Natalie Rossi is the epitome of an uptown rich Detroit girl; she’s the only child of Herman Rossi, the most ruthless prosecutor in the city and has a trust fund larger than King Midas’ coffers.
Having law books given to her from she could fully speak the English language, she wants to be a defence attorney and follow her father’s footsteps into the courtroom.
She has everything, but one thing she doesn’t need is her father incessantly shoving the sons of his colleagues her way. They’re all the same; white, rich, snobby and conceited. She wants someone real, someone who’s down to earth, and if he could shake her father up too, that would be a plus.
Enter Derek Coleman, a black twenty-two year old second year basketball scholarship student at her same school, Wayne State University in Downtown Michigan. He’s studying Physical Therapy but really wants to get into the Michigan’s Wolverines Basketball Team. One thing separates him from the typical black guy, he has a liking for white girls and he is scorned for it.
Through a simple accident Derek and Natalie meet and continue to do so and despite the multiple warnings on both sides, they fall for each other.
Herman Rossi, Natalie’s father, has a very strong prejudice of the lower classes and when he finds out that his daughter is in love with a black man from the ‘other side of the tracks’, he instantly bans them from seeing each other.
Natalie rebels, doing everything she can to be with him but Derek is torn; he loves his girlfriend but he’s fearful of her father and at the same time wants to prove to him that his suspicions about him are very wrong. In the middle of all this Derek’s younger brother gets injured and with no help from the local police, he starts a one-man campaign to find who had shot his sibling.
Natalie offers to help him by secretly pulling stings with her father’s contacts in higher police departments, not knowing that she is putting herself in the bullseye of vicious criminals. She gets threatened but bravely, she stands against them, casting Derek in a very hard place.
Now Derek had to protect his girlfriend, find who shot his brother, ace his exams and get the respect of Herman Rossi; a trial fit for Hercules himself.
Fifteen-year-old Kendra James’ life begins to spiral out of control with the return of her long-lost runaway sister Meisha, and the visit of a young celebrity uncle with questionable intentions. Things take a particular turn for the worse when that uncle exploits Kendra’s loneliness and untreated depression and makes a move on her that sends her world into a tailspin from which she’s not sure she’ll ever recover. Will she survive this tragedy ... or will she hit rock-bottom before anyone even notices?
Book Video
Excerpt
I remember the exact day I fell in love with Double Dutch. I was about seven years old, and me, Nita, and some of the girls we used to hang out with had just come back from this multicultural summer festival being held at the city park on the other side of town. It was kind of lame, but we went because everyone else did, and it was something to do for the first three days of summer.
This particular day, there was a Double Dutch competition. Teams of girls battled all afternoon and into the early evening, until it was finally down to just the two best groups. After the hottest tricks, turns, and jumps I’d ever seen in my life, one team was declared the winner, and each girl was given a small trophy to take home.
Me, Nita, and some of our other friends from the neighborhood decided that we wanted to jump like the teams we’d watched compete that day. We started that same night and kept it up for pretty much the whole summer, trying our best to copy what we’d seen those girls do at the festival. We weren’t very good at first, but after a few weeks of practicing, we kind of got the hang of it.
By the end of the summer, I had gotten really good at it, and within a few months I was competing with some of the other girls in my neighborhood for the title of Double-Dutch Block Champion. It wasn’t easy, because most of the girls were older and had been jumping longer. Even still, I somehow managed to win. There was no trophy because it was just a block competition, but the owner of the bodega down the street from the playground where we jumped donated a brand new set of double-dutch ropes to us, and I did get to keep those. I opened them up right away for my victory jump, which I had to do while singing the official Double-Dutch Block Champion Victory Song one of the older girls had made up.
I don’t remember many of the words anymore, but the chorus was easy:
K my name is Kendra
Kendra
Kendra
K my name is Kendra
starts with a K
I jumped and I sang and I jumped and I sang, and it was the happiest day of my life ever.
I want to go back to that day.
I want to go back to when my life was about jumping double-dutch in the middle of the parking lot, buying bomb pops from the ice cream truck with the wack music, plotting against the older kids because they ran us younger kids out of the big playground at the end of our street, and racing to be home by the time Mama stopped calling our names from the porch or else.
I want to go back.
I’m afraid to close my eyes when I go to bed now.
