Books

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Average customer rating:

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction
Provocative, appealing and controversial
pharaohs lived in the 3rd century AD

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored
Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory
Forbidden History: Prehistoric Technologies, Extraterrestrial Intervention, and the Suppressed Origins of Civilization
They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies

ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Provocative, appealing and controversial.......2006-08-02

Fomenko has succeeded to convincingly demonstrate the misconception about what "history" factually is... It is fiction and -like we can read and judge for ourselves- no science. It indeed is "make belief" only. I "discovered" Fomenko while studying the "old" history of Al Andaluz, Spain. Having found too many contradictions in available data, having seen too many forgeries as to pretend the importance of christianity for its decline, I ventured out to find Fomenko, who convinced me that we know little if anything for sure of the epoch before the XI-century. However, the integration of the Arabic-Islamic cultural history into the heavily distorted Western fails... There are some attempts to fit "the budding new religion" (Islam) into Fomenko's scheme, but they are too weak to be taken seriously and too often focussing on Turkey as the region where things started to influence the West, which is untrue at all.
Islam certainly was no "new religion" in the X-century. That the highly cultivated Al Andaluz ruler Mohammed-I could have been "mirrored" down in time into some myth about the "illiterate" founder of Islam itself is highly speculative. Nevertheless, Fomenko convinces me about the processes that were involved in forging a christian history. Intriguing and controversial as his books are, I recommend them as to rethink our current position in time and space and simply verify what was claimed. It is a "good" book, but not for bedtime reading... Mundus vult decipi, the world wants to be cheated. Fomenko's readers will understand why.

pharaohs lived in the 3rd century AD.......2006-02-16

Traces of white wine were found in Tutankhamen's tomb however there were no record of white wine in Egypt until the 3rd century AD, 1600 years after the young pharaoh died according to the traditional chronology. http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/mg18925395.400
It can be interpreted as a contribution towards New Chronology theory that pharaohs lived in the 3rd century AD.

The Black Jewels: Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood / Heir to the Shadows / Queen of the Darkness

Average customer rating:

One of the best books I've ever read.
Buy it, Keep it, Treasure it!
Best book ever!
Daughter of the Blood
Stop reading reviews and buy it already!

The Black Jewels: Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood / Heir to the Shadows / Queen of the Darkness
Anne Bishop
Manufacturer: Roc Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451529014
Release Date: 2003-12-02

Book Description

Anne Bishop's critically-acclaimed Black Jewels Trilogy is the saga of a young but still-innocent Queen more powerful than even the High Lord of Hell-and the three sworn enemies determined to win her and gain a prize that could be terrible beyond imagining...

Customer Reviews:

One of the best books I've ever read. .......2007-06-23

I loved this book. I was so disappointed when I finished it, because I wanted it to keep going! This was the first Anne Bishop book I've ever read, and I love her writing style. I found myself laughing and crying and really caring about the characters. I'm usually not a big fantasy reader, but I think this book has made me change my mind. I really became concerned about what happened to Jaenelle and Daemon and the other quirky cast of characters. I don't want to give the story away, but let's just say it's unique. I think Bishop is extremely creative and I just can't gush about this trilogy enough. I can't wait to read Dreams Made Flesh next.

Buy it, Keep it, Treasure it!.......2007-06-14

When I began the first installment, Daughter of the Blood, I was less than impressed. I struggled at first understanding the multilayered hierarchy of Bishop's Realms. If you feel overwhelmed by the rankings (Warlord, Prince, Warlord Prince etc.) or the jewels, or maybe the differences in demon-dead and regular dead, perservere! Suddenly, maybe a third of the way through the novel, everything clicked and I was engrossed in lovable and frightening characters.
I was near the end of Daughter of the Blood when I realized I had yet to secure the next two novels. I usually depend on my public library, but my entire county didn't carry the rest of the trilogy! I ordered this lovely collection, and waited about two days between finishing the first novel and receiving my new book.
I really reccommend this giant installment, its nice to have all three books together, and its not too unwieldy. I think the cover is beautiful. Take it from a closet fantasy novel addict, this is one of the greats, with characters you wish you could hang out with!
But- its not for the faint of heart, or for young readers. There is a reason it is described as "dark fantasy". I skipped a passage in Daughter of the Blood that was a little too wince-worthy, and I usually have nerves of steel. Very sensual, very dark. Some cringe inducing violence. Not for a thirteen year old, in my opinion. One reading will have you hooked!

Best book ever!.......2007-06-07

This is my favorite book of all time! I've actually read it twice, and was just inthralled by the characters, captivated by the story line, and fascinated by Anne Bishop's imagination for creating such a spellbinding world of fantasy the second time through. I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone.

Daughter of the Blood.......2007-06-01

Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop is a captivating story full of adventures and science-fiction thrills. It is an interesting book and the plot is full of weird twists and turns I would recommend this to someone who has a flair for the dramatics and a creative imagination. This book requires a knowledge of English and would be better for adults or mature teens.
This story is interesting because the perspective is from three people who are connected to the main character. This is absorbing because the reader doesn't know the main characters thoughts and motives. It creates a fascinating insight on Jeanelle, the main character.
The story, Daughter of the Blood, is about a propheciesed Witch. She is supposed to unite all the realms under one ruler. The story starts out with the introduction of Jeanelle through Lucivars eyes. She is five years old at this time. The plot continues when Anee Bishop introduces the other characters, Saetan asn Daemon.
I liked this story becasue the perfect genius with which the plot is sewn together and pieced together is gratifying to read. This book ws a little strange and sometimes I had to re-read. However, if a reader has enough patience to figure things out, this book is well worth reading.

