Review: Remaking the Rural South: Interracialism, Christian Socialism, and Cooperative Farming in Jim Crow Mississippi by Robert Hunt Ferguson

Remaking The Rural South is a rare look at how black and white farmers came to band together in a few farm settlements around 1930s in the United States, living together, cooperating, making their own rules in a way that is antithetical to the racial and economic oppression of that time.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
People interested in social justice might find this book intriguing.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT
Despite all the racial and political violence in the Southern United States, I was fascinated to discover a small community that transcended the mindlessness of that period. More so, I read that this anomaly was in some parts due to a bit of Christian socialism, which is a surprise to me.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

"...rural black and white workers had banded together to fight agrarian exploitation through various means before the 1930s. Southerners participated in various interracial political movements in the years between Reconstruction and the solidification of Jim Crow at the turn of the century. The Readjuster Movement in Virginia, the national Populist movement, and the Fusionist alliance among white Populists and black Republicans in North Carolina were, for a time, viable movements aimed at creating cross-racial approaches to government. Interracial labor activism also gained support in various locales. As labor historians have noted, lumbermen and dock workers took part in pragmatic alliances across the color line before the turn of the twentieth century."

"Two early twentieth-century organizations that promoted interracialism were the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and the Commission on Interracial Cooperation (CIC). These organizations achieved some success and broadened the imagination of what was possible within the rigid rule of white supremacy. In the 1910s, the YWCA, called by a strong adherence to the Social Gospel, led efforts to promote interracial cooperation and understanding, especially by organizing interracial conferences at places such as the Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The CIC began in 1919 as an answer to the upswing of racial violence across the South. While the commission was intentionally interracial, virtually all members were united by economic class. The CIC membership believed that change would come from the intellectual class, who could influence policy and model healthy, equitable cross-racial relationships for working-class Americans. But the CIC also addressed tangible problems by sending volunteers into local black communities to try to solve their most pressing needs. Although the CIC was successful in exposing the deleterious consequences of racial hatred and made positive changes in some communities, many of its members—and subsequent historians—criticized the organization for tepidity and tokenism during its early phases, for not involving the working classes in decision making, and for working within segregation rather than dismantling it."

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Remaking the Rural South: Interracialism, Christian Socialism, and Cooperative Farming in Jim Crow Mississippi by Robert Hunt Ferguson is available to buy on all major online bookstores. Many thanks to University of Georgia Press for review copy.

Review: Forgiveness Is Really Strange by Marina Cantacuzino, Masi Noor & Sophie Standing

Forgiveness Is Really Strange is a collection of thoughts on the nature of forgiveness and its role in human relationships. These diverse thoughts are sourced from people who have been hurt in the most grievous ways.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?

Humans of all colour, creed, and cultures.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT

Reading this book is like watching a documentary. I love the diversity of interviewees and varied opinions. The variety makes the subject much broader.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

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Forgiveness Is Really Strange by Marina Cantacuzino, Masi Noor, Sophie Standing (illustrations) is available to buy from on all major online bookstores. Many thanks to Singing Dragon (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) for review copy.

Review: Stories I Love To Tell by Gene Edwards

Stories I Love to Tell is a collection of true stories and anecdotes from the perspective of a Christian theologian and churchplanter.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
Christians of all kinds would.  The stories here are the kind you are likely to hear in church pulpits, though some of it are autobiographical in nature.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT
I love the personal stories the most in this book. They are touching and there is always a lesson to learn, irrespective of your spiritual leanings. As someone who has loved the author's spirit and style of story-telling for over a decade, this book is a valuable addition to his works. The first story of this book, White Trash, is the most powerful, in my view. Worth checking out.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

"Christopher Columbus was sailing toward the Americas but did not know it. He thought he was going to end up in India. One day at sea his crew came and laid out their demands: he must turn back that same day. The men felt strongly that they were about to sail off the edge of a flat earth. Christopher Columbus made a deal: one more day and he would tum back.

"Columbus did not know this, but he was not very far from an island, a place today we call San Salvador. San Salvador is about ten thousand miles away from India. Columbus took a gold coin and nailed it to the mast, telling the crew that whoever saw land first would receive this coin. (It was not to be.) So it was that far into the night the men stared into the darkness hoping to see something. Columbus said he thought he had seen a flickering light. He had not. It was impossible for any artificial light to be that far away. Up in the crow’s nest, a sailor named Rodrigo de Triana** saw land and called out 'Tierra! Tierra!' ('Land! Land!')

"Everyone was excited and the ship was turned in the direction of Rodrigo’s sighting. Only a few minutes later several other men called out that they had seen land. Within no more than thirty minutes everyone was aware that they could see the outline of a small mountain range.

"You will have to search very hard to find Rodrigo in the history books, and that is because Columbus claimed the coin. The truth of the matter is simple: Rodrigo was the first man to discover the Americas."

** Rodrigo was a black man.

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Stories I Love to Tell by Gene Edwards will be available to buy on all major online bookstores around February 2018.

Many thanks to Emanate Books for review copy.

