"Authors We Love" Highlights
- Why Conversations is addicted to books
- REVEALED: Conversations' Top 20 Summer Reads of 2009
- Authors We Have Hosted, 2008
- Authors and Artists We Have Conversed With, 2008
- "Most Fascinating Author of 2008"
- "Most Fascinating Author of 2007"
- REVEALED: Conversations' Best Kept Literary Secrets of 2008!
- Conversations reveals its "Best Kept Secrets of 2007" here!
- REVEALED: Conversations' Top 100 of 2008!
- Conversations' Top 20 Summer Reads, 2008
- Conversations recognizes authors with its "Readers Choice" Program
Monday, May 4, 2009
Conversations Presents Its "Top 20 Summer Reads 2009"
Listed in no particular order, here are the books and their authors who Conversations Book Club and its 10 chapters feel should be on your "Must Have" list as you make your summer plans:
* "The Chemist" by Janson Mancheski
* "The Fox" by Arlene Radasky
* "The Magic Bullet" by Andrew Neiderman
* "A Voice Behind Thunder" by Carrie Elizabeth Greene
* "The Green Eyed Butterfly" by Kifany Dugger
* "Make Me Whole" by Roishina Clay Henderson
* "Traitor" by Mark Eller
* "Jena's Choice" by Beverly J. Scott
* "Abramo's Gift" by Donald Greco
* "Dead Wreckoning" by Sylvia Dickey Smith
* "When Lightning Strikes" by Keya
* "The Happiness Factor" by Kirk Wilkinson
* "My Heart Has Wings" by Kris King
* "We'll Always Be Pals" by Tom McManus
* "The Smartest Way to Save" by Samuel K. Freshman & Heidi E. Clingen
* "The Marquise Hill Story" bye Sherry Hill
* "Children of Abraham" by R. H. Martin
* "It's All Love" by Marita Golden
* "Lotto" by Joe McDonald
* "Another Life" by Andrew Vachss
Cyrus A. Webb and Conversations Book Club encourages you to visit these authors online and find out for yourself why these books are so impressive. Look for additional information about the authors to be coming from http://www.thebestbookclub.info.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Write Stuff Meet & Greet in Jackson, MS: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Authors/Judges Kia Stokes, Joseph Henderson, Jerome Gentry, Dudley Sykes and Carrie Elizabeth Greene were joined by creators Cyrus A. Webb and Zane Bell, C Jay of The Risque Cafe (Memphis, TN) and other supporters as they celebrated the success of the project thus far. During the evening AJC and The Envelope Pushers entertained those gathered and good food and conversation were had by all.
For more information about upcoming events for The Write Stuff visit http://www.thewritestufftv.com.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Conversations Most Fascinating Author of 2008: Corey "C-Murder" Miller
Conversations Founder Cyrus A. Webb first was introduced to him in January 2007, and since that time the two have made literary history time and again. Their partnership has been praised everywhere from hiphop websites, Get The Daily News, MTV and even the Chicago Tribune! See links below:
Chicago Tribune
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2008/jan/06/entertainment/chi-abc-murder6_pjan06
Pro-Hiphop/ MTV News
http://www.prohiphop.com/2008/01/conversations-b.html
http://showhype.com/article/c_murder_teams_with_book_club_plus_r_e_m_south_by/
Get The Daily News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T-OjI0l9T8&feature=channel_page
Webb also coordinated the author's first book tour (see detailed report of the historic tour that was covered by dozens of Media outlets including Fox News and The Associated Press here: http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2007/10/mississippi-should-be-honored-c-murder.html)
as well as that for his author (Jacki-o) once her book was released in 2008.
Webb and this year's honoree also began "The TRU Conversations Hour", connecting music and book lovers worldwide through a weekly talk show.
