March 2008 - Women's History Month Book Review by Author Tim'm T. West, A Feminist Man

In Leeke's debut novel "Love's Troubadours" the protagonist, Karma, offers a herstorical roadmap towards self-actualization and healing. It is a process that boils from the bottom up. The seeming calm sea of her performatively perfect lineage is the deferment and inevitability of Katrina. Karma finds herself in the disastrous muck of of a reality that cannot be guised by any ruse of happy prosperity and buppie elitism.

Karma's world is a post-pomo one where bougie boho and bap struggle, not as conflicting or schizophrenic identities, but identities seeking hopeful coexistence. This is the dilemma of the Negro who has betrayed both Dubois' talented tenth or Booker T's vocational ambition for whatever lies in-between. It is a new freedom not bound to the old Negro logic, but passionately committed to facing the brokenness and dysfunction of our lineage. We have always committed adultery, flirted with homosexuals, been depressed, needed more than salvation or heaven, and been more broken than we are willing to admit. Karma's story is the stench of Pandora's box finally released. It is the redemptive power of an exhale after one has truly grappled with the "in hell". It is Ms. Celie's letters discovered and giving birth to a new woman, always there, but needing permission through truth to live more truthfully. It is the ironic powerful destitution of the D.C. streets through which Karma confronts her yellow brick road.

In Leeke's detailed and vulnerable journal of a journey, we are reminded that, however wealthy or educated we become, we, like Karma, carry blood memory in our veins: it is the slave's spiritual, it's Billie's reverberating pitch, it is Miles' wail that, translated as words, would have better explained his blues. Karma's wandering lands her at a borderland where neither nostalgia for her past, nor projections of a future less certain than her education and privilege would care to admit, are comfort enough. The loves of her life become directional cues to her own journey home into a self-love that she can only find through the reality of her depression and psychological disarray. Her successful mapping requires that she fully undergo a self-archeology. Karma exercises an anthropology of self-- a deep digging into closets where dirty laundry is long overdue a nice thorough hand-washing and clothesline dry. If Leeke's story can be criticized for offering excessive detail into the life of its protagonist, it succeeds because it treats nothing in our living as insignificant: the songs we listen to, the shoes we buy, the people we see on the street, the buildings we want into and out of, are changed, as we are, thorough the interaction.

While Leeke's stumbling and unfailingly human protagonist uncovers the disjunction between her bougie upbringing and her resistance to the pretending it requires, the places, people, music, and art of Karma's life become the yellow brick road to her home. In Love's Troubadours, love is both noun and verb, both the thing we are and thing we do, when we can bravely face how tragically absent it is when we simply pretend we have it and do not. Leeke offers a vulnerable, exacting, and empathetic story of a real sistah who, up to the very last page, is still figuring it all out. Reading it, I am given a virtual comrade in my own journey through the wars my body and spirit have overcome in my becoming.

Tim'm T. West
Author of "Red Dirt Revival", "BARE", and "Flirting"
http://www.reddirt.biz


FAFANTO is a Ghanaian Andinkra symbol shaped in the form of a butterfly. It represents honesty, gentleness, and tenderness.


2007 & 2008 ONLINE BOOK REVIEWS

Check out the list of online book reviews by Love’s Troubadours readers contained below.  The average Star Rating from readers is 5 Stars. WOW!!!!!!
 

1)    Amazon.com 

http://www.amazon.com/Loves-Troubadours-Karma-Book-One/dp/0595440819/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201221128&sr=8-1

What The World Needs Now

Love's Troubadours is one of the best written books of this year. In this case the book provides an overview of "Everywoman/Everyman" so there is something for all readers to relate to. The scene settings, characters, historical moments, and music all provide the reader with a point of view and continues with the element of Six Degrees of Separation that makes the reader relate the stories to parts of their own personal journey(ies). Definitely a best buy and a must read.

Stephon Monroe – Star Rating - 5 Stars

A Wonderfully Wild Journey

How can you not just love the heroine of this witty and soulful novel? Karma is a modern woman alive in the world, experiencing both its shadow and light. This novel made me laugh out loud, reflect on my own folly, blunders and triumphs so far, and consider the meaning of life. A great read and perfect for lively book club discussion.

J. Barrett - Star Rating- 5 Stars

One of The Best Reads of 2007

Love's Troubadour's: Karma: Book One is a powerful journey of self and community discovery. Readers will come to understand the connectedness of the Diaspora through Karma and her family. You'll learn about the complexities of the African-American family and how we thrive in spite of them. Every page is a library, art museum and cafe trip as you learn about Diaspora culture through its artists, musicians, cuisine and people.

This is a highly spiritual and you're likely to fall in love with Karma as she deals with some very tough circumstances and champions her own creativity and divinity in the process. Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke is a very gifted writer who has embarked on a very important project aimed at the healing of people. Can't wait for the next one!

Kesha Boyce Williams  - Star Rating- 5 Stars

A Must Read!

