"Read My Lips" is the new initiative began in November 2006 to encourage reading and writing among those both young and old. We want to help feed a passion for the written and spoken word to help individuals continue to mold the future. Want to know how you can be featured? Contact us at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Conversations Book Club welcomes author Bridgette Collins


Conversations Book Club welcomes author Fon James

Conversations Book Club welcomes Bestselling author Pamela Samuels-Young

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Author Jonathan Richardson Discusses the "Complicated Life of the African American Man" this week.

Friday, October 19-Sunday, October 21, 2007 --- Conversations Book Club will host author Jonathan Richardson (author of THE COMPLICATED LIFE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN). This will mark his first visit to the state---and a great deal of events to usher in the visit.

You might recall that "The Complicated Life" began our Non-Fiction book club a few months ago---and now we are talking with the man who has penned one of the most thought-provoking books that we have discussed this year.





Love it or hate it, the topic of race is something that can't be ignored, even at a time that is admittedly more progressive than 30 years ago. With that being said, race---and our feelings toward it---continues to divide people of all walks of life. Beginning October 19, 2007 residents of Hinds and Rankin County will have the opportunity to meet an author who has taken the subject and pushed it into our faces with the book THE COMPLICATED LIFE OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAN.

Jonathan Richardson, a minister from Oregon, will be in the Magnolia State meeting residents and discussing why he felt the need to pen such a book which touches on everything from interracial dating, black-on-black crimes, Blacks in politics and even the most common of misconceptions among the community itself.

Conversations Book Club President, Cyrus A. Webb, didn't intend on the book making the list of suggested reading for 2007, but experienced a change of heart.

"I didn't want to read the book myself, let alone discuss it with others," Webb,32, related even through those in his book club. "However, after giving it some thought, I realized that I would be doing readers an injustice by just dismissing a book based on my own assumptions about its content. I have to admit that I had closed my mind to the book based on the title without having read a single word."

Once he did read the book, he knew it had to be shared.

"I contact Richardson and told him how impressed I was by the book and the way it was written. It's like a textbook on race relations---something that I wasn't expecting, but found myself able to adapt to. True, I don't agree with his beliefs on everything discussed, but it was something that I knew people would enjoy discussing."

The book was chosen to kick off the launch of Webb's "Non-Fiction Conversations" Book Club in August 2007, and now Webb is excited about meeting the author and allowing him to share his views with others.

The schedule of events is as follows:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2007
11A.M. --- "Meet and Greet" @ Subway Restaurant (Pearl,MS) --- 601.936.4803
4P.M. --- "Teen Time" discussion at Richard Wright Library (Jackson, MS) --- 601.372.1621
6P.M. --- Book discussion @ Waldenbooks Metrocenter --- 601.969.6949

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2007
10a.m. --- "Breakfast with Books" Club --- Medgar Evers Library (Jxn, MS) --- 601.982.2867
12p.m. --- "Meet & Greet" at Subway Restuarant (Pearl, MS) --- 601.936.4803
2-4P.M. --- FORUM: THE COMPLICATED LIFE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN moderated by C. A. Webb @ Richard Wright Library. ADMISSION FREE. Copies of the book will be available and refreshments will be served. --- 601.372.1621
7P.M. --- Special guest for "Spoken Word Saturdays @ Subway" in Pearl, MS --- 601.936.4803

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2007
8:30a.m. --- "INSPIRATIONAL" Breakfast (Shoneys in Pearl, MS) --- 601.939.8127
6p.m. --- "Inspirational Conversations" Book Club (Subway Pearl, MS) --- 601.936.4803

THE COMPLICATED LIFE OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAN will be on sale for $15.00 at most events.
For details, visit http://www.thebestbookclub.info or call Robin Gardner at 601.664.8805.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

CBC President speaks on why the C-Murder visit means so much to him




"A great deal has happened in the eight months since I was first introduced to Corey Miller aka C-Murder. His book has changed my perception of life in ways that I couldn't have imagined---and now that I have come to know the man, it means all that much more.

"In September 2007 I made the decision to announce that Miller's book DEATH AROUND THE CORNER was Conversations Book Club's "Book of the Year". I wanted everyone to know how much I esteemed the message as well as take the time to experience the journey that the book takes you on.

"Having the privilege to read the book is one thing, but for the state of Mississippi to be only the second place EVER to host the author since the book's release is priceless. I just want us all to take moment and consider this: Corey Miller is a platinum-selling recording artist--- and of ALL PLACES he is coming here to meet his fans.

