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Reviews and References
What the professionals think
 Sharing His Truth, September 7, 2009"A Man In Transition" by K.L. Belvin is a book of poetry and short stories that touch on a variety of topics from the loss of a loved one or one of respect and appreciation, to fatherhood, relationships and marriage and covering topics of self doubt, regrets, determination and self pride. This book is a journey in to the life and thoughts of K.L. The Writer...sharing of himself in a very vulnerable way, but keeping it so real into how we has human beings may think, act and suffer consequences behind our actions and decisions.
As I read through "A Man In Transition" I found it to feel like a journal into the life of K.L. Belvin and could see this book used as a daily reading. He shares poetry, closing with his thoughts to help the reader further understand where he was coming from or what he might hope you would get out of the piece. As I read the different pieces, it allowed me to feel like I was sitting in front of K.L., having a dialogue on life and I could hear myself respond or ask further questions. I know that K.L. Belvin felt he was stepping out on faith in publishing this book and in revealing himself in this manner. But to have a man share in a simple but real way is a special gift. I hope it will touch many people in a way that they will turn inward, to look at their own lives, thoughts and actions.
"A Man In Transition" is a book I would and could recommend to all people. Men, women, people of a variety of ethnic and socially economic groups for in my opinion this book touches on subjects that "people" in general have experienced and are not willing to admit to. It is much more than a poetry & short story book...it is a lesson on life. K.L. The Writer...you are a great writer but you are much more than that...you, in my opinion are a teacher of life. I look forward to reading "From Gigolo to Jesus" and other future publications writer by you.
Lady Flava
Flava News Book Reviews
Lady Flava
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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RAWSISTAZ Literary Group
Attn: Reviews Editor
5885 Cumming Hwy, Ste 108-232
Sugar Hill, GA 30518
Email: info@rawsistaz.com
Web: http://www.rawsistaz.com
Web: http://www.blackbookreviews.net
Reviewed: Apr 30, 2009
A Man In Transition by K. L.
Bravin Publishing, June 2008
157 Pages, Paperback, $13.99
ISBN: 0615205143
Genre: Poetry
RAW Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)
A MAN IN TRANSITION is a collection of poems and short stories about a man whose life has been anything but perfect. He delves into his soul and pontificates on paper the good and bad of his life and how he is trying to be a better man than he was in the past. His story is within these pages and the honesty is truly the essence of the collection. His poems and stories are personal, sensual and sad. One thing is significant, K. L. believes in a higher power and firmly believes that power is what helped him to become a better husband, a better father and a man who strives to do all that and more.
K. L. separates his poems into chapters such as Spiritual, Romance, Fatherhood and more. The collection is very well organized and each poem or story fits the chapter title. His poetry spanned the subject matter of infidelity, fatherhood, being a teacher, sexuality, pain and self-destruction. All the poems and stories captured a bit of the author’s own life. I personally like the poem “I May Not Be Superman, But I’m Dad” and his personal observation “Getting Out of My Own Way”. Both pieces were emotionally stirring as one could see the conflict he has dealt with being a father and man.
A MAN IN TRANSITION is collection that is to be read slowly and savored. It was inspiring to read a man’s heart on pages. Although the rhyming sequences were not all the same, the poignancy of the pieces was evident. Not all the poems or stories were to my liking, but I could see the maturity of the writing throughout. There were a few grammatical issues, but this is a worthy collection.
Reviewed by Cashana Seals, RAWSISTAZ.com
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Cashana Seals currently resides in Montgomery, Alabama. An avid reader since she was very young, she spends her spare time reading and is the President and Founder of a local book club.
© Copyright 2001-2008
RAWSISTAZ Literary Group
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DISCLAIMER: All reviews are the personal opinion of the reviewer indicated and should not be looked upon as a consensus from RAWSISTAZ™, its founder, or The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers as a whole. They should however help in giving you an idea of what a book is about along with its strengths and/or weaknesses.
**NOTE: This review should not be used without our permission.
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Cashana Seals, RAWSISTAZ.com
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A Man in Transition
By K.L. Belvin
A Man in Transition is a collection of poems and stories from a man’s point of view at different stages in his development. It gives you an inside account on the thought process of a man while exposing the man that K.L. is, was and wants to become. This compilation is very touching and gives life lessons from his point of view and reflects just how much he enjoys touching the lives of his family and students as well as appreciates the fact that they are in his life.
K.L. gives single women hope that there are brothers out there like him and he also gives married women faith that their husbands have the soulful philosophy that K.L. has recorded. This is a wonderful read and I found myself sitting in bed reading some of his works to my boyfriend while we were on the phone. Our favorite is “Harmony” and no truer words were spoken than when he wrote, “True happiness comes when I have an equal and our spirits are fused. This is the master plan forgotten.” All I could say was “Wow”.
