7th Annual African American Literary Awards Show Nominees - August 2, 2011

Voting for the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show is now open!

Voting started Friday, July 29, 2011 and ends on Friday, September 2, 2011
Winners will be announced at the live show on September, 22, 2011

Make sure you go to http://www.literaryawardshow.com/voting.html and cast your vote!

Here are the nominees:

Fiction

Dorothy by LaToya S. Watkins

He Was My Man First – Courtney Parker & Nancey Flowers

No One in the World: A Novel – E. Lynn Harris & RM Johnson

Mama Ruby – Mary Monroe

Money Can’t Buy Love – Connie Briscoe  :-)   Click on title to see my review (and giveaway!)



Self help

How To Get Out Of Your Own Way – Tyrese Gibson

The Strawberry Letter: Real Talk, Real Advice, Because Bitterness Isn’t Sexy – Shirley Strawberry

Why Do I Have To Think Like A Man?: How To Think Like A Lady And Still Get The Man – Shanae Hall & Rhonda Frost  Priceless Inspirations – Antonia Carter

A Belle in Brooklyn: The Go-to Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life – Demetria Lucas



Biography/Memoir

Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption-from South Central to Hollywood – Ice T

The Big Fight: My Life In and Out of the Ring – Sugar Ray Leonard

Flavor Flav: The Icon The Memoir – Flavor Flav

Love Brought Me Back: A Journey of Loss and Gain – Natalie Cole

Transparent – Don Lemon



Christian Fiction

An Inconvenient Friend by Rhonda McKnight  :-) (click on the title to see my review)

Right Package, Wrong Baggage by Wanda B. Campbell

The Deal, The Dance & The Devil  by Victoria Christopher Murray  :-)  (click on the title to see my review)

Crowning Glory – Pat Simmons

Who Said It Would Be Easy?: A Story of Faith (Zane Presents) – Cheryl Faye



Erotica

Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam – Imani True & Dreama Skye

Southern Comfort by Cynnamon Foster and Nina Foxx  :-)  (click on the title to see my review)

Sixty-Nine – Pynk

Smooth Operator – Risque

Nasty – Dr. XYZ



Street Fiction

Justify My Thug – Wahida Clark

My Kinda Girl - by Michael McGrew

The Prada Plan 2 – Ashley Antoinette

Welfare Wifeys: A Hood Rat Novel – K’wan

Memoirs Of An Accidental Hustler – JM Benjamin



Non Fiction

I Shall Not Die: Living A Psalm 118:17 Existence – Kendra Norman Bellamy

Fail Up: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure – Tavis Smiley

Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama – Sophia Nelson

Peace from Broken Pieces – Iyanla Vanzant

Becoming a Woman of Destiny: Turning Life’s Trials into Triumphs! – Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook



Mystery

Giving Up The Ghost by Stacy-Deanne

Ask Nicely and I Might by Lorraine Elzia

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey – Walter Mosley

Price Of Fame – Amaleka McCall

Surrender the Dark – L.A. Banks



Children/Young Adult

Getting Played by Celeste O. Norfleet

Drama Queens –ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Giant Steps To Change The World – Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee

Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Terrible Terrel – Whoopi Goldberg

Teen Girls Need L.O.V.E. by S.Dodson



Romance

Inseparable – Brenda Jackson

Sweet Persuasions– Rochelle Alers

Unexpected Interruptions – Trice Hickman  :-)  (click on the title to see my review)

Twice The Temptation – Francis Ray

The Proposal – Brenda Jackson



Short stories/Anthologies

A Woman’s Revenge by Tiffany L. Warren, Sherri Lewis and Rhonda McKnight –

Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships by Wanda B. Campbell, Dijorn Moss, Tyora Moody and Trinea Moss

Between the Sheets – Tamika Newhouse, NiCola Mitchell and Anna Black



Magazines (Non -Literary)

Black Enterprise

Ebony

Uptown

JET

Upscale





Magazines (Literary)

Mosaic Books

Booking Matters

Written

African Voices

Black Literature Magazine



Humorist Award of the Year (Stand-up Comics)

