First Encounters of the Child Reader Kind

Today, I volunteered at a reading program, where I got to read The Rock and the River with kids for the first time. It was fun. The girl I read with was nine years old - a bit young for the novel, I thought at first - but as it turned out, she understood and could even relate to some of the events that occur early in the book. As I read a scene in which my character (Sam) encounters racism, my new friend stopped me from reading on. "Yeah," she said. "That guy's racist." Then she proceded to tell me about how she had seen racism in action in her own community. I was impressed by the way she took the scene and connected it to her own experiences. It was exciting to realize that the book was beginning to have the effect I hoped it'd have - at least on one reader!!

First Bookstore Signing

My first bookstore signing, at Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe in Harlem, was officially a success!

Book Launch Party

I had a great time at my book launch party last night. The New York Society Library was hopping with my friends, family and even my first few fans! Here are some photos from what, for me, was truly a night to remember...

Books for sale!

Signing, signing!

Mingling, mingling!

Book Launch and Signings

I have two upcoming book signings in New York City:

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2009
6-8 PM
The New York Society Library
53 E. 79th St. (@ Madison Ave)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2009
6 PM
Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe
2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd (bet. 124th-125th Sts)

Come, help celebrate the book release, and get yor copies signed!!

The Rock and the River - in stores today!!!

I'm thrilled to announce that my novel, The Rock and the River will be released today! Order copies from your local independent bookstore, major chain, or online retailer. See www.therockandtheriverbook.com for direct links to purchase online!