You will absolutely enjoy this novel because:

1. It shows positive images of African Americans loving and learning how to build better relationships with themselves, their families and those around them.
2. Women learning to be who they are and accepting themselves
3. Strong images of Blacks embracing their own spirituality.
4. Unique and diverse families with connections outside of the US like the UK, Cuba, Mexico and India
5. Incorporates many familiar sites in NY, DC, Chicago, and Oakland/SF.
6. It also mentions many musical talents that I know and love and others that I would like to get to know.

This book is written in a way that is so detailed that you can feel yourself right there with the characters learning and loving with them.
A must read!

Butterfly El P  - Star Rating- 5 Stars

Love’s Troubadours

Love's Troubadours: Karma: Book One is an insightful, expressive novel that captured my heart in the first chapter. The author describes each scene in such a way that you actually see yourself there. Excellent read!

Chatterbox - Star Rating- 5 Stars

Outstanding Work

This is a wonderful literary work. The content is rich - filled with diversity, moments of laughter and thought provoking ideas centered around building and bridging relationships. I'm waiting for the next book. Keep up the good work.

This book is among my holiday gifts for 2007.

D. Rozier “Drozier” -  Star Rating- 5 Stars

Wonderful Read for Men of Color

Love Troubadours by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke is an extraordinary book. I was told it was a book that women would truly enjoy. The implication was that men would not appreciate. After reading it from cover to cover I highly recommend this to any man. The knowledge that can be gained by traveling with Karma the main character about the ups/downs, high and lows and insights of this 30 something black sister will help any man to understand, appreciate, respect and value the women in their lives. The detail in which Kiamsha goes into describing the different situations, locations and characters made it possible for me to visually connect with the story. It was also a quick read as it was hard to put down as I wanted to know immediately what was the next experience and to see Karma's next insight or learning that added to her growth. I look forward to the next book and what new and different aspects of life that will be addressed.

     Jorge Consuelo “John” - Star Rating- 5 Stars

A Great Read and Inspiring!

Beautifully detailed, eloquently written and most of all, inspiring. Love's Troubadours takes the reader on one woman's journey in finding out who she truly is and how her everyday decisions affect her future.

The details were incredible--I could picture where Karma was, what she was wearing, the sights and sounds of Washington, DC, etc. I especially liked how the author drew inspiration from music, yoga, The Bible and art in telling her story.

One part that I found especially thoughtful and moving was the part in Chapter 31 about mother-daughter relationships. I went back and re-read this passage several times after finishing the book.

I really found myself looking forward to reading it every night and finding out what happened to Karma. I can't wait for the next book!

M. S. Amato “monicasara” - Star Rating- 5 Stars

A Glorious Literary Find

fantastic
wonderful
insightful
spiritual
and just plain GOOD!. get it now, read it and be joyously satisfied. i personally can't wait to revisit with karma soon ;-)

waterdaughter “waterdaughter” - Star Rating- 5 Stars

What Price Karma?

Love's Troubadours by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke is an exploration of a sister's spiritual reconciliation. When we meet Karma Francois she has reached a personal low. She has lost her job and her days of shopping, chocolate martinis and hedonistic pursuits may be coming to an end. She is a self-proclaimed bohemian Black American Princess and she can not accept her less than stellar life. She has to relocate and live differently and finds it to be a depressing journey.

Karma relocates from New York to Washington D.C, feeling like a stranger inside her own body. She is constantly depressed and unsure what to do with herself. Her Aunt Jo senses her depression and tells her she needs to seek counseling. Karma is unsure if that is what she wants but her aunt threatens her by telling her she will inform her mother of her status. Since her mother, Hyacinth, who Karma considers the ultimate drama queen, is the last person Karma wants to deal with Karma agrees to see Francis, the therapist. Though reluctant to accept therapy, Karma finds herself on a path to self-acceptance and reliance through her sessions with Francis.

The pages of Love's Troubadours take us on a spiritual, narrative journey into Karma's life. We meet her family members, loves, lovers and friends. We get to see what has formed this woman and what will sustain her. Love's Troubadours is not a breezy, easy book-of-the-month type novel. What it is, is a deep journey into what takes a woman to her lowest and what it takes for her to change her life and reach a spiritual high ground. This novel is a recommended read for all readers interested in a book that makes you think and believe.

Angelia Menchan, APOOO Book Club - Star Rating- 4 Stars

Life’s Experiences

Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke has done an eloquent job on writing Love's Troubadours. It is most interesting how Ms. Leeke has taken passages from the Bible and related them to life's experiences. I really enjoyed how the characters in the book related and listed to music that we are all so familiar with. You could easily relate your own personal experiences to the characters and different scenarios in the book. Love Troubadours really keeps you interested, enthusiastic, and ready to read each chapter, Also mentioning places in Washington, D.C. made the book come alive and actually personalized the reading. Congratulations to Ms. Leeke on her interesting, well written book.

