Vocal Expressions

This is the first time I’m reading anything by this author. The synopsis drew me in: Lauren exacting revenge on Matt, her hustler ex-boyfriend who kills her husband and kidnaps her baby because she stole money from him. She then tracks him down from New York to Virginia and when she finds him, he forces her to commit a bank robbery in order to get her baby back. Interesting storyline, but I was sadly disappointed in its execution and resolution. Nevertheless, I thought it gave readers a good snapshot into the criminal/street life (drugs, bank robberies, and murders). The dialogue was authentic, the actions of Matt’s soldiers (Preech, Kanan and Juice) were realistic including the treatment of women (no respect whatsoever). There were frequent acts of violence some of which I thought was unnecessary. Overall, this was a fast read. The author did a good job of depicting Matt’s craziness, Lauren’s strength in enduring his vicious actions against her in the quest for getting her c...

In this novel, Tracy Price-Thompson weaves an epic tale of love, courage and sacrifice between two people from two different cultures: Bishop “Chicken” Johnson (Alabama, USA) and Abeni Omorru (Kenya, Africa). Bishop, a trained boxer flees from a troubled past to work with the Peace Corps leaving behind his “Brothaman” Malcolm and Malcolm’s grandparents (the Armstrongs). Abeni is psychologically scarred by the painful past of her female circumcision at the tender age of six and her reckless sexual behavior that left her feeling unloved. When Bishop meets Abeni there is an instant connection. He sees past her pain and loves her for the woman she is. Abeni for the first time is truly happy and sees a future with Bishop without being judged for her prior sexual behavior. They get married and welcome their beautiful daughter, Hundiata aka “Hunnie” into the world. They enjoyed many blissful years until they were summoned to Abeni’s parents’ (Banjoko and Ziwani) apartment to dis...

Carl Weber aka the King of Drama didn’t disappoint in this novel as he weaves a story of lust, lies, and love. This book is written from three perspectives: James (a successful businessman and a womanizing father who can’t commit to anyone), Darnel (his crazy in love son), and Jamie (his spoiled daughter who has severe trust issues in her relationship). The story unfolds when Darnel finds out that Keisha, the love of his life has cheated on him with his best friend the day before their wedding. With the wedding being cancelled and dealing with betrayal, Darnel starts drinking heavily and spiraling out of control as he concocts various ways to disparage Keisha. In the midst of it all, James tries to support his son allowing him to stay at his house until his womanizing ways get in the way. Jamie wants her brother to get over Keisha and tries to set him up with her friend Sandra but Sandra ends up falling for James. Quite a complicated web that continues to trap e...

Thanks to all the poets (Brenda Bunting, Henry Westray Jr., Cherrie Amour, Gilbert H. Richards, Virginia A. Davis, and Terry Wright) who shared their talents with my audience this month and my audience for showing them some love. In closing out National Poetry Month, I would like to share this poem with you. Invisible Torturer By Deliah Lawrence You arrive, sight unseen. Seething with mass destruction, Talons stretching and expanding, From one end of the world to the other. Likened to the deadliest pandemic: 1918 “The Fearing Time.” You inflict pain and suffering, Torturing and tearing families apart, Those we love both near and far, Those who risk their lives caring for us, Those who think they are invincible, And want to be free. You baffle scientists, Grappling to find a cure to fight you, As new symptoms arise, Mass testing far away, We live in fear there will be no vaccine, On the horizon. We str...

Terry McMillan is the queen of writing women’s fiction focused on family relationships, sisterhood, womanhood, and love with a lot of drama in between. In this novel, readers meet Dr. Georgia Young, a 55-year old successful optometrist, twice divorced with two adult children and four grandkids. When she finds out one of her past lovers had passed, she gets the idea of making a list of all her old boyfriends to see how life has treated them and to let them know she hadn’t forgotten about them. At this same time, she gets the idea of downsizing her beautiful home because it was too big, taking a train ride across the country, selling her part of the medical practice where she works, and pursue her passion of decorating/designing. So, Georgia’s plate is very full as she navigates reinventing herself. And if that wasn’t enough, she has to deal with her college/sister-friends: Wanda and Violet meddling in her life (all out of love though).  I thought the storyline was an interestin...

Poet’s Bio:   Terry Wright is a college graduate, writer, author, and poet who is trying to make his mark in this world. He was raised in the 90s and also brought up the old school way to treat women right. His books of poetry feature tales of lost love and spreading love about God. He also writes short stories that are based on true events that happened in his life. He lives in Alabama with his family.  DL:   What are some of your reflections during the COVID-19 pandemic? TW: This virus is showing us that we need to lean on God about everything that is going on right now. See my poem about self-distancing.  DL: In celebration of National Poetry Month (April), can you share with us a few of your poems? TW: Here are two poems I would like to share: Rules of LOVE Be honest. Be truthful. If you love someone or somebody don't mess over them. Don't lie. Be THERE when that person cry Don't betray. Don't creep. Don't bit the hands that feed you an...

Poet’s Bio: Neil M. Noble is a Washington, D. C. native whose newest creation is Moods of a Lake and Selected Poems , a collection of 45 poems that covers more than half a century of his thoughts, observations, feelings and emotions about the world. His book includes a series of visual art images designed specifically for each poem that brings a wonderful synergy of poetry and art. Neil is also an adjunct professor who teaches construction related courses in the Baltimore area.   He and his wife enjoy traveling and spending time with family, friends and their dog.   To learn more about his work, go to www.neilnoble.net DL: What are some of your reflections during the COVID-19 pandemic? NMN: My feelings about this virus are mostly sad. The reaction to this threat was not fast nor thorough enough. We will never know how many lives might have been spared had we come together sooner.  DL: In celebration of National Poetry Month (April), can you share with us...