Proverbs for the People

by Tracy Price-Thompson, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Edwardo Jackson, et al.

Book Overview

In this powerful collection of stories based on African, African-American and Biblical proverbs, some of today's most exciting new black writers tackle the unifying themes, delicious wit and undeniable wisdom of the proverbs, making them sing for a whole new generation. Features such best-selling authors as Omar Tyree, Pearl Cleage, Margaret Johnson-Hodge and Travis Hunter, among others.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758202865
• ISBN13: 9780758202864
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Dafina Books
• Length: 494 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Truths to Live By

We have all heard proverbs at some point in our lives; little truths that teach morals, tell stories, or teach us how to live. In PROVERBS FOR THE PEOPLE, authors take insightful African, African American, and Biblical proverbs and utilize them to create extraordinary short stories that depict truths and leave marks on the heart.This unique anthology contains stories from well known authors such as Travis Hunter, Omar Tyree, Margaret Johnson-Hodge, Pearl Cleage, and others, as well as stories from up and coming authors. Like the proverbs they represent, the stories are diverse and full of emotions. Although all of the stories were wonderful and touching, some of personal favorites were Gwynne Forster's "First Thing Monday Morning," which taught the morals that actions speak louder than words and to be careful what you wish for, because you just may get it, and Robert Fleming's "A Crisis of Faith," about a man who is wrongly incarcerated.PROVERBS FOR THE PEOPLE is a wonderful novel that will teach, inspire, and entertain. It has a story that everyone can relate to, and will make a wonderful addition to any book collection.Reviewed by Latoya Carter-QawiyyThe RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Superb!

I really enjoyed this book. All of the stories are wonderful and the connection to the proverb that they all wrote about was simply masterful! I particularly enjoyed the story Franklin White gave us. His proverb dealt with "no matter how long a log stays in the water, a log it will remain." His story about a black actress in Hollywood who did everything under the sun to become more mainstream was brillant. I will not spoil it for others but the story really made me think about all the black actresses who have to jump through hoops to finally get a part in a mainstream movie. After they read this story-maybe they won't be so hard pressed to get in the mainstream!

Great Work

I think this book was long overdue. This is what the AA community needs. Travis Hunter, who is head and shoulders above any other writer in the business right now, brings us a story so filled with love I cried. Omar Tyree's story needed some work but he tried. I loved Pearl Cleage's story as well and Margerette J. Hodge touched my spirit. She's a great writer too. I liked Tonya Marie Evans story. This should've been made like the coffee table books so everyone could read it like a conversation piece.

Exceptional stories

Wow! The contributions to this anthology are breathtaking and thought-provoking. Travis Hunter makes a solid impression with his contribution -- a touching and honest family-type story that keeps it real, and provides a future and a hope. Tanya Marie Lewis paints a vivid description of prison and a certain shocking way that a man seeking forgiveness breaks out, and Margaret Johnson-Hodge plants hope inside those who might be ready to give up. This anthology is filled with strong and important writings; it's a must-have and should be added to your book collection pronto!