Kam Williams

Book review: Sister Citizen

Friday, 23 September 2011 09:15 Book Review by Kam Williams

“This book is concerned with understanding the emotional realities of Black women’s lives in order to answer a political, not a personal, question: What does it mean to be a Black woman and an American citizen?
…The particular histories of slavery, Jim Crow, urban segregation, racism, and patriarchy that are woven into the fabric of American politics have created a specific citizenship imperative for African-American women—a role and image to which they are expected to conform.
We can call this image the strong Black woman… The strong Black woman myth is a misrecognition of African-American women. But it creates specific expectations for their behavior.” -- Excerpted from the Introduction (pgs. 20-21)

Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness?

Sunday, 18 September 2011 12:32 Book Review by Kam Williams

“We’re in a post-Black era when our identity options are limitless. And there’s no going back... Post-Black means we are like Obama: rooted in but not restricted by Blackness... Our community is too diverse, complex, imaginative, dynamic, fluid, creative, and beautiful to impose restraints on Blackness...In this book, I seek to legitimize and validate… that the definitions and boundaries of Blackness are expanding… into infinity.” -Excerpted from Chapter 1 (pg 12)

I Hate Muscular Dystrophy: Loving a Child with a Life-Altering Disease

Friday, 02 September 2011 10:49 Book Review by Kam Williams

“This is a personal story of a family’s ability to love and support each other through the unexpected challenges of a life-transforming condition. It speaks of the strength and resolve of a mother who believes that life is to be lived and celebrated, despite any real or perceived limitations…

It gives us poignant glimpses into the initial disillusionment of a parent’s dream for her child, while at the same time, openly embracing all of the gifs that this experience has to offer… I Hate Muscular Dystrophy shows us that life can be beautiful even during periods of despair and pain. It helps us know that miracle and wonder of life is found… in simple moments of mystery and grace.”
-- Excerpted from the Foreword by Dr. Julie vanPutten (pg. vii)

Celebritize Yourself:

Wednesday, 31 August 2011 13:15 Book Review by Kam Williams

“To become a celebrity is no easy feat, but in today’s world, it is easier than ever… Anyone – in any business – can become a celebrity following my proven 3-Step Method… To celebritize oneself is not merely to gain fame or fortune. It’s to share one’s life experiences with others who may be in search of, and in need of, your wisdom. That’s the guiding philosophy for becoming a celebrity.”
- Excerpted from the Preface (pg. 1)

Andy Warhol once predicted that in the future everyone would be famous for 15 minutes. Today, Marsha Friedman is doing the pop icon one better by suggesting that not only can anyone become a celebrity but that “done smartly, fame can last a lifetime.”

Faith in the Fire: Wisdom for Life by Dr. Gardner C. Taylor

Friday, 19 August 2011 12:05 Book Review by Kam Williams

“Amazingly, many people of faith and members of the reading public have not heard of Gardner Taylor or his accomplishments. Publication of Faith in the Fire attempts to rectify this by providing an accessible introduction to Dr. Taylor’s enduring wisdom...

In 1948, Taylor became pastor of the Concord Baptist Church of Brooklyn, the church where he earned his reputation as a champion fighter for social justice and community uplift, and received acclaim as one of the great preachers in American history… Faith in the Fire: Wisdom for Life adds a unique contribution to Dr. Taylor’s legacy by attempting to gather his philosophical gems and present them in a fashion that readers can easily access.” -Excerpted from the Introduction (pgs xii-xxi)

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