The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Book Reviews
WHEN DAY MEETS NIGHT	When Day Meets Night by Ramadhan Nanji Reviewed by Kanika (Nika) Wade In Ramadhan Nanji’s When Day Meets Night, we are introduced to Red and Von, two men who come from the same neighborhood but live completely opposite lives. While Von is an aspiring, determined music producer, Red is a hustler, working the streets and risking his life to provide for himself and his son Tyriq. When Red attempts to rob Von in a botched robbery attempt, in that single moment their lives are drastically changed. As Von attempts to recover from the shooting, he goes on a deep, dark mission to gain vengeance for the pain that he and his loved ones have endured. On the other hand, Red is at a personal crossroads of his own. Will Von obtain justice and peace or will he bring more pain amongst himself? Will Red truly rise above his current situation and let go of the life that he currently knows? While Nanji offers an edgy, insightful tale that truly takes us into the world of urban street life, the story fails to present a clear overall message. Although Red and Von’s journeys are clearly depicted, I was still left wondering about the true meaning of the story as a whole. Also, the graphic content is one that not all readers will be able to handle or relate to. Despite this, When Day Meets Night is a unique novel and Nanji could possibly be the new voice for young, urban authors that are on the rise. Reviewed by: Kanika (Nika) Wade
GIVE GOD THE GLORY	Give God the Glory by Kevin Wayne Johnson Reviewed by Zane* Kevin Wayne Johnson's Give God the Glory is a wonderful instructional book broken up into two parts: KNOW GOD and DO THE WILL OF GOD. In Part One, he teaches readers how to glorify God at all times, comprehend that they are "called" whether they realize it or not, and learn how to recognize and utilize their personal spiritual gifts. In Part Two, he teaches readers to spread the gospel, stand tall, and be a blessing to others. While those may seem like simple requests, most people do not act upon them daily and Give God the Glory shows us how we can make it a habitual part of our lives. Each chapter ends with a list of questions to consider, which enables readers to analyze what they have just read and fully acclimate it into their souls. For those searching for an easy-to-read guide on spiritual enhancement, Give God the Glory is a wonderful selection. It is extremely positive to see a young African American male pen such a book because our male youth need more mentors to look to for assistance in their spiritual growth. Reviewed by Zane *former RAWSISTAZ Reviewer
	Nice Guys and Players: Becoming The Man Women Want By Rom Wills Reviewed by Shonie* As the back cover of this book asks, are you a nice guy constantly passed over by women? Are you a player who can get every woman except the one you love? If so...then "Nice Guys and Players: Becoming the Man Women Want" is the book for you. In a very clear and conversational tone, author Rom Wills talks to men about the secret to attracting women, how women categorize men, why women pass over nice guys, why women fall for players, understanding the needs of women, the physical and personality traits women find attractive, and generating sexual chemistry. I will say that this non-fiction book is a quick read and men will find it to be very informative, giving them an inside look at how women think when it comes to men and relationships. Wills mentions in the book that this is a book for men; however, women can read it to. I have to say he's right on point, because this is definitely a man's book. As a woman, I found some of the thoughts of woman to be a little iffy; one most poignant. Wills discusses four factors that go into the understanding of women, and one of them was that women are vain, they want attention. Now I'd agree, women like attention, men do too; however, wanting attention does not equal being vain. The author uses as proof the cosmetic industry and that women spend so many hours fixing their hair and putting on make up...or wearing high heels and short dresses, why? To gain attention. Now, this may be the truth for some women, but when you look at the fact that women are often considered objects and that there's this epitome of beauty in society that women try to adhere to, it's not just about being vain that women do these things. Wills was on point with several factors and discussion topics, and men will find this book to be very valuable. Who knows, it just might help you get the woman you really want. Reviewed by Shonie *former RAWSISTAZ Reviewer
A WOMAN'S SOUL ON PAPER	A Woman’s Soul On Paper by Cassandra George Sturges Reviewed by Dorothy Cooperwood A Woman’s Soul On Paper is a soulful and thought provoking book which is written in a narrative voice by the author, Cassandra George Sturges. It’s a story about a journey from self-help through self-discovery based on Sturges personal memoirs. The journey begins with the illustration on the book cover. A woman is writing in her diary and she is in deep thought as noted by her reflection in a mirror. This illustration is what inspired me to start reading the book. Sturges bares her soul on paper in a quiet and spiritually uplifted voice. Her stories are indeed a testament of strength and spirituality. Although she writes about the most intimate details of her journey you know that she is sending you a heart felt message. Sturges is truly a gifted writer. This book reminded me so much of my own journey in life. I was able to relate to most of her stories. I cried and laughed while reading this book. I highly recommend this book to all women. You won’t want to put it down. Reviewed by Dorothy Cooperwood
TRUE LIES	True Lies by Margaret Johnson Hodge Reviewed by aNN Are true lies the same as half truths or little white lies? In any event, the book True Lies by Margaret J. Hodge is an intense, thought provoking story about the things we tell ourselves and others in order to survive. The three primary characters were tangled in a precarious triangle, each trying to believe the half truths they've been telling themselves. Rick wants so much to believe that his live in girlfriend is growing up and that she is ready to shed her hip-hop lifestyle, because he wants some mature good times out of life. Gina met Rick when she was seventeen and though they've been together seven years, she is still acting like a teenager. The glue that holds them together is wrapped neatly in a four year old package named Kanisha, she is his one true thing; his absolute. Rick is a good man and is committed to his relationship, then he bumps into Dajah. Dajah Moore, remembers the last time she took a chance, she was eight years old, and it left her with a scar on her knee. But when Dajah meets Rick, and even though he is not really free, enough warmth is generated to make her think she is headed for another big fall. And this time more than her knee will get scarred. I've become accustomed to how Ms. Hodge writes, the drama never overshadows the characters, and this time she delivers again. The story is so basically human, that it will have readers sitting back pondering the solution; a solution where undoubtedly someone will reap and someone will lose. A wonderful human interest read, I urge you to pick this one up. Reviewed by aNN Brown
SECRETS OF MY SOUL	Secrets of My Soul by Latorial Faison Reviewed by Kanika (Nika) Wade Over the years, we have been blessed with many poets who have moved us. From Langston Hughes to Maya Angelou, these poets have made us laugh, cry, and smile with their works that have touched us to the inner depths of our souls. There is another poet that can be added to this growing list: Latorial Faison. She presents us with a beautiful series of poetry in her latest collection entitled Secrets of My Soul. Secrets of My Soul is based on a variety of different topics and themes. From love and faith to the Columbine shootings, Ms. Faison's work comes forth as honest, uplifting, sincere, and real. From beginning to end readers will relate to the poetry in this series and by the time the last poem is read you will leave with a positive, peaceful feeling. While there are so many poets attempting to convey their message, Latorial Faison truly shows us her genuine heart and compassion through Secrets of My Soul. She allows readers to connect in ways in which poets cannot. Of all the poetry that I have read, Secrets of My Soul is indeed the best that I have read in a long time. Take a bow, Ms. Faison, you are truly in the ranks of Langston and Maya. Reviewed by Nika