Da Bruhs BookShelf

In a world filled with laughter, where humor acts as a beacon of light even in the darkest of times, there exists a man whose journey from humble beginnings to comedic stardom is as remarkable as it is inspiring. This is the story of Kountry Wayne, a name synonymous with laughter, joy, and the power of chasing one's dreams against all odds.

Born and raised in the heart of the South, Wayne Colley, known to his fans as Kountry Wayne, emerged from the rural landscapes of Georgia with a wit as sharp as the twang in his voice and a charm that could captivate audiences of any size. But behind the infectious laughter lies a tale of resilience, determination, and an unyielding passion for comedy.

From his early days navigating the trials of life in a small town to finding his voice on social media platforms, Kountry Wayne's autobiography is a testament to the power of self-belief and the unwavering pursuit of one's passion. With each page turned, readers will embark on a journey through the trials and triumphs of a man who defied the odds to carve his own path in the world of comedy.

Through his candid storytelling and trademark humor, Kountry Wayne invites readers to join him on a rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of his life, from the challenges of balancing family responsibilities to the exhilarating highs of performing on stage before adoring fans. Along the way, he shares the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the moments of self-discovery that shaped him into the beloved entertainer he is today.

But this autobiography is more than just a chronicle of comedic success; it's a celebration of community, family, and the universal language of laughter that transcends boundaries. Whether you're a longtime fan of Kountry Wayne's work or discovering his story for the first time, prepare to be inspired, entertained, and uplifted by the remarkable tale of a man who turned his dreams into reality, one laugh at a time. This is "From Kountry to Comedy: The Journey of Kountry Wayne."

"Leave the World Behind" follows a vacationing family whose idyllic getaway is disrupted when another family unexpectedly arrives, claiming to be the owners of the rented property. As tensions rise and the outside world becomes increasingly uncertain, the two families must confront their fears and navigate the unknown together. This gripping novel explores themes of race, class, and societal breakdown, leaving readers questioning the very fabric of our existence.

Da Bruhs bookshelf is back with another exciting addition: Zakiya Dalila Harris's 'The Other Black Girl'. Joining us for this episode is special guest Dr. Danielle Hairston MD. Together, we dive into the novel's exploration of race, identity, and power dynamics in the workplace. We follow Nella Rogers, a young editorial assistant at a prestigious publishing house, navigating the challenges of being one of the few Black employees in a predominantly white industry. When another Black woman, Hazel-May McCall, joins the team, initially as a mentor, Nella's world is shaken. However, as Hazel-May gains favor with their white superiors, Nella's suspicions grow. As tensions rise and mysterious events unfold, Nella uncovers a dark truth about the company, forcing her to navigate office politics and racial dynamics to reveal the secrets hidden within the publishing world's walls. 'The Other Black Girl' offers a gripping exploration of racism, ambition, and the pursuit of authenticity in corporate America.

"Step into the captivating world of 'The Lifestyle' by Taylor Hahn, a story that transcends the boundaries of love and laughter. When Georgina's seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected turn, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the unpredictable twists of relationships. As Georgina navigates the complexities of her heart, join us in reflecting on our on journeys. Whether you've faced unexpected challenges or celebrated the highs of love, this tale invites you to connect with the universal rollercoaster of relationships. Tune in for a narrative that sparks laughter, tugs at heartstrings, and leaves you pondering the unpredictable adventure of love, even if swinging isn't on your radar."

The "Eat Smarter" podcast is your portal into the insightful world of Shawn Stevenson, the distinguished nutrition expert and the charismatic host of "The Model Health Show" podcast. In this show, we let the wisdom of"Eat Smarter" by Shawn Stevenson guide our discussions. But that's not all—our conversations take an intriguing twist as we're joined by two exceptional guests.

First up is Curtis Price, a self-taught food scientist, whose roots trace back to a family ahead of their time, pioneering vitamin sales long before it became a trend. He's also the author of "The Itis Revealed," a captivating history of sugar and its profound impact on our world. You can find his book on Amazon.

