Becoming Somebody

On the 3^rd of October, Baroness Floella Benjamin gave a speech to the University of Exeter African-Caribbean Society and other interested members of the university at Newman Purple in the Peter Chalk Centre. The Baroness with her vibrant personality and style of speaking had the audience hanging on to her every word. The speech revolved around her experience as a first generation immigrant to Britain as a young girl from Trinidad and Tobago, the recurring themes in the speech were the promotion of multiculturalism and self-love.

 It was heart-warming to hear such an accomplished woman talk on how she had overcome racism as a young child in England and how she then took it upon herself to break through barriers and disassemble misconceptions regarding her background. She was quick to say “Be proud of who you are!”; she emphasised that negative perceptions were only a problem for those who held such prejudices and were not to impact our confidence. Instead, she advised that we tackle the negativity with positivity and smiles.

She was very interactive; telling audience members how beautiful and special she thought everyone was. It seemed for her it was necessary that we always be able to look in the mirror and say ‘I AM SOMEBODY.’ This confidence according to the Baroness came from a genuine belief in oneself and abilities and did not need materialism to fuel it.

Halfway through her speech she made an appeal for us to inspire the younger generation by striving to effect positive change in areas we were most passionate about. One of the questions I had to ask was how she felt being an inspiration to so many. Her surprising response was that she did not think about it, and just lived every day being herself. Creating change requires 3 C’s consideration, contentment and confidence (all wrapped up in the 4^th C of courage).  She believed that these were the foundations of an influential person.

This is not the first time she has taken the time to speak to the society and will not be the last hopefully. Reason being that, in my opinion everyone who passes through the doors of the University of Exeter stands to benefit from her wise words and warmth.  The baroness brought her audience to laughter many times and wrapped up her hour-long inspirational talk with a song, which roused a standing ovation, a fitting end to an outstanding afternoon.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

We welcome the arrival of Black History Month and want to take this opportunity shine a spotlight on important figures, events and aspects of our history

ALL our history will be explored, after all slavery and colonialism are not the sum total of our history; the continent existed long before these events.Even out of these periods of hardship still came brilliance in the form of poetry, music, dance and other forms.

We must recognise influential individuals such as Queen Nzinga who strongly resisted Portuguese imperialism and their expanding slave trade within Angola, to Toussaint L’Ouverture on the Island on Haiti the leader of the only slave revolt which led to the founding of a state.  Marcus Garvey from Jamaica an important figure in the civil rights movement.  To the various champions of independence across the African continent such as Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Nelson Mandela.                                             

Queen Nzinga

Nkrumah

Nelson Mandela

L'ouverture

We must know the contributions people of African Caribbean descent have made to architecture, education and arts. Like the wonder of the Egyptian Pyramids created over 4000 thousand years ago by the people of Kemet as they called it (The Black Land).  The world’s first university was established in Africa, the University of Timbuktu in Mali.  Also the oldest existing, and continually operating educational institution in the world is the University of Karueein, in Morocco.  Democracy also existed in Africa long before colonisation for example the Igbo tribes who elected to have no kings the main credo of Igbo culture is the emphasis placed on individual achievement and initiatives, prestige and egalitarian leadership.

There is so much to African-Caribbean history and our culture that this post barely scratches the surface.  Hopefully you are inspired to go away and research what aspect of this rich and varied history most intrigues you.

CITI BANK CHALLENGE

The society is involved in a competition with Citi bank in a bid to win external money to help our development. To win what we need are online votes.

Click to Vote

Things to expect this Black History Month

BARONESS FLOELLA BENJAMIN TALK – 2:30 PM, FRIDAY 3^RD OCTOBER 2014 

Newman Purple in the Peter Chalk Centre.

BLACK HISTORY FILM FESTIVAL –12-13^TH OF OCTOBER 2014

At the Exeter Phoenix- £5.50 a film

CULTURE SHOW- 6:30 PM, THURSDAY 23^RD OCTOBER

Exhibition on Art, Literature, Dance and Fashion from African Caribbean cultures.

Location: to be disclosed later.

Ushering in the New Year!

It's a new year - can you believe the time has gone so quickly?

We want to welcome you all back and although the first week of term has been stressful for those of us who have had exams, essays and deadlines to meet but to celebrate the start of 2014 and the closing of January Exams we're throwing a partaaaay!

