BREAKING: Converations confirms dates for "Hiphop & Books" Rallies

Conversations Book Club & TRU Publishing are excited to announce the CONFIRMED DATES for upcoming "Hiphop & Books" Rallies that will be held throughout the United States.

Hosted by Cyrus A. Webb, the events will be to entertain lovers of hiphop as well as promote the cause of reading across the country. At the end of the day, Conversations & TRU want others to JOIN THE ADDICTION and get hooked on books!

(Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb seen here with National Recording Artist/Mississippi native David Banner. Banner wrote the Foreword to the book Country Fried Soul: Adventures in Dirty South Hiphop by author Tamara Palmer.)

_________________________________________________________________

• SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2008--- 1-5p.m. @ Smith Park in Downtown Jackson. Rally will include performances by Trill, G-Money, E of Causin' Drama Entertainment, Britt, Lil' Half Ounce, Ondrea Nicole and more! Concession-style food will be available as well as vendors on hand. ADMISSION FREE. For details, call 601.664.8805.
• SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2008 --- 7-9p.m. @ Comfort Inn O'Hare International (2550 Landmeir Road * Elk Grove Village, IL) * Rally features recording artists TBA as well as information about the importance of reading and staying in school. Admission, $5.00. For details, call 601.664.8805.
• SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 --- 7-9p.m. @ Best Western (HWY 78--- 5024 Lamar Ave. * Memphis, TN) * Rally features recording artists TBA as well as information about the importance of reading and staying in school. Admission, $5.00. For details, call 601.664.8805
• SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2008 --- 1P.M. @ Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown (246 Baronne St. * New Orleans, LA) Rally featuring encouragment from Rapper/Author C-Murder and bestselling authors Brian Smith, Tony Lindsay and Dedra Johnson! Admission, $5.00. For details, call 601.664.8805.
• THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2008 --- 4-6P.M./ 7-9P.M. @ Quality Inn & Suites Arlington (1607 N. Watson Rd. * Arlington, TX 76006) Two rallies will be held featuring recording artists (TBA) as well as information about the importance of reading. $500 in new books will be given away at each rally to the most represented school. 
• FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2008--- 4-6p.m./7-9p.m. @ Quality Inn & Suites (9041 Westheimer Road * Houston, TX 77063) Two rallies will be held featuring recording artists (TBA) as well as information about the importance of reading. $500 in new books will be given away at each rally to the most represented school.
• SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2008 --- 7p.m. @ Quality Inn & Suites (2705 E. South Blvd. * Montgomery, AL) * Rally featuring Bestselling author Angel M. Hunter (author of SISTER GIRLS, FAKING IT and TURNED OUT) Admission free. Details, call 601.664.8805.
• SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2008 --- 7p.m. @ Comfort Inn & Suites (795 Pollard Blvd. * Atlanta, GA 30315) * Rally featuring recording artists TBA as well as information about the importance of reading. Admission is $15.00 which includes a copy of Jacki-O's book GROWN & GANGSTA, published by TRU Publishing. Details, call 601.664.8805.
• SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2008 ---11-3p.m. / "2nd Annual All 4 One Statewide Book Club Meet & Greet". This event is open to all book clubs and book lovers that are in the state of Mississippi as well as chapters of Conversations Book Club that meet all over the United States. Admission is free and you are encouraged to bring your lunch for the break. Our special guests include Bestselling auhors Electa Rome Parks and Diane Dorce'. Details, call 601.664.8805.  http://www.hiphopandbooks.com

Conversations & TRU Proudly Announce Hiphop Literacy Tour

Conversations Book Club Founder Cyrus A. Webb and TRU Publishing President Corey "C-Murder" Miller are pleased to announce another historic event that will bring the worlds of hiphop and literature together: Introducing The "Hiphop & Books Tour" (http://www.hiphopandbooks.com)!

(Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb & TRU Publishing Founder C-Murder seen seated here.)

