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Lauren Wilson
Afro-Bougie Blues
Afro-Bougie Blues is a collection of twelve original, engaging, and occasionally edgy short stories that dig into the souls of ordinary black women and men meeting life’s challenges with courage and care.
About
The Book
Afro-Bougie Blues is a collection of twelve original, engaging, and occasionally edgy short stories that dig into the souls of ordinary black women and men meeting life’s challenges with courage and care. Newlywed Alexis considers her past abortion after having a miscarriage. Rodney, an Army veteran, subdues his war memories with alcohol. As Bessie loses weight, she watches her marriage crumble around her. Derek reflects on his pre-teen daughter’s complicated questions about love. Deirdre complicates her marriage when she falls in love with a jazz singer. Watch as the protagonists find their way, find love, or find themselves amid the chaos. Explore the world of Afro-Bougie Blues. An extraordinary assortment of stories awaits you. Dig in.
About
The Author
Lauren Wilson has been writing poetry and prose off and on for over 40 years, beginning with a series of poems to commemorate a cousin who passed away at age 19. She finds inspiration for her stories from a muse, an inner voice that propels her to put thoughts and emotions into words.
Testimonials
Reviews
The stories are emotionally moving and thought-provoking as they are written in a way that sounds to the reader's mind as pure thought and conversations from one person to another. The dialogue is refreshing, and the reader can find some parts of themselves and others in the stories.
Sharntel
This book has really helped me change my overall perspective. I really owe it to Lauren Wilson for taking this initiative and sharing such knowledge with the rest of us.
Barbara McCoy
After reading 3 of her books, I can say that I am glad to have found this amazing author. Ms. Lauren has really shed light on some of the least discussed topics in our community.
Samuel James
This recollection of different stories emphasizing different aspects of life really is a game-changer. Needless to say, I enjoyed reading every bit of it, and I expect this prodigy of an author to release more books in the future. Kudos!
Christine Ross
Even when dealing with some serious matters, the book provides a healthy share of laugh out loud moments. Moreover, while the characters engender sympathy, readers may find themselves not only commiserating with, cheering on, or crying for these characters, but may in one instance or other feel the urge to cuss some of them out.
Shawn L. Williams
Author of I’m a Bad Man: African American Vernacular Culture and the Making of Muhammad Ali
Lauren Wilson isn't just an author; she's also a magician, as she must have used some sort of magic to make her stories so enjoyable to read… It is a must-read for anyone and opens up many topics for discussion, making it a great selection for any book club!
Tylia Simpson
Some stories are lighthearted and then are surprisingly deep at the end. Each short story reminded me of a different reason to overly indulge in the joy of reading. I was sorry when I completed the last story.
Dosha Beard
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I only drink at night. I’m not sure why. All the death I saw happened in broad daylight. But I can hold off the memories during the day. – Alone With my Nightmares
“My mother died last week and I have a myriad of memories of her that I want to share.” – A Flood of Memories
My body tried to warn me, but I didn’t want to listen. So, it sent a back pain. I ignored it. A stomachache. Not feelin’ it. The spotting was the final hint, and then the geyser came. – Mourning Angela
“Dad, I need to ask you a question.” Aisha stood in the doorway of the den, decked out in a purple t-shirt and matching pajama bottoms, wondering if her father had heard her. – Her Question
From The Desk Of
Lauren Wilson
Author of Afro-Bougie Blues
The Immigration Situation – It’s Nuts!
When Mayor Eric Adams made his statement about immigrants ruining NYC, I found myself realizing that I haven’t been tuned in to the immigration situation in the US. I have always felt, very strongly, that the US benefits from immigrants in a myriad of ways. They are a source...
Update on Baltimore’s Squeegee Kids
I live just outside of Baltimore, MD, and over the years, as the crime rate has increased, I find myself less and less willing to set foot in the city. To paint a picture, there are over 300 homicides in the city per year, as well as more than...
Where Were You on 9/11?
I would not say that I remember it completely, but I was in an 8:30am staff meeting on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001. Not exactly \"at\" the meeting. I was dialed in to the meeting; I was in North Carolina and the meeting was in Massachusetts. Knowing me, I was...
Africa is a Beautiful Continent
I was reading a headline recently about the coup in Gabon and once again I noticed that Africa only seems to be in the news when there is violence. I then looked at CNN and saw articles about violence in Niger, Libya and Sudan. If that bothers me, I’m...
60 Years Later – Jobs and Freedom
I was in my mother’s womb when she went to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. So, I am very proud to have gone. My older sister said that my mother came home \"thoughtful\". Back then, to have 250,000 at a march at the monument...
The Rise of Black Superheroes
The summer is coming to an end, and with it is the glorious run of superhero movies that provide us with the opportunity to suspend our reality so that the good guys always win. (Except with cliff-hangers.) I have been a fan of superheroes since, oh, maybe 8 years...
Salaries: Where are our Values?
August is upon us, and I am a football widow once again until February. And if I was a mother, I would be preparing for the school year – buying supplies and clothes. A friend of mine recently said that the whole purpose of a blog is to use...
Hip-Hop Turns 50.
Hip-hop just turned 50. Born in 1973 when an 18-year-old DJ performed at a party, sampling songs and beats on two turntables so that the music never stopped. It was expected to be a fad, created by young people. In the early 80’s, my boyfriend from New York City...