Guy Johnson, once again, has written another un-put-downable novel. The plot is so intricate and compelling that the reader reflexively considers the various permutations of the plot-lines as if the story is reality. I am grateful to Johnson for writing about strong, black male characters. He has reinvigorated my interest in black literature. His research is extremely thorough because he creates multilayered and textured settings. From a technical standpoint, Johnson needs to work on his dialogue. No one, especaily not in the '80s, talked with such high-handed vocabularies. His prose remains outstanding, but the characters often sound like talking dictionaries. For instance, instead of saying that a person is preachy, a Johnson character will say "He's didactic." And that's another criticism of the book --Johnson preaches constantly about how blacks should be and what they should be about. His messages -- while true -- are not subtle and, ultimately, off-putting. Dialogue and didacticism notwithstanding, Johnson has shown that he is without question his mother's son. This is a must read for black men everywhere.

If you read the first book "Standing in the Scratch Line", then you will be familiar with the saga of King Tremain. This book picks up where the last one left off. It is now 1982 and King Tremain's orphaned grandson, long estranged from both of his grandparents, is pulled back into the family fold when King is assisnated. I won't give it away, but many characters from the first book return in this one, and this book also fills in the gaps from 1947, where the last book stopped. It's a long read but you will not be disappointed. Johnson has a rare talent for character and plot development, and it's a shame that he is not a household name like his Mother (Maya Angelou).

This sequel to Standing at the Scratch Line is as good as, if not better than, Standing.. It is superb!! For those who have read Standing At The Scratch Line, this novel continues with the saga of the Tremain family. This story picks up with the adult grandson, Jackson, who has been estranged from his grandfather King Tremain for several years. As King is near death, Jackson flies to Mexico to see his grandfather and leaves with a mission and desire that proves he truly is the grandson of King Tremain, whether he likes it or not.

Although this is a lengthy novel, the auhtor uses every word, phrase,page, etc., to draw an in-depth, complete and wonderful picture of who Jackson is, but more importantly the Tremain legacy and past that King has left to his grandson...whether he wants it or not. Although King is assassinated very early on in the book, through well placed, smooth and poignant flashbacks to the 1950's and 1960's, the reader gets much more insight into King Tremain and his life and legacy. Finally, to sum it up "you better ask joe 'cause you sho' don't know" what you are missing if you miss out on the chance to read this wonderful novel.

I was very impressed that the author was able to take a subject that was terrifying to adults and retell it for children in a way that was gripping and real, but not sensationalistic or horrific.
The illustrations and story moved me to tears.

This is a good book. It is about a boy who watches a riot on his street. I like when the firefighter returns the two cats. I recammend this book to people who would like to know whats right and wrong.

The book is about a family who has a cat named Tikvah. Tikvah is very small so she could get lost very easily. Then Tikvah gets lost when something bad happens to the family. Read this book to find out if the family finds Tikvah. I recomend this book to kids who like cats.

The Dying Ground is the debut novel by Nichelle Tramble. In The Dying Ground, Tramble offers a poignant view of life in Oakland, California in 1989. Through Tramble's storytelling, we see Oakland learning to deal with its newest demon, crack cocaine. The price of life with this demon is premature death and wasted potential in a time when the youth of the area are consumed with the Drug Trade and living a "Playa's lifestyle."

The Dying Ground tells the story of Maceo Redfield in a quest to find who murdered his childhood friend Billy and his search for his lost love, Felicia who happened to be Billy's girlfriend and with him at the time of his murder. Tramble paints Maceo as a good guy from a strong family who managed to escape life in the drug trade through his athletic ability. Maceo's investigation into Billy's murder and Felicia's disappearance draws him into a world that he used to watch from the sideline. Maceo places both feet in a world filled with drugs and violence. His desire to find Felicia is fueled by his unrequited love for her. Maceo is accompanied and protected during his quest by his best friend, Holly. Holly is a respected member of the drug community who has doubts about Felicia's innocence in Billy's murder.

Tramble tells an effective tale that is filled with action. A number of minor characters are introduced in the book at various times. The multitude of players can become confusing at times and readers never truly get to know Maceo. Even though the story is told from Maceo's point of view, often he is telling the readers about others with very little insight into himself and his actions. Throughout the book, Maceo is plagued by dreams of death that challenge him, but the dreams are never explored or shared with any of the other characters.

