Mississippi Native Encourages Others To "Take Time To Read"

(Monday, December 27, 2010) Though a lover of books all of his life, 35 year old Mississippi native Cyrus Webb didn't realize the true importance of words until his adult years. "For me reading was a means of escape and a way to learn about the world," he says. "Today I realize that in many cases it can be the deciding factor between success and failure."

Because of this, in 2006 Webb began what has become the United States largest co-ed reading group, Conversations Book Club. Over the past four years it has hosted literary events across the country, creating spin-offs that embrace sports and music lovers. To date Conversations Book Club has hosted free events featuring 93 authors in Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Georgia. "We are all about encouraging reading," says Webb. "Since that is our aim, we have to be all things to all people to get them involved."

Since Mississippi still ranks at the top of the list when it comes to illiteracy, Webb feels obligated to focus his main literary efforts at home. His organization Shadow Play Entertainment recently announced its theme for 2011 as "A Year Of New Beginnings". Though this applies to various areas in life, for Webb, helping others to fall in love with books is at the top of his list of priorities.

On Thursday, December 30, 2010, Webb will be visiting two libraries sharing his organizations message for the New Year and giving out free books for all ages to help others get started reading as soon as possible. From 10-12p.m., he will be at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Rd * Pearl, MS) and from 1-3p.m., he will be at the Margaret Walker Alexander Library (2525 Robinson St. * Jackson, MS). The books have been donated by Shadow Play Entertainment, Great Little Books, LLC and author Jackie Carpenter.

Webb also encourages individuals to visit his webpage www.taketimetoread.com and sign the pledge committing to reading in 2011.

For more information about events scheduled by Conversations Book Club around the United States, visit www.thebestbookclub.info. Cyrus Webb can be reached at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. His website is www.cyruswebb.com.

Entreprenuer Cyrus Webb Shares A Decade Of His Voice

On Thurs. September 30, 2010, Mississippi native Cyrus Webb hosted "MY VOICE: A Decade In The Arts" at the Pearl Public Library in Pearl,MS.


The public event was to highlight Webb's contribution to the arts from 1999 to 2009 and show the world what he is doing moving forward.

In the first corner of the exhibit Webb exhibited some of his artwork.



Next he had some of his poetry chapbooks on display as well as his spoken word cd MY CONTROVERSY that is now available on http://spokencontroversy.blogspot.com.

From there Webb highlighted his community involvment since 1999 with organizations like the Partnership for a Healthy, Mississippi, VSA of Mississippi as well as speaking about the importance of the arts at schools in Mississippi such as Pearl High School, Peeples Middle School, Calloway High School, Lake Elementary School, Pecan Park Elementary School, Hardy Middle School, Jim Hill High School and Forest Hill High School.


On the next phase of the journey, Webb showcased the publications that he has written for over the years, including The Clarion Ledger, Rankin Ledger, Mississippi Link, Jackson Advocate, Blagazine.com, Crunk Magazine (ATL).
In 2006 he became the publisher and Editor-In-Chief of his own magazine called Conversations. The next issue debuts in mid-November and is the Dec. 2010/Jan. 2011 issue.

What those who attended the event saw next is what has become the largest part of Webb's life: the radio and tv versions of the Conversations Brand. He played the first tv edition of Conversations which debuted in April 2004 on 16 WAPT (ABC affilliate) in Jackson, MS as well as had interviews from his radio show available to listen to.
To date, Cyrus Webb has interview over 1,000 individuals on Conversations LIVE, the radio show that began on WMPR 90. 1 FM in July 2003 which is now heard on the radio dial on affilliates as well as online.

Those in attendance also saw Webb's only acting performance thus far. He was a part of the cast for the short film BROKEN SILENCE that addresses the issues of HIV/AIDS. It debuted at Crossroads Film Festival and later showed at other festivals in Mississippi.