Kevin Hart

Sherri Shepherd

Chris Spencer

Tony Rock

Rickey Smiley



Self Published Author of The Year

The Ultimate Question: Will Love Ever Know Me – Tamika Newhouse

Con Test: Double Life – Rahiem Brooks

Twisted – Ni’cola

Devour, One Man’s Tale of Love, Intimacy, and Ecstasy – D.A. Williams



Breakout Author of the Year

Tour Secrets – Winkk

The Putting Away – Sharel E. Gordon-Love

Open Your Eyes – Schelle Halloway

Shady – Dell Banks :-)  (click on the title to see my review)

Girl, Get Your Mind Right – Tionna Smalls



Publishing House Of The Year

St. Martin’s Press

Kensington

Kimani Press

Grand Central Publishing

Simon & Schuster



Independent Publisher Of The Year

Peace In The Storm

A New Quality Publishing

Delphine Publications

NCM Publishing

Black Dawn Books



Author Of The Year – Male

J.M. Benjamin – Memoirs Of An Accidental Hustler

Walter Mosley – The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

E. Lynn Harris & RM Johnson – No One In The World

Carl Weber – Choir Director

K’wan – Welfare Wifeys



Author Of The Year – Female

Victoria Christopher Murray (The Deal, The Dance & The Devil )

Kimberla Lawson Roby – Love, Honor and Betray

Pat G’Orge Walker – Don’t Blame The Devil

Nancey Flowers & Courtney Parker – He Was My Man First

Sophia Nelson – Redefining The Black Woman



Bookclub of the Year

Black Expressions

AAMBC

The D-Cup Divas

African American Literary Book Club (AALBC)

Go On Girl Bookclub



Television Writer Of The Year

Tyler Perry – House Of Payne

Ali LeRoi – Are We There Yet

Mara Brock Akil – The Game

Stacy A. Littlejohn- Single Ladies

Shonda Rhimes – The Practice



Screenwriter Of The Year

Tracey E. Edmonds – Jumping The Broom

Salim Akil – Jumping The Broom

Tyler Perry – For Colored Girls

Tyler Perry – Madea’s Big Happy Family



Comic Strip

Aarron McGruder – Boondocks

Jerry Craft – Mama’s Boyz

Ray Billingsley – Curtis

Keith Knight – The K Chronicles

Robb Armstrong –Jumpstart



Comedy Author

Girl, Get Your Mind Right – Tionna Smalls

Is It Just Me?: Or is it nuts out there? – Whoopi Goldberg

Don’t Blame The Devil – Pat G’orge Walker

More info at www.literaryawardshow.com

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday, What Are You Reading

~Mailbox Monday~

Hosted in May at MariReads

We share what books that we found in our mailboxes last week.

Here is what I got

Revelations by Laurel Dewey
Sent to me by the publisher for the Pump Up Your Book Tour

Remember Me by Cheryl Robinson
Advance Uncorrected Proof Received from The Penguin Group

Very Bad Men by Harry Dolan
Won this ARC from Shelf Awareness

********************************************************

Hosted by Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

We discuss the books that we've read and what we're planning to read for the week.

Book Reviews Last Few Weeks

May

23-27      Week With An Author - DELL BANKS!  dellbanks.com

Mon., May 23          
Week With An Author - Dell Banks - Book Review of Shady and Giveaway

Tues., May 24          
Week With An Author - Dell Banks - Who is Dell Banks & Giveaway

Wed., May 25
Week With An Author - Dell Banks - Excerpt of Shady by Dell Banks and Giveaway

Winners of Shady by Dell Banks So Far

Thurs., May 26
Week With An Author - Interview With Dell Banks and Giveaway of Shady

Yesterday's Winner of Shady by Dell Banks

Fri., May 27
Winner of Shady by Dell Banks for Thursday

Week With An Author- Dell Banks Final Giveaway and Week Overview 

May 28                     This Week's Winners of Shady by Dell Banks

May 28                     First Lines Friday

May 28                     Confessions of a Cheating Man by RAW

May 28                     Black Child to Black Woman by Cheryl Denise Bannerman 5/28

This Week:

No scheduled reviews

Currently Reading:

Up Next to Read This Week:

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

This Week's Winners of Shady by Dell Banks

Dell Banks graciously offered to give away 1 copy each day for Week With An Author.

Here are this weeks winners of Shady by Dell Banks:

Monday:  Carol Peake

Tuesday: Staci Taylor

Wednesday: Thorned Beauty

Thursday:  Orsayor Simmons

Friday:  Sidne

(I have also picked two extra winners:  Lisah Foster and Tonja Ayers -
I am going to send each of them a copy of Shady by Dell Banks!)