Nichelle Tramble's writing style is compelling and entertaining. Readers will enjoy The Dying Ground despite the lack of development of some of the key

characters. The Dying Ground is a 3 on the RAW Scale....

This outstanding first novel, set in crack-riddled Oakland of 1989, is one of the most accurate portraits of the friendships and conflicts of young black men in the inner city I've come across. Although the book is subtitled "A Hip-Hop Noir Novel" it doesn't really have much to do with either (the hip-hop mostly comes from a minor character who speaks in lyrics and a cameo by Too Short, the noir refers mainly to the importance of the past--a central theme in film noir and in the book), rather, it's a highly inventive twist on the traditional procedural.

Cut from much the same cloth as Boyz N the Hood, and indeed greatly in debt to it, the book kicks off with an excellent (and highly cinematic) barbershop confrontation. The killing of local drug baron Billy, propels his two childhood friends, Maceo and Holly, into a quest to find his killer and Billy's missing girlfriend, Flea. Former high school baseball star and recent Berkeley dropout Maceo Redfield makes an unlikely, and very flawed, detective. Until now, he's always managed to stay out of the hustler's drug life, never having to pick sides due to his untouchable athlete status. However once his old friend is killed, he decides he must find Flea and avenge Billy as a matter of honour, even if it means getting involved with people much nastier than he can ever be.

Tramble exposes the empty codes of honour for what they are through the outsider character of Alixe, who challenges Maceo to walk away from it all. And just as Maceo couldn't face a tough challenge in college, he can't face this one, "Despite my family, my talent or even myself, all any of us felt we had was the game.... invented manhood." Even though he's got everything to lose, and little to gain, one reads on, hoping Maceo will manage to squeak through against the odds and come out clean. This book (just like Boyz N the Hood) makes a vivid point about how even the those with solid upbringing and potentially bright futures can still get caught up in all kinds of nonsense.

The book's biggest strength is Tramble's remarkable ability to reach into each character's head and come up with just the right voice and make that come alive on paper. Her skill is evident in that she accomplishes this across all ages and both sexes. The use of local slang and pronunciation is blended effortlessly in every conversation. The book's other real strength is the vivid depiction of time and place--Tramble makes Oakland come alive. If you like this book, check out Jervy Tervalon's "Living for the City" or pretty much anything by George Pelecanos. Tervalon's short stories about growing up in LA, and Pelecanos' D.C. crime novels have the same strengths in voice and setting as this book.

This is the debut novel of Nichelle Tramble and she did not disappoint. She weaves a story of mystery and the drug world in Oakland CA. Maceo Redfield becomes a reluctant sleuth when at the Barbershop, his childhood friend Holly comes in and announces Billy is Dead and Flea is missing. This words stir Maceo into action cause though Flea was Billy's girl, she is Maceo first and true love. In his search for the killers of Billy and the whereabouts of Flea, Maceo teams with Holly. Together they search for answers on the streets of Oakland. Maceo has one focus and that is to find Flea. He still loves her, but Love don't love nobody. Maceo could lose everything and still not get what he wants. We, the readers are introduce to some unsavory characters of the drug scene. We, the readers are also introduced to Maceo's family which had been very instrumental in keeping him away from the influence of the streets. We, the readers are introduced to the work of Nichelle Tramble and we hope to read more from her real soon. I for one wil be looking forward to the sequel.Jeanette Wallington, moderator of the Motown Review Bookclub

Raw and Rivoting.....
I think Ice T once said that trying to explain "the pimpin' game" to a normal, rational person is like trying to explain rocket science to a wino....you just won't get it. Well, Monique Morris's tale provides a look into the psyche of a pimp (Jesus), a prostitute (Angie/Peaches), their son (Jason), and a progressive thinking Black Panther woman (Chinaka/Jessica) where we get a fictionalized glimpse of their world, their lives, their circumstances, and their reasons and rationale for their actions. It's a sad, raw, dismal look at life on the streets, but it provides a clearer picture of how young, misguided adults can be lead astray by seasoned predators. Morris takes us full circle from the beginning with Angie as a teenager and how she entered the life; Jesus's entry into the pimpin' game; Jason's life; and Chinaka's entry into the Black Panther movement. The novel moves well, the interplay between the character's is handled well, and the surprise ending was an added bonus. I enjoyed this but would only recommend it to those who appreciate a raw, unrestrained novel.