 

"Once I announced (last week) that I would be hosting a "Hiphop & Books" Youth Rally in Mississippi, it became clear from the response that this was something that would have to be duplicated throughout the country," Webb said in a state on his website http://www.thebestbookclub.info. "We have to come to grips with the truth: our world is in trouble, and the more we try to ignore the warning signs when it comes to the apathy towards reading the more we are just burying our heads in the sand."

 

In the past there have been hiphop recording artists that have written books, but there has never been a nationwide assault on the problem of literacy among lovers of the hiphop community. That is where the "Hiphop & Books" Tour comes in.

 

This is how the tour will work:

Beginning Saturday, April 26, 2008 Webb will introduce the tour in Jackson, MS with his recording artists Trill and G-Money as participants in the event. The three of them and another representative of the book club will then begin traveling the country duplicating the same type of events. At each stop Trill & G-Money will perform as well as TWO recording artists from the area in which they are visiting. Webb will also invite authors from that area to participate in the event, telling the public about their literary projects. In each city, Conversations & TRU will be donating a total of $500 of BRAND NEW BOOKS to an organization that can use them to encourage reading. This could be a library, Boys & Girls Club or other non-profit organization.

 

*     Sponsors/Supporters for the "Hiphop & Books" Tour are Shadow Play Entertainment, For The People Productions, Yo!Raps.com, The Hype Magazine, http://www.weneedtostop.com, The Hip-Hop Chronicle, C-Rich & The Independent Nation, C. O. D. Records and Off Da Chain Entertainment.

 

Dates are being added quickly. If you are interested in being a sponsor or hosting a "Hiphop & Books" event in your city, feel free to contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

 

For complete details, you are asked to visit this link: http://hiphoploversread.webs.com/hiphopbooksrallies.htm.

THIS WEEK'S REVIEW: V. L. Green's WHEN DESTINIES MEET

Conversations Book Club Founder and President, Cyrus A. Webb, ends the first month of his new partnership with the state of Mississippi's largest daily newspaper today with his review of Mississippi's own V. L. Green's book WHEN DESTINIES MEET. (see below)

 

Remember that Green will be one of four Mississippi authors that will be participating in Conversations' "Book Lovers Day" that will be held in Pearl, MS on Tuesday, April 22, 2008. (For details, visit http://www.thebestbookclub.info.)

 

To read his review of author/poet Green's debut novel click (or copy and paste) this link:

http://rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080329/LIFE/803290309/1003

Conversations Book Club Reveals What YOU can expect in April 2008!

In the first 3 months of 2008, Conversations Book Club has once again shown why it has been called "the best book club". Already hosting 13 authors this year, it is gearing up for a powerful month of activities and SIX NEW AUTHORS in April 2008.

These are the visits you can look forward to:

Bestselling authors Joy King & L. A. Banks (April 11-12, 2008)

Bestselling author Tina Brooks McKinney (April 18-19, 2008)

Bestselling authors Craig Alexander & Darden North* (April 22, 2008)

Bestselling author Michelle McGriff (April 27-29, 2008)

 

Also in April 2008, look for interviews with Bestselling authors Treasure Blue, Kwan,

Trice Hickman, Kim Reid, Portia Cosby and Gretchen Craig!

 

*     NOTE: This event will also involve authors Voncele Savage & V. L. Green.

C'mon. JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

This week's feature: "How To Get Out of Debt" by Harrine Freeman

After hosting  Bestselling author Harrine Freeman (author of HOW TO GET OUT OF DEBT) earlier in March 2008---Conversations Book Club Founder Cyrus A. Webb knew it was a book he had to review for others to appreciate. He got his chance with this week's book review that appears in the Rankin Ledger in Mississippi and online worldwide.

