Book Reviewed by Kam Williams

(Akiit.com) “The experimental exploitation of African-Americans is not an issue of the last decade or even the past few decades. Dangerous, involuntary, and non-therapeutic experimentation of African-Americans has been practiced widely and documented extensively at least since the 18th Century… The problem is growing… No other group as deeply mistrusts the American medical system.

These subjects were given experimental vaccines known to have unacceptably high lethality, were enrolled in experiments without their consent or knowledge, were subjected to surreptitious surgical and medical procedures while unconscious, injected with toxic substances, deliberately monitored rather than treated for deadly ailments, excluded from lifesaving treatments, or secretly farmed for sera or tissues that were used to perfect technologies such as infectious disease tests.”

In taking the Hippocratic oath, every new doctor pledges “Never to do deliberate harm to anyone for anyone else’s interest.” However, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, must be spinning in his grave, given the rampant ethical violations of his sacred doctrine being routinely perpetrated by physicians in the United States.

Most people only think of the infamous Tuskegee study of subjects with untreated syphilis when it comes to the exploitation of blacks as guinea pigs. But such experimentation by medical researchers neither began nor ended with that shocking case.

In recent years, on a couple of occasions, I have been skeptical about physicians I felt were doling out different brands of medicine based on their patients’ skin color. Frustrated because I had neither the time nor the wherewithal to pursue my hunches, I couldn’t confront anyone or go public based only on anecdotal evidence.

For this reason, I am so grateful that Harriet A. Washington has written Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present. For this groundbreaking book confirms my suspicions by addressing the disparate methodologies currently being employed with patients presenting the specific symptoms I had been concerned with.

Ms. Washington, a Harvard and Tuskegee-trained scholar in ethics and journalism, conducted exhaustive research in order to be able to shed light on the country’s racism in the name of scientific research. Among the brutalities uncovered here by the author is proof that “black women have been systematically sterilized without their consent, and that “the brains of African-American children as young as six” have secretly been “surgically excised.”

She illustrates how this disregard for the well-being of blacks began during the days of slavery when Africans en route to the Americas were “thrown overboard if signs of disease were found” by the ship’s surgeon. By the conclusion of this compelling opus, she makes it abundantly clear that just as America has a two-tiered criminal justice system, it has totally different quality healthcare systems when it comes to blacks and white citizens.

So, when you encounter an African-American who harbors a deep distrust of doctors, that might not be paranoia but simply a sensible survival instinct still intact. 

Reviewed by Idrissa Uqdah

(Akiit.com) Can This Marriage Be Saved?
Dave and Clarice have been married forever; yet the things that they do not know about one another could fill up a small house.  That is the basic problem in their marriage.  They have grown apart over the years, rather than together.  How many marriages are the same way? 

Not Easily Broken is the latest novel by mega preacher, T. D. Jakes about an upper class African American couple who find that their marriage has fallen into disrepair right before their eyes.  Neither one of them seem to be able to acknowledge the truth of the matter.  They have gotten used to acting like nothing is wrong until they are involved in a near-fatal car crash and Clarice is seriously injured.  As David fails miserably at his attempts to take care of his wife; he finally admits that he no longer feels needed.  Her lack of neediness and her inability to trust him with her fears is at the core of their problems.  Suddenly; the wonderful life that they have built is no longer enough.  The house, the cars and the material possessions are no longer fulfilling because they both realize that they have lost that loving feeling between them.

Jakes weaves an interesting tale of woe in this novel.  What I appreciated most about the book is that it is not your average work of Christian fiction where every little detail is wrapped up in a nice little package, because the characters are following the call of the Lord.  The characters in this book are real.  Clarice is a woman who makes you want to actually slap her.  Her self-centered persona is portrayed so realistically that she could be someone that you know.  And although the Johnsons belong to a church that they attend regularly; they don’t seem to be spirit-filled believers.  They aren’t the type that lean on God for guidance; at least not until they find themselves deep in trouble which is the case with most people.  While Clarice is caught up with keeping up with the Joneses and climbing the ladder of success in the real estate business; Dave is a down to earth man who is more interested in mentoring young males in the community than making money.  His humble position as the owner of a small janitorial services business is enough for him and that bothers Clarice.  On the other hand; her disinterest in having children is a thorn in Dave’s side.  You wonder what brought these two together in the first instance. 

The real drama unfolds when a young, single mother and her son comes into their lives and Dave finds himself attracted to the woman and committed to the child.  Clarice realizes that she could lose her husband and finally takes some action and looks outside of her own wants and needs to try to save the marriage.  Despite a tragic turn of events; they both acknowledge that they have something worth saving.  With the help of a marriage counselor and a renewed faith in God; Clarice and Dave discover that their bond is “not easily broken”. 