Review: Feel Free - Essays by Zadie Smith

Feel Free is a collection of essays (some old, some new) by the English writer, Zadie Smith.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
People who love reading heavy, analytical essays. Those with a liking for free-flowing, simple prose should stay clear.

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT "FEEL FREE"
The author's insights are unique and interesting enough to make me want to read more. One of the essays, titled “Generation Why”, is particularly insightful.

Generation Why discusses the link between the quirks of the founders of social media - Facebook in particular - and the effects on its users.

For example, did you know that Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, is red-green colourblind? This means blue is the colour he can see the most and the best. This is why Facebook is mostly blue.

Going beyond colour schemes, the author further argues few points that show how Zuckerberg's deep-set ideas are woven into Facebook and how those philosophies are changing the way Facebook users think and relate to one another.

WHAT I DO NOT LIKE
Few of the essays seem inaccessible. There are some ramblings and lack of coherent train of thought on the pages make some paragraphs difficult to enjoy.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

"It feels important to remind ourselves, at this point, that Facebook, our new beloved interface with reality, was designed by a Harvard sophomore with a Harvard sophomore’s preoccupations. What is your relationship status? (Choose one. There can be only one answer. People need to know.) Do you have a ‘life’? (Prove it. Post pictures.) Do you like the right sort of things? (Make a list. Things to like will include: films, music, books and television, but not architecture, ideas or plants).
“But here I fear I am becoming nostalgic. I am dreaming of a Web that caters to a kind of person who no longer exists. A private person. A person who is a mystery, to the world and - which is more important - to herself."

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Feel Free: Essays by Zadie Smith hits stores in February 2018. Available in all major online bookstores.
Many thanks to Penguin Press for review copy.

Review: The Monk's Record Player: Thomas Merton, Bob Dylan, and the Perilous Summer of 1966 by Robert Hudson

The Monk's Record Player looks at the influence Bob Dylan's (a singer-songwriter) music had on Thomas Merton's (a Trappist monk) life and writings.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
Fans of Bob Dylan might want to stay away from this as I believe there isn't enough Dylan's material to entice them. However, there is a lot of juice on Merton, hence, admirers of his work will likely love this book.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT
One the main flaws of spiritual biographies of any kind is the tendencies to cover up the subject's flaws. Here, Merton's flaws is mirrored with Dylan's and we see similarities with both men as well and differences in the way they struggled to rise see beyond the clouds of troubles that surrounds them. As someone who strives to live to my highest spiritual ideals, it was comforting to see a stalwart like Merton struggle with mundane matters that trouble most of us.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

"All afternoon I sat on the bed rediscovering the meaning of contemplation, rediscovering God, rediscovering myself. . . .

"It has been one of the most wonderful days I have ever known in my life. . . . I know this is the way I ought to be living: with my mind and sense silent. . . .

"Once again the question arises: is it possible to be quiet in an atmosphere like the one in this house? Should I move somewhere where I can find solitude and silence and peace to be alone with God in this pure tranquility that is impossible for a Cistercian? . .

"God is hidden within me. I find Him by hiding in the silence in which He is concealed. . . ."

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The Monk's Record Player by Robert Hudson will be available to buy on all major online bookstores by March 2018.

Many thanks to Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for review copy.

Review: Redline by Neal Holman,‎ Clayton McCormack,‎ Kelly Fitzpatrick

Redline is a fantasy story about a colony of humans on Mars and a man's (Supritendent Denton Coyle) search to find out the truth behind a conspiracy that is causing deaths and destruction.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
This graphic novel has all the hallmarks of old-fashioned 1980s detective story all about it, hence people with such background might enjoy this. If you like your comedy dark and direct, you will love this particular story. People who detest nudity and crude jokes might want to skip this one.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT

Though it started quite slow, the story is good. Very good. The authors placed the cliffhangers in the right spots and kept surprises hidden so well that you sometimes have no clue about what is going on until it blows up in your face. A nice, fun read.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

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Redline by Neal Holman,‎ Clayton McCormack,‎ Kelly Fitzpatrick is available to buy from on all major online bookstores. Many thanks to Oni Press for review copy.

Review: Niourk by Olivier Vatine

Niourk is a fantasy, sci-fi story about the heroics and calamities that surrounded humanity flight to Mars as a result of an experiment gone wrong.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?

Fans of post-apocalyptic fiction would love the twists and turns in this one.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT

The book has everything a fantasy fiction lover like me would want - great lore, believable characters, unique art style, and cliffhangers that make you want to know more about the world of Niourk.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

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Niourk by Olivier Vatine is available to buy from on all major online bookstores. Many thanks to Dark Horse Publishers for review copy.

Review: Drawing Cute With Katie Cook by Katie Cook

Drawing Cute With Katie Cook is a demonstration on how to draw animals in a simple and cute way, just like the author.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?

Budding illustrators of any age with interest in similar art styles like the author might pick up one or two things here.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT

The simplicity of it all. The author goes a great length to make the reader feel at ease with the process.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

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Drawing Cute With Katie Cook by Katie Cook is available to buy from on all major online bookstores. Many thanks to Impact Books for review copy.

