A petite young woman spoke with a dynamic voice of thoughts and ideals at the First Annual Logos' Book Festival Saturday at The Mall West End, 850 Oak St. at Ralph David Abernathy. Dr. Joy DeGruy, a professor of Social Work at Portland State University in Oregon, traces the way that both overt and subtle forms of racism have damaged the collective African-American psyche. Harm has been manifested through poor mental and physical health, family and relationship dysfunction, and self-destructive impulses. In her book, Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and …

The third of five books by author A. Montellus C.’s (some know him as Andre Carter) “69 Ways” is a relationship guide that offers 69 tips for couples in committed relationships.  Montellus C. informs the reader that he is not a professional therapist and that the book is a fun alternative guide to avoiding problematic situations that prevent couples from achieving a healthy and emotionally-gratifying relationship. The author wrote the book after he and his wife, Towanda Braxton, examining their own relationship. The couple extended their dialogue to include interviewing and discussing various…

Dr. Pamela Everett Thompson, an accomplished psychologist and professional life coach, writes an insightful book about dysfunctional dynamics that can occur in mother-daughter relationships. In "Surviving Mama," Thompson combines traditional therapy with a Biblical perspective while discussing this touchy and sensitive subject matter in a diplomatic and caring manner. In each chapter, Thompson unfolds specific stories from women whom she has interviewed. She then offers her own observations and how to overcome the situation; she closes each chapter by posing relevant questions to the reader. …

Before reading John Hollis’ book, the title intrigued me as many African-Americans deal with an identity or loyalty crisis.  Being an African-American, I can relate to this dilemma. Indeed, in our often close-knit communities certain cultural, language and value systems are developed. However, in venturing outside of these walls, we are exposed to other ideas, cultures, and ways of life and, as individuals, we must decide how much of these variations to embrace as our own.  This results in individuals having the potential for an identity crisis. As various options in and preferences for music…

“Me? Depressed?” is an autobiography by Beth-Sarah Panton Wright, who tells her story about her self-realization of depression. Her husband is an established Episcopalian priest and rector of a popular Cascade church.  Therefore, Wright and her family are well known in the community. To admit to any form of mental illness, not only in the African-American community, but as “first lady” of a church, is very brave. Wright, who has a bachelor's degree in sociology from Princeton University, a master's degree in social anthropology from Cambridge University and a Ph.D. from New York University in…

“The Autobiography of Rob Love, Ups and Downs of Bipolar Disorder” is a very touching, heartfelt story.  It is about a man, whose idyllic childhood in Cascade Heights changes for the worse after he suffers a mental breakdown in college that results in bipolar disorder.    In his youth, Mr. Love has many close neighborhood friends (many of them continue to be friends today), a loving family, and nurturing schools.  He is an honor student, attends a private high school and is accepted to the prestigious United States Naval Academy.  In his freshman year at the academy, however, Mr. Love has a …

“Our Daddy, Their Father” is the story of the family dynamics of a man who had two families:  One with his wife and two children;  the other with his mistress, “Mamma,” and their four children.  The story is told from the point of view of the daughter, Janice. The two families eventually meet over the deathbed of the father on Christmas Day.  The novel takes us on a journey of emotions and discovery when these two families confront this situation. The author, Bonita Young handles the subject matter in a very raw, touching and realistic fashion.  The characters are exceptionally well developed…