I have finally stumbled across a top-rated list that didn’t include rump-shaking, pole sliding music, Air Jordan sneakers, or black spending power. [Side note] I am still waiting for someone to show me a list of black saving power. This week, Covenant With Black America, a book aimed directly at politicians soliciting the black vote, ranked #1 on Amazon’s and Border’s top-selling book list. That’s right burglars & home invaders a book! You know, that thing you walked passed that was stuffed with $100 dollar bills while you were unplugging the DVD player. That’s right parents a book. You know, that thing that is keeping your coffee table level during your kids’ X-Box-athon. That’s right, Bobby & Whitney, a book. You know that thing that rested under your pastor’s arms when you promised to love, honor and obey each other. I pray that you are not using that SAME BOOK as a table for your candy-laced expeditions.
Covenant With Black America is a Tavis Smiley initiative used to outline a blueprinted agenda that will make presidential hopefuls take Black America more serious. You may argue the merits or the contents, but the one thing you cannot argue is... this week it is the #1 book in the country and he didn’t have to shake his ass (whew) to do it. To read more about The Covenant check out: www.covenantwithblackamerica.com
Naturally, this top-ranking propelled me to name my top ten books of all time: And, in no particular order....
1. Dakota Grand - Kenji Jasper
By far, my favorite book of all time. He does great commentaries on NPR. If you go to www.npr.org and do a search on his name, I think you’ll see why.
2. Faces At The Bottom Of The Well -Derrick Bell
One of the more thought-provoking fiction tales I have ever read.
3. Loose Balls - Jayson Williams
Probably the funniest encounters in any NBA life. Sadly, and unbeknown to Williams, this book was a non intended preface that led to the limousine shooting. The irony is tragic.
4. The Autobiography of Miles Davis - Quincy Troupe
A music lover’s dream, while candidly looking at how all black American males weren’t all from improvised beginnings. One of the most memorable Miles Davis quotes is: “If I had two minutes to live, I’d spend it choking a white man.”
5. The Autobiography of Malcolm X - Alex Haley
The single most influential book in most black males lives (Makes Me Wanna Holla is a close second.) No black teenage home should be without this book.
6. Days of Grace - The Arthur Ashe Story by Ashe and Aronld Rampersad
The last chapter is his eulogy to his (then) 6-year-old daughter. Probably the most gut-wrenching chapter that I ever read. The rest of the book will teach most of us the true meaning of integrity. Next o loosing my virginity, this is the most memorable gift I’ve ever received.
7. Disappearing Acts - Terry McMillian
She is not one of my favorite authors, but this book is a relationship masterpiece. It’s really funny and it gives you a referee’s view of a black-on-black relationships. A must read for those contemplating marriage.
8. Pryor Convictions -The Richard Pryor Story
A classic in every sense of the word. Like the Jayson Williams story, you just knew a tragedy was inevitable. The only time you’ll stop laughing will be to wipe the tears.
9. Outrageous - The Charles Barkley Story by Roy S. Johnson
Another knee-slapper from Sir Charles. [I May Be Wrong But I Doubt It is funny too]. The quotes in this one are hilarious and surprisingly interesting. Not too surprising is how well written this book is. The insight on the 1984 Olympic Dream Team is worth the price alone.
10. The Souls of Black Folks - W.E.B. Du Bois You will probably understand The Covenant with Black America better once you finish this one.
1 Love,
Ray Lewis
