When you hear the words, "Confessions," you automatically start to think "tell-all." Well at least that's what I thought when I heard about Erika Kendrick's debut novel, Confessions of a Rookie Cheerleader. Especially armed with the information that Kendrick was indeed a professional cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls. So when I started reading it, I was surprised. In a good way.
First: Kendrick can write. Her style is smart and down-to-earth and oftentimes witty.
Second: The book is much more a love story than anything else. For those looking for dish and blind items on NBA players, you'll have to look elsewhere.
In her recent interview with MTW's Ken Gibbs, Kendrick described the book as Sex and the City, meets Girlfriends, meets the L.A. Laker Girls. I agree and in that order.
Hannah Love is a fabulous music exec who is trying to mend a broken heart. Her two best friends are just as fabulous (there's a lot of designer name-dropping) and their special bond, one that they've had since junior high school, help to sustain Hannah. The book celebrates the genuine friendship between black women, where there isn't any backstabbing or trifling activity going on. Hannah decides to try out for the Chicago Diamond Dolls cheerleading squad to fulfill a childhood dream. Here's where Kendrick uses her insider role to write about the selection process, two-faced cheerleaders, and how the girls get around The Golden Rule of not dating home-team players. The drama level in Confessions of a Rookie Cheerleader isn't over-the-top. There are a few mouth-dropping scenes but the heart of the story is just that, how Hannah learns to use her heart again.
During a book party held for Kendrick in Manhattan last week, I had the opportunity to meet the former Chicago Bull cheerleader. Not only is she beautiful and intelligent, she's pretty humble. And she takes her writing seriously. She told me that she was in the midst of wrapping up her book tour and admitted that she's just happy to connect with her readers. Some doubted her success as a novelist, so she's proud to see her dream realized.
I'll definitely check for the next Erika Kendrick installment and look forward to witnessing her growth as a writer.
In her interview, she mentioned that the book she's working on now is completely different from Confessions. Tentatively titled Suicide Watch, it's about a young black woman who suffers from bipolar disorder. Kendrick admitted that she's dealt with mental illness to the point of being in a psych ward, so she's interested to put a new, "fabulous" face on it. That's definitely a story we need in our community.
Watch for her.
Comments: (10)
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By: Salene on 3/18/2007 4:49AM
I'm glad you broke-it-down the way that you did cause from reading the title...it does sound like "another tell all" book.
The theme of her 2nd book is pretty much a hushed topic in the black community. Until the white school teacher was busted having sex with her underaged student(whom she eventually married), I don't recall ever hearing anything about Bipolar disorder.
Eventhough the black community may not have heard much about the name bipolar, we did give labels to the behavior.
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By: Daniel Asamota on 3/19/2007 10:53PM
I'm always glad to see a new writer on the block. I havent read the book yet but I will buy it and check it out. Til then, good luck Erica and I hope to see you at the Writer's conference coming up.
Daniel Asamota
author of 'Mound Bayou'
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By: Wanda from Riverdale NYC on 3/20/2007 11:14AM
I WILL buy the book later today. I read the excerpt and it made a Black Woman take her earrings off! So you Know this book must be good. SUPPORT BLACK FEMALE WRITTERS!!!
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By: alread a fan on 3/20/2007 11:29PM
Thanks for reminding us all yet again that Black women are not only beautiful but also talented.
It's great to have so many reminders to get out and get the dreams we dream!
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By: kemy on 3/24/2007 12:09PM
I would like to say congratulations on your debut novel. I wish you all the success on all future endeavors.
KEMY
AUTHOR OF BETRAYAL OF THE PAST
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By: Erika Kendrick on 3/27/2007 3:20PM
I can't thank you all enough for the fan-tabulous support and encouragement!!! It's been a looooong journey, but so worth the pain, agony and carpal tunnel! You all are serious ROCKSTARS and there's absol no way I can thank you enough for the "SOLD OUT" messages I'm getting from dymes all over the country!
I just thought it was time for a beautiful funny love story!
~Erika
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By: cari on 4/05/2007 3:31AM
The book is so fabulous... Indeed, I will be watching out for Erika's bright future!
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By: Tionna on 4/09/2007 5:04AM
I'm 14 and I read this book because my mom is the manager at a book store. I loved this book I couldn't put it down. I think the author will have a very successful future and I will be purchasing all of her books but as a debut I give her an A++.
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By: Nikki Fleming on 4/11/2007 1:11AM
Erika,
I loved the book, characters and hot fashion! I stayed up late reading your book and finished within a day and a half. I told Toya Rose that I cannot wait for your next one. God bless you!
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By: fulton nolen on 4/16/2007 3:39PM
It was fascinatingly wonderful to see and hear you. Having known of you from your teen years, I get to envision the investment of time(hardwork and patience) that love transforms into a notable personality.
Now with the wistfulness aside, I asked you about the dispelling of myths that a love/romance novel, such as yours, can displace? I knew that by your answers it was a passionate project that I would be purchasing(two books).
Good to know you, Erika. I feel the love that you emote. Here's wishing only the best; even when that standard is momentarily unavailable to you. I feel you can attain whatever your heart and desires feel are justifiably for you.
uncle Fulton
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