[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]
Praise for the Book
"This is a great title for discussion groups in a variety of settings, and Jackson provides thought-provoking questions that are appropriate for teens and will help them express their own thoughts and concerns not only about Kendra's story, but perhaps their own. Adults working in settings with teens in abusive situations will find a window to teen perspective in this engaging story as well." ~ Cecily Wolfe
"Loved it! Read it completely through in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down." ~ Anonymous
"I honestly couldn't put this book down. The author brings out Kendra in such a realistic and down to earth manner. I didn't think I could finish it cover to cover in just two days but I really couldn't stop reading. Highly highly recommend it!!" ~ Amazon Customer
"This emotionally powerful novel gets right to the essence of what a young adult novel should be, empathetically exploring the experience of a teenage girl. [...] An excellent read for any girl who feels misunderstood, or for readers that remember what it felt like to be confused and hurt, but hopeful as they moved toward adulthood." ~ Publishers Weekly
"I LOVED K My Name is Kendra! I read the first half of the book on my way out of town on a weekend trip, and couldn't wait for my return trip home to find out what happened in the second half. Have Mercy ! The author's writing style is phenomenal. Definitely recommend this book." ~ Green Pepper
This book gives us a look inside the mind of fifteen-year-old Kendra, an aspiring author whose poem brings her mental state into question. Then, the sudden reappearance of her sister Meisha, after a ten-year absence, brings a long-standing family mystery to the fore. Meanwhile, Kendra must learn to cope with her mother's rigid rules, a mix-up with her friend Nita, the persistent attention of cute Deondre, a close call with one of her brother's associates, unwanted advances from her uncle, and the family conflict resulting from Meisha's return. The one thing keeping her grounded is her writing sessions with her English teacher. But things will have to get worse before they can get any better.
Kendra has an authentic teenage voice and displays just the right amount of naivety for her age. You often feel like grabbing her by the shoulders, shaking her, and saying, "What were you thinking!" And then giving her a hug and asking her why she didn't talk to anyone about it. I just wish we got the chance to read the poem that started it all. Even though she hints at having suicidal thoughts, Kendra doesn't seem to have any problems until after the initial scene.
An emotional look at family secrets and the damage they can cause.
Includes reading group discussion questions at the end.
Warnings: sexual references, sexual assault (not explicit).
Some of My Favorite Lines
"'It’s not like I’m not looking for God,' I shrug. 'I just don’t think he’s anywhere in those buildings. I’ll find him one day. On my own.'"
"Every now and then that girl leaves me speechless."
"... maybe it’s because the fact that I can’t tell anyone means something about it is just not right."
"I’m crying now, because I know what’s going to happen next. And even though I kick and scream and fight when he grabs me and pushes me down onto his bed, I also know there’s no way I’m getting out of here without it happening."
"I jumped and I sang and I jumped and I sang, and it was the happiest day of my life ever. I want to go back to that day."
"Mama can read me like a book, and she senses right off when something isn’t right."
"Good people make bad mistakes sometimes and you have to find it in your heart to forgive them when they do."
"I’m so tired of keeping this secret of mine that I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop the words from spilling out."
"... unless someone’s a writer I don’t think they’ll get it, but I love the way it sounds when I flip through the pages of my notepad. I always write longhand, in pen, and because I press down so hard on the paper, it makes this crinkly sound as I turn each page. I can’t help but smile. I feel so good right now."
"When I’m scribbling, I feel weightless and free."
"It’s amazing how one innocent change in plans can trigger a whole series of disastrous events that tear a family apart."
"Weird how you can suddenly remember things you’ve completely forgotten from years ago."
"If going to therapy and talking about my issues could help me get things straight in my head and help me be that strong woman, then I didn’t see anything crazy about that."
"When I finally do write my first novel, I’m going to be real about the ending. No matter what happens in the beginning of the book, or even the middle, I’m just going to be real. I’m not going to resolve all my characters’ problems by the final page. I’m not going to wrap everything up all nice and neat like some lame feelgood movie, because most of the time real life just doesn’t happen that way."
"... she doesn’t have a lot of time to think about the bad moments our family still goes through. Which is good. That’s the way life should be when you’re thirteen, that’s my personal opinion."
"I’m still going to be that phenomenal woman I read about in Maya Angelou’s poetry."
About the Author
In addition to K My Name is Kendra, Kamichi Jackson is the author of an ebook entitled Where Present Meets Past(originally available as part of the now-defunct Amazon Shorts Program), the middle reader book You’re Too Much, Reggie Brown, a forthcoming adult novel entitled The Brownstone, two unproduced screenplays, and several short stories. Kamichi has made numerous appearances in support of her work, among them the Baltimore Book Festival. When not writing, Kamichi is likely off somewhere singing karaoke. The South Norwalk, Connecticut native currently resides in Northern Virginia with family.