Too Beautiful For Words is a well-written, riveting and poignant debut novel from Monique W. Morris.

The storyline opens in the late 60s/early 70s; Morris introduces us to the streets of Oakland where prostitutes, pimps and drug dealers roam from sunrise to sunrise. On a bright, sunny day, Peaches, a young impressionable teenager meets up with the likes of Jesus, a well known pimp. Longing for attention, Peaches, mistakenly believes that Jesus loves her but in reality he turns her out sexually and then puts her on the streets as his #1 prostitute. When Peaches becomes pregnant with Jesus' child she seeks a better life for herself and her young son, Jason. Unfortunately, trying to get away from Jesus would cause her more than she ever suspected. Young Jason watches what happens to his mom and subconsciously he stores it in his memory bank until a later date when Jesus will have to pay up for the havoc he invoked years before.

Too Beautiful For Words is a sad, devastating and heart-wrenching story about what happens when you're in the fast lane, running with the big dogs, in the mean inner-city streets. A common theme running throughout the story is "Love Don't Love Nobody" not even blood relatives. Morris presents a raw and realistic look at what happens in the underground world of pimps, prostitutes, lascivious sexual escapades and drugs. Morris' character development is excellent as she gives us characters that make us cry, others that fill us with hate and yet others who make us think. One of those characters who made us think was Chinaka, a former Black Panther who had befriended Peaches. Just as Chinaka tried to rescue Peaches, 20 years later she sets her sights on Jason, who is looking to get into the family business. Will Chinaka have too little to offer too late or will she be successful in breaking the vicious cycle that threatens to take Jason to an early grave?

It's been a few weeks since I read this book...but it seems like only yesterday. This is a book that stays with you long after you've finished the last page. If you're looking for a compassionate read with a strong message then check out Too Beautiful For Words by Monique W. Morris.

I laughed, I cried, I was scared, and I was happy. Monique W. Morris is an excellent author. The novel takes you to every level of emotion possible. I give this book 10 stars. If you have ever had a friend if not yourself that loves a man more than herself or even life you can identify Chinaka. Her son,Jason the product of a pimp named,God does an ultimate act of revenge and love for his mother. Read this book! Read this book!

NEWSWEEK called this a marriage of Philip K. Dick and Raymond Chandler (actually, I think they meant Dashell Hammett), and that's pretty close. Conrad Metcalf is a gumshoe in the old noir mode, but in this near future -- or parallel present -- he's a "private inquisitor" in a world in which it's not only very rude but aggressively antisocial to ask questions, a world in which "evolved" animals have begun to fill the lower social niches (from a kittenish kitten and a P.I. gorilla to a dangerous kangaroo gunsel), a world in which an addictive psychoactive drug is not only tolerated but encouraged, and in which the karma credits on your card had better not run down to zero. All of this, frankly, is far more interesting than the somewhat lame murder plot, involving gangsters, addicts, crooked cops, and innocent bystanders who get vacuumed up. The concluding section, however, set six years later -- or three days, depending on your viewpoint -- shows that no matter how dark things may get, they can always get worse. Despite numerous recommendations of his work, this is the first novel I've read by Lethem, and even with the caveats given above, it's good enough to lead me to try more of his stuff.

Jonathan Lethem has made something of a splash with his novels, including his latest Motherless Brooklyn. His short fiction has shown outstanding range, and a quirky imagination. Going back to his first novel, Gun, with Occasional Music, we already see demonstrated both these qualities. The novel concerns Conrad Metcalf, a down-at-heels Private Inquisitor in mid-21sty century Oakland. He is drawn into investigating the murder of an affluent doctor with gangster ties, and becomes involved with shady cops, gangland figures, and beautiful women with questionable pasts. Thus, at the surface, this is a straight-forward pastiche of the standard hard-boiled detective novel, transposed into the next century. At this level, the novel works fine: the mystery is sufficiently absorbing and has enough twists to carry the plot, and Lethem has the first-person narrative down very well, with the "typical" hard-boiled attitude.

