Most Popular Books by Denene Millner

In this heartwarming story of love and family, a community comes together to help a young girl find the courage to lift her mighty voice. Sundays are June’s favorite days because she gets to spend it with Mommy, Daddy, and her brother, Troy. Next Sunday is more special than most, because she will be leading the youth choir in front of her entire church. June loves to sing. She sings loud, silly songs with Daddy, she sings to herself in front of the bedroom mirror, but performing in front of the entire congregation is another thing altogether. As her special moment approaches, June leans on the support of her whole community to conquer her fear of singing in front of the congregation.

A People Magazine Pick. “In delicious, decadent prose, Denene Millner does what few authors can–compose a sprawling multigenerational tale that is necessary American reading. One Blood sings the song of the South in a voice that is heartbreaking, hopeful, and resilient. A masterpiece.” –Tara M. Stringfellow, National Bestselling author of Memphis Join New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner as she explores the lives of three generations of women tied together by love, hope, dreams, ambition...and family secrets in this epic novel. Meet Grace: raised by her beloved grandmother in tension-filled, post-segregation Virginia, Grace is barely a teenager when she loses her grandmother. Shellshocked, she is shipped up North to live with her formidably ambitious Aunt Hattie―a woman who firmly left behind her Southern roots in pursuit of upward mobility. Feeling like a fish out of water in the high society world filled with fancy teas and coveted debutante balls, Grace’s only place of comfort is with the smart, handsome son of one of the society’s grand dames. Meet Delores: beautiful, intelligent and fierce, Delores a.k.a. Lolo has never had it easy. Once she makes it north, she puts aside her dream of being a model to do what she has to do to survive as a woman with little money and no mooring: get married and have a family of her own. When secrets start to spill out and she and her family slowly begin to unravel, Lolo is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her dream intact and those she loves together. Meet Rae: when Lolo’s headstrong daughter, Rae discovers that she is adopted, it’s just one secret among others that her family is keeping. When Rae finds out that she’s about to become a mother herself, she knows that there is an important reckoning that must be faced about herself and her two mothers. Potent, poetic, powerful, told with deep love, and spanning from the Great Migration to the civil unrest of the 1960s to the quest for women’s equality in early 2000s, Denene Millner’s beautifully wrought novel explores three women’s intimate, and often complicated, struggle with what it truly means to be family. At the Publisher''s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

“The best site for thoughtful, fierce advice about parenting from a Black perspective” —Ebony For almost a decade, national parenting expert and bestselling author Denene Millner has published thought-provoking, insightful, sometimes wickedly funny commentary about motherhood on her critically acclaimed website MyBrownBaby.com. The site, hailed as a “must-read” by the New York Times, speaks to the experiences, joys, fears, sorrows, and triumphs of African American motherhood, from pregnancy and child-rearing to relationships and the politics of parenting black children. After publishing almost 2,000 posts aimed at lifting the voices of moms and dads of color, Millner has now curated My Brown Baby, a collection of the website’s most important and insightful essays. This one-of-a-kind parenting book offers perspectives on the issues moms of color and mothers of children of color face as they raise their kids—from birthing while black to negotiating discipline to preparing children for racism. Through her website, Millner has created a space for African American moms and parents of black children, many of whom long to lend their critical but all-too-often ignored voices to the national parenting discussion. Full of essays that readers of all backgrounds will find provocative, My Brown Baby acknowledges that there absolutely are issues that African American parents must deal with that white parents never have to confront if they’re not raising brown children. This book chronicles these differences with open arms, a lot of love, and the deep belief that though we may come from separate places and have different backgrounds, all parents want the same things for our families, and especially for our children.

From celebrated New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner comes Sparkle, the official novelization of the highly anticipated Motown-inspired film starring Whitney Houston in her final movie role—opening in theaters nationwide this August. Detroit, 1968. The Motown sound is sweeping the nation. Girl groups are hotter than ever. Over their mother’s objections, three beautiful sisters—Delores, Sister and Sparkle—are taking the local music scene by storm. But their dreams are bigger than Detroit. Their manager, Stix, is just as ambitious and will do whatever it takes to make it to the big time, even if it means using the girls—and his love for Sparkle—as the foundation of a new musical empire. Behind the music and lights, the recording industry is a ruthless and unforgiving place, just as Mama had warned her girls. Sister, with her good looks and voice, is the natural headliner of the trio, yet her complicated personal life threatens to overshadow her talent; Delores has her sights set on a different kind of life outside the spotlight; and young Sparkle must push past her deepest fears if she is to fulfill her destiny—does she really have what it takes to go all the way? Riveting and soul-stirring, this timeless tale reminds us of the unbreakable bonds between family, the high price of fame and what can happen when we dare to show the world how brightly we can sparkle.