Our second guest is Nettye Johnson, a multi-talented author, health educator, self-care strategist, and executive coach. She's the brilliant mind behind "The Veganish Cookbook" and "Put Your Faith Where Your Fork Is," available on NettyeJohnson.com.

Together, we'll delve deep into the pages of "Eat Smarter," a comprehensive resource that empowers you to make informed decisions about your diet and elevate your overall quality of life. At its core, "Eat Smarter" reveals that intelligent eating isn't about strict diets or calorie counting. Instead, it's a journey of understanding the incredible power of food. Shawn Stevenson, much like Curtis and Nettye, explores the realm of superfoods and unveils how they can supercharge your cognitive function, boost your energy levels, and support your overall health. Additionally, he peels back the layers on meal timing, illuminating how it can influence your metabolism and well-being.

Stevenson's extraordinary talent lies in simplifying intricate nutritional concepts into actionable advice. Whether you're on a quest to increase your energy, enhance your cognitive abilities, or simply savor a better quality of life, "Eat Smarter" is your indispensable guide.

The "Eat Smarter" podcast is your portal into the insightful world of Shawn Stevenson, the distinguished nutrition expert and the charismatic host of "The Model Health Show" podcast. In this show, we let the wisdom of "Eat Smarter" by Shawn Stevenson guide our discussions. But that's not all—our conversations take an intriguing twist as we're joined by two exceptional guests.

First up is Curtis Price, a self-taught food scientist, whose roots trace back to a family ahead of their time, pioneering vitamin sales long before it became a trend. He's also the author of "The Itis Revealed," a captivating history of sugar and its profound impact on our world. You can find his book on Amazon.

Our second guest is Nettye Johnson, a multi-talented author, health educator, self-care strategist, and executive coach. She's the brilliant mind behind "The Veganish Cookbook" and "Put Your Faith Where Your Fork Is," available on NettyeJohnson.com.

Together, we'll delve deep into the pages of "Eat Smarter," a comprehensive resource that empowers you to make informed decisions about your diet and elevate your overall quality of life. At its core, "Eat Smarter" reveals that intelligent eating isn't about strict diets or calorie counting. Instead, it's a journey of understanding the incredible power of food.

Shawn Stevenson, much like Curtis and Nettye, explores the realm of superfoods and unveils how they can supercharge your cognitive function, boost your energy levels, and support your overall health. Additionally, he peels back the layers on meal timing, illuminating how it can influence your metabolism and well-being.

Stevenson's extraordinary talent lies in simplifying intricate nutritional concepts into actionable advice. His book is a beacon of clarity in a world often muddled by dietary confusion. Whether you're on a quest to increase your energy, enhance your cognitive abilities, or simply savor a better quality of life, "Eat Smarter" is your indispensable guide.

In the scorching summer of 1964, the Deep South of Mississippi is a battleground for civil rights, where three brave men pay the ultimate price for aiding Black citizens in their quest for voting rights. Against this tumultuous backdrop, twenty-one-year-old Violet Richards faces a harrowing ordeal, enduring a brutal assault and ultimately killing her attacker in self-defense. Trapped within the suffocating grip of Jim Crow justice, Violet, whose skin color denies her any chance of a fair trial, makes a desperate decision – she must flee.

With the help of her white boyfriend, Violet escapes, leaving behind her life in Jackson, Mississippi. Yet, as she seeks refuge, Violet unknowingly steps into another perilous trap in the small rural town of Chillicothe, Georgia.

Meanwhile, in Jackson, Violet's older sister, Marigold, dreams of attending law school and dedicates herself to the Mississippi Summer Project, hoping to advance the cause of Black voting rights with her intelligence. But Marigold carries her own secret burden – an unmarried pregnancy. When news of the murder reaches her doorstep, Marigold sees no alternative but to flee as well. She embarks on a journey North, yearning for a life free from segregation and the threat of violence. But has her escape sealed her fate, endangering not only her life but also the life of her unborn child?