However, this is more than a standard SF take on Chandler. The SF elements themselves, though not terribly plausible, are interesting and thought-provoking, and well-integrated with the structure and themes of the novel. These include universal drug use for (fairly precise) control of emotional states, wildly extrapolated privacy laws, babyheads (children with vastly accelerated mental growth but normal physical growth), and intelligent, self-aware animals (the result of "evolution therapy"). Some of these tropes are use to generate jokes, but for the most part they support and reinforce the central story and the themes in which Lethem is interested. Ultimately, this is a serious, funny-sad novel, and at the heart of it are big questions about memory and the nature of personality. (These questions, and other elements of the novel such as the drug use, are very reminiscent of the work of Philip K. Dick.) Lethem handles the mixture of moods excellently, and the resolution to his story is perfect and satisfying. This is a very exciting first novel from one of the most promising new SF writers of the past few years.

Lethem's first book is a real mixed bag. It has bright ideas and not-so-bright ideas, some of which he develops more than others, a shambles of a plot filled to the brim with clever scenes and memorable characters, and a nice cheeky attitude of a gumshoe novel transported into a warped, Philip K. Dickian future. Sometimes it keeps you glued to the page. Other times you feel like closing it and walking away.

First and foremost, "Gun, With Occasional Music" is a highly introverted novel. Lethem toys with a mannered, satirical tone that is sometimes irritating but can generate a chuckle now and then ("the dentist swiveled on his heels and disappeared, leaving me there to massage my jaw back into feeling after its brief, masochistic marriage to the top of my wooden desk"). Like Dick, he tosses around a lot of concepts no one takes seriously at first, but gradually become familiar: his big city is populated in part by "evolved" animals ("she was wearing a bonnet and a flowered dress, but she still smelled like the barnyard") and "babyheads", pre-aged children ("in a babybar, the drinking started early"). In fact, echoes of Dick show up in every part of the novel, from the underlying themes of coming to terms with reality and ambivalent ethics. Lethem even begins by waking his character with a rather bizarre contraption, much like Dick in his "Do Androids Dream...?" (Deckard is woken up by his mood organ, while Metcalf wakes up to the musical interpretation of the news), and drugs figure prominently in both authors' books ("Acceptol with just a touch of Regrettol").

The greatest problem is that all this inherited potential is trapped inside a do-not-resuscitate post-structuralist plot told from the POV of a character that has charisma, but is not taken advantage of. Lethem's hero is technically investigating a murder in his own time (his unique sense of duty won't let him quit), but if Conrad Metcalf is "playing it too existentially", so is Lethem: left without a clue, his hero wanders from place to place, tries to wheedle information from people (sometimes very ominous and powerful people, whom he has no apparent reason to visit), precipitates trouble on himself, and the cycle starts over. The pacing suffers, and the tension slumps when it becomes apparent that Metcalf will keep up his valiant and foolhardy efforts despite his lack of success. For a great length of time it seems that the plot leads nowhere. The novel is saddled with scenes of sophomoric foul language, gruesome violence, and rather meaningless sex.

Lethem revives his novel in an unexpected second act that seems as if it was written separately. This isn't the sort of book to have a "Part 2", and Lethem shows great skill in his use of this rather exotic device. "Gun, With Occasional Music" ends with a powerfully written, poignant sequence of scenes that not only resolves every technical detail of the mystery, but also manages to prevent the reader from feeling cheated.

Unimpressive, with moments of occasional genius.

i think this book gives a good example of what life in West Oakland is like for young African American's raised in poor families. The book takes place in roughly three intense days. It gives the reader an inside look at gang life and issues they have to deal with. Issues like, rival gangs, gang fights, and protecting their territory. I think the best parts of the book were when the characters realized that it takes more than getting shot or shooting someone to be way past cool. I think that if someone was considering joining a gang and then read this book, it would make them think twice.

After thirty-something years of teaching African-American Literature (and having survived my "mid-life crisis" many years ago) I'm afraid I must disagree with the reader from "Planet Earth". It is not so much that I like this book, but rather that my kids all seem to like it that impresses me most. This shouldn't be surprising as, to the best of my knowledge and research, Jess Mowry wrote this book for the same children it is about. It should be remembered that the book was written in the early 1990's, and what was "hip" then as far as language and expressions is now history. But I suppose this is one of the risks any author must take when writing for kids. The positive message is there, the story is there, the excitement, the color, the life is there, and they are timeless. Common sense would dictate that the more widely read a book is, the more likely it is to have critics. However, it has been my experience that people are generally more apt to write negative letters (or book reviews) than positive ones. Many people are much quicker to critisise than to praise. I find much more "praise" for this book than critisism, and I feel that speaks for itself. I like this book, I teach from this book each year, and even though I give my students a choice of books, most of them read Way Past Cool, and most of them seem to like it. Of course no author can please every reader, nor should any author try to.