Just two years after debuting the radio show, Cyrus Webb began Conversations the book club. Started with 3 members in November 2006 in Jackson, MS, the co-ed, multi-cultural reading group now has chapters in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana and has been written about not only in the South but by the Chicago Tribune as well. To date, Conversations Book Club has hosted literary events with 90 authors and is the largest co-ed reading group in the United States.


What's next for Webb? During the event he worked on a new piece of art called "Walking On Egg Shells", a pieces that is a part of a new series where he takes figure of speech and brings them to life. He is also working on his latest literary project, a religious thriller called BLESSED.


For more information about Cyrus Webb visit www.cyruswebb.com, email him at cawebb4@juno.com or contact him at 601.825.5883.

BOOK REVIEW: "I Know What I Am and I Am Not What You Call Me" by Jonathan Spikes

by Cyrus Webb for Conversations Book Club/Conversations Magazine


At a time when men are accused of not letting their feelings be known or discussing what might be bothering them, author Jonathan Spikes gives the world Damon McBlessed. Damon is a young man who is growing into his own skin and having to learn who he is in a time that is full of confusion, anger and abuse. Like so many around us, he seems to represent so much of what is wrong with the world when it comes to those getting to know themselves and having to deal with the feelings of being betrayed by those around us.

The author addresses alot of issues in this book that really touches you in a variety of ways. First, the character Damon must decide if the feelings he has towards those of the same sex are wrong in the eyesight of God. Then there is the feeling of being in a lose-lose when it comes to his faith and what seems to be normal for him. Add to that the complex relationship Damon has with his mother, something that has made his life really unbearable for some time.

I think the wise thing for all of us to do is read I KNOW WHAT I AM AND I AM NOT WHAT YOU CALL ME is that there needs to be a real dialogue about sexuality, abuse of men and women as well as the importance of loving oneself. Love was something that Damon struggled with, and that spilled over into how he was living from day to day. No one should have to go through life feeling who they are is a mistake, however, I do believe that understanding what happens to us doesn't make us who we are is something that will help us deal with whatever situations we find ourselves in.

Personal, powerful and well-written, this is one that will be remembered and recommended for quite some time.

Mississippi Native Cyrus Webb Urges The Importance of Taking Time To Read

With all of the advancements that the United States has made over the years, illiteracy is one plague that seems to be growing, not shrinking. To help bring more attention to the importance of books and education, Shadow Play Entertainment, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign and Conversations Book Club are excited to announce its new initiative TAKE TIME TO READ.

"It's all about making people feel okay about reading," says Cyrus Webb, a 35 year old Mississippi native and founder of the new program. "There are many reading projects out there that are doing alot of good, but some young people especially need to know that those they look up to believe that reading is important."

To that end, Webb went out soliciting the help of those in the music industry and other levels of entertainment, getting their thoughts on the importance of reading. Because of that, celebrities and those in the literary community are teaming together to urge the world to 'do it 15 minutes a day', encouraging others to take time every day to read. Thus far dozens of influentials and up-and-coming stars in the music industry and entertainment arena have signed on along with those who are interested in making a difference. Shadow Play Entertainment was pleased that actress, author and overall creative heavyweight Cherie Johnson (known for her roles in shows such as Punky Brewster, Family Matter, The Parkers and Days of our Lives) came on board the project as national spokesperson.

"Having Cherie out front is a real asset," says Webb. "Not only does she have the name recognition that will spark interest, she is also an author with her first book Around The World Twice just being released. She's already on the road promoting her novel, so the timing was just right for her to be able to speak about the literacy campaign as well."

Realizing this is a global problem, Webb also reached out to his friends around the world to join the cause, and is looking for other international partners to help spread the message. Individuals like United Kingdom Filmmaker Tom Sands and Nigerian Author UD Abdul Kareem have already joined the coalition and have made videos expressing their support. (TAKE TIME TO READ is Webb's third literary program, with the Hip Hop and Books literacy campaign and The Write Stuff literacy campaign still in effect.)

All of this is a part of the lead up to the 2nd Annual National Day of Reading on Sat. November 20, 2010. On that day Webb hopes to get just five people in each state to take at least one hour and spend it either reading together or discussing a book together.