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - DELL BANKS - FINAL GIVEAWAY

Week With An Author - Dell Banks

Overview of The Week:

In case you missed anything this week, here is what happened:


Monday
Book Review - Shady by Dell Banks & Giveaway


Tuesday
Who Is Dell Banks? Giveaway of Shady
Winners of Shady for Monday and Tuesday


Wednesday
Excerpt of Shady by Dell Banks & Giveaway
Winner of Shady for Wednesday


Thursday
Interview With Dell Banks and Giveaway
Winner of Shady for Thursday

FINAL GIVEAWAY

The only requirement for this is you need to connect in some way with Dell Banks.  

Here is where you can find him:

Twitter

Facebook

So either follow him on Twitter or Facebook (or both!) and either Facebook or tweet him to let him know that you stopped by Black Diamond's Book Reviews.  I would also appreciate if you would follow my blog!

Once you follow Dell, please post the link to your tweet or facebook message or let me know where I can find it.  Also, please give me your e-mail address.

Winner will be selected on Friday at 10:00 p.m.

Thank you Dell!

I would like to thank you for being  a part of Week With An Author.  Dell, you really worked well with me on this new project, and I really enjoyed it. It has been an interesting week, especially because all week long my computer has been crashing continuously which makes for long waits!  I found out about Hootsuite which allowed me to schedule posts throughout the day to get more attention which was very cool!

I have really learned a lot about you as an author and a person. I, of course, loved reading Shady and thank you again for letting me be an advanced reader and putting my name in your Acknowledgments!  I enjoyed spreading the word about your and your awesome new book Shady! 

If anyone has interest in being a part of Week With An Author, please check out my page: Week With An Author.

Don't worry.  If you didn't win a copy (even though you did have 5 chances to win!, here is a link that you can click to purchase your own copy of Shady by Dell Banks!

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Winner of Shady by Dell Banks for Thursday!

GIVEAWAY

Thursday's Winner of Shady by Dell Banks is .....................

 © 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Yesterday's Winner of Shady by Dell Banks!

GIVEAWAY

Wednesday's Winner of Shady by Dell Banks is .....................

 © 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - INTERVIEW WITH DELL BANKS & GIVEAWAY of Shady!

Dell Banks Interview

First of all, I would like to thank you Dell for the opportunity to interview you for Black Diamond’s Book Reviews!  I really think it is important to do author interviews.  People go out and read and review the books, but they don’t necessarily know much about the author.  Interviews give the readers a chance to find out more about the author, and I think it is more likely that a reader will develop some kind of connection to the author and be more likely to follow that author and read upcoming books!

Could you tell me a little about yourself?

I’m a dedicated father. I enjoy writing, bowling and spending time with my family. I attended Wayne State University in Detroit where I studied Journalism.

When did you start writing and how did you get started?

I started writing over five years ago. I’ve always written poems and short stories. But, about 3 years ago, I challenged myself to complete a full length novel. And here we are three years later, with a complete “Best- Selling” novel.

What kind of books you like to write?

Urban Contemporary

Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing?

Yes, I dedicate an entire day to one character. I usually start with writing the ending first, that way I have a clear path to my destination. I call it my GPS for writing a book.

What are you reading now?

I recently read Show Stoppah by Thomas Slater, next up is Pimp by Ice

Berg Slim.

What are some of your favorite books and authors?  

Ashley & Jaquavis- The Cartel series

Deja King

Carl Weber- The Choir Director

Eric Jerome

Dwayne Joseph

Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?

Yes!!! Now, when I read I’m looking more for the connection, the plot and the overall message of the book. Before penning my own novel I would read for entertainment, now I’m more concerned about the theme and the relevancy of the book.

What is a typical day in your life like?

Write…Write…and write so more. If I’m not working on a new book then I’m working on a stage production. I’m a playwright as well as an Author/Publisher, so the writing never stops. I think I even write while I sleep.

Did you know what you wanted the title of the book to be?  How involved were in choosing the name of the book?

At the start of the book, I had no idea what the title would be, but overtime the title revealed itself. With all of the Shady acts that took place in the book, it would’ve been a huge mistake not to title the book, Shady.

