KRS – ONE’s The Gospel of Hip Hop First Instrument Review

I purchased KRS- ONE’s book The Gospel of Hip Hop First Instrument last year in 2019 during Christmas. I saw that this was a relatively large book, but I felt I could read all 800 pages and write my review. I was hugely mistaken. I only made it to 514 pages. Given what I read, this is what I gathered for my review. 

For those unfamiliar with KRS – ONE, he is a political and socially conscious American rapper often referred to as “the Teacha,” given how he delivers various thought-provoking and mindful messages within his rhymes. He’s also an author and activist fighting for and educating people about multiple causes affecting people worldwide, especially people of color.

When I first learned of this book, which was through Nick Cannon’s YouTube channel Cannon’s Class, I thought why not give this book a shot. I wouldn’t consider myself an all-out Hip Hop enthusiast, but I enjoy listening to various artists from time to time. When this book arrived, I was excited to dive right in. I figured I was going to learn all about Hip Hop. But, sadly, this book wasn’t what I expected. 

There was a lot to unpack and decipher, which was good in a way because it challenged me as a reader to research things I didn’t understand and to take notes for questions I had or statements I didn’t agree with necessarily. This book boils down to the importance of Hip Hop in one’s life and how it has continuously influenced worldwide culture. 

KRS – ONE doesn’t provide the reader with a step by step guide into the world of Hip Hop. He does, however, state his views about the trajectory of Hip Hop, is vocal about God’s role in Hip Hop, and he also lets the reader know that this book is for those who intend to follow “the temple of Hip Hop,” which he provides the steps to do so inside the book.

Getting to this conclusion wasn’t easy. It took a lot of notes and a lot of rereading to the point where I had to throw in the towel. I just felt this book was too long. There wasn’t a need for the content to be 800 pages. However, I understand why it was. The cover design, content, and all the ends and outs were meant to represent a Bible of sorts, a Hip Hop Bible. I appreciated this. It was well thought out.

If you were one of the fortunate ones to read this book to the end, then kudos to you. If you are a fan of Hip Hop, a fan of KRS -ONE, or are interested in learning more about The Temple of Hip Hop; then this book is for you. KRS – ONE’s The Gospel of Hip Hop First Instrument is available everywhere books are sold. 

Reinvention: Simple Actions for Achieving Success Review

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“Never underestimate your power.” – Reinvention: Simple Actions For Achieving Success.

Reinvention: Simple Actions For Achieving Success written by Marques J. Clark is an inspirational lookbook filled with stimulating and insightful quotes from entrepreneurs, investors, multi-millionaires, philanthropists, educators, public speakers, and CEOs.

Through the quotes, photos, helpful tips, and mini exercises, Clark continues to remind African American males of the importance of their power, confidence, and the ability to achieve whatever they seek. It starts with your mental and progresses to your physical. It is the action that you choose to take to see your dreams and goals come to fruition.

I applaud men like Clark because so many of our African American males need affirmations and uplifting guides like this. They need to know and understand that they are capable of so much more than individuals within this world give them credit for at times. Often, African American males do not have that inspirational figure they can model themselves after or who they feel inspires them. But, Clark’s Reinvention: Simple Acts For Achieving Success aids in changing that narrative. 

What’s more, is I feel this book is not just for men but for women as well. Women can find power and confidence within themselves. If there were anything I would have done differently with this book, it would have been to include the actual photos of the CEOs, educators, and philanthropists. The reader would be able to put a face with the quote. It was a bit unclear as to who said what quote, and if the photos of these gentlemen were included, that would have made it easier to follow.

I would have also liked to learn more about these gentlemen. If this book is about reinventing and showing simple actions to achieve success, I want to learn how these men became successful. The steps they took, the people they talked to, the words of wisdom given to them, even the pitfalls, and times they felt like giving up, and how they powered through. Having these components, even in a lookbook, would have made the content more robust.

I encourage anyone who’s looking for a simple and thought-provoking read to check out Reinvention: Simple Actions For Achieving Success. It is available wherever books are sold.

Devushka (Girl) Review

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Devushka, which means girl in Russian, tells the story of Aleksandra Klara Rozhdestvenskaya. She doesn’t have the best home life; school isn’t fairing too well, and she only has one friend who she confides in. But that all changes when she has a mysterious encounter with this mystical entity. 