Stop reading reviews and buy it already!.......2007-05-11

I have to hand it to Ms. Bishop in developing one of the most perfectly paced fantasy novel series I've ever read. I've probably averaged reading about 30-40 fantasy/sci-fi novels a year over the past few decades, but I cannot honestly recall the last time I have so thoroughly enjoyed a fantasy series. Everything about this story fits perfectly, the setting (while using many familiar sounding names) is unique and not what I expected, the characters are allowed time to evolve and grow, the romance (so sue me, I'm a sucker for that stuff) develops far better than most romantic sub-plots and never feels forced or even remotely cliché, and there is a constant shift and development of the story that keeps it from ever growing stale or boring.

If there was one thing I was worried about going into reading these novels, it was the description of the series being a dark fantasy. I like dark novels well enough I guess, but I often get tired of authors crafting this downward spiral that hurls the protagonists ever deeper along a path of angst and despair until the very last moment when they finally prevail against the twisted manipulations the evil antagonists have been leading them along for the length of the book.

It's refreshing for an author to turn those tables a little bit. While there are some pretty sadistic (pun intended) and terrible events that take place, even to our beloved 12 year old Jaenelle in the first novel, for every act of depravity is one of kindness and love. Bishop does not force us down this path of continued despair, but lets us breathe relief every bit as often as she attempts to appall us. What's more, the protagonists often discover plots against them fairly soon and not just take revenge every bit as harsh as the actions planned against them, but often launch their own plots in return that catch the enemy off guard. So while a lot of the subject matter in the book may be dark and often gruesome, the story itself didn't feel even half as dark as a lot of other series out there that shy away from certain depraved acts this one embraces.

If there is one thing about the series I didn't care for, it was that there a numerous huge jumps in the timeline of the series where several times we are asked to shift months and years ahead in the lives of the characters. These jumps forward definitely serve a purpose as they allows for the addition of several characters and enhances the sense of belief of how some of them grow and change without us having to know all the details, but it broke up the continuity a little too much for my preference.

As a side note, I'm not sure how many potential readers catch this or not, but there is a fourth book after this one titled "Dreams Made Flesh" that is a set of four short stories and is an absolute must read. Like most, I read it after the originally trilogy. However, some might prefer from a timeline perspective to buy "Dreams Made Flesh" along with the Black Jewels trilogy and intersperse it with them, reading the first and third short stories after the first book of the trilogy (they occur before it in the timeline, but answer questions that are best left vague in the first book to enjoy it more,) the second short story takes place between the second book and third books so can be read then, and the last short story takes place immediately after the trilogy ends.

Queen of the Negro Leagues : Effa Manley and the Newark Eagles

Average customer rating:

A Queen Who Reigned Supreme
A glimpse into Negro Baseball

Queen of the Negro Leagues : Effa Manley and the Newark Eagles
James Overmyer
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Shades of Glory: The Negro Leagues and the Story of African-American Baseball
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ASIN: 1578860016

Book Description

There was no one like Effa Manley in the sports world of the 1930s and 1940s. She was a sophisticated woman who owned a baseball team. That her life story has remained unchronicled can only be attributed to one thing: her team, the Newark Eagles, belonged to the Negro Baseball League.

Customer Reviews:

A Queen Who Reigned Supreme.......2007-03-13

Effa Manley was seemingly yet another "lost" pioneer in Negro Leagues Baseball before being posthumously honored in 2006 with induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. She was part of a class of players and executives selected by a special committee chaired by former baseball commissioner Fay Vincent.

But a plaque for the only woman inducted in the Hall of Fame barely touches the surface of an oftentimes controversial life. Author James Overmyer does an excellent job in piecing together a story that is as interesting as any you will read.

Compared by some as the George Steinbrenner of her day, Effa Manley and her husband, Abe Manley, operated the Brooklyn/Newark Eagles and were major figures in the behind-the-scenes operations of NLB.

She was relentless in her battles with other owners, players and sportswriters to make NLB a viable professional sport and business. Effa Manley was also a civil-rights advocate, who led several successful protests in Harlem for equitable job opportunities at white-owned businesses.

She was also critical of how NLB was beholden to white booking agents - who oftentimes became club investors by advancing struggling team owners money for percentages of ownership - and the white Major League Baseball teams to utilize stadiums.

It was at the height of the Eagles greatest success, a 1946 championship, where even Effa Manley's passion and business acumen could not save the league. During that championship season, Branch Rickey had started a new league to compete against NLB. That league lasted only one year, but it was a major opening move against NLB that presaged the future.

And when MLB - through the Brooklyn Dodgers and Rickey - began to integrate its league through the signing of Jackie Robinson, it opened up a raid on NLB rosters, with the best players being signed to contracts with little or no compensation to the NLB teams.

Though Effa Manley successfully challenged Rickey on his attempt to sign (steal) Monte Irvin, the die had been cast. It was an end of an era when the Manleys divested themselves of the franchise that had mounting financial loses.

The final chapter (Appendix A), Effa's Competition: The Other Owners of Black Teams, is a nice summary of the personalities, egos and conflicts that are comparable with the maneuverings and manipulations within any pro league.

This is a story of triumph, as a woman demanded and grudgingly gained respect in a male-dominated sport, sought through protest equality in a racist-dominated society & worked tirelessly to the end for the recognition NLB truly deserved.

A glimpse into Negro Baseball.......2006-08-27

One of the better books giving insight into the challenges of running a Negro Baseball team. The players were banned from playing with white players. This book gives an insight what the tough challenges the owners faced. Some of the owners of Negro League teams were white just like Effa Manley. That did not help them at all. It is interesting to see her problems because she was also a woman in a man's sport. An excellent read to give you insight on the history of the game.

