Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign

EDC Creations, The Sankofa Literary Society and The Black Authors Network announce the launch of their 2009-2010  "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," bringing readers and authors together to help improve literacy. In 2004, during the Christmas holidays, Ella Curry, the founder of EDC Creations, reached out to women's groups and literary organizations to help promote early literacy by giving new books to children from low income homes. Today, the "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," seeks to expand even further!  “Based on the “each one teach one,” model, our goal is to help people introduce reading and new books to their family and friends,” says CEO and founder of EDC creations, Ella Curry.  “Instead of giving expensive gifts that don't shape lives----let's “Give the Gift of Knowledge” and help to strengthen our future generations!”

Please join the campaign by becoming a blog tour host, radio interviewer, chat host or by purchasing one of the books featured here and giving it to a friend.  We welcome the community into the program and will support any of our partners with promotion in return. Spread the word.... we want to bring more entertainment, education and enlightenment to the community!  Review the books below and invite the author to meet your family and friends in person or via the phone.

Each year thousands of people — educators, concerned parents, community leaders, authors, poets and publishers — devote their time and resources to presenting the reader with great books! However, too many outstanding books do not get the attention and reader support that they deserve. It is our mission to connect readers with these hidden gems and bring them books that will change their lives.

Each week EDC Creations will sponsor book club chats, live readings from authors, podcast presentations, seminars, community relations discussions, and radio shows that deliver the best our writers have to offer. All we ask is that the readers of the world spread the word.  Readers have an opportunity to win books and prizes from our partners. Authors will gain more recognition and exposure for their work.  Help us Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign.  Contact Ella Curry the founder by email to join the campaign:   elladcurry@edc-creations.com


Shop EDC Creations Bookstores:
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EDC Creations Virtual Tours Home: 
 http://www.edccreationsbooktours.ning.com

Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign Book Reviewers
The Sankofa Literary Society Review is focused on the issues and lifestyles that define the avid American Reader -- what they read, what they want out of their careers, how they connect to each other, what motivates them and how they feel about the community as a whole. Many have stated that "there is no African American village...it's dead," we don't feel that way. The Village is here, the village in now!   Expand your horizons!  Join us today to add your voice and experiences to our union. While showcasing our heritage, our experiences and delivering our voice--we remain anchored to the spiritual, emotional and practical realities of our entire global community, supporting all races. We are not limited solely to AA authors; we hope to educate our readers by offering a variety of literature and resources. We are offering you the best in literature period, from our perspective. Come on in and join this movement to Give the Gift of Knowledge!  

Book reviewer details: http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/2009/07/edc-creations-review-team-policy.html 

2009 Give the Gift of Knowledge Authors on Tour
Invite the authors to read to your network!

Somebody's Sinning in My Bed by Pat G'Orge Walker

Pat G’Orge-Walker is the Essence bestselling author of Somewhat Saved; Cruisin’ on Desperation; Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin’s…; Sister Betty, God’s Calling You, Again!; and contributed a short story to several anthologies. Being a preacher’s kid gave her a quirky perspective on church, inspiring her to create a one-woman comedy show centering on Sister Betty, whose unchristian-like behavior blocks her blessings.

Pat G'Orge-Walker delivers a wickedly funny, uplifting novel of love and betrayal…good karma and bad karma…sin and redemption… 

Somebody's Sinning in my Bed is a Faith based title that helps the reader to remember that we're birthed in complexities and need. Life is a journey that will make you or break you. If the reader can remember that God is always in control and whatever you go through...God's got the end already tied up and gift-wrapped for you if you walk in faith. However, one should never play with God; a reprobated mind is a terrible thing to have. And finally, one should never think less of themselves than God does. 
(Book info: Christian Fiction; ISBN-10: 0758235402; ISBN-13: 978-0758235404)

Murder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels Young

Pamela Samuels Young is the Essence bestselling author of Murder on the Down Low, In Firm Pursuit, Every Reasonable Doubt and the forthcoming Buying Time. The former journalist and Compton native is the fiction writing expert for BizyMoms.com and is on the Board of Directors of the Southern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. 