You'll find all the relevant details on our Facebook page or the events page (see below for the link).

 Get your tickets, get an outfit, tell your friends, and be there!

Once again, wishing everybody a fantastic new year.

Click here for the event page

EACS x

In honour of Madiba

"They made him break rocks, thinking they were breaking his spirit."

A wonderful tribute to an inspirational Black Man, Nelson Mandela, never forgotten. May he rest in peace.

EACS x

'The Season' is Nigh

With the early darkness and cold nights creeping up on us, it goes without saying that

Christmas is almost here. Nevermind Christmas though, it's almost the end of the term and Winter is now less than two weeks away!

Night is falling early and hats, scarves and gloves are being dug out from the bottom of cupboards and drawers. Yes, the chill and short days are dreary and we'll want nothing more than to stay indoors with a warm cup and loads of layers but before that moment arrives and to keep things lively, we have still got two events before the term is officially over (why on earth does time move so fast!?)


So...just to keep you updated...


Movie Night...
Time and location: Thursday 28th November @7:00pm in Queens Building

Come and unwind for a few hours. We will be showing either 'Coming to America' or 'Django'. To cast your vote, please inbox Exeter ACS of your choice. There will be snacks and drinks provided and it's absolutely free for everyone. This is a good chance to escape that essay or coursework that's been weighing you down for a couple of hours.


Winter Ball
Time and location: Thursday 5 December @7:00pm in The Thistle Hotel

The African and Caribbean society presents the winter ball. It's undoubtedly going to be one of the biggest events in Exeter this year.There will be food and entertainment and we promise you an unforgettable night!

The dress code- Black tie & evening dress. We hope to see you all guys and girls in your best tuxedos and evening dresses.

The event is to to raise money for the Meet Kate charity:  https://www.facebook.com/meetkate

Members- £22

Non members - £27


We'll be selling tickets to the Ball on the 21st November (tomorrow) in the forum from 1pm till 4pm. So come and secure your place at ❆ The Winter Ball ❆ and in case you've forgotten what the committee members look like allow us to reintroduce ourselves - http://exeteracs.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-us.html


For more information and updates on the event click on the following link and we will be constantly updating you all via email and our Facebook page so please watch this space for more information! https://www.facebook.com/events/541301475960148/



Love, EACS x

Segregation of the Congregation

"You can't save someone who wants to drown"

Positive discrimination is a touchy subject. So what happens when a group of educated young people, each with varying opinions, come together to discuss a topic which in one way or another influences their lives?

                                     

Dr.Onyeka Osuji opened the debate by sharing his views and continued to add his input, addressing both the panelists and the audience. His presence certainly added another dimension to the debate and kept the panelists on their toes.

The proposition began their argument smoothly, methodically laying down their points. Then the opposition presented the counter, opening with an intriguing poem ending in “segregation of the congregation” which scored them brownie points with some members of the audience. After both sides gave their closing arguments the floor was then opened up to the audience and what followed was an escalation of impassioned discussion peppered generously with good-natured laughter. The response from the audience was strong, at points getting very heated, but then again, what is debate without some heat?

Most of the questions were directed at the opposition, whose stand was that discrimination in any form can never be a good thing, because by discriminating in favour of one you always discriminate against another. With audience members heavily scrutinizing their argument, it was clear which side had the majority vote, nevertheless, they stood their ground and made strong points, suggesting that surely this notion of classifying people as 'disadvantaged' and therefore unable to help themselves unless helped by positive discrimination is rather archaic and doesn’t support the forward direction in which society ought to be going.

The proposition countered, arguing that, it was just semantics. They argued that though the word discrimination has negative connotations, when done well, positive discrimination as it was intended could be highly beneficial. Their point was well reinforced by one of the panel members who noted that 'Affirmative Action' doesn't simply apply to black people, but a large range of people including those that are living with a disability or are underprivileged. He also argued that he wouldn't be at one of the top Universities, or having the debate if he hadn't experienced positive discrimination himself. The opportunities that he has had the privilege of having would simply have been unimaginable if it wasn't for positive discrimination.

The debate was stimulating to say the least and no matter which side of the fence you were on, or whether you thought that both sides made good points, it definitely provided plenty of food for thought.