The author has a gift for seeing into the hearts of women in his national ministry.  He does the same with the female characters in this book.  He also gives us some very realistic male characters and the circumstances for relationship building.  I enjoyed the story and would recommend Not Easily Broken to readers who like contemporary Christian fiction.  It was well written and kept me interested. I liked the fact that the author did not skate around the issues of temptation and sin. He also held the characters responsible for their actions and showed through scriptural references how Christian couples need to invite God into their relationships.  I’d rate it a four on a scale of one through five.

Reviewed by Jayne Cubbage

(Akiit.com) Breastlessness by Nicole Bryant is both memoir and breast cancer resource guide. In the first half of the book, Bryant shares her own experience with the disease and she spares hardly a detail. She writes on first learning of her diagnosis, the denial and indecisiveness and the tug on her inner strength during a very trying time in her life.

In the biography section of the book, the reader is taken on a roller coaster ride through the breast cancer experience. While Bryant does not detail the experience of every person, (men are diagnosed also), she allows her experience to exemplify the process of medical regimens, doctors, hospital stays, the decision to have a lumpectomy versus a mastectomy, reconstruction and prosthetics and to have chemotherapy or not. The account of her story is so detailed that the reader is drawn in by Bryant’s experience and feels as though they are walking with her as she travels her journey.

Bryant also allows her personal story to provide an example of what a journey could be for any person who is diagnosed by revealing the choices she had to make for her own treatment and recovery. But while she displays various treatment options which she had to decide upon, she makes it abundantly clear that every person with the disease will have their own journey. Most importantly, patients are admonished to expect the unexpected and simply experience their journey with their eyes wide open and to be armed with plenty of knowledge.

In order to help with facilitating the importation of knowledge about breast cancer, Bryant uses the second half of the book as a resource guide that discusses thoroughly key terms and important terminology and phrases one is likely to hear as they funnel through the treatment maze of breast cancer.

Once a diagnosis is first given a person will find this section quite useful in keeping track of what healthcare providers are advising them and what they want to choose for themselves. Bryant advises the reader to ask doctors questions, and to come to their visits prepared and to write everything down. Essentially she encourages the diagnosed to be very proactive and involved in their treatment. Bryant says patients should not be wary of getting a second opinion.

There is also a section for men in the book where she advises men who love someone who is diagnosed how to be understanding and supportive during their loved one’s journey. She then discusses how men who are actually diagnosed may experience many of the same emotions as women and that they should be equally prepared for their medical experience and to be an active participant in their treatment as well.

The book covers the legal and civil rights of a person diagnosed with breast cancer and what one should do if they are victimized by discrimination as well as their rights under federal laws and government resources they may seek out. Bryant also lists organizations that support those who are battling breast cancer or for survivors. Then there is the all-important glossary of terms at the end of the book to help patients through the many terms and jargon they are likely to be barraged with during their treatment.

Finally, Breastlessness is like a strong hand to hold during a terrifying time in one’s life. This important resource is not only useful for the diagnosed, but also for family, friends and others who may want to familiarize themselves with the disease. Even for the undiagnosed, readers of this book will walk away from this well written and thorough book with a clearer understanding of and respect for the diagnosed and survivors. Readers will have a newfound wealth of knowledge of breast cancer that spans well beyond the pink ribbon. This book is a true educational resource for all.

Reviewed by Idrissa Uqdah

(Akiit.com) Ohio Poet, Kenyatta is a man of many words.  His book  Forever Sentimental-AGAPE LOVE  is Volume Three in the Forever Sentimental book series, collections of poetry that speak straight from the heart.  A gifted wordsmith, the poems are well written.  They flow like a lazy river spreading emotional attachments that embody the heart and soul of true love.  The lines are crisp and sometimes haunting.  These poems will make you smile but they will also bring a tear or two.

Agape is defined as attraction based on sexual desire: affection and tenderness felt by lovers, it is affection based on admiration; the assurance of love, warm attachment, devotion that is loyal and unselfish.  Agape love is the ultimate love and Kenyatta gives all of this and more in his poetry.

The poems in this book are broken down into four separate themes: Cherish The Love; Heartbreak-Lost Loves and Rejection; Hopelessly Romantic and the all consuming Agape Love.  The highest level of love; God’s love is Agape love and  Kenyatta says that his poetry is inspired by God.  In this body of work, he celebrates love and exposes raw human emotions.  Every aspect of human relationships between men and women is explored.  What is unique about this volume of poetry is the commentary that follows each poem which he calls Life Lessons.  Written in essay form, these tidbits are valuable insights into human nature and how one should look value love relationships.

Life Lessons give good advice about life; about love and about human relationships.

In Cherish The Love; he shares in the poem MULTI-PRECIOUS

…there are no easy words to explain
just how much you mean to me,
but I love you
with an extraordinary love;
a love that is peaceful,
a love that is kind,
and a love
that will never leave your side,
in this life
or beyond . . .