Based on The Fresh Prince created by Will Smith, Destiny is the Fresh Princess. Meet Destiny—a cool, energetic, and strong-willed young girl who approaches every day with her own signature style! That is, until she moves to a brand-new neighborhood, where nothing looks quite the same as it did at her old house. Even with new challenges and new friends to make, Destiny always has a plan. With a few reminders from her loving family and after remembering what being the Fresh Princess is all about, she may just take the leap and jump right in! Written by celebrated author, blogger, and editor Denene Millner and illustrated by Gladys Jose, Fresh Princess is the perfect book to encourage kids to proudly stand out and be themselves!

From the author of The Sistahs'' Rules and her husband comes a Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus for African Americans.Denene Millner''s sassy, shrewd reaction to The Rules became a bestseller. The Sistahs'' Rules spent six months on the BlackBoard list. Then, proving the value of her own advice about dating and mating, Denene married Brother Mr. Right, Nick Chiles. Once she''d laid claim to his heart, she took a really long look at his head to find out what his words and actions really meant. Together they decided to go boldly where few couples dare: inside the minds of a sistah and a brotha to reveal the real deal on what Black men think of commitment, monogamy, and other mysteries--and what sistahs know about staying true to themselves. What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know is the first book for African Americans that decodes the inscrutable ways of the opposite sex. In this funny, honest, provocative book, Millner and Chiles step across the great divide to create--once and for all--real understanding between sistahs and brothers. They give the real deal on: * The perfect date * Why brothers think all sistahs are angry * Why so many men could run down Michael Johnson in an effort to escape commitment * Whether it''s fair for sistahs to scream when brothers chase white girls * Why good sex matters What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know covers everything from first dates to lasting commitments, from myths and misunderstandings between brothas and sistahs to the kind of communication that fosters love and respect. It reveals, for the very first time, the motivations and fears coursing through that warm-blooded animal on the other side of the bed.

First, In What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know, the bold and beautiful Denene Milner and Nick Chiles gave the real deal of love and relationships. It was hailed as the African American Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. Then, in What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know About Sex, the savvy supercouple told African American daters and maters how to get it on and heat it up in the bedroom -- or wherever else couple may find themselves. Now Nick and Denene have set their sites on three of the hottest topics facing couples today. Money. Can he deal when she makes more? Power. He''s at the office 24/7. Where does she get her face-time? Respect. How much of their dirty laundry should both he and she air to their friends? In their inimitable he-said/she-said format and hip approach, Denene and Nick reveal the real deal on what black men and women think about financial issues, power struggles, and the importance of respect. They delve into everything , from whose career is more important to who should punish the kids to who should pay for dinner. Enlivened by their trademark humor and sassy and bold approach, the message in Money, Power, Respect is crystal clear: While money issues may lead to power struggles, this doesn''t have to lead to lack of Respect. In this perspective and insightful guide, Nick and Denene show couples how engaging in fierce, sincere communication will have both partners wearing the pants in the family.

Millner presents a novelization of the movie musical of the Motown era, starring Jamie Foxx, Beyonc Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, and Dannie Glover which will be in theaters in December. Original

From American Grit co-star, former Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tee Marie Hanible comes the story of how she became a warrior...and how you can do it, too. In The Warrior Code, entrepreneur, philanthropist, reality star, and retired Gunnery Sergeant Tee Marie Hanible serves up eleven principles to awaken your inner badass and thrive in the face of adversity. After surviving the death of her father, enduring foster care, and being expelled from school, Tee joined military reform school, where she began uncovering her inner warrior. As part of one of the first female classes of recruits to complete the Marine Corps Crucible and the Marine Combat Training, and as the only woman to deploy with her unit to Iraq in 2003, Tee tested her mettle and learned the key to becoming an unbreakable woman. With insightful honesty and wisdom, and set against the backdrop of Tee’s life, The Warrior Code will help you understand that things can beat us back from realizing our true potential...but the key is finding the way to realize one’s own innate strength.