Are there other books you love or writers you admire that are from your local area?

Ashley & Jaquavis and debut author, Thomas Slater.

Who was your favorite character to write, and why did you like that character?

My favorite character to write would have to be Sequoia, she’s very comical and say whatever is on her mind.

Did you have to do much research when working on SHADY? If so, do you tend to write first or research first?

I didn’t have to do that much research.

As a published author, what’s been the biggest surprise about life after the publication of your first book?

The response from my readers has been unbelievable, Shady had impacted more people than I expected.

What’s next for you?

The follow-up to Shady, which is slated for Fall 2011.

What three artists would I find in your Ipod or CD player?

R.Kelly, Ricky Dillard, and Chris Brown

If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator what would I find?

Cookie Dough, Orange Juice, Cinnamon Rolls, and more unhealthy junk!!!

What famous person do other people tell you that you most look like?

Robert Traylor (God rest his soul)

What is the one thing about yourself that others would be shocked to know?

I’m 6ft5!

Choose a book title for the story of your life.

Never a Dull Moment

Thank you so much Dell for being a part of Week With An Author and letting me interview you.  I hope by now more people have been able to see who you are and what Shady is all about and it has sparked a lot of interest!  I definitely was shocked to hear that you are 6ft5, and Dwayne Joseph is also one of my favorite authors too (besides you of course).  Also, it's very cool that you come from my home state of Michigan!

GIVEAWAY

The only requirement for this is you need to connect in some way with Dell Banks.  

Here is where you can find him:

Twitter

Facebook

So either follow him on Twitter or Facebook (or both!) and either Facebook or tweet him to let him know that you stopped by Black Diamond's Book Reviews.  I would also appreciate if you would follow my blog!

Once you follow Dell, please post the link to your tweet or facebook message or let me know where I can find it.  Also, please give me your e-mail address.

Winner will be announced tomorrow!

Also, please stop by tomorrow for another giveaway!

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

WINNERS OF SHADY BY DELL BANKS (SO FAR!)

Monday's Winner is Carol Peake

Tuesday's Winner is Staci Taylor!

You still have a chance to win today through Friday, 

so make sure to comment on today's post: Shady by Dell Banks - Excerpt

Stop back again tomorrow and Friday for your chance to win and to read the Interview with Dell Banks!

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - DELL BANKS! Excerpt of Shady by Dell Banks & Giveaway!

Shady by Dell Banks

• 
  
  
  

  • Book Details:

Title: Shady

Author: Dell Banks

Publisher: Heir to the Throne Publications 

Pages: e-book; 205 pages 

Source:Provided to me by Dell Banks

Read my review HERE from Monday's post

Review about Dell Banks HERE from Tuesday's post

Open publication - Free publishing - More book

GIVEAWAY

The only requirement for this is you need to connect in some way with Dell Banks.  

Here is where you can find him:

Twitter

Facebook

So either follow him on Twitter or Facebook (or both!) and either Facebook or tweet him to let him know that you stopped by Black Diamond's Book Reviews.  I would also appreciate if you would follow my blog!

Once you follow Dell, please post the link to your tweet or facebook message or let me know where I can find it.  Also, please give me your e-mail address.

Dell Banks Will pick a winner for a copy of Shady.

Also, please stop by tomorrow for another giveaway and something new about Dell Banks!

 © 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - DELL BANKS! Who is Dell Banks? GIVEAWAY of Shady!

Dell Banks was born on the 13th day of November in Detroit,Michigan. He was raised in between Chicago and Detroit. Dell's way with words have captivated the hearts and minds of many. He began writing short stories as a kid. Reflecting back, Dell recalls coming up with one-of-a-kind story lines by using his vivid imagination, that his peers adored. He attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where he majored in Journalism. After becoming the voice behind many powerful and meaningful poems, Dell decided to pen a novel. Stepping out completely on faith, he started his own publishing company, Heir To The Throne Publications,rightfully named after his daughter, not giving anyone the chance to accept or reject his work. Dell said, "I believed in myself first and I wanted totally control over my first project." He serves as the Publisher/CEO. His debut novel "Shady" is the first release for the company. Dell resides in Metropolitan Detroit where he is hard at work on his follow-up novel. For more information log on to dellbanks.com

GIVEAWAY

The only requirement for this is you need to connect in some way with Dell Banks.  

