Few people today are willing to tell the Black masses THE TRUTH, which is that our so-called "leaders" have FAILED us since Dr. King was killed and that we need a house cleaning of the pretenders to the throne who make a living by playing on the emotions of the masses. Dr. Hutchinson not only says this, but he also offers constructive and workable solutions. READ THIS and find out what they are. But since, as I've always said, "the truth would put a whole lot of people out of business," don't be surprised if you haven't heard of this book. Now you have!

James Earl Jones, Ossie Davis, and Ruby Dee. Three of today's most prominent actors bring vital poignancy to the unforgettable words of Lorraine Hansberry.

"A Raisin In The Sun," the first drama penned by a black woman to reach Broadway, electrified audiences when it opened in 1959. Loosely basing her play on an Illinois antisegregation case which her father won, Ms. Hansberry sets her story in south Chicago. In it, Walter Lee, a black chauffeur, dreams of improving his life. He hopes to use his father's money to open a liquor store.

However, his mother is against the liquor business, and uses the money to buy a family home. Conflicts arise when someone from this all-white neighborhood attempts to buy them out.

"To Be Young Gifted and Black," a compilation of Ms. Hansberry's writings appeared not only in book form but in 1969 was produced off-Broadway.

Also included on this keepsake audio are seven of Ms. Hansberry's speeches and interviews recorded between 1959 and 1964. It is thrilling to hear her voice.

Regrettably this gifted playwright and author died of cancer at the young age of 34. Her pen was stilled but her words are as relevant and moving today as when they were written.

Dr. Hutchinson give an insight on the historical basis on crime, race and law enforcement. He shows what has worked and what has not. Finally, he proposes some solutions to the problems that are plaguing many American cities.

I first became acquainted with the work of Howard Thurman when I found a leather-bound copy of Disciplines of the Spirit at an antique store. I was struck first by the practicality of his work, and then by the universality of his vision of spirituality and brotherhood. I am very excited to find this volume of his essays published. I hope it brings to many in 1999 and the millenium the practical, down-to-earth theology of this man who was a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King

So you like a good mystery, but McGees long gone and Spenser sounds more like a bad cliche with every passing title. Take a look at Thomas Black - Seattle's number one detective. In this, the third installment in a trilogy beginning with Yellow Dog Party and The Portland Laugher, our intrepid hero is attempting to deal with the loss of the love of his life - Kathy Birchfield. It seems Thomas killed her fiance and that put a damper on Thomas and Kathy's relationship. Imagine that. A mutual client sets up a meeting - between Thomas and Kathy unbeknownst to them and the story is off and running. Thomas is thrown into an investigation that leads him on several dangerous twists and turns as he encounters assorted unsavory characters. Emerson's gift for dialogue reminds the mystery buff of the best of Robert Parker in the early Spenser stories. The characters are well developed, and the tale zips along to an unexpected conclusion. If you haven't read any of Emerson's Thomas Black books, this may not be the best place to start. The dynamic between Thomas and Kathy has been cultivated slowly over the series. Yellow Dog Party makes more sense as a staarting point for new Black fans, but The Vanishing Smile is an excellent addition to the series. It appears Emerson has found a publisher who appreciates him and recognizes his talent. He has even been all the way to Texas for book signings, and was well received. Black is a true man of his time, and Emerson's social commentary right on. Political correctness is not Thomas's strong suit, much to the delight of the reader.

Fat Tuesday was my introduction to Earl Emerson and I intend to read all of his books. Fat Tuesday was funny, refreshing, and I found it to be a great page turner. Wonderful characters. The plot I didn't figure out. I enjoyed this book very much.

Fat Tuesday is the fourth Thomas Black novel by Earl Emerson. When Black and his friend, lawyer Kathy Birchfield go to meet with Fred Pugsley, they find him dead in a pool of blood. His wife, Maggie is found holding the murder weapon, a bicycle sprocket remover. The police think Maggie killed him because of Fred's numerous affairs. Another prime suspect is Eric Castle, a cycler and former co-worker of Pugsley at Micro Darlings, a manufacturer of computer games. There are other suspects who may have killed him because Fred may have slept with their wives or girlfriends. Black's life is also in danger from a motorcycle "mama", a 3000-lb. bull named Aunt Mabel, and a crazy man. This is the most complex Black novel to date, and is an excellent read.

A very fast paced, cleverly written suspense novel. The protagonist is one you will find interesting and will want to garnish your trust. You will read this book in less than a week. Kudos.

This book gives wonderful background of the man who appears in many of the greatest movies and shows ever created. It shows how he overcame personal issues to succeed in his profession. I believe that this book is a good read for anyone wanting to see perserverance in action. Jones shows that anyone can do anything if they want it bad enough.

Not only do I know James Earl Jones as an actor (rather than darth vader) I respect him as a very unique individual, who touched some parts in my life. I was having difficulty in school: I stammered in school and was very shy. There were things in my life that I held back for a long time. Like James. I hope that his name will carry on both on stage and off. I definitely recommend this book to those who want to know the person and get to understand him that way. I know I do!

