Selected titles: here are brief takes on some recent novels and nonfiction books by independent authors.

FICTION

Family, Friends, Husbands and Lovers ... The Best of Enemies by Gigi

Budget Book Design/Books Just Book February 2006, $19.95, ISBN 0-977-76690-X Between these covers, you'll find sassy remarks, typical marital problems and sordid pasts in a humorous look at love and family.

Flying High: Diary of a Flight Attendant by Ruby Jeans Jackson AuthorHouse, January 2006 $17.99, ISBN 1-420-89343-2

The author expresses the nostalgic reflections of a veteran flight attendant, from the 1970s to the present.

Miss-Guided by Renee Daniel Flagler Aspicomm Books, May 2006 $14.95, ISBN: 978-0-9760466-1-5

Greed, jealousy and, of course, romance, are ingredients in this novel about a sexy diva, her envious best friend and a handsome man with lots of financial potential.

The Rueful by Da'Shen

Arctype Press, December 2005 $15, ISBN 0-977-16040-8

This story crosses the urban street life of the '80s with the spiritual history of an ancient tribe.

Zeola by Jewelene Banks Jewel Box Creations, February 2006 $15, ISBN 1-599-75180-1

A motley group of characters spice up this heartwarming story of faith, trust and love.

NONFICTION

The Joe Bostic Story: First Black American Radio Announcer by George L. Hiss AuthorHouse, January 2006 $9.95, ISBN 1-420-86076-3

The long-time radio personality "Papa George" Hiss tells the story of one of radio's African American pioneers.

Grandma's Tasteful Foods ... With a Touch of Soul by Deacon George D. Hatcher George D. Hatcher, March 2006 $18.98, ISBN 0-976-72162-7

Hatcher a.k.a, the Country Chef has put together a collection of trouble-free, down-home recipes, which he says, "will wake up your taste buds."

How to Think Big ... When You're Small: 24 Keys to Success in Life and Business by Dante Lee Ligatt Publishing, September 2005 $12.95, ISBN 0-974-56116-9

A young CEO suggests ways of reaching personal and business goals with simple questions for the reader to ponder and blank pages for journaling.

The North Carolina Black Repertory Company: 25 Marvtastic Years by Felecia Piggott McMillan, Ph.D. Open Hand Publishing, October 2005 $36, ISBN 0-940-88073-3

Founded in 1979, the North Carolina Repertory Company is the first black professional theatre company in North Carolina, and it is also the host of the internationally acclaimed National Black Theatre Festival.

The Pregnancy Decision Handbook for Women With Depression by Stephanie S. Durruthy, M.D. Mindsupport, LLC, May 2006 $14.95, ISBN 0-976-58141-8

A physician offers help for pregnant women with depression.

A Search of African American Life, Achievement, and Culture by John C. Cothran Stardate Publishing Company, April 2006 $24.95, ISBN 0-963-40020-7

This resource book is packed with more than 1,800 facts and more than 400 images that chronicle African American life and contributions in such fields as art, education, literature and science.

Lisa Grimes is an aspiring writer in New Jersey.