Here is where you can find him:

Twitter

Facebook

So either follow him on Twitter or Facebook (or both!) and either Facebook or tweet him to let him know that you stopped by Black Diamond's Book Reviews.  I would also appreciate if you would follow my blog!

Once you follow Dell, please post the link to your tweet or facebook message or let me know where I can find it.  Also, please give me your e-mail address.

At 10:00 p.m., I will check all of the comments and pick 1 winner for a copy of Shady.  I will enter all of the names on a piece of paper and draw from a hat and post the results.

Just in case you missed my post yesterday with my review of Shady, here is the LINK.

Also, please stop by tomorrow for another giveaway and something new about Dell Banks!

 © 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - DELL BANKS! Book Review - Shady by Dell Banks & GIVEAWAY!

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR  -   DELL BANKS!

I would like to welcome Dell Banks, author of Shady, to Black Diamond's Book Reviews for the entire week!  Make sure to stop in every day!  There will be a giveaway for Shady every single day!

Today we will start with my review of Dell Banks' book Shady!

Shady by Dell Banks

• 
  Book Details:

Title: Shady
Author: Dell Banks
Publisher: Heir to the Throne Publications 
Pages: e-book; 205 pages 
Source:Provided to me by Dell Banks

About the Book:

A world that is ruled by greed, betrayal and secrets! Giselle Whitfield's life has always been full of surprises. It all started with Ms. Greta Mitchell; her jealous-hearted mother, who abandoned her at a young age only to barge back into her life to create hell on earth. To cope with the drama of her past, Giselle does what's expected of her; scheming, lying and keeping secrets. 

Now, as a grown woman holding her own, will Giselle be able to extinguish the hellish flames of her conniving past and deceitful ways? Will the red carpet treatment from her Prince Charming, be the beacon of light to escape the darkness of her past? 

Join Dell Banks in his highly anticipated debut novel Shady as he introduces some of the shadiest people to ever hit the streets of Detroit. Experience it all as it untangles toward a state of undoubted destiny... or fate.

My Review:

I was so excited to be able to review an advance copy of this book!  I just purchased a Kindle and I downloaded the pdf copy of this book from Dell Banks to my Kindle.  This was the first book that I read on my new Kindle, and I couldn't have picked a better book!  Plus, the story takes place in Detroit.  I am from Michigan, so it was cool to read a book set in my home state!  

This book starts off with a bang!  It has my full attention.  I am already feeling sorry for the "ghetto Cinderella, living on the Northwest side of Detroit" (p3).  Her mom sounds like a real bitch.  It's too bad she doesn't know who her real dad is.  I hope she finds him someday.  I have tears in my eyes reading her diary entry. 

I love that Dell Banks adds humor to his book as well.  The quote "I wrapped my legs around his waist tighter than a lug nut on a tire and flipped him on his back and began to ride his dick like it was our last time." p14 was funny!  Dell Banks really sounds like a fun guy to be around just from the humor added to his book.

The sex in this book, wow!  Come on, when you look at the sexy woman on the book cover, you know there has to be some sex!  You know he got my juices flowing when GiGi was with the detective!

Wow!  I am impressed with Dell Banks!  What an awesome book!  He did a great job creating characters that came to life!  This book was full of drama and kept me turning pages like crazy! I was very shocked by the ending and it has me wondering what is going to happen in the next book.  I can't wait for the next one!

Favorite New Words (Phrases) From This Book:

"monthy girlfriend" (that is a different way to look at a period!)  p.8

"one-eyed monster" p.14

Quote:

p30

Craig was lost for words. He hadn't been able to understand why Greta had so much hate in her heart for her daughter. But today, the light has shed upon the real reason; Greta was jealous of her daughter and hated the fact that Giselle was living the life she always wanted to live.

My Rating:

 5/5 diamonds

A book to purchase!

See more about the author here and purchase the book: http://www.dellbanks.com/

You can also purchase the book here Amazon

Giveaway!

Dell Banks is giving away a copy of Shady every day this week!  

For today, the first person to comment as to why you would like to win shady will win!

 

CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR ANOTHER GIVEAWAY OF SHADY!

Disclaimer: Dell Banks provided me an e-book of Shady for review.  My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

 © 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.