Thursday, February 25, 2010

(Sat. Feb. 27, 2010) Mississippi Welcomes author Ish Major, M.D.

(Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club is pleased to announce that board-certified adult psychiatrist/author Ish Major, M.D. will be visiting Mississippi for the first time on Saturday, February 27, 2010 to promote and discuss his exciting new book LITTLE WHITE WHYS (A Woman's Guide through the Lies Men Tell and Why)*. This is part of Conversations' "Read Well, Eat Well, Live Well" campaign designed to provide something for everyone in 2010.


Hosted by Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb and its members, Ish will be at the following locations in Pearl, Mississippi (Rankin County):

* 1-3p.m., Meet and Greet/Booksigning @ Pearl Public Library (Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) --- Come meet the author and hear him discuss his book. The first FIVE VISITORS get a FREE COPY of LITTLE WHITE WHYS (regularly $14.95, plus taxes)

* 6-8p.m., Appetizers Restaurant (3086 HWY 80 E * Pearl, MS) --- Come out to Appetizers, get some delicious food and join Ish as he talks about the book, answers your relationship questions and more! The first FIVE VISITORS for the discussion get a FREE COPY of LITTLE WHITE WHYS!

As with all events hosted by Conversations Book Club, these meetings are FREE and open to the public! You are invited to bring a friend and meet with the author, making his first literary visit in the Magnolia State a success.

For more information, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. To find out more about Conversations Book Club, visit www.thebestbookclub.info.

* ABOUT LITTLE WHITE WHYS: A meaningful, fulfilling, lasting, and loving relationship begins with the truth. In this creative yet honest approach, Ish Major helps women uncover the truth about men. Mixing humor with serious advice, the book serves as a guide for women navigating the dating world in regard to meeting, getting to know, dating, falling in love, and committing to that special someone. It will help women decipher men's maneuverings to uncover the truth and to enjoy a loving, lasting relationship.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Author H. Michael Harvey's Visit To Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Cyrus Webb of Conversations Book Club would like to thank those who made the visit of H. Michael Harvey, author of PAPER PUZZLE, a success in Mississippi on Saturday, February 20, 2010. The weather could not have been better, and the foundation has been laid for the message of the book and the mission of the author to be realized.

The day began at the historic Medgar Evers Branch Library in Jackson, Mississippi. There Michael and his wife met with members of the Mississippi Link newspaper as well as patrons.







From there is was on to the Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS where the author met members of the staff and patrons who were excited about the visit.




Led by President Cyrus Webb, Harvey's visit is part of Conversations Book Club's promotion of reading and conversation among book lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

Paper Puzzle introduces dual protagonists, one white, Clay Moore managing editor of the town's daily newspaper and Jimmy Royal editor of the local black weekly tabloid. Both men as cub reporters covered a gangland styled murder and were pulled off the story by their publishers before anyone was brought to justice.

As time passes the two men kept thoughts of it in the back of region of their minds. Suddenly, Clay Moores' life is interrupted when he discovers news clippings from the gangland styled murder in his bed each morning. When Clay's security and career is threatened by a powerful federal judge he is forced to turn to the only other person who can help him solve the paper puzzle laying in his bed. He turns to Jimmy Royal and together the two reporters in the spirit of Woodard and Bernstein uncovers decades of injustice hidden neatly under the guise of the social mores of the times.


H. Michael Harvey is the third author to visit Mississippi this year as part of Conversations' "Read Well, Eat Well, Live Well" campaign designed to feed the needs of the entire individual. It is Webb's hope that such authors and their books will become discussion pieces long after the authors have come and gone.

To find out more about H. Michael Harvey, visit www.paperpuzzle.net. Details about Conversations Book Club can be found at www.thebestbookclub.info.

(Sun. Feb. 21, 2010) Cyrus Webb Presents "Black History & Me"


(Sun. Feb. 21, 2010) With history being made literally everyday, what does having a month devoted to Black History mean in 2010. host Cyrus Webb of Conversations LIVE! Radio will talk with authors Justina Wheelock (WHERE LOYALTIES LIE), Dr. Neal Hall (NIGGER FOR LIFE), W. James Richardson (THE ECLIPSE BLUES) and Anthony Littlefield (BITTERSWEET JOURNEY) about their views of the holiday, and how they feel about the history they are creating.

Join the conversation live at www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive or listen through the switchboard at 347.426.3645.

Missed other exciting conversations? Visit www.conversationsliveradio.com to download them for free.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

REVIEW: "Signifying Nothing" by Author Clifford Thompson


As we go through the hustle of day-to-day life, we sometimes become oblivious to how much of our lives is not really being lived at all. We take a great deal for granted, and for some that is not really understood until we come in contact with someone who we see as less fortunate than ourselves.

It can be a person who is missing a limb, unable to speak, hear or see---and sometimes it can be someone whose mind appears to have betrayed them. We look at such individuals as broken, somehow less than us because of what we see, however, sometimes it is such individuals who may look at us as the ones to be pitied.

