Outskirts Press
Available June 25, 2010 in Paperback

Growing up poor in the small town of Vicksburg, Miss., Alexander Devereaux didn’t have much. But there was no lack of remarkable personalities, each of whom left an indelible imprint on his life. Gar Fish & Long Gravy collects the stories, insight, tragedies, and uproarious wit of an unforgettable cast of characters. Meet Granmama Lia’, whose hard-won wisdom on life, love-and mistresses-is dispensed to in her kitchen to her beloved grandson, sometimes over Johnny Walker Black. There’s Ms. Peaches, who raises chickens in her ramshackle hut yet might be one of the richest people in town. Big Daddy is an imposing hulk, but his massive frame hides a vulnerable past and humiliating secret. Ms. Annie Laurie is a fabulously wealthy white woman who never had children of her own. But her love rains down on young Alexander. And that’s just for starters.

Based on real-life experiences, Gar Fish & Long Gravy is about the mistakes we make, the loves we share, and the stories we tell each other that make us who we are. And it is the touching story of a boy who ultimately breaks free of the poverty and abuse of his extended family, yet never forgets the important lessons he learned along the way. As Grandmama said, “If sense were common, everybody would have it.”

Amistad
Available July 1, 2010 in Hardcover

With Come to Win, Venus Williams, the multiple Grand Slam tennis champion and entrepreneur, along with an esteemed group of business leaders, politicians, and acclaimed artists, serves up a book of wisdom that shows how to turn a competitive spirit and athletic background into success off the playing field.

Combining talent, drive, and hard work, Venus Williams has mastered the game of tennis. How will that drive serve her off the court in her post-tennis career? For inspiration, Venus turned to nearly fifty business leaders, politicians, doctors, and artists, all of whom previously played competitive sports and who are now at the top of their professions, and asked them the essential questions: What principles that inspired you toward success as an athlete are helpful in life? In business?

Here an A-list group of visionaries, including eBay’s former CEO Meg Whitman, Nike’s co-founder Philip Knight, stateswoman Condoleezza Rice, entrepreneur and former NBA player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and designer Vera Wang, respond with a useful array of tips woven through anecdotes from their athletic past that have been instrumental in their post-sports life success. Whether it’s visualizing a course of action before it happens, turning losses into learning tools, figuring out who best plays what position in a team environment, or remembering that there is no substitute for preparation, the advice in Come to Win is knowledge every manager and aspiring professional will want to read. It’s also an indispensable tool for parents and coaches looking to build confidence and discipline in their children.

Venus also reflects on what she has learned from her own coaches, including her father and mother, and how their wisdom contributes to her own remarkable achievements, from her history-making tennis career to the launch of her own businesses — V-Starr Interiors, an interior design firm, and EleVen, an athletic clothing line.

Tate Publishing
Available February 2, 2010

D. Sanderson
Available September 17, 2009 in Paperback

Lots of intelligent, attractive women with a lot going for them wind up with losers and I bet you’re just dying to know how you can nab one for yourself. Well, look no further. Based on true events, this searingly funny yet sobering tale explores all of the choices we make in relationships without ever realizing how they will impact our lives. This “how to” guide can help you recognize the warning signs before you end up in “Loserville” or help you get there faster . . . if that’s what you really want!

Tyndale House Publishers
Available March 4, 2010 in Paperback

Once upon a time, Michelle McKinney Hammond’s lifestyle centered around the finer things in life — designer clothes, five-star restaurants, and bag after bag of high-end nonessentials. Then one day, like many people, Michelle awoke to find herself on the losing end of a most unwelcome and unexpected financial downturn. In response, she quickly went from “spoiled” to “fabulously frugal,” and with courage and a sense of humor, she made the necessary adjustments in her life.

Now, Hammond, a self-proclaimed DIVA (Divine Inspiration for Victorious Attitude), shares what she learned about her own spending, desires, and needs and how she adjusted to life during an unpredictable economy. Divanomics is filled with money-saving tips on fashion, beauty, home decor, entertaining, diet, housing, and more.

St. Martin’s Press
Available April 27, 2010 in Hardcover

Happiness isn’t the too-brief rush that comes from getting something you’ve wanted—it’s the lasting great feeling that comes from becoming someone you want to be…..

And someone others want to be with, too. No matter where you start, Happy can help you improve your life and permanently alter your happiness set point.

Dr. Ian has inspired millions to lose weight. In counseling dieters, Smith learned that while achieving hard-fought and worthy goals can help make a person happy, even these real accomplishments aren’t what make happiness stick.

In Happy, Ian Smith presents a program that motivates readers to understand the behaviors and mind-sets that work and last, including:

–How to be optimistic

–Why optimism and realism are not opposites

–How to get outside yourself

–The importance of family and community

–Why involvement leads to contentment

–Shedding the treadmill mentality of getting and spending

–Tapping the power of simple pleasures

–Mastering modern life to live in the moment

–What we can learn from the Danish people

–How to be, not just to do

Happy is a life-changing book from one of America’ most trusted voices.

Adams Media
Available May 18, 2010 in Hardcover

While so many talented and ambitious kids have become tabloid fodder, Raven-Symon, beloved star of That’s So Raven, has remained grounded and happy as she’s created a massive franchise for Disney, won multiple Kids’ Choice Awards, and made history as the first African-American woman with her own sitcom. The difference? Her parents’ positive-approach plan–which you can now use with your own children.

As her father and manager, Christopher B. Pearman worked tirelessly to nurture Raven’s dream, while teaching her to believe in herself and, most importantly, never losing sight of their family’s core values. Inside, Pearman breaks down his plan into eight “Dream Catchers”–spiritual and practical principles that filter out negativity, and allow only affirming thoughts into your child’s consciousness. Make no mistake: This is not a guide to stage parenting, but a doctrine for raising your kids to reach their full potential in any endeavor, simple or grand.

As a parent, you know there’s nothing more important than making sure your children become all they want to be. Dream So Big shows how commitment, responsibility, and dedication to your children’s innermost wishes can catapult them to great success–and happiness.

• The first vegan guide geared to African American women
• More than forty delicious and nutritious recipes highlighted with color photographs
• Menus and advice on transitioning from omnivore to vegan
• Resource information and a comprehensive shopping list for restocking the fridge and pantry

African American women are facing a health crisis: Heart disease, stroke, and diabetes occur more frequently among them than among women of other races. Black women comprise the heftiest group in the nation — 80 percent are overweight, and 50 percent obese. Decades of studies show that these chronic diseases can be prevented and even reversed with a plant-based diet. But how can you control your weight and health without sacrificing great food and gorgeous curves?

Just ask Tracye Lynn McQuirter. With attitude, inspiration, and expertise, in By Any Greens Necessary, McQuirter shows women how to stay healthy, hippy, and happy by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes as part of an active lifestyle. The book is a call to action that all women should heed.

By Any Greens Necessary:
A Revolutionary Guide for Black Women Who Want to Eat Great, Get Healthy, Lose Weight, and Look Phat
by Tracye Lynn McQuirter MPH

Lawrence Hill Books, May 1, 2010