Clark Atlanta University Book Review

Clark Atlanta University Book Review

Angelina T. Velasquez

Book Review: Who Said Peaches Were Perfect?

Author: Tracy Nicole

         Author Tracy Nicole takes readers on a fictional 180 page journey through some of the trials and tribulations that come with life in her book, Who Said Peaches Were Perfect?

         The story based upon the lives of two young women, Victoria (Torie) and Lisa, exposes the difficulties in knowing when to let go and when to hold on tightly in life. Both are women that want to get ahead in life, but like many people in reality they hit a few bumps along the way – it is then they must find strength within themselves that they were not aware they possessed.

         Tracy expressed a dire need for both men and women to work on themselves in order to reap all of the benefits of life that come from healthy relationships, both intimate and social through the dialogues shared amongst the characters.

         Through this story the struggle of leaving an emotionally and mentally abusive relationship is exposed, as well as the realization that not dealing with situations only allows them to be masked and exposed at a later time.

         Readers will gain insight and new perspectives on issues they or a friend has experienced.

            Tracy steers clear of limiting the issues dealt with in the story to specific ages, sexes or races, however it is a highly recommended read for college students because this is a time when many of the issues in the story are their daily lives, and it is better to learn life lessons before situations become lifetime mistakes.

Check out the book by clicking here: "Who Said Peaches Were Peaches?"

Mentor VS Mentees

Saturday was a special day.  The Ladies of AGU gathered at the W Hotel in downtown Atlanta to introduce the mentees to their new mentors.  We had a great time breaking the ice with interesting games.  We really bonded in a short period of time.  I am sooooo looking forward to the full calendar of events we have planned this year with AGU!  Our next event will be the 'Friday Night Live' to be held on March 26th.  This event is a fun for all!  We will have plenty of fun in the midst of workshops for the girls to participate in throughout the night.  This event focuses on one of the many things we strive to do through AGU, which is to offer a constructive outlet that takes the place of "hanging out" in the streets, engaging in sexual activity or experimenting with drugs.  Let me know if you want to become a mentor with AGU!!

My First Book Signing

WOW! My first book signing! What an experience!! It was simply a warm feeling I got when I entered the dimly lit restaurant. Rare Restaurant seemed to be the perfect place at that very moment in my hometown of Atlanta. Immediately, a photo was snapped as I stood in the doorway staring at a poster-sized framed picture of the cover of a book that I wrote.  I felt great in my peach dress and  it would not have been complete without my leopard Christian Louboutins. LOL! Butterflies surfaced in my stomach and a huge smile was plastered across my face.  As I was greeted by a familiar face, I snapped back into the reality of walking into my very first book signing.  I felt loved when I walked into the back of the restaurant filled with my friends and family who came out to support me with the launching of my first book.  Even a few celebrities came out. I spoke to everyone about my book and why I wrote it.  I am so eager to hear feedback on what people are experiencing when they read my book. The night was filled with hugs, kisses and many book purchases. The feeling was so surreal.  It was a laid back, relaxed environment with nice music in the background and some great food! I signed at least 80 books and no, my hand was not tired!  I could not have asked for a better first book signing.  This first one I wanted to share with people who love and support me and know what I put into writing this story. That was accomplished!  Now, on to the next one.  After working so hard on my first novel, "Who Said Peaches Were Perfect?" I am finally sharing it with the world!

Click here to see more pics  

Great Interview!!

Friday I had a great interview with a young lady from Clark Atlanta for a story for their paper.  It was such a good interview.  She came totally prepared, book in hand.  She had already read "Who Said Peaches Were Perfect?" from cover to cover and loved it. She told me she put it on her favorite reads list and some of her friends have it and are already reading it. Then she disclosed that she saw herself in one of the characters and it made her evaluate her life.  I was really touched that one of my characters had that kind of affect on her. I told her that was why I wrote the book!  Whew! This has been a great start to publishing a book.  I'll post the interview when it is printed.

Perceptions

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of speaking with the young ladies of sporty girls!  I conducted an interesting workshop on perception.  I had an idea that came to me in a dream a few nights before.  I threw out my plans for another workshop and went to work on how to help them understand the importance of how they are perceived by the world.  I thought it would be a difficult thing to do because I wanted to stress the importance of not worrying about what others think of you but definitely becoming aware and taking responsibility in how others perceive you based on the way you dress, talk, carry yourself, behave in public and so forth.  I put together three personality skits that were beautifully acted out.
There was Tameka Boss

Nickname: Misss. Tameka

Walk with your head up. Talk proper with a smile. Look at me and then make eye contact with some of the other girls. Use hand gestures when you talk. You are very confident.

Then there was Shay 

No nickname

Walk with your head down very slow as if you are scared to come in. Mumble when you talk. Talk real soft. Don't look me in the eyes. Look down at the floor when you talk. You are very insecure.

Last there was Natasha

Nickname: Nay Nay 

Walk with a pimp walk to the side. Talk loud and ghetto. End every sentence with "know what I'm sayin!" cut me off when I’m talking. Say whatever you are thinking at the moment.  Don’t answer the questions I ask.  You are very rude!

These young ladies, who are in middle school, blew me away! They are so smart and mature.  Definitely exposed to a lot more than we were in middle school.  Not only were they aware of how these characters may behave this way and not know how they are being perceived, but they were actually able to look at themselves and what they could work on to improve themselves.  The workshop got even better when the young ladies and the adults (including myself) participated by telling one good thing about themselves and one thing they want to work on to better themselves.  I am working on one of mine right now.  I want to better myself by allowing more people to know me and who I am.  I am still learning how trust to trust people enough to let them in.

In life I don't think you ever stop learning about yourself and trying to become a better person.  If you stop learning, you stop growing, if you stop growing you stop living.

Live...