Details about the TAKE TIME TO READ initiative and the pledge that the public can sign to show their support can be found at www.taketimetoread.com . To join the growing coalition, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or contact him at 601.896.5616. Details about Webb's other projects can be found at www.cyruswebb.com.

Rankin County's Only Weekly Open Mic Night Returns Sat. Sept. 4th

Beginning Sat. Sept. 4, 2010, Rankin County's only weekly spoken word and open mic night returns every Saturday from 6-8p.m. to Appetizers Restaurant (3000 Hwy 80 E * Pearl, MS).


Hosted by award-winning spoken word artist and multi-media personality C. A. Webb, the program is open to poets, singers, authors, musicians who want to share their skill in a family-friendly environment.

Webb began the open mic night in 2007, and the weekly event has hosted authors and even Def Poetry Jam poet C-Bone Jones. Future guests include author Ed Slack, M.D., author/poet April Mahoney aka Nouveau Spice, author Joseph Henderson, author Tommie Watkins and author M. Salahuddin Khan.

Admission is free with great food discounts available. For more information about Spoken Word Saturdays, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com, 601.896.5616 or visit www.cyruswebb.com.

Dem Raleigh Boyz: Creating Art With Rhyme, Skills and Drive

by Cyrus Webb for Conversations Magazine

It all began while they were together on the high school football team at Raleigh High School in Mississippi. One day in the locker room Darrell Ashley aka GB approached Chris Ervin aka Dj Down South and asked him about his love of music and where he was trying to get in making it a career. DJ Down South then invited GB to record at his home studio. Some time later while working on GB's Debut album 'Tripnosis' and Dj Down South's mixtape 'Get to Know Me vol. 1', GB invited his long time friend Russell Clark aka Big Blaze to a recording session. After seeing that they all had the common goal of taking their dreams and making them a reality, they formed the group Dem Raleigh Boyz.

Now with a real drive and determination to succeed, Dem Raleigh Boyz is ready to do what it takes to get themselves heard. They took out time from their recording to talk about their influences, where they see themselves headed, and how they are getting the word out about their music and creating a solid fanbase without radio play.

* Thanks guys for taking out the time to talk with me. I know you all are busy, but I'm sure our readers will appreciate this opportunity.  Who would you each say are your influences?
Dj Down South: Kurt Cobain, Bob Marley, Ice Cube, Eazy E, Jimi Hendrix, Augustana, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, Tupac, and Bone Thugs -N- Harmony. I grew up listening to 50's, 60's, and early 70's music as a kid. I have a lot of respect for that music and the artists that contributed! I still listen to those classic tracks and some of my favorite songs are from that era.

Big Blaze: There are many great artists out there, But in an attempt to keep a unique sound, I try not to be influenced by them. Our generation says they want to be unique and different, But a lot of today's artists still share the same sound.

GB: I would have to say the ones that influenced me the most was Bone thugs -n- Harmony, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, T.I, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, an Emenim. I think having an eclectic ear contributes to Dem Raleigh Boyz unique sound, and versatile lyrics. Just being open to multiple genres and having respect for their art.

* Music is something that is seen by many as a unifying force. What does music do to you all, and how is your sound different?
Dj Down South: Music brings out the best in me, I love everything about music. I love learning new instruments, listening to new music and helping out other unsigned artist. I give a lot of my time to help young kids who show interest in the arts by volunteering my time so they become more confident in their talent.

Big Blaze: Music brings out the full spectrum of emotions in me. Music also brings me peace. That's what music is meant to do, inspire people to feel emotions and motivate them to do great things. I encourage everyone I meet to pick up music, because the only way music will survive is by being passed from one generation to another.

GB: Music is my way of expressing my feelings and having a good time. I love the feeling I get when people run up to me an ask me if I could get em a Dem Raleigh Boyz cd or if me an the boys would do a track with them.