Murder on the Down Low Introduction
Murder on the Down Low is an intense eye-opener. It raises awareness about HIV and AIDS in the African American community.

 A high-profile lawsuit erupts into chaos, revealing its place in a larger spree of violence in this scandalous tale of lust, lies, and vengeance. A brazen gunman is targeting prominent African American men on the streets of Los Angeles, and police are completely baffled. At the same time, savvy big-firm attorney Vernetta Henderson and her outrageous sidekick, Special, lead the charge for revenge against a man whose deceit caused his fiancée's death. For Special, hauling the man into court and suing him for wrongful death just isn’t good enough. While she exacts her own brand of justice, a shocking revelation connects the contentious lawsuit and the puzzling murders.  (Book info: Crime Thriller; ISBN-10: 0981562701; ISBN-13: 978-0981562704)


Buying Time Introduction (Available - Nov 1, 2009)
Waverly Sloan is a down-on-his-luck lawyer. But just when he's about to hit rock bottom, he stumbles upon a business with the potential to solve all of his problems. 

In Waverly's new line of work, he comes to the aid of people in desperate need of cash. But there's a catch. His clients must be terminally ill and willing to sign over rights to their life insurance policies before they can collect a dime. Waverly then finds investors eager to advance them thousands of dollars—including a hefty broker's fee for himself—in exchange for a significant return on their investment once the clients take their last breath. 

The stakes get higher when Waverly brokers the policy of the cancer-stricken wife of Lawrence Erickson, a high-powered lawyer who's bucking to become the next U.S. Attorney General. When Waverly's clients start dying sooner than they should, both Waverly and Erickson—who has some skeletons of his own to hide—are unwittingly drawn into a perilous web of greed, blackmail and murder. 
(Book info: Crime Thriller; ISBN-10: 098156271X; ISBN-13: 978-0981562711)

The Manual  by Sherryle Kiser Jackson

Sherryle Kiser Jackson is a fresh voice in Christian fiction. Her style reflects an honest commentary on her life with Christ. Soon and Very Soon is her debut novel. She anxiously awaits the publication of her second novel, The Manual, October of this year. Experience her too real to be preachy, Biblically based, out-the-Christian-box fiction at www.sherrylejackson.com  or on www.MySpace.com/sherrylejackson 

The Manual (Urban Christian) Introduction
Who said there isn't a manual for love, relationships and raising kids?
With a chance to confront their past with the hindsight of adulthood, The Manual, takes a realistic look into the lives of two unequally-yoked high school sweethearts who must forgive and forget to raise their teenaged son. The second novel, The Manual from author, Sherryle Jackson who brought you Soon and Very Soon will be released in October 2009. 

Follow the author as she chronicles the journey on her blog: www.makingthemanual.blogspot.com 
(Book info: Christian fiction; ISBN-10: 1601629354; ISBN-13: 978-1601629357)

In the Land of Cotton by Martha A. Taylor 

SLAVERY IS MORE THAN CHAINS AND SHACKLES
SLAVERY IS A STATE OF MIND

Immerse yourself in this highly anticipated political docu-drama set in the Deep South amidst the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. Martha was a young white girl living in the Deep South, inundated with the racist sentiments of the times. But Martha's natural curiosity and generous heart led her to question this racial divide. When she discovered a primitive Negro family living deep in the woods near her house, everyone's life changed forever.  Take the journey of a lifetime alongside Martha as she forges relationships that lead to self discovery and a clearer understanding of the world around her. In the Land of Cotton provides an outstanding snapshot of life in the South during those troubled times - a snapshot everyone should take a close look at, regardless of era or color.  The year was 1956.   

(Book info: Historical fiction; Civil Rights Movement;  ISBN-10: 1432734717; ISBN-13: 978-1432734718)

REVIEW
"To be part of history is a wonderful experience but, to stand perfectly still holding your breath those precious few seconds when you know history is imminent but before it is written; before it actually becomes history, that is overwhelming." ~ Silas Boyd 

In The Land of Cotton is a poignant and emotional chronicle of a young, unpretentious white girl coming to age in the color divided world of the fifties and sixties. Martha's story places the reader smack in the middle of the civil rights war; a beautiful and heart wrenching journey through history that weaves a tale of forbidden friendships, misconceptions and human nature, at both its best and worst. 

