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Comment by Jill on June 14, 2008 at 4:47pm

Comment by Rodney L. Hurst, Sr. on May 14, 2008 at 1:19am

By the way, I am a self-published author.

Comment by Rodney L. Hurst, Sr. on May 14, 2008 at 1:18am

My web site is rodneyhurst.com. Take a look.

Comment by Rodney L. Hurst, Sr. on May 14, 2008 at 1:17am

My new book, It was never about a hot dog and a Coke, and released in January, 2008, is subtitled “A Personal Account of the 1960 Sit-in Demonstrations in Jacksonville, Florida and Ax Handle Saturday” and recounts the events leading up to and the fallout from the bloody events of August 27, 1960. On that day, 200 ax handle and baseball bat-wielding whites attacked members of the Jacksonville, Florida Youth Council NAACP staging sit-in demonstrations at white lunch counters in downtown Jacksonville. I was President of the Youth Council and led the demonstrations. Aptly named Ax Handle Saturday by the media, the event gained national attention and thrust the Jacksonville Youth Council NAACP into the spotlight of the Civil Rights era. Most of you have probably never heard of Ax Handle Saturday. There is a reason. Ironically, the local press and media blacked-out all news of the events prior to Ax Handle Saturday, and reported sparingly on the those events after Ax Handle Saturday.Though lunch counter sit-in and other demonstrations were very visible in 1960, I like to point out that demonstrations were about human dignity and respect. Lunch counters were just visible and convenient vestiges to attack racial discrimination.

I have listed some excerpts from book reviews of
“It was never about a hot dog and a Coke®!”

“This book is awesome and eye opening. This is a book everyone, regardless of race, religion or creed, should read. I hope teachers everywhere will consider this book as part of curriculum in American History classes. I also hope it can be a tool to opening people's eyes to the damage stupidity and ignorance can bring. Bless Mr. Hurst for this non-media biased peek into the events of that era in our history.”
Sabrina Sumshion-Sabrina Reviews

“It Was Never About a Hot Dog and a Coke” is a dramatic, effective account of demonstrations that contributed to the shaping of civil rights for African Americans in the United States. The author's offering of historical detail is a gift that should be shared with the young and the old as proof that individuals can permanently alter oppressive systems that ultimately affect us all.”
Melissa B. Levine-Independent Book Reviewer

“This informative memoir is about a dangerous time. The events are a part of our history, and through Rodney’s story, we learn more about the people and groups involved and the courage it took to sit. The book is well written and well edited. Thanks, Rodney, for taking the time.”
Kaye Trout for Midwest Book Review

“It was ever about a hot dog and a Coke!” is a look at the events by someone who truly lived and breathed them. It is a first-hand look at the civil rights movement of that era that has not become misconstrued by going through numerous sources.” “I feel like I learned a lot by reading Hurst’s book, “It was never about a hot dog and a Coke!,” and I think it would be a wonderful addition to the required reading list of any history class or to anyone who wants to educate themselves of the events that occurred in America’s past.”

Kam Aures for RebeccasReads

“With all the adventure of a war novel, the book takes you to all the places history was made. It takes you to the front lines, the battles and the victories of the marches and the sit-ins. With such good attention to actual events and the truth of what took place, this book makes you one with the protestors. You become a part of the movement and feel what they were feeling. I enjoyed “It was never about a hot dog and a Coke” and thought it was well-written and very nicely presented. The quality of the print, the front and back cover art and the reprints of historic pictures; all made for an interesting read. This historic 191-page book is a fast and informative read and I gave it my well-deserved A, and recommend it to the general audience.”
William Phenn for Reader Views

Comment by Christopher Bynum on May 13, 2008 at 2:11pm

I'm retired from the Air Force and now a writer. My first book, "Love Won't Let Me Wait" is just released on Create Space and Amazon. My second novel, "A Southern Belle" will be out very soon. I plan to have 3 more novels out in 2008, a trilogy in what I call "The Insatiable Series."

