Party of Black (Mouthmark) (Paperback)

by Truth Thomas (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
It's love in the face of brutal truths of history that brings out the politically focused anger fuelling this fiery, intimate début. --urbancode magazine

Product Description
Aims to pull into focus the author's keen awareness of the world around him, his humour, insight and humanity. This work also shows a deep appreciation of the history of poetry and its forms and unveils a form of the author's own making - The Skinny.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 44 pages
• Publisher: Flipped Eye Publishing (September 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1905233124
• ISBN-13: 978-1905233120
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #403,653 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Party of Black" book review, September 21, 2006

By	Alan W. King "master of the undadog rap" (D.C. metropolitan area) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In "Party of Black," fifth in the mouthmark series, Truth
Thomas widens the scope on issues ranging from the
war in Iraq and gentrification to homophobia of "GOP
Preachers" and the brothers too cool for church.

What's so ironic about this debut is that Thomas, a
child of the church, speaks rather than preaches to
the reader. So that this PSA comes out of the voices
at every street corner, barbershop and soul food
establishment in America.

With "If They Were White," Thomas addresses the U.S.
government's racist handling of Black Hurricane Katrina
survivors by using a hyperbolic illustration of some of the
priviledges White Americans have: "If they were white--
at the slightest breeze, steaks/ would land like C-130's/
porta-potties would shine like Louis Armstrong solos,
rescue/ would cum quicker than a twenty dollar trick."

You're concerns might even surface as you eavesdrop on
a 10th grader talking to his friend about HIV prevention:
"if she fine right, most of the time/ you ain't got to worry
bout catchin no/ HIV.../ That's what my brotha say.../ he
got mad shorties & he only a/ year older than me."

Though these issues are no laughing matter, this street-
wise collection also allows the reader a glimpse at a
lighter side of Thomas as he gives God a pound for "lips
like cinnamon bread". Or recalls "guava jelly kisses and
mending under the sun."

If you are expecting an ordinary book of poems, do not
open this collection. There is nothing "safe" about
these poems. Especially now, that Papa's Got a Brand
New Pen.

So be ready to learn What Branches Know, and feel this
book like the curiosity of a homeowners' association
complaining about suspicious activity at the house occupied
by Snow White and her seven companions.