What happens when a celibate Christian man befriends a woman involved with a married man? Sean knows he should run in the other direction, but Kyla tempts him to abandon his Christian beliefs for a taste of the forbidden. But if he continues the relationship, can he convince that being with a married man isn't the fantasy life the generations of women in her family made it appear to be?
Sean Prescott and Kyla James are business associates playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse hoping the other will give in. But in this high stakes relationship game, is there really a winner or will both be losers?
Excerpt
“What do I do about Sean?”
“What about him?” Mike asked.
“I think I’ve fallen in love with him.”
“Okay, I know this is a female thing.” He started to leave.
“Honey, sit down.” DeeDee patted his leg.
“You know I’m no good with the dating stuff,” he pleaded with DeeDee.
“I know, but you’re his friend.”
He took a deep breath. “He’s a great guy, but you already know that. And you probably know how much Francesca hurt him. Has he given you any reason to think he may feel the same?”
“Kyla, forgive my husband. Honey, you’re right, I’ll handle this. Go check on Michelle.”
“Thank you.” He stood up, “Kyla, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thank you Mike or is it Pastor?”
“It’s still Mike. We’re friends, remember.” He smiled and walked down the hall.
“Okay, tell me everything,” DeeDee urged.
“I can’t get him out of my head. He told me he was going on a blind date and I got upset. And after I told him I broke up with my boyfriend and how hurt I was, he came over with ice cream. Well, gelato. It’s one of the things we like to do, eat gelato. We meet twice a week for coffee and lunch, and occasionally we go to dinner or brunch. And when I’m not feeling well, he comes over with groceries and rubs my feet and takes care of me and Winnie. Then he drove me to my parents and stayed with us the weekend. He said I needed to be around my family. He and my mother have become friends.” She chuckled. “I think they’ve been conspiring to get me to change.”
“I think it’s pretty safe to say, he feels the same way.”
Praise for the Book
"This is the first book I read, where the good guy was being chased by the hot girl. I don't want to give the story away, but I like how Kyla and Sean's relationship developed. The story answers the question about men and women being friends. Second to Kyla and Sean, my other favorite characters are Simon and Winnie. It was very ingenious how Sean taught Kyla how to love through Winnie and Simon's relationship. I would really like to know what happened to Eric and Olivia. I hope she tells their story as well as Chris and Trina. However, after reading the book I get the feeling there's something going on with Kyla's sister. Looking forward to her next book." ~ loretta reed
"I loved this story and recommend this book to both men and women. The characters are very well written. I look forward to reading Tracy's next book." ~ johnnie
About the Author
Tracy Reed is a single Christian Woman who loves God, Fashion and Cute Guys. She lives in California, but considers herself a partial New Yorker because of the two and half years she lived there. Generational Curse is her debut novel.
Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card.
Fatima, her best friend Lauryn and her cousin Sheba are natural hair stylist at All Natural Hair Salon in Washington, DC.
Fatima wants to build a brand and invest into other business ventures for their salon. She desires to empower African American women by motivational speaking about the natural hair movement. She wants to travel nationally to spread her message.
Lauryn and Sheba have rejected Fatima’s business proposal. They are going through different life events and are struggling to maintain their friendships while doing business together.
Fatima’s boyfriend has not proposed after dating her for over five years. Fatima has to stand on her faith and follow her instincts as she moves into her destiny.
Marvelous Are Thy Works is an inspirational story about natural hair empowerment, self love and relationships.
Book Video
Excerpt
Chapter 1
All Natural Hair Salon’s busiest time was the first weekend of the month. Fatima made it to the salon at ten o’clock that morning. After parking her car in front of the salon, she noticed Lauryn and Sheba were already inside. The front window shades were pulled back and the lights were on.
“Good morning, ladies,” Fatima said as she walked through the door.
“Good morning, Fatima,” Lauryn answered, while sashaying to her workstation in her high heels and locs pulled back into a lobster tail style. Always the diva, Lauryn appeared to be in a good mood and eager to work.
“Hey, girl, you finally made it in,” Sheba said as she sorted through her laundry bag of towels. Her hair was loose in a kinky and curly twist-out hairstyle. She was dressed comfortably in white skinny jeans.
“Are there any messages for me?” Fatima asked.
“A young lady called to make an appointment. She requested a low maintenance hairstyle.”
“What time did she call?” Fatima inquired.
“She called a few minutes before you walked in,” Lauryn replied. “She said her name was Danielle Evans.”
“Did she leave her phone number?”
“I put it on your desk,” she said.
Fatima continued to her station so she could check her itinerary for the day. It was unusually free. “I’ll just work a half day and meet up with my honey later,” she told her co-workers.
