Book Review: The Bitter and Sweet Around Me by DeVon Nelson

In the beginning of author DeVon Nelson's novel, The Bitter and Sweet Around Me, the reader meets the central protagonist Portia George during a wedding ceremony that would begin her second marriage.  Portia never thought she would ever marry again.  It wasn't "in the script she had written for herself", but things do happen tragically and often unexpectedly in life and Portia's life is no exception.

In "The Bitter and Sweet Around Me", the reader can see facets of themselves in the life and struggles of Portia George.  When her marriage falls apart due to her husband's addiction, the reader is taken on a rough, emotional journey with Portia as she deals with the changes life throws at her.   

The most likable thing about DeVon Nelson's prose, is that it is clear and straight forward.  The reader feels a great connection and an understanding with the protagonist.  That understanding being that happily ever after is only found in fairytales and that with every tragedy life may throw at us, we are the ones who control what direction our life may go.  The choices have always been ours, all it takes is faith and a single step.

Another likable aspect of this novel is that there are no stereotypical Black characters or caricatures of successful African American life.  For example, the relationship between Portia and her best friend Lexie, is an example of perfect sisterhood and trust.  There is no backstabbing or jealousy between them.  They are just two women who know how to navigate the thick and the thin of life together.  In reality, we could all use friends like that or maybe just read DeVon Nelson's "The Bitter and Sweet Around Me" and try to learn by example.

If you would like to read DeVon Nelson's wonderful story of life, love, pain and triumph or learn more about the author, then please visit  http://www.bitterandsweetbook.net/ and read an excerpt from this uplifting and touching novel.

The book is also available on Amazon.com.
        

BVar Musiq: The Path of Righteous Musiq

BVARMusiq is a man who takes his music, his faith and his life seriously.  However, what do we really know about him and his efforts .   I decided to sit down  and converse with the man himself to find out.  What followed is an indepth conversation about faith and music.

What do you think of mainstream Christian music?

It depends on who the artist is and the message that they are bringing to the music because you have alot of mainstream artist who may be in it for the money--or what not.  But, I listen to a couple of mainstreamers--Lecrae, and I don't know if you have heard of the Red Ink Army, Red Ink Army has decent artists.  Also Commissioned by Christ out of Waukegan, IL and my camp "Soldiers 4 Christ" as well.

How long have you been into music, especially gospel music?

All my life, really.  I grew up listening to the music, listening the gospel.   I am a very family orientated person. My family grew up in the church.  I been baptised myself last year on my own.  Cause, when I was young I was forced to do it, but I figured now I know exactly why I am doing it.  So, I went ahead and did it myself again.

How old were you when you did that?

28 years old.

Does mainstream music sometimes diverge from the "original source"?  The "original source" being the Word of God?  And if so, how can one bring it back?

It all it all depends on how you look at it as a person.  Because everybody is reached in a different sort of way.  You know, I really don't listen to a lot of traditional Gospel music.  It doesn't reach me, because really I grew up on hip hop.  So when I listen to a hip hop track it really moves me, it moves my soul.  So, like I said, it really all depends on who you are and how it reaches you as an individual.

How long have you been doing your music?

I actually did my first track when I was twelve or thirteen years old.  It was a hip hop track called "Bubba's Groove".  I did it downstairs with my homeboy Maurice who stays on Greenfield, and he had a studio right there. Isaac Roland, may he rest in peace, stayed upstairs from him and I got hooked up with him and everything.  So, basically, I've been doing musiq for about twenty years now but I have been doing what I call  Messiah Musiq for about 1 1/2 years now.

How important is the music to you as far as it concerns your spiritual walk?

I would certainly have to say 40% of my spiritual walk has to do with the music, 40 % meditating, praying on a daily basis.  20% is just giving the love to other peoples 'cause I can't give it back until I know exactly what I am doing.  SO I say I put 40% in my music as far as listening it and doing it and the other 40% praying and meditating asking God to order my spirit before I get out there with the other 20%.  It may sound like a small percentage but you can only reach so many people anyway.  And I feel like if I don't have what have that I need to give to them then I feel like basically I should not approach anyone if I am not ready.

Some would argue that Hip Hop and Gospel should not be mixed because Hip Hop  is too worldly.  How do you respond to that?

I don't like to mix them together because Hip Hop is it's own religion.  That's how I feel about it.  Hip Hop has its own code.  You got to dress a certain way, you act a certain way.  I don't like to mix the two together.  I basically like to refer to my music as Messiah Musiq or Spiritual Warfare Musiq.  It's basically another way.  Cause we all as African Americans we already have our own style, and we already know how to do music.  I look at as far as this, I don't put Hip Hop in (that argument) period.  It's just another (kind of) poetry, another way to express yourself, express your thoughts while trying to lead people on the right path.

 

If you want to follow BVarMusiq's journey, or you just love the ecletic sound of Messiah Musiq  check him out on Facebook and "like" his fan page BVar-Musiq.  

 

Superb Bar and Grill Monday Night Open Mic

This just in:

Every Monday Night in the city of Zion, Illinois, the place to be at is Superb Grill.  Hosted by Alicia Mays (Amay-sing), this open mic invites the singers and poets in Lake County to come out and celebrate one another in the spirit of creativity.

On Monday, November 7, 2011, it is ladies night for the lovely ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  There will be "Delta drink specials" all night long.  Amay-sing our host with the most will indeed be on the grind to make sure this night starts on time, no exceptions.

Sign in for the open mic is at 8:30 pm and the open mic starts at 9:00 pm SHARP!

The Superb Grill is a great place for food, fun, & social events.  
The Superb Grill is located at 3077 Sheridan Rd in Zion, Illinois.  There is no fee for performers or patrons but the bar is asking for a two drink minimum.