I read this book when I was 12. I could have been 'Gordon' in this story and this book really spoke to me. I wish I could have been 'Lyon'. I grew up in San Perdo where you hear gunshots all night long. My best friend was killed when he was 13. A 'big' gang was always trying to get us to join them. Drug dealers were always trying to get us to ho for them. The cops treated us like s---. They are the biggest 'gang' of all. This book changed my life. It showed me the whole picture of what all this stupid violence is about. Maybe nobody can write a book that everybody likes and it is supposed to be a 'free' country but I think that the 'Kirkus Review' of this book is stupid and the 'Reader from planet earth' must really live on the moon. He or she should look up words like 'pretentious' and 'over written' in a dictionary before trying to use them. And Kirkus should know better then to try and compare a book to a movie if they are supposed to be so professional. This is just the opinion of one kid from tha hood but this book is on point and I am very thankful that Jess Mowry wrote it. It has helped me in my life and I think it has probably helped a lot of other kids in all colors too. It's always good to know that somebody understands what coming up is like for kids like us. Thank you.

RAIDERS FOREVER was a big deception for me cause I buy the book to read about the greats moments of one of the greatest team of the NFL story,the Raiders of the 70's.I have a big surprise when I realise the book was a kind of short biography of each of the great players of that time.They talk about their years at high school,college,how they feel when they we're draft and a lot about their life after they retired from football.But I want to read about the games vs the Steelers,Chiefs or the Superbowl.I'm looking for Raiders memories not for the private life of the players.Mr.Lombardo talk about some highlights of the great moments of the team but talk too much about the players life off the field and not enough about what they did during the games.

This is a book that truly captures the spirit of The Oakland Raiders of the 1970's. Best of all you come away with a deeper sense of the personalities and what made the team so unique. It is not just a "remember when" book, but rather a behind the scenes look at why the Raiders where the most compelling team of the 70's. It's well written, full of detail and should be interesting to any football fan.

Raiders Forever is a must read for any Raiders fan. I'll never forget the glory days of the 60's and 70's - guys like Stabler, Madden, Van Egan, etc. After you read this book, you realize they never will either. The author finds all our old favorites, spread out all over the country now, and they reminisce about what it was like to be a Raider back in the good old days. It's fun to hear them as they look back, tell a story or two, and fill us in on what they're doing now. This is a great book about a great team. Highly recommended!

I am as big of a baseball history buff as they come. This was a great book as it gave you an inside look at the mindset and business dealings of a tyrant owner and his slaveship that was the 1970s' Oakland A's. While Markusen does a good job in explaining details, player reactions, quest to the WS etc; I feel this book comes up short in the aspect of objectivity. Mr. Markusen explains in the beginning of the book that he grew up rooting for the A's. As you read, it feels like his love of the team clouds the objectivity a book like this should be written. It is written in a way that paints the team, owner and operation in a much too positive light. I felt his account was written from a standpoint that some "haphazard" fans have of thier teams, that they block out the negative and accept only the positive. (Ala Monte Moore). Instances such as Vida Blue's holdout, the 1972 ALCS fight between Rollie Fingers and Blue Moon Odom, Ray Fosse's 1970 shoulder injury, Charlie and Shirley Finley's divorce etc. were portrayed in a respect that it feels as if the author doesn't want to accept that these things occured within his beloved team. Loving a particular team is great. Its part of sports. But a true sports fan accepts the bitter with the sweet. (Ask any Yankees fan). However, I dont feel that this is entirely the case in this book. From a historical perspective, its a good book. Beautifully written - to a point. I can sum this book up best as if it were a player, who just hit a deep drive into centerfield. Just when you think it might be an inside-the-park homerun, the batter gets thrown out at home plate by a magificent throw. It comes up short.