Martha's passionate desire to break through the prejudice and learn for herself the truth, submerses the readers into the tumultuous, discriminatory world of soul mates kept apart by skin color and social stigma. 

In The Land of Cotton is a prodigious must read for any generation. For those who experienced the world divided by flesh tone, Martha's take will bring them back to an all too familiar, and perhaps even uncomfortable, territory. For others, it will be a heart and eye opening rendition of history, and the long, hard fought battle of equal opportunity and universal acceptance, not just between colors, but people. 

Martha's weaving of history and personal experience give readers a start to finish, can't put down narrative, offering a singular panorama of an ever changing, ever adapting world and the people caught in the maelstrom of it all. It is a seamlessly written tale of love, moral dilemma, honor, political uprising, conviction and self evolvement. 

In light of this year's Presidential Election, In The Land of Cotton can't help but assume the form of a beacon of hope for any individual who has ever felt different and longed for more. 

Well written, beautifully depicted and stirring, In The Land of Cotton is sure to present old and new reader alike with a unique perspective in to a part of history that shaped and molded past generations and formed the future as well as to serve as a reminder that true love is, and always has been, colorblind. 
-- 5/5 stars. Reviewed by Claudia Robinson, Amazon review


REVIEW 
"In the Land of Cotton" is Martha Taylor's very personal look at one of the most volatile and exciting periods in American history, a time during which the Civil Rights Movement changed race relations in this country forever. It was a decade during which America put a man on the moon, fought one of the most unpopular wars in its history, and finally recognized that all men are, indeed, created equal. Like Martha, I came of age in the South during the 1960s. Unlike her, with the exception of how America's Viet Nam adventure impacted all young men of the time, I was largely an outside observer to what was happening around the country. 

When Martha's story begins in 1956, she is a young girl living a relatively sheltered life with her grandparents in Memphis, Tennessee. One year later Martha's parents buy a home in a new Memphis subdivision and she moves back home to live with her parents and little sister, a move that will change her life forever. Martha's parents are happy enough to leave her to herself as long as she is home before dark every evening and she is quick to take advantage of that lack of attention. 

Exploring the area on her bicycle one day, Martha is thrilled to discover, deep in the woods near her home, the little family enclave in which Lucy Boyd, her family's black housekeeper, lives. The Boyd family is at first a little uneasy about having Martha around so much, fearing what might happen if the little white girl is noticed there among them. Martha, however, because she understands her own family's racial attitudes well enough to know she can never tell them about her visits, is able to continue them in complete secrecy. 

And continue, the visits do. Martha comes to know and love the several generations of Boyds living in their primitive family compound and they, in turn, accept her as one of their own. By the time her parents move the family to Texas, the Boyds have taught Martha more about the world and life than she will ever learn from her own parents, and she has become especially attached to Silas Boyd, a young man about her age. 

What happens to Martha and Silas over the next few years is as much America's story as it is their own. Deeply in love though she might be, Martha realizes that her family is never likely to accept her love for a black man. Silas, on the other hand, has the reluctant approval of his mother but knows that being seen with a white girl in the 1960s South could cost him his life. Swept up by the rapidly changing events of the times, their story is one of inspiration and tragedy. 

"In the Land of Cotton" is a touching reminder of those times for those of us who lived through them. Just as importantly, it is a very readable personal history of that period for those too young to remember it for themselves, history told in a manner that makes it both vivid and real - something even the best history books seldom achieve. 
--4/5 stars. Reviewed by Sam Sattler, Amazon Top 1000 Reviewers

When Lightning Strikes by Keya

Author Keya, originally from Dallas, Texas is the breakout author of When Lightning Strikes. She attended Stephen F. Austin State University, and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Keya enjoys reading, music, writing, and spending time with her children, Treyvion and Desirae. In addition to those hobbies she enjoys being the co-creator of the popular entertainment and blog site www.real-talk-live.com. She presently resides in Plano, Texas with her family. Keya is very anxious to begin working on the second installment of When Lightning Strikes. When Lightning Strikes addresses the following community related topics: Domestic Violence, Corruption in the workplace, Interracial Dating, Bipolar Disorder and Adoption.

