Baring My Soul

the long version

*Baring My Soul* by Stacey James McAdoo is a powerful, no-nonsense, and some might say, controversial body of poetry and prose, wherein she reflects on issues within the Black community. In this book she addresses, in vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue, topics on love, marriage, sex, fighting addictions, selling drugs, mental health, race relations, white privilege and higher learning among others. Yes, "deep things"... it is a revealing sociological study done by a brave young Black woman, who during her young life has developed into a critical thinker, and in the manner of Ida Wells, has had the audacity to write about it...Reading this manuscript has brought to my own psyche both inspiration and pain...While this is a super serious book, McAdoo's writings are filled with moments of humor giving way to outbursts of laughter, as well as a lot of "Amen, Amen, I know that's the truth"...Perhaps one may find parts of this book shocking. So what?...The time has come when we cannot allow cobwebs of age and ignorance to clog our ears, turn off though and ideas, and shut out voices that would otherwise open doors to understanding a more comprehensive story about unspoken activities within a community...For those who have the good fortune to read *Baring My Soul*, you may come away a bit shaken, but far wiser. > -Excerpts from the introduction by professor & artist Cozetta Gray Guinn- I praise Stacey's strength and courage to openly discuss so many inner-personal topics...her book has truly served as a source of inspiration. It has helped me to overcome some of my past hurts, struggles and denials. And has made it easier for me to openly discuss them. > -Verlancia M. Tucker, Writer & Editor- After reading the first two pages, I was not only impressed, but hooked...It hit me like a tennis ball, (a Venus and Serena hit). Reading *Baring My Soul* was just like hearing Stacey talk...it is written in a conversational, matter-of-fact, this is how it is, kind of tone...and in a loud, strong, you can't put me in a box and shut me up, voice. I liked that. Stacey painted pictures without medium & composed music without notes, deciding for herself who and what she is. Well done Stacey! *-La'Tonya Richardson, author of "Mama's Got Eyes in The Back of Her Head"-*