Fatima then sat in her chair and started daydreaming about the day she would become Mrs. Ephraim Okoye. She could not wait to see him.
“Ladies, what are your plans today?” Fatima questioned.
“I have a couple of appointments for locs retightening, and I got a new client scheduled this morning. He’s a chef and new in town.” Lauryn smirked while doing a shimmy with her shoulders to show her excitement.
“A new male client? Girl, you be pullin’ the men,” teased Sheba.
“I need to pull a husband.”
“Baby, I met my husband when I wasn’t even lookin’. I was minding my own business down at the Farmer’s Market and––”
Lauryn rolled her eyes. “Sheba, you’ve told that story so many times,” she said, cutting Sheba off and looking down at her iPad to show her disinterest in hearing it again.
Sheba walked over to Lauryn and tapped her on the knee with her forefinger. “When you least expect it, that’s when you’re gonna meet him. It happened to me, girl!”
“I wish God would hurry up and send him!” Lauryn snipped. “Most married people forget what it’s like to be single, so it’s easy for them to tell someone else to be patient.”
“That’s not true,” Sheba replied.
Fatima butted in. “Some women who are married have never had to experience being single for long.”
“Don’t you just hate that, girl?” Lauryn said. “Then they try to tell you to wait and have faith. Chile, please!”
Marvelous Are Thy Works is an inspirational story told by a strong woman. The story encourages all black women to embrace their true hair. The character of this story is easy for readers to connect with. Especially when as her life is going in the right direction, her friends are less and less. We all know that feeling. What was interesting was that I found the character to be just as strong and inspirational as Meiah Shaun, who wrote the beautiful and stunning novel. The main character also goes through other issues throughout the story. Her boyfriend is busy building his career higher up in ranks and her two business partners have an issue going on between them. I enjoyed reading this novel. It is not just a book that is inspirational to black women but to white women as well. White women should embrace their natural hair color too. A very emotional and delightful read is Marvelous Are Thy Works. I would highly recommend this novel to all women out there.
I love encouraging African American women to embrace and wear their natural hair. I am passionate about the natural hair movement. I have worn my natural hair since 2007. I‘ve worn an afro, braided hair styles, twist and traditional locs. My twin sister and I have sisterlocks. My natural hair journey is the inspiration behind my book Marvelous Are Thy Works.
Please share three interesting facts about your book which are not covered in the synopsis.
1) Fatima’s long time boyfriend, Ephraim is African.
2) Lauryn is on a mission to get married before she turns 30 years old.
3) Sheba and her husband is a biracial couple.
Who is the most complex character from your current novel?
Fatima’s long time boyfriend Ephraim is the most complex character. He is a man’s man and he needs to feel needed in a relationship.
Are there any characters in your book that remind you of yourself?
Yes, there are similarities with Fatima and me. Fatima is a vegetarian. She had a real estate career before opening her salon. Fatima’s long-time boyfriend is African.
I was a vegetarian for 3 years. I’ve dated an African man. I am a licensed realtor.
If you could pick any well known or famous author to review your book who would you pick and why?
I would choose Tyler Perry. I love his stage plays. I love that he has inspirational messages in his writing and that he always publicly shares his faith in God.
How many books have you written? Which book is your favourite and why?
One of my favourite books is Kinky Gazpacho by Lori Tharps. I read it while I was transitioning into wearing my natural hair. The story fascinated me as Lori penned in her memoir about how she was perceived by her brown skin and her kinky hair texture when she went to Spain.
Is there anything that helps get you in the mood to write?
I prefer to write at home. I listen to jazz music and write. Sometimes I like quietness.
Tell us some of your personal favs.
Drink – Fruit smoothie
Food – Seafood
Vacation – I need to take one desperately
TV show – Top Chef
Movie – The Pursuit of Happyness
Animal – I want a Maltese
Sport – Basketball
Book - Bible
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by today, Meiah. Have fun on the rest of your tour.
About the Author
Meiah Shaun is an inspirational author and freelance writer. She is a graduate of LeTourneau University. She is a native of Orange, Texas, and currently resides in Plano, Texas.
Meiah Shaun is the author of Marvelous Are Thy Works, a novella. Meiah Shaun has a special interest in empowering African American women to self love and to embrace their natural hair. She and her twin sister rock Sisterlocks. Her fraternal twin sister is thirteen minutes older than her.
Meiah Shaun is featured on ezinearticles.com as a platinum level author penning articles on numerous topics such as inspirational, spirituality, goal setting to shopping and product reviews.
Meiah Shaun enjoys writing, reading, cooking, jazz music, and making scrapbooks.
