Customer Reviews

Chicken Soup for the African American Soul: Celebrating and Sharing Our Culture, One Story at a Time (Chicken Soup for the Soul)

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I have read many in the chicken Soup for the Soul series and like me many of you might only buy the ones that seem to call to you like if your a mother you get the mother one and if your a sister you get that one etc... But I tell you this sometimes you learn your best lessons or gain more from books that are not in your normal realm of reading or that has a cultural background that is not the same as yours. I mention this because I am Caucasian/American Indian and I learned more and received more from this book in the series than any other one I have read. The stories made me laugh, cry and rejoice! Here are some of my favorites in the order in which I was moved by their stories... Confessions of an Ex-Con By Dennis Mitchell, Something Unbelievable (Mary Spio) , Ripples in the pond (Tyrone Dawkins) The Opening of a New World (Malcom X) Black Children DO read (Wade Hudson) Remembering Eric (Tracy-Clausell- Alexander) In Sickness and in Health ( Dorothy C. Randle) It Runs in the Family (Jarralynne Agee), Life After Death ( Ivonne Pointer).

As an avid reader and member of Oprah's book club I read a lot of books. "Confessions of an Ex-Con" by Dennis Mitchell was one of the most powerful stories I have ever read. WOW, talking about someone who has overcome obstacles and uses those experiences in his seminars to help others transform their lives! This book is a MUST read. My life has been forever changed for the better. Dennis Keep using the talents God has given you to make a difference.

I had shunned the chicken soup series a few years ago. As inspirational as they were they were not representative of the diversity in the western world and too eurocentric. When I heard about this book I thought I'd give it a try and it's nice to read something different yet very inspirational at the same time. It helped me understand a culture different from mine yet similar at the same time. I hope a chicken soup for the south asian's soul will be next, profiling stories of those who trace their origins to the indian subcontinent and relating to their religions, cultural values and so forth in the north american context.

The light shines in this compilation of uplifting stories of the strength, power and resilience of African Americans. From its opening story until the final chapter, the reader is standing in triumph of how wonderful we are as African Americans. CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN SOUL engages the readers with stories that inspire, empower and strengthen African-Americans.

The stories are placed into categories that best suit the feelings that are trying to be invoked. The chapters include: From Strong Roots, Celebrating Family, Triumph and Resilience, Accepting Me Loving You, Praise, Worship and Prayer, Lessons Learned and Making A Difference. There are stories written by unknown authors and authors such as Maya Angelou, Leslie Banks, Tracy Price-Thompson, Dr. Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. All the stories were wonderfully written and felt so timely in that they convey feelings of strength that one would garner from stories that relish in our beauty and strength as African Americans. Although I enjoyed all the stories presented, there were a few that really embraced me with their warmth they include: Fried Chicken and Collard Greens, More Alike Than Different, Cold Hands, Warm Heart, A Magical Moment With Ali and Life After Death.

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN SOUL builds upon the foundation of strong, resilient and purposeful people. It illustrates that our strong groundwork has helped to make us the people that we are today. Through slavery, discrimination, poverty and statistics that have killed many of our dreams, we still persevere and this book reinforces the realness of the culture. Readers will be proud of this collection and no matter what race, everyone will gain a little light of understanding from a group of strong people whose souls have been enriched from the past, present and future.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

At a time when books, music, movies and television produce many negative images of African Americans, this book is a gentle flow of warm air on the cold hard thoughts about African American people. This book is written for all people. You come away from the stories with a new appreciation of a people who are almost never portrayed in a positive light. Lisa Nichols has gathered stories that will warm your heart and inspire you to evaluate your position on certain issues. This is not the typical collection of stories which blame men or other races. These stories celebrate the African American culture with examples of love, kindness with a few miracles to dropped in. My favorite story is by Mike Jones, he gives a pure loving tribute to the multicultural aspect of this country.

I am still reading the my book, but so far have enjoyed it immensely. The book is the best I've read from the Chicken soup for the Soul writers. I've enjoyed all the materials they written. I've shared them with lots of my friends. But this one is Special. I've told my friends that they need to purchase this book. Most excellent educational reading stories.