This book is a recommended read for ladies who need a better understanding of a man on his journey of transition and for the men who would like to see in words what he was probably thinking all along while going through his very own conversion.
By, Tamara Grant
Literary Lovers Book Club- Where we love all things literary!
www.freewebs.com/literaryloversbookclubatl
http://www.myspace.com/literaryloversbcatl
Tamara Grant of the Literary Lovers Book Club.
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What a Man….What a Mighty Good Man
5 stars!
A Man in Transition by K.L. is a book of poems, stories and observations that will engage you from page one. Having known the author on a personal level, I knew what to expect from the book’s contents, however, nothing would prepare me for the joy K.L. brought to my spirit, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Before I get into my book review, I want to make a personal remark about K.L. – the man. We’ve had exchanges about the love I have for my husband, and the love he has for his wife. I love the honor and respect and the love K.L. shows for his loving wife Tiffany. It is refreshing to hear him speak of her, and how she has changed his life. Black love is a beautiful thing to witness. What I’ve gathered from K.L. is that he is truly a gracious man, one that has transitioned into a Great man. His journey is evidenced in this book.
“As a man travels through life, many things affect the way he chooses to walk his path.” K.L. opens the book with this line, and how true this statement is. From the very first chapter, the reader is introduced to K.L. the man who has transitioned, as you witness where K.L. is now in his life, where his journey has taken him. He has come full circle with a steadfast maturity that can only come from walking through all of life’s peaks and valleys. “I’m living a life that has more meaning these days,” K.L. says. “I want everyone to know and understand that men do change.” He goes on to talk about God’s grace and forgiveness and how that, along with a good woman, has changed his life.
Part of K.L.’s journey is this good woman, his loving wife. There is a overflowing of love and tenderness throughout the book, and when K.L. speaks of his wife, you go from reading a good book, instantly to a “hallelujah” moment. You’ll laugh out loud when K.L. compares a good woman and a good plate of food, citing, “the kind of food that touches your mind and body the same as a good woman in your life can.”
Fortified with heartfelt poetry about issues that affect all humankind, this book will touch your heart and feed your spirit. K.L. is uniquely wonderful in his delivery as he provides manna for the mind.
One of my favorite lines in the book is one in its introduction where K.L. confesses, “it was important that I instill in my children that as long as they had true faith in God, that anything is possible.” His level of responsibility and care with which he authored this book is truly admirable.
The book concludes with K.L. describing his old ways, his backslidin’ days and how he used to be, with no shame and with complete honesty which is more than revitalizing. By doing this, K.L. has brilliantly displayed the error of his ways, and how by the grace of God he has come into a rich, full life, one that God had been preparing him for all along.
"A Woman who doesn't take a chance, Never had one."
Elissa Gabrielle, Author
www.elissagabrielle.com
elissagabrielle.blogspot.com
Titles: Stand and Be Counted, Peace In The Storm, Good to the Last Drop, Point of No Return, A Whisper to a Scream
The Triumph of My Soul
www.TheTriumphOfMySoul.com
Elissa Gabrielle, Author
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A TRUE POET
Category: Writing and Poetry
A Man in Transition
By: K. L.
I met author K.L. at the Queens Book Fair, and was very pleased once he told me that he was a poet. As some know, poetry is one of the hardest to pen, however K.L did just that. I was skeptical at first, about doing this review, but I was curious on how this author was able to do a smooth transition from short stories and poetry. His heartfelt honesty, dedication and passion was clearly shown in his eyes when he was telling me about his poetry.
K.L. was able to write his autobiography in a truly unique way combining with poetry and short stories. He explains in detail of who he was in the past and how the changes he made. I was truly impressed of K.L talent, and I have to bow down to him, he is a true POET!!! Congrats on your debut and I can't wait to see what his next on your agenda. This is a must read and I highly recommend this to everyone this is a definite 10.
Shaifire
http://www. myspace. com/urbanfirebooks
Shaifire of Urbanfire Books
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Hey K.L.,
What a beautiful testimony! You deserve the proudness and the opportunity to share the love. I love it when you say that readers will take a part of you and that indeed is the Lord's work.
I have enjoyed "A Man In Transition As Well." I have found comfort in one of my favorites, "The End Is Near" and you tell it like it really is when you approach that mountain top!
Your talent will keep you in the book industry forever now because of the words of wisdom you shared. Peace and blessings to you.
Agnes ~ Too Wise Not To Praise Him!
Author of: "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bi-Polar Woman." Winter 2008 Release Pending. ISBN 0975461206
Founder/President of Levine-Oliver Publisher - the exclusive publishing home of Swaggie Coleman. Experience Swaggie's Voice© at http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com and win prizes!