You will always be
the first priority
in my life,
and making you happy,
shall always be
the number one agenda
on my mind,
for you are rare,
you are beautiful,
and you are multi-precious
in my eyes . . .

In this Life Lesson; he warns that just like certain words can tear you down and make you feel bad or insulted, there are other words that can build you up.  He says that words are living things.  It seems this is the core of his muse. 

This book is a great gift for someone who is newly engaged, someone who can use these words to build and define a relationship.  It’s the perfect tool for a wedding planner looking for something special to add to the wedding program or to the wedding ceremony.   Any soldier going traveling afar and leaving a loved one behind will find words to express their love from afar in great detail.  And for the hopelessly romantic; this volume of poetry is so appropriate for one who dreams of love denied. 

But the volume also gives rise to the pain and hurt of love lost.  In the poem; YOU AND ME he writes;

 . . . it hurts me that you don’t return my affections,
but it destroys me that your sweetest kisses
and your most precious time
are reserved for someone else . . .

It doesn’t seem fair,
and it doesn’t seem right…
I’m a good person,
how many times can one heart
be broken?

The Life Lesson advises that when a relationship doesn’t work out, you should take that time to recognize what that relationship taught you.  He says; “There is a big difference between being alone and being single.  Just because you are not in a relationship, doesn’t mean you are alone in the world with no affection.”  Kenyatta is more than a poet.  His writings show a wisdom and an innate understanding of human behavior.  It is not surprising to learn that he earned a degree in social psychology.  

“Kenyatta’s mission is to make Forever Sentimental the most famous collection of romantic and sentimental verse ever created.  For any man or woman who is old enough to fall in love and out of love, it will be an indispensable guide to charting the little-mapped wilderness of the heart.”  As one who appreciates the role of the poet in society and the importance of poetry in African American literature; I think that his mission could easily be accomplished. This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed Forever Sentimental-AGAPE LOVE.  It reminded me of the old school rhythm and blues songs of the seventies that sang of love lost and found and encouraged couples to get it on and be happy with one another.  Maybe that is just what the world needs right now.

Reviewed by Jayne Cubbage

(Akiit.com) Inner-City Interludes by Hoezee probably won’t go down in history as a literary classic.  Perhaps as an ode to the “hood” and the characters who play a role in the daily drama of life there but little else. The book provides a voice long overlooked by mainstream publishing and author Hoezee apparently decided to take matters into his hands by publishing his own book, and unfortunately it shows.  The book is peppered with spelling and grammar errors, problems with syntax and the slaying of many popular phrases, i.e.,” just got to take a lost” (sic) instead of” just have to take a loss,” any many more.

At times the book was difficult to read, not because of the stories, for they were somewhat entertaining, but the numerous errors and author Hoezee’s attempt to by-pass the editing process completely.  But if the reader can get beyond the glaring copy mistakes, the book does shed some light onto the goings on in the inner-city.  The tales told in this book of six short stories are actually compelling. 

There is the first story where a teen decides to play hooky from school to attend a party at a girl’s house with his friends.  After getting caught jumping the New York City Transit subway turnstile they are arrested and grilled by police eventually gaining release. Once the young men get to the party and instead of the thrills they were looking for, the protagonist ends up making a decision that will ultimately change his life forever.  All of this after his father who is raising him alone told him of the sacrifices he made for his son and that he needed to be more responsible and do better in school.

In another story, a melee breaks out in a public rescue office for battered women after a woman and her children arrive again after previous visits.  As the social worker is processing and finding temporary housing for the family, the woman’s husband barges into the office and demands to see his wife, who he intends to continue to batter.  The woman and her children are placed into a protective room behind a glass door and her husband is confronted by the security guard.  Handling him with no problem he then faces the social worker, and knocks him backwards and unconscious.  The husband ultimately finds his wife and breaks the door to the room where she and her children are hiding.  He proceeds to assault her.  Coming to, the social worker attempts to come to the rescue, but he is too late.  In the end the police arrive on the scene and the social worker is touted as a hero for his bravery.

One tale portrays the goings on of two Philadelphia Police officers in the after-hours gambling halls of South Philly.  After coming off-duty, the two officers make their way past the bar and into the back smoke-filled room to join in on an illegal poker game.  After much braggadocio the two officers end up putting all they have; money, jewelry and car keys into the pile confident, partly because of their badges, that they would walk away with the entire pile of money.  After another player the bar’s “owner” lays down a winning hand, the officers leave with their heads down.  Once everyone leaves the bar the officers come back to “collect” their losses.  When it is all said and done both the officer and the bar’s “owner” collect much more than they had bargained for.

Again, the stories presented in Inner-City Interludes are decent enough.  The characters have heart, and the stories are focused and even possess the element of surprise and graphic detail.  The primary problem with the book is the lack of editing.