* As three individuals, I know you all have your own personal style and personalities. How has it been coming together and working as one unit?
Dj Down South: It came really natural, as we continued to work in the studio we constantly hung out getting to know each other better and better. We all became inseparable and in that came the music became smoother and we are constantly improving.


* Being from Mississippi myself, I know that the South is sometimes guilty of sleeping on its own. How are you getting the word out about yourself, your music and building on your career?
Dj Down South: Our agent has been hard at work, unlocking various promotional opportunities. We get as much love as you would expect out of a small town in Mississippi. We are always meeting new people that love our music and get the word out to their friends and family. We always show our appreciation to them. We love all our fans!

* Radio play is another sensitive subject for some artists, especially independent ones. How is the internet helping you overcome what might be a slow process in that area?
Dj Down South: It's not how good you are, it's who you know. Radio has been a real challenge for us over the years. Our favorite line we got was from 99.7 WJMI, "We are here to play popular music, we are not here to make you popular." That didn't sit too well with my agent either (laughs). We currently use various internet resources to get our music out there such as ReverbNation (http://www.reverbnation.com/demraleighboyz) and Soundcloud (http://soundcloud.com/dem-raleigh-boyz).

* For some the recording process is the highlight of success for an artist. Others see performing in front of a live crowd as a crowning achievement. What about each of you?
Dj Down South: For me it is the whole experience in music, writing, recording, and performing. I love it all.

Big Blaze: I'd have to agree with DJ Down South. I love the whole process from finding a beat, writing a verse, recording it, and performing it.

GB: I would have to say I love everything about the music industry but I'm more about performing for my fans an givin them a show to remember I mean I owe it all to them an my lord an savior.


* When people hear your music, what do you hope they say about you as artists?
Dj Down South: We hope they see us the way we see ourselves, not as Rappers but as Recording Artists. The term 'Rapper' has become so bland and one sided. We see our music as art not Rap or Hip-Hop, not that there's anything wrong with Rap and Hip-Hop. We just don't see ourselves being limited by a genre where a lot of the time people have a predetermined expectation, regardless of the artist.

* What single is the group promoting right now?
Dj Down South: For our debut album 'Last Road Out' we are promoting Celebrity Life, Punk Kid Ft. NeyNey, and I Don't Mind.  As for our 2nd CD that is in the works we are promoting Dat Kush Ft. Lil Wayne, Surf's Up, and Leave the Keys.

* What advice do you have up and coming artists trying to break out as well?
Dj Down South: As we said earlier, It's not how good you are, its who you know. It's tough to grab that concept at first, but its true. Meet as many people as you can and keep in contact. Do not give up on your dreams. Live your life your way and smile often!

* Thanks again for talking with us. How can our readers find out more about you and your music?
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dem-Raleigh-Boyz/108920409143093?ref=ts
http://www.reverbnation.com/demraleighboyz

KINESIS: Using Passion For Music To Teach By Example

by Cyrus Webb


Mississippi continues to give birth to some of the best and brightest in the world of entertainment. At the age of 25, Mississippi native Keith "Kinesis" Cole is showcasing the skills and discipline it takes to be good at whatever it is he pursues. When it comes to setting priorities, at the top of the list---third only to his love for God and his two daughters---is his love for making and performing good music.

"With music I am able to express myself and talk about the things I see everyday," he says. A native of Dekalb, Mississippi, Kinesis has been working on his craft for quite some time. "I think I was in the fifth or sixth grade when I started writing music and figured out that I had some real skill."

Though he has admired several artists over the years, Tupac, T. I. and Young Jeezy have been the main Hip Hop voices that Kinesis has been drawn to. "Since I rap, I don't really listen to alot of rap so I won't try and emulate what I hear," he says. "I listen to alot of R&B, but I respect the artists out there doing their thing."

As with any choice that a young person makes, the response has been mixed when it comes to the support Kinesis has seen in pursuing music. "Some of the family does support me," he admits, "but some people think that what I'm doing is a waste of time. I have a college degree, and they think I should be using it."