(Click on the link below to read the review.)

http://rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080322/LIFE/803220306/1003

Harrine Freeman
CEO/Owner, H.E. Freeman Enterprises   http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com 
Speaker, Columnist, Author of How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free

 

C'mon. What are you waiting on? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

Are You "Grown & Gangsta" Enough? Enter our special contest today!

Do You Have what It Takes To Be GROWN & GANGSTA?

TRU Publishing & Conversations Book Club, in connection with our partner BeBop Record Shops, want to put you to the challenge! Purchase Jacki-O's book GROWN & GANGSTA today through Bebop Record Shop, mail in proof of purchase along with a song in which you are featured for a chance to win the honor of recording a song with the "Madam of Miami" Jacki-O & the Founder of TRU Publishing C-Murder!

 

GROWN & GANGSTA can be purchased by calling BeBop Record Stores in the Maywood Mart Center (601.981.5000) and 3887 Metro Drive near Metrocenter Mall (601.969.3181) for only $12.95 plus taxes and handling. Credit/debit cards and money orders are acceptable forms of payment. Each store can provide their mailing address and the total to be mailed in for the purchase of the book, however, proof of purchase & cds should be mailed to the following (NO ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS!):

 Tru Records * 3154 B. College Drive #534 * Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

Include your name, mailing address, phone number and email address.

Deadline for all submissions is July 4, 2008. The winner will be announced July 19, 2008.

 

C'mon. JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

http://www.trupublishing.com    http://www.thebestbookclub.info

"GROWN & GANGSTA" by Jacki-O on sale NOW at Mississippi BeBop Stores!

Once again Conversations Book Club and its partner TRU Publishing are making history in the promotion of Recording artist/author Jacki-O's book GROWN & GANGSTA. Starting Friday, March 21, 2008, Mississippi residents can purchase the book at BeBop Record Stores in Mississippi! This is the first time that the BeBop chain has ever carried books in their retail outlets, however, it was a chance that they were willing to take.


"I just called the store up and asked them if they were interested in helping us promote reading and making history," says Cyrus A. Webb of Conversations Book Club and TRU Publishing. "It was something that I knew could go either way, but they saw the vision and wanted to support our cause."

"This is a win-win for all parties involved," agrees Ann Lampe of BeBop Record Stores. "We are glad to do what we can to promote reading as well as give our customers something they can't find anywhere else."

As part of the new partnership with BeBop Record Stores, Webb has agreed to bypass the larger music stores and will only sign similar agreements with independent stores in Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Georgia.

"This is our way of remaining true to the grassroots effort both Conversations and TRU began with," Webb explained. "If we can get to as many people as possible in the neighborhods where they are, it will help us get one step closer to everyone wanting to pick up a book and give it a shot."

Mississippi residents can get the book at BeBop Record Stores in the Maywood Mart Center (601.981.5000) and 3887 Metro Drive near Metrocenter Mall (601.969.3181) for only $12.95.
C'mon. JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info http://www.trupublishing.com

Dates Set for Book Discussion with Maya Angelou Biography in MS!

Poet, dancer, actress, memorist, Grammy winner, playright, icon, legend: Maya Angelou. The world knows of the legendary Dr. Maya Angelou fro her numerous bestselling books including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now and A Song Flung Up to Heaven. Now, upon the occasion of her 80th birthday, MAYA ANGELOU: A Glorious Celebraton offers a privage look insider an extraordinary life.

Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb was chosen by Doubleday, the book's publisher, to receive and read an advance copy of the book that will be released worldwide on April 1, 2008 and given access to exclusive interviews two of the three authors (Marcia Ann Gillespie and Rose Johnson Butler). The 30-minute discussion/interviews will be taped live at the Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS for Webb's online program "Conversations" and will be open to the public and will be as follows:

 

Monday, April 7, 2008 @ 12p.m. --- Discussion with Marcia Gillespie

Wednesday, April 9, 2008 @ 12p.m. --- Discussion with Rosa Johnson Butler

 

 

MAYA ANGELOU: A GLORIOUS CELEBRATION offers an unusual and irresistible look at her life and her myriad interests and accomplishments. Created by the people who know her best—her longtime friends Marcia Ann Gillespie and Richard Long, and her niece Rosa Johnson Butler—it is part tribute, part scrapbook, capturing Angelou at home, at work, and in the public eye. Readers who have come to know and love Maya Angelou will be surprised and delighted by this personal, illustrated portrait of the renowned poet, author, playwright, and humanitarian.