When Lightning Strikes Introduction
Taylor is on the road to happiness and success. She is a gorgeous and classy woman with a thriving career and a wonderful fiancée. One day, Taylor’s near perfect world is turned upside down when she discovers her future husband is cheating. To make matters worse, while trying to put the pieces of her life back together, she finds out someone at her job has filed a sexual harassment complaint against her. She realizes someone is out to ruin her life. With Taylor’s personal life, profession, and overall reputation at stake, can she overcome it all? Or, will the stress of it all bring out another side of Taylor? See how Taylor reacts When Lightning Strikes.

Everyone knows that you have to go through showers to endure storms, but for Taylor Devereaux the chain of events that she is about to experience are cruel and unusual. As a beautiful and successful advertising executive, Taylor is about to learn that just because you have success, doesn't mean that you don't have problems. In fact, Taylor's success is about to add to her trials and tribulations. With everything from envy, rage and murder happening in Taylor's world, she is about to learn the true meaning of When Lightning Strikes.  
(Book info: Contemporary Fiction; ISBN-10: 1434393917; ISBN-13: 978-1434393913)


REVIEW
When Lightning Strikes by Keya, is about Taylor Devereaux, an advertising executive who has an enemy seeking to do her serious harm. While on her job she learns someone has accused her of sexually harassing a young boy. Darius is seventeen years old and has said Taylor had an affair with him. She doesn't know who he is so it's obviously a ploy of some sort. She is forced to leave her job while the investigation goes on, and she runs into another dreadful scene. She handles it with aplomb and embarrasses those who would hurt her. Who is behind all the horror that is going on in her life? Will she be able to keep her job or is her life as an executive over? 

Keya penned an interesting novel of rampant evil out to get one woman. Will Taylor ever find the person behind the scheme? It is a page-turner.  4/5 stars. Reviewed by Alice Holman--of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

The Journey Less Traveled by Loretta "Faith" Harris, M.Ed.

Loretta "Faith" Harris is a prolific speaker, entrepreneur, author, and humanitarian. She is the presiding president and founder of Children's Heart Publishing. This exceptional educator possesses the ability to cultivate the gifts and talents within her young adult scholars. Throughout her teaching career, she endeavored to ignite her own passion for reading in the hearts of her students. 

Loretta graduated from the University of Central Florida in the spring of 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. In addition, this determined educator received a master’s degree in educational leadership, which she earned from Stetson University in 2007. Loretta is reading endorsed and qualified to teach reading grades K-12. Throughout her teaching career, Loretta endeavored to ignite the same passion for reading in the hearts of her students. Loretta is a recipient of various accolades in the field of education, including Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year.

The Journey Less Traveled Introduction
The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy into Triumph highlights Loretta's bout with death, grief, depression, anger and countless experiences, which she encountered after her tragic car accident on May 24, 2006. At some point in this life s journey, you will come face to face with tragedy. Enduring the hardship, while holding true to your faith and the promises of God are key components in your victory over any adverse situation. Readers of all ages, cultures, and experiences will relate to one woman s choice to triumph over her tragedy. This book has the potential to transform lives! 

At some point during life's journey, you will come face to face with adversity. Enduring the hardship, while holding true to your faith and promises of God, are key components in your victory over these devastating encounters. As a survivor of tragedy, Loretta Harris speaks candidly about her encounter with death, the emotional upheavals, and her struggle to transition back into reality. Readers of all ages, cultures, and experiences will be empowered by one woman's choice to triumph over her tragedy. (Book info: Motivational; ISBN-10: 0978668154; ISBN-13: 978-0978668150)

Seven Steps to Developing a Conqueror's Mentality 
--Face your adversity 
--Release your frustrations 
--Seek counsel 
--Search the scriptures 
--Develop faith-filled confessions 
--Recognize lessons learned 
--Take a stand 