That degree was obtained at Jackson State University and was supposed to be the doorway for him to become a teacher. For Kinesis, though, he feels as though he is a teacher of life through his music, not just to the world but other young people around him, including his daughters.

What was the deciding factor in him not pursuing a "regular" job after college? Kinesis says that in 2007 he started to get real serious about music and building his brand as an artist. "I would spend all of my spare time on recording and promotional material," he says. "I was willing to give up so much, because I felt like God was going to give me all that I wanted. I just had to show that I had faith in myself. I wanted it so bad, and I was willing to do whatever it took."

One person who was in his corner in the beginning may not be around to physically see what he is accomplishing now, but Kinesis knows they are proud of him. That would be his mother who passed away on September 11, 2002: the same day his first daughter was born. "She was always in my corner," he says. "My mom was a big supporter of anything I did." That makes his making it in the music industry that more important.


Over the past few years Kinesis has laid the groundwork for a career that is reaching not just out of his hometown of Dekalb but the state of Mississippi altogether. He has performed in shows and had the privilege of hearing his music on the radio. What has it been like for him? Two words: a blessing.

"Each experience makes me even more hungy for this," Kinesis says. "When I am on stage or in the booth, I feel like I have won a championship when I finish. It's the kind of feeling you want when you are doing something you love."

Currently, Kinesis is promoting the singles "Ready to Ride" and "Clothes Off", and has joined Shadow Play Entertainment's literacy initiative called HIP HOP AND BOOKS which encourages reading among lovers of Hip Hop and R&B. "You have to give back," Kinesis says. "Organizations like Hip Hop and Books allows artists like me to stand shoulder to shoulder with others doing what I love and promote something positive like reading. Without the ability to read, you're lost. As a father, I realize that even more."

Speaking of his children, when asked about how he hopes his two daughters see Dad the Entertainer, Kinesis understands the balancing act he and other artists have to do. "I want them to be proud of what I do," he says. "I'm an entertainer, but I think I can also be a role model in the way I treat myself, my family and those around me."

Find out more about Kinesis at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=657878252&ref=ts or www.shadowplayent.com. To schedule interviews, appearances or events with the artist, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Cyrus Webb Interviews Fellow Competitors From Oprah Winfrey Network Competition

Curious about the stories of other competitors from the Oprah Winfrey Network TV Competition and interested in sharing them with his radio show listeners, Cyrus Webb of Conversations LIVE Radio interviews some of those who took place in the first year of the contest to see why they did it, what they hope comes from it, and what they are continuing to do to better the world.


* On Monday, May 24, 2010, Webb interviewed Julie Kaufmann of Chicago about what led her to audition for the competition, and the two shared the internet error that brought them together.

Listen the interview here.


* On Tuesday, May 25, 2010, Webb interviewed author and educator Alvin Delgado of New York about his book and his inspiring story that he hoped to share with viewers on OWN.

Listen to the interview here.

* Just days before the competition ended,on Thursday, July 1, 2010 Webb interviewed Darnell "Super Chef" Ferguson of Cooking In 10 about his love of food and why he felt he belonged on OWN.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1130675 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear his story.

* On Sunday, July 11, 2010, Webb interviewed marketing strategist Pamela Muldoon about the work she is doing to help small businesses, why she entered the Oprah tv competition and what's next for her.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1146463 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear her story.

* On Wednesday, July 14, 2010, Webb interviewed author and life coach Tanya T. Morris who also entered the competition.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1147494 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear her story.

* On Thursday, July 15, 2010, Webb interviewed marketing strategist and talk show host Michelle Vandepas about what she is doing to help authors promote themselves and why she took advantage of the tv competition.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1147507 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear her story.

* On Mon. July 26, 2010, Webb interviewed Kristen Alexandre about how she hoped to bring her love of animals and the environment to a national platform through the tv competition. Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170006 and fast forward to the 30 min. mark to hear her story.