As these two sisters navigate the perilous paths of their fugitive lives – one escaping the law, the other fleeing societal shame – they remain oblivious to the shadowy figure hot on their trail. This relentless pursuer harbors dark secrets and a chilling motive known only to him, casting an ominous cloud over the sisters' quest for freedom and safety.

Da Bruhs has done it again with their discussion on Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" published in 1982. It tells the compelling story of a young African-American woman named Celie, who grows up in the early 1900s facing a life of hardship, abuse, and discrimination in the rural American South.

The story is presented in the form of letters and diary entries written by Celie, addressing God as she has no one else to confide in. The narrative revolves around Celie's journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she navigates through challenging relationships, including an abusive marriage to a man named "Mr.," who is cruel and oppressive.

Throughout the novel, Celie's life is intertwined with the lives of other strong women, such as her younger sister Nettie, who becomes a missionary in Africa, and the independent and assertive Shug Avery, who becomes a turning point in Celie's life. Shug helps Celie find her voice, self-worth, and the courage to break free from her oppressive circumstances.

"The Color Purple" addresses various themes, including racism, sexism, domestic violence, and the power of sisterhood. It also explores the importance of self-acceptance, love, and forgiveness in overcoming adversity.

The book received critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of the African-American experience and the strength of women facing adversity. In 1985, it was adapted into a successful film directed by Steven Spielberg, bringing further recognition to the novel's impact and importance.

"An American Marriage" by the talented author Tayari Jones.

Set in the American South, this novel takes us on a compelling journey through the lives of Roy and Celestial, a young African-American couple deeply in love and full of dreams for their future.

Their world takes a devastating turn when Roy is wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit, shattering their hopes and dreams. As Roy faces a lengthy prison sentence, Celestial is left to navigate the difficult path of love and loyalty amidst a system that threatens to tear them apart.

Tayari Jones masterfully weaves a narrative that touches upon racial injustice, class disparities, and the profound impact of incarceration on families and relationships. Through her rich and empathetic storytelling, she captures the raw emotions and inner struggles of her characters, making us reflect on the complexities of human bonds.

Join us on this literary voyage as we embark on an analysis of "An American Marriage," unpacking the poignant moments and the pivotal choices that define the lives of its characters.

"All Boys Aren't Blue" is a memoir by George M Johnson, exploring their experiences growing up as a Black queer person in America. The book is organized into a series of essays that are both personal and political, delving into topics such as family, relationships, gender, sexuality, and systemic oppression.

Throughout the book, Johnson uses their own experiences to examine the larger issues facing the Black queer community, including the impact of toxic masculinity, the erasure of Black queer people from mainstream media, and the ways in which racism and homophobia intersect.

The memoir is deeply personal, with Johnson sharing stories about their family and friends, their first sexual experiences, and their journey to understanding their own gender and sexuality. However, the book is also political, with Johnson drawing on their experiences to critique the systems of power that perpetuate discrimination against Black queer people.

"All Boys Aren't Blue" is an important contribution to the literature on Black queer identity and intersectionality, and it offers a powerful and moving perspective on the experiences of those who exist at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. Johnson's memoir is both an affirmation of the resilience and strength of the Black queer community, as well as a call to action for social change

In this week's episode of the author interview series, we welcome Boyah J Farah, author of "America Made Me a Black Man". Boyah shares his personal journey as a first-generation Somali-American and how his experiences growing up shaped his perspective on race and identity in America. He talks about how the book came to be and the powerful message he wants to convey through his writing. He discusses the complexities of being a Black man in America and how the country's history and current events have influenced his experiences. This thought-provoking conversation provides insight into the struggles and triumphs of the Black community and the importance of acknowledging and understanding their experiences. Listen in for an inspiring and eye-opening discussion with Boyah J Farah. 