For more information about Conversations Book Club and its upcoming projects, visit http://www.thebestbookclub.info or become an online member by visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationsbookclub.

C'mon. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

TRU & Conversations add tour dates for Jacki-O's "Grown & Gangsta"

Book lovers and fans of Miami's own recording artist/author Jacki-O can breathe a little easier: TRU Publishing & Conversations Book Club are releasing book tour dates and locations for the debut novel that is taking the world by storm: GROWN & GANGSTA. (See below)

The success of the debut release of Corey "C-Murder" Miller's TRU Publishing is undeniable as the crowds in Mississippi and Louisiana showed in early March 2008. Jacki-O's story of six friends dealing with coming from nothing to having everything is striking a chord with readers of all backgrounds, fulfilling the purpose that both she and the publisher had in mind.
"It's not just lovers of her music that are buying this book," observes Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb. He serves as Marketing and Communication Liason for TRU Publishing, accompanying both Cee and Jacki-O to all literary events. "When you come to a book stop for Jacki-O you will see people of all races and musicial taste who are drawn to the story. Some are just curious to see if the book lives up to the hype. So far I am proud to say that noone has been disappointed. This book delivers on so many levels."

Webb is excited to announce that during March 2008-May 2008 Jacki-O will be promoting the book in Memphis, TN/ Nashville, TN/Montgomery, AL/Selma, AL/Tupelo, MS/Natchez,MS/Jackson, MS/Miami, FL/Ft. Lauderdale, FL/Atlanta, GA/Chicago, IL.

To see when Jacki-O will be in YOUR city or to schedule interviews, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

C'mon. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info           http://www.truconversations.com

CBC President to Interview Authors of Maya Angelou biography

Conversations Book Club continues to be recognized for its commitment to the literary community as this new announcement highlights.

Poet, dancer, actress, memorist, Grammy winner, playright, icon, legend: Maya Angelou. The world knows of the legendary Dr. Maya Angelou fro her numerous bestselling books including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now and A Song Flung Up to Heaven. Now, upon the occasion of her 80th birthday, MAYA ANGELOU: A Glorious Celebraton offers a privage look insider an extraordinary life.


MAYA ANGELOU: A GLORIOUS CELEBRATION offers an unusual and irresistible look at her life and her myriad interests and accomplishments. Created by the people who know her best—her longtime friends Marcia Ann Gillespie and Richard Long, and her niece Rosa Johnson Butler—it is part tribute, part scrapbook, capturing Angelou at home, at work, and in the public eye. Readers who have come to know and love Maya Angelou will be surprised and delighted by this personal, illustrated portrait of the renowned poet, author, playwright, and humanitarian.

CBC President Cyrus A. Webb was chosen by Doubleday, the book's publisher, to receive and read an advance copy of the book that will be released worldwide on April 1, 2008 and given access to interview two of the three authors (Marcia Ann Gillespie and Rose Johnson Butler).



"This is an honor that I don't take lightly," Webb said in a statement to the national media. "What began for me as a book club with three members in November 2006 has reached levels that I couldn't have imagined. I feel so grateful for the responsibility that is being bestowed on what was born right here in Missisippi."
The interviews will be taped live at the Richard Wright Library for Webb's online program "Conversations" and will be open to the public. Details will follow in the coming days.

For more information about Conversations Book Club and its upcoming projects, visit http://www.thebestbookclub.info or become an online member by visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationsbookclub.

