Customer Reviews

Sucka Free Love - How to Avoid Dating The Dumb, The Deceitful, The Dastardly, The Dysfunctional and The Deranged!

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sucka Free Love is a very unique peek into the relationship struggles of folks like you and me around the GLOBE. This book is a culmination of almost 20 years of relationship advice counseling, to an audience that doesn't suffer fools or indirect responses. With a solid WHACK, this book comes at you hard & fast. Featured in a slew of media outlets, including nationally syndicated magazines (Black Enterprise & Essence), as well as national talk shows and radio shows Ms. Heartbeat preaches her self-styled methods of self-love and self-empowerment and will whip you into shape with her quick wit and sharp humor. Just imagine a "Dear Prudence" and a "Dear Abby" mixed in with a little Richard Pryor. That's Ms. Heartbeat. And just as quickly as she responds to a letter in the "Street" vernacular, she just as quickly spits out a response that waxes poetic.

This book is not only for those lucky few who haven't gotten caught up (yet) in a relationship that isn't going perfectly; it's also for us embattled "experts" who have been-there-done-that and wear our experiences like badges of honor (or dishonor). Whether you are the dumped or the dumper, the love-torn or the heartbreaker, you will undoubtedly find your experiences within the pages of this book. Wouldn't you like to know that you're not alone? If you're a teenager, wouldn't you like to know the real scoop on the good, the bad and the ugly of all relationships--including those of the adults you most admire? Well, Sucka Free Love does that and more, with a powerful punch. She shoots from the hip, with some of her responses much akin to having a case of Beat-Down falling on your head.

More than likely, you've probably never been given the kind of feedback that Ms. Heartbeat gives. Many advice seekers, who are clearly in agony and want relief, are encouraged to improve in many creative, supportive ways. But there are many letters where a person clearly goes astray and wants to justify burning in hell. Ms. Heartbeat's responses to these letters are not for the feint of heart. You will undoubtedly bowl over with laughter and widen your eyes in disbelief at some of the idiotic situations that folks write about. Especially if you write in looking for sympathy after you've slept with someone else's mate and wondered why they haven't packed their bags to be with you. Yes, yes, Dear Reader, there are folks who have asked how to win someone over after they've slashed their tires, because they can't live without their object of affection. You can be assured that no "innocent" soul is spared from a hilarious but direct response from Ms. Heartbeat.

With catchy titles like I'll Call You! I Love You! Let's Hang Out!; Which Came First, the Chicken Head or the Egg?; Drama Here, Drama There, Stupid Drama Everywhere, the reader will be tempted to read Sucka Free Love in one sitting. Just like a sticky web, you'll be entangled into reading the next question and response, and the next one after that. Some of you may even wonder if that advice seeker was talking about you...

Not including the appendices, Sucka Free Love is a short but sweet 211 pages...just enough to get the point across, but arguably enough to cover just about every romantic stumbling block we may ever face. Including those of us who have suffered from temporary insanity. Letters and responses are written in a way to not be intimidating to anyone, including those of us who are new or experienced to the Love Game. You may find yourself cringing, crying and roaring with laughter at some of the real life situations people have written to Ms. Heartbeat about. Without a doubt, if you pick up a copy of this book, you will find it a truly enjoyable read. Here's to Love & Happiness!

Sucka Free Love is a hilarious book full of smart advice. My husband picked it up and couldn't stop reading and laughing - and he never reads self-help books.

If you only read one book of dating advice this year, make it Sucka Free Love. Even if you don't normally read books about dating, read this one just for fun.

One of my favorite quotes from page 78:

"Your boyfriend's version of events would lead one to believe he was just walking down the street, casually minding his own business when he tripped and fell, and suddenly found himself screwing that girl. 'What? What's going on here? Hey, who are you!? Security! This is a drive-by screwing! Stop that, my girlfriend is gonna be mad at you!'"

Advice columnist and dating expert Deborrah Cooper was recently selected for the "The Best Black Books of 2007" award by syndicated critic Kam Williams. Her book "Sucka Free Love: How to Avoid Dating The Dumb, The Deceitful, The Dastardly, The Dysfunctional & The Deranged!" has received rave reviews from consumers and critics alike. Ms. Cooper was one of 23 authors recognized, which included Bill Cosby, Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint, and Sonsyrea Tate.

Surprisingly, the decision to write Sucka Free Love! was made on the spur of the moment. "I woke up one morning feeling especially motivated and decided this was the day to stop talking and get busy DOING!"

For months she devoted 6-10 hours per day to writing. "I didn't leave my computer much. Socializing was cut to a bare minimum. I ate, I wrote, I slept. I was absolutely determined! Or maybe crazy is a better word!" she laughs.

The effort required to organize material for and write a book was somewhat of a shock. "We've all said 'oh, I have a lot of important things to tell the world... I should write a book!' Well, let me tell you, writing a book is more than a notion. I write articles for my site frequently. But writing this book... there was absolutely no comparison."

Self-publishing was the chosen option as major book publishers often use contracts which give them rights to change covers, titles and content at will.

"Once I found that out, I decided to publish the book myself. I didn't want anyone to change the book or chapter titles, or any of the content. Spiritually, I felt it important to put the book on the market exactly as envisioned. So that's what I did."