Alex Haley's Queen: The Story of an American Family

Average customer rating:

Interesting story of a peculier situation
Excellent!
The parts written by Alex Haley are good.
A triumphant story of hope and glory.
Come Up With Serene Responses to Today's Suttle Racism

Alex Haley's Queen: The Story of an American Family
Alex Haley , and David Stevens
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Roots: The Saga of an American Family
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ASIN: 0688063314

Customer Reviews:

Interesting story of a peculier situation.......2006-05-05

Ethnic novels really are not my thing. But this one had me interested after seeing pictures in a book on the civil war titled 'Slave Children of New Orleans' featuring mostly mixed race children of near caucasion appearence I became curious about them. Having read a great deal of the civil war there really isn't that much. So when I found this book I quickly took to reading it.

The main character is what is called 'A child of the plantation', the offspring of a slave owner and a slave woman the product not of love but of exploitation who are so casually discarded as to be a disgrace. In the beginning, she is very naive and optimistic. Regrettably, life doesn't treat her that well.

An interesting story. Admittedly I would have done things different but since this one is based on fact I can't rightly complain. I liked reading about the main character and how she was treated by all parties. Certainly I do not like that she was mistreated by many. Her ability to move among white circles was interesting only when her heritage is revealed do things get bad which disgusts me.

Overall, I take people at face value and wish everyone else would do the same. People should be judged by their behavior rather than by pseudo scientific nonsence.

Excellent!.......2005-01-26

This is one of the best books I've read in my life. Alex Haley was such a skilled writer. "Queen" deals with many harsh facts of the antebellum South without becoming vulgar. It is also an inspiring tale of an American family.

One of my complaint with "Queen" is the blatant misuse and fabrication of facts by David Stephens, who finished Alex Haley's posthumus masterpiece. The writing of Mr. Stephens also doesn't measure up to that of Haley. While it is a great book as it stands, I wish I could see what this book would be if Haley had been alive to complete it.

The parts written by Alex Haley are good........2004-03-11

This book is a travesty. The guy who wrote it isn't even American. He plays fast and loose with historical facts. The potato famine is in the wrong century. Napoleon invades Ireland before he even rose to power. There are at least two chapters that are totallly irrelevant. Why does he feel the need to give us a history lesson on Andrew Jackson and the Indian removal? Does he think the Indian removal and slavery are the same issue?
On the other hand, the parts written by Alex Haley are exceptional. It is very easy to pick out which parts Alex Haley wrote. They are well-written and historically based. It is just such a shame that Mr. Stevens was allowed to add to Alex's work. Mr. Stevens cannot not write anything but cheap, historical romance. He should be writing for Harlequin, instead of, ruining the work of a great American writer.

A triumphant story of hope and glory........2001-12-12

Alex Haley & Dave Stevens' QUEEN is a rare gem---the story of an american family that touches many lives. Queen is the main focus of the book but her story spans past & future generations from Ireland to America. Some of the characters are tragic but all have hope for a better tomorrow. The heartbreak of Easter's love for her "master", Queen being taught to read by her grandpa and the Haley family's quest to get a better education for their youngest son are just some of the heartbreaking stories in this novel. I enjoyed the book very much and I now hope to finally read ROOTS.

Come Up With Serene Responses to Today's Suttle Racism.......2001-03-15

I just finished reading this book, this morning. And, I read "Roots," 2 weeks ago. In both of these books, I was able to vicariously be there, and emotionally travel with each person in these stories.

And it gave me a sense of peace that I had not had before about being African-American. It helped me to come up with the most empowering responses to not only suttle racism from Euro-Americans, but also suttle responses to African-Americans who seem to be bound by expecting to just get by (who also believe that empowered African-Americans somehow owe them endless worthiness).

To me, even though this book is titled "Queen," it has many stories: politics; narcissism; racism; boys growing into manhood; belonging; the price of not having someone to verbalize your pains to; and, how whites turned their outrage over their motherland into what drove them to do the same to blacks, in this country.

During the entire time that I was reading these 2 books, as I conducted my day to day responsibilities, I felt like I had a secret weapon against being held back. And I saw things that I might not have seen before in what I could do to turn suttle racism into my opportunity to expect mutual respect between myself and my interlocutor.

I recommend this book, and "Roots" to any who is looking for a means to grow beyond your wildest expectations. You will cry with these stories, laugh, and feel every possible emotion, knowing that you are breathing new life into your life.

Queens Reigns Supreme: Fat Cat, 50 Cent, and the Rise of the Hip Hop Hustler

Average customer rating:

Excellent
Will The Snake Charmer Please Stand Up!!
Read It ASAP
The Realness
A history lesson

Queens Reigns Supreme: Fat Cat, 50 Cent, and the Rise of the Hip Hop Hustler
Ethan Brown
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1400095239
Release Date: 2005-11-22

Book Description

Based on police wiretaps and exclusive interviews with drug kingpins and hip-hop insiders, this is the untold story of how the streets and housing projects of southeast Queens took over the rap industry.

For years, rappers from Nas to Ja Rule have hero-worshipped the legendary drug dealers who dominated Queens in the 1980s with their violent crimes and flashy lifestyles. Now, for the first time ever, this gripping narrative digs beneath the hip-hop fables to re-create the rise and fall of hustlers like Lorenzo “Fat Cat” Nichols, Gerald “Prince” Miller, Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, and Thomas “Tony Montana” Mickens. Spanning twenty-five years, from the violence of the crack era to Run DMC to the infamous murder of NYPD rookie Edward Byrne to Tupac Shakur to 50 Cent’s battles against Ja Rule and Murder Inc., to the killing of Jam Master Jay, Queens Reigns Supreme is the first inside look at the infamous southeast Queens crews and their connections to gangster culture in hip hop today.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-01-31

If your from Queens, or you have listened to 90's rap, then this is a good book for you. It explains the litany of characters(criminals) mentioned in so much gangster rap. It is also gives excellent accounts of the "crack" years of NYC in Queens. There were so many locations in Queens, that I was stunned to find out the history of. Well worth the cheap purchase price!