Think about it: No matter how much we try to control what goes on in our 24 hours each day, how much of it is really in our control? Anything can come up that could change our circumstances forever. Such is the case with the characters we meet in Clifford Thompson's book SIGNIFYING NOTHING. We meet individuals who have been living with a family member that some saw as worthless. He was seen as slow and a burden to those around him, until one day he did the unthinkable: He proved them wrong.

The simple act of speaking sets in motion a chain reaction that puts the entire family on a path they least expected. Everyone, from the parents and siblings, have to deal with the world they had become accustomed to changing forever. And with that you get to see how much they have their own shortcomings and challenges to deal with.

If nothing else, SIGNIFYING NOTHING will definitely have you reconsider what you see as 'normal' in your life--- and in the lives of others for that matter. Through the captivating storyline and the characters you will find yourself relating to more than you'd like, you will walk away satisfied from the literary experience, ready for more.

(Listen to Cyrus Webb's interview with author Clifford Thompson here.)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

(WED. FEB. 10, 2010) Willie Taylor of Day 26 on Conversations LIVE! Radio

(Wed. Feb. 10, 2010 @ 1p.m. EST (12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) The last time Day 26 was on Conversations LIVE! it was to talk about their video album FOREVER IN YOUR EYES. Now Willie Taylor of Day 26 talks to host Cyrus Webb about the events that have gone on with the group since that release, his own battle with privacy and the media as well as his new mixtape SEX TAPE to be released on Valentine's Day.

What's next for Day 26 and him? The two will discuss that and more! Listen to the show live online at http://tobtr.com/s/888517 or through the studio switchboard at 1.347.426.3645.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

REVIEW: "New From The Inside Out" by Kim Vazquez


In LIVING IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR author Kim Vazquez told us her story of redemption and renewal. Now in NEW FROM THE INSIDE OUT, she helps us all to begin the journey of change that so many of us hope for. Written as advice from a trusted friend, Kim takes us through the importance of loving ourselves, learning to forgive and move on and recognize something larger than us in our quest for real happiness.

While some lament the challenges they have experienced, the author has come to learn the purpose of what she has been through. She writes: "I finally understood why I'd been through all of those challenges and difficulties. It was so I could relate to others on a deeper level and be of help to them." How many of us look for those "teachable moments" when we are dealing with things day to day? How many of us realize the importance of looking for the good in life instead of focusing on the negative? Kim goes on to say this: "A new life began for me when I cleared out my destructive thinking habits and allowed my mind to be quieter."

Believe me, no matter where you are in your life, this is a book that you will want to read and share with those you love. It allows you to look at the past, present and future in a brand new light.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Mississippi Prepares For A Literary Texas Takeover

The book club that has brought Mississippi attention by hosting almost 80 authors since 2006 is gearing up for another incredible year of success in promoting reading in the Magnolia State. Cyrus Webb, President and Founder of Conversations Book Club and the Hip Hop and Books Colition, is pleased to announce that Texas authors Shane Gregory aka Mr. Mean Mug (TATTOO TEARS) and Jermnine Demouchette (JAMES DEMOUCHETTE VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS) will be bringing their message of hope and redemption to Mississippi Thursday, February 4th and Friday, February 5th. Billed as the Literary Texas Takeover, the two will be visiting schools, libraries and small groups to talk about their life experiences, their transition from the streets to the bookstores and what young people can and should learn from them.


"It is an honor to host these two in their first visits to Mississippi," says Webb, 34. He read both of their books and knew that they would be a great addition to his campaign. "I know everyone they meet on their visit will benefit from what they have to say."



Both Mr. Mean Mug and Jermnine Demouchette came to Conversations Book Club and Hip Hop and Books through their connections with two prominent members of his literary coaltion. Demouchette learned of Webb because of his work with platinum-selling recording artist and bestselling author Corey "C-Murder" Miller, while Mr. Mean Mug was introduced by recording artist and author Jacki-O.

"What Cee did with his book (Death Around The Corner) showed me that I could use my skills in a positive way," says Demouchette. Mr. Mean Mug thought the same and added this: "When Jacki-O came out with her book (Grown & Gangsta), it just proved to me that anything was possible."

Webb believes that the urban community has always been a reading community, but he knows that the message is sometimes accepted easier when those listening can relate to the messenger. "Books have the ability to cross racial lines, backgrounds and begin important dialogue," he says. "I know that through their work, these authors will be able to encourage others and hopefully open some minds along the way." Webb will also be hosting the Literary Texas Takeover tour as it moves to other parts of the country throughout the year as part of the Hip Hop and Books movement.

(READ WEBB'S INTERVIEW WITH MR. MEAN MUG HERE: http://authorstaketen.blogspot.com/2009/09/take-ten-our-exclusive-with-mr-mean-mug.html . WEBB'S INTERVIEW WITH JERMNINE DEMOUCHETTE IS HERE: http://conversationsbookclub.blogspot.com/2009/09/bio-about-executed-texas-inmate-uses.html )

Details about Conversations and its projects can be found at www.thebestbookclub.info or www.hiphopandbooks.com. To find out more about upcoming events, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616 or Herschel Dixon at 502.291.4201.