REVIEW
I believe that millions of lives will be impacted after coming in contact with this book. Millions will give their heart to the Lord in confidence, knowing that if He did it for this Woman of God; He can do it for them. 
--Bishop Edward A. Harris/Overseer First Apostolic Assembly of Pahokee 

REVIEW
As I sat reading THE JOURNEY LESS TRAVELED, the true-life account of author, Loretta "Faith" Harris, I was moved to tears. The character and "faith" that is displayed in her story is truly amazing. She takes us on a rollercoaster journey that moves us from her near death experience, into her recovery and finally to her total victory! However, that's not all; she shares with us how to take our tragedies, turn them into triumphs and inspire others along the way. 

I must also note that if her story alone wasn't more than noteworthy in itself, her continued dedication to her commitment as a teacher and educator were awe inspiring. Make sure to check out her seven steps to developing a conquerors mentality as well. All I can say is Bravo AND Praise God for this inspiring author AND educator! 
--5/5 stars. Reviewed by Jacqueline Moore for the RAWSISTAZ Reviewers 

Lies of Blue by Lynne Forde

What is the price for fulfilling your dream? Lies of Blue is the story about Lynne Forde, a young woman who tries to reach her dream by making sacrifices. Somewhere along the line, the wrong sacrifices get made. It's Training Day meets OZ with a twist of Set It Off. When Forde gets tired of her dead end job in the City Courts, she embarks on a career in the belly of the beast. With a degree in hand and a little bit of street sense, she decides to try her hand working in River's Edge Jail Complex. From day one at the Academy to her last day at Prison, Forde evolves from your average "rookie" into something other than just a woman. To make matters worse, if you put a sexual being in the midst of some of the city's most conniving men and women, you are bound to come up with something a little kinky and very destructive. The more dangerous the game became, the more erotic the encounters became. 

She goes from Officer, to Hustler, to Vic, to CEO in a matter of 8 years. Lies of Blue is an expose of what goes on in the belly of the beast, through the eyes of one woman. Lies of Blue teaches you that there are so many people you may come across in life, you never know who is real and who is fake, but that the journey can become a battle of life or death. Choose wisely. What is the price for fulfilling your dream? 
(Book info: Contemporary Fiction; ISBN-10: 1604023783; ISBN-13: 978-1604023787)

Reflections of a Quiet Storm by Patricia A. Bridewell

Patricia A. Bridewell is a native of Los Angeles, California. Reading has always had a certain magnetism in her life since childhood. Journaling life experiences as therapy led to her passion for writing. Her notes transcended into the novel, Reflections of a Quiet Storm, to be released by Xpress Yourself Publishing LLC on March 10, 2009. Patricia has multifaceted careers as a registered nurse, adjunct college professor, and CEO of her own company, Bri-John Nursing Services, Inc. She is currently working on her second novel and is a guest writer for two new online magazines-Step Up Sista and Hotlantabuzzonline.com.

Reflections of a Quiet Storm addresses the following family and community topics: infidelity and the repercussions, emotional pain and distress in relationships, building faith and sustaining life trials and a closer look at helping profession of nursing.  

(Book info: ISBN-10:0977939863; ISBN-13:978-0977939862)

Reflections of a Quiet Storm Introduction
As CEO and owner of a new nursing registry, Pauline Bridges is striving to reach the height of success, and then unexpectedly tragedy strikes. After a near fatal automobile accident, she climbs from the wreckage unscathed. Shortly thereafter, God begins to reveal her past. Chronicled in a series of stories, her life unfolds through a long journey; a pathway that unveils many secrets that not even her children had been told. Memories, dreams and flashbacks of her mother's abuse at the hands of her stepfather, a rape during adolescence, her brother's stormy lifestyle, and the agony of a marriage that was destroyed by her ex-husband, Naman's infidelity and substance abuse, all return to torment her. Then there is the shattering memory of the unsolved murder of her former boss, a vice president for a major recording company. The ditch grows much deeper as she struggles to help her children through their crises, and also learns that her friend, Vangie, is having an affair with her best friend, Bethany's husband, Darryl. Keith Maris steps into her life and opens her heart to feelings and emotions that she didn't know still existed. His strong support and her faith bring resolutions that pave the way through a chaotic triangle of family issues and an illicit love affair., in Reflections of a Quiet Storm. 