There was even an African proverb thrown in courtesy of Dr.Osuji: “You can't save someone who wants to drown” which I'm sure will be one for the grandkids when we are all old and wise.

ACS did an excellent job in picking up on an issue, which allowed room for healthy debate! Once again another great event by the committee! Thanks guys!

Naa Okantey

“Imagination has the ability to take you anywhere you want to go” Floella Benjamin talk.

"If they weren't strong, they were dead, they were gone."


Smiles, hugs and inspiration were among the many things Floella Benjamin distributed on Saturday the 5th of October in the Forum Auditorium. She coated them in song, dance and a dramatic story telling of her journey from a young girl growing up in Trinidad coming to England.

Of her three gifts to us on that day, she endorsed smiling through laughter, constant compliments and courage in the face of adversity and inconvenience. From the first few seconds of encountering her, I could tell she practiced what she preached. Her radiance and personality exuded happiness and accomplishment. She hugged everyone in the room that day and ended the afternoon in what is probably the biggest group hug I will ever participate in in my life.

But above it all, her words of wisdom were unparalleled to any I have ever heard. “Imagination has the ability to take you anywhere you want to go” were her words. Confidence, contentment and consideration are her three C’s. Family, friends, forgiveness and individuality have been her companions throughout her life.

There was a personal sense of pride in meeting her. She signified for me, not only the ambition and ability of black people but the well deserved progress and the eliteness of black women in the world today.

When Baroness Floella Benjamin was done speaking and ended her talk in a heart warming song, her story and her presence left everyone in awe and our minds were so stunned that it took a good few seconds before applauds could break out. When they did, they echoed across the hall. She inspired, she motivated, she advised. She fed souls and on that day, she made us aware of how perseverance, confidence, opportunity and good will can enable us to withstand the obstacles and challenges of life.


Thank you Baroness Floella Benjamin for what will always be one of the most memorable moments of my life.

Disun Vera-Cruz
ACS President

Jack Gilbert, 4th year, Law:

The talk was very engaging and active, very inspirational with real-life examples of theoretical thoughts, with great reflection upon the society as a whole.

Alan Omogbai, 4th year Law:
Life changing. I Felt like I was meant to be here. It was a monumental life event. I will look back on today, at this moment, as one that changed my life.

Tumi Sotire, 3rd year Clinical Science:
Very inspiring. She didn't just talk to us, she performed. She encouraged me to have an open mind about the world around me.

Awele Ikenwe, 3rd year Law

Phenomenal. After this, I feel like I can conquer the world. I Feel more proud than ever to be black.

It's here.

So Black History Month has arrived. After all the anticipation it is finally here...

First thing's first, tune in to Xpression.fm on Wednesday at 6pm to hear the interview with the committee (I repeat, 6pm on tomorrow, Xpressionfm, 87.7).

To follow on from that. . .

BARONESS FLOELLA BENJAMIN, OBE TALK
As you may already be aware, we're hosting a talk from Baroness Floella Benjamin, Chancellor of Exeter University, tomorrow (5th October 2013) in the Alumni Auditorium. The talk starts at 2pm prompt and the doors open at 1:30pm. The Baroness provides an informal talk and network detailing her successes and challenges as a woman of power.

Motivating & inspiring for all! Not to be missed!

DEBATE
In addition to celebrating Black History Month, we are holding an interactive debate and the topic of the debate will be "Can discrimination ever be positive?" In order to pull this off we need four volunteers who would be willing to begin the debate for both sides. Basically, we need 2 people to represent both sides of the debate and lead the discussion with opening arguments. This is your chance to express your opinions and we encourage you to bring your friends along or anyone who has an interest in debating as well.

The 4 spaces will be allocated on a first come first serve basis so the first 4 people who reply to this email expressing an interest in getting one of the spots will get them. Also please specify which side you would like to represent in your email. This event would be held on the 11th October 2013. More details coming soon...

CULTURAL SHOCK

We are also proud to present the CULTURAL SHOCK on the 18th October 2013! This is the day to show off your traditional attires and diverse cultures! :) Let's show how culturally diverse Devon can be! The event will be featuring students and societies from the university with dance acts, spoken word and so much more :)

This is something for you to get involved in if you want! We are trying to display all types of culture that Exeter has to offer. Please reply to this email for further details or if you want to get involved :)

As you can always expect, there will be delicious food on the night :)


For more information on this, check the Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/494571807293024/?context=create


Dara Omoyele

Vice President

Just a few days away. . .

