We have all heard proverbs at some point in our lives; little truths that teach morals, tell stories, or teach us how to live. In PROVERBS FOR THE PEOPLE, authors take insightful African, African American, and Biblical proverbs and utilize them to create extraordinary short stories that depict truths and leave marks on the heart.

This unique anthology contains stories from well known authors such as Travis Hunter, Omar Tyree, Margaret Johnson-Hodge, Pearl Cleage, and others, as well as stories from up and coming authors. Like the proverbs they represent, the stories are diverse and full of emotions. Although all of the stories were wonderful and touching, some of personal favorites were Gwynne Forster's "First Thing Monday Morning," which taught the morals that actions speak louder than words and to be careful what you wish for, because you just may get it, and Robert Fleming's "A Crisis of Faith," about a man who is wrongly incarcerated.

PROVERBS FOR THE PEOPLE is a wonderful novel that will teach, inspire, and entertain. It has a story that everyone can relate to, and will make a wonderful addition to any book collection.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I really enjoyed this book. All of the stories are wonderful and the connection to the proverb that they all wrote about was simply masterful! I particularly enjoyed the story Franklin White gave us. His proverb dealt with "no matter how long a log stays in the water, a log it will remain." His story about a black actress in Hollywood who did everything under the sun to become more mainstream was brillant. I will not spoil it for others but the story really made me think about all the black actresses who have to jump through hoops to finally get a part in a mainstream movie. After they read this story-maybe they won't be so hard pressed to get in the mainstream!

I think this book was long overdue. This is what the AA community needs. Travis Hunter, who is head and shoulders above any other writer in the business right now, brings us a story so filled with love I cried. Omar Tyree's story needed some work but he tried. I loved Pearl Cleage's story as well and Margerette J. Hodge touched my spirit. She's a great writer too. I liked Tonya Marie Evans story. This should've been made like the coffee table books so everyone could read it like a conversation piece.

...Now comes Tracy Price-Thompson, a highly decorated Desert Storm veteran telling a story about two soldiers whose against policy romance threatens both of their military careers. What makes this book such a compelling read is the authors free-wheeling manipulation of alternating scenario changes utilizing the call and response style, in a narrative parlance sharing perspectives on their specific difficulties. It's situations like this that tend to keep readers eagerly looking for drama to unfold in lieu of the author focusing on one entity of the plot, or even one character at the expense of the other before he/she is ready to be introduced. Personally, I like this techique because it departs from the usual single narrator. The authors use of this style gives us an up front and close look at the unique challenges, pseudo successes, and adversities depicting military life seldom written about in commercial fiction.
Sandarella Coffee is a single mother reporting for duty at a Virginia military installation, meets and fall in love with Drill Sergeant Romulus Caesar. It doesn't help that Romulus is trapped in an unhappy and tumultuous marriage with twin sons. Falling too deep for Sandarella, but acknowledging no love for his wife, he's haunted by his obligation to be a contributing parent. The romance between the two proliferate throughout as they search for understanding in their forbidden liason eshewing in the process Uncle Sam's rigid fraternization rules, and the need to be inclusive in their respective familial matters. Two strong willed and ambitious people notwithstanding, the author makes sure to stress character flaws, complexities, and frustration inhibited thereof as the exciting climax comes to fore.
This is a quick read with short to moderate chapters, but at times it stumbles in places...especially when she doesn't spend more time stressing character development introducing issues such as drug dependency and HIV (which she briefly atrtributes to her sister. Reading this book, you'd readily see that the writer has a way with words, but when there's no effort to temper verbosity it lends itself to metaphors and overused cliches that seem forced. Despite this, it doesn't detract from the hue of the colors on this artist's palette. You may add this to perhaps the next book to bead on your list!

If you want to read a book that is thrilling, realistic, compelling and a page-turner, then Black Coffee, by Author Tracy Price-Thompson is the book for you. Price-Thompson is a dynamic storyteller and her character development is superb and "right on the money." This book focuses on the lives of its two main characters, Army Sergeant Sanderella "Sandie" Coffee and Drill Sergeant Romulus "Rom" Caesar, both enlisted in the military.

The driving force of this novel begins when Sandie, a single mother of three children, meets Rom after recently being sent back to the states after having finished an assignment oversees that lasted a few years. Rom finds himself immediately attracted to Sandie and convinces himself that he must pursue and win her over to make his life complete. Sandie pretends at first that Rom didn't even spark an interest in her, but deep down she initially found him attractive as well.

Sandie initially plays hard to get, but she would soon succumb to her feelings for Rom and they would develop a world-wind, romantic relationship, with many twists and turns, that initially takes off like a match made in heaven. Nevertheless, there is just one problem that is a major issue that is a threat to their relationship. Rom is a married man of many years with twin sons. Although Rom's marriage is dead as a door nail, he's haunted by his obligation to his sons and, therefore, stays in an unhappy marriage for the sake of his children. After all, he does not want to repeat the same mistake that his father did of abandoning his mother when he was just a young child. However, his love for Sandie is real and becomes his focal point, yet his confusion.

With many twists and turns, this book is very entertaining and thought-provoking. It clearly demonstrates the power of love and how it can overpower one's own judgment. Although I love this book, I think that Price-Thompson moved a little too quickly with the relationship between Rom and Sandie and basically could have slowed down the pace in the initial stage of their ensuing relationship.