The first thing that should be said about this book is the incredible amount of research and detail that was invested in it. This writing has everything that is needed for an excellent baseball book. It is all here--statistics,trades, critical games,clubhouse chemistry, and quotes from the key players that made the the A's a special team.

The strange and odd antics of Charley Finley is displayed brilliantly, as is the love/hate relationship the players had for the quirky owner.

When great teams of the past are brought up by historians, remarkably the A's of 1972-1974 seldom come up. Most baseball fans will talk about the '27 Yankees, the '39 Yankees, the '49-53 Yankees, the '61 Yankees and the '75-76 Reds. Markusen correctly points out how good this team was. Although they did not have an overpowering offense, they had excellent defense and quality starting and relief pitching which excelled in big game clutch performances, all noted in greatly detailed fashion by Markusen.

If you are a person who enjoys reading a true baseball book, than this book is an absolute must. I consider myself a baseball "junkie", who can never get enough statistics and history of our grand game.

I look forward to future publications by Bruce Markusen, who is a baseball writing talent we will here from again. 5 STARS!!!!!

Growing up in New England it's only natural that I was a huge A's fan during the 70's. The green, gold and white of a team from the bay area was all I talked about, so when this book was chosen for review, I naturally grabbed at the chance and I am glad that I did.

The book shows how on the field the power of Reggie, the speed of Campy, men like Hunter, Blue, Odom and Holtzman along with Rudi, Bando and the whole host of others produced the most dominate team of that decade.

Off the field, you'll read about the troubles in the clubhouse with the fights and of course the antics of the owner, Charlie O. The book gives you the first in-depth look at what these men went through to become the powerhouse they were.

Read about a team that won 5 straight division titles, 3 American League pennants and 3 straight World Series. The Oakland A's, the mustache gang, Charlie's Not So Angels, are but a few of the nicknames they earned. A great read and an excellent book!

Incorporating the magical with the real, this novel follows the life of Tilo, a woman with magical powers who decides to become a Mistress of Spices. Divakaruni uses intense imagery and vivid descriptions to narrate the story. Her style verges on prose, utilizing sentence fragments, distinct punctuation, and strange paragraph formats for an interesting and compelling read.

In addition, Divakaruni develops a story that places a mystical character in an ordinary setting: Oakland, California. She combines Tilo's exciting life as an immortal being with the lives of every-day mortals in an effort to contrast the two extremes. With the presence of Tilo, the reader is able to view the commoners in Oakland as special people. Tilo, however, begins to feel jealousy at their lives, rich with human contact and emotion. When a strange American man enters the shop and steals Tilo's heart, she begins to question her decision to be a Mistress- is this the life for her?

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni illuminates the tale of mystical Tilo in her novel, The Mistress of Spices. While telling the story of Tilo's fairy tale transformation from a Mistress of spices confined to her spice shop into a passionate lover exploring Oakland, CA, Divakaruni also operates on a metaphoric level. The situations of the Indian-immigrant customers that Tilo encounters represent larger global issues concerning the immigrant experience. Haroun, a cab driver, typifies the hope and ultimate disillusionment of the immigrant. Lalita, an abused wife, characterizes the archetypal victim of Indian gender roles. Geeta, a second-generation immigrant business woman, battles the traditions of Indian culture, namely the practice of arranged marriage. Jagjit, a troubled Indian-American adolescent, struggles with the challenges of assimilation. And Raven, Tilo's lonely American love interest, symbolizes the culturally-stripped culmination of lost heritage and unfound identity.

Raven acts as the catalyst of Tilo's journey to true self-discovery and reinvention. She is forced to choose between a life of collective social responsibility and personal gratification. Immortally trapped in the body of an old woman, Tilo's life in the spice shop presents her with forbidden temptations. After meeting Raven, she begins defying the restrictions ordained to all mistresses including leaving the shop, making physical contact with others, and looking upon her own reflection. She soon must decide whether to keep her oaths as a mistress and remain with her spices and customers, or to submit to her passionate disposition and abscond with Raven.

Divakaruni does an exquisite job of intertwining Tilo's convictions and verdicts with those of her clients to create a fanciful fairy tale, complete with vitality and magic. Anyone interested in a legend of fantasy with an ethnic twist would find Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's The Mistress of Spices simply delectable.