Mr. Jones and I are both part Irish, have a childhood history of stammering, went into acting which helped the speech problem and we may have other things in common. I very much enjoyed this book and I recommend it to others. Why only a "9"? In the middle of the book he states that he is a member of the NRA and just drops the subject. He must know full well that it doesn't jive with his life or his beliefs. But he just dropped it. A great idea for a second book: pick up this subject in the wake of the Murrah building blast and then look at the comparisons between the OJ trial and one of his signature roles, Othello

Emerson's only moderately competent private eye sails through a tale that presents moral dilemmas as well as insights into relationships without being pretentious, some wildly improbable characters, witty wise-guy prose and a strongly realistic evocation of the West Coast. Easy reading and excellent of its type!

This was the first (but not the last) Earl W. Emerson book I've read. I found it very enjoyable, and could not put it down until I was done. Being from the Pacific Northwest, I especially enjoyed all the references to familiar places. I went to our local bookstore this afternoon and purchased several more Earl W. Emerson mysteries. Can't wait to get started. Going back to start at the beginning of the Thomas Black series with "Rainy City", as I would like to see his relationship with Kathy unfold in chronological order. Highly recommended and just plain fun!

I've read all of Emerson's Thomas Black books and have enjoyed every single one of them. (I'm currently reading Catfish Cafe). I started reading this series almost 10 years ago and am constantly waiting for new ones to come out. The humor as well as mystery in his books keep you reading until the very end. I'm not into really gory and scary books but I love mysteries. Emerson's writing gives me exactly what I want. Deception Pass was not quite as suspenseful as some of his other books (try Million Dollar Tattoo). I kind of knew the ending in the middle of the book, but I read mostly because I enjoy the character Thomas Black and I like to hear the descriptions of Seattle in the books. This book is written in the typical Emerson style and you won't be disappointed!

Movie star Sheila Fane arrives in Honolulu to shoot the few remaining sequences of a movie. She rents a house on the beach. When Sheila throws a big party, she is found murdered in the pavillion just before she is scheduled to make her grand entrance. Charlie Chan is assigned to the case. Tarneverro, a fortuneteller and former friend of the deceased, offers to help Charlie solve the murder. Charlie and Tarneverro arrive at the scene of the crime before the guests depart. Although not the best of the six Charlie Chan novels, this is a very good mystery and an entertaining story.

Overall good Charlie Chan mystery, I enjoyed it a lot! (although the plot is a little messy and long). A movie starring Sidney Toler and #2 Son called "Charlie Chan in Rio" took the main plot from this book and made it more concise and entertaining. For a Chinese person like myself, it is amusing to see some of the comments from Chan regarding his offsprings' lack of respect for him and their use of slang English. It actually sounds quite genuine, like any older Chinese immigrant fathers would say.

Silver screen goddess, Sheila Fane, has a secret that weighs heavily on her heart. It is a secret that makes her reluctant to marry again, though she has just received such a proposal. While in Honolulu for some location shots for her current film, she consults with Tarneverro, fortuneteller to the stars, as to what she should do. He wrests her deepest, darkest secret from her and advises her not to marry. Shortly thereafter, Hollywood's brightest flame is snuffed out, a cruel knife thrust ending Ms. Fane's life.

Enter revered Honolulu police inspector, Charlie Chan, who is called upon to solve this baffling murder case. In his own inscrutable and unhurried way, Inspector Chan slowly, but surely, makes mincemeat of those who would dare to lie to him. To solve this case, however, he must delve into Ms. Fane's past and discover the secret that gave her so much unrest. He finds that is is tied to an unsolved murder that had occurred in Hollywood several years prior. Inspector Chan ultimately puts both matters to rest.

Charlie Chan is one of the best fictional detectives ever created. Highly intelligent and seemingly droll, he slowly but surely solves his cases. Father to eleven children, all of whom drive him a little crazy with their American slang, he is an eminently respected detective, who has solved many high profile cases. It is amazing that, though written during the nineteen twenties and thirties, these mysteries are as fresh today, as when they were first written. While they may lack some of the political correctness of today, they are still gems. Well written and highly entertaining, the entire Chalie Chan series deserves to be reissued by some wily publisher.

Stephen Greenleaf and Earl Emerson are probably the two finest practitioners of the "hardboiled P.I." school currently writing. THE MILLION-DOLLAR TATTOO admirably displays Emerson's strengths: a smooth, colorful style; a complex, outrageous, but ultimately credible plot; a motley cast of well-drawn characters; an outstanding sense of pace; a terrific ear for dialogue; and well-timed humor.

Other reviews here will give you a hint about the plot, so I'll simply add that underlying all of it is the serious theme of the misuse of money and power.

I really enjoyed Snake and the aliens women. The book is fantastic! It is a must read.

This is by far the funniest book in the Thomas Black series. About page 2 I gave up laughing and went right to snorting. And the mystery was pretty darned good, too. If you only read one book by Earl Emerson (and if you stop at one, your next stop should be a shrink), this one is the "must read."