The reviews are coming in! Here’s what Jeremy had to say!
“This book is full of the kind of history that should be taught in school but instead, is relatively unknown. The author did an outstanding job putting this material together, which took ten years and tons of research. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s into history.
The author focuses on people and groups who have been pivotal in black history. She gives a voice to the marginalized and makes us aware of the contributions of the family of historical figures like Frederick Douglas and Martin Luther King Jr. Each chapter gets the dirt on whitewashed or forgotten pieces of history.
Read this book to learn about the aftermath of the Civil War and how slavery was reconstructed in the form of criminal justice. The book is compelling and hard to put down as you discover a series of horrific truths about history.
This book contributed significantly to my view of American history, as it has put a lot of things in perspective. I see how slavery was reworked into other forms of slavery and evolved in complexity into the Bernaysian economic system based on Freud’s fear of human nature.
Reading this, a lot of light bulbs went off for me. It dawned on me that nothing that ever happened is ever really over, like slavery and public relations. I can’t recommend this book enough!”
Jeremy Lamkin, Amazon Customer Review
Thanks so much Jeremy!
If you read this book, please be sure to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads! The book is also on Barnes and Noble; reviews are welcome there as well!
Scroll down until you see Review this Product. Click on Write a Customer Review.
Give it the number of stars you think it deserves, and write your review.
Facts to Know:
You don’t have to like a book to review it. All reviews help the author!
If you don’t have the book, it is currently 99 cents for Women’s History Month (all March) and free with Kindle Unlimited. After march, the ebook goes back to its original price of $9.99.
Blog reviews count! Simply link to my blog or let me know you’ve reviewed it and I’ll repost it.
I met up with some amazing poets in Atlanta (there were more of us, but it was late and several poets had already left) for Modex’s first Poetic Mode feature on Wednesday night. There were three open-mic poets, four features, and the host also did a poem.
I was honored to be one of the features. The difference is the featured poets are paid to perform. *Does happy dance.*
The only downside (which is not a downside in the grand scheme of things) is that I felt out of place, considering I have not done much spoken word lately, let alone in Atlanta, so they were talking about stuff I didn’t know anything about, lol. But I listened humbly and vowed I’d get more involved.
At the end of the sessions, there was a panel where we were asked questions so the audience could learn more about us. I liked this part the most because the questions had us thinking deeply and going inward, and I love a good thought-provoking convo.
I wished it had been longer so that more audience members could have asked their questions, but it was at the end and we were tired and hungry from such a long day. We had been there since six, not counting travel time to the venue, which for me meant leaving the house at 4-ish (because I’m an hour away from the city and Atlanta’s traffic is trash), and it was now approaching 10 pm.
Either way, it was nice to meet poets and talk about poetry stuff outside of the internet. I love ya’ll, but talking to people face-to-face was refreshing.
Now, for today’s exciting book news:
As the reviews start to come in, I want to give more of you a chance to get your hands on this book.
In honor of Women’s History Month, the ebook version of Black History Facts is 99 cents for March.
After March, the price will return to $9.99, so don’t wait!
Take this chance to get your copy, and don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon when you are done!
About.
“Black History Facts You Didn’t Learn in School” is a historical guide on Black Americans’ accomplishments, contributions, and struggles. It includes the experiences of Black individuals who have often been marginalized, overlooked, or omitted from mainstream historical accounts.
From the resilience of women like Anna Douglass, first wife of Frederick Douglass, to the many Black communities that prospered, recognizing and celebrating Black history helps to ensure that these stories are acknowledged and that the achievements and resilience of Black people are valued and appreciated.
Here’s what readers have to say:
“The author has taken the time to identify the importance of black individuals that sacrificed and or gone to the extra mile to contribute. Why these people are often forgotten is unfortunately seen on a regular basis. Over time all those forgotten will be highlighted as this book does. An excellent read.”
Louis Glass
“I remember her sharing these facts that were on her blog weekly and I looked forward to them. The fact that she compiled them and expounded on what was there to give you all this black history atlas is a blessing. Not many people are giving you the history that isn’t washed over and dressed up in a new outfit. It’s commendable and appreciative for someone to provide this level of nuggets that are given.”
Natashia Crawford
“This book provides readers with a thorough examination of lesser-known but incredibly significant facets of the black experience, serving as a monument to the richness and diversity of black history. From African ancient civilizations to the American civil rights movement, each chapter reveals a historical jewel that offers priceless insights into the tenacity, inventiveness, and accomplishments of black people across time.”
SLT
“Black History Facts You Didn’t Learn in School!!! Well-researched and thought-provoking book that sheds light on the powerful but often overlooked contributions of Black Americans. Super informative and educational. Highly recommend it!!”
“The enlightening compilation “Black History Facts You Didn’t Learn in School” questions the traditional historical narratives and highlights a multitude of noteworthy occasions, personalities, and movements that are frequently disregarded or sidelined in traditional schooling.
