hiarious telling truths about you knowing your ghetto because only ghetto people would... and it would say things that black people have done to save money.

This is a really hilarious book and I reccommend it to anyone who knows how to laugh.

ooooh, I laughed so hard at this book! It makes you remember things you probably long forgot or just chose to block out of your mind. Whatta hoot! I think my favorite one was the one about the woman with the halter top on and her stomach hanging out thinking that she is da domb! I seen this lady in a resturant just the other day! I couldn't stop laughing thinking about her and this book. Don't get all deep with this book, it's meant to be lighthearted and funny, not a jab at black folk! Read it for what is was meant to be...hella funny!!

I enjoyed this book very much. It is the story of Jim and Louella Johnson, an over-the-hill black couple who are having trouble in the love department. Louella conjures up her dead female relatives to ask their advice...the dead women appear to her in a dream and offer her some very savy sex tips on how to add a spark to Louella and Jim's love life. She follows their directions, and Boy-Howdy, things do start to perk up around the Johnson household.

The story, to this point is very sweet, heart tugging and completely believable... but things get a little weird when both Jim and Louella realize that because of all their lovemaking, they now have the "gift" of reading people's minds. Between the two of them, they are privy to the secrets in the "downstairs" of the souls of everyone in town. To make things stranger still, Jim's long lost brother shows up, to explain how the "gift" is a family heirloom passed down from generation to generation, and that Louella has received the gift because of her loving relationship with Jim.

Armed with the "gift" the couple decides that they should help people find love. The walking wounded they try to teach to "walk in love" include a farmer with a hygiene problem who's wife doesn't want him any more, a dysfunctional librarian who distrusts people, a prostitute dying of cancer, and a crossing guard who molests children. All this mind-reading and reaching-out makes the Johnsons suspect among their neighbors and not everyone is happy with their do-gooding. Just when Louella begins to think that maybe she isn't cut out for it, a knock on the door and a visit from the local bookstore owners reveals that she and Jim are just one link in a chain of black folk who, since first being brought to American, have had the "gift" and used it to try to help black people stay true to the way of love, in a world of hate towards them.

While the book has a homey feel, right from the beginning it is evident that while Louella and Jim have "countrified" ways, they are intelligent people with keen insight. This was evident even before they recieved the "gift." One of the reasons I kept turning the pages was the humor and warmth that I got from the voice of Louella Johnson. She is sassy and smart and I could listen to her all day.

The truth of the story seems to be simple enough - it all comes down to love. However, nothing in the story is as simple as it first appears, including Louella, Although sincere, the contradictions take away from the simple truths of the story. When nothing else is as it seems, it is difficult to take the offered resolution at face value as well.

This book is definitely worth a trip to the library. "Jim and Louella's Homemade Heart-fix Remedy" is fun, intelligent and has lots of feeling. If it had been more about a couple who used years of love and the wisdom of experience to help others find love, and less about magical "gifts," I would have liked it even more.

You never know what to expect from writer Bertice Berry. Jim and Louella's Homeade Heart-Fix Remedy is evidence that Ms. Berry is not a "cookie-cutter" writer.

This is a special book in which the characters come to life in their love and life situations. I enjoyed the connection between Louella and the spirit of her mother, aunt and grandmother! There is definitely a lesson in "hearing" the wisdom words of those before us. I would recommend this title to not only those readers over 50, but those under 50 as well. Jim and Louella know what to do and how to do what is needed! Well done, Ms. Berry! -LC

Jim and Louella, a couple of fun-loving fifty-somethings, were in a rut. Their lovemaking wasn't what it used to be, and they were scared. After enlisting the help of her dead mother, grandmother and aunt via her dreams, Louella rekindled their romance and ignited something else far more powerful. Jim and Louella were able to hear people's thoughts, and used this gift to promote love and end internal turmoils. It seemed that the world could feel the love emanating from Jim and Louella, and many of their neighbors in their small Georgia town came to them for help with their own affairs.

Berry has created a wonderful cast of characters in this novel. I kept hoping this book would never end. The writing is conversational in tone and powerful in content, as Louella proves that what the world DOES need now is love, sweet love.

~ Reviewed by CandaceK