Will The Snake Charmer Please Stand Up!!.......2006-10-24

I ordered the book last week and read it in 2 days. I feel like I'm still trapped within the pages. Looking at the picture of the author Ethan Brown I found it hard to believe he could get so many people to talk. No offense but the man looks like a skinhead. I did some research on him and found out he's not even from NY much less Queens which puzzled me even more because why write a book about Queens if you have no history or ties to the era or place? Then I see a dedication to someone he calls "the snake charmer" who he claims is the preeminent street historian. If the snake charmer is the preeminent street historian then Ethan must be his stenographer. For the life of me I can't figure out why someone with all this riveting detail would allow someone else to claim the credit in exchange for anonymous praise. The book was EXCELLENT but I want to see Ethan give credit where it's due because there's no way in hell HE could've done that book. Anyone who reads it and sees his picture will have to agree.

Read It ASAP.......2006-07-21

No matter what you're reading, put it to the side for a bit, especially if it's fiction. This is fact. Everyone from 13 to 43 should read this book. If you lived through the crack era you should read this book. If you grew up anywhere in the five boroughs of New York can identify, you can remember the stories, you can remember the fear you can remember the body count delivered on the front page of the newspaper. If you remember being afraid to ride the trains and welcomed the site of the red tams you should read this book.
Brown impressed me with the thoroughness and professionalism of his work. He didn't try to sell us mythical figures or misguided youth. He simply told the story as it was, as it is.

If you have African American youth in your life give them this book. Buy them their own copy; make them read it because they need to know. The youth of today weren't there in the 80's and 90's. They think the rappers they like are "gangsta". No matter how hard you try to tell these kids that you can't be a multi-millionaire rapper and gangsta, what you think the police wouldn't notice. Real ganstas hustle to get out of the ghetto and are hardly concerned about keeping it real. I say all that to make this point...Queens Reigns Supreme is the book that can challenge a generation to question the direction that rap is going. This is a book that can open eyes and cause a life changing thought process. The revelation of a number of things in this book will have you seeing things in a new light. If you never invested in a book starting with this one would be a good choice.

The Realness.......2006-06-23

This book is not a fictional "hood" farce as I initially thought upon seeing it in the store. After reading the abstract on the back cover, I was compelled to read the Preface and first two chapters while still sitting in the store. I purchased the book and read it in less than 48 hours. I literally could not put it down. It is filled with the TRUE stories of Queens hustlers like the Supreme Team and Pappy Mason. These are hood icons that you may hear about in a rap record but never know who they really were. This book does an excellent job of conveying the street savvy and relentlessness of these hustlers who amassed millions as well as carefully cataloguing their down fall. There are times where you read the book and almost hear these figures talking to you or reading what was going through their minds at the time. You see them on top of the world as well as at the bottom of the barrel. You see them as violent and fearless as well as seeing them desperate and vulnerable.

The connection that is drawn to the current hip hop music and culture is drawn seemlessly. There are a lot of familiar names and some unfamiliar stories. Some truths come out and we see who is "gangsta" and who's not. This is a must read for anyone interested in Urban History/ Culture.

A history lesson.......2006-06-02

This is a page turner for the hip-hop head and the Contemporary Afro American Historian alike. Author Ethan Brown takes you though a ride through crack era Queens, introduces you to the lifestyle of Ghetto Superstars like Lorenzo "Fat Cat" Nichols Thomas Mickens & the Supreme Team and shows you the origins of modern day "gangsta rap." I was so thoroughly entertained I read this book twice before relunctantly posting my copy on amazon.com. Go cop this history lesson!!

Queen of the Darkness: The Black Jewels Trilogy 3 (Archive)

Average customer rating:

Almost as Good as the Others
Loved it!
Stunned and awed
The Queen Of Fantasy
Everything has a price...(please)

Queen of the Darkness: The Black Jewels Trilogy 3 (Archive)
Anne Bishop
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Heir to the Shadows (The Black Jewels Trilogy, Book 2)
Daughter of the Blood: The Black Jewels Trilogy
Dreams Made Flesh
The Invisible Ring
The Pillars of the World

ASIN: 0451456734

Book Description

It began with the mystery of Daughter of the Blood. It continued with the magic of Heir to the Shadows. Now, the stunning conclusion to the The Black Jewels Trilogy.

Praise for the Black Jewels Trilogy:

"Fascinating... One of the most eagerly awaited conclusions to a trilogy."-- The Romance Reader

"Darkly mesmerizing...fascinatingly different...worth checking out."-- Locus

"Lavishly sensual...a richly detailed world."-- Library Journal

"Intense...erotic, violent, and imaginative. This one is white-hot."-- Nancy Kress

"So rich, so lush...so dark and compelling."-- American Bookseller

"Fabulous...a uniquely realized fantasy...Ms. Bishop holds us spellbound." (four and a 1/2 stars)-- Romantic Times

Customer Reviews:

Almost as Good as the Others.......2007-04-25

The first part of it was quite good. I was just as much in love with the characters as I was in the first two books. I enjoyed the small amusements even in the face of the adversity. The kindred Blood were more important in this book and so we got to see more of them; this was a pleasant happenstance for me because I enjoyed how Bishop wrote them. Unfortunately, the ending was less than satisfactory for me. Don't get me wrong, it was "good" as these things go but it left me with more questions than it did answers! I know the main outcome of the story but I want to know how things continued from that point. It's my understanding that Bishop has written another book with for novellas of a sort from this world. One continues the story and so I think I'm going to have to find it and devour it like I did the other books in this series.