This book provides readers with a thorough examination of lesser-known but incredibly significant facets of the black experience, serving as a monument to the richness and diversity of black history. From African ancient civilizations to the American civil rights movement, each chapter reveals a historical jewel that offers priceless insights into the tenacity, inventiveness, and accomplishments of black people across time.
By emphasizing Black history’s crucial significance in influencing communities and cultures all around the world, it undermines the limited perception of Black history as merely a footnote in the greater story.”
The cutest black history children’s book, I See You HBCU is the ideal resource for parents who want to teach their young children about the importance and influence of historically black colleges and universities.
Beautifully illustrated and just 30 pages, little Ahman discovers a box marked “HBCU” while helping his parents carry boxes as they move into their new, larger home. He is bitten by the curiosity bug as he asks his mom and dad what the letters stand for.
He is in for an exciting lesson on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, from how they helped Black students to fit in when we couldn’t go to the same schools as whites to how Edward Waters College was the first HBCU in Florida.
The story centers on an adorable African American family, and the graphics are reminiscent of Boondocks by Aaron Mcgruder. As they respond to Ahman’s inquiries, the mother and father are kind and patient with him. You might feel like a young child on the sofa as your parents dance to the memories of their historically black institutions.
By the end of the book, the author adds an extensive list of HBCUs as a guide for readers!
This is an excellent book to start the conversation about higher education from an African American perspective if you have kids under 10. I think of this as the first of several books that will follow Ahman’s journey. Let’s hope the author feels the same way!
Ratings:
Age Appropriate for Content: 5/5
Storyline: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Child Self and Self-Identity: 5/5
Thought Provoking: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5 / 5 stars
To have your book reviewed on this blog apply here. The registry is open for a limited time.
Stay tuned for our next dope read. Next up:
Lifeline of a Soul: The Life-Changing Perspective I Gained While Teaching Entrepreneurship to Prisoners
Yecheilyah’s Book Reviews is a reputable review service that features writers from all over the world, both traditionally and independently published. We are listed on Kindlepreneur as a top-tier book review blog and Reedsy as one of their vetted active book blogs that provide insightful, excellent book reviews.
Imagine you are traveling and looking for a nice hotel. You have a choice between two that look promising.
One has 100 stars, receives some glowing reviews on its site, and even has reviews on Google Maps.
Photo by Bruno Maceiras
The other hotel looks nice from the pictures, but it doesn’t have a website, and you don’t know anyone who’s been.
You know very little about the amenities, and there is only one review.
Your only guideline comes from the very basic description on a third-party website that popped up when you Googled hotels.
Which hotel are you going to choose?
Books work in a similar way.
Book reviews are just as critical as book sales in the publishing world. They provide social proof that helps the right readers find and purchase your book.
Although our focus is on Self-Publishing, this is also true for traditionally published authors. Like with social media, publishers want to see if your book has an audience, a demand, and what you do to build awareness. Book reviews can help with that.
Start Early
The best way to garner book reviews for your book is to start at least 4-6 months (closer to six months) before the book releases. If you are a traditionally published author, your publisher will likely handle this by sending your book out for early reviews. If you are a self-published author, you can do the same.
Beta Readers
Recruiting beta readers is one of the most common methods. A beta reader is someone who reads a book before it is published in order to point out errors and make suggestions for improvements, usually without being paid. In essence, they serve as a test reader.
You want to recruit people who read within your book’s genre. Be careful only recruiting family and friends. You want people to read your book who will be honest and unbiased.
Give your readers instructions on what you expect from them. Let them know they will receive a free copy of the unfinished book and that you’d like them to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads when it is released. If you want to use their feedback on graphics for social media, say that.
A beta reader acts as a proofreader, your last line of defense before sending the book out into the world.
But, careful not to allow beta readers to change your story. While they can offer suggestions for improvements, a beta reader is not and should not replace an editor. While they can point out obvious typos, they should be looking at the big picture. What’s working? What feels weak? What makes sense in your head but doesn’t translate to the page?
You can find beta readers (paid and not paid) within your social circle (start with your email list or blog followers) on Fiverr, Reedsy, and Upwork to name a few.
Book Bloggers
What the heck is a book blogger?
A book blogger is a blogger who reads and reviews books because they love it! Most book bloggers do this for free, and others (like me) charge a fee. Like most bloggers, I used to review books for free. However, book bloggers receive tons of requests, which can become overwhelming. My list grew significantly after I had reviewed more than 30 books, been highlighted on Reedsy and Kindlepreneur, and established myself as an active, professional reviewer. Either I would stop reviewing books or charge a fee and limit my time. I chose the latter.
As you dig into book review blogs, check on these three things first:
Is the site active? Has the blogger published a post within the last month or so?
Do they have a policy with instructions on how to apply for a review? Submitting your book according to this policy is imperative if you want to be noticed.
Do they charge for reviews, and if so, how much? You want to be prepared for any fees (this should be part of your book marketing strategy).
Are they currently accepting queries? If they’re closed at the moment, it could be months before you hear back from them — if at all.