Black History Month is FAAAAAAAAAST approaching guys and whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! Have we got a lot in store for you!

To kick the month of celebration off we've got a talk from the University of Exeter's very own Chancellor: Baroness Floella Benjamin. A woman of Caribbean origin and a master of her trades, Floella's talk is most definitely not anything anyone should even think of skipping out on! To find out more about the Chancellor click HERE.

Following that, there's an explosion of colours, diversity and culture, yes, you've guessed it, a Culture Show - but we're calling it a Culture Shock. There will be performances from a variety of societies including the International Society, Islamic and Latin American amongst others. They're bringing flavour through dance, song, vocals, poetry - who knows what else they'll have planned? But it doesn't end there! A debate surrounding the topic of 'positive discrimination' - if you've got anything to say on the matter, you'd better be there!

Last but not least, to close the month, we're ending with a party! Well, a concert with performances from Wiley, Mutya Bueno, Neptizzle and bigtime DJ: Tim Westwood! WHAT?! Sorry, what was that you said? You'll be there? Of course you will...I know I will!

WATCH THIS SPACE for more details or visit ExeterACS on fb and twitter (@ExeterACS

EACS x

Ain't nobody Fresher...

So Clique Mondays, a new, ONE MONTH student party...and guess what, we're going to be there. Why? Cause it's the hottest event to date in Exeter, and ACS is going to make it hotter!

We're hosting our party on the top floor of the Timepiece Club, we've got cheaper tickets, and a better deal - tickets with ACS are only £4 instead of the original £5! With that money you'll get a special wristband that differs from the mediocre £5 ones. These will give you access to ALL areas of the club (upstairs, downstairs, inside,out - you get the picture) as well as a QUEUE JUMP pass and discounted drinks...!

HOW ON EARTH COULD YOU REFUSE THIS?!  It's Freshers, time to 'live it up' for a week before those of us who are not in our first year are hit with the grit! So, join us in adding spice to this fresh event, be there. (There is no 'or be square' option, the only option is to be there!)

Contact us for tickets or see the event page HERE..
You don't want to miss this!

EACS x

Opportunities!

This year we're launching some new programmes for you! We're setting up a Housing and Representatives

scheme. We're looking for volunteers for these schemes! The experience will be a good addition to a 'Life Experiences' list to not to mention how great it will look on a CV. Take a look below to find out more or click the 'Opportunities' link. If you are interested in any of the listed, please don't hesitate to contact us either on our facebook page or any of the other contact options on the 'Contact Us' page.

HOUSING SCHEME:

The housing scheme is a new system by this year’s ACS set up to encourage healthy competition.
By dividing the society up into competitive teams, we aim to promote the family and communal branch of the society.

It will include activities ranging from social events in a relaxed environment to cookouts and even sports.
The competition will be launched during Black History Month with a debate on Positive Discrimination and will be concluded at the end of the year with a sporting day.
Any suggestion for events are welcome and we look forward to an enjoyable year ahead.

REPRESENTATIVES:

After carrying out surveys, we have gathered that not all ACS members are totally involved in the ACS as they don’t really know what is going on. And the ACS definitely loves seeing lots of people from each year at its events!

This is why the ACS committee has opened up positions for a representative for each year! This aims to maximise participation within every year in university. The Representatives will be responsible for ensuring that everyone is included in all ACS activities in which they wish to take part, by communicating information to the different years by various means.

It would be great to see a lot of you volunteer for this new role & it would definitely help you build your CV! Don't forget, we're also looking for:
- Mentors,
- Writers,
- Volunteers for events,
- Sub Committee members,

EACS x

FRESHERS is back with a vengeance!

What time is it? What time is it? Yep, it's that time of year where all the Exeter Freshers hit up the clubs, join societies and sports clubs (okay almost), but for most people, it's time to commence packing for moving out or back to University. We're kicking the year off with a barbeque, tasty, fun and open - open to everyone and all students from all backgrounds. Come along and celebrate the start of the academic year 2013-2014 with EACS! We're looking forward to seeing you there, with music, food, drinks, dancing and awesome people, where can you go wrong?! Did I mention we're awesome? Yes? Okay, great!

Hope to see you there, click HERE for more information and to RSVP.