Loved it!.......2006-03-12

I've read this book twice and I imagine I'll be reading it again. The first two books are great but this one is a whole new species. Daemon and Jaenelle are finally reunited and after maybe a rough start they're hot (without being vulgar)! The battle you've been waiting for finally comes to a head but it's not the usual good verses evil crap. Bishop proves how original she can be, with lots of twists and an ending that blows you away.

Stunned and awed.......2006-02-08

Mystifying, sensual and radiating with dark magic, tests of faith and compassionate love. This book just lungs for your heart, rips it apart, just to put it back together on the very, very last page.

I admit I havent been stunned and awed over a sci-fi/fantasy novel since the first coming of G.R. Martin. And I havent ached, fought, hoped and feared for a character like the one of Daemon Sadi since I read the first chapters about Tyrion "The Imp" Lannister in Martin's Game of Thrones. I mean, how can one writer catch her reader's uninhibited emotional attention, like Anne Bishop did with this last book of her terryfic Black Jewels Trilogy?

So, let's take a closer look. Queen of Darkness actually is neatly divided in two parts. In the first two thirds it's a - sometimes a bit slow - dance of longing, hope and finally passion. As Daemon Sadi, sworn consort to Jaenelle, the powerful Witch queen who rules the Shadow Realm, reenters the stage, he not only has to overcome his own fears: Would his beloved lady still want him after all that happened before? He also has to overcome her youthful uncertainties: Will she be enough for a man who has lived for 1700 years? Or will she break him apart if she claimed his heart, like those other witch queens tried by forcing him into a slave's service? Of course love prevails - that was never in question.

Had the story ended at this point, I would have considered QoD a good fantasy romance coming to a long awaited conclusion. But Anne Bishop got me there. She really tricked me into believing, that the rest of this novel would be a swift clean-up. Many otherwise good SF&F stories tend to conlude with a good deal of disappointment when the main protagonists become too strong and powerful (I just name Eddings as the master example for way too omnipotent leading characters). But in QoD all of sudden Jaenelle and her friends really face destruction of everything they treasure. And I swear, it's not some deus et machina out-of-nowhere threat, but some evil developments of ongoing machinations and a few well-placed twists of fate. When it seems as if even the greatest sacrifice wouldnt be enough, Daemon Sadi and Jaenelle come up with a devilish plan. And betraying those who trust the most is just a minor part of it. What follows is as mind-blowing as anything I've ever read. It's phenominal in detail, painful in execution and exhilarating in conclusion.

Anne Bishop - you've really crowned yourself as one of the gendre's best with those last 150 pages of Queen of Darkness.

> "Daemon?" There was so much uncertainty in her voice.
> "Hi, sweetheart" he said, his voice husky from the effort not to cry. "I've missed you."
> Her hand moved slowly, with effort, until her palm rested against his face. Her lips curved into a smile. "Daemon."
> This time, when she said this, it sounded like a promise, like a lovely caress.

Oh, what a jewel of beauty!
Thank you, Anne Bishop. Thank you very much for this lesson about pure and unconditional love. And if it comes to that, no sacrifice can be too big. No price too high. And no faith too deep.
So, after I read the last page, it was way past midnight. I went to my beloved wife who was already sound asleep and held her tight, so tight.
What more can I say?
I'm still weeping.

The Queen Of Fantasy.......2005-10-13

I'm sooooo glad I got this book. I had to wait 2 long, unbelievable weeks to get it. I almost died waiting. But I'm glad I waited. It's worth waiting years 4 a book like this one to come out. I'm extremely glad that Daemon returns in this book.
Any BJT book without the Sadist has a problem. That was, as far as I'm concerned, "Heir to the Shadows"'s only flaw. I luv that guy. But hey, who doesn't?
I absolutely luvved this book. This book's only problem is that the ending was soooo...unfinished. And do Lucivar and Daemon have to have this unsaid bawl so soon after they've just fixed up their relationship as brothers? But Anne Bishop makes up for that in "Dreams Made Flesh". Thank the Darkness.
Another good thing? Well, we get mentions of Lucivar and Surreal occasionally while Daemon's not out of the story. They're just plain cool. Maybe not as much as Daemon, but hey, who is?
And also, the plot. Daemon and Surreal and Wilhelmina etc coming to Kaeleer. Lucivar complaining about how his son (and Daemon's nephew and Surreal's cousin) Daemonar was a beast that everyone forgot he was Marian's son as well, Daemon, Lucivar and Wilhelmina getting drunk...opps. Shouldn't spoil the story for you so that you can read it yourself.
4 all BJT fans, this is a MUST. And just because some other people who read our reviews and then read the books were disappointed, you probably won't be. Unless you're not the average person. Cause Anne Bishop rox.

Everything has a price...(please).......2005-06-06

How many times was this phrase in the trilogy? I am surpised the series was not named the Everything has a Price Trilogy....

