Is the only art you own on your fingernails? Do you consider kool-aid one of the five food groups? You know you're ghetto if: -Turning up the heat means turning on another burner on the stove -You think of paneling as a home improvement -You use a pair of pliers to change the channel on your TV -You run to get pots as soon as it rains -Your glasses and silverware come from a gas station -Your weave is longer than your torso -You have more than ten uses for Vaseline-and one of them is shoe polish Ghetto is not where you live. Ghetto is not about income or social status. Ghetto is a state of mind.

Sckraight From The Ghetto: You Know You're Ghetto If . . .

Humor & Entertainment

Berry, Bertice

Coker, Joan

Humor

St. Martin's: Griffin

Still confused about what ghetto is...and what ghetto ain't? You know you're still ghetto if: -You're looking for a brother or sister who will pay your rent -You think you had a great workout because you shouted in church -You always eat before you go to a dinner party because "you never know what them people go" -You know what H.I.B. stands for (Hair I Bought) -You live on an island but you can't swim -You fish in the city Remember: Ghetto is not where you live. Ghetto is not about income or social status. Ghetto is a state of mind.

You Still Ghetto: You Know You're Still Ghetto If...

Redemption Song: A Novel

Owner of a small African-American bookshop, Miss Cozy has an unique gift: Customers who walk through her door rarely leave without a book that speaks directly to their life. But when Josephine--"Fina"--and Ross arrive in search of an obscure, unpublished manuscript written by a slave woman, Miss Cozy knows that all her visions have been leading her to this magical day. Yet Miss Cozy has no intention of selling the manuscript--no matter the price. So she offers Fina and Ross an alternative. They can read it together at the store. It was not what they hoped for, but their interest in the extraordinary love story is about as strong as their uncanny attraction for one another . . . one they both sense runs much deeper than a kiss. In the course of a few days, Fina and Ross realize that this powerful book has special meaning for the two of them--and that the path to their shared future may be linked to something that happened more than a century ago. . . .

Literature & Fiction

United States

Random House Publishing Group

In her fiction debut, comedian and inspirational speaker Bertice Berry has written a spiritual love story that will seep into your bones and remain with you long after the last page has been turned. Redemption Song is a marvelous story about love, the importance of understanding one's history, and the power of books and how they can influence your life. Josephine "Fina" Chambers and Ross Buchanan meet in Black Images, a small African American bookshop, as they both reach for a rare copy of a slave woman's "memory book." Each refuses to let go of the book until the wise and spirited owner, Miss Cozy, negotiates a deal. Over the next several days, they will read the slave woman's book together in the comfort of the bookstore. In the process, Ross and Fina will realize that the path to their shared future may be linked to something that happened more than a century ago... Over the next several days, they read the slave woman's book aloud in what becomes the magical cocoon of the bookstore. In the process, they learn about African-American history, the power of the human spirit, and discover four essential elements for the survival of society. Ross and Fina also come to realize that the path to their hearts may be linked to an event that happened more than a century ago. REDEMPTION SONG is a marvelous story about love, the importance of understanding one's history, and, most of all, about books and how they can influence a person's life. It is also a love song to booksellers everywhere: The Miss Cosy character is modeled after a real African-American bookstore owner. --&gt;

DOUBLEDAY

Bertice Berry follows her finely pitched Blackboard bestselling debut novel, Redemption Song, with a mesmerizing cautionary tale about urban hip hop culture. In ancient West Africa, the drum was more than a musical instrument, it was a vehicle of communication-it conveyed information, told stories, and passed on the wisdom of generations. The magic of the drum remains alive in Africa today, and with her magnificent second novel, Berry brings those powerful beats to the streets of Harlem. Harry "Freedom" Hudson is the hottest hip-hop producer in New York City, earning unbelievable fees for his tunes and the innovative sound that puts his artists on the top of the charts. Harry is used to getting what he wants, so when he's irresistibly drawn to a house in Harlem, he assumes he'll be moving in as soon as the papers can be drawn up. The house, after all, has been abandoned for years. Or has it? Rumors are rife in the neighborhood that the house is haunted; that mysterious music, shouts, and sobbing can be heard late at night. Ava, Harry's strong-willed, no-nonsense agent, dismisses it all as "old folks" tales-until she opens the door and finds an eerie, silent group of black people, young and old, all gathered around a man holding an ancient African drum. They are waiting for Harry and bear a warning that touches his very soul: "We gave the drum back to your generation in the form of rap, but it's being used to send the wrong message." The Haunting of Hip Hop is a reminder of the importance of honoring the past as a means of moving safely and firmly into the future. It is sure to raise eyebrows and stir up controversy about the impact, good and bad, of rap culture.

