AuthorsDen: Reviews at a Glance

Featured Book
The Smart Brain Train by Nina Anderson

A delightfully illustrated story that teaches children how to have a healthy brain with note to parents & teachers in the back. Great for home schooling...

Gold Member BookAds

Recent Reviews for Mary Wilson

Colorless Soul (Book) - 2/12/2006 10:09:45 AM
Congratulations Mary! You are not alone in discovering the COLORLESS WORLD OF TRUTH. http://www.cyberrev.com

Mark And The Mega Buffet (Book) - 1/21/2005 11:41:09 AM
the title drew me in because i happen to work AT a buffet restaurant! i work at the golden corral, and this sounds like such a charming story! :)

Colorless Soul (Book) - 11/15/2002 8:33:40 PM
Description: Expressions of a griot into the written word I had a dream the other day, that I was in the living of Mary Wilson, the book's author. She served tea and Stella Dora breakfast cookies, as we sat on her couch looking through her family picture album. I've never met Mary's family, so I occasionally asked, "Who is this?" and "Oh, is this you as a baby?" And with each reply, Mary reminisced on the scene in the photo, and cheerfully told me a little bit of her family's history. This dream occurred while reading Ms. Wilson's book, “Colorless Soul.” Told in conversation style and sewn with pictures along the way, the background of Mary's relatives, unfolds the remnants of her past and present. The stories heard as a child about the grandparents she knew, and those who are a mystery, cross stitch through the chapters. We learn how her family mended the frayed edges of racial tension and economic status with their loving support. She seamlessly weaves the small delicate details of the 50s and 60s, which could have easily been taken for granted, into the tapestry of her life. And, thoughts of snow on a warm grave embroider the finishing touch. Mary Wilson transcribes the expressions of a griot into the written word. She should be commended on creatively combining 80+ years of ancestors and events in such a well organized and concise manuscript. Mary displays her black pride in the variety of family hues, from near white, and medium brown to ebony black. I recommend this book for all born in this melting pot called America. Let’s not let our dream of appreciating diversity go to the grave. Let’s live in the present as colorless souls. Reviewed by: Judine Slaughter Express Yourself Books

Colorless Soul (Book) - 5/18/2002 1:58:39 PM
COLORLESS SOUL examines the complex issue of race relations in the North by tracing the author's family history after the Civil Rights War to the 1980s. The author asks the question "What is White?" This is a question that cannot be easily answered. The state of whiteness is not simply appearance. In the United States, a person who has African American ancestry can never be white. To the world, he may appear to be white. However, under the doctrine of the one drop rule, he always will be African American. The author eloquently demonstrates this point in the portrayal of her maternal grandfather Alex Bonner. Alex was raised by his white father and his family. As a young boy, Alex hated African Americans with vengeance. He wanted to have nothing to with black people. At the age of 12, Alex is told the shocking truth about his heritage. Alex feels betrayed, because he has been living a lie. He does not want to pass for white. He is African American. He leaves his family and begins to live the rest of his life as a black man. An equally compelling issue is the fact that men who fathered children by African American women denied the fact that their children existed. The author's paternal grandfather was an Italian who lived in the North. He never acknowledged her father or his family. The Italian grandfather wanted to pretend that her father was never born and he did not exist. This pretense is no better than her maternal grandfather's family who wanted her other grandfather to pass for white. What is worse? Denying your African American ancestry? Or denying that you are a father of a black child? The author discusses the dynamics of growing up as a lighted skinned African American in a working class family. To some, she is privileged, because she has light skinned and straight hair. However, the reality is that she is African American; and she like dark skinned African American faces the ongoing struggle of racism. This is an inescapable fact. COLORLESS SOUL is a moving and poignant novel. I would highly recommend this book.

Colorless Soul (Book) - 5/18/2002 1:44:02 PM
COLORLESS SOUL examines the complex issue of race relations in the North by tracing the author's family history after the Civil Rights War to the 1980s. The author asks the question "What is White?" This is a question that cannot be easily answered. The state of whiteness is not simply appearance. In the United States, a person who has African American ancestry can never be white. To the world, he may appear to be white. However, under the doctrine of the one drop rule, he always will be African American. The author eloquently demonstrates this point in the portrayal of her maternal grandfather Alex Bonner. Alex was raised by his white father and his family. As a young boy, Alex hated African Americans with vengeance. He wanted to have nothing to with black people. At the age of 12, Alex is told the shocking truth about his heritage. Alex feels betrayed, because he has been living a lie. He does not want to pass for white. He is African American. He leaves his family and begins to live the rest of his life as a black man. An equally compelling issue is the fact that men who fathered children by African American women denied the fact that their children existed. The author's paternal grandfather was an Italian who lived in the North. He never acknowledged her father or his family. The Italian grandfather wanted to pretend that her father was never born and he did not exist. This pretense is no better than her maternal grandfather's family who wanted her other grandfather to pass for white. What is worse? Denying your African American ancestry? Or denying that you are a father of a black child? The author discusses the dynamics of growing up as a lighted skinned African American in a working class family. To some, she is privileged, because she has light skinned and straight hair. However, the reality is that she is African American; and she like dark skinned African American faces the ongoing struggle of racism. This is an inescapable fact. COLORLESS SOUL is a moving and poignant novel. I would highly recommend this book.