C'mon. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

You Are Invited to Conversations' "Book Lovers Day" in Pearl, MS!

Conversations Book Club*, in connection with its literary partners, is pleased to welcome the public to its first "Book Lovers Day" in Mississippi! The event is geared towards authors, book club members and book lovers throughout the state to come together and discuss what unites them all: BOOKS! 

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Pearl Public Library

Pearl, MS

6p.m.

 

Moderated by Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb, this event will feature four of Mississippi's brightest literary stars: Craig Alexander (author of THE NINEVEH PROJECT), V. L. Green (author of WHERE DESTINIES MEET), Darden North (author of HOUSE CALL and POINTS OF ORIGIN) and Voncele Savage (author of A LETTER TO MY SISTERS).  

 

Join us as we discuss the background of each author, what motivate them to pursue their careers and the challenges that they face in such a competitive market. During the Q&A session you will be able to ask your own questions as well. Admission to this event is free.

 

*     Founded in November 2006, Conversations Book Club is the largest book club in Mississippi with seven chapters in the state as well as chapters in New Orleans, Montgomery, Memphis, Chicago and Atlanta. The purpose of Conversations is to encourage reading among all ages and to show how we can encourage others to open up their minds by opening up a book.

 

For more information, contact Robin Gardner at 601.664.8805 or Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com. Additional information about Conversations Book Club can be found at http://www.thebestbookclub.info.

C'mon, what are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

C. A. Webb reviews Voncele Savage's A LETTER TO MY SISTER

Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb is pleased to announce that this week's book review that appears in the Rankin Ledger Newspaper is of Mississippi's own Voncele Savage's book A LETTER TO MY SISTERS (The Way Out).

 

 

To read the review, simply pick up a copy of the Clarion Ledger Newspaper today or visit the link located here: http://rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080315/LIFE/803150310/1003

 

Currently Webb is contributing articles to the Jackson Advocate Newspaper, Rankin Ledger Newspaper, Books2Mention Magazine, Blagazine.com and RAWSISTAZ.com and the editor of his own arts and entertainment magazine Conversations---with the focus being on reading. It is his hope that this new endeavor will help others to appreciate books and look at them in a whole new way.

 

To submit your books for review, email cawebb4@juno.com. You can also contact him at 601.896.5616.

 

C'mon. JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info.

Authors C-Murder & Dedra Johnson this month's guests in N.O.

Conversations Book Club would like to invite you out to the monthly meeting of the Conversations* New Orleans chapter for our 1p.m. meeting at the Comfort Inn & Suites on Baronne St.

This month's guests are Recording artist/author C-Murder (DEATH AROUND THE CORNER) & New Orleans native Dedra Johnson (SANDRINE'S LETTER TO TOMORROW). We will also discuss the growth of TRU Publishing and what the authors have planned for the future. 

For more information, contact Robin Gardner at 601.664.8805, Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or you can visit http://www.thebestbookclub.info.

C'mon. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

Music & Clothing Outlets in Mississippi Embrace Jacki-o's "Gangsta"

The good news just keeps coming for Rapper/Author Jacki-O and her debut novel GROWN & GANGSTA.



Less than a week after she left Mississippi promoting her book, outlets within the state have rallied behind her in promoting the book that has been getting major buzz for weeks.

TRU Publishing and Conversations Book Club are pleased to announce that Mississippi residents can now find the book at STAX, home of Official Blockwear on Ellis Ave. in Jackson, MS (601.949.8489/601.201.0658).

Beginning Monday, March 17, 2008 the book will also be found in Be-Bop Record Stores within the Magnolia State, with a free copy of Jacki-O's mixtape given with each purchase.

"This is just another testament to show how people are rallying around our message," says Cyrus A. Webb,32, President of Conversations Book Club and Marketing Representative of TRU Publishing. TRU, Corey "C-Murder" Miller's publishing company, is behind the book as well as the soon-to-be-released novel by Akon. "Announcements like the one made today concerning STAX and Be-Bop just shows that people are reading and that you can be a lover of hiphop and still have a life outside the music."
More developments are in the works to promote TRU Publishing and its future projects with Wal-Mart, Borders and other agencies. Continue to visit http://www.truconversations.com and http://www.trupublishing.com for updates. You can also reach Cyrus A. Webb at 601.896.5616.

C'mon. Join the addiction: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info.

Bestselling author Harrine Freeman speaks out on Conversations

Conversations Book Club was pleased to begin the month of March 2008 with our 12th author of the year: Bestselling author Harrine Freeman of Washington D. C.

This was Ms. Freeman's first visit to Mississippi, and we made sure it was one she will not soon forget. Her book HOW TO GET OUT OF DEBT is so timely considering what many are faced with in the day to day struggles of life.  Here is what she had to say about her historic visit to the Magnolia State.

 

"I had never visited Mississippi before but Cyrus made the trip a wonderful experience. Everyone was so receptive and warm.  Cyrus and Conversations Book Club is a class act.  All book clubs should be modeled after the Conversations Book Club.  I hope every author gets the opportunity to work with them in the future."

Harrine Freeman
CEO/Owner, H.E. Freeman Enterprises   http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com 
Speaker, Columnist, Author of How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free

BREAKING: TRU Publishing to release book by Rapper Akon

Corey "C-Murder" Miller has alot to be thankful for. In 2006 he released his debut novel DEATH AROUND THE CORNER, selling over 70,000 through his Myspace page alone---and then enjoying a 5-star rating through Amazon as the book received nationwide attention. In 2007 he embarked on a successful book tour with Conversations Book Club, being featured on FOXNews.com, NBC and other media outlets.

Now in 2008 he has founded TRU Publishing, with its first release being GROWN & GANGSTA by Florida rapper/author Jacki-O. Just released in February 2008, the book is already garnering national buzz and her tour to promote the book is getting respect by critics and book lovers alike.


Showing there is no time to relax, TRU Publishing is gearing up for what will be one of the hottest new projects of the literary industry: the release of international recording artist---and now author--- Akon's book THUG POLITICS!
(Photo by Jim Cooper/ AP File)

"Miller is raising the bar for the publishing and literary industry," Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb said in a statement to the Associated Press. "With Jacki-O's novel, the world was given a taste of what can be accomplished by someone in the south that is more than just another rapper. Now we are going to the North with someone who has the track record of being successful that is undeniable."

Though much as been said about Akon, no one can deny his talent and persistance. Before he had a hit single, sang a hook on a grimy rap song or penned hits for some of music’s biggest stars, Akon was living the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
Except instead of being an internationally known singer, Akon was what he likes to call a “hood celebrity” — a small-time hustler enjoying success and notoriety from the street life in Newark and Jersey City, N.J. This life repeatedly landed Akon behind bars. Now he is on top of his game and looking to diversify the brand he is building.

Look for THUG POLITICS to be released by TRU Publishing in late April/early May 2008 with a tour to soon follow. Conversations Book Club will be working to coordinate a join literary campaign before the summer 2008 with C-Murder, Jacki-O and Akon.

For more information, contact Cyrus A. Webb at 601.896.5616 or cawebb4@juno.com. You can also visit http://www.thebestbookclub.info and http://www.truconversations.com.

New Footage Found Online of Jacki-O Booksignings in March 2008

Above you will see footage shot in Louisiana in support of the Jacki-O booksigning that took place on Saturday, March 8, 2008. C-Murder, Mia X and others congratulate the rapper and author on her release of GROWN & GANGSTA.



Fans in Mississippi show their love for Jacki-O during her stop at Wal-Mart on HWY 18.





naked conversationspodcast.tv Jack-O wit Tru Publishing



naked conversationspodcast.tv interview Jackie-O

CBC Report: Jacki-O's Louisiana Booksigning, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

If you missed the report of rapper/author Jacki-O's visit to Mississippi during the Grown and Gangsta Book Tour in March 2008, then click here.
The people were at one point shoulder to shoulder with conversation flowing freely and two of the biggest names in the hiphop community were in attendance to enjoy the experience. No, we are not talking about the hottest night spot in town. This is what the atmosphere was like on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Borders in Metarie, Louisiana for Jacki-O's booksigning!
Joined by TRU Publishing founder, Corey "C-Murder" Miller, she took part in what the bookstore's management called their most successful booksigning to date! Moderated by Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb, the event began with a meet and greet with the author, followed by the actual booksigning and then a discussion of the book with both Miller and Jacki-O.









Thank you to everyone who made this history-making event possible. Conversations Book Club and TRU Publishing realize that none of this would ever come into existance without all of you.

C'mon. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

Jacki-O's MS leg of her "Grown & Gangsta" book tour: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Thank you to everyone who made the beginning of Jacki-O's "Grown & Gangsta" Book Tour a resounding success. When we began the journey on Tuesday, March 4, 2008---after just 10 days of promotion---we had no idea what to expect. To our surprise and excitement, hundreds of her fans and even some interested parties came out to support her visit to Mississippi---and this online photo album tells the story. http://www.esnips.com/web/Jacki-OBookTour














Conversations Book Club and TRU Publishing wish to thank all of our literary partners that made the weekend a history-making event that none of us are soon to forget:

* Robin Gardner, Angelsbowb4him.com & Conversations Book Club
* Crystal Springs High School (Ms. Jones, Principal & teachers Mr. Bradford and Ms. Crisler)
* Snapman
* Mista, Tambra Cherie and Misha Wilson @ Hot 97.7FM
* Comfort Inn & Suites (North Jackson)
* Stax of Official Blockwear
* Eddie Robinson & the entire staff of Wal-Mart (HWY 18) in Jackson, MS
* Stanley Clark of For The People Productions/Style & Class
* Quality Inn & Suites (Airport Road) in Pearl, MS
* Ms. Debra Gilbert of Richard Wright Library (Jackson, MS)
* Jack Squad
* D. J. Downsouth
* Trill
* PRIME
* Ondrea Nicole
* J Money
* Berlinda White of "Naked Conversations"
* Phyllis Robinson of PEG Network, Channel 18
* Leon Collier of KrookedLedda.com
* Gail Ambeau of Ambeau's Chapeau
* LaBella Models
* Pearl Public Library

And to all who came out to show your love for the work we are doing in the state, we appreciate you and look forward to many more literary endeavors.

Conversations' President Reviews "Escape" by Carolyn Jessop

It reads like one of the most powerful, emotional novels of our generation. Escape carries all the major themes we hear about today: greed, isolation, self esteem issues and the misuse of trust. You feel the need to celebrate and congratulate the author, Carolyn Jessop - if only you didn't know it was her journey that you had just walked into...

Conversations Book Club founder C. A. Webb is pleased to share with you his review of this powerful read that appears in the Rankin Ledger newspaper on Saturday, March 8, 2008.

Click on the link below to enjoy!

http://rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080308/LIFE/803080303/1003

IT BEGINS NOW: Rapper/Author Jacki-O's "G&G" Book Tour

A RECORD 16 EVENTS IN SIX DAYS: Nothing is music to the ears of urban/street literature readers more than this announcement: Miami's own Recording artist/Author Jacki-O will hosted by Tru Publishing and Conversations Book Club in events scheduled March 4-9, 2008! In what has been dubbed the "Grown & Gangsta Book Tour", Jacki-O will be involved in book discussions and meet and greets in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Louisiana all led by Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2008

9-2p.m. --- School Visit (Private Event)

3-5p.m. --- Meet & Greet @ Margaret Walker Alexander Library (Jackson, MS) --- FREE

