Valerie Smith is a distinguished scholar whose work delves into the rich tapestry of African-American literature and culture. Her academic pursuits are characterized by a deep engagement with the complexities and nuances of this vital literary tradition. Through her scholarship, she illuminates the multifaceted expressions and historical significance of African-American voices. Her insightful analysis offers readers a profound understanding of the enduring power and cultural impact of this literary landscape.
'An Ardent Desire of Truth'
Emerging in England between 1770 and 1800, Rational Dissent represented a unique branch of Protestant nonconformity that sparked significant controversy. Despite its small size, the movement faced intense backlash from both Anglicans and Orthodox Dissenters, highlighting the tensions within the religious landscape of the time.
The book offers a unique approach to overcoming fear and anxiety, particularly related to bedtime. It introduces a simple yet effective technique that empowers readers to combat their scary feelings, starting with a playful karate chop. Through engaging methods, it aims to help children find calmness and confidence, transforming dread into a sense of zen.
Exploring perception and individuality, this book invites readers to observe their surroundings and reflect on the colors they see. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the diversity of hues in the world and prompts readers to consider their personal preferences. Through engaging questions, it fosters a sense of curiosity and introspection about how we perceive and connect with our environment.
The book highlights the resilience of African American women who embrace their faith in Jesus, sharing their life stories and experiences. It explores the intersection of their identities with the institutional church, particularly through a Southern Baptist women's missions organization that has empowered them in ministry. The narratives emphasize the bond among women on a mission, showcasing their commitment to love and evangelism, even in the face of challenges.
The story features a unique frog character with a Fu Manchu mustache who serves as a supportive friend during tough emotional moments. When feelings of anger or frustration arise, he encourages open expression without judgment. With playful antics, he helps shift perspectives and reminds readers of their inherent worth, blending humor and wisdom in a delightful way.
The narrative explores personal transformation through the lessons learned about choice and emotional control. It recounts a journey from frustration and impulsive actions, like throwing toys, to a newfound understanding that empowers the individual to manage their feelings. Through storytelling and the metaphor of a song, the author invites readers to reflect on their own choices, emphasizing that perspective shifts can alleviate suffering.
This novel, in the words of its title character, is set in "the hermetic world of the old-fashioned black bourgeoisie--a group largely unknown to other Americans, which has carried on with cautious pomp for years in eastern cities and suburbs, using its considerable funds to attempt poignant imitations of high society, acting with genuine gallantry in the struggle for civil rights, and finally producing a generation of children educated in newly integrated schools and impatient to escape the outworn rituals of their parents."