To begin with,this beginning of this journey started off with so much strength, granted the S & M was a bit much, but interesting just the same (Anne Rice takes out the initial shock with her classic Sleeping Beauty Series). You come to love the characters Daemon, Saetan, and Luciver. You also just love to hate the evil witches that control them, but secretly inside are tickled that they have power over men. Yet, how can anyone write one amazing book, follow it with decent transitional book, only to have a pathetic ending with not hint of what Bishop is capable of? I don't get it.
I was extremely disappointed with the sexual tension (or lack of) between Jaenelle and Daemon. There was much anticipation for when they would finally be united; and it was like having the air slowly seep out of a balloon. It was painful to read, there was not breathtaking romance or giddy happiness. Such a disappointment. At a certain point, I no longer wanted to read the book. It took everything in me to finish it.
I find Anne Bishop to be a very talented writer with wonderful, descriptive writing. She knows how to weave a story and tell it well. She can come up with interesting characters such as the kindred animals and the various races of the world. However, she is weak when it comes to wrapping it all together. The more characters she adds, the more confusing the names become, making the reader just skim through with out getting attached to any of them.
She creates a world that is supposed to be controlled by intelligent, strong women but in the end it appears that the men still have the underlying spotlight. It is very obvious that Bishop is extremely attached to her male characters and makes them more interesting then the females. Her female characters seem to have the same catty personality, snappy, easily irritated, demanding, and horny (except for Jaenelle). Does someone have a certain impression on women?
Bishop never gives the main character, Jaenelle, her own section to portray what is in her mind. Jaenelle is always portrayed through someone else's point of view; which makes her seem unreachable and not real. One minute she is strong, next she is weak. Very confusing to know what makes up Jaenelle.
Finally, Bishop's idea of reversing roles and having women as the dominating species is not new to a storyline but fun to read. But she does not pull it off well. The men are all cautious of the women and trying to tiptoe around them, but then they are commanding women around with clever methods and witty dialogue. It also seems like the men do all the scheming on the good side, but women do all the scheming on the bad side (another one of Bishop's ideas on women?). The whole book just seemed like an excuse to write about men conquering over controlling women, but in the end they still do not have equality. Even with such domination over them, the men still love, protect and stand in awe of the women. It really contradicts itself and is hard to swallow. I honestly think Bishop is not even sure about her own characters and the role they play. It feels like she is struggling to explain why these men stay with such difficult women.
Overall, I would recommend the first book, Daughter of the Blood, the story is so very interesting. Of course if you read the first, you need to read the last two would just to have some conclusion (even thought it is weak). So reader beware do not have any expectation and you may enjoy the ride.
However, I have not given up on Anne Bishop. I anticipate more of her work. I find her writing to be engaging and filled with much potential. She may have butchered this trilogy, but I have faith in her and will give her future books a chance.

Queens: Portraits of Black Women and their Fabulous Hair

Average customer rating:

Nonreview
Another hairdo
Let's Talk About Hair Baby
African-American Women & Hair
Another masterpiece

Queens: Portraits of Black Women and their Fabulous Hair
Michael Cunningham , and George Alexander
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Accessories:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

ASIN: 038551462X
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Book Description

Crowns photographer Michael Cunningham and author and journalist George Alexander have captured the marvelous trinity of black women, hair, and beauty salons in the glorious Queens: Portraits of Black Women and Their Fabulous Hair.

Angela Garner says that “The beauty salon is the one great thing we get to share as African American women. It’s therapeutic.” Tisch Sims says that wearing fantasy hair makes her feel “like a goddess, a queen.”

From the afro to the ponytail to dreadlocks to braids to relaxed hair to fantasy hair; from “good hair” to bad hair days, in this stunningly designed book black women from the United States, Africa, and London explore the fascination with hair and beauty that has long been a cherished part of African American culture.

In fifty gorgeous photographs accompanied by vivid, personal narratives, Queens, by turns moving and funny, is the ultimate all-occasion gift book, perfect for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Mother’s Day, and birthdays.

Customer Reviews:

Nonreview.......2007-03-21

I'd like to review this. However, it's been about six weeks since I ordered it & it hasn't arrived yet.