I've just purchased Chicken Soup for the Soul Bible. It is excellent.

I had to buy this book when my friend Nikki Shearer-Tilford told me that the story she wrote, I am My Sister's Keeper, had been published in this book. I read her story first, which I knew would be insightful and really touch my heart so deeply that I wanted to read more of her stories. I started reading the other stories and I felt good that we as African Americans can share our experiences so that the other cultures will have a better understanding of who we are as a people. We as a people have suppressed our emotions and feelings for so many centuries for fear of retribution by the dominant culture that the stories gave me a sense of joy and love to be able to finally write about our experiences on how we continue to overcome every day. Now we must share these stories with our children to strengthen them and show them the path that God has ordained for all of his children who step out on faith no matter where the road leads. I'm purchasing another book for a young lady I know who is feeling the pain and of others who are suffering and she doesn't know how to help them. I think the stories will encourage her and renew her faith in God.

This collection of stories embraces African-American culture by nurturing the soul and encouraging one to excel in all things. The stories deal with our history, family, the power of praise and worship, lessons learned over time, triumph over controversies, accepting who you are and making a difference in the world. The stories will leave you feeling loved and filled with confidence about being African-American.

Everyone needs to read a warm, loving and inspiring story every now and then. All of the stories are uplifting, but there were a few that especially tugged at my heartstrings. "I Owe You an Apology" pays tribute to our African-American men by honoring their greatness instead of constantly complaining about their shortcomings. "Where's Your Notebook?" describes one father's weekly lessons to his sons, each family should be so involved. "The Lady at the Bus Stop" acknowledges the privilege of education while recognizing that someone else paved the way before her.

I plan on purchasing this book for all of my friends and family, as it is one to be shared. This is one to keep in your personal library, next to the bed or on your bookshelf at work and to hand down for generations. No matter what your problem, Chicken Soup for the African-American Soul can see you through.

Reviewed by Monique Bruner for Loose Leaves Book Review

Wow! How touching and inspiring! I laughed and cried all of the way through. This is a book I would give as gifts and share with family for years to come. How wonderful to share the triumphs and heartaches we face as not just African Americans, but as people. These touching stories are enough to encourage even the lowest of spirits!

I was literally brought to tears when I read the short story "Confessions of an Ex-Con". This was a very moving story. The title caught my eye. I was not expecting for this to effect me the way that it did. I was so moved that I let a friend of mine see this story. I made my 10 year old son and my 13 year old nephew read the article. They are trying to follow the crowd and this story was right on time. I am constantly showing this particular article to someone. Thank you so much for this story written by Dennis Mitchell. This story is so great because you know that it is true. You can feel the emotions as they come forth. It is good to know that other people experience the same things that you are sometimes exposed to, yet they can make a change in their life without fear of man but knowing that they must do this for themselves. I see that there is a turning point in everyones life, sometimes you just have to find it or it has to be reached in different ways. May God continue to bless you. You are truly an inspiration in my life and you are touching others life by sharing your story with us. Thank you and God Bless You!!!!!!!!!





p.s. please write something else soon.

I am a contributor to "Chicken Soup for the African American Soul" ("What Black History Means to Me"). This book and its "stories" are long overdue. It is an idea whose time has come.It is perfect for this "time and place." With Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years, Dr. King's Birthday/Holiday, Black History Month, Brotherhood Month, Valentine's (Love) upon us, this book is a "natural." It tells the "stories" of many African American "heroes" and others who would have never been heard or known had it not been for "Chicken Soup...." Let us celebrate the "goodness and richness" of this book by sharing it with others...all others. It is a "tonic" and "cure" for much of what ails "us" as a people and a nation. As I say, when I sign copies for my friends, "Read! Enjoy! Share!" I am so glad, honored and humbled to have been a part of the "Chicken Soup for the African American Soul" family and community. (s) John L. Horton Norfolk, VA. (horton4@prodigy.net)