I chose two selections to feature in the Book Binge today because I needed a double shot of literary pain relief. It’s been a rough weekend. I’m suffering from a bad cold and I learned some news that has me in a funk. So what better way to heal my pain than to laugh my head off!

“Honey, Hush!: An Anthology of African American Women’s Humor” contains some of the wittiest writing from some of our best writers of color. This weighty anthology of 700 pages contains poetry, short stories and even comedy routines from Terry McMillan, Bebe Moore Campbell, Zora Neale Hurston and rapper Roxanne Shante.

Nikki Giovanni wrote the foreword for the book and her line about overcoming pain resonated with me the most: “We find a way to laugh because we know that the only way to win the battle of life and liberty is with the pursuit of happiness.” Thanks Nikki, I needed that.
 

My second selection is the “The Rejection Collection: Cartoons You Never Saw, and Never Will See, in The New Yorker.” The first time I read this book I must have howled with laughter for two straight hours. Edited masterfully by Matthew Diffee, the cartoons featured in this collection are so raw, real and raunchy that there is no doubt why they never appeared in the New Yorker. If you want to laugh until you cry, please purchase this book. It’s perfect for parties and holiday functions.

So, If you’re also going through something that has you down, it’s okay to feel the hurt, but DON’T stay there. Always return to your center. Maintain your inner strength and know that the pain won’t remain. The laughter of your soul will return again.

Cheers and Happy Reading!

To sneak a peek inside both of these titles click here: Honey Hush! The Rejection Collection

Also, here’s a blues tune that makes me smile. Remember Albert Collins from the film Adventures in Babysitting? Enjoy!

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