Another hairdo.......2007-03-21

In the late '60s, journalist A'Lelia Bundles waged a battle repeated in many households across the country: she decided to stop pressing her hair and start wearing it in an Afro.
It didn't help that her father worked for Summit Laboratories, a manufacturer of hair-straightening products. "Who do you think pays the mortgage and tuition?" he demanded.
But Bundles' consciousness was on the rise. The day Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, she was elected vice president of her high school student council, and white parents were threatening to take their kids out of the school.
While this was going on, Bundles was reading W.E.B. DuBois. She was also on the threshold of discovering the legacy of her great-great-grandmother Madame Walker, a pioneering activist, philanthropist and hair products entrepreneur.
"I'm proud to say I have all of my ancestors in my hair," Bundles writes in "Queens," a fascinating collection of African-American hair lore. "But in the era I grew up in, people only valued whatever part of your hair that was straight." She got her Afro.
"Queens: Portraits of Black Women and Their Fabulous Hair" is the logical successor to photographer Michael Cunningham's "Crowns." The earlier book, a collection of stories and images of black church women and their elaborate hats, resonated so deeply with readers it was adapted into a musical production (now running in Lansing at the Riverwalk Theater; see review on p. XX). "Queens" pairs fifty Cunningham portraits with verbal histories, some in the subjects' own words and some told by co-author George Alexander.
The gatefold of "Queens" depicts an outdoor salon in Ghana, where women and men laugh and talk under a huge tree. The image sets the tone for the mingling of social life and hair that runs through the book.
Cunningham is well positioned document this world; he grew up with his mother and five sisters who turned his home into a salon every Saturday. Later, the photographer notes, "a prerequisite to dating some of the girls in high school was taking care of their weekly salon bills."
Cunningham's restless and inventive eye keeps the book's fifty portraits from becoming monotonous -- even those photos meant to convey nobility, dignity and poise have a twinkle or wrinkle that kicks them up a notch. In some of the photos, subject and hair are seen in splendid isolation, while others pull back to reveal the subject at home or in a salon.
But no hair book would be much fun without a wild side, and Cunningham is generous in serving up outrageous visions of self-expression. Tracy Poris, a hairstyling student, wears a vertical do about as tall as a flamingo, with a matching outfit itself made of hair. Angela Williams sports a Mohawk, which tells passersby "I don't care what you think." Corene Campbell colors her hair blue "to match her shoes." Jenelle Byron, a 23-year-old college student from Brooklyn, wears her hair in a literally towering do that mimics the burning World Trade Center, "flames" of curling hair rising from the top floors.
The freaky dos are great fun, but more often, the authors weave images and stories around social and political dimensions of African-American life. "There are no Black stars," writes Harriett Indira Odei, lamenting the persistent domination of European beauty standards. "They see the white hair and they like it." Odei is photographed by Cunningham in a Ghanian hair sculpture that defies verbal description (it looks like a windblown beach fence with mossy seaweed curled beneath).
Author Tonya Lewis Lee, whose hair color is gold verging on "carrottop," recalls her mother rinsing her hair with tea when summer sunshine made it too light and brassy. "You looking too much like massa," she told her daughter.
Some of the most interesting subjects in the books are hair stylists themselves. Their accounts reveal salons as not only social anchors, but sources of empowerment for both stylist and client. "The hairdo is secondary to having someone focus on them," says Sonia Mullins of her clients. "These women are busy hustling for the dollar, trying to take care of their families, and they don't have time to address themselves."
Whether the end result is whimsical, rebellious, exotic or no-nonsense, "Queens" demonstrated the degree to which self-worth and pride are bound up in these women's hair.
"When I see myself in an Afro," says actress Thoundia Bickham, "I feel more powerful."
Or, as A'Lelia Bundles concludes, "the older I get the more I realize that what endures is 'strong,' not 'cute'."

Let's Talk About Hair Baby.......2006-08-01

I found "Queens: Portraits of Black Women and Their Hair" to be a wonderful book. I enjoyed the photographs and the stories that went along with them. Hair is such a loaded issue for Black women that it's refreshing to see a book that glorifies all manner of hair and hair styles. As India Arie sings, "I am not my hair" meaning I am more than my hair. However, there's a very real part of us that is our hair and Michael Cunningham has captured that part.

African-American Women & Hair.......2006-02-04

This book provides an array of styles and expressions of Black pride. Hair texture and skin tone have historically been issues among Black folks since the days of slavery, segregation and a cast systems within the race.

Queens portrays hair style as a way in which a sistah can express her whole personality by making whatever statement she chooses.

Another masterpiece.......2005-12-14

I have bought each of these books, and they do not disappoint; Again, guys, you did a great job; Watching sisters with straight,perm,bald,natural,braided hair talk about their hair experiences made me feel a connection to them; like, I know how you feel; I understood the sister who had to wear a wig to cover her locks; I understood the sorority sister who couldn't find the specific perm she needed for her hair and how she went to various lengths to get it; (Oh, I been there too); The sister with the mohawk, the sisters from Ghana; the ones with the fancy hairstyles as well as those regular every day sisters just trying to have a say; Thanks.

Nikola and Milena, King and Queen of the Black Mountain: The Rise and Fall of Montenegro's Royal Family

Average customer rating:

Very interesting!
Attractive book, great price

Nikola and Milena, King and Queen of the Black Mountain: The Rise and Fall of Montenegro's Royal Family
Marco Houston
Manufacturer: Leppi Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Realm of the Black Mountain: A History of Montenegro

ASIN: 0952164442

Customer Reviews:

Very interesting!.......2007-01-15

I really like history and biographies are my favorite source of historical information. My search for anything related to King Nikola began when I was told that, despite being of a lesser noble family, he had as much royal connections as King Christian IX of Denmark and Queen Victoria. The book is very well written and has plenty of photographs in an outstanding edition, and brings important information about the Balkan politics during the twilight of the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century. Great book!

Attractive book, great price.......2005-08-14

This is a gorgeous book on the "father-in-law" of Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. Well written and gorgeously illustrated.

And this price is a steal - at the museum shop of the King's Palace in Cetinje, Montenegro, this book sells for 100 Euros!

Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (The Royal Diaries)

Average customer rating:

Sooooooo SHORT!!!!!
Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba
Phenomenal
An excellent new addition to the Royal Diaries!
Good Setting, But No Plot

Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (The Royal Diaries)
Patricia McKissack
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0439112109

Amazon.com

In 1595, Nzingha is the strong, intelligent daughter of the Ngola (leader) of the Mbundu people of Ndongo (in modern-day Angola), loyal to her people and willing to fight for them. Unfortunately, because she is a girl, her brother is the favored child, in training to become the next Ngola, even though he is whiny, stupid, and slow (according to Nzingha). But Ajala, a respected seer, believes that Nzingha is destined to be the leader of Ndongo, and begins preparing her for this future. Nzingha's father fights to keep the Portuguese from taking over their homeland, yet it is Nzingha, ultimately, who acts as the go-between for her people and the Portuguese, negotiating acceptable relations in order to keep peace and power for the Mbundu.

Based on true historical events, places, people, and customs, this novel portrays the fascinating details of a remarkable young woman's strength and courage in defending her world against subterfuge, spies, and the onslaught of the Portuguese. Historical notes, photos, illustrations, maps, the Ngola family tree, and a glossary and pronunciation guide are included for a comprehensive understanding of a complex era. Patricia McKissack is the well-respected and award-winning author of over 100 children's books and historical novels, including the Newbery Honor book The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural and Color Me Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love (from the Dear America series). (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

Customer Reviews:

Sooooooo SHORT!!!!!.......2006-12-03

i read this book a few days ago and i thought i would be good after reading the first few pages. But after reading for a while, after about 90 pages, the STORY ended and went to Epilouge. The Epilouge is just talk talk talk. Very boring, and the rest of the book is all like pictures.