“I go by many names, and many guises: I am the ferocious old woman the Slavs call Baba Yaga. I am the trickster Robin Goodfellow who does you a good turn, then turns it into a bad one if the mood so takes me! I am all of the Rocks, the Laurels, and the Dogwoods, at once malicious, mischievous, and merry. I am all of these,” he states. 

What unfolds between these two is an unforgettable journey. Aleksandra develops this inner strength and capabilities within herself that she didn’t know she had. This newfound power takes the form of magical abilities, and she can perform maneuvers, and right wrongs she didn’t even think was possible. 

She sets out on a journey to discover the world, herself, and to put her new powers to the test. As she ventures off, she discovers that the most significant strength of all was the one within herself, and the ability to protect her family and friends while finding a new sense of freedom and peace that she hadn’t had before. 

I was pleasantly surprised by Simon Pearce’s Devushka because I didn’t know what to expect by looking at the cover. However, as I started reading, I found it to be highly entertaining. I loved that there was a female lead, the fact that Pearce showcased this young girl’s struggles and triumphs through life because we all have them. I appreciated his use of combining the English and Russian languages. 

What’s more, I liked his use of characters, his vivid imagination, and the fact that the story was well-written. Pearce’s Devushka takes the reader on a magical ride while focusing on relatable and real-life issues such as self-esteem building, social interaction, and various family dynamics, which I believe the reader will appreciate and enjoy. Devushka is available everywhere books are sold.  

Photographs Review

Is a picture worth a thousand words? I pondered this question while reading James Garcia Jr.’s Photographs. Readers are introduced to Joanna Johnson, a real estate agent and film actress, Allison Belle. Johnson is responsible for trying to sell Belle’s house located in Huntington Boulevard as part of Fresno’s “anti-gated community.” Belle’s house has a dark history, one that Johnson wasn’t expecting when she stumbles upon several photographs, featuring Belle. Something is drawing Johnson to this house and, more importantly, to the pictures. 

She decides to find out more about the house, and what she learns shocks her to her core. The year is 1956, and Belle left the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for Fresno, California. In 1959, she disappeared. Sixty years later, Johnson is trying to sell her house all the while becoming wrapped up in the mysteriousness that surrounds this two-story Mediterranean residence. As the story unfolds, Joanna learns more about Allison and uncovers the mystery behind her disappearance by way of the photographs.

What I liked about Garcia’s Photographs were the twists and turns, the resiliency that each character displayed, as well as how he told Allison’s story through the use of photographs. I appreciated the detailed storytelling, vividness, and background that Garcia gave each scene and the characters. This book reminded me of The Broken Shade by Michele Poague, and I think readers will enjoy this captivating read.  

James Garcia Jr.’s Photographs is available wherever books are sold.

From Pastor to a Psych Ward: Recovery From a Suicide Attempt is Possible Review

This is Steve Austin. He’s an author, blogger for Patheos, family man, pastor, public speaker, and writer. He’s also a survivor of sexual childhood abuse, and details in his book, From Pastor to a Psych Ward: Recovery From a Suicide Attempt is Possible how he overcame this and so much more. 

“Life is worth living. It’s worth fighting through all the hard times and the dry times and the lean times and the mean times. Fight for love. Figure out what your reason is for getting out of bed each morning…and then do that with all your heart. If you don’t know what you’re doing here, ask,” Austin says.  

We have all gone through things in life. Some of it we might not be proud of, some of it we might question God and ask him, “Why?” I know I’ve had my fair share of trials and triumphs, and what I’ve tended to focus on here lately is the hard situations I’ve had to endure. It took me some time to realize that the things I went through weren’t entirely my fault, and I’ve had to learn how to forgive myself and make amends with my transgressions knowing and understanding that God forgives and still loves me despite my mistakes.

I appreciate Austin’s honesty and vulnerability. He worked through the difficult times in his life, learned the lessons he needed too, and came to have a better understanding of what his purpose is here on earth. He credits his faith, family, and professional assistance for helping him in his time of need. 

Overall, Steve Austin’s From Pastor to a Psych Ward: Recovery From a Suicide Attempt is Possible is a story of faith, love, forgiveness, understanding, and freedom. Freedom from all the obstacles one may feel is preventing them from being their authentic selves. It’s about letting go, loving yourself, and not feeling ashamed if you may need help or just need to start over until you get where you want to be in life.

