REFLECTION & REASON

I received the book "Push" by Sapphire earlier today as a Christmas gift...and finished it in one sitting. It was excellent. This was a pleasant surprise, after a traumatic viewing of the movie "Precious" (based on the novel) last week. [Read my review of "Precious" here.] Having now read the book, I understand why the story would inspire a motion picture. I understand why the filmmaker Lee Daniels was eager to allow us to visualize the character of Claireece Precious Jones and her peers through his screenplay. I stand by my previous opinion and still am not a fan of the movie but I must say, I feel redeemed having read the original text. The book was more about the journey of Precious striving towards literacy, and was written in her broken English and limited vocabulary that expanded and strenghtened as the book progressed. You really got a feel for her growth with language. While the movie placed too much emphasis on her evil mother, the verbal abuse, ...

I saw this movie last night, and I'm concerned. I fell for the media hype back in September. I went downtown for the Toronto International Film Festival red carpet to celebrate the screening of "Precious" and catch a glimpse of my favourites: Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Sherri Shepard, Paula Patton, and the accompanying fanfare. I believed in the power of this movie, the strength of this story (based on reviews of the novel "Push") and I was ready to be impressed. But sadly, you really just can't take Oprah's word on everything ... This movie was disappointing. Disturbing. It got under my skin, and failed at becoming the wonderful film I wished it to be. For those who have suffered experiences of abuse, my sympathy is genuine, and my heart really goes out to the pain and difficulties that must be endured in an attempt to overcome that. I also understand that Ms. Winfrey and Mr. Perry, as victims of molestation, really felt th...

Hill Harper's new book "The Conversation" should be the last book written about black relationships. It covers all of the topics, the discussions, and the tools needed for readers to move forward in this area, no longer held back by historical, social, and cultural restrictions, perceived or actual. Released in September of 2009, Harper's third book focuses on "How Black Men and Women can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships" and has the potential to be the definitive word on black love. Using personal experiences, candid interviews and discussions with his friends and associates, and modern references like the Obamas, the dangers of 'technological' communication, and even Steve Harvey's recent relationship book, Harper presents a relevant and timely discussion on "the breakdown of African-American relationships." His purpose: to encourage conversation, to present various perspectives, and to encourage black men and women to work...