I might have made the book sound very bad but i would recommend it for people who want to read a liite short story. There are also some very funny lines in the book that made me laugh! haha

Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba.......2006-05-17

Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba
By Patricia C. McKissack

"I wondered what it must be like to be on a ship flying over the water to Brazil. The horror of it was beyond my understanding. Suddenly, there was noise at my door. The Pombeiros and several guards entered. 'Come with us.' Then speaking to several guards, one said, 'Hold her tight. She is a young leopard.'" (McKissack, 79)

The old saying "never judge a book by it's cover" is one truth I have never had a problem with, until I came across this one book in particular. When I first saw the Royal Diaries book "Nzignha, Warrior Queen of Matamba," I thought for sure I would have not liked it. With the front cover depicted of an African girl holding a bow and arrows, and the background that of a barren desert, I presumed the layout of the book would be anything but royal and fancy. However, little did I know, stories can sometimes be very different from one's assumption.

One out of nineteen books in the Royal Diaries series, "Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba" by Patricia C. McKissack, sets in Angola, Africa, in the year of 1595. Nzingha is an adventurous, bold thirteen-year-old girl, and second heir to the throne of Ndongo. Throughout the book, which is written in diary format, Nzingha talks about the war with Angola's bitter enemy, the Portuguese, as well as what she would do to improve the land of the Mbundu if she were Queen, though does not discuss anything too exciting in which to capture your interest. At 136 pages, the plot of "Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba" is somewhat dry and tedious, and tends to quickly move on to other subjects without a thorough explanation. I must admit however, it pleases me that the authors of the Royal Diaries series are starting to represent girls in royal families, but with cultures and backgrounds much different from that of, say, Elizabeth I or Marie Antoinette.

As an avid reader of the Royal Diaries, I am not sorry I read the book, but am rather disappointed with the complete layout of the story. Mrs. McKissack could have done a better job adding clarification and activity to the real life character of Nzingha, one of the greatest women monarchs of African history. Unless you are new to the Royal Diaries series, and are anxious to learn about the lives of various queens in history, I would not recommend reading "Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba."

Overall grade: C + (or 3)

Phenomenal.......2005-09-19

This book is my introduction to the Royal Diaries series, it has propelled me to seek out more from this line. I loved the story of a strong, independent, and determined young girl growing to become a woman in a male-dominated time. I feel this book was very informative and am truly disappointed by some of the reviews for this book. I do wish it was longer, as I found the story quite intriguing. Young Nzingha learns that not all your enemies are your enemies, with friends among the foe. I love the insight into the Mbundu people. I feel it was meant to give you a view into the people, not of the land of Angola. I will definitely be adding this one to the shelf for my daughter.

An excellent new addition to the Royal Diaries!.......2005-08-14

The year is 1595, and princess Nzingha is living a life of luxury in Angola, Africa. Her father is the respected ngola of Ndongo and many predict that he will be suceeded by his first son, Mtambi. Nzingha writes about her life in Africa as an important royal in the African Royal family. Nzingha lives an active life as she goes hunting with her friends and learns about the evil Portugese. She earns her say in court and is pretty much happy with her life, until she learns that her people are being enslaved by fiendish Portugese slave-traders. Eager to gain the leadership of Ngola and respect of all, Nzingha sets out on an important mission to save her people from the realm of the Portugese Slave-traders.

Good Setting, But No Plot.......2004-12-09

I'm an 11-year-old boy who read this book for schoolwork.
I was pretty disapointed with this book. I mean, the title says WARRIOR queen but there's no fighting. All they do is talk about her father going to distant wars against the Portugese far away. She just talks and hunts. The setting was good, but there's really no plot.
I think that girls, especially tomboys, would like it more than me because I'm a boy. However, I read the "Mary Queen of Scots" book (from the same series) and did like that one.
I don't think that this book was worth reading. I can think of a whole host of books I would rather read. I think that if you're a boy, read something else.

The Mother of Us All: A History of Queen Nanny, Leader of the Windward Jamaican Maroons

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The Mother of Us All. A History of Queen Nanny

The Mother of Us All: A History of Queen Nanny, Leader of the Windward Jamaican Maroons
Karla Gottlieb
Manufacturer: Africa World Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0865435650

Book Description

The author analyzes the importance of Queen Nanny from cultural, military, historical, and religious point of view. This book marks an attempt to integrate a key figure of New World history into her rightful place as the leader of a critical resistance movement in Jamaica in the first part of the 18th century.

Customer Reviews:

The Mother of Us All. A History of Queen Nanny.......2001-01-09

This is a small book, 119 pages, that cuts a big swath. It is about an interesting period and a lively woman of the early 18th Century, someone who never made it into any of my history books. I certainly know about her now. Gottlieb pulls together threads from many sources into one rich fabric. This is a progressive book about colonialism, racism, feminism, about military srategy, about the West-African-rooted religious traditions and the use of supernatural powers that made their way into the Maroon Culture. Gottlieb obviously has great respect for her subject -- this remarkable woman, Nanny, part historical figure, part legend -- who represents a courageous struggle against oppression. The book is well-researched, illustrated, and spirited reading. Some of the historical documents can be bypassed if not interested. One is impressed with its relevance to the very same "isms" that continue to torment us in the 21st century.

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