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Theo Semper’s ‘Church Affairs’ is witty, full of verve, compelling, racy, humorous and explores the temptation of sex and the drive for success.  The subject matter of the novel bridges the religious divide of the various denominations with dramatic and situational irony.

The novel brings together three self critical women who symbolize power and passion but their “bad influences and poor decisions” seal their attraction to each other which sets a concerned but yet a hopeful tone.

Jynene is involved with the pastor and is tormented by a mysterious past but she wants the ultimate prize of survival and freedom as she occasionally looks for “the boogieman.” The pastor has his doubts about his calling and his privileged upbringing and lifestyle offers no shelter from the reality of life. Shivone’s troubled past that appeared seamed with time invaded her life once again. However, she has never lost the insatiable appetite for drama. I must add that her ‘drama’ often left me speechless. Stephanie is always so cheerful and forgiving and exemplifies true friendship.

The characters are vivid and excruciatingly believable, however what may amaze the reader are the church member’s mindsets. Their perspectives may compel a person to think about one’s own narcissism.

The author’s identity seemed to be prevalent in his work as he makes reference to his homeland Montserrat, his profession and country of domicile, USA. He gives a fascinating insight into black culture, people and practices as he references the “the Obama Effect.”

It is well written with themes of pain, passion, love and loss in equal amounts. The novel’s setting should appeal to the reader’s different senses in the form of music, literature and food as stirs the reader’s imagination.

The author Theo Semper’s first novel is undeniably appealing as it leaves you begging the question is it a stand-a-lone novel or sequel. Church Affairs is one of the most imaginative novelists writing in our day.

A very good read.

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‘I Love You More Than Rainbows’ is a book that has rhythm and rhyme which children love, as the rhythmic element stimulates children.  The beautifully illustrated book reinforces the child’s experience as they interact with the characters. The book allows the parents to express to the child how much they are loved – more than all fun things that they may enjoy.

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Susan E. Crites’ I Love You More Than Rainbows has many strong verbs in the active voice like “romp, running, ridding, swing” that reflects the child’s experience. The book is not brief like most picture books but the rhyme and the illustrations makes it such a fun read. It is a competent children story that captures the reality of parent and child so powerfully. I Love You More Than rainbows by Susan E. Crites is a must have for you child’s library. As an adult I love the ‘endearing words’ equally as it brings out the child in me. You will have many wonderful special moments enjoying this book. Excellent Read!

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A self-confident Maya Angelou reflects on her past almost in a celebratory style. She is no doubt a prolific writer who clearly is not intimidated by life. Maya Angelo relates her precocious youthful years with such juicy honesty. She says “I thought maybe if I had sex my recalcitrant body would grow up and behave as it was supposed to behave.” The drawback to this is that most mothers would at this juncture offer trenchant criticism about the way she so colorfully expresses herself.

However it should be noted that in the chapter on National Spirit she says “If we tolerate vulgarity, our future will sway and fall under burden of ignorance. It need not be so.” which suggest to me that she is against loose and vulgar behavior

Letter to My Daughter was clearly written to a specific readership; women of affluence and influence. Her experiences range from youthful encounters, relationship abuse, violence, racism, being an unwed mother but one who manages to come full circle because of her will to overcome. She says “I decided the time had come when I would cut down on dangerous habits like smoking, drinking and cursing.” Maya Angelou shares her experiences of living in different cultures with a well ornamented clarity as undertones of humor and embarrassment shined through.

The book is in essay form but her handpicked stories cannot escape her poetic style. There is a chapter sub titled poetry which highlights the poems of Langston Hughes, Aime Cesaire, Mari Evans, Sterlin Brown’s. She mentions the poems of Claude McKay and Countee Cullen.
In the place that she chooses to settle she requires “History, Universities, mixture of races, great book stores and fine places for dinning.” She offers her audience unending satisfaction as she expresses her reasons why she chooses  North Carolina as the place she settles and calls home.

The book deals with the aftermath of death and friends; for example people like Coretta Scott King, James Baldwin Alex Haley, Betty Shabaz and others. She expresses her duty as an American and listens keenly to the shakers of the past (Fannie Lou Hamer, Frederick Douglas.) She also speaks about key figures such as Shakespeare.

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Letter to My Daughter is a highly regarded and sought after book. It is profoundly intellectual and insightful as time has taught her what is worth preserving or abandoning. She is a student of life with a determination which suggests endurance. It is an exuberant and biting read for any who dare venture between its covers.

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The White Egret is a hallmark of the dominating presence of Derek Walcott as he bares his soul. His manipulation of imagery, structure and words is powerful and remarkable; for example: “…hunched like a crumpled flower the one whom I thought as the fire of my young life would do her duty to be golden…”

He retains his identity as a West Indian and true patriot to his homeland of St Lucia. He is well traveled and takes you with him (Italy, Amsterdam, New York, and London, Spain etc.)and whom he has been with as delights himself in the Arts as he made reference to Van Gogh, Rembrandt or Bacon.

He enjoyed his independence though and at times he appeared to be a loner. His poems are of a conscious intention, he is confident and he expressed what is right according to him.

Certainly his age has given impetus to the content he creates thus his brutal honesty “with white thoughts, and you my puta, would be dead.” For those who do not know a puta is another word for a prostitute.

The poems are irregular length and rhyming sometimes comes in irregular places. As a black author the book would not be complete without reference being made to Barack Obama. He did so by cleverly using the sub title – Forty Acres a reference to the term forty acres and a mule, when every slave was promised forty acres and a mule upon being freed. The only drawback is that if you are unaware of the history of slavery this reference would elude you.

He is indeed a prolific writer, well deserved Nobel Laureate and a true Caribbean Icon. This book is savored and for me has transcended generations.

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