Haunting of Hip Hop, The

A sizzling, smart, and utterly engaging novel about sex, love, folklore, and family history from the author of Redemption Song and The Haunting of Hip Hop.Told from wisdom's perspective, Jim and Louella's Homemade Heartfix Remedy knocks down fear and shame with truth so that love will be manifested. With help from the deceased matriarchs in her life - her mother, Aunt T, and Grandma Sadie, Louella heals her marriage to Jim with one basic recipe for love. After resurrecting their love lost in between twenty-six years of marriage, Jim and Louella Johnson, suddenly begin to tap into their intuitive powers, uncontrollably reading the minds and seeing the souls of their community members and neighbors, and become overwhelmed with the desire to spread their love. Jim and Louella's love becomes so infectious that many others in their southern town of Savannah crave it. Despite the heartache that so much knowledge can bring, they eagerly share their gifts and manage to awaken a loving heart in the mean town librarian, bring forgiveness to Mr. Blue, a child abuser who was abused himself as a child, teach self-love to a former prostitute, and pave the way down love's highway for so many others. Jim and Louella illuminate so much love throughout their small town that people flock to Jim and Louella's door for more lessons on loving. Through it all, readers will see how marvelously, Berry creates the rekindled love between an older couple, and uses it as a springboard by which we watch them become catalysts for the healing of hearts in their southern town. Come aboard and take an adventurous ride of truth with love as the destination.

Jim and Louella's Homemade Heart-fix Remedy

Literary

Full of spirit and wisdom, the novels of Bertice Berry bring to life a rich tapestry of human experience. Now she turns her eye to matters of the heart, with an endearing main character who can’t seem to keep bad men out of her life. Bernita Brown is a quick-thinking, tireless social worker who is good at practically everything—except love. Her first marriage ends in divorce, a painful experience Bernita refuses to think about. Instead, she dives into a series of sad relationships and overwhelming commitments to community and church. But not even church can keep her from being courted by dogs; Bernita’s married pastor begins making passes at her, then blames her for his backsliding. Along the way, the ghost of Bernita’s aunt Babe weighs in with plenty of advice (after all, Aunt Babe says, “You don’t need to be alive to tell folks how to live”). When a marvelous man finally enters Bernita’s life, only time can tell whether she will be able to trust him. Written with Berry’s signature warmth and reliance on African-American ancestors who deliver homespun healing, When Love Calls, You Better Answer addresses a host of powerful topics, from abusive relationships to corrupt church leaders. Ultimately, Bernita’s story will inspire readers to find the love they need, especially the love that can only come from within.

When Love Calls, You Better Answer: A Novel

Broadway

The personal story of award-winning comedian and performer Bertice Berry recounts her often difficult life and considers such topics as racism, sexism, self-esteem, diet and exercise, philosophy, and spirituality

BERTICE: The World According to Me

Biographies & Memoirs

Arts & Literature

Scribner

A sizzling, smart, and utterly engaging novel about sex, love, folklore, and family history from the author of Redemption Song and The Haunting of Hip Hop. With her characteristic sense of humor and a good dose of motherly wit, Bertice Berry spins the endearing tale of Jim and Louella Johnson, an elderly couple in a southern town who have settled into a marriage that has long lost its pizzazz. Louella, fed up with her lackluster love life, decides to contact her departed ancestors for some advice. Conjuring up her mother, grandmother, and aunt in a dream, she receives a delightful lesson in the art of reigniting the fires of love. Even more startling, the Johnsons discover they can help others rejuvenate their passions, heal their hearts, and mend their souls Written in language that is folksy yet eloquent, Jim and Louella's Homemade Heart-Fix Remedy is an uplifting and flat-out funny celebration of the connections between past and present, the importance of family, and the pleasures of the body and the heart.

Jim and Louella's Homemade Heart-fix Remedy: A Novel

Dramas & Plays

Crown

A ghost story with a beat . . . Bertice Berry follows her finely pitched Blackboard bestselling debut novel, Redemption Song, with a mesmerizing cautionary tale about urban hip hop culture. In ancient West Africa, the drum was more than a musical instrument, it was a vehicle of communication–it conveyed information, told stories, and passed on the wisdom of generations. The magic of the drum remains alive today, and with her magnificent second novel, Berry brings those powerful beats to the streets of Harlem. Harry “Freedom” Hudson is the hottest hip hop producer in New York City, earning unbelievable fees for his tunes and the innovative sound that puts his artists on the top of the charts. Harry is used to getting what he wants, so when he’s irresistibly drawn to a house in Harlem, he assumes he’ll be moving in as soon as the papers can be drawn up. The house, after all, has been abandoned for years. Or has it? Rumors are rife in the neighborhood that the house is haunted; that mysterious music, shouts, and sobbing can be heard late at night. Ava, Harry’s strong-willed, no-nonsense agent, dismisses it all as “old folks” tales–until she opens the door and finds an eerie, silent group of black people, young and old, gathered around a man holding an ancient African drum. They are waiting for Harry and bear a warning that touches his very soul: “We gave the drum back to your generation in the form of rap, but it’s being used to send the wrong message.” The Haunting of Hip Hop is a reminder of the importance of honoring the past as a means of moving safely and firmly into the future. It is sure to raise eyebrows and stir up controversy about the impact, good and bad, of rap culture.

The Haunting of Hip Hop: A Novel

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Berry, Bertice. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Berry, Bertice

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Berry, Bertice. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Sckraight From The Ghetto: You Know You're Ghetto If . . .

You Still Ghetto: You Know You're Still Ghetto If...

Redemption Song: A Novel

Redemption Song: A Novel

Haunting of Hip Hop, The

Jim and Louella's Homemade Heart-fix Remedy

When Love Calls, You Better Answer: A Novel

BERTICE: The World According to Me

Jim and Louella's Homemade Heart-fix Remedy: A Novel

The Haunting of Hip Hop: A Novel