From Pastor to a Psych Ward: Recovery From a Suicide Attempt is Possible is available everywhere books are sold. 

Devil in the Grove Review

Devil in the Grove, written by Gilbert King, delves into the Groveland case of 1949. Four African American boys (‘The Groveland Boys’) found themselves on the wrong side of the law accused of raping a seventeen-year-old white girl. Due to the publicity of this case, Thurgood Marshall and members of his team became the boys’ legal counsel and fought against the prosecution. 

Associates warned Marshall of his involvement with this case, but he paid them no mind. He saw four young men getting railroaded and knew he had to work towards proving their innocence.  Devil in the Grove is an eye-opening account of the judicial system during that time and after that. It details what happens to a person of color when they are seen as expendable.  

King does an excellent job of researching and relaying the stories of all parties involved. As the reader, you get to see how the case evolves from beginning till the end. The photos present further drive the point that our justice system was flawed back then and has since done little to change the narrative and scope of how people of color feel about a system that was put in place to protect the innocent and convict the guilty.

It’s clear to see why King was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. The material you have before you was well-researched, well-written, and very insightful. At times, it became difficult to read the content because I felt several emotions and had various questions all at once. My main problem consisted of why we, as people, continue to live in a world that has such an unjust system? It’s unfortunate because it hasn’t gotten any better only worse. So many people of color are steadily losing their lives.

By no means am I disregarding those who have done wrong. Everyone needs to be held accountable for their actions, especially if malice was the intent. All in all, I would like to see a fair system in place for everyone. For those interested in nonfiction historical reads, I would suggest taking a look at this book. However, do keep in mind that this novel is for mature audiences, so read at your discretion.

Interview With Authors of We Are The Champions, Devendra Tak and Rashmi Bansal

Recently, I had the honor of reading and reviewing We Are The Champions co-authored by Devendra Tak and Rashmi Bansal. We Are The Champions sheds light on 15 amazing individuals living in different parts of India detailing their goals and positive impacts they have made locally and internationally. After reading their stories, I wanted to learn more about the inspiration behind Tak’s and Bansal’s reasons for writing this nonfiction novel. What you have before you is the truth behind how We Are Champions came about.

Morgan Lee Reviews: Tell us about yourself for those who might be unfamiliar with who you are?

Rashmi Bansal: I am a professional author whose interest is the inspiring stories of real people. This is my 11th book, and the  first on children. My previous works feature stories of entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs and women, and have touched a wide section of society (over 1.2 million copies sold). I am a qualified MBA, and was also the editor and publisher of a popular youth magazine (JAM) for several years.

MLR: Briefly tell us about We Are The Champions and why it was esstential for you to co-author with Tak?

RB: This is a book which showed me that there is no age or qualification to be a changemaker. Children are smarter and more capable of propagating new ideas than adults. I was in two minds about this book as it didn’t fall in my usual genre, but when I met some of these brave and spunky kids I realised their stories had to be told. I could not turn away. Adding my name and expertise to the book means it gets a wider audience, and I think that is essential. Because too often such stories get ignored or not adequately heard. 

MLR: How did you determine which stories would be apart of this book, and how did these individuals react to hearing the news that their stories were featured in this book?

RB: Diversity in terms of geography and the causes represented by the kids were the two main criteria for selection. The impact created is also important but while some have been working for a longer time, others have just begun the journey and both are featured in the book. We also wanted both genders but, in fact, there are more girls than boys (which is a welcome change!). Possibly because in Indian society girls face more issues and hence are more likely to feel strongly about the need to be a changemaker.

MLR: Aside from being and author what else are you involved in, and is what is one piece of advice that’s been instrumental along your journey?

RB: I travel across India giving motivational talks to students in school and college, about having the courage to follow their dreams. One piece of advice would be, start small, think big’ – was the advice from my teacher in college, who took a course on entrepreneurship. It applies in every area of life where one wants to make a change. Just take the first step! And believe in yourself, always!

Morgan Lee Reviews: Tell us about yourself for those who are unfamiliar with who you are?

Devendra Tak: I started my career as a print journalist, however, For the last seven years, I’ve been working with Save the Children and am a member of the Steering Committee of its Global Media Unit — which ensures that children’s voices are amplified around the world.

MLR: Why was it essential for you to co-author We Are The Champions and what did it mean to you to have this book published? 