The Mistress of Spices is written with a masterful mix of flights of fancy combined with everyday grittiness. The author, Chirtra Banerjee Divakaruni mixes her images with the same skill as an Indian housewife her special masala curry mix--unique, complex, and delicious.

The story is a fable-like tale of a Mistress of Spices, a woman trained in the art of using the everyday spices of Indian cooking and Ayurvedic medicine to solve the spiritual crises of daily life; family troubles, heartbreak, loss. But the Mistress herself must conform to a rigid code of behavior that is in constant conflict with the passions that surround her. Tilo, the Mistress who plies her craft in a dusty, typically Indian grocery store in Oakland, CA, is empathetic with the passions she heals with her spices. Maybe too empathic--and the price she might have to pay is very high.

The outcome of the novel is touching and the entire books is a wonderful movement from the mythic to the real. If you liked the novel Like Water for Chocolate, you will love this book.

The Oakland Statement teases the potential reader with a fascinating and current political plot topic, but utterly fails to deliver with content.

Insipid character development, seemingly non-existent editing (or even basic copy editing) and inane dialogue combine to make the book unreadable. Authors Ellis and Frederick present their tale, set between 2000 and 2006, with condescending piety and child-like simplicity. The story bumbles through the telling of a fictional "leaderless movement" to effect revolutionary constitutional change in the United States without overthrowing the power structure. Autonomous domestic terrorist cells form at the directive of the Americans for Revolutionary Democracy to attack power infrastructure to bolster a published demand for constitutional conventions to be called to affect two amendments to the US Constitution. The first is wealth distribution via employee stock ownership schemes, and the second pertains to election reform.

Published prior to September 11th, The Oakland Statement presents ideas that are powerful and germane to ongoing events in the world. However, Ellis and Frederick do not even attempt so much as a plot twist in the book. The story begins flat-with an average citizen's reaction to the emergence of the movement presented in

Ellis and Frederick present a host of characters, both actual players on the political scene and purely fictional. Unfortunately, all of them seem to be from the "weed" smoking, socialist, anti-establishment arch-liberal perspective. This is the case in fictionalized characters in the book, from Lani Guinier to Al Gore, as well as the invented ones. Everyone agrees and is presented as mutually intuitive all the time, making the already straight forward, no-surprises rendition of the story even more mundane.

All of the characters in the book share unlikely, "gimme a break" dialogue. This is most evident with the fictionalized players, most notably conversations between Pat Buchannan and Jesse Jackson that make the reader cringe with disbelief. Disgustingly little research is evident in the development and presentation of the myriad people introduced. It appears that the authors mirrored everyone in the book after one person and just gave them different names and cursory, uninspired profiles.

Furthermore, the book is entirely under edited and unbalanced. The authors run on for pages after points are established without adding anything pertinent to the plot. Information that is clearly stated once is oft repeated in what can only be an editorial oversight. There are paragraph breaks in mid-sentence, as well as other glaring gaffs in the book, such as potato spelled "potatoe." Punctuation is frequently misused also, in a seeming blatant affront to Strunk & White.

The Oakland Statement is an excellent example of extremely poor writing. Period. It offers predictability, unconvincing dialogue and uncreative presentation as opposed to the "action-packed American political adventure novel" promised on the back cover. One can't skim through the pages quickly enough to inevitably reach the ending that is embarrassingly evident by the second page.
*****

oh yes..the oakland statement is a great political adventure novel....does the good old u.s.a. need fixed?....you bet!.....can it be fixed?...of course!...and who can do it?...you!...and the guy next door....really....pick up the oakland statement, and see how...............you won't put it down until the country is transformed into the greatest place on earth....once again.

As a professor of history at a small liberal arts college I read many different texts and novels in the genre of politics. This book not only offers an innovative philosophy of restructuring our political system but does so with a wonderfully creative and exciting storytelling that reminds one of Grisham, Chrighton or Elmore Leonard. The book is well paced with complex characters bringing a real life to both the action and the espoused political philosophy. As I stated, the pacing of this book is just right-slowly but surely the book escalates right along pace with things getting more and more tense until the climactic ending. This is definitely, as they say in the book reviews, a page turner. I really enjoyed the knowledge of politics displayed by the author. I will absolutely look up the author to see if he has written other works as I completely enjoyed this book and it's fluid writing style.