This book is a collection of the many works I began writing as a child. Come with me from childhood abandonment through adolescence and into full-fledged womanhood. You will truly get a glimpse into what shapes the soul of a black woman!
"I've always wanted to write poetry reminiscent of James Weldon Johnson's 'The Creation'; it's my favorite poem and tells a great story. In writing about my own life, I decided to collect the most revealing poems I've written and weave them into one compelling piece of work. I tried to pour out my soul on the paper."
Excerpt
From the short story "Just Like Mama":
Remembering these things made me realize how very blessed I was to have had my mama as long as I did. We were so close and all my training in womanhood as well as life was under the watchful eyes of this amazing woman. Mama taught me by example how to be proud, work hard and have self-respect at all times. After all, I represented not only myself, but also her and a long line of tough, resilient 'sistuhs.' I thought of all this and as they lowered her body into the earth, I said a prayer for my mama, shed a tiny tear and tossed a rose onto her casket.
"Now you rest,Mama. Rest."
Then I turned, threw my shoulders back, held my head high and was strong. In the end, I learned I WAS just Mama and THAT wasn't a bad thing to be.
Professional Reviews
Truth+Pain+Beauty=Poetic Memoir!
"C. Highsmith-Hooks' poetry has three things every good poem should contain; truth, pain, and the ability to make the reader see and feel the beauty within the poetry experience she writes about. Not only is The Soul of a Black Woman a collection of poetry that takes us through the soul of Highsmith-Hooks', but it is also somewhat of a memoir. In poetic form, she takes us through her life- the highs, the lows, and her struggles as a black woman to a place inside of us that we all know very well but sometimes refuse to acknowledge. A must read, especially for black men trying to understand black women."-Nathan Lewis, Fingerprint Press
Applause for Poetical Masterpiece!
“This poetical biographical novella is the way a book should be written. Cynthia Highsmith-Hooks has done a fabulous job, and is an exemplary writer. Every woman can relate to Highsmith's poetry and men can relate because it seeps inside the mind of a woman. I applaud Cynthia for chronicling her life with poetry; she can celebrate with this masterpiece. The Soul of A Black Woman: From A Whisper To A Shout by Cynthia Highsmith-Hooks will have you hooked on beautiful poetry.”-Heather Covington, Founder of Disilgold and Author of PerSOULnalities
Only the Strong Prevail!
"Raw, direct and straight from the noodle. The Soul of a Black Woman: From a Whisper to a Shout reads of a woman who has lived, learned and has dealt with her past. Each chapter reveals a new woman; one who is strong, proud and yes talented. With chapter thoughts, she has truly arrived. Not for the timid or meek, but one you should not miss."- James M. Lisbon, Founder of AMAG/Awareness Magazine
I love the title of the book, and which Barnes and Noble can I find the book, as I am in DC? Please holla back when you can. I also love the excerpt of your book and the concept. Keep up the great work.One Love
If you tend to believe romantic, passionate, masculine poetry is a thing of past eras, read "She Intrigues Me," and be swept away in the beautiful craft of a contemporary poet of love.