REVIEW
Told in the voice of CEO Pauline Bridges, Reflections of a Quiet Storm is the story of a woman who has earned everything she has worked so hard for with love and dedication, for examples, a career she loves, stability, friends and a home she appreciates. However, there have been a few bumps along the road of her life, which she relays in a flashback format after a near fatal car accident. 

Told in a lighthearted fashion, Bridewell manages to make the reader wonder whether or not personal mountains have been scaled with such triumph and dedication, and if commitments to creating a better life have been met with dedication regardless of experiences and circumstance. 

Reflections of a Quiet Storm gives you the inspiration to keep reading, keep going and keeping moving toward something better - a better future and being a better you. 
4/5 stars. Reviewed by The African-American Literature Review (AALR)

Black Pearls Magazine Brought to you by EDC Creations Media Group

Black Pearls Magazine is a free digital magazine committed to inspire, encourage and empower a international group of readers. Our mission is to provide information that is essential, enlightening and entertaining. The information that we publish helps to empower our BP readers, therefore enriching their lives and benefiting the communities in which they live. We believe in Giving the Gift of Knowledge!

The words Black Pearls has become a metaphor for something very rare, very admirable and very valuable. We are here to bring you those literary jewels, Black Pearls, that are sure to bring you and your love ones much pleasure and empowerment. Every issue of this monthly published magazine will celebrate the accomplishments of authors and writers from around the globe, honoring proud traditions and spotlighting ways to enhance the reader's everyday life.

Visit the Bookclub Reading Room for more excellent selections: http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com 

Discover great books, read about the authors, find other book club members, explore our reader’s guides, share our excerpts of new releases and more. Books are a blessing when you can learn and grow from what you read. I hope that you find many books to add great value in your life. Start by reading this entire catalog of suggested books. Spread the word about these Black Pearls...Give the Gift of Knowledge.

Ella Curry, Black Pearls publisher and EDC Creations president

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Seeking Book Reviewers
EDC Creations seeks to add avid readers to our community as book reviewers. We would like readers to share their honest opinions about the books they read on our Black Authors Network Radio Show and on our BAN blog. You do not have to be a professional writer, we want to feel your passion for reading. Reviewers receive books from EDC Creations’ publishing partners. Email Ella Curry for more details at: edc_dg@yahoo.com 

Book reviewer details: http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/2009/07/edc-creations-review-team-policy.html 

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Seeking Book Club Interviews
Ella Curry and EDC Creations celebrates the rise of book clubs in the publishing industry. We host monthly tributes and parties for our featured book clubs. Visit Black Pearls Magazine today to view all of our showcased clubs. You too can become a Black Pearls Bookclub Star! Request that your book club be interviewed and receive a gift bag of books!

Your book club and network of friends are invited to check all the great authors in the Bookclub Reading Room at BP: www.blackpearlsmagazine.com  Email Ella Curry for more details at: edc_dg@yahoo.com 

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Seeking Blog Tour Hosts
Each month EDC Creations hosts a tour of 4 wonderful authors. We travel across the web sharing our message of Give the Gift of Knowledge. We are now seeking bloggers, book clubs and book lovers to host the authors on their websites, blogs or radio shows. We will hold live readings weekly and would like for readers to share the news on Twitter, Facebook and Myspace. Gather 5 or more friends and meet us for an online party! We promote great books via the phone, Skype and the web. Great benefits available for tour hosts. Email Ella Curry for more details on joining at: edc_dg@yahoo.com 

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Business Interviews Requested
Do you have a great business that serves our community? Tell Black Pearls Magazine about it! We are seeking community leader interviews. We showcase 4 business owners per month. Email Ella Curry for more details at: edc_dg@yahoo.com