Sex fascinates us. Scares us. Troubles us. Sex, not baseball, is the real American pastime. But the rules are often kept under wraps, and no one''s quite sure about the definition of a home run. Until now. Bestselling authors Denene Millner and Nick Chiles break open the vault and reveal the real deal on what African Americans think about sex. Drawing on their own experiences as husband and wife -- and those of their friends who were willing to give it up they offer insights and sizzling tips for communicating, seducing and heating up the bedroom (or wherever else couples may find themselves . . . ). In their own unique way, they help couples communicate about sex -- from their favorite pleasure to their most sinful fantasy -- to keep a relationship healthy and hot. It makes for some steamy reading.... What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know About Sex rides the coattails of two bestsellers: Denene Millner''s The Sistahs'' Rules and What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know, which she wrote with her husband, Nick Chiles. Now, Millner and Chiles once again venture boldly into each other''s heads to discover-and decode -- what African American men and women really think about sex and intimacy. In a he said/she said format, the authors discuss the emotional and physical landscape of sex with one specific goal: to help other couples communicate about sex-from their favorite pleasures to their most sinful fantasies -- to keep a relationship healthy and hot. Ranging from the first date to the first baby, from missionary style to love-making so creative that your whole body blushes, What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know About Sex replaces myth with reality, wipes away taboo, and begins a dialogue about sex and intimacy so real that it will deepen any love connection. What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know About Sex rides the coattails of two bestsellers: Denene Millner''s The Sistahs'' Rules and What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know, which she wrote with her husband, Nick Chiles. Now, Millner and Chiles once again venture boldly into each other''s heads to discover-and decode--what African American men and women really think about sex and intimacy. In a he said/she said format, the authors discuss the emotional and physical landscape of sex with one specific goal: to help other couples communicate about sex-from their favorite pleasures to their most sinful fantasies--to keep a relationship healthy and hot. Ranging from the first date to the first baby, from missionary style to love-making so creative that your whole body blushes, What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know About Sex replaces myth with reality, wipes away taboo, and begins a dialogue about sex and intimacy so real that it will deepen any love connection.

With a winning combination of wit and dead-on savvy, Millner and Chiles apply their delicious he said/she said approach to the story of two childhood friends who wonder if their once-in-a-lifetime friendship would be in danger of snapping if they become lovers.

A novel written in alternating viewpoints follows modern couple Randy Murphy and Mikki Chance-Murphy as their marriage is tested when Randy is temporarily relocated to Paris and Mikki finds herself attracted to Randy''s best friend.

A girl tells what it is like living with her twin brother who has autism and sometimes finds it hard to communicate with words, but who, in most ways, is just like any other boy. Includes authors'' note about autism.

The Rules? Puhleeze! Any real black woman can tell you that when it comes to African-American men, The Rules is about as good as Monopoly money in Macy''s. Waiting three days to return a brother''s phone call will get a black woman nothing more than a warm spot on the couch by herself with an empty bag of corn chips and the remote.A sister needs her own special set of rules for finding a brother even when it seems that there just aren''t that many good ones to go around. Millner says they are out there but sistahs need to drop their materialistic, brother-in-the white-Benz fantasies and pick up the right vibes for finding a genuine brother who''s worth keeping around. The Sistahs'' Rules gives black women commonsense guidelines for landing in a healthy relationship with a makes-your-toes-curl brother, including: Get to know his mama, get to know him Use what you got to get what you want Girlfriends are everything, but they don''t know it all With warm stories and practical advice from black mamas and papas who''ve been there and done that, and sistahs and brothers in the mix, The Sistahs'' Rules is a sassy, hip, step-by-step guide to finding Brother Mr. Rightand having fun in the process.

The star of the hit show "Empire" recalls her beloved screen characters while tracing the story of her life and career, discussing her father''s Vietnam service, her rise from the violence of the streets of Washington D.C., and her experiences as a singlemother.

This picture book will delight every Spider-Man fan with its vibrant illustrations and heartfelt story about self-discovery. New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner’s picture book follows Miles Morales as he explores what it means to be an artist, to be Spider-Man, and to be himself. Miles Morales is captivated by the murals in his neighborhood, bursting with color and life. Each one tells a story about the artist who created it, and as an aspiring artist himself, Miles dreams of making his own one day. But Miles isn’t just an artist—he’s Spider-Man! When he makes friends with fellow artist Mr. Arty, Miles learns even more about his passions, his Puerto Rican heritage, and the importance of his neighborhood.