DT: Over the last 15 years, I have worked with the most vulnerable communities and became familiar with interesting stories that needed to be shared. At Save the Children, I took a deep dive into the child rights situation and came face-to-face with the widening gap between the haves and have nots. It was disturbing to note the challenges but then it was also inspiring to witness the child champions who were helping to create positive change. We Are The Champions will give a wide variety of readers an opportunity to appreciate the work being done by these amazing children….and be a part of the change. Giving these children a voice through We Are The Champions has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my life.

MLR: How did you all determine which stories would be featured in the book?

DT: My co-author and I met many children for this book. Ultimately, we chose these 15 stories to represent children from diverse backgrounds and regions, whose stories would be the most inspiring ones for the readers of the book. It is not easy to share your personal life story with others but these children understood that by doing so they could make a larger impact and so they opened up, and also got their families and friends to speak to us.

MLR: Do you plan to write or co-author any more books?

DT: There are indeed many more stories to be told, there are so many children and adults who can teach us through their lives about finding purpose in our own lives. Support of a best-selling author like Rashmi Bansal is critical – it was not easy to convince her for We Are The Champions but these child champions have taught us – nothing is impossible and that miracles do happen!

MLR: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

DT: I have been helping organizations and individuals to communicate more efficiently and regularly on matters related to human rights. I enjoy networking with people around the world, to see what we all can do to make life more purposeful, more loving and something to learn from on a daily basis.

When asked if there is anything else they would like to add to conclude this interview Bashal said, “I dream of a world where people do not derive happiness from carrying ugly, overpriced Louis Vuitton bags, but through acts of compassion for their fellow humans.” We Are The Champions is available globally on Amazon and also at Flipkart, and in bookstores in India.

Morgan Lee Reviews would like to thank Rashmi Bansal and Devendra Tak for this interview.

We Are The Champions Review

The saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and that may be true, but these 15 courageous and heartfelt stories from children living in India prove that it takes a child to raise a village. We Are The Champions highlights the stories and heroic efforts of these children from all walks of life. They tell their story with the hope of inspiring, but more importantly, raising awareness about situations they’ve had to endure and how they’ve risen above it to become prominent figures within their cites and internationally.

They’ve fought against injustices, including old-age practices like child marriage, labor, trafficking, and gender inequality. Even against these unfortunate odds, they’ve proven that you can overcome and withstand any adversity as long as you have faith and the courage to follow your dreams and fight for what you feel will bring about positive change for yourself and others.

We can sometimes become so focused on our lives that we forget about the numerous injustices of the world. People are fighting to raise awareness about what’s happening with the hope that someone with authority will assist them in their fight with the intent of providing a better outcome for everyone.

This is what the authors of We Are The Champions did. Rashmi Bansal and Devendra Tak gave these 15 individuals a voice by letting them share their story with the world. As you read, you’re able to see these individuals for who they are and what they did. You’re able to read their insightful words of wisdom. You’re reading their truth about how they chose to be resilient in the face of adversity.

There are so many individuals facing numerous day to day struggles, and they still manage to have a smile on their face. They refuse to let their circumstances define who they are. They choose to rise above and become champions. While there was a bit of a language barrier regarding the written material, and at times I felt the order of the stories was slightly out of place, I, however, appreciate Bansal and Tak for allowing me the opportunity to provide my review of their book.

We Are The Champions will be available for purchase later this year.

Dorriah Rogers Talks Advice For Aspiring Authors, Her Love For Horses, and Her Inspiration Behind Twine and Decide to Profit: 9 Steps to a Better Bottom Line.

The author of Decide to Profit: 9 Steps to a Better Bottom Line and Twine, Dorriah Rogers has had her share of highs and lows and has refused to let those moments of uncertainty and bleakness keep her down. Morgan Lee Reviews sits down with Dorriah Rogers as she discusses her inspiration for both books, what she’s hoping people will take away from them, and shares what she’s planning next.

MLR: What inspired the writing of Decide to Profit: 9 Steps to a Better Bottom Line and Twine?

DR: Decide to Profit was inspired by my professional career and the various interesting observations I had of my clients and the results we generated. I had a desire to share my learnings, as well as to use the book to provide further validity to my consulting practice. Twine was inspired by the death of my mother. For several years following her death, I was so distraught that I had difficulty focusing, would wake up in constant night terrors, and could not shake the guilt. I used writing as my solace and the place where I could release all of those feelings. I had no intention of it ever becoming a memoir; it was simply a therapeutic exercise. It was later, when I shared some of it with a former writing instructor, that she said, “wow, this is really good. You need to publish it.”  And here we are.