Delia Richards - Star Rating- 5 Stars

A Rich Reading Experience

I finally got a chance to start reading the novel and I'm LOVING it!! Honestly! I can see myself in quite a few aspects of the book. There were even some tears shed, as the novel touches on issues that hit home. I love how detailed/descriptive the author is. And the Bible passages & quotes chosen are so appropriate. What a talented writer!

A. Stewart - Star Rating- 5 Stars

A Book Full of Characters You Can Relate To

I am only on Chapter 18 (slow reader-which I like to think of it as savoring the rich words), but what I have gained so far is that I can't wait to see what happens to relationships between Karma, Violet and their brother. I am also waiting to see what happens to Karma's crush. Bottom line, we all have moments when something happens and we have to take steps back to go forward and sometimes what or who you THINK you know, isn't really what it is and everyone in life at some point has to review and re-invent, but that is all a part of life......

G. Gartin - Star Rating- 4 Stars

What A Gift!

I could not wait to finish this book so I could loan it to a friend who is confronting many of the same challenging issues so eloquently explored as the reader surfs life with Karma. And then I got online and purchased 3 more copies for other friends! This is one of those books that is difficult to put down - yet you need to take a break periodically to absorb and assimilate the great moments of melodrama, hysteria, and yes, revelation as you travel with Karma in search of "love's troubadours." It's a read. It's a gift. It's got to be a best-seller!

S. Stoner - Star Rating- 5 Stars

Karma: Destiny or Loving the Life You Created

While the troubadours in Leeke's daring debut novel might not be appearing at your friendly neighborhood open mic telling tales of courtly love anytime soon, all the characters play out the existential questions of eros, grace and transcendence. Readers will enjoy a rich tapestry of scenes and characters that follow a year in the life of Karma, troubled and wise and forever moving through a world as nuanced as the one we all inhabit. Open its pages: you've got cyphers, crushes and connections, Miles and Coltrane, Bodhisattvas and love@aol. You've got New Orleans bands in the Windy City, Panthers and DJs, AIDS activists and astrological pronouncements, high-gloss yellow walls and Black Widows. You've got downward dogs and married men that should not be touched. You've got intensive care units and self-care sex toys, tarot and Teaism, failing careers, funerals and even hope for the future. As Karma finds new ways of looking at her life and shifts into being a more powerful, honest and openhearted woman, she encourages readers to become love troubadours of their own creation.

Yael Flusberg - Star Rating- 5 Stars

Love, Peace& Soul…..Self Revelation… God’s Soul Train

This is a true wonderful literary piece of art. All who read this book at one time or another can relate to the personal trials of Karma, or Violet, or anyone of the Characters. This is a breath of fresh air for me. I ordered it on 8-10-07 received it 8-16-07, finished it 8-20-07 7am and there were no meals cooked in my home for my family Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I need to have Book 2 to find out what is happening with Violet & her thug husband, mom, brother etc........

I have tasted all the food from all the restaurants they were in. I was ready to give Aunt Will a beat down, I saw every table dress, the flowers and Christmas decorations when Collette was in the hospital
and Guadeloupe with her hot behind.....Lord ....pray for her!

I felt my sweat from the Salsa dancing Alllllllll Night!

Just keep them coming I need something to read!!!!

Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke to God Be The Glory!!!! For U Sister!

M. Cole “Encouraged” - Star Rating- 5 Stars

food for thought…yoga soup for the soul

wow...

I'm only on Chapter 5 of this book, but already I've learned so much.

I'm watching the character, Karma, go through her experiences and I'm empathizing with her, but also learning my lessons through her. What a blessing!

What I'm really enjoying so far, is the vibrancy of everything. The writer of this book, Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke, really brings the story to life by exploring the human senses- reading her words its like ...I can taste the tea, feel the love of lime green around me, touch the pink of delicate flowers, feel the comforting hug of an aunt, see my very own hands as dark coffee colored...my hair as intertwined pieces of black yarn, my eyes like marbles with details delicately hand painted all around them by some fine ceramicist, my teeth like little white pearls...I'm seeing me brand new.

The words and the unfolding of this story make everything richer and render everything brighter. And on the train on the way home yesterday, I found myself gazing at my reflection in the glass- and I was REALLY looking at myself- looking at this woman- me...as though a character fit for description in `Love's Troubadours'.

This is a beautifully and purposefully written book. Though a novel, its the kind of book that feels so precious, you don't want to sully it with dirty hands- you look forward to getting home and getting into a comfy space and a clear frame of mind so you can just...get lost in it. It's like I'm reading a piece of the author, a piece of her soul.

I'd definitely recommend this book to anybody looking for something to get stuck into that is going to enable them to enjoy the unfolding of each character, but also make sense of things in their own lives. It incorporates all the things I love...great music, art, writings, yoga, holistic living. And though I'm only on chapter 5, I've already chuckled, giggled, imagined, laughed and learned.

Fantastic!  

sacredwoman07 - Star Rating- 5 Stars