Colorless Soul (Book) - 4/23/2002 7:42:24 PM
5 stars! A moving family saga, through the eyes of a child. Mary takes you on a journey that pulls at the heartstrings as you meet her family struggling in the face of adversity. Written with much wit! Along with the pain you will be laughing as she quotes her grandfather, grandmother , mother and father. She transports you back in time ( wringer washers, ice boxes, and 45 that cost .50) A touch in the lives of a family that remains strong. Mary tells it like it is. what it was like growing up black, poor, light skinned, of mixed heritage and how society and social standard can deprive you of family and who you are because of racism. Hats off to Mary for taking notes, listening with keen curious ears as a child and putting it all together as far as she could. Her book is a piece of history, a memoir, an important diary to pass on to her legacy, who will for many generations to come be very glad she did...her story. our history. American history!

Colorless Soul (Book) - 1/24/2002 12:14:01 PM
I am Willie Tee, the author of, The Winds of Destiny. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mary's book from the beginning to the end. Mary did a superb job of documenting her family's history in such a way that it has a magnificient story line. I give Mary credit for having the courage to reveal what America has known for hundreds of years. That we are a country of people whose descendants married and intermingled with a variety of cultures. Mary has shown us that beauty has been the results of the mixing of the races and cultures. There have never been any social misfits from these mixings. I have heard white women and men of mixed marriages boast about the prettiness of their children. This tells us that there is nothing wrong with mixed unions, because regardless of color, we are still all God's childdren. I am waiting for more of Mary's masterpiece novels.

Colorless Soul (Book) - 11/9/2001 4:33:25 PM
Mary, I love your book. Just can't seem to put it down. I haven't finished yet but I just had to let you know. I look forward to see what the end will bring. It was sad to see that Mr. "C" didn't want to be recognized. That your dad never really had a chance to know his dad. The way I see it though is that everything happens for a reason, we may not agree with or understand, but God knows exactly what he has done and what he is doing. May God continue to Bless you!

Colorless Soul (Book) - 7/4/2001 10:33:22 PM
I am looking forward to more writings from this author. Her clear cut telling of a very important part of many White and Black Americans families was right on time. Keep the books coming. You have helped a lot of people face the fact that secrets about Black blood in a family is not Gods cruse on them. I feel Blacks have dealt with it all their lives behind closed doors. Thanks Mary Wilson for setting someone free, by reading your book.

Momma's Picture (Short Story) - 4/3/2009 9:15:34 AM
I am one of the fortunate ones whose daughter loves and I guess respects her enough and her husband too for she has several pictures of me displayed prominently. I never thought about it before and though I have heard of inlaws who wouldn't allow this I find it sad that families should be like this. Fee

Black Lacy Thong (Short Story) - 7/10/2007 3:07:52 AM
I wear pink and red bras and panties; and I'm always 29, my hubby is always turned on... Sandie May Angel :o)

Black Lacy Thong (Short Story) - 7/9/2007 8:56:46 AM
Mary, I love your writing style and I see we think alike! You can grow older graciously and have some fun in the process!!! I can't wait to meet you, Ms. Thang. Peace & Blessings, Beverly Mahone

Black Lacy Thong (Short Story) - 7/8/2007 2:42:05 AM
The title of this write aroused my curiosity so I decided to take a peak. After reading it I smiled knowing it was such an honest and open look. I have only one comment to make and that is although you only purchased them for yourself I think you should reconsider wearing them for your other half because when you love someone they are forever young in our eyes and just the idea of you having them on will I am sure excite him. Fee

Black Lacy Thong (Short Story) - 7/7/2007 7:14:45 PM
Amen...I have a whole chapter dedicated to that in my book Getting a Grip. Thanks!