Overall, this is a wonderful book with many messages displayed through the lives of the main characters, their friends and family members. What I really liked most about the book is how Price-Thompson displayed Sandie with having such a strong family unit, although they experienced many ups and downs in their lives. Price-Thompson clearly demonstrates that she is a master at her craft and while reading this book, I often could not believe that this is her first novel. Her writing style is that of a veteran author.

I highly recommend this thought-provoking, entertaining, well-written and page-turning novel. It is my hope that Price-Thompson is working on the sequel to Black Coffee because I am anxiously anticipating reading more about the lives of Sandie and Rom.

Pick up a copy of this novel. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Price-Thompson, you did a wonderful job on your first novel. I'm impressed!

Reviewed by Carla J. Curtis

Do you have a girlfriend that makes you double over with laughter? One who can make a simple statement about the weather funny? Well if you don't, allow Sandrella Coffee to become your witty friend for a while. Sandrella Coffee is the main character in Black Coffee, along with Romulus Caesar. Sandrella has a percolating wit, along with a snappy, earthy, and matter of fact voice. She proudly exposes her failures, accomplishments, dreams, fears, and emotions to us like we are her confident friends. She speaks honestly and from the heart. She's confident in who she is, what she can and cannot do, and she is not ashamed to tell you about the mistakes she's made.

In her debut novel, Tracy Price-Thompson has introduced characters that are real and expound. She engages you in the main plot of this story by providing in depth characters that spring off of the pages into your presence. Her hilarious, serious, and heart felt accounts of Sandrella & Romulus' life will make you smile, laugh, cuss, and cheer. This is not just a book for women; men can enjoy and relate to this story as well.

Black Coffee is a quick, funny, soaring read about all types of love....relationship love, family love, fiendship love, sibling love...strong love. It delves into the sacrifices that one makes for love; and displays the prolific emotions of people experiencing love. Black Coffee touches on how one must do what they have to do because of morals, and past lessons.

Tracy Price-Thompson has definitely without a doubt done it again. The story, what can I say so real, told in a way that kept you wanting more. The characters, Juanita ( a young woman finding out who she is), Conan ( a guy trying to go somewhere but can't rid himself of the past), Scooter (a very naive individual but a true friend), Aunt Hattie & Uncle Herbie( two loving people who did what they had to do in order to survive), Jorge (an underhanded sneaky conartist, when friends like him who needs enemies). This is a page turner! The book is about love, friendship, trust, deceitfulness, color and most importantly learning lessons. There is one sentence from this book that I will carry with me, "Learnin' to leave the past in the past, and instead look at people for who and what they might be today."

Just like a steaming cup of black coffee, Tracy Price-Thompson's writing is strong, potent, and a quick shock to your senses. In her sophomore effort, Chocolate Sangria, Price-Thompson displays the craftsmanship of a wonderful storyteller using intriguing scenes, unforgettable characters, and a lesson to be learned and paints a vivid picture of friendship and relationships and the love and pain that can be found within each one. Backing this theme is one of self-identity as the characters search to accept and love themselves instead of relying on the thoughts and comments of others to determine their self worth.

Chocolate Sangria brings together two sets of friends with a supporting cast that makes this a well-rounded read. First we have Juanita and Scooter who we watch grow from being the outcasts in their projects to young adults on the move. Juanita "Nita" Lucas grows up being teased because of her light skin and good hair and is working to define herself and bounce away from using the comments and thoughts of others to determine her self worth. Her best friend, Socrates "Scooter" Morrison is in a similar situation, yet, it's his sexual identity he's not so sure about. Naturally the two of them connect and become inseparable as they mature from young children to adults. The scenes of their childhood extend from funny to sad, over to the realm of happiness and touches on downright scary, all drawing out the emotions that most of us experience as children. The second set of friends is Conan Lopez and Jorge. Though both are Puerto Rican and live under one roof being raised as brothers, they are as different as night and day. Conan is a giver to not only his family, but to his community, and spends his time juggling his life with the feelings of guilt he has over his brother's death. Jorge quite frankly has issues. He hasn't handled the curve balls life has tossed his way and as a result has turned into a very selfish, manipulative and confused young man.

The two set of friends meet, and from that moment on, each of their lives change. At this point, the book takes on a seriousness as it deals with the comings and goings of each character, the impacts of their decisions on each other and comes full circle when it seems as if things are looking up for all of them.

Price-Thompson weaves in the intricacies of both friendships and relationships in a manner that's bold, compelling, and insightful. It is riveting and graphic, yet exceptionally moving. Her characters and the storyline range from loving to hateful, yet they are all revealing and evoke many of the feelings we encounter in real life. This is a definite must-read, so clear your calendar, find a cozy spot and prepare to taste completely, savoring each word as if you were sampling a rare blend of smooth-tasting chocolate.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I loved this book. The characters were so well-developed and the plot so compelling, I had a hard time believing that I was reading fiction. There were times when I wanted to reach in and slap Conan for not kicking Jorge to the nearest Dumpster where he belonged--especially when he lied and tried to steal his homeboy's job, but I did felt sorry for Jorge in some ways. And the situation between Scooter and his boss could be a whole book by itself and I hope that the author will continue this story. I cared about these young characters and would like to know what happens to them as they mature. The theme of this story is universal: everybody just wants to be loved. Tracy Price-Thompson was already one of my favorite authors, but this book put her on my list forever. Great job, Tracy!