"There is not one person who can deny the power of that, but I want to be clear about something: This is not a "Cyrus thang". It is definitely about US, and what can happen when we work together.

"That is what Conversations Book Club is all about: bringing people together. No matter what branch you choose to support---regardless of what book is being the topic for the hour---they all share that common objective.

"As long as we keep our eyes on that and not ourselves there is no way we can't succeed at everything we put our minds to."


--- Cyrus A. Webb, President of Conversations Book Club

OUR AUTHORS SPEAK: What others are saying about Conversations Book Club


"Thank you for the interview – it was terrific, and we appreciate being a part of your program. And thanks for the attention you put on books, the arts, and the creative process – you are doing wonderful things!" ---Joel Fotinos, author of THE PRAYER CHEST and the Vice President at Penguin Group and the founder/publisher of the Putnam Praise imprint. ********************************************************************

"Words are not adequate enough to extend a debt of gratitude to you for all you have done for me. A pen would run out of ink before I could write or say thank you over and over again. You have brought the book back to life or I could even say you have given it life. I have never been this motiviated to ger rhis moving until now. Thanks for working with me."---Joseph Henderson, author of I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE
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Cyrus,
I just wanted to touch bases with you and offer a heartfelt thank you. It was great to meet the new authors and become reacquainted with familiar faces. You provide a wonderful avenue by which people can be motivated to read. As an educator, I applaud your work. As a writer, I offer much love and appreciation. I love the invitation to join the addiction -- get hooked on books. Keep up the good work.

---V. L. Green, author of REFLECTIONS and WHEN DESTINIES MEET
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"Hello CBC! I couldn't wait to write you in order to say, "thank you." Each of you made my trip to Mississippi enjoyable. I have traveled many places promoting my novels and meeting with book clubs, but spending four days with you has been by far the best. My mother and I felt like we have known you forever. We were treated extremely kind, loving and considerate. It just doesn't get any better than that. I look forward to seeing you in a week or so. Remember that you never, ever know how you touch someone's life. Keep doing what you're doing. Keep moving forward. Keep being committed and keep on believing in whatever your God given talents may be. I am praying for each of you and for each book club. You have a great leader in Cyrus, even though he doesn't want his horn tooted, I still have to say 'beep, beep.' When I tell you that I love you and will cherish your kindness toward me and my mother forever in my heart, then I truly do mean that. Blessings to you and your family, and continued success with the book clubs!"
--- Bestselling author Shelia E. Lipsey, author of INTO EACH LIFE and SINSATIABLE after her first trip to Mississippi.
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"Cyrus, the huge success of both of my visits to Mississippi were because of you. Your professionalism, your kind spirit and your patience made everything run smoothly. You have the gift of making others feel special and for that I am thankful. I left Mississippi with new found friendships, an ever greater love for the arts and of course one of the most fun-filled book events I have ever experienced. For those in Mississippi who are not members of this fine book club, now is the to climb on board and experience the thrill! Again, thank you Cyrus, thank you Conversations, thank you Mississippi!"

--- from Bestselling author Shelia E. Lipsey, author of INTO EACH LIFE & SINSATIABLE after her second trip to Mississippi.
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"First of all let me start out by saying how grateful I am for all that you and Conversations Book Club has done for me as a writer. You guys are the best!!!! And when I hear stories like Kim and Dana's daughter I am inspired to do my best as a writer. And BTW...I've heard you talk so much about C-Murder's book that I'm going to have to purchase a copy:) Thanks for the support!"

--- Bestselling author C. J. Domino, author of SIDELINE HO
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"Cyrus, I don't know how many ways I can say, "Thank you!" But, consider yourself thanked in every way that is possible. In addition to this interview which you presented so well the live interview I had with you,and your bookclub tonight was nothing short of amazing. The depths, and insights of tonight's conversation were just much more than I could have hoped or asked for. I ask a special blessing for you."
--- Bestselling author Evie Rhodes, author of OUT A ORDER & THE FORGOTTEN SPIRIT
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"You did a first-class affair. I have and will continue to sing your praises to all of my literary colleagues. Your book club is a model for others to emulate."
--- Bestselling author Reshonda Tate Billingsley, author of MY BROTHER'S KEEPER & EVERYBODY SAY AMEN.