Christmas In My Heart (Short Story) - 11/30/2005 10:21:04 AM
Why can't Christmas be like it used to be?? I don't like how commercialized Christmas has become, we need to get back to the REAL reason why we celebrate CHRISTmas in the first place: The Birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Excellent memories; I miss the Christmases of old, myself. (((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(

Christmas In My Heart (Short Story) - 11/28/2005 8:18:34 PM
Personally, I think you just relived your memories and your Christmas wish was granted. Happy holidays, Cynthia

It's All About The Shoes (Short Story) - 9/22/2004 10:28:12 PM
Excellent write God Bless Michelle~

Can They Cut The Mustard? (Poetry) - 9/4/2009 8:21:53 PM
Amen to that! Thanks for sharing. God Bless, JMD

Can They Cut The Mustard? (Poetry) - 4/3/2009 10:19:17 AM
Great message, Mary! Thank you for sharing it. Love and best wishes, Regis

Son You Are My Greatest Gift (Poetry) - 4/3/2009 1:46:17 AM
This is a very beautiful poem Mary.Trust me when I say but the exact same way that you feel about your son is the exact same way that my mother feels about me.A mother's love is so precious and sweet.In your poem,when you said that you don't want to ever hurt him and fail him,that shows me how much of a great parent you truly are.Every parent wants their children to look up to them.I enjoy this poem,take care Edwin

Broken Hearted (Poetry) - 4/3/2009 1:40:32 AM
Excellent poem,I enjoy reading it,take care Edwin

Can They Cut The Mustard? (Poetry) - 4/1/2009 2:46:57 PM
Loved the "Invented it too" part the best.

Soul Mate (Poetry) - 4/1/2009 2:01:15 AM
A beautiful poem,I enjoy reading it,take care Edwin

Can They Cut The Mustard? (Poetry) - 4/1/2009 1:59:51 AM
I enjoy reading this poem.So much truth in your poem,take care Edwin

Can They Cut The Mustard? (Poetry) - 3/31/2009 5:40:53 PM
Write on Mary! Only cows grow old, they say in my country. Wisdom is gained through study in the School of Life not on-line lessons from the internet. Great write. Cynthia

Can They Cut The Mustard? (Poetry) - 3/31/2009 1:54:29 PM
You are so right and I think why the young all too often find what they seek in an older/younger relationship. Perhaps they find out that experience in love and life is a wonderful thing to share. Fee

Can They Cut The Mustard? (Poetry) - 3/31/2009 9:54:39 AM
Yes that last line certainly does "cut the mustard," though I prefer mayo...;-) Ed

Soul Mate (Poetry) - 10/26/2008 4:39:38 AM
Beautiful poem about love. I love your picture by the way.

Broken Hearted (Poetry) - 4/1/2008 6:18:23 AM
Your words are powerfully wriiten, blessings, Holly

Sit Down Old Man (Poetry) - 3/31/2008 7:20:14 AM
Interesting, Mary. Makes one think. Thank you. Love and peace and best wishes, Regis

Yet Again I Lose (Poetry) - 3/31/2008 7:17:46 AM
I never learn, hopeless romantic I am and I will wait until we get it right. Me too, Mary. Guilty as charged. Thank you for sharing your sentiments. Love and best wishes, Regis

Broken Hearted (Poetry) - 3/31/2008 7:16:36 AM
How does one, indeed? Most compelling verses, Mary. Thank you. Love and peace and best wishes, Regis

A Suitor In Waiting (Poetry) - 3/31/2008 7:15:30 AM
Very soulfully expressed, Mary. Thank you. Love and best wishes, Regis

Soul Mate (Poetry) - 3/31/2008 7:14:02 AM
Sweet. Would that everyone could be with a soulmate. Thank you for sharing this gift, Mary. Love and best wishes to you, Regis

I'll Be Waiting (Poetry) - 9/15/2007 5:01:34 AM
Love is such a delicate emotion, it can be seen well within the depth of your thoughts... nice..... Art Sun...

Winter Love (Poetry) - 9/15/2007 4:58:40 AM
A very nice write, your poem displays so well the emotions of love which are longing to return and the desires of memories.... very nice..... Art Sun...

Broken Hearted (Poetry) - 7/24/2007 12:04:21 AM
I really like this poem just after read the first couple of lines I knew that I like it.

Broken Hearted (Poetry) - 5/4/2007 4:05:48 AM
Interesting indeed

Broken Hearted (Poetry) - 5/4/2007 12:16:30 AM
Whoa! A very interesting write indeed! How do you mend a broken heart? I would like to know too! Be safe, Karen

A Suitor In Waiting (Poetry) - 10/5/2006 6:35:35 AM
Very nice indeed, very touching...the hankie with channel number 5 makes me think of my mom...her hankies and all her clothes always had a very distinct wonderful aroma, I think hers was Eternity. Great write, Blessings, Joyce Bowling

Yet Again I Lose (Poetry) - 9/28/2006 7:12:19 PM
Perhaps you have given him more chances to come back than he needs it. Perhaps it is time for you to go out and find someone new also and have fun. A thought-provoking pieace that tells a story. Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o)

A Suitor In Waiting (Poetry) - 9/13/2006 12:41:24 PM
Wonderful love this!