* On Monday, July 26, 2010 Webb also talked with event planner and consultant Wilson Mesa about his experience with the contest and how he is moving forward to see his dreams come true.
Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170018 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear Mesa's story.

* On Tues. July 27th, Webb spoke with radio show host and educator CC Lawhon about her amazing journey and how she is using her skills to empower others. Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170034 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear Lawhon's story.

* Also on Tues. July 27th, Webb spoke with entrepreneur and talk show host Ray Faulkenberry about his skills and how he is using his faith and experiences to help other reach for higher ground. Click this link http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive/2010/07/28/life-coach-darlene-ouimet-and-entrepreneur-ray-fau and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to her Faulkenberry's story.

* On Thursday, July 29, 2010, Webb talked with George Resch of www.happyisthenewrich.com about his changes in life, why he entered the competition, and how he is still pursuing his goals with or without the Oprah network.
To listen to the show, click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170065 and fast forward to the 30 min. mark.

* On Mon. Aug. 2, 2010, Webb talked with Jahnavi Foster about how she is helping individuals to use their experiences in life and work for a better future.

To hear the interview, click this link and fast forward to the 30 min. mark of the show.

* On Tues. Aug. 3, 2010, Webb spoke with Debbie Pippins about why she decided to work with deaf children and what she thinks we can learn from them and their experiences in life.
To hear the interview, click this link: http://tobtr.com/s/1181216

* Antoinette Brant talked with Cyrus Webb on Wed. Aug. 4, 2010 about what she was doing to help individuals around her who were in need of a little extra help---and how all of us could do the same.

To hear her interview, click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1183597 and fast forward to the 30 min. mark of the show.

* On Mon. August 9, 2010, Webb talked with actress/radio show host Shari Alyse about the work she is doing to help others live their best life.

To hear the interview click here: http://tobtr.com/s/1196210

* On Tuesday, August 24, 2010, Webb talked with author Karen Ward Wilder about her desire to help our young people live their best lives as well as how she is using the experience in auditioning for the Oprah network to help her in her larger goals.

To hear the interview, visit this link http://tobtr.com/s/1219715 and fast forward to 30 min. into the show.

Mississippi Native Makes Final Pitch To Have "OWN" National TV Show

(Tuesday, June 29, 2010) Since May 19, 2010 Mississippi native and mult-media personality Cyrus Webb has been actively campaigning in the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) competition to have a national tv show. Now with just days to go before the contest ends, he is taking advantage of every day to get the word out for people to vote for him in this unique opportunity.


Webb, 34, has made this an all-out campaign, creating yard signs, car magnets and flyers trying to get the word out about the competition and why he thinks he should win. He launched the website www.themaleoprah.com to keep people posted on his progress as well as to tout his accomplishments over the past 7 years on radio, tv, print and beyond. Webb started the "I Do It 5 Times A Day" campaign to encourage others to vote at least 5 times a day for him in the competition since there is no limit on the amount of times one person can vote.

Every day he is reminding his Facebook, Twitter and Myspace friends to vote each day, and on Saturday, July 3, 2010---the last day of the competition---he is hosting a "Voting Party" to give people a chance to meet him and cast their votes.


The Voting Party will be held from 11-1:30p.m. at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) and is open to the public as well as the media. The lab has been reserved for the event, and you are able to come in, meet Webb and vote as many times as you would like. This is perfect for those who don't have computers as well as those who want to get to know Webb better and find out what he believes he brings to a national tv platform. Voting for the competition continues until 11:59p.m. EST on Sat. July 3, 2010.

Cyrus Webb has been working for over a decade to bring attention to issues that matter to people of all walks of life. Through his radio and tv show---each called Conversations---he has interviewed over 800 guests including nationally known individuals, up and coming stars as well as those who just have a story that needs to be told. His articles and interviews have appeared in the Clarion Ledger Newspaper, Jackson Advocate, The Rankin Ledger, Mississippi Link, Blagazine, Books2Mention Magazine, Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, S.T.I.L.L. Magazine and others. His co-ed book club called Conversations has garnered national attention for its diversity and ability to connect authors and readers. It has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, on MTV and other media outlets.