MLR: What do you hope people take away from reading either book?

DR: For Decide to Profit, I hope readers take away an ability to improve their business in a straightforward and meaningful way. For Twine, I hope it touches people, helps them to realize that we are all broken in one way or another and that we all have secrets, some darker than others. Neither of those things needs to define us. Nor does it mean we cannot survive and thrive.    

MLR: What is one piece of advice you’ve received that’s been instrumental both professionally and personally?

DR: For professional writing:  Read two books.  Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and On Writing by Stephen King. Bird by Bird suggests just that – tackle writing one bird at a time. Writing can be daunting. You need to stick with it, be disciplined, get the words on paper.  In On Writing, Stephen King suggests you “murder your darlings.” Follow that advice.  Read your own words. Be your own worst critic. That sentence you wrote that you think sings? It could suck. Be painfully aware of that. Test samples on your friends and family. Ask them to be honest. And take that feedback to heart. 

For my personal life: the same can be true. Life has been very daunting for me at times. Yet, I have tackled it bird by bird – one catastrophe at a time. Once I survive something, I try to do the next thing that much better.

MLR: What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are seeking insight when dealing with the writing and publishing process?

DR: I would suggest you do it because you love it.  The writing and publishing process is very difficult, and then when you add on the publicity and marketing element, it becomes even more difficult.  I personally get great joy from well-crafted sentences and finding just the right way to describe a feeling, an observation, a situation. I write for those reasons, not because I expect to make a living at it (although I sure wish I could!) For example, I have already started my next book: The White Shepherd.  I am writing it because I feel compelled to, not because my publisher has asked for it.

MLR: What else are you involved with that you’d like to share?

DR: I absolutely love horses. I have one. His name is Vision. He is my dressage horse and my absolute love. I adore spending time with him and letting him teach me everything he knows.

MLR: What do you want people to take away from this interview, and is there anything else you’d like to add to bring everything to a close?

DR: Hopefully, a desire to read my work and get to know me a bit better. I sincerely appreciate everyone with a passion for reading and writing. I share that passion. I very much enjoy hearing from and talking to my readers. My email is Dorriah.rogers@gmail.com if anyone would like to ask me any questions or give me their thoughts on either book. I also hope this interview generates more readers interested in Twine, and then hopefully advance interest in my next book. I would very much like to have a readership so that I can devote more time to writing.

And she is doing just that. She is a survivor. “I am a combination of three people: a mom to a 17-year-old, a professional consultant, and a writer.  Those three elements are constantly at odds for my time and attention and require me to shapeshift on a regular basis.  If I had my druthers, I would be a full-time writer contentedly tapping out chapters while my daughter watched lovingly, rather than a harrowed mother with an attitudinally-challenged teenager who travels all over North America for work, squeezing in writing whenever she can,” she says.

To find out more about Dorriah Rogers visit http://www.dorriahrogers.com. To purchase her books visit Amazon.com or everywhere books are sold. Morgan Lee Reviews would like to thank Dorriah Rogers for taking the time to do this interview.

A Good Woman Review

19-year-old Annabelle Worthington’s life was beautiful. She lived in Newport, Rhode Island with her family. She was surrounded by a life of glamour, love, and privilege. Then it happened. Her world shattered. She lost her brother and father when the Titanic sank. Years later, her mother died.

Amid her misfortune, she meets Josiah Millbank. They date and shortly after they marry, but something isn’t right. After months of speculation, Annabelle’s suspicions are confirmed when Josiah unveils to her that he has syphilis and is in love with his friend Hunter. Hunter has syphilis too, and he and Josiah have decided to spend their last days in Mexico together.

Devastated and heartbroken over the news, Annabelle decides to move to France and start over. Her life takes a positive turn while in France, she’s working toward becoming a doctor. But suddenly, tragedy strikes again when she is raped in a dark alleyway. Nine months later, she welcomes her daughter.

Annabelle faces a lot of ups and downs as life continues for her and her daughter. A Good Woman has twists and turns, love, heartbreak, self-acceptance, and the realization of what family means for Annabelle.

I appreciated the depths of the characters and how Annabelle finds peace with herself and her life. Danielle Steel is the author of several books, all of which are available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold.