Founded by media personality and avid reader Cyrus Webb, Books You Need to Read is your one-stop shop of books, author interviews and reviews for book lovers of all ages. Want to be featured? See promotional information on the site. Contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.
Conversations Magazine's #BooksYouNeedtoRead Issue
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
CBC Report: Our recent interviews with authors available now!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
CBC Report: What's on Conversations LIVE! this week (July 29-July 30, 2008)
* Tuesday, July 29, 2008 --- Conversations LIVE! with C. A. Webb
Special guest authors Brian Smith (12p.m. CST) and V. L. Green (12:30p.m. CST) talk with Conversations about their careers and new projects.
Listen live online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive
* Tuesday, July 29, 2008 --- Conversations LIVE! with C. A. Webb
Special guest authors Electa Rome Parks (7p.m. CST) and Sam Love (7:30p.m. CST) talk with us about the moves they are making in 2008 and taking your calls!
Listen live online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive

* Wednesday, July 30, 2008 --- Conversations LIVE! with C. A. Webb
This is one hour of the show you don't want to miss. We talk with New York Times Bestselling authors J. L. King and Erin Gruwell beginning at 11a.m. CST! Have your own questions? They will be taking your calls.
Listen live online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive
(Thurs. July 31, 2008) FORUM: Hiphop and Politics: Can the two work together for the good of the people?
Can the two work together for the good of the people?

Join us on Thursday, July 31, 2008 for the forum "HIPHOP AND POLITICS: Can the two work together for the good of the community?" This will be held at the Jackson Enterprise Center (931 HWY W. * Jackson, MS),6-8p.m.
Panelists include recording artists Eddie Wright, Big Pap, Jokah the General, radio show host Berlinda White, community activists Valencia Robinson and Shontale Watson, Attorney Martin Perkins and more!
Issues to be discussed include 1) Should we care what entertainers think about issues if we are to separate what they say from what they do? 2) How can the hiphop community best use their influence for the good of the community? 3) What can elected officials do to encourage the hiphop community's support? 4) Is the voice of the hiphop community incorrectly swaying perception about the Presidential candidates and their positions? 5) At the end of the day who should have more influence, the leaders of the hiphop community or the head of the household?
This 4th installment of discussions is brought to you in part by The Hip-Hop Chronicle, The Street Life Series, YoRaps.com, The Hype Magazine and focuses on the power of Hiphop. It will be moderated by Hiphop and Books Founder C. A. Webb. Admission free.
For more information, contact Berlinda White at 601.307.1851 or Cyrus A. Webb at 601.896.5616. You can also reach Webb at cawebb4@juno.com. Additional information can also be found online at http://www.thebestbookclub.info and http://www.hiphopandbooks.com
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Conversations reviews Bestselling author Erin Gruwell's TEACH WITH YOUR HEART

Friday, July 25, 2008
CBC Report: Missed any of Conversations LIVE! this month? Catch up right here!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
IT'S HERE: MS, LA and TN prepare to welcome Bestselling author Vickie Stringer!
MARK THE DATES: Conversations hosts author Vickie Stringer

CBC Report: Bestselling author Theresa Gonsalves--- July 22,23, 2008

On Tuesday we began the day at Wal-Mart on HWY 18 in Jackson, MS with sales being made immediately during the first hour. Joining us was book club member and friend Martin Perkins and it was an awesome experience. Almost a case of books was sold during this event, and then we were on to Richard Wright Library in Jackson, MS where we met with other book lovers for a pleasant end to the day.
On Wednesday, July 23rd, we returned to Wal-Mart for day two of Gonsalves' visit, with more sales being made, more curious readers wanting to ask questions and congratulate her and real conversations had with others who have experienced some of what the author has written about.

Monday, July 21, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Missed our conversation with the Divas of LIterature? Listen to the podcast here!

Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life. Enjoy books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info
For information about Hiphop and Books, visit http://www.hiphopandbooks.com.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Listen to Bestselling author Jiwe's interview with Conversations LIVE! here

To listen to the interview in its entirety, visit this link:
Saturday, July 12, 2008
THIS WEEK'S REVIEW: Electric Honey by Sam Love

Friday, July 11, 2008
Author of THE RE-EDUCATION OF THE FEMALE speaks 2nite Fri. July 11th @ 7p.m. CST

Join us live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive. Listen for the call-in number to express your thoughts.
For more information about Conversations LIVE, visit http://www.thebestbookclub.info and click on the CONVERSATIONS LIVE! link.
Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life. Enjoy your world. Enjoy BOOKS!
Conversations Welcomes Bestselling author Theresa Gonsalves

MONDAY, JULY 21, 2008 (Mississippi)
6-8p.m. --- Meet & Greet @ Choice Hotel I-55N(Briarwood Ext.), Jackson, MS
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2008 (Mississippi)
9-10a.m. --- Breakfast with Books @ Clarion Hotel I-55N Frontage Road in Jackson, MS ($5.00)
11-1p.m. --- Booksigning @ Wal-Mart HWY 18 in Jackson, MS
2-4p.m. --- Meet & Greet @ Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS
5-7p.m. --- Meet & Greet @ Richard Wright Library in Jackson, MS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2008 (MS/TN)
9-10a.m. --- Breakfast with Books @ Clarion Hotel I-55N Frontage Road in Jackson, MS ($5.00)
4-6p.m. -- Booksigning @ Borders in Memphis, TN (Poplar Ave)
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2008 (MS/LA)--- with Bestselling author Vickie Stringer
9-10a.m. --- Breakfast with Books @ Clarion Hotel I-55 N Frontage Road in Jackson, MS ($5.00)
4-6p.m. --- Booksigning @ Borders in Metairie, LA (Veterans Blvd.)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Authors Comment on Their Recent Visit with Conversations, June 2008
Here is what they had to say about their visit:
"Authors, book clubs and books. . . three of my favorite things. I enjoyed my recent visit with Cyrus Webb of Conversations Book Club in Jackson, MS. Did I mention the southern hospitality that was extended?. . . I applaud Cyrus for the wonderful work he is masterfully doing by supporting authors, spreading the word and bringing authors and readers together."

Electa Rome Parks
author of Ladies' Night Out, These Are My Confessions, Loose Ends, Almost Doesn't Count, Loose Ends and The Ties That Bind
www.electaromeparks.com
www.myspace.com/author_chick.com
"Spending time with Conversations Bookclub is like spending time with family. They are the greatest. We have the most in depth conversations about writing and the publishing business that i always leave there with more ideas and inspiration. They welcome you with open arms, and treat you royalty! If you haven't visited Conversations, you are missing out! Thank you Conversations, Cyrus Webb for your continued support."
Diane Dorce', author of Devil in the Mist, 52 Broad Street
http://www.dianedorce.com
"My publisher, Diane Dorcé, owner and CEO of Firefly Publishing and Entertainment & I had the pleasure of traveling to MS for the Conversations Book Club. It was one of the best experiences of my book tour. Not only did I get to meet other authors (strangely two more were from GA and we met in MS for the 1st time), but I got a chance to meet several book club members. I also had my first Wal-Mart experience, which has been a goal of mine. It was a blast!"
Thank you, Mr. Webb. It was WELL worth the trip and I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta August 31st(Book Lovers Day in Atlanta, GA)."
Heartfully Yours,
Jean Holloway
www.deckofcardz.com
"It is a well known fact that books bridge gaps. That was never more evident than on June 28, 2007 when people of different backgrounds came together to discuss their love of books. There were no generational gaps; no gender gaps; no social gaps. It's always wonderful when friends get together. It's even better when strangers can come together and converse as friends. Such was the case with us. Many of us came as strangers, but we left with a smile on our lips and a warm feeling in our hearts. Keep up the good work!"
V. L. Green, author of REFLECTIONS and WHEN DESTINIES MEET
Conversations Book Club thanks all who made these events possible. As with any event, you never know who will be there, however, these authors saw firsthand that the important thing is that WE were there, books were sold and those with a genuine interest were able to get their literary fix.
Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life. Enjoy your world. Enjoy books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
CONVERSATIONS LIVE! talks with MY LIFE IN PORN author, Thurs. July 10, 2008
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2008 @ 7:30P.M CST

Believe us: this is one of those conversations you want to hear live, and Webb will be in the chatroom during the interview taking your questions for our guests? Want to ask your questions directly? Then listen for the call-in number to be given and talk with Bobby Blake live!
Interested in advertising with Conversations Live!, being a guest or want more information about Conversations Book Club, Conversations LIVE! or any of its partners, reach Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.
EXCLUSIVE: Hiphop & Books Founder Interviewed about Street-Lit Controversy
Do Hip-Hop Lovers Read? The Street-Lit Controversy Inside-Out
by Terra Little (author of Running from Mercy & Where There's Smoke)
http://terralittle.blogspot.com
I'm woman enough to admit that I'm ambivalent where Urban Fiction/Street-lit is concerned, so I'm not about to get into my thoughts on the topic. What I do take issue with, though, is the slightly generalized assertion that most, though certainly not all, Black folks are eating up whatever the genre produces faster than writers can crank it out. There is no new overall craze for Urban Fiction and I believe the sudden jump in Black book sales is due to the fact that the genre attracts people who hadn't previously included reading for pleasure as part of their list of hobbies. Not that these people couldn't read, they just, for whatever reason, weren't. Perhaps, the long-awaited ability to identify with characters' life circumstances was what sparked interest, who knows? Whatever the reason(s), there's this big jump in sales and I think that's because of additional book buyers, not existing ones who've switched preferences.
There are books out there to suit all tastes and preferences, and I just hope that continues to be the case. Hint, hint.
"At least they're reading," is what a lot of folks say when the topic of Urban Fiction comes up, and there just may be some merit to this viewpoint. After all, it's, to some extent, a viewpoint that is shared by Conversations Book Club Founder, Cyrus A. Webb.
Not only do Webb's book club interests span four states, but the chapters often host successful author book signings and facilitate meetings of the minds between readers and writers from all over. However, if you know Webb, you know he's very modest about the club's success and far-reaching effects. But get him to talking about the Hip-Hop Lovers Read initiative and some of the modesty slips away and, understandably, excitement takes over.
I recently had occasion to have a meeting of the minds with Webb regarding the Hip-Hop Lovers Read initiative and, being the "Rhona Barrett of the Blog-Zine Scene", you know I had to put it out there for you. Specifically, I wanted to compare some of the information I've come across about Urban Fiction/Street-lit to his vision for Hip-Hop Lovers Read.
Here's what Webb had to say...
Read the interview here: http://terralittle.blogspot.com/2008/07/do-hip-hop-lovers-read-street-lit.html
Monday, July 7, 2008
Join us for CONVERSATIONS LIVE! on Blog Talk Radio: Tues. July 8, 2008
Conversations LIVE! with C. A. Webb returns this week with exclusive interviews and discussions that you don't want to miss? Courtesy of Blog Talk Radio, on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, you will get three opportunities to listen from authors that are blazing amazing trails in the literary world. Visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive and enjoy!
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2008 @ 12P.M. CST

Join our conversation with Bestselling author Monica Carter Tagore. Many know her from her Christian Fiction novel SACRICICE THE ONE. Now you can hear her talk about her new project: ZOOM POWER.
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2008 @ 12:30P.M CST

This is one you don't want to miss! Conversations talks with retired porn star Bobby Blake talk about his life, his faith and his memoir MY LIFE IN PORN. You have the interview he did with Conversations. Now you can hear it directly from the source!
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2008 @ 7P.M. CST
(Seen here with authors Voncele Savage, Electa Rome Parks and V. L. Green)
Ready for the perfect literary nightcap for your Tuesday evening? Conversations has you covered. Join Bestselling authors Diane Dorce (DEVIL IN THE MIST and 52 BROADSTREET) , Jean Holloway (ACE OF HEARTS) and Supreme (HOW TO HUSTLE AND WIN) talk about their journey as authors, the business and politics of the literary game and what separates them from other authors out there.
Interested in being a guest or more information about Conversations Book Club, Conversations LIVE! or any of its partners, reach Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Conversations Presents Its "Top 20 Summer Reads" of 2008!

CONVERSATIONS' "TOP 20 SUMMER READS", 2008 (Arranged in no particular order)
1. "Bloggers' Delight, Volume 1 (Love & Redemption)" by Firefly Publishing & Entertainment
2. "One Dead Lawyer" by Tony Lindsay
3. "Final Fling," by Torrian Ferguson & Brian W. Smith
4. "A Street Girl Named Desire," by Treasure Blue
5. "No Place Safe" by Kim Reid
6. "Hiding in Hiphop" by Terrance Dean
7. "Electric Honey" by Sam Love
8. "The Prayer Chest" by August Gold & Joel Fontinos
9. "Gettin' Caught Up Wit' Nina," by P. Elaine Archie
10. "My Life in Porn," by Bobby Blake
11. "Do Travel Writers Go To Hell?" by Thomas Kohnstamm
12. "Pulpit Confessions," by Peron F. Long
13. "Rollin' With Dre," by Bruce Williams
14. "Grown & Gangsta," by Jacki-O
15. "The Enemy Between My Legs," by Stephanie Jones
16. "Obsessions," by Theresa J. Gonsalves
17. "Zoom Power," by Monica Carter Tagore
18. "How To Wow," by Frances Cole Jones
19. "My Soul Cries Out," by Sherri Lewis
20. "Destiny...Interrupted," by Erica N. Martin/Greg O. Jones
"Want to hear from these authors? Many of them will be featured through our website http://www.thebestbookclub.info this summer or our internet radio program at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive. We salute the authors and look forward to their next literary treasure." --- Cyrus A. Webb, Conversations Book Club President
JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info
Friday, July 4, 2008
THIS WEEK'S REVIEW: ZOOM POWER by Monica Carter Tagore

STATEWIDE BOOK CLUB MEET & GREET: Mission Accomplished
A special thanks goes out to our featured authors (l-r: Jean Holloway, Electa Rome Parks, Voncele Savage, V. L. Green, Supreme Understanding and Diane Dorce') who came to be with us for this special event. Holloway, Parks, Supreme and Dorce' were all from Atlanta and had never done an event together like this---all of that changed when they came to Mississippi, including they all did their first book signing at Wal-Mart during their visit!
Events like what took place on June 28th show that no matter what separates us, there are always so many things that unite us. In our case it is BOOKS.
Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life. Enjoy your world. Enjoy books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info