EACS x

Tune for June!

Browsing on a followers tumblr, I stumbled upon Younikk's 'Come a Little Closer'. After a conversation friend, it has been decided that we're going to have an artist of the month/song of the month! So for June - since this was the inspiration, we have 'Come a Little Closer' - we love it! So will you! Well, to be fair, only you can decide whether you like something or not, so press play, right now and be the judge! Keep a lookout for our favourite tracks right now!

Happy Listening,

EACS
x


Click here to purchase this 'Come a Little Closer' on ITunes!!




Something About Younikk by Younikk

Segregation, a Right for White?

The Segregation Series:

   "Recently The Gordon Parks Foundation discovered over 70 unpublished photographs by Parks at the bottom of an old storage box wrapped in paper and marked as “Segregation Series.” These never before series of images not only give us a glimpse into the everyday life of African Americans during the 50′s but are also in full color, something that is uncommon for photographs from that era.

Today...some fascinating photos from the 1950’s. I love the colors in the pictures. I think we think of that time in black and white but of course the real world was in color." (Take a look below - talk about CRAY-ZY!)

Imagine living in a world where 'Blacks' did everything in a separate place to 'Whites'. Imagine stopping for food - you're hungry, famished, no wait - you're starving and you get told to leave a restaurant because the 'don't serve 'Blacks'. Or queuing beneath a 'Coloured Only' sign. Talk about dystopian, and strange, degrading and real. 

It's no alien topic, segregation. It existed and thankfully the segregation Law was abolished, I believe, in 1964, or something close to that time. What does segregation tell you? What does it say, preach and dictate? Inequality. It's such a contradiction to suggest that a person has 'equal rights' when they are being forced to use a separate exit to you, a separate playground and a separate toilet. Is it just me or does every human being, lower, middle or upper class, Black, White or Coloured digest their food and have to excrete it in the same way? I think so!

As far as I'm aware, anyone who thinks that separating the human race is a good thing is completely out of their minds. What good can come with not being exposed to different types of people? It's how we learn. I couldn't imagine being forced to operate with one type of of person. How on earth do you grow?

Through something as simply as these photos (see below), we can see that people were pushing for change back then. Merely photographing the situations seen below is pushing a boundary and questioning the socalled norms of society. How normal is segregation today? Change is inevitable, if there's anything I've learned, it is that. So, carry on pushing for change. Change what isn't right in your life. Morality and conscience are things that are supposedly innate and tell us when something's fishy or not right. You're slacking? Not working to the best of your ability? Falling out with friends and family? If something's wrong in your life, correct it. It's cliché, yeah, but life really is too short. You many never wake up again after tomorrow. 

Yours,

EACS 
x

Photos courtesy of blackhistoryeveryday.tumblr.com

Just a reminder...

Just to remind everyone about the End of Exams social...IT'S 2 DAYS AWAY!!

Everyone's welcome!!!
Reasons why you should come: there aren't - you just should! Buuuuuuuuuuuut if we were to give you a few:

• There will be food, 
• Drinks, 
• Good music and from what I hear, it looks like there'll be good weather too!!  
• Fantastic opportunity to socialise and catch up with people before that long summer break and 
• Another good one to unwind after exam stress.
• Exams are done, what are you really doing with your life.
• You have to eat, why not come eat (at our social)
• It's the final event of the year, 
• Missing it is actually NOT an option! RSVP here, now!

- There will be a walking bus leaving campus at 1PM - meet at the traffic lights by Lafrowda

- If you're lost or need more info - call/text - 07507966373

All you need to do is show up! :D

For more information, see and or contact us on our facebook page!!

Yours,

EACS x

Rollin' with hoodies?

WE WANT STASH! WE WANT STASH!

Do you want stash?

So we're thinking of getting stash. Hoodies, maybe t-shirts - definitely hoodies! But we need you to tell us if you want them or not. I don't know about you guys but I definitely want an ACS hoodie to walk around campus in, personalised or not! So here's what we need you to do: VOTE! It's as simple as. Don't vote 'No' because a friend votes 'No', vote for you because in the end, you'll be the one wearing that aweeeeeeeesome ACS jumper! 

So, how can I vote?

- and yes you all need to vote, even if you are unsure.