Creative tactics were employed to raise funds for printing and marketing. One popular strategy: home made sweet-potato pies. "I made so many pies... it was just ridiculous!" Cooper says with amusement. "My house smelled like a bakery for months and I gained at least 5 lbs! But it was wonderful to have so many people around who supported this venture and did everything they could to ensure my success."

Sucka Free Love! advises readers on complex dating situations such as friends with benefits, interracial relationships, dating people with addictions or other baggage, and the importance of establishing and maintaining boundaries. "These are the issues singles are, unfortunately, dealing with every day" explains Deborrah.

"Messages are delivered in a way readers can relate to. Sometimes my advice has a humorous twist, sometimes its detailed instructions for change. And sometimes I bluntly tell them they are not making intelligent decisions! But I always tell the truth as I see it, and do my best to provide down-to-earth advice that will help them. The formula seems to be working, because here I am!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

To schedule interviews with this author, please visit [...]

Sucka Free Love by Deborrah Cooper is a hilarious, Q&A guide to helping people deal with deadbeat relationships, denial issues, as well as sex and commitment woes. This Q & A will have your rolling on the floor from laughing at the outrageous questions as well as the abrupt responses. This book is filled with questions from people all over the world who are looking for answers to questions that many of us want to ask but are too embarrassed to say out loud. Ms. Cooper included comments from all ages, races and sexuality. If you have questions, look out because Ms. Heartbeat has an answer.

I could not put this book down; it was like reading my favorite advice column and not having to wait until tomorrow's newspaper to come out. Packed with good information, questions that never really crossed my mind but once reading about it I looked forward to hearing her answer. I recommend this book to readers of all genres who are looking for answers to THE question but are too afraid to ask. If you have thought about it, I am sure Ms. Heartbeat covers it in this book. I look forward to what Ms. Cooper has in store for her readers next.

Reviewed by: Cheryl H
APOOO BookClub

The things we don't know can hurt us. It's a good book, since nowadays more men have become expert liars (aka suckas.) If women realized how many men out there (just boys actually) are nothing but characterless low lifes, (they have no character so they rely on their lies to get what they want) there would be more single women. Actually, if more women/girls really understood them, could spot them, and if she could do what she should do (tell them to "TAKE A HIKE" and mean it) then more men would be forced to grow up and learn what it really means to be a man, the way God intended it, and for us to be happy. It's a good advice book, from a good honest woman. She sounds angry at times, and I don't blame her. I am too, at easy-sleazy men and women of the world. Too many of you, easy sleazys, ruining your own lives. But oh well, as the saying goes, you can't fix stupid.

This a must for anyone who has had trouble with relationships. You will see yourself in the book and relate to some of what others are going thru too and hopefully will not make the same mastake twice and if you do then I hope you will improve yourself.

I bought this for my daughter - hoping she would see herself in some of these situations. I don't know if I or she will like it as much as the reviewers did that got me to purchase it. It seems quite logical in it's stories- but I know that young girls and I suppose boys too can become very controlled by someone that likes to manipulate the relationship, and control it. I hope she will read it and at least gain some strength/insite into new relationships.

I'm not the kind of guy who normally reads self-help books, but when a friend asked me to give her my opinion of it I decided to check it out. I'm glad I did.

This book is hilariously funny & entertaining while also being highly instructive in how to avoid or deal with everything from gold diggers to child molesters to stalkers. I often found myself nodding at the responses to the letters, and thinking, "I could have written that!".

Word to the wise...

Don't start reading this book on a work or school night because you won't want to put it down. It's a real page-turner!

I enjoyed reading the experiences and advice given in this book. Ms. Cooper's take no prisoners, real-talk was disarming and, I think effective! So much so that I bought a copy for my college aged, single daughter and she wants to give copies as gifts to her male and female friends. She said she can see some of them in the letters of this book.

It's been a long time since I've seen such pertinent advice given in a way that is sometimes humorous, sometimes gritty, but always on point!

I'd HIGHLY recommend this book! Outstanding read!

Relationship advice expert Deborrah Cooper, better known by the pen name "Ms. HeartBeat", presents Sucka Free Love!: How to Avoid Dating The Dumb, The Deceitful, The Dastardly, The Dysfunctional and The Deranged, a casual, tell-it-like-it-is advice for dating and relationships in the modern world. Sucka Free Love! is expressly for male as well as female readers - men can be suckas in the dating world too! Chapters begin with an overview of common misperceptions and problems that can affect one's dating life (such as taking first-date lines like "I'll call you" too literally, being too giving/having low self-esteem, being too selfish/disrespecting the other person, or simply getting involved with a person in the wrong stage of their life - say, when they're in the middle of a messy divorce). The bulk of Sucka Free Love consists of "Dear Ms. HeartBeat" letters and her replies, though. Enthusiastically recommended, and a solid, fun and easy-to-read primer for anyone ready to enter the Dating Zone. "Dear Ms. HeartBeat: How do I ask a woman out on a date? Plus, once there what can I say to her if I want to get involved with her? -Male, 19, Scared. Dear Scared: You open that big mouth and say: 'Hey, I'd love to take you out to ___ (fill in blank) this weekend. Are you available?' If it goes well, you like her and she likes you, and you want to get involved a bit more, then you ask her out again. You keep asking her out and spending time with her until you figure out if she is someone you want to keep around or not. I don't know why you are trying to make this so difficult!"