6-8p.m. --- Meet & Greet/Booksigning @ Comfort Inn & Suites in North Jackson (MS) --- FREE

 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2008

10-12p.m.--- School Visit (Private Event)

1-3p.m.--- Meet & Greet/Booksigning @ Northside Library (Jackson, MS) --- FREE

4-5p.m. --- Book discussion @ Pearl Public Library (Pearl, MS) --- FREE

6-7:30p.m. --- "Passion 4 Fashion Show" @ Pearl Public Library (Pearl, MS), featuring original designs by Gail Ambeau (Ambeau's Chapeau) and Leon Collier (Krooked Ledda.) --- FREE

8:30p.m.--- For The People Productions presents... "Grown & Gangsta" party @ Style & Class (Pickens, MS)--- $5 admission/$25 VIP includes 2 drinks and appetizers/ (Jacki-O will be the special guest at this event. Conversations will be reading an excerpt from her book.)

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2008

9-12p.m. --- Meet & Greet @ Wal-Mart (HWY 18) in Jackson, MS --- FREE

1-3p.m. --- Meet & Greet/ Book Signing @ Richard Wright Library (Jackson, MS) --- FREE

5:30-7p.m. --- "Passion 4 Fashion Show" @ Richard Wright Library (Jackson, MS), featuring original designs by Gail Ambeau (Ambeau's Chapeau) and Leon Collier (Krooked Ledda) LIVE PERFORMANCES by Mississippi's own PRIME, Jack Squad, Great Britt, Ondrea Nicole and Trill--- FREE

8:30-10P.M. --- Meet & Greet/Book Signing @ Subway Restaurant (Pearl, MS) --- FREE

 

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2008

6-9p.m. --- Meet & Greet/Booksigning @ Precious Cargo in Memphis, TN--- (FREE)

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008

1-3p.m. --- Meet & Greet/Booksigning @ Borders (Metairie, LA) --- (FREE)

3-4p.m. --- Book discussion @ Borders (Metairie, LA) --- (FREE)

 

SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2008

2-4p.m. ---Meet & Greet @ Quality Inn & Suites (2705 E. South Blvd. * Montgomery, AL) --- FREE

 

For more information about the "Grown & Gangsta Book Tour" visit http://www.thebestbookclub.info or contact Robin Gardner at 601.664.8805/ Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.

Author Harrine Freeman: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Thank you to everyone who came out and made the two day visit of author and financial guru Harrine Freeman a success in Mississippi.

For those keeping track, this made the book clubs TWELTH author to host in 2008---and none of our accomplishments would be anything without you!

On Saturday, March 1, 2008 Harrine and Conversations were able to bring a financial workshop to the Richard Wright Library at no cost to the attendees. During the discussion she answered questions and gave practical advice about getting out of debt, how to set realistic goals as well as avenues that have been made available to help everyone reach financial freedom.

Look for more pictures to be posted in the coming days. Conversations can confirm that Ms. Freeman will be returning to the Magnolia state in August 2008 to give more of her advice from her critically acclaimed book HOW TO GET OUT OF DEBT--- and the book club will be reviewing her book later in March in order to give everyone a heads up on what they can expect from it.

That's all for now. C'mon. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

 

Conversations & Author Harrine Freeman, Day 1

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2008: Thank you to everyone who made day one with author Harrine Freeman a success!
















This was Ms. Freeman's first visit to the Magnolia State, and we made sure it was one she will not soon forget. Her book HOW TO GET OUT OF DEBT is so timely considering what many are faced with in the day to day struggles of life. We were able to visit with several classes at the Crystal Springs High School, thanks to the Principal Ms. Jones and teachers Mr. Bradford and Ms. Crisler. Then it was over to the Elementary school where the Principal (and our book club member) Ms. Haynes led us around, introduced us to many of her 600 students and allowed us to read some of the writings of her up-and-coming authors.

From there it was on to the Richard Wright Library--giving us the perfect end to this historic visit.