Agnes b levine, Founder/President of Levine-Oliver Publisher
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Amazon.com Book Review
All Manned Up!, August 22, 2008
A Man in Transition by K.L. is an autobiographical, poetic, confession. The author, poet and teacher chooses to show his inner man by revealing who he was, is and strives to be in a poetry and short story styled book. From the beginning, K.L. tells us who he was and who he is trying to be. He also, quite honestly tells the reader that he is a Christian in transition and were it not for God, he would have been unable to do what he has done. As a reader, I am grateful for his openness and his honesty.
The book is filled with heartfelt poems and short stanzas, where in many cases he is testifying and teaching by honesty. His poem entitled, `Pain' speaks to what we must often go through to appreciate the good. `Perfect Woman: If Only in My Mind' and `My Proposal', truly speaks to a man's love for his woman, his wife. There were many moments when he spoke about fatherhood that I wanted to simply share the word with every brother who has fathered a child. K.L does a wonderful job of showing his inner man and allowing others to learn from him. My only suggestion is there is no need to continually tell us you are changed, your words speak for themselves. I recommend this book to all readers who enjoy truthful insights.
Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub
Angelia Menchan APOOO BookClub
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Brother K. L. ,
I must tell you, you need to sit down, collect your thoughts, and pen a novel... Your Thoughts compiled in "A Man In Transition" were amazing!
I hope my saying I loved it is not understating its value. Black Men are in constant change, and I will be recommending this work to as many as I can.
GREAT JOB!!!
William
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR of SIX DAYS IN JANUARY
William Fredrick Cooper
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It was a pleasure to work with KL on my latest literary project. In the short time that I have known him I have been impressed with his sincerity, professionalism, and dedication to the literary world. KL is a promising author, poet and educator. I predict very big things in his near future. Keep an eye on him.
Mary B. Morrison
New York Times & Essence Magazine best-seller
Mary B. Morrison
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Many sisters say that good men are hard to find…but do we recognize a changed man when we see him? One who is a work-in-progress and transforming right in front of our very eyes. APOOO reviewer Angelia shares with us one man’s story of transition. Seems author KL Belvin knew that a transition was necessary in order for him to move forward and become the man he was destined to be. In the back of my head…I hear ‘what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man.’ LOL. I had the pleasure of meeting KL this summer at the Black Writer’s Reunion and Conference, and he is one of the most loving, down-to-earth and genuine brothers that you can ever meet. And did I mention he is a big ole teddy bear too. I do not know what he was like previously, but I know I like what I see in the man he has become. “What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man.’ LOL. Of course, since I consider him a friend, I though it fitting that someone else assess and review his book.
Read on for APOOO reviewer Angelia’s book buzz for A Man in Transition.
Yasmin Coleman, APOOO Bookclub
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Amazon.com Book Review
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 A Wonderful Read, August 12, 2008 |
T.Bishop-Hardin "Theresa Hardin"
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Congratulations, K.L., on your debut! What an amazing accomplishment. I wish nothing but the best for you, and continued literary success!
Jessica Tilles, Author www.jessicatilles.com
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K.L. is a wonderfully talented author and poet and is a contributor to the forthcoming, The Soul of a Man: A Triumph of My Soul Anthology which debuts in 2009. Please support K.L.!
Elissa Gabrielle, Publisher and Founder of Peace In the Storm Publishing
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This collection of stories and poems is a must read! But don't just take it from me. Read the reviews about this great book and then pick up a copy before you head to the beach this summer. It'll be GREAT summer reading!
Peace & Love,
Belle Noir Magazine
Ms. Aja B. CEO of Belle Noir Magazine
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"A Man In Transition"
K.L. The Author, The Poet, has managed to put into words, what so many men want to say but can't about family, love, and life. He actually gives us woman, hope and faith that good brothers such as K.L., still exists.
I really wish that I could make every teen and young adult, read this book of thoughts and really heart felt musings, In hopes that they could learn from K.L.'s experiences and take on real life. It may spare them some heartache and pain. I feel it would also show what real love is for self and family.
K.L. has done a nothing less than fabulous job with "A Man In Transition", and I am very proud of my friend
5 Stars***** !!!
Debra Owsley
Simply Said Reading Accessories
Debra Owsley
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"Bro KL is and has been a pure joy to work with and listen on our radio show. - Urban Literary Review
As person in the publishing world I fully support and endorse this book!!!"
Martin Johnson Pratt
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My Interview with Swaggie Coleman.
I am featured on her site for May. It was a pleasure to do the interview with her. She is one of the greats in promoting the literary genre. I am sure you will enjoy.
Swaggie
"If you listen to the whispers, you won't hear the screams."
Rev. Run (DMC)
http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com/; www.BlackBookReviews.net;
Swaggie Coleman
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