After helping launch the New Orleans branch of Conversations Book Club in January 2008, the most powerful project the two have been a part of is the HIPHOP AND BOOKS literacy campaign which encourages recording artists to aide in promoting reading abmong their fans. (See http://www.hiphopandbooks.com and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYz8ydE0r_o&feature=channel_page )
Truly this man is more than meets the eye: a respected recording artist, bestselling author and publisher. He has brought another audience to books, and the world is better off because of it. There is no wonder that Corey "C-Murder" Miller is Conversations' "Most Fascinating Author of 2008"!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Conversations Author of the Year 2008-09: John Saul
He has been satisfying avid readers for over 30 years with dozens of books which have all become bestsellers. Conversations' President Cyrus A. Webb first read Saul some 20 years ago and has been a fan ever since. "It takes a masterful storyteller to be able to remain relevant after all these years," says Webb,33. "Few authors will have readers scurry to the bookstores or to their computers when their latest book is released, however, John Saul is one of those authors.
Webb reached out to this year's honoree in 2007 and was surprised to hear back from him almost immediately. Saul agreed to an interview with Conversations Book Club during a live discussion at Waldenbooks Metrocenter in Jackson, MS via conference call. In 2008 he agreed to a second interview, this time on Conversations LIVE! Radio, and was heard live discussing his beginnings and his new book FACES OF FEAR. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive/2008/08/18/Conversations-LIVE-with-C-A-Webb-Guest-Bestselling-author-John-Saul
"It was a dream come true for me," recounts Webb. "My profession allows me to talk with those who have literally helped shape pop culture and have reached milestones that few will achieve. Saul's commitment to his fans and to the craft is not lost among those who read him."
The author had this to say about the recognition by Conversations: "What a wonderful surprise to hear I've been selected as your Author of the
Year for 2008-09. I feel very honored to have been chosen and express my appreciation for the recognition.
"As I'm sure you know, writers tend to be a group of people who have become inured to the process of delayed gratification (when there's gratification at all!) so it is particularly gratifying when someone as passionate about books as you and your Book Club give us your recognition. As I'm sure you know, I haven't been the recipient of all that many awards, so when one does come my way, it means that much more to me.
"Again, thank you so much, and I look forward to joining you and your club for another conversation in the not-too-far-distant future."
To find out more about John Saul, visit http://www.johnsaul.com.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Authors Respond to Conversations "Best of 2008" Recognition
Here are just a few of the kind words spoken thus far:
"I would like to thank Conversations for selecting 'My Secrets Your Lies' as one of the TOP 100 picks for 2008. It's an honor to achieve such recognition. Thanks to the entire Conversations family for your strong support, dedication, and leadership in the literary community. You are appreciated." --- N'Tyse, author of MY SECRETS YOUR LIES
"I would like to Thank Mr. Webb and Conversations Book Club for there recognition of "Gettin' Caught Up Wit' Nina." I appreciate your group picking my book for the "Top 20 Summer Reads of 2008" and now bestowing me with the recognition of one of your 'Top 100 of 2008.'
"Reading is very important regardless of the topic. There is a story for everyone, young and old. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing spreading the "word about reading and Hip Hop." Thank you again for all your support." --- P. Elaine Archie, author of GETTIN' CAUGHT UP WIT' NINA
"To Mr. Cyrus Webb, Conversations Book Club, and all that participated in bringing the book 'I Don't Want to Die All Alone' into spotlight. Words are not adequate enough to extend my debt of gratitude that you have shown me, my family, and supporters. Your hard work, and tireless efforts have subsequently exposed the book to a broader range of readers. All authors that have come your way can acquiesce that the help received have motivated us to a higher level. Thank you so much and continue to inspire all authors and readers." ---Joseph F Henderson III, author of I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE
"You can imagine I'm pleased to be in your Top 100! I'd like to express my admiration for your interview skills, Cyrus. Your questions and comments showed a real appreciation for the issues I wanted to explore in Always and Forever and in Forever My Love, novels about the relationships between slaves and slaveowners, culture and conscience. You had clearly read the books with appreciation and understanding of the basic premises, and that led to a much deeper interview than I have had in the past. Thanks to you and your audiences, Cyrus." ---Gretchen Craig, author of ALWAYS AND FOREVER
"It has been such a pleasure working with Conversations Book Club over the past year. The blog talk radio interview with Cyrus was one of the BEST interviews I've ever done. Definitely looking forward to continuing to build this relationship and thanks so much for your support.