Review: Mass Effect: Discovery by Jeremy Barlow and Gabriel Guzman

Mass Effect: Discovery reveals the story of a Turian operative, Tiran Kandros, and the circumstances under which he was recruited into the Andromeda Initiative.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
Fans of the Mass Effect franchise would have a wonderful time reading this. Newbies may struggle slightly.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT
The set of volumes reveal the circumstances under which the Andromeda Initiative operated and how they went about recruitment. It also examines the distrust that still exists among the rulers of the Mass Effect world and how that plays into their politics. Fans may be glad to see Omega's top Asari, Aria T'Loak as well as her partner, Nyreen, in this particular story.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

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Mass Effect: Discovery by Jeremy Barlow and Gabriel Guzman is available to buy from on all major online bookstores.

Many thanks to Dark Horse Comics for review copy.

Review: Merton's Palace of Nowhere by James Finley

Merton's Palace of Nowhere gazes at the heart of Thomas Merton's (a Trappist monk, Catholic writer and Christian mystic) theology, its importance and applications for those searching for spiritual realities.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
Though Christian mysticism is not as popular as it once was, there is a lot to learn from that branch of Christianity. people with an affinity for that spiritual stream will love this book. Adherents of other religions can also glean valuable insights as the book examines a few basic tenets shared across most spiritualities - the human soul, prayers, the value of silence, etc.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT
The topic of "self" and the role it spiritually plays is a key part of Christianity. There are debates as to whether it helps or distracts humans from pursuing spiritual ideals. With a bit of elaboration from James Finney, Merton dissects this in a clear way - such that I have never heard or read before. It was also life-changing to hear what Merton has to say about prayers and how he approaches it without anxiety, stress, and ego's demand to perform it well.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

"We pray not to recharge our batteries for the business of getting back to the concerns of daily life, but rather to be transformed by God so that the myths and fictions of our life might fall like broken shackles from our wrists. We withdraw within not to retreat from life but to retreat from the constant evasion, the constant fearsome retreat from all that is real in the eyes of God.

"The desert where prayer flourishes is the desert of our own hearts barren of all the slogans that we have been led to believe to be our very identity and salvation."

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Merton's Palace of Nowhere by James Finley was first published in 1978. The 40th year anniversary edition will be available to buy on all major online bookstores by February 2018.

Many thanks to Ave Maria Press for review copy.

Review: Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins

Young, Gifted, and Black is a compilation of achievements of 52 black people from different eras who have (and still) inspiring young black people everywhere in the world.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
Young black kids (white too), boys and girls will find hope within the pages.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT
The profiles aren't just from people who live decades ago we have summaries on Oprah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Stevie Wonder, Usain Bolt, and others who are still living. The art contributes to this book as well - colourful and unique. A splendid addition to book collection for children everywhere.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

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Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins is available to buy on all major online bookstores. Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group for review copy.

Review: Low Man On The Totem Pole: A Tough-Love Letter to the Employee in All of Us by H.V. MacArthur

Low Man On The Totem Pole is an extensive series of advice on how to make a joyful and fulfilling career regardless of what it is.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
Anyone with a job. Entrepreneurs and would-be business people can also take a stab at it. More importantly, anyone with no idea of what to do next might find a worthy tip on how to get started. For those with a nemesis at work, making your life miserable, this book might be what you need to live above such whirlwind.

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT IT
Low Man on the Totem Pole is practical and somewhat autobiographical. The author did nothing to hide her shortcomings and the knock-downs that pointed her in the right direction. The book is not just for white-collared careerists. A restaurant waiter or a manual labourer can pick it up and still find a lot to use - it is that down-to-earth. Also, the book eschews the culture of looking after the "number one" and sucking up to the boss. It rates such tactics as short-sighted whiling giving sane, alternative routes to be productive, stress-free, and at peace with yourself.

Curiously, Low Man on the Totem Pole tells us that promotion at work isn't everything. The author testifies to have seen people fall out of love with their work after being promoted at they started doing work that does not play to their strengths. Also, workers can be promoted to a position that has no future relevance to the company, hence such can be the first to be laid off after company setback.

WHAT I DO NOT LIKE
Like most self-help books, the book sometimes falls into clichéd motivational rants. Thankfully, those moments are rare.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE

"Of course, there are no guarantees or easy-to-follow instructions. But what I can say for sure is if you don’t value your capabilities and unique talents, no one else will either. Many of you have spent so little time contemplating your purpose that you are completely disconnected from it. At the same time, you might be bitter that no one pays you more money for what you do…even though you may not value what you do either.

"To know your value is a lifelong journey of discovery. But the first step is to remove judgement and shame. Some of us have unique talents that were embraced by the social circles we were born into, while others have been shamed, ridiculed, or belittled for our unique talents. We are leaving an age of few career options and entering one with room to be anything you want to be. We aren’t fully in this new world yet, even with the bursts of creativity we see all around us (self-driving cars, anyone?). But we are getting there."

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Low Man On The Totem Pole: A Tough-Love Letter to the Employee in All of Us by H.V. MacArthur hits stores in January 2018, available in all major online bookstores.

Many thanks to Salem Author Services for review copy.