150 inspirational stories and illustrations

A novel about Black life.

"You have to laugh to keep from crying..."I used this as my title because it was an ongoing, repeated statement I made anytime someone asked me how I handled what I've been through. I tried not to cry or categorize myself as "weak". I wrote about my issues and bottled a few things in over the years. Some issues I was embarrassed by, some, ashamed of, others I was strengthened by.Collectively, this book signifies the roles I was put in; the pain, the joy, love, insecurities, flaws and all I have experienced. This book also has moments of infidelity, domestic violence, happiness and overall acceptance of who I am and we are. I also placed in these pages, the most traumatic experiences I've gone through and entailed the bittersweet moments; hint the cover of the book...

"You have to laugh to keep from crying" is a statement I often use when asked how I have handled what I've experienced in my life. In my darkest moments, I try to remember this phrase. I am a very emotional human being but I try not to cry as much and I certainly don't categorize myself as "weak". Having emotional moments doesn't determine your level of strength at all.Just as with my first book, I write about my issues and the many things I've bottled up inside over the years. I share my personal experiences, dark and light. This book is raw and authentic, as I am always open in anything I write. It highlights the roles I often find myself in. It also signifies the elevation, the pain, the joy, the growth, the love, the insecurities, and the desire. It also speaks on fake friends, users, abuse, stress, goals, parenting, controversy and being a black woman, flawed and shaped by experiences.

Journey of a woman who grew up in a situation that was suppose to make her a statistic. Go with her through her journey of going from statistic to being an entrepreneur.

From "Knoxville News-Sentinel" humor columnist Venable comes a rollicking view of life after 50 that will leave readers laughing and happy to be members of the AARP set.

The stunning companion to the National Book Award finalist--from a four-time Newbery Honor winning author Twelve-year-old Lonnie is finally feeling at home with his foster family. But because he’s living apart from his little sister, Lili, he decides it’s his job to be the “rememberer”—and write down everything that happens while they’re growing up. Lonnie’s musings are bittersweet; he’s happy that he and Lili have new families, but though his new family brings him joy, it also brings new worries. With a foster brother in the army, concepts like Peace have new meaning for Lonnie.Told through letters from Lonnie to Lili, this thought-provoking companion to Jacqueline Woodson’s National Book Award finalist Locomotion tackles important issues in captivating, lyrical language. Lonnie’s reflections on family, loss, love and peace will strike a note with readers of all ages.