Recruiting readers can be like pulling teeth. Thankfully, there are paid options. Beta Readers and ARC are sometimes used interchangeably. Short for Advanced Readers Copy ARC is an early version of the book sent to readers to review before the book is released. There are several paid ARC services (such as Booksiren, Bookfunnel), but they can get pricey. Still, if you have a few coins saved, Google ARC Review Services to choose which fits your budget.
Amazon Early Review Program
The Amazon Early Reviewer Program is Amazon’s internal launch program that incentivizes customers who have already purchased a product to leave a review.
Wait…
Now, Amazon. You told us we aren’t allowed to incentivize reviews and post to your site. It’s okay when you do it. It’s a problem when we do it.
Anywho, here’s what you need to know about the program fromJungle Scout:
The Amazon Early Reviewer program allows a seller to submit one of their product SKUs (stock keeping unit) to be promoted by Amazon for review by a specific, pre-vetted reviewer.
The program costs $60 per SKU. However, you aren’t charged until you get one review or one year has passed, whichever comes first.
The product should receive between 1-5 reviews from reviewers who have been handpicked by Amazon.
Reviewers are chosen for the program because they have “no history of abusive or dishonest reviews” and they meet all of Amazon’s “eligibility criteria.”
Once program reviewers leave feedback, Amazon marks the review with an orange badge that reads “Early Reviewer Program.”
I have never participated in this program, but it is an option. If you know more about this or have used it, let me know!
Ask for the review at the back of the book!
Add a short, direct request for the reader to leave a review after they are finished reading as the last page of the book. Something simple like: “I’d love to hear your opinion about this book! Please consider leaving an honest review on the platform of your choice.” Something like that.
Additionally, if someone in your network has read your book, you may send them an email asking for their review. Direct requests are sometimes more effective than mass emails asking for volunteers. It seems thoughtful and personal.
So, how many beta readers, book bloggers, and early reviews should I strive for?
As many as you are able, but I would strive for at least 10-20 Amazon reviews within the first two months after your book release date. That shows your book has traction with real readers. You can also share those reviews (as stated) on social media graphics as social proof.
Be sure that you inform your beta readers/book bloggers to post their early reviews to the book’s Amazon page when it drops.
Title: Pretty Privilege Author: S.R. Graham Publisher: S.R. Graham Published: April 14, 2023 Page: 137
Eighteen-year-old Zuri Natrice Hall is sick of being treated like a caged bird. Constantly complimented on her beauty, paraded across beauty pageant stages, commercial sets, and in the streets of Myrtle Beach, Zuri musters up the courage to accept her win as Miss High School USA, a victory she knew she had in the bag before the contest was over.
Cringing on the inside, Zuri fake smiles through the speech she is forced to give and conjures up the fake tears she is expected to produce. In real life, Zuri despises being paraded around like a trophy. She hates the pageants and yearns to pursue her own dream of being a movie director.
But her mother is not having it.
Dr. Delilah Elise and Mayor Stephen Hall are their town’s Michelle and Barrack Obama, and Zuri, their only daughter of four, is their beautiful princess. Having abandoned her dreams of becoming the first woman in her family to become a doctor, Mrs. Hall expects Zuri to carry on the family legacy of dominating pageants and becoming Miss USA.
Everything Zuri does not want.
Finally, she sets out for college, hoping to live on her own terms. She is finally out of the cage and allowed to embrace her full, authentic self while navigating college life.
When Zuri catches the eye of rich and spoiled Dexter Malone at a party, she has no idea how complicated things will get. She eventually falls in love with the nerdy boy Calvin, but Dexter is determined to make her his no matter the cost.
Books about Black families tend to surround the burden of poverty and racism in some capacity. Rarely do we get to witness the Black family simply living life. I appreciated that about this book. Zuri’s parents successfully contribute to their household and community, are financially stable, and are happily married while raising their four children.
However, Zuri still has to make her own decisions and live life outside of her parents. And like most of us at Zuri’s age, her lessons will be learned the hard way.
The only thing stopping this from being a five-star is it’s a bit erotic for a young adult novel. Not that these kids ain’t out here doing the nasty in real life, but the details seemed a bit much for this kind of book.
Nevertheless, Pretty Privilege is a wonderful coming-of-age story that fans of young adult novels will love. It introduces some critical topics for parents and young adults, such as allowing your children to become their own person. It is also an eye-opener for young people to be careful when they do leave the nest and go out into this loveless world. Everyone is not your friend or has your best interest.
Ratings:
Plot Movement / Strength: 4/5
Entertainment Factor: 4/5
Characterization: 4/5
Authenticity / Believable: 4/5
Thought Provoking: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/ 5 stars
To have your book reviewed on this blog apply here. The registry is open for a limited time.
Stay tuned for our next dope read. Next up:
I See You HBCU!
Yecheilyah’s Book Reviews is a reputable review service that features writers from all over the world, both traditionally and independently published. We are listed on Kindlepreneur as a top-tier book review blog and Reedsy as one of their vetted active book blogs that provide insightful, excellent book reviews.
The PBS Blog 