When three best friends come together for their sorority sister''s tony wedding on New Year''s Eve, they make a vow at the stroke of midnight to get married within one year. As the three women embark on their search to find their soul mates, they navigate the full-contact sport known as being a SSBFDLA (successful, single, black, female dating in L.A.) and negotiate the shark-infested waters of making a name for themselves in Hollywood. Can Trista, the hyper-driven celebrity agent, find the time to schedule a meaningful romance? Will Amaya, the sexy starlet, convince the married hip hop–label exec she has been seeing to leave his wife and slip a ring on her finger or will the NBA star steal her heart in the final seconds? After undergoing a complete makeover, will Vivian, the jaded gossip columnist, win back the father of her child? Set against the seductive backdrop of money, power, and sex, The Vow follows these women as they discover that their desire to find a husband isn''t as important as finding themselves.

Designer clothes. Gorgeous boys. Family secrets. Major drama. The Duke twins and their fabulous Atlanta lives are back...proving why they don''t call it Hotlanta for nothing!Twins Sydney and Lauren Duke are the privileged princesses of the Atlanta social scene. But an unsolved murder mystery keeps drawing them back to the wrong side of town. There, wild child Lauren has to risk everything to protect the boy who''s stolen her heart. And prim-and-proper Sydney discovers details about their family''s past that no one-least of all the girls'' fiercely guarded mother-wants to face. When the twins realize what they''re up against, can they deal with the dark, dangerous truth

This book is part of our first sweet and sassy Candy Apple summer vacation trilogy! Each book focuses on one girl from a trio, and follows her summer adventure away from her friends.Three girls, three trips, one amazing summer!Willhelmina "Mina" Chestnut loves spending time with her BFFs, Samantha and Liza, in their New Jersey suburb. But this summer, the girls are splitting up, and Mina is attending an art camp in New York City!Mina is dazzled by all the Big Apple has to offer, and enjoys seeing the sights and meeting new people. But a snooty girl at the camp makes Mina miss the comfort of home. How can she survive the big city for a summer without her friends? Maybe by finding them the perfect souvenirs...

The Duke sisters return in this fabulous finale to the Hotlanta trilogy!At their prestigious Atlanta high school, twins Sydney and Lauren Duke rule the roost. While straight-A Sydney wields her power in Tory Burch flats and pearl studs, reckless, sultry Lauren makes it happen as head of the cheerleading squad. But the girls'' messy family history - and their involvement in a dark mystery- may topple everything they hold dear. Their mother and stepfather want to tear apart Sydney and her new boyfriend. And Lauren''s true love, Jermaine, is tied to sketchy dealings on the wrong side of town. Can the Duke sisters redeem themselves while staying true to what''s real?

Designer clothes. Gorgeous boys. Family secrets. Major drama. Welcome to Atlanta and the lives of the Duke twins, Sydney and Lauren. They don''t call it Hotlanta for nothing!The Duke twins, Sydney and Lauren, live the life: They attend the fanciest school in Atlanta, they live in Buckhead, the most exclusive neighborhood, and they only date the hottest guys. And their secrets? Are the darkest of all. When their estranged father is released from prison and a murder is committed, their lives are plunged into a whirlwind of tabloid scrutiny, vicious gossip, and shocking revelation. Lauren, always such a party girl, and Sydney, bent on perfection by way of the Ivy League, can''t trust anyone. Not their mother, not their rich stepfather. Maybe not even each other.

From James Beard Award–winning chef Alexander Smalls, New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner, and award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison comes a tender celebration of family, traditions, and the little moments shared at the dinner table that make all the difference. There is nothing young Alexander looks forward to more than Sunday Dinner, the special time after church when the whole family gathers dressed in their Sunday best and ready to share in the best meal of the week. For the first time, it’s up to Alexander to contribute a dish for the table, something warm and satisfying, with just the right amount of sweetness—something that the whole family will love and, most of all, will make his dad proud. It’s time for Alexander to spread that Sunday joy!

The "memoir of nine-time Grammy-nominated artist Charlie Wilson, the iconic R&B and funk singer/songwriter/producer--including his recollections of jamming with fellow artists such as Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, and Snoop Dogg"--Dust jacket flap.

From the authors of "Love Don''t Live Here Anymore" comes a work that addresses the age-old adage: opposites attract. But then what?

The smart, sassy guide to embracing your inner Angry Black Woman Rosa Parks, Claire Huxtable, Serena Williams. What do these women have in common? They are all Angry Black Women, whether they know it or not. Throughout history, women''s attempts to stand up for themselves have been dismissed as the ramblings of "angry women." But there''s a method to their madness. Using quizzes, historical references, career advice, and irreverent Top 10 lists such as "Top 10 Signs That You Should Prepare to Meet Your Maker," The Angry Black Woman''s Guide to Lifewill help you find out what type of ABW you are, and empower you to be the best ABW you could possibly be-and have your loved ones live to tell about it. A lively look at the art of being a true Angry Black Woman-from her relationships to her career to her family-this hip, hysterical manifesto is the perfect gift for all of the ABWs in your life-no matter what their type!