Excerpt from "The Group," featured novella in "Love Won't Let Me Wait:"


Chapter 1


Elizabeth


She sped up the Garden State Parkway, bopping her head and bouncing in her seat to Ciara on her Sebring’s CD player. The temperature was in the seventies so she had the windows down, enjoying the breeze as she jammed at seventy-five miles an hour.
The trees along the highway bore the bright green leaves of a new spring. A few cotton ball clouds dotted the sky, which was such a brilliant blue that it almost didn’t look real.
Elizabeth smiled at the vista beyond her windshield. Man, when God decided to paint a picture, the greatest artists who ever lived had to bow down.
This day was as beautiful as her life, she thought, and her life sure was good these days. She had a good job. She had good friends. And she had a good man. Good, good, good.
In an hour she’d be in Brooklyn, where she was going to spend the day with her mother. Elizabeth felt a little guilty about not wanting to make the trip. She loved her mom, but she was already missing Michael. She wished she were spending this perfect spring day with him, maybe to take a drive down to Atlantic City, to laugh as the slots ate their quarters, and then have a nice dinner in one of the casinos. Or they could stay close to home and go window shopping in the mall. Or maybe just stay in bed all day with the windows open and spring drifting into their bedroom.
Yeah, that would’ve been nice. Just stay in bed with her fiancé, getting her freak on until her body was tuned up and purring as nicely as her car. But she hadn’t visited her mom in a couple of months, and every time they talked now the woman laid the guilt on hot and heavy. Besides, Brooklyn was only an hour and a half from Long Branch. She could spend the day with her mother and still be back home in time to get a quickie from Michael before she went out tonight on her monthly get together with her girlfriends.
As she approached the exit for Red Bank her cell phone chirped. Elizabeth’s smile widened. Maybe Michael was calling to tell her that even though she’d just left, he missed her already. He was sweet like that. It was one of the many reasons she loved him, one of the many reasons she was going to marry him next month.
The number on her caller ID wasn’t Michael, or any number she recognized.
“Hello?”
"You should go back home,” a voice whispered.
Elizabeth turned down her stereo. “Excuse me?”
“Go back home, Elizabeth. See what your man is doing.”
“Who is this?”
The line went dead.


"Love Won't Let Me Wait" is available on Amazon and www.createspace.com/3334298

Comment by Darrell L Bruner on May 10, 2008 at 8:55pm

Hello my fellow colleagues, just wanted to let you guys know that my book is out and selling well I guess lol...I could use a good agent and/or a good publisher. I went the self publishing route and wasn't happy with the one I chosebi but I'm just starting to get my feet wet trying to learn this dog eat dog bizness. I've noticed that writing the book was the easy part. Its doing the promoting thats even harder than writing it and I put my blood sweat and tears into this book to make it very enjoyable to the readers. So far I'm getting very good reviews so I'm proud of that. If you all have any pointers to get my book more recognition I'd appreciate and many blessings to all of you and your endeavors. Thank you!

Darrell L Bruner

Comment by Sardonyx Jade on May 1, 2008 at 1:18pm

Good Day,

I trust life is blessing you magnificently. I am in need of an excellent editor for my upcoming novel. Do you have any great contacts? Thank you in advance.

Blessings, Peace & Progress,
Sardonyx Jade

Comment by Arnold Wolf on April 8, 2008 at 1:34pm

Hello everyone! Just wanted to let my fellow authors know that things are progressing well with my novel, Chickenhawk. Below is a profile about me that was in the Queens Tribune newspaper, a review by Apex Reviewers, and the trailer for my novel. Enjoy, and please feel free to give me any feedback that comes to mind!

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Comment by Juanita Betts on April 6, 2008 at 1:49pm

Hello to all, I have not been so active in this group, which is about to change. I have been so busy getting things into perspective and still doing the same, but felt the need to share and leave you with blessings and success.

-Juanita Betts

Comment by Trice Hickman on April 6, 2008 at 9:21am

I'm glad to be a member of the Author's Group, and look forward to connecting with some great people!! Please view the book trailer for my debut novel, Unexpected Interruptions by clicking on the link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKL5K_9_8QI

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