Currently Webb is in the top 100 of over 3200 entries in his category of Traditional Talk Show with 50,000 plus votes cast for him to date. His goal is to have over 100k votes by the end of the competition.

For more information, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.themaleoprah.com.

Conversations Book Club Announces Its "Top 25 Summer Reads, 2010"

One of the main reasons Conversations Book Club is widely respected across the world is because it looks for books that satisfy all reading appetites and makes them available to the literary community, whether they are traditionally published books or those independently released. This year's summer reading list is a perfect mixture of both non-fiction and fiction titles that are sure to keep you entertained and enlightened this summer, and give you something to talk about long after you finish them.

Book club Founder and President Cyrus Webb has read each title and feels like there is truly something for everyone. "We will make book lovers proud with this list," he says. Ready to find out if that's true? Below are this year's selections:

NON-FICTION TITLES (Listed in no particular order)
1. Didn't I Feed You Yesterday by Laura Bennett (Ballantine Books)
2. The Reluctant Spy by John Kiriakou (Bantam Books)
3. Wake Up! by Michelle Pearl
4. Living Oprah by Robyn Okrant (Hatchette Book Group)
5. The Skinny On Success by Jim Randel (Rand Publishing)
6. New From The Inside Out by Kim Vazquez
7. A Life On The Run by Dr. John Telford (Harmonie Park Press)
8. Pharoah by DaPharoah69 (TKOE Publications)
9. Broken Birds by Jeanette Katzier
10. Young Professional's Guide To Success by Ryan Kohnen (Emerald Book Co.)
11. Writing For The Soul by Jerry B. Jenkins (Writer's Digest Books)
12. Tough Choices by Carly Fiorina (Penguin Group)

FICTION TITLES (Listed in no particular order)
1. Excess Baggage by Sean Gardner (Everlast Publishing)
2. Don't Hate the Game by Michael T. Owens and others (Montage Publishing)
3. A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott (Amazon Encore)
4. Diary of a Stalker by Electa Rome Parks (Urban Renaissance)
5. Holy Rollers by Reshonda Tate Billingsley (Simon & Schuster)
6. Get Lucky by Katherine Center (Ballantine Books)
7. The Language of Secrets by Dianne Dixon (Doubleday)
8. Guardian Angel by Andrew Neiderman (Dorchester Pub)
9. Sweet Deception by Patricia Sargeant (Kensington Books)
10. White Tombs by Christopher Valen (Conquill Press)
11. Nick, Dontae, Gus & Jack by Nigel Barto (I Universe)
12. 2 In The Hat by Raffi Yessayan (Ballantine Books)
13. Spooky Little Girl by Laurie Notaro (Villard Books)

To see what books have been recognized in the past, visit www.thebestbookclub.info. Have books you want to suggest to Webb and Conversations Book Club? Email him at cawebb4@juno.com.

Cyrus Webb Discusses "What Makes Me ME?" With Students At Peeples Middle School (Jackson, MS)

(May 4-5, 2010) Since 1999 Cyrus Webb has been visiting public schools in his homestate of Mississippi sharing his love of the arts and discussing topics that matter to the students. On Monday, May 4th and May 5th, he will spend the entire day a Peeples Middle School in Jackson, MS talking with those in Mrs. Jacqueline Bolden's classes about the topic "What Makes Me ME?"

"It seems like an easy question to answer," says Webb, 34, "but your response has alot to do with what you are personally going through." Webb realizes that alot of the students are dealing with challenges that may affect the way they look at life and their own future. He will be talking with them about expressing those feelings, and they will all be writing about how they see themselves.

On Mon. May 17, 2010 Webb will return to the school for them to share from their work with their classmates. Joining him during this year's project will be recording artist Lo Watts of Playa Connected.

For more information about similar projects hosted by Webb, visit www.cyruswebb.com. He can be reached at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.