Tres dones. Tres generacions. Un sol destí. La Grace creix feliç amb la seva mare i la seva àvia a Virgínia fins que de cop el seu món s''esfondra i l''envien a viure a Brooklyn amb la seva tieta, una dona ambiciosa i intransigent que veu en ella una amenaça a l''estatus social que tant li ha costat aconseguir. L''únic refugi que la Grace trobarà entre la incipient classe alta novaiorquesa serà en Dale, un noi de bona família amb qui viu un gran amor prohibit. La Delores, bonica, intel·ligent i ferotge, no ho ha tingut mai fàcil. Poc després d''arribar a Nova York, es veu obligada a deixar enrere els seus somnis i ambicions per poder sobreviure: l''única opció serà casar-se i formar una família, encara que haurà de recórrer a l''engany i la mentida per aconseguir-ho. Quan els secrets comencen a sortir a la llum i la seva família comença a enfonsar-se, la Delores farà l''impossible per mantenir-los units. La Rae, l''obstinada filla de la Delores, només té dotze anys quan descobreix que és adoptada, però per a ella serà un secret més d''entre els que sap que guarda la seva família. És conscient que els seus pares només volen protegir-la i decideix no dir que ho sap, però quan ella mateixa, anys després, està a punt de convertir-se en mare, s''adona que ha d''afrontar el seu passat i la realitat de les seves dues mares. La mateixa sang és una novel·la èpica i commovedora que recorre la darrera meitat del segle XX i explora la dura lluita de tres dones per trobar el seu camí i descobrir el que significa realment ser família.

Trois destins de femmes intimement liés, trois portraits poignants au cœur d''une Amérique raciste ; un seul sang. Au milieu des années 1960, Grace, jeune fille noire exilée du Sud ségrégationniste vers un New York en pleine lutte pour les droits civiques, tombe enceinte en même temps qu''elle découvre l''amour. On ne lui permet pas de garder l''enfant. C''est Delores, une femme traumatisée dans sa chair et dans son âme, qui va adopter et élever sa fille, Rae, en tentant de la préserver du poids de ses souvenirs. Mais à l''heure de devenir mère à son tour, Rae devra affronter cet héritage et faire la paix avec sa famille adoptive aussi bien qu''avec l''inconnue qui l''a mise au monde. À travers cette saga vibrante qui, dans une même aspiration à la liberté, fédère trois femmes aux prises avec leur histoire personnelle et la société américaine, Denene Millner explore avec une infinie justesse et un remarquable sens du détail les mille détours de l''amour parental et filial, de la transmission, de la quête des origines et des absences qui nous hantent. Du Sud ségrégué des années 1960, implacable et cruel, au New York du XXIe siècle aux rapports plus insidieux, femmes et hommes, forts ou vaincus, violents, lâches, tendres, perdus ou retrouvés, s''animent pour composer un roman intime conté avec un souffle épique. RENTRÉE LITTÉRAIRE 2023

Una poderosa saga sobre la vida de tres generaciones de mujeres unidas por el amor, la esperanza, la ambición... y los secretos familiares. Una obra maestra —Tara M. Stringfellow Una saga arrolladora—Kirkus Una poderosa novela sobre la feminidad, la maternidad y el trauma generacional—The Washington Post Grace, 1965: Es apenas una adolescente cuando pierde a su madre y debe mudarse a Brooklyn con su tía, una mujer ambiciosa. Su único refugio será Dale, hijo de una de las familias más ricas de Nueva York, hasta que descubra que está embarazada y todo se desmorone. Delores, 1967: Delores debe olvidar sus sueños para sobrevivir: su única opción es casarse y formar una familia. Pero, para ello, debe recurrir a la adopción. Cuando los secretos salen a la luz, lo hará todo por mantener a su familia unida. Rae, 1999: Cuando Rae, la obstinada hija de Delores, descubre que es adoptada, es solo un secreto más que guarda su familia. Pero cuando ella misma va a ser madre, debe afrontar su pasado.

Presents the full text of an article entitled "What Goes Around," by Thomas L. Friedman, originally published in the "New York Times" on June 23, 1998 and provided online by Vincent Ferraro. Discusses how such nations as India are opening their economy to global imports and investors, making themselves partially dependent on global capital to fuel growth. Notes that there are still problems with defiance of international norms with these countries and details the repercussions of the defiance.