Just go to the grey tabs hidden away on the right hand side of the page. If you select the first tab you will find a poll. Please fill this out as soon as possible so that we can begin preparing and know how many hoodies we'll need to put in for and if it's even worth doing!! Just wanna throw it out there...if you're not up for some sort of stash, you might just be a little craaaaaaaaazy!!

See below for visual instructions!! 

Love,

EACS x

"The “Love Laws" that lay down "who should be loved, and how. And how much.”

The Alphabet Review: A

Arundhati Roy 

• Born 24 November 1961
• Indian author and political activist
• Best known for the 1998 Man Booker Prize for Fiction winning novel ‘The God of Small Things’ (1997) and for her involvement in environmental and human rights causes. Roy’s novel became the biggest-selling book by a non-expatriate Indian author.

"It didn't matter that the story had begun, because Kathakali discovered long ago that the secret of the Great Stories is that they have no secrets. The Great Stories are the ones you have heard and want to hear again. The ones you can enter anywhere and inhabit comfortably. They don't deceive you with thrills and trick endings."

I first read GoST when studying English Literature in my 1st year of college, the theme for our course was ‘The Struggle for Identity’ and right there and then I fell in love with Literature all over again. The topic: 'The Struggle for Identity' allowed me to read novels, poems and films by ethnic authors and playwrights; I was able to explore the worlds of a number of talented artists. I decided to read GoST after reading the quote "The 'Love Laws' that lay down 'who should be loved, and how. And how much." I felt as though it was such a strong statement, not to mention the chance to educate myself a little bit about the Indian culture, as there would be no point in simply limiting myself to the works of African-American authors when considering 'The Struggle for Identity'. 

Review

The story primarily takes place in a town named Ayemenem or Aymanam, part of Kottayam in Kerala state of India. The temporal setting shifts back and forth from 1969, when fraternal twins Rahel and Estha are seven years old, to 1993, when the twins are reunited at age 31. It is narrated in the third person, however, during a great part of the narrative, the reader sees everything through Rahel's eyes, giving them a very special insight into the happenings and characters within the novel. 

As GoST focuses on and their impressions of the world, Roy uses various techniques to represent the children's viewpoint and their innocence. For example, the capitalisation of particular words and phrases to give them significance. Similarly, the children recombine things that adults say and place emphasis on words and ideas in a different way to the adults, thereby creating a new way of viewing the world and echoing their perception of the it in comparison to the grown-ups that surround them. 

‘Ammu loved her children (of course), but their wide-eyed vulnerability, and their willingness to love people who didn’t really love them, exasperated her and sometimes made her want to hurt them – just as education, a protection.’

 GoST shifts around in time allowing expressions from an older perspective, like the extract seen above and the disjointed narrative structure that Roy employs echoes the process of the resurfacing of a repressed memory. There are various moments which cross each other throughout the book. For example: in 1969, when Rahel is a seven-year-old child, we see the events of the book through a her 'child eyes'. Whereas, twenty-three years later, when she is in search something she lost in her childhood, has become a woman and her eyes have become more critical, facts, objects and people are seen in a completely different light. 

Although Roy uses a young narrator throughout the majority of the book, this does not affect the way in which each detail is described. We still feel how ‘May in Ayemenem’ was ‘a hot brooding month’. The reader is able to relate  to each character, whether it be personally or empathetically. We are still drawn in to listen to their stories, despite the fact that they are told through the eyes of a seven-year-old; it is possible that Roy uses a child  narrator because children tend to see people's true colours and often pay closer attention to detail. 

With the novel being written by a woman from an ethnic minority, you might expect  the novel to take a feminist approach, especially since the protagonist is a female. However Roy has chosen, instead, to tackle the issues including: love, death, cultural identity, morality, racism, loss of innocence along with many others. Amongst flagging up some of these issues,  Roy gives us with a taste of Kerala life through the liberal use of Malayalam words and presents the reader with aspects of Kerala living such as: communism, the caste system, and the Keralite Syrian Christian way of life.

GoST is a patchwork of flashbacks and lengthy sidetracks that weave together to pull gently on your heartstrings whilst telling the story of the Ipe family. It was captivating from beginning to end and I would definitely recommend it to literature lover! It is a true roller-coaster; at times you smile, laugh and may even cry. It will have you glued to pages and reading ahead of any book club you may have started it with!

Sarah Akinsola
Publicity Secretary