Iceberg Slim

I totally have a newfound respect for Iceberg Slim. Although I had his books from when I was a teen, I could not appreciate what it was he was truly trying to teach the young brothers and sisters of the day.

I decided to reread them over the weekend (yes so far I have read a couple) and I am absolutely astounded.

One that really stands out in my mind is "Mama Black Widow: A Tragic, Bitter Family Portrait." A powerful novella about a black family moving from the South to the "promised land" of the North. I won't give away too much of the storyline, but I will say this: I felt for Otis and truly wanted him to see a better light than what was shone. (By the way I discovered they are making a movie for Mama Black Widow so I would definitely be interested to see how it turns out)

You feel for the characters that Iceberg brings to light.

Second book, " The Naked Soul of Iceberg Slim," is a collection of thoughts from Iceberg. He really laid it down about the "pimp" game and how society may have glamorized "pimpdom" it really wasn't something that was to be idolized.

Iceberg Slim was an incredible writer of his time...

Next book, "Pimp" and I can't wait!

(Disclaimer: For those of you who do not know about Robert Beck, better known by his ghetto name, Iceberg Slim, he was a pimp, dope addict, brutalizer of women - and other Blacks. He cured himself of the ghetto, and started writing about his people and his life. These books were honest, sensitive portraits of ghetto life and people.)

If you're interested in reading more about Iceberg Slim or even his books, follow the carousel ;-)