God Bless!" --- Sherri Lewis, Essence Bestselling Author of My Soul Cries Out, Dance Into Destiny, and The List
"I am pleased to have my book selected by the Conversations Book Club as one of the top 25 non-fiction books for 2008. Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed on Conversations Live, and, for this extraordinary honor." ---Kenneth F. Worth, author of HARD TIMES AND GREAT BLESSINGS
" Congrats on so much good work! The Conversations brand is multi-layered. Thanks for including Zoom Power in your Top 25. I really appreciate your support." --- Monica Carter Tagore, author of SACRIFICE THE ONE and ZOOM POWER
"Conversations, thank you for supporting my book, The Enemy Between My Legs. I appreciate you! It is truly an honor to be recognized by such a great book club!" --- Stephanie L. Jones, bestselling author of The Enemy Between My Legs
"I have just listened to our interview several times now, and have also shared it with some family and friends. And each time I hear it, I marvel at your mastery of interviewing technique. It is certainly something that is a talent, because I've seen many veterans of broadcasting not able to accomplish what you do so naturally and easily. Part of the success you have comes from your gentlemanly behavior that puts interviewees at ease. So thanks again for your kind treatment. I wish you all the best in whatever you do in your career, be it hosting of a book club, interviewing on national TV, writing books yourself, or some dream you hold in your secret heart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all those you care about."--- Donald Greco, author of ABRAMO'S GIFT (Chosen as one of Conversations Best Kept Literary Secrets, 2008)
Missed any of Conversations' list? See the links below:
Conversations' Top 25 Non-Fiction Titles of 2008
http://readingmylips.blogspot.com/2008/10/conversations-presents-its-top-25-non.html
Conversations' Top 25 Musical Performers of 2008
http://readingmylips.blogspot.com/2008/10/conversations-presents-its-top-25.html
Conversations' Top 50 Fiction Titles of 2008
http://readingmylips.blogspot.com/2008/10/conversations-presents-its-top-50.html
Conversations Best Kept Literary Secrets of 2008
http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2008/12/revealed-conversations-best-kept.html
Enjoy our selections, and remember to share them with your family and friends. This is one addiction that is worth passing around.
Cyrus A. Webb, President
Conversations Book Club
http://www.thebestbookclub.info http://www.hiphopandbooks.com http://www.ballinwithbooks.com
Friday, December 5, 2008
CBC Report: Author Joseph F. Henderson featured by www.joeypinkney.com
Here is an excerpt:
"Joseph, the sixth child of nine children, describes a sad but shockingly true story of growing up on the streets at a young age. After a life filled with crime, drugs, money, cars, and women, Joe realizes that life and time is catching up to him. He shares with the readers his days of living in below zero temperatures in Michigan with no heat; nightly pit stops through ice and snow to raid the supermarket garbage dumpsters. He talk of feasting on goldfish, turtles, and mallard ducks from the neighborhood park pond.
"Journey with Joe as he tells an all out, no holds barred tale of physical, mental, and sexual abuse. He tells of living in a household where discipline consisted of holding encyclopedias in each hand while balancing on one foot and whippings with electrical cords, brooms, two-by-fours, and garden hoses. After being shot on a street corner, later escaping a drive by shooting, then the subsequent brutal murder of his sixteen year old brother, feel the passion with Joe, as he explains several suicide attempts his family never knew about.
"Feeling he would 'die all alone,' Joe makes a desperate and emotional attempt to apologize and ask forgiveness from family, friends, and foes that suffered during his reign of torment." To read the full interview, visit this link:
Joseph Henderson's memoir I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE was also chosen as one of Conversations' "Top 100 of 2008" and he is a member of The Best of Mississippi Class of 2008 for his literary contribution. In 2009 he will be a guest judge and make history as being part of the literary reality show "The Write Stuff" (http://www.thewritestufftv.com) . To find out more about the author, visit http://www.joseph-henderson.com.
JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on Books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info
Monday, December 1, 2008
REVEALED: Conversations' Best Kept Literary Secrets of 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Author M. G. Hardie talks with Conversations LIVE! here!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
CBC Report: Bestselling author Angel Hunter in Mississippi, Day One
Among those who came to meet the author were Mississippi authors Joseph Henderson (I Don't Want To Die All Alone) and Kia Stokes (Unbound).
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Conversations LIVE! talks with Bestselling author Angel M. Hunter today at 12p.m. CST
Monday, August 18, 2008
Conversations discusses "The Prayer Chest" with authors August Gold & Joel Fotinos
Monday, August 18, 2008 @ 12p.m CST--- Conversations talks with author John Saul
Listen live to the interview by visiting http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive. You can join the conversations by calling in at (347) 426-3645. JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Conversations reviews "The Prayer Chest" by Bestselling authors August Gold and Joel Fotinos
Each week Conversations' Founder Cyrus A. Webb shares information about what he feels should be on your bookshelf. They can be found in print form every Saturday in the Clarion Ledger newspaper (Rankin Ledger insert). To read this week's review, follow this link: http://www.rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080816/LIFE/808160301/1003
Enjoyed the review? Then join Conversations LIVE! radio show on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 10a.m. CST when Webb will interview both authors for the hour! Listen to the show live online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive.
JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Conversations reviews Bestselling author Erin Gruwell's TEACH WITH YOUR HEART
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CBC Report: Bestselling author Theresa Gonsalves--- July 22,23, 2008
On Tuesday we began the day at Wal-Mart on HWY 18 in Jackson, MS with sales being made immediately during the first hour. Joining us was book club member and friend Martin Perkins and it was an awesome experience. Almost a case of books was sold during this event, and then we were on to Richard Wright Library in Jackson, MS where we met with other book lovers for a pleasant end to the day.
On Wednesday, July 23rd, we returned to Wal-Mart for day two of Gonsalves' visit, with more sales being made, more curious readers wanting to ask questions and congratulate her and real conversations had with others who have experienced some of what the author has written about.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Conversations Presents Its "Top 20 Summer Reads", 2008!
CONVERSATIONS' "TOP 20 SUMMER READS", 2008 (Arranged in no particular order)
1. "Bloggers' Delight, Volume 1 (Love & Redemption)" by Firefly Publishing & Entertainment
2. "One Dead Lawyer" by Tony Lindsay
3. "Final Fling," by Torrian Ferguson & Brian W. Smith
4. "A Street Girl Named Desire," by Treasure Blue
5. "No Place Safe" by Kim Reid
6. "Hiding in Hiphop" by Terrance Dean
7. "Electric Honey" by Sam Love
8. "The Prayer Chest" by August Gold & Joel Fontinos
9. "Gettin' Caught Up Wit' Nina," by P. Elaine Archie
10. "My Life in Porn," by Bobby Blake
11. "Do Travel Writers Go To Hell?" by Thomas Kohnstamm
12. "Pulpit Confessions," by Peron F. Long
13. "Rollin' With Dre," by Bruce Williams
14. "Grown & Gangsta," by Jacki-O
15. "The Enemy Between My Legs," by Stephanie Jones
16. "Obsessions," by Theresa J. Gonsalves
17. "Zoom Power," by Monica Carter Tagore
18. "How To Wow," by Frances Cole Jones
19. "My Soul Cries Out," by Sherri Lewis
20. "Destiny...Interrupted," by Erica N. Martin/Greg O. Jones
"Want to hear from these authors? Many of them will be featured through our website http://www.thebestbookclub.info this summer or our internet radio program at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive. We salute the authors and look forward to their next literary treasure." --- Cyrus A. Webb, Conversations Book Club President
JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info