#AmericaMadeMeABlackMan #BlackIdentity #RaceAndIdentity #BlackMalePerspective #PodcastsForBookLovers #BlackLiterature #AfricanAmericanIdentity #BookPodcast #AfricanAmericanHistory#RacismAndOppression

"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" is a novel by V.E. Schwab, published in October 2020. The book tells the story of Addie LaRue, a young woman who makes a deal with the devil in 1714 to live forever, but in exchange, she is unable to be remembered by anyone she meets. The novel follows her journey over the centuries as she struggles to make a connection with someone who will remember her, and the consequences of her deal with the devil. The novel has received positive reviews and has been praised for its exploration of themes such as memory, identity, and the human condition.

Malibu Rising is a story about a family of four siblings that were drawn tight together by their parent's unhealthy relationship. With one parent, the father being a world-renowned legendary singer found that monogamy was just something he couldn't see himself committing to. Because of that, he withdrew from his family leaving the children to raise themselves after the sudden passing of their mother. It all came to a head when he showed up at their annual end-of-the-summer party. This is a story about family, depression, lack of self-discipline, secrets, and acceptance. Join us as we unpack Taylor Jenkins Reid's "Malibu Rising". 

Join Da Bruhs Bookshelf as we discuss Carol Anderson's The Second Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America

Join Da Bruhs Bookshelf as we have an intimate conservation with Brian Broome as he opens up about the book and shares his emotions leading up to writing this memoir and how he is now healing from his past trauma. Also, Brian opens up about his journey to accepting himself and building confidence after the people in his childhood blocked it from ever forming.

Join the bruhs bookshelf as we continue our discussion on Brian Broome's "Punch Me Up to The Gods". With our special guest Derric Heck.

Join us as we continue to unpack Brian Broome's "Punch me up to the Gods" life as being black and queer.

Join us as we explore the life and the success of America's first black billionaire, Reginald Lewis.

We just provide our thoughts on the life of Evelyn Hugo and look in the mirror to ask ourselves, "what's really important to me"?

Join us as we explore Audible's new release "Finding Tamika" a story of a young lady that went missing in Spartanburg, South Carolina which received little to no media attention. Luckily Tamika had family in high places that was able to adjust the spotlight towards her disappearance which ultimately lead to breaking her case and Finding Tamika.

This is part two of our discussion on Collen Hoover's It Ends with US

What happens when love reminds you of your dark past? Do you move forward or sacrifice and break the cycle?

In a world of a collapsed economy, drug addiction and illiteracy are at an all-time high, a 15 yr old black girl Lauren Olamina finds herself leading a group of strangers to a safe space while creating and converting people to religion and belief that she came up with through her observation from journaling how the world had changed and where God fits in all of this. 

This is a continuation of last week's discussion on "The Water Dancer"

The Sweetness of Water – At the end of the American Civil War, the war waged by Whites in Southern states to keep slavery legal, many were left questioning the direction and role in life. George and Isabelle Walker are private, well-respected common folk within the community of Old Ox who deal with the prospect of never seeing their son, Caleb, again. Another victim to the lost and futile cause of The War. Perhaps it was this loss that made them able to see Prentice and Landry, two newly freed brothers around the same age as Caleb, as somebody to give refuge. In this episode, we discuss relationship dynamics, resilience, gender dynamics, and the sacrifice of Black people.

Rick Ross, a music mogul, has written a blueprint/self-help book to help young aspiring achievers reach the levels of success he has achieved in his career.  

Growing up black, smart, half American, and half African in America's black culture and at the edge of the social media explosion, Issa Rae excepts  AWKWARD as her social brand.

This is the final episode in Tarana Burke and Brene Brown's "You Are Your Best Thing". We wrap up the book and give our overall rating on the book. 

Join the da bruhs bookshelf as we give our